The Beijing Hour

Meeting with visiting Finnish Prime Minister Petteri Orpo in Beijing, Chinese President Xi Jinping called for bilateral cooperation in energy transition, agriculture, forestry, and innovation (01:03). Iran says it has extraordinary capability to defend itself after a U.S. aircraft carrier and supporting warships arrived in the Middle East (11:41). Official data shows profits for China's major industrial firms rose in 2025, marking the first annual increase since 2021 (18:34).

Finnish Prime Minister Petteri Orpo says his visit to China aims to explore business opportunities and further promote Finnish exports to Asian markets (01:06). More than a dozen people are confirmed dead after a passenger vessel sank off the southern coast of the Philippines (24:23). Global leaders from the public and private sectors have gathered in Hong Kong for the Asian Financial Forum (39:45).

Chinese President Xi Jinping has spoken by phone with his Brazilian counterpart, urging both nations to better defend their shared interests and those of the Global South (01:12). The lower house of Japan's National Diet has formally dissolved ahead of a general election (05:30). U.S. President Donald Trump says the White House is negotiating a deal to secure Washington's total access to Greenland with no time limit (18:14).

Chinese officials say the country has hit all major annual and five-year targets for agricultural and rural development (01:02). U.S. President Donald Trump has ruled out the option of seizing Greenland by force, but he still wants to take over the island (08:31). The U.S. has officially withdrawn from the World Health Organization, but the WHO says Washington still owes money (18:26).

Addressing the World Economic Forum in Davos, Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng has urged all countries to secure the world's future through cooperation (01:08). U.S. President Donald Trump says NATO would not be very strong without the U.S. (10:20). China has sharply criticized the EU's new cybersecurity measures which could target Chinese telecom suppliers (20:14).

Chinese officials have laid out a strategy to address economic imbalances and promote stable growth (01:05). China's UN envoy has called on the international community to jointly prevent Japan from reverting to the path of militarism (07:11). Investigators at the site of a high-speed rail crash in Spain say they have found a vital clue that could reveal the cause of the accident (18:30).

Officials say China's GDP in 2025 grew five percent, meeting the annual target (01:09). Relations between the U.S. and Europe continue to sour over the Greenland issue, with both sides considering tariffs (14:08). The Syrian interim authority and the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces sign a new ceasefire and integration agreement (24:54).

The leaders of China and Canada have called for a new type of bilateral strategic partnership (01:20). Iran's deputy U.N. ambassador has warned the U.S. at a Security Council meeting that it will respond to any act of aggression (13:30). Former South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol has been sentenced to five years in prison (19:14).

China and Canada are looking to strengthen bilateral ties as foreign ministers of the two countries meet in Beijing (03:24). Iran has reopened its airspace after closing it for nearly five hours (14:27). Danish Foreign Minister Lars Rasmussen says fundamental disagreements remain with the U.S. following their talks over the status of Greenland (20:39).

China says it supports the Iranian government and people and hopes they overcome current difficulties and maintain stability (01:06). The Chinese mainland says the DPP authorities' reliance on external forces threatens the safety and interests of the people in the Taiwan region (13:34). A crane collapsed on a passenger train in northeastern Thailand, killing dozens (24:06).

At a plenary session of the CPC's top anti-corruption body, the Chinese leader calls for efforts to press ahead with the anti-corruption fight (01:04). The Chinese foreign minister says it is the opportune time for China and the African Union to enhance mutual trust and deepen cooperation (11:51). Iranian authorities accuse the United States and Israel of inciting the violent demonstrations over the past weeks (22:26).

The Chinese Foreign Ministry has announced that Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney will pay an official visit to China this week (04:42). U.S. President Donald Trump says he is weighing a range of responses to the protests in Iran, including possible military options (14:05). China and the European Union have agreed that China's EV exporters should receive general guidance on price commitments for the EU market (38:46).

During the ninth China-African Union Strategic Dialogue, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi calls on China and Africa to deepen cooperation (01:09). Acting Venezuelan President Delcy Rodriguez says her country has not been what she calls "subjugated" by the United States (12:26). Iran reports a nationwide internet blackout, as protests erupt in Tehran (24:10).

China has urged the Japanese government to abide by its nuclear non-proliferation treaty obligations (01:08). The U.S. has seized two tankers that it says are linked with Venezuelan oil shipments (13:05). Protests and anger have erupted over the fatal shooting of a 37-year-old Minneapolis woman in the latest immigration crackdown by the Trump administration (22:36).

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi begins an official visit to Africa, with stops in Ethiopia, Somalia, Tanzania, and Lesotho (01:07). The Trump administration faces heavy criticism from over 30 Western hemisphere countries as the Organization of American States holds a special session to discuss the Venezuela crisis (14:54). The Chinese mainland adds two individuals to its list of die-hard secessionists seeking separatism in Taiwan (32:24).

The president of South Korea and the prime minister of Ireland continue their visits to China (01:04). Many countries have condemned the U.S. military attacks on Venezuela at a UN Security Council emergency meeting (12:17). China is tightening export controls on dual-use items to Japan that could be used for military purposes (23:48).

Chinese President Xi Jinping calls on China and Ireland to maintain friendly exchanges, enhance understanding, and address each other's major concerns (01:05). China is urging the U.S. to immediately release the Venezuelan president who was forcibly seized by U.S. forces over the weekend (13:51). The world's biggest group of oil exporters has decided to keep its oil output unchanged despite the U.S. attacks on OPEC member Venezuela (25:23).

People across China and the world are reacting to President Xi Jinping's New Year speech that highlighted innovation, high-quality development and a shared future for humanity (01:07).Switzerland is in mourning after the New Year fire at a ski resort that resulted in at least 40 deaths (17:21).China's New Year holiday box office has topped 500 million yuan, or about 71 million U.S. dollars (52:32).

Chinese President Xi Jinping has delivered a New Year speech, calling for efforts to achieve new progress in "the story of China's miracle" (01:03). Cities and towns across China have held celebrations to ring in 2026, as have many others all over the world (10:33). Swiss authorities fear that an explosion at a ski resort has killed dozens of people and injured more than 100 others (23:31).

Chinese President Xi Jinping has delivered a New Year speech via China Media Group and the Internet (01:05). Beijing says the military exercises around Taiwan served as a warning to separatist forces on the island, and against foreign interference in the Taiwan question (10:40). The United States announces sanctions on 10 individuals and entities, targeting Iran's drone trade with Venezuela (19:27).

The Chinese president calls for unity to advance Chinese modernization at a gathering to usher in the New Year (01:06). Beijing says the military exercises around Taiwan served as a warning to separatist forces on the island, and against foreign interference in the Taiwan question (10:40). The United States announces sanctions on 10 individuals and entities, targeting Iran's drone trade with Venezuela (19:27).

China has held its annual Central Rural Work Conference in Beijing to map out priorities for the country's rural work in 2026 (01:10). The Eastern Theater Command of the Chinese People's Liberation Army has run its second day of military drills around Taiwan, conducting long-range live fire exercises (05:33). U.S. President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu have discussed breaking the Gaza deadlock (17:59).

The Eastern Theater Command of the People's Liberation Army has begun drills around Taiwan to safeguard national sovereignty and territorial integrity (01:10). Cambodia and Thailand vow to gradually consolidate a ceasefire in their disputed border area following talks that China hosted (11:46). Criticism over the Japanese government's record defense budget continues to mount across the country (21:17).

Beijing condemns Japan's substantial increase in defense spending after the Japanese cabinet approved a draft budget for fiscal year 2026 (01:01). China's high-speed rail network surpasses 50,000 kilometers with the opening of a new line in the country's northwest (17:29). The U.S. president confirms his country's military strikes against Islamic State targets in Nigeria (20:00).

A Chinese military spokesperson calls for joint actions to contain the revival of militarism by Japan's right-wing forces (01:05). The Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank is marking its 10th anniversary (11:46). The Ukrainian president unveils the main points of a draft peace proposal to end the conflict with Russia, while Moscow says it is still formulating its position (21:05).

China calls on Japan to shoulder the responsibility of ensuring nuclear safety (01:00). China finalizes its ratification of the landmark High Seas Treaty on protecting marine biodiversity (09:38). Members of the UN Security Council including China and Russia criticize the U.S. for escalating military tensions with Venezuela (19:02).

Chinese President Xi Jinping has called on state-owned enterprises directly administered by the central government to contribute more to Chinese modernization (01:07). A senior Japanese official who advocates for nuclear weapons in the country is facing criticism and opposition (11:54). A Russian investigative committee says Ukrainian Special Forces could be responsible for a car bomb attack in Moscow that killed a Russian general, while Ukraine has not yet made any comments (17:25).

China has denounced remarks by senior Japanese officials who say the country needs nuclear weapons (01:03). China's top legislature has begun reviewing the draft Childcare Services Law designed to provide stronger legal protection for children (11:15). Thailand and Cambodia are set to resume ceasefire discussions on Wednesday (21:15).

Residents and businesses in Hainan Province are welcoming the launch of special customs operations that took effect on Thursday (01:06). Beijing has expressed opposition to Washington's 2026 National Defense Authorization Act for playing up purported threats from China (11:27). European Union leaders have decided not to use frozen Russian assets to fund Ukraine's defense needs, a decision welcomed by Moscow (20:59).

Hainan Province has begun its special customs operations, a milestone in China's high-standard opening up (01:04). China says Japan's recent actions have cast doubt about whether it is intentionally stirring up troubles and provocations to justify its military buildup (14:28). The U.S. president says he wants to take back oil he claims stolen by Venezuela, while Caracas says Venezuelan oil and soil are rightfully theirs (23:24).

The clock is ticking toward a historic moment in Hainan Province, as it is set to formally launch island-wide special customs operations (01:06). Thailand has demanded Cambodia be the first to announce a ceasefire after more than a week of clashes while Cambodia has not responded (23:32). The Chinese mainland authorities have criticized the Democratic Progressive Party authorities for restricting exchanges across the Taiwan Strait (31:41).

Hainan Province is ready to start special customs operation and officially become a free trade port in China (07:36). China has again criticized Japan for failing to reaffirm key political commitments on the Taiwan question and selectively citing historical documents (17:27). The U.S. and several European countries have offered security guarantees for Ukraine as part of peace efforts to end the conflict with Russia (23:25).

Chinese authorities say the country's economy has sustained steady progress and generally stable momentum over the past month (01:02). China has sanctioned a former chief of staff of the Japanese self-defense forces over collusion with Taiwan separatist forces (12:47). Australia's leaders have agreed to take decisive action to strengthen gun laws following a fatal mass shooting at Sydney's iconic Bondi Beach (17:25).

China says its policy continuity and stable growth will provide certainty for the global economy, as there's a growing consensus that its prospects are positive (01:10). Beijing again denounces the Japanese prime minister's remarks over the Taiwan region (10:53). Ukraine presents the U.S. with an updated version of the peace plan proposed by Washington, while Russia says it wants agreements for lasting and sustainable peace with security guarantees for all involved (24:22).

China pledges to fully tap its economic potential by boosting domestic demand and innovation, as the annual Central Economic Work Conference sets the tone for next year's economic work (01:16). China says its recent strategic patrol jointly conducted with Russia should not be a concern for Japan (11:40). Venezuela accuses the U.S. of international piracy after American forces seized an oil tanker off the Venezuelan coast (21:32).

Chinese Premier Li Qiang calls for openness and cooperation in global economic governance (01:07). The China-proposed Group of Friends of Global Governance has been established at the United Nations with the aim of enhancing exchanges and cooperation in global governance (12:00). China's consumer price index rises 0.7 percent in November, the highest reading since March 2024 (36:27).

Chinese leaders have set the nation's economic priorities for next year, focusing on boosting domestic demand, strengthening innovation, and deepening reform and opening-up (01:05). The Ukrainian president has met European leaders to discuss the U.S.-brokered 20-point peace plan (20:33). The U.S. president says the country will allow Nvidia to ship its H200 artificial intelligence chips to what he calls "approved customers" in China and elsewhere (32:50).

The CPC leadership holds a meeting to analyze and study the economic work of 2026 and review a set of regulations on the CPC's leadership over law-based governance (01:10). China calls on Japan to immediately stop its dangerous actions of harassing the PLA's normal military exercises and training (11:06). Clashes have erupted between Thailand and Cambodia with both sides accusing each other of breaching a ceasefire reached in July (15:59).

Chinese President Xi Jinping holds an informal meeting with his French counterpart in southwest China, saying the two countries should jointly contribute to global peace and stability through dialogue and cooperation (01:13). Japanese protesters are again urging the prime minister to retract her remarks on China's Taiwan region and resign (15:18). Russian President Vladimir Putin is on his first state visit to India in four years (25:40).

Chinese President Xi Jinping has held talks with visiting French President Emmanuel Macron, highlighting the two countries' constructive role in promoting a multipolar world (01:16). China again calls on Japan to clarify its position on the Taiwan question, criticizing Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's recent remarks that continue to provoke international backlash (16:16). China Eastern Airlines is redefining long-haul travel with the launch of the world's longest commercial flight, linking Shanghai with the Argentinian capital (37:28).

The foreign ministers of China and Russia have called for safeguarding the victorious outcomes of World War II, with the Chinese side urging continued cooperation to counter the provocative actions of Japan's far‑right forces (01:20). French President Emmanuel Macron is in Beijing for his three-day state visit to China (15:34). Russia says there is still no compromise plan to settle the conflict with Ukraine, despite a lengthy round of talks in Moscow between President Vladimir Putin and U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff (20:15).

China's Permanent Representative to the United Nations delivers another letter to the UN chief, rejecting Japan's arguments over the Taiwan region (01:10). Two former French prime ministers share expectations for President Macron's state visit to China this week (15:39). The South African president dismisses a threat from Washington to exclude Pretoria from next year's G20 Summit (24:41).

China is raising concerns over Japan's increased military spending amid the tensions over the Taiwan region (01:04). U.S. and Ukrainian officials say their talks on a Russia-Ukraine peace deal have been productive (09:35). And China's Hainan Province is preparing for a surge in tourism with the island's special customs operations soon taking effect (19:00).

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi has elaborated on China's position on the Taiwan question during a phone call with a French presidential adviser, urging both countries to safeguard the outcomes of WWII and firmly support each other on core issues (01:09). Washington is threatening imminent action to stop suspected Venezuelan drug traffickers on land (13:08). And Hong Kong authorities have confirmed 128 deaths in a high-rise fire and arrested another two people (21:28).

A white paper on China's arms control, disarmament, and non-proliferation describes the country's constructive role and highlights its initiatives for a peaceful world (01:02). Rescuers and residents in Hong Kong are offering aid after a deadly fire at a residential complex (12:21). And products for the elderly and consumer electronics are at the heart of China's planned "trillion-yuan-level" consumption sectors (15:35).

Chinese officials have questioned what Japan's self-claimed "consistent stance" on the Taiwan region is and whether it still adheres to the one-China principle (04:52). China and Tonga have reaffirmed mutual support and agreed to align major development projects (12:10). And Ukraine has reached an understanding with the United States on a peace deal, while Russia says a U.S. envoy will visit next week (17:11).

During a phone call with U.S. President Donald Trump, Chinese President Xi Jinping emphasized that Taiwan's return to China is an integral part of the post-war international order, with Trump acknowledging Washington's understanding of the importance of the Taiwan question to China (01:08). President Xi Jinping has reaffirmed China's commitment to being a reliable partner to Tonga, and urged the two sides to contribute to a community with a shared future for humanity (06:26). And China's unmanned Shenzhou-22 spacecraft has reached the Tiangong Space Station after Shenzhou-20 was damaged by suspected space debris (33:54).

Chinese Premier Li Qiang has stressed unity, openness and cooperation among the G20 to face global challenges (01:08). Flights on 12 routes between China and Japan have been cancelled under diplomatic tensions (15:06). And negotiations continue on a 28-point U.S. peace plan between Russia and Ukraine, as Europe calls for it to favor Kyiv, and Moscow signals openness to talks without compromising its interests (23:36).

Japan's aquaculture industry is blaming Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi for uncertainties in exports and is demanding the government address their concerns (02:29). China says it's ready to make joint efforts toward multilateralism as Premier Li Qiang arrives in South Africa to attend the G20 Summit (16:21). And Ukraine says it has received a U.S. peace plan, while Russia denied consultations with Washington (24:49).

Travel agencies and hotel operators in Japan are dreading a difficult season ahead as Chinese tourists cancel orders under diplomatic tensions (10:27). China and Kyrgyzstan have pledged mutual support for each other's sovereignty and development after the first foreign ministers' strategic dialogue (15:47). And Washington reportedly expects Ukraine to concede some land under a peace plan that Kyiv said it had no role in drafting (25:08).