The West Qurna-1 oilfield in Iraq, one of the world's largest oilfields, has reached a production milestone in PetroChina's first year as the lead contractor.
Located 50 kilometers northwest of Basra in southern Iraq, the West Qurna-1 oilfield holds geological reserves of 10 billion tons, with an estimated remaining recoverable amount of 3.06 billion tons. It's annual output of crude oil exceeds 25 million tons.
PetroChina, one of China's major oil and gas producers and distributors, replaced ExxonMobil as the lead contractor for the West Qurna-1 oilfield, holding the largest stake, with development officially kicking off on Jan 1, 2024.
Since then, PetroChina has helped steadily increase production at the oilfield to 550,000 barrels per day.
The Iraqi government has given credit to PetroChina for Iraq's energy development sector.
"The oilfield is currently being developed by PetroChina, which has made significant efforts to continue its development, increasing its daily production to 550,000 barrels. The company also prioritizes regional public welfare, delivering benefits to the local community by rebuilding roads, providing essential services, and creating more jobs in the area," said Hayyan Abdul Ghani, Iraqi deputy prime minister for energy affairs and minister of oil.
Looking ahead, the oilfield is aiming for further production increases.
"With the help of PetroChina, we have witnessed significant progress in both oilfield production and local livelihoods. The company has also provided services to local communities living near the oilfield. There have been notable improvements in the oilfield's development plans, production capacity, and crude oil quality. We are confident that we will ultimately achieve a daily production of 800,000 barrels, and even reach 1.2 million barrels," said Bassem Al-Ghalabi, deputy general manager of Basra Oil Company.
PetroChina-led operations push Iraqi oilfield to record output
As the Qingming Festival approaches this Friday, various traditional folk activities have been held across China, celebrating the rich cultural heritage of the occasion.
With a 2,500-year history, Qingming Festival, or the Festival of Pure Brightness, observed in early April, uniquely combines ancestral worship with the celebration of spring. Falling on the 15th day after the spring equinox, this ritual-rich observance reflects China's enduring values of ancestral veneration and inspires deep introspection about what gives life meaning.
In Sijia Village, Huayin City, northwest China’s Shaanxi Province, a unique swing festival is held to mark the occasion. Eighteen different types of traditional swings, such as the spinning wheel swing, the Bagua swing reminiscent of a rotating carousel, and the balance swing designed for two people, have attracted many visitors.
Historically, Sijia Village served as a military post guarding the strategic Tongguan pass, a former mountain pass and fortress located south of the confluence of the Wei and Yellow Rivers. The swing tradition in the village has its origins in military training exercises like climbing and river crossing. The local swing culture further developed as regional trade flourished, eventually evolving into the "swing festival" that continues today.
"It's very exciting and tests your skill, endurance, and most importantly, your arm strength. You need to maintain balance," said Qu Xiangyang, a visitor.
In Rudong County, Nantong City, east China's Jiangsu Province, another traditional Qingming activity takes place - kite flying.
Flying kites as a way of making wishes is an age-old Qingming custom in this region. As a result, the Qingming Festival in Nantong is also known as the "Kite Festival."
The local Banyao whistling kite making skills is listed as one of the first national intangible cultural heritage items.
According to a folk culture expert, people traditionally write the names of diseases or misfortunes on paper, attach it to a kite, and release it into the sky. This practice is believed to drive away illness and disaster, while also serving as a way to make wishes.
In south China's Guangdong Province, a large tug-of-war competition is underway in Maoming City. Teams from different towns and streets are competing, attracting many locals to cheer on their teams.
Tug-of-war, which originated during the late Spring and Autumn period (770 BC - 476 BC), became part of Qingming customs during the Tang Dynasty (618-907). Emperor Xuanzong of the Tang Dynasty once organized large-scale tug-of-war competitions for the festival.
"Tug-of-war became very popular in the Tang Dynasty, even emerging as the national sport. It originated in the Jingchu region and later spread across the country. In ancient Lingnan (Southern China), tug-of-war games were a common tradition. Through these events, people seek to pray for peace, prosperity, and abundant harvests," said Yao Guojun, vice dean of the College of Arts and Law, Guangdong University of Petrochemical Technology.
Traditional folk activities held for Qingming Festival
