BEIJING, Dec. 11 (Xinhua) -- In back-to-back milestones for unmanned cargo transport, two heavy-lift drone models from a Chinese aircraft maker made their maiden flights within a period of just 24 hours.On Thursday morning, the Jiutian large unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) took its inaugural flight in northwest China's Shaanxi Province.The fixed-wing plane was designed by the Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC), with a wingspan of 25 meters, a maximum takeoff weight of 16 tonnes and a payload capacity of 6,000 kilograms. It can operate for up to 12 hours and has a ferry range of 7,000 kilometers.Just a day earlier, AVIC's electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft AR-E800 was sent soaring on its first flight in east China's Jiangxi Province.The electric drone, featuring six coaxial rotors, lifted off from an airfield with a deep, powerful hum. In approximately four minutes, it ran through a full suite of maneuvers, including takeoff, hovering, turns, and forward and backward flight. Designed for whisper-quiet, zero-emissions operations, it can carry a 300-kilogram payload.The dual test flights came amid efforts to unlock market potential in urban logistics and emergency response as Chinese aviation manufacturers have bet on heavy-lift cargo drones over the past two years.The global cargo-drone market is projected to approach 5 billion U.S. dollars by 2031, expanding at a 35.8 percent compound annual growth rate, Chinese consultancy firm QYResearch estimates.PLAYERS PILE INIn March, the Yitong UAV's TP1000 -- an airworthiness-certified, tonne-class freighter -- logged a 26-minute first flight. With a 1,000-kilogram payload, 30 orders for the model have already been secured from clients such as delivery giant ZTO Express.Under Chinese standards, cargo drones with a maximum takeoff weight of at least 150 kilograms qualify as large cargo drones.The Boying T1400 unmanned helicopter, developed by Shenzhen-based United Aircraft, flew into the sky in lat...

HONG KONG, Dec. 11 (Xinhua) -- The Fire Services Department (FSD) of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) government on Thursday posthumously conferred the honorary title of Senior Fireman on the late Ho Wai-ho, who died in the Tai Po fire, in recognition of his exemplary service and selfless dedication to duty.The posthumous title conferment ceremony was held at the Sha Tin Fire Station, where Ho worked, with the posthumous title conferment certificate and an embroidery of the Senior Fireman's rank badge accepted by Ho's family members.While responding to a firefighting and rescue operation at Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po on Nov. 26, 2025, Ho sustained serious injuries and sadly lost his life in the line of duty.Ho was born in 1987 and joined the FSD as a firefighter in 2016. He served in the Sha Tin Fire Station and consistently demonstrated outstanding performance and dedication during his nearly nine years of service. He participated in a number of firefighting and rescue missions, fully showcasing his professional competence.The FSD will hold a funeral with full honors for Ho on Dec. 19, after which he will be laid to rest.

BEIJING, Dec. 11 (Xinhua) -- As the world marks Human Rights Day this year, China's outlook on human rights and its tangible progress achieved through practical efforts resonate deeply with the 2025 theme: Human Rights, Our Everyday Essentials.China's human rights discourse highlights the innovative principle that the rights to subsistence and development are the most fundamental human rights. This reflects a long-standing, people-centered philosophy deeply rooted in the nation's history and culture.The Chinese approach underscores a contextual understanding of human rights, in which the specific needs and realities of each nation are taken into account.Poverty used to be the biggest obstacle in China's human rights cause. Since reform and opening up began in 1978, the country has lifted 770 million rural people out of poverty, including almost 100 million from 2012 to 2020 through targeted programs. China became the world's second-largest economy in 2010 and declared the historic eradication of absolute poverty in 2021. With the establishment of a moderately prosperous society, 1.4 billion Chinese now enjoy greater happiness, security, fulfillment, and dignity -- with no individual or ethnic group left behind.China continues working to improve people's well-being through development, promoting progress in political, economic, social, and cultural rights in a coordinated way. China has built the world's largest education, social security, and healthcare systems. Its citizens have broader access to jobs, schooling, medical services, and an improved standard of living.As the largest developing country, China also promotes global human rights advancement through initiatives aimed at shared development. Under the Belt and Road Initiative, many partner countries have upgraded their infrastructure and strengthened local industries, bringing tangible improvements to people's lives.Economic development plays a foundational role in promoting human rights. Just as Wang Yiwe...

BEIJING, Dec. 11 (Xinhua) -- The Beijing Meteorological Observatory issued a blue alert for snowstorm at 6 p.m. on Thursday.It is forecast that snowfall will hit the mountainous areas to the west of Beijing in the early hours of Friday morning and extend to urban districts during the daytime.The main snowfall period is expected to last from noon to the night. The cumulative snowfall in most parts of the city will likely exceed 4 millimeters, while mountainous areas in Fangshan and Mentougou districts could see up to 8 millimeters.The observatory also issued an orange alert for road icing.The city's meteorological authorities have warned that snowfall will make roads slippery and reduce visibility, adversely affecting traffic.China has a four-tier color-coded weather warning system, with red representing the most severe warning, followed by orange, yellow and blue.