China has reduced import tariffs on a large number of goods in its latest move to expand domestic demand and advance high-standard opening up.
The move is part of an annual tariff adjustment plan that takes effect on Jan. 1.
Provisional import tariffs, lower than the most-favored-nation rates, will be applied to 935 commodities. Authorities say the plan will help increase imports of quality products.
The tariff reduction also aligns with the need to foster new quality productive forces, enhance people's well-being, and promote green and low-carbon development.
Under 24 free trade and preferential trade arrangements, conventional tariff rates will be applied to certain products from 34 countries or regions next year as part of China's efforts to expand its globally-oriented network of high-standard free trade areas.
Among these, lower tariffs under the China-Maldives free trade agreement, effective Jan. 1, 2025, will eventually lead to zero tariffs on nearly 96 percent of tariff lines between the two sides.
China also continues to offer zero-tariff treatment on 100 percent of tariff lines to the 43 least developed countries that have diplomatic relations with China.
The move aims to support their development and foster mutual benefits.
Specified tariff items will be introduced for products such as pure electric passenger vehicles to support industrial development and sci-tech advancement, while import tariffs will be increased on goods including battery diaphragms, in light of domestic industrial development and market supply and demand, and in accordance with its commitments to the World Trade Organization.
China reduces tariffs on over 900 commodities to boost domestic demands
The tradition of appreciating beautiful lanterns during Spring Festival celebrations has kept China's lantern workshops busy in the last lunar month in the run-up to the Year of the Snake.
In Zhangzhou City of east China's Fujian Province, a special lantern show was staged on Friday night.
A 100-meter-long golden snake-shaped boat made with 2,025 lanterns sailed on the river, stopping residents and tourists passing by to watch and pray.
Meanwhile, a flyboard rider in gorgeous clothing presented a fire pot performance, a national-level intangible cultural heritage, illuminating the river with sparks.
"The fire pot performance and the lantern show, one dynamic and the other static, are particularly charming in this environment," said Zheng Chenghong, a tourist.
"I'm very excited and happy to watch this performance combining water jet pack and fire pot," said Chen Jinwei, a local resident.
In Hejin City of north China's Shanxi Province, more than 20 craftspeople at a cultural center are busy making rotating lanterns, a national-level intangible cultural heritage.
As the process is very complicated, it usually takes 10 craftspeople a day to make one lantern.
"This is a new work we've created this year. It's called 'all flowers in full bloom.' Despite the small size, the lantern is very hard to make, as it involves a dozen of processes. The papercut fish on the lantern symbolizes a wish for abundance, and the lantern is very beautiful when it whirls," said Li Erpeng, an inheritor of the craftsmanship.
In Taigu District, Jinzhong City of Shanxi, a workshop has used 3D printing technology in lantern production, cutting down on production time from more than 10 days to just one or two days.
The Spring Festival, the most important traditional festival in China, will fall on Jan 29. The year 2025 will mark the Year of the Snake, the sixth animal in the 12-year cycle of the Chinese zodiac.
Festive lanterns in hot demand as Chinese New Year nears
