The Beijing Hour

Chinese authorities say Japan's claims of existential threats are an excuse to justify aggression (01:03). Chinese Premier Li Qiang has called on the Shanghai Cooperation Organization to stimulate vitality for innovation and transformation (15:37). And a bill requiring the release of files on convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein has cleared the U.S. House with only one objection (25:43).

China has lodged representations over the Japanese prime minister's recent remarks over the Taiwan region during a meeting between foreign affairs officials (01:08). Island-wide independent customs operations in Hainan will link the free trade port with global markets, and reduce costs while increasing efficiency (10:25). And the UN Security Council has adopted a U.S. plan authorizing an international stabilization force in Gaza, but China abstained saying it fails to address critical details and does not give the UN a clear role in Gaza's future (22:49).

China is urging Japan to honor its commitments to the four political documents in which Japan acknowledges that Taiwan is Chinese territory (01:03). Chinese Premier Li Qiang is discussing the future of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization at a meeting in Russia (12:47). And Hainan Province is making final preparations for independent customs operations that will begin next month (14:20).

The heads of state from China and Thailand have expressed readiness to lead relations into a new era, as President Xi Jinping welcomed Thai King Maha Vajiralongkorn on his first state visit to China (01:16). The Shenzhou-20 astronauts have safely arrived home aboard the Shenzhou-21 spacecraft following a delay caused by a cracked spacecraft window (11:51). And China has slammed Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's remarks about the Taiwan region, warning Tokyo of heavy prices for any intervention (13:18).

The newly-passed bill will fund the U.S. federal government until January, but analysts say the economic losses during the longest shutdown in history are irreversible (01:03). Brazil's COP30 presidency says climate talks are showing good momentum, but it will extend negotiations to buy time for reaching agreements on climate goals (14:36). And China's "Singles Day" shopping festival has set a new record with 14 billion parcels (35:49).

Chinese President Xi Jinping and Spanish King Felipe VI have discussed the two countries' long-lasting friendship and pledged to advance ties through 10 newly-signed cooperation documents (01:04). The China Pavilion on the sidelines of COP30 is sharing experiences and wisdom from China's climate response (03:12). And a funding bill that will ensure the reopening of the U.S. government has cleared the Senate before expected approval in the House (19:08).

Spanish King Felipe VI has discussed trade and economic ties at a forum in Chengdu during his first state visit to China since ascending to the throne (01:02). China is demonstrating its commitments and achievements in tackling climate issues at its pavilion during COP30 in Belem (11:59). And in a major milestone in China's auto industry, NEV sales in October accounted for more than half of all new cars sold in the country (37:16).

While exhibitors and buyers struck a record value of tentative deals at the China International Import Expo that concluded on Monday, participants say the event's true impact lies in the lasting partnerships it forges, extending its influence far beyond the six-day fair (01:00). China has pledged to work with the international community to promote green development and address climate challenges (14:21). And the U.S. Senate has passed a bipartisan spending bill in a first step to end the longest government shutdown (24:09).

Chinese President Xi Jinping has attended the commissioning ceremony of the country's third aircraft carrier and inspected the vessel that is equipped with electromagnetic catapult launch capabilities (00:58). China's foreign trade in goods climbed 3.6 percent in the first 10 months, led by robust exchanges with ASEAN countries (09:04). And China's vice premier, attending the climate summit in Brazil, has pledged to fulfill the country's climate commitments and urged multilateralism (18:35).

The World Openness Report released at a forum running in tandem with the China International Import Expo shows that openness and cooperation are the inevitable path for world peace and development (01:00). China's new measures on facilitating travel and opening up include adding more ports of entry eligible for 24-hour visa-free transit (12:37). And U.S. aviation authorities are cutting air traffic under a shortage of controllers because of the government shutdown (24:25).

Chinese premier Li Qiang has hailed the China International Import Expo as a bridge connecting the world, and an entrance to the Chinese economy (01:06). A special C919 aircraft featuring iconic landmark and cultural elements of the host region is serving athletes and spectators during the National Games (19:22). And the impacts of the longest government shutdown in U.S. history are spilling over into Canada (23:49).

As the China International Import Expo gets ready to welcome guests on Wednesday, companies seeking a larger market share through China's opening up expect the CIIE to help them gauge demand and trends (04:55). China's Shenzhou-20 astronauts are coming home from the Tiangong Space Station, after they cooked and shared chicken wings and steak with the Shenzhou-21 crew (12:37). And Senate Democrats and Republicans have discussed a possible off ramp to the U.S. government shutdown, as the Trump administration says it will partially fund the SNAP food aid program (21:16).

International leaders are beginning to arrive in Shanghai for the International Import Expo, where Chinese Premier Li Qiang will deliver a speech (01:01). China will exempt visa requirements for Swedish passport holders, and allow travel agencies to resume services for tourist groups to Canada (11:04). And British police say there is only one suspect in the weekend stabbing attack, and they don't believe the incident is an act of terrorism (27:15).

Chinese President Xi Jinping has proposed efforts to safeguard the multilateral trading system and pledged to share more development opportunities from China (01:04). The Chinese defense minister is calling for peaceful relations between the militaries of China and the United States (32:28). And the United Nations Security Council is urging an immediate end to the violence in Sudan (22:18).

Chinese President Xi Jinping says the heads of state of China and the United States should steer the direction and ensure the advancement of bilateral ties for the benefit of both countries and the world (01:02). China's Shenzhou-21 manned mission will take four mice to the Tiangong Space Station (13:27). And Hurricane Melissa has killed at least 25 people in Haiti, after leaving a trail of destruction in Jamaica and Cuba (22:13).

Chinese President Xi Jinping and U.S. President Donald Trump are meeting in Busan ahead of the APEC meeting in Gyeongju, South Korea (01:04). The China Securities Regulatory Commission has launched a new plan to streamline the qualified foreign investor regime as part of the country's new measures to further open the market (36:19). And Melissa has hit Cuba and Jamaica as one of the strongest hurricanes on record in the region (23:23).

The upgraded China-ASEAN Free Trade Area covers nine new sectors such as the digital economy and green economy that the two sides are hoping to work on together for regional prosperity (01:06). Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi has spoken with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio about developing one of the world's most important bilateral relationships (11:03). And China's central bank has resumed trading treasury bonds in the open market (36:52).

Chinese Premier Li Qiang has highlighted the economic resilience and vitality in East Asia, and pledged to strengthen the alignment of development strategies with ASEAN (01:06). China and the United States have reached a basic consensus on arrangements to address each other's trade concerns after talks in Malaysia (09:01). And major industrial firms in China have reported a 3.2 percent rise in profits in the first nine months (38:10).

China is prioritizing innovative trade and improving the business environment among efforts at further opening up under the 15th Five-Year Plan (01:21). China's Shenzhou-21 spacecraft is at the launch area awaiting liftoff (31:40). And the European Union has failed to agree on a plan to use frozen Russian assets to finance new loans for Ukraine (24:39).

China's major goals for the next five years include achievements in deepening reform and strengthening national security, as the country marches toward socialist modernization (01:15). China continues to share opportunities from its opening up at Phase II of the Canton Fair, and ahead of the China International Import Expo (14:10). Trade delegations from China and the United States will begin talks in Malaysia on Friday (31:38).

U.S. and Russian officials have decided to postpone a planned meeting between President Donald Trump and President Vladimir Putin in Hungary after their foreign affairs chiefs spoke on the phone (01:05). Airbus has opened a second assembly line in China, capitalizing on the nation's push for high-level opening up under the 14th Five-Year Plan (07:38). And a UN report has condemned U.S. strikes against Venezuelan vessels as "extrajudicial executions" (19:01).

Sanae Takaichi has unveiled her cabinet including two female ministers and 10 new appointees after winning parliament's approval as Japan's first female prime minister (01:07). The U.S. government shutdown is affecting more than a thousand workers at the agency responsible for safeguarding the nuclear stockpile (21:28). And Chinese movies have raked in one billion yuan in overseas markets so far this year (52:19).

Official data shows that China's economy expanded by 5.2% in the first three quarters, and remains on track to meet the annual growth target of around 5% (01:06). Top Chinese leaders are discussing a development plan for the next five years at the fourth plenary session of the CPC's 20th Central Committee (03:14). And Israel and Hamas accuse each other of violating the Gaza ceasefire after a brief exchange of fire that killed more than 40 people (13:08).

The 2025 Beijing Intelligent Connected Vehicles Conference is showcasing cutting-edge AI, smart mobility innovations, global collaboration, and China's leadership in ICV technology (01:08). Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin plan on meeting in Hungary to discuss the Russia-Ukraine conflict (09:50). Hamas and Israel trade accusations over truce violations, with disputes over returned bodies and commitments under the Gaza agreement (17:28).

China recorded over 7.2 million foreign visits in Q3, up 48% as expanded visa-free policies drive inbound travel growth (01:03). As the world marks World Food Day, a UN official warns of mounting challenges to global food security (11:28). A federal judge has temporarily halted U.S. government layoffs as the shutdown disrupts industries and food aid programs (21:17).

Hainan Province in southern China is set to launch island-wide independent customs operations, introducing zero tariffs on 74% of imports - a major milestone during the 14th Five-Year Plan period (01:05). China's consumer prices stabilized in September, with core inflation hitting a 19-month high, driven by strong consumer and industrial demand (36:25). And the U.S. government shutdown is impacting the economy, with federal layoffs, flight disruptions, and closures of major tourist attractions (21:12).

Chinese President Xi Jinping says China will deepen cooperation to advance the Global South's shared interests, as he met world leaders attending the Global Leaders’ Meeting on Women in Beijing (01:08). Beijing is urging Washington to show sincerity in trade talks, denying wrongful claims over its rare earth controls (16:27). China remains the world's top goods trader and second-largest in services, with trade growth driven by innovation, free trade agreements, and global cooperation (36:11).

Chinese President Xi Jinping has opened the Global Leaders' Meeting on Women in Beijing, outlining four proposals and new funding to advance global women's development (01:06). Hamas has released 20 Israeli hostages as part of a peace deal to end the conflict in Gaza (18:48). China's foreign trade rose four percent in the first nine months of 2025, with ASEAN remaining the country's largest trading partner (37:38).

The upcoming Global Leaders' Meeting on Women will mark 30 years since the Beijing Declaration, with China pledging to advance gender equality, and promote global cooperation for women's development (01:14). The UN has unveiled a 60-day aid plan after Israel and Hamas approved a U.S.-brokered peace deal (18:30). And the U.S. government shutdown continues, causing nationwide flight delays and leaving millions of federal workers and military personnel unpaid (24:14).

The first phase of Gaza's ceasefire begins, marking progress toward hostage releases, aid delivery and a possible final peace (01:04). Beijing and Rome mark 55 years of ties, pledging deeper cooperation in trade, innovation, and culture, as the Chinese foreign minister visits Italy (12:34). China's holiday consumer sales rose 4.5%, led by tourism, culture, and health products (37:43).

Gaza peace talks have stretched into a third day, but Israel and Hamas continue to communicate through mediators (00:58). China's foreign minister is in Europe for a high level meeting with the Italian government and a foreign ministers' dialogue in Switzerland (09:00). The US government shutdown is entering its second week and economists are issuing warnings for the country's ecnomoy (21:50).

Israel and Hamas have held their first day of indirect talks in Egypt on the details of a Gaza ceasefire plan, which concluded with what Egypt describes as "a positive atmosphere." (01:13). No end yet in sight for the US government shutdown, as more attempts to break the impasse on federal funding fail in the Senate (09:31). China sees a travel surge as the National Day and Mid-Autumn Festival holiday is coming to an end (19:00).

As China celebrates the Mid-Autumn Festival during the National Day holiday, people are spending the long break with family reunions, performances and travels (01:04). Hamas and Israeli delegations are discussing a U.S.-backed plan that aims to reach a ceasefire in Gaza (10:27). And the new French prime minister has resigned a day after his new cabinet is unveiled (19:21).

Vibrant cultural and recreational activities are underway across China to celebrate the National Day holiday season (01:55). Protests are underway around the world after Israel intercepted civilian boats from the Global Sumud Flotilla and detained activists (13:38). Authorities have declared a stabbing attack outside a synagogue in Manchester as a terrorist incident (19:37).

China's railway network set a new single-day record for passengers to start the National Day holiday Golden Week (01:08). Organizers of an international aid flotilla for Gaza say Israeli forces have stopped dozens of boats carrying activists and aid (07:38). The White House says mass lay-offs of federal workers will begin in two days, as the government enters its shutdown (12:08).

Crowds gathered in Tian'anmen Square in Beijing for the flag-raising ceremony on National Day, while Hong Kong and Macao SARs also raised the National Flag for the occasion(01:09). A partial government shutdown is taking place in the U.S. after Congress and the White House failed to agree on a funding deal (08:43). Rescue continues after a strong earthquake in the Philippines killed at least 69 and injured 150 others (21:09).

Chinese President Xi Jinping has led tributes at a ceremony in Beijing, as commemorative events took place across the country to learn about the perseverance and courage of revolutionary heroes (01:03). China's manufacturing activity picked up in September, with the PMI rising 0.4 points from the month before, and the non-manufacturing PMI remaining stable (02:12). And Israel has accepted a U.S.-proposed Gaza ceasefire plan that includes the release of all hostages (11:17).

China's top leadership has emphasized a people-centered approach during the country's economic and social development in the next five years, as they decided to hold the fourth plenary session of the 20th CPC Central Committee from October 20 to 23 to discuss a proposal for the 15th Five-Year Plan (01:03). Traveling and shopping in China are trending among international tourists under visa exemptions and tax refunds (01:44). And Iran has rejected the return of sanctions, calling the action by the E3 "illegal and unjustified (12:43)."

The Chinese premier has reaffirmed Beijing's support for UN authority and reforms, pledging closer ties under President Xi Jinping's Global Governance Initiative (01:06). The Palestinian president has accused Israel of genocide in Gaza, while the U.S. president expressed opposition to Israeli annexation of the West Bank (09:33). China has created over 59 million urban jobs since 2021, with basic old-age insurance coverage significantly expanded (38:11).

China's Xinjiang region has held a grand gathering for its 70th founding anniversary, highlighting historic achievements under the CPC leadership (01:11). The Chinese president has announced new 2035 climate goals, pledging to cut emissions, boost non-fossil fuels, and expand wind and solar power (15:25). Weather authorities have downgraded Typhoon Ragasa to a tropical storm, hours after it slammed into the China's southern coast (27:04).

China marks the 70th founding anniversary of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region with celebrations in Urumqi, as President Xi highlights unity, progress, and modernization alongside residents reflecting on remarkable development (01:07). The Chinese premier has reaffirmed that Beijing is not seeking special treatment when negotiating reforms of the World Trade Organization (19:02). Super Typhoon Ragasa has hit the Chinese mainland after causing deadly destruction in the Taiwan region (25:36).

China's Xinjiang region is charting multiple successes, where rural revitalization and thriving tourism are powering modernization and shared prosperity (31:43). World leaders have marked the 80th year of the United Nations, with urgent calls to pursue peace and diplomacy amid one of the most turbulent moments in its history (01:01). A new OECD report expects China's economy to grow 4.9 percent in 2025, up from the 4.7 percent prediction in June (25:13).

The UK, Canada, Australia, and Portugal have officially recognized the Palestinian State, with more countries expected to follow at the UN General Assembly this week (01:12). China's Xinjiang region is seeing significant improvements in income, education, and healthcare at it marks its 70th founding anniversary (13:45). The U.S. president has sparked panic among employers and skilled workers with a massive annual fee for H1-B work visas (23:19).

Beijing issued a white paper outlining the CPC's Xinjiang strategy, highlighting economic growth, stability, cultural heritage protection, and its role as a Eurasian gateway, as the region marks its 70th founding anniversary (01:13). The Beijing Xiangshan Forum closed with calls for multilateralism, dialogue, and respect for sovereignty, stressing cooperation in global governance to advance peace, and address shared international security challenges (10:40). China has condemned another U.S. veto of a UN Gaza resolution demanding ceasefire, aid access, and hostage release (20:50).

China has marked the 94th anniversary of the September 18th Incident when Japanese troops launched a surprise attack in the northeastern city of Shenyang (01:07). At the Beijing Xiangshan Forum, the Chinese defense minister has vowed to uphold peace, and support multilateralism for global security and a shared future (03:45). Experts say the U.S. Federal Reserve's latest rate cut is likely to further weaken the dollar while strengthening investor confidence in emerging markets (36:53).

The 22nd China-ASEAN Expo in Nanning gathers 3,200 enterprises from 60 countries, spotlighting New Quality Productive Forces through new themed exhibitions and trade activities (01:02). Israel has expanded a ground offensive in Gaza City, while the international community, including China, the EU, and several countries, condemns the attacks and urges ceasefire (20:17). China has entered the top 10 of the 2025 Global Innovation Index, ranking 10th for the first time (39:57).

China and the U.S. have reached a framework consensus on TikTok and agreed to ease investment barriers, as both sides stressed the importance of mutually beneficial cooperation (01:08). China's grain output has hit a record high, with the urban-rural income gap narrowing significantly (09:15). A UN commission says Israel has committed genocide in Gaza and holds top Israeli officials responsible (19:55).

High-level Chinese and U.S. officials have resumed talks in Madrid, focusing on tariffs and the future of TikTok, as President Trump reportedly considers a fourth extension of the app's divestment deadline (01:09). The Qatari PM says Israel's strike on Doha will not stop the Gulf country's mediation efforts for a Gaza ceasefire (19:55). China's economy showed positive progress in August, with the policy promoting consumer goods trade-ins continuing to deliver encouraging results (36:37).

The remains of 30 Chinese volunteer soldiers who fell in the War to Resist U.S. Aggression and Aid Korea have returned from South Korea, marking the 12th repatriation under a bilateral handover agreement (01:09). The UN Security Council has condemned Israel's strike on Doha, voicing its support for Qatar and the country's vital role in mediation amid the Gaza conflict (21:31). China says its government debt remains manageable, with the country's fiscal policy having ample room for future action (38:01).

Beijing is calling on Washington to deepen cooperation on maintaining peace and stability, while also warning against U.S. interference in China's core interests (01:07). Influential Donald Trump supporter Charlie Kirk is dead following a shooting at a speaking event in Utah (09:32). China has built the world's largest disease prevention and medical care systems, with the average life expectancy reaching 79 years, 1.1 years higher than in 2020 (19:56).