China Dismisses Officials Following Controversial Arc'teryx Fireworks Display in Tibet

Thu Oct 16 2025 14:57:03 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

The Chinese authorities have sacked four officials after a fireworks show by Arc'teryx in Tibet led to public outrage and environmental concerns.

Four officials in Tibet have been dismissed due to backlash against a fireworks display organized by Arc'teryx that drew criticism for environmental impact. Videos of the event sparked a boycott campaign, prompting apologies from the company and involved artist, Cai Guo-Qiang. Authorities stated that the fireworks affected wildlife and did not comply with conservation standards.

Four Chinese officials have been dismissed over a fireworks display in the Himalayas last month by outdoor apparel brand Arc'teryx that drew heated criticism.

Videos of brightly coloured fireworks that apparently resembled a rising dragon erupting over a lush Tibetan landscape sparked environmental concerns and initiated a boycott campaign.

Arc'teryx and the Chinese pyrotechnics artist Cai Guo-Qiang, who designed the show, later apologized.

Authorities in Tibet's Shigatse city stated that more officials are being investigated and warned. They added that Arc'teryx and Cai must provide compensation and assist in restoring the environment.

The authorities indicated that the fireworks, which lasted nearly a minute and affected about 30 hectares (74 acres) of grassland, caused limited short-term damage, but further monitoring is required to assess ecological risks.

The incident left fireworks remnants, plastic debris, and other waste that were not thoroughly cleaned, the statement mentioned.

Additionally, the sudden bright light and loud noise produced by the fireworks caused short-term disruption to wildlife.

The dismissed officials include the Communist Party secretary of Gyantse County, the public security chief, and two senior members of environmental agencies.

Artist Cai, renowned for orchestrating the fireworks for the 2008 Beijing Olympics, has expressed willingness to collaborate with authorities in Tibet to assist with the area's recovery.

Users on social media pointed out that the event contradicted Arc'teryx's conservation-focused image and called for a boycott of the brand.

Founded in 1989, Arc'teryx operates over 150 stores globally and is currently owned by Hong Kong-listed Anta Sports.

The company claimed the display aimed to promote local mountain culture, but acknowledged in its apology that it was out of line with Arc'teryx's values. They also stated that biodegradable materials were used and pledged to work with an external agency to evaluate the project's impact.