10 big things about China you should not miss (July 20-July 26)

1. China reiterates support for UNESCO after latest U.S. withdrawal announcement

Beijing said Wednesday that the United States' decision to withdraw from UNESCO is not conduct befitting a responsible major country, emphasizing that China remains steadfast in supporting the organization's work.

2. Six college students drown during factory visit in Inner Mongolia

Six students of Northeastern University in Liaoning Province were drowned after falling into an industrial flotation tank during a study visit in north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, according to local emergency authorities Wednesday.

Rescue efforts were launched immediately, but all six students were confirmed deceased after being retrieved from the cell. One accompanying teacher was injured in the incident.

3. China sees over 300 million railway passenger trips in summer rush

Since the start of the summer travel rush on July 1, China's railways have handled over 300 million passenger trips, with an average of 922 additional passenger trains scheduled per day, according to China Railway Tuesday.

4. China's internet users reach 1.12 billion, with penetration rate at 79.7%

China now has 1.12 billion internet users, with an internet penetration rate of 79.7 percent, according to the 56th Statistical Report on Internet Development in China released by the China Internet Network Information Center Monday.

5. Over 6,000 cooperation deals signed at 3rd CISCE in Beijing

The third China International Supply Chain Expo concluded in Beijing on Sunday, marked by the signing of more than 6,000 cooperation agreements and partnership intentions, according to Li Xingqian, Vice Chairman of the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade.

6. Zhou Jinghua, on China's most-wanted Chinese fugitives list,extradited from Thailand

China has successfully secured the extradition of Zhou Jinghua from Thailand, marking a milestone in its international anti-corruption campaign, according to China's Central Commission for Discipline Inspection and the National Commission of Supervision Thursday.

Zhou, listed as No. 26 among China's "100 Most-Wanted Fugitives on Red Notice," is the 63rd individual on the list to face justice in China since the launch of Operation Sky Net.

7. China wins team gold for artistic swimming at World Aquatics Championships

China won gold in the team technical event at the 2025 World Aquatics Championships in Singapore Tuesday with a score of 307.8001 points.

8. World's first fully certified ton-class eVTOL delivered to Guangzhou

A leading Chinese developer of electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft delivered a ton-class aircraft on Tuesday, marking a major advancement in the utilization of large eVTOLs.

Having secured the type certificate and production certificate last year, the V2000CG CarryAll, developed by the Shanghai-based AutoFlight, acquired its airworthiness certificate Monday, making it the world's first fully certified ton-class eVTOL.

9. Guizhou lights up for annual Torch Festival

Cities and villages across Guizhou province recently celebrated the annual Torch Festival with tens of thousands of flaming torches to light up the night sky.

Continuing into August, the annual festival kicked off on the 24th day of the sixth lunar month as a tradition of the Yi ethnic group celebrating the coming of summer.

10. China's basic medical insurance covers 95 pct of population

During the 2021-2025 period, China's basic medical insurance has maintained a coverage rate of around 95 percent, with over 1.32 billion people enrolled in 2024, according to the National Healthcare Security Administration Thursday.

From 2021 to 2024, nearly 20 billion medical visits received insurance reimbursements, said Zhang Ke, head of the administration, noting that the number in 2024 was 1.6 times higher than in 2020.