China punishes officials over fireworks publicity stunt in Tibet plateau

Several officials in China’s Tibet autonomous region have been punished after being held responsible for a controversial fireworks show at the foot of the Himalayas, an ecologically fragile region.

Outdoor apparel brand Arc’teryx worked with Chinese artist Cai Guo-qiang to set off the fireworks as part of a publicity stunt last month. The controversial show triggered widespread debate over environmental preservation and government oversight, leading to an official investigation.

According to an investigative report released on Wednesday by the municipal government of Shigatse, the display violated China’s new Qinghai–Tibet Plateau protection law, damaged alpine turf and startled endangered wildlife.

Six local officials had been punished and four others dismissed, the report said, while Cai’s arts studio and Arc’teryx would face penalties for ecological damage.

The controversial show, dubbed “the rising dragon”, was held on September 19 about 5,500 metres (18,000 feet) above sea level in Gyantse county, which is under the administration of Shigatse city.

A video showed fireworks in different colours exploding along a path all the way to the top of a hill.