China Quick Take: Ultra deepwater drillship, rare cat sighting and Oppo success

We've rounded up six of the best stories from China that you may have missed this week...

China launches first ultra deepwater drillship

China's first self-built ultra-deepwater drillship launched its trial run in south China's Guangzhou City on Monday.

The drillship, boasting the world's leading ocean drilling capability, has been officially named "Mengxiang," which translates as "dream" in Chinese.

Shenzhou-17 crew to launch maiden extravehicular activities

The Shenzhou-17 crew members, who are currently on board China's space station Tiangong in orbit, will conduct their first extravehicular activities (EVAs) within the next few days, the China Manned Space Agency (CMSA) announced on Wednesday.

The astronauts have been stationed in the orbital complex for 54 days, nearly one-third of their six-month space mission.

China starts construction of Antarctica research station

The first steel column of the main building for China's fifth scientific research station in Antarctica was installed on Saturday, marking the commencement of the main body construction of the new station along the coastal areas of the Ross Sea.

According to Zheng Di, deputy leader of the new station building crew of China's 40th Antarctic scientific expedition team, the steel column hoisted and installed spans a length of 16.5 meters. 

READ MORE

A journey through silk's history at a Hungarian exhibition

International Migrants Day overshadowed by Mediterranean shipwrecks

Italy's other leaning tower

Oppo smartphones enjoy success in Mexico

With the launch of the Find N3 series, the company's latest clamshell-style foldable smartphone, Chinese smartphone maker Oppo hopes to grow its position in Mexico next year as it expands into Latin America.

China is the world's largest market for smartphones, with over 119 billion U.S. dollars in sales in 2023. As Chinese technology manufacturers make advances, their products are also finding success overseas, including in Mexico and Latin America.

Round-the-island highway opens in Hainan

A road designed for round-the-island tours of south China's tropical Hainan Province officially opened on Monday, offering travelers an opportunity to explore diverse landscapes and scenic spots throughout the area.

Local officials and business representatives gathered in Hainan Monday at an opening ceremony in the provincial capital of Haikou, celebrating the full operation of what has been designated as China's top national coastal scenic avenue.

Rare Pallas's cat spotted hunting for prey

A Pallas's cat, also known as the manul, was captured on camera waiting to ambush its prey in Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region of north China.

The cat, one of the smallest wild felines in the world, is known for its thick fur coat and its "grumpy" facial expressions.