World landmarks illuminated red to mark Chinese New Year

Iconic landmarks worldwide have been illuminated red to mark the Spring Festival, the biggest holiday in China, together with a tapestry of activities from an auto parade to a fireworks show, spreading the festive joy globally.

The Spring Festival or the Chinese New Year fell Wednesday this year, marking the first day of the Year of the Snake, the 6th in the cycle of 12 zodiac animals on the Chinese calendar.

This year marks the first Spring Festival since it was officially inscribed on UNESCO's list of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, further amplifying the festive atmosphere.

In the United Arab Emirates, a convoy of 60 new energy vehicles from 13 Chinese vehicle companies drove all the way from Dubai to Abu Dhabi during a Spring Festival parade, conveying the concept of green development and technological innovation to the people of the UAE.

Upon their arrival, the convoy was displayed near the central fountain area, illuminated by the "Happy Spring Festival" emblem, drawing a significant crowd of locals eager to test drive the vehicles.

During the event, prominent Chinese EV manufacturers like Chery, BYD, Xpeng, Seres, Zeeker, GAC, Changan, SAIC Motor, Geely, Great Wall Motor, JAC and Dongfeng showcased their top-selling models to advance the promotion of a green lifestyle in this thriving market.

"This event has further confirmed what I have always believed about China: China is always at the forefront of innovation and invention," said a member of the Al-Nuaimi royal family of Ajman.

When the night fell, Scotland's iconic Edinburgh Castle was illuminated red, marking the Chinese New Year on Wednesday.

"Happy New Year. I hope that you enjoyed it, have a good time and enjoy the next year. And good luck to everyone," said a tourist from Cyprus.

Canada's tourist attraction Niagara Falls and Toronto's landmark CN Tower were lit up in Chinese red Wednesday to celebrate the Year of the Snake. Each display ran for 15 minutes.

For the first time in history, Toronto rang in the Chinese New Year with a dazzling fireworks fiesta at Nathan Phillips Square Saturday, lighting up the night sky above Toronto City Hall in a dazzling display of cultural pride, tradition, and joy to welcome the Year of the Snake.

World landmarks illuminated red to mark Chinese New Year

Mexico will unveil retaliatory tariffs against the United States on Sunday, President Claudia Sheinbaum announced on Tuesday, condemning the U.S. tariff hike as "unjustified."

Sheinbaum, who had called for "temperance, serenity and patience" ahead of the tariff enforcement, reaffirmed that Mexico would not tolerate subordination or foreign intervention. She also accused Washington of violating the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement and rejected White House claims linking her government to organized crime, calling them "offensive and baseless."

The 25-percent U.S. tariffs, which took effect at midnight between Monday and Tuesday, have already impacted Mexico's financial markets. The Mexican peso depreciated nearly 1 percent on Tuesday, reaching 20.90 per U.S. dollar in interbank trading. Analysts attribute the decline to concerns over escalating trade tensions, warning that further U.S. tariff hikes could follow.

With roughly 80 percent of Mexico's exports heading to the United States, analysts warn that the dispute poses significant challenges for both economies.

Despite the ongoing tensions, Sheinbaum emphasized that Mexico remains open to dialogue while preparing countermeasures to safeguard its economic interests.

Mexico to impose retaliatory tariffs on US: President