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This is the Beijing Hour.
Examining the events that impact and shape China and the rest of the world.
This is the Beijing Hour.
One hour of news and information brought to you every weekday.
Now here's your host...
Shane Begum with you on this Thursday, July 31st, 2025.
You're listening to the Beijing Hour, coming to you live from the Chinese capital.
On today's program, Chinese officials say global economic and trade frictions remain at high levels.
Canada says it'll join countries like France and the UK in formally recognizing Palestinian statehood.
Typhoon Komei is gradually weakening, but thousands of people in Shanghai remain under evacuation orders.
In business, China's new growth drivers expanded steadily in 2024.
In sports, China continues to add to its metal tally at the World Aquatics Championships.
in culture and entertainment of the World Youth Conference for Peace at Peking University.
Now checking the day's top stories.
The China Council for the Promotion of International Trade says the Global Economic and Trade Friction Index in May stood at 105, remaining at a high level.
However, due to factors such as the U .S. suspending certain additional tariffs, global trade friction measures showed signs of easing.
Among the 20 monitored countries and regions, the EU, India and the US ranked among the highest in the Global Economic and Trade Friction Index. The US remained the top contributor for the 11th consecutive month in global economic and trade friction measures and value involved.
For more, Zhou Feng spoke with Liu Baocheng, a professor from the University of International Business and Economics.
Data from the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade shows trade friction measures targeting China from 19 countries and regions in May involved a yearly value decrease of nearly 58 % and a monthly decrease of 13 .5%.
While the council attributed the decline largely to the joint statement on U .S.-China economic and trade consultations in Geneva, how do you view the role of the joint statement in contributing to the decline?
There has been high stakes since April when Donald Trump announced his Liberation Tariff, that really sent quite a jittery to the global economy where China and the U .S., who represents the two largest economies if they engage in emotional retaliation and the global economy could really suffer a great deal.
So now with the Geneva talk with the London consensus and now with the Stockholm discussion, it seems that the emotional confrontations over and both sides are engaging in a pragmatic cooperation in a selective sectors.
Although it has not totally removed has removed all the uncertainties, the temperature has really been soaring in the fact that the escalation of the trade war or tariff war will be over.
It also shows that China and the U .S., they have the huge influence over the global economy.
So, the confidence has gained so therefore, the observation by CCPAT is they're getting a more cautiously but optimistic way of seeing the frictions.
Well, in the first half of this year, the Council issued nearly 3 .9 million certificates.
These certificates included certificates of origin.
origin, the figure represented a yearly increase of over 13%.
So what does the surge mean for Chinese enterprises, especially amid the complex and uncertain external environment?
Such a surge signals the resilience and diversification in Chinese export structure, particularly particularly among those private firms. And that is also facilitated by the China's drive for regional integration programs, because much of the certificates are being issued towards the RCEP countries.
And the other would be focused more on the Belt and Road countries to work more closely with the global South countries.
So these certificates shows the strong momentum for Chinese enterprises to seek the new market opportunities and eventually contribute to the stability of the global supply chain.
And also to continue to sustain the dynamism of global trade in an interdependent world despite all the protectionist measures.
That was Professor Liu Baocheng from the University of International Business and economics, offering his insights on China -U .S. economic and trade relations.
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi says China will pursue the development of ties with the United States on the basis of mutual respect, peaceful coexistence, and win -win cooperation.
He made remarks on meeting with the high -level American business delegation in Beijing.
Wang Yi reiterated the consensus reached by the two presidents to improve bilateral ties.
Youyang has more. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said China is willing to strengthen contacts with the United States to avoid misjudgments, manage differences and explore cooperation areas.
He called on the two sides to establish more communication and negotiation channels, view each other objectively, rationally and pragmatically, and set up a framework to ensure strategically correct understandings.
Wang urged the two sides to respect each other's core and major interests, while avoiding conflicts and confrontations.
Adding that Beijing and Washington should do more practical and good things to promote the development of both countries and the world.
The delegation from the U .S.-China Business Council or USCBC, headed by FedEx CEO and Board Chair Raj Subramaniam, marks the highest -level business group to visit China since this April.
Other representatives included senior executives from Boeing, US CBC President Sean Stein, Goldman Sachs President and Chief Operating Officer John Woodrow and others.
They believe that Chinese President Xi Jinping has sent a clear signal during this China Development Forum that China will further expand its high -level opening up, which is crucial for foreign enterprises, including those from the United States to invest in China.
The delegates also noted that the US -China relations relations are the most important bilateral relationship in the world, adding that the American business community will continue to strengthen its ties with China, expanding bilateral cooperation in trade, investments, green development, health care and other fields, while participating in China's high quality development process.
The missing comes just after China and the United States concluded their third round of trade talks in Stockholm, Sweden, and Chinese officials say the two sides had in -depth, candid and constructive talks and agreed to extend the suspension on reciprocal tariffs and consular measures.
That was Youyang reporting.
The Chinese economy's maintained growth momentum and shown resilience in the first half of the year.
Many leading financial institutions have revised up their full -year forecast, signaling confidence in the country's economic trajectory.
Zhao Jiaxin has more on the economic thought behind the achievements.
Through reform and innovation, China's economy has been prioritizing quality growth over quantity or rapid expansion.
This development philosophy, put forward by President Xi Jinping a decade ago, features innovative, coordinated, green, open and shared growth.
It has set in motion a profound economic transformation.
The transformation and success of China, I feel, is nothing short of an economic miracle.
The miracle lies in China's strength in growth and vitality, key components of Xignanmix or President Xi's economic thought.
For years, it has been the focus of discussion among Chinese policymakers and scholars.
China's economic growth has achieved remarkable results on the basis of harmony between man and and nature, coordinated regional development, and common prosperity for the people.
China's industrial competitiveness has significantly improved.
It has shifted from being labor -intensive in the past to upgrading industries such as new energy vehicles, solar energy, and integrated circuits, which are driven by technological innovation and led by high -tech and emerging industries.
Analysts say that Xi's economic thoughts start from the principal contradiction facing Chinese society and aims to seek happiness for the people.
It's enriched through trade, diplomacy and people -to -people exchanges, which have produced increasingly far -reaching impacts.
During their exchanges with China, many leaders and officials from developing countries have repeatedly emphasized that the joint promotion of the Belt and Road Initiative has helped them achieve connectivity.
Some landmark projects have not only driven local local economic growth and employment, but also provided effective solutions to poverty reduction and prosperity.
Data shows foreign engagement in China's markets intensify in the first half of 2025, despite rising protectionism, and efforts to open up mean more policies favorable to investment and participation.
That was Joe Jashin reporting.
Well, today we're continuing our 25 -part special series, Resolve and Resilience, the main eastern battlefield of World War II, which revisits China's pivotal battles and heroic stories during the War of Resistance against Japanese aggression.
In today's episode, we revisit the former Chihar province in North China.
Before the full -scale outbreak of the war, a patriotic force consisting of ordinary Chinese citizens emerged in 1933.
They fought fiercely in what's known as the Chihar Resistance War, an early spark of national awakening.
Ding Siwei has more.
Zhang Jiakou, once the capital of Chahar province in northern China, became a catalyst in 1933 for a resistance movement.
This was the Chahar Resistance War.
After the September 18th incident, Japan occupied northeast China and pushed into Rehe He and Chahar.
Feng Yuxiang, Ji Hongchang, Fang Zhenwu and others, discontent with Chiang Ka -shek's non -resistance policy, rallied anti -Japanese forces.
On May 26, 1933, Feng Yuxiang, Fang Zhenwu and Ji Hongchang established the Chahar People's Anti -Japanese Allied Army in Zhangjiakou.
By June 21, the army set out to retake four eastern counties in Chahar.
On the 22nd, they captured Kangbao after three hours of fighting, securing their first victory.
In late June, the Allied Army reclaimed Guiyuan peacefully and captured Baocheng after heavy fighting.
The next target, Duolun, a key strategic town heavily garrisoned by Japanese and puppet troops.
On June 7th, the Allied Army launched its assault.
The Japanese resisted fearlessly from fortified positions backed by air support.
On June 9, Ji Hongchang personally led a dead squad in three direct assaults, but failed to break through.
General Ji led from the front, charging shirtless, with a broadsword in one hand and a pistol in the other, shouting words that inspired his troops to fight to the death.
with heavy casualties mounting the changed tactics sending soldiers disguised as puppet troops into the city at down on june 12th a final assault began after three scowling attempts forces inside and outside the walls coordinated a breakthrough the four counties were fully liberated marking china's first successful recovery of territory since the september 18th incident this monument The monument in Zhangjiakou honors those who fell in the Chagai resistance war.
The tip of the monument leans northeast, symbolising the Allied Army's ultimate mission to reclaim Japan -occupied northeastern China.
Crushed by Kuomintang's suppression and Japanese counterattacks, the Allied Army ultimately fell.
Ji Hongchang returned to Tianjin, continuing to fight.
After retreating to Tianjin, Xi mobilized public support against Japanese aggression, helped form the Chinese People's Anti -Fascist Alliance, co -edited national battle flag with Xuan Xiafu, and organized armed resistance nationwide.
Though lasting mere months, the Chahar -resistant war ignited China's hope for victory and strengthened national unity in the face of invasion.
That was Ding Siwei reporting.
In the next episode, we'll take you back to former Cuiyuan province in north China, where Chinese forces achieved a rare and resounding victory in 1936, crushing a Japanese -backed puppet regime before the full -scale war of resistance began.
Coming up, Canada's announced plans to recognize Palestinian statehood.
United in purpose during World War II, the Chinese military and people stood as one, fearlessly resisting Japanese fascism.
China's unwavering whole -nation effort forged the pivotal Eastern Front.
Through fierce battles, immense sacrifices, heroic endurance, and decisive support to the allies on the European and Pacific battlefields, China has helped secure liberation, the final victory and a lasting legacy for global peace and human progress.
Resolve and Resilience The main eastern battlefield of World War II Only on CGTN That's 16 minutes past the hour.
Canada says it intends to recognize Palestinian statehood following similar announcements by France and the UK.
Prime Minister Mark Carney said his government has based the decision on Palestinian commitments to reforms in general elections next year which would exclude Hamas.
Israel and the U .S. have rejected Carney's statements, saying the change in position harms efforts to achieve a Gaza ceasefire.
Seventeen countries, the European Union and the Arab League, have also called on Hamas to disarm and end its rule of Gaza.
French Foreign Minister Jean -Noël Barreau said France and 14 other countries signed a joint statement at a U .N. conference on Tuesday, calling for recognition of a Palestinian state.
Israel and the U .S. did not attend that conference.
Riyad Mansour is the permanent observer of the state of Palestine to the UN.
He called on the international community to double down in pressuring Israel to end what he called atrocities.
We expected to create enough collective pressure by the international community and Israel to stop this genocide against our people.
This conference is giving the Palestinian people hope that there should be a political horizon that requires the end of this illegal occupation as quickly as possible and allowing the state of Palestine to enjoy its sovereign independence on the land of the state of Palestine.
Israeli Ambassador Danny Danin described the conference as a circus.
Well, it's a circus.
We know that. We now have real negotiations on the framework of a ceasefire.
The last thing we need now is to have this circus and empty declarations.
You know, if you want to be productive, you should help Israel and the U .S. to bring the hostages back and to get rid of Hamas.
That's the first thing you should do before you think about the future in the region.
So I think today no one in Israel will even discuss it.
So anyone in Israel that will consider that will be detached from reality.
First, we have to bring the hostages back.
Second, we have to get rid of Hamas.
And then the time will come to negotiate the future.
Machan has expressed support for the establishment of an independent Palestinian state.
Beijing urged actions to promote just and lasting peace between Israel and Palestine.
Zhai Jun is the special envoy of the Chinese government on the Middle East issue.
Any attempt to forcibly alter Gaza status or seize land in the West Bank will not bring peace, only more unrest. Such actions undermine the prospects of the two -state solution.
China firmly opposes all violations of international law and any efforts to hollow out the two -state solution.
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiekun called for efforts to advance the two -state solution.
two -state solution is the only realistic path to peace.
Over 70 % of the UN member states are planning to recognize the state of Palestine.
Palestine's held non -member observer status at the UN since 2012.
It gained expanded rights such as proposing resolutions and joining committees in 2023 but still lacks voting power.
The two -state solution dates back to 1947 when UN UN Resolution 181 proposed separate Arab and Jewish states.
The UN officially began using the name of Palestine in 1988 after the Palestine Liberation Organization declared statehood.
The ceasefire between Thailand and Cambodia is underway after military commanders from both sides met for talks on Tuesday.
But the effects of the clashes still remain.
Families and friends of the dead are mourning their loved ones.
Desita Saukiao has more from the Thai province of Surin.
The coffins were raised carefully onto the back of a military truck.
Draped in the Thai flag, one carried the body of Sergeant Amarin Phasuk, the other of Master Sergeant First Class Anotai Pongkao, both killed in the final hours before the ceasefire took hold along the Thai -Cambodian border.
Their families stood just metres away, surrounded by soldiers and silence.
I would tell my daughter to have patience, but, honestly, I never wanted my daughter to marry someone in this profession.
But she would say it is OK.
He was such a good man, and everyone loved him.
There were no speeches made, just tears and the somber sound of a trumpet as the military military trucks drove off to send the soldiers back to their homes a long way from the bloody battlefields of the borderlands there are no winners here only those left behind to mourn the men and women who died in uniform and the innocent civilian lives lost while history will debate who fired first the truth is this is what conflict looks like the grief the loss it speaks speaks the same language.
Surin province, once a sleepy border town known more for its silk and elephants than for violence, has become a flashpoint in the latest flare -up of Thai -Cambodian tensions.
The guns may have fallen silent, but the trauma still echoes.
After days of intense clashes, a fragile calm hangs in the air, uneasy but deeply longed for.
The people of Surin don't want this conflict to continue.
When it occurs, the loss and destruction primarily affect the people living along the border.
They suffer most. Negotiations are good, but we will have to see whether the ceasefire will hold.
In a village on the frontline, Panyuwa has returned home for the first time in days.
The past nights have been rough.
Two rockets rockets landed close to her house she evacuated but could still hear the low rumble of artillery the past few days I haven't been able to eat because I've been so stressed the fear gave me migraines but today I felt better after hearing that there have been negotiations last night I could eat and sleep again and so sarin weights not in peace not in war but in something in A space where grief and hope live side by side.
The hope is that this silence will last. That was Dusita Selkow in Thailand.
Coming up, thousands in Shanghai remain under evacuation orders as Typhoon Komei gradually weakens.
Deadlines are looming and the world is watching once again.
This week on The Chat Lounge, we break down the latest China -U .S. tariff negotiation.
despite constructive talks, no deal was reached on extending the 90 -day tariff truce, and the August 12 deadline is fast approaching.
What's holding both sides back?
What are the hidden costs for consumers if tariffs snap back into place?
And could this diplomatic dance set the stage for a summit between the two state leaders later this year?
Get all these whenever you listen to podcasts on CGTN Radio.
We're at 23 minutes past the hour.
Municipal authorities in Beijing say recent rainstorms have killed 44 people as of midday on Thursday and nine others are unaccounted for The victims include 31 at an elderly care center in Mian District, northeast of the city center Recovery efforts are underway Typhoon Komei is gradually weakening as it moves westward to Jiangsu and Anhui provinces in East China But it's forced the evacuation of hundreds of thousands of people in Shanghai.
The city's lifted all rainstorm and typhoon warnings.
But authorities say waves of up to five meters along the coast are still likely to occur.
Ships are urged to take precautions.
Biran has more on how Shanghai is coping with the aftermath.
The typhoon Komei has moved out of Shanghai and into Jiangsu province.
And as of 5 a .m., it was located around Yixing city, Jiangsu.
Meanwhile, according to local authorities, they have left lifted the blue alert of typhoon and also the blue alert of rain storm and yellow alert of thunderstorm.
Meanwhile, the local flood and typhoon control and relief headquarters have said they also lifted the level for emergency response for typhoon and flood control.
In terms of traffic, Shanghai was affected.
There were around 700 flights in and from Shanghai Hongqiao and Pudong airports was cancelled and around 200 were rescheduled.
And Shanghai Railways services also saw some suspensions and rescheduled lines.
And also the Shanghai Metro has also put the speed restrictions on selected lines to make sure passengers safety.
And so far the rain stopped and the wind is still strong, and according to the local forecast, the temperature will climb back to around 35 degrees by mid next week.
That was Bi Ran reporting.
Torrential rains brought by Typhoon Koumei have flooded roads and farmland in Zhoushan and Ningbo in East China.
Koumei, the eighth typhoon of the year, thundered ashore in Zhoushan in the early hours of Wednesday with winds blowing over 80 kilometers per hour at the storm center.
Heavy rains inundated low -lying roads throughout the city with local fire and municipal staff deployed to pump out the water.
Emergency crew members are working to clear flood water and minimize damage caused by the storm, Hu Laqiao is a firefighter.
We are now at the lowest point in this area and flood water from all drainage pipelines is converging here.
There's also a pond in a nearby park and the solution at the moment is to pump flood water to the pond to lower the water level of this area as much as we can.
The flood water is also inundated farmland.
Floods triggered by heavy rainfall have hit many parts of northern China, disrupting transportation, electricity and communication services.
Guo Tianqi visited a village in Hebei Province to find out how the People's Liberation Army and local militia forces collaborated to repair a broken bridge in 40 minutes.
minutes. We were supposed to go further, but the bridge fell off.
After 30 minutes waiting, the PLA has brought the vehicle to repair the bridge, and we, all of us, we need to retreat from this area.
This is the only road leading to the worst heat areas.
sustained heavy rainfall triggered floods, massive mudslides and landslides, which destroyed five bridges.
The original bridge had two piers.
Due to our site requirements, we removed these two piers and placed them directly on the ground to reinforce the bridge.
The reason for placing sandbags is that there is a 70 cm gap between the bridge span and the original broken bridge.
So, we use sandbags to slow down the slope, making it convenient for subsequent vehicles to pass through.
For this task, including the preliminary site reconnaissance, site leveling, and sandbag reinforcement, the total time was approximately 40 minutes.
Among the local Malaysia organizations in Luanping County, there are also professionals such as bridge engineers.
In addition to helping transport materials, they also provide assessment materials for the People's Liberation Army.
We came to speculate the situation of bridges and roads yesterday and this morning, and then reported to the command headquarters.
Ours was the first civilian vehicle to enter the area.
The mechanical equipment is on standby.
As soon as the bridge is open to traffic, they will come immediately.
The houses in the village aren't livable anymore.
more. We walked down and at a broken bridge, we waded across the river holding ropes and the rescuers helped us along.
Due to the long duration of heavy rainfall and the huge area of the disaster -striken region, the biggest challenge for rescue operation teams is currently transportation and the searching for missing people, which is still underway.
That was Guo Tianxi reporting.
reporting we're at 29 past the hour beijing's down to 23 degrees on thursday evening friday's overcast and 31 fei will see heavy rainfall and 23 overnight and that's followed by moderate rain with a high of 28 degrees nancheng's down to 28 then cloudy and 37 chongqing's 30 tonight sunny and 41 on friday elseward asia islamabad's down to 24 degrees followed by a slight rain and 31.
Vientiane's 25 this evening.
Slight rainfall and 33 tomorrow.
Phnom Penh's at 26 overnight, then a slight rain and 35 degrees.
In Africa, Nairobi is getting some rainfall and 24 degrees Celsius on Friday.
It's time for a short break.
So far this hour, Chinese officials say global economic and trade frictions remain at a high level.
Canada says it'll join countries like France and the UK in formally recognizing Palestinian statehood.
Typhoon Komei is gradually weakening but thousands of people in shanghai remain under evacuation orders shane bigam with you stay with us here on the beijing hour shh listen up can you hear the heartbeat of our world it's vibrant and pulsating with the essence the essence of life itself.
From the stem of trees, to the gurgle of rivers, from the silent strength of mountains, to the icy whispers of glaciers, even the solid ground beneath our feet, and right there, in the midst of all, beats the heart of humanity.
What if those other heartbeats were to stop?
Would ours keep on ticking?
Ever wondered what's actually going on in Africa through the perspective of an African?
How are things really going between China and Africa?
What's the narrative of this relationship?
Well get a perspective with China Africa Talk.
Hear from African diplomats, entrepreneurs, academics, Chinese natives, and more.
Get on our wavelength every week to find out what's real with China -Africa Talk.
Find us on your favorite podcast. We'll see you there.
Examining the events that impact and shape China and the rest of the world.
This is the Beijing Hour, one hour of news and information brought to you every weekday.
Now here's your host...
Shane Biggum with you on this Thursday.
day still to come. In business, China's new growth drivers expanded steadily in 2024.
In sports, China continues to add to its metal tally at the World Aquatics Championships.
In culture and entertainment, the World Youth Conference for Peace at Peking University.
To contact us you can email radio at cgtn .com or follow our ex account at cgtnradio.
Now checking the day's headlines.
The China Council for the Promotion of International Trade says the country is showing positive signs as trade tensions with the U .S. ease.
The council said the value of trade friction measures targeting China from 19 countries and regions dropped by nearly 58 percent in May.
The drop is largely thanks to a joint statement released after the China -U .S. economic and trade talks in Geneva in May, which helped to boost global market confidence.
Spokesperson Wang Linjie says business communities on both sides are stepping up engagement following a new round of trade talks in Stockholm this week.
The business communities of both countries have long formed a mutual beneficial community of shared interests.
They are firm supporters of a stable, healthy and sustainable bilateral relationship.
According to a recent U .S. CBC report, 82 % of surveyed U .S. companies said they were profitable in China in 2024.
The Council said it's issued nearly 3 .9 million commercial certificates, up about 13 % from a year ago.
It reflects the resilience and adaptability of China's export -driven companies.
China's cyberspace regulator summoned NVIDIA over alleged security risks concerning its H20 AI chip sold to China.
The Cyberspace Administration of China asked the company to provide explanations and proof.
The regulator said the move aims to protect Chinese users' cyberspace and data security.
Some U .S. lawmakers recently called for advanced chips exported abroad to be equipped with tracking and positioning functions.
U .S. artificial intelligence experts disclosed that technology on tracking and positioning and remote shutdown of NVIDIA chips has matured.
Myanmar's formed a new union government and a State Security and Peace Commission.
After the country's military rulers ended the four -and -a -half -year state of emergency, the National Defense and Security Council says the government will be led by Yu Niu Sa, and security will fall under Senior General Min Aung Hlaing.
Min has been the de facto ruler since the military took control in 2021.
A change in emergency status and government organization comes alongside the announcement of December elections as an off -ramp to the persistent violence in the country.
A South Korean court has issued a warrant to arrest former president Yoon Suk -yool to forcibly bring him in for questioning over allegations of election meddling.
A team led by special counsel Min Joon -ki requested the warrant after Yoon defied two summons to appear for questioning.
Min's team's investigating allegations at the ousted leader and his wife meddled in the 2022 parliamentary by -elections.
Authorities also suspect Yoon of making false statements during the 2021 presidential primaries about his wife's alleged involvement in a stock price manipulation that constitutes an election law violation.
U .S. President Donald Trump's announced that Washington's reached a full and complete trade deal with South Korea, setting 15 % tariffs on its exports.
Trump says South Korea has agreed to invest US $350 billion in projects owned and controlled by the United States.
Kim Yong -bum is the South Korean presidential chief of staff for policy.
The reciprocal tariff the U .S. is to impose on South Korean goods from August 1st is lowered at 15 % from the 25 % that is early announced.
We have had a U .S. tariff on autos, our main export item, lowered at 15 % as well.
What's most noteworthy in this agreement is that we agreed with the U .S. to expand cooperation in the field of shipbuilding.
The 150 billion U .S. dollar Korea -U .S. cooperation fund would cover all major parts of the shipbuilding industry.
The U .S. president also said South Korea will purchase $100 billion of liquefied natural gas or other energy products from the United States.
The announcement came shortly after Trump stressed that he'd not extend the August 1st deadline for imposing reciprocal tariffs on countries that failed to reach trade deals with his administration.
In early July, Trump extended the deadline to August 1st, following a 90 -day pause on higher tariff rates.
just two days before the original July 9th expiration date.
He sent letters to more than two dozen world leaders outlining country -specific tariffs set to take effect unless targeted nations reach a trade deal with the United States.
You're listening to The Beijing Hour.
Coming up in business, China's new growth drivers expanded steadily in 2024.
The Beijing Hour, your window on China and the rest of the world.
37 past the hour. where stocks on the Chinese mainland closed lower on Thursday.
Aaron Leo has more.
The Shanghai Composite Index closed at 3 ,573, down around 1 .18%.
While the Shenzhen Component Index ended at 11 ,009, down about 1 .73%.
In terms of sectors, AI computing power -related stocks collectively strengthened.
Liquid -cooled server stocks led the gains, with multiple stocks such as Guangdong Suchin New Material and Avocool Technology hitting the upper limit.
Pharmaceutical stocks were also active collectively with a human, Yuqian Pharmaceutical hitting the upper limit during the trade hours.
So the steel sector experienced a fourth pullback with Inner Mongolia Baotou Steel Union registering a significant decline.
That was Aaron Leo.
Elsewhere in China, the Hong Kong stock market closed lower with the Hang Seng index down more than 1 .6 % In Japan, the Nikkei jumped 1 % China's new growth drivers continued to expand steadily in 2024 According to the National Bureau of Statistics value -added output from emerging sectors including new industries, business formats and models rose 6 .7 % Their GDP share increased to over 18%, up 0 .4 points from 2023.
High -tech sectors also maintained strong momentum in the first half of the year, with value -added output in high -tech manufacturing climbing 9 .5%, 3 .1 points above overall industrial growth.
China's Purchasing Managers Index for Manufacturing fell 0 .4 points in July at 49 .3, reflecting softer market demand.
Despite the dip, several sub -indexes pointed to resilience.
The PMI for high -tech manufacturing stood at 50 .6 and equipment manufacturing at 50 .3, both above the 50 mark that separates growth from contraction.
He Hui is the vice president of the China Federation of Logistics and Purchasing.
Due to the short -term factors, PMI for manufacturing sector declined to a certain extent, but the production remained in the expansion zone.
The equipment manufacturing industry and high -end manufacturing industry represent new growth -driven industries, and their production and new order indexes remained in the expansion range, reflecting that the foundation of our high -quality economic growth is relatively stable.
Business sentiment also improved, with the expectation index rising to 52 .6 from June's 52 even.
Optimism was particularly strong in the auto, railway and electrical equipment sectors, all posting readings above 55.
Meanwhile, China's non -manufacturing PMI edged down to 50 .1 in July, down from 50 .5 in June, but remained in expansion territory, driven by a strong summer consumption in retail, tourism and entertainment.
data from the finance ministry shows that in the first half of the year china's local governments issued over 2 .6 trillion yuan roughly 365 billion u .s dollars in new bonds of that total general purpose bonds accounted for around 450 billion yuan well special purpose bonds exceeded 2 .1 trillion from january to june local government bonds averaged or carried on average uh terms of roughly 16 years and an average interest rate of 1 .9%.
By the end of June, China's outstanding local government debt had reached nearly 52 trillion yuan.
To support sustained economic and social development, China's pledged a more proactive fiscal policy this year.
According to the government work report, the country plans to issue 4 .4 trillion yuan in special purpose local bonds in 2025, an increase of 500 billion yuan from last year.
And for more on China's local government debt issue, Zheng Junfeng spoke with Liu Zhiqin, senior fellow at the Chongyun Institute for Financial Studies, Renmin University of China.
What specific measures will be implemented to strengthen local government debt containment?
I think in any country, the most important thing is based on two points to contain local government debt.
The first point is the size of the debt, the second is the quality of the debt because the size and the quality of the debt are very sensitive to the quality of the economic development.
So at the moment we see that the local government debt, the sizing is still under control so it's not so heavy or so big as people are worried because now the local government has has already paid great attention to control these sites not to be developed without limitation.
And the second is the quality of the debt.
The quality is always with or identified as two points, the bad debt or the good debt.
Bad debt, that means that this debt can be a non -performing loan that the market reacted very negatively and could not be repaid or paid back.
So this is what we call a back -debt.
Good back -debt always means that this back -debt is used to promote projects related to the people's lives or infrastructures, for instance.
All these debts have very good market value, so they can be insured to get this debt return.
And also from this debt, they can make more profits to produce other opportunities for new development, to promote new job creation and also economic development momentum driven by the good debts.
So in this way, we can see that more measures will be taken that this size of the debt and the quantity of the debt, the monetary system will be strengthened.
That was Liu Zhiqin, Senior Fellow at the Chongyang Institute for Financial Studies at Renmin University of China.
China's gaming market reached a record 168 billion yuan, approximately 23 .5 billion US dollars in actual sales revenue during the first half of 2025, an increase of over 14%.
According to the China International Digital Entertainment Industry conference in Shanghai.
The number of Chinese gamers rose to nearly 679 million while sales of Chinese developed games and overseas markets topped 9 .5 billion US dollars also achieving double -digit growth.
The major overseas markets for Chinese games are the United States which accounts for 32 percent followed by Japan and South Korea.
China is the world's largest gaming market with domestic sales revenue surpassing $325 billion in 2024.
The U .S. central bank has kept interest rates unchanged again despite pressure from President Donald Trump to lower borrowing costs.
Nick Harper reports.
Another meeting and another decision that flies in the face of presidential pressure.
For the fifth meeting running, the Federal Reserve voted to keep rates steady.
Weighing on that decision was the uncertainty of what effect the president's tariffs will have on the U .S. economy.
In support of our goals, today the Federal Open Market Committee decided to leave our policy interest rate unchanged.
We believe that the current stance of monetary policy leaves us well positioned to respond in a timely way to potential economic developments.
But there was dissent.
Two Fed governors disagreed with the decision to keep rates unchanged.
It's the first time in more than 30 years that multiple officials have voted no. The Fed's decision came on the same day President Donald Trump again demanded rate cuts.
He wrote on social media that, too late, his nickname for Powell must now lower the rate to help Americans buy and refinance their homes.
Then, just ahead of the Fed announcement, he again criticized the Fed chair.
He's done a bad job.
Now, he's got a meeting today, but I call him too late.
You know, he's always too late.
Even if he does it today, probably won't.
I hear they're going to do it in September, not today.
For what reason, nobody knows.
The latest GDP data, also out Wednesday, showed the U .S. economy grew 3 percent in the April to June period after contracting in the first three months of the year.
However, the better than expected rebound was largely due to companies importing heavily earlier in the year to get ahead of the president's tariffs.
Last week, the president toured the Federal Reserve Building in Washington, D .C., sparring with Powell over the cost of the ongoing renovations.
The U .S. Central Bank cut rates three times last year by a total of one percentage point, but has kept rates unchanged since Donald Trump returned to the White House in January.
That was Nick Harper reporting.
Coming up in sports, China continues to add to its medal tally at the World Aquatics Championships.
McLaren is rewriting Formula 1 history with dominant wins and stunning 1 -2 finishes.
But can Oscar Piastri and Lando Nari's teamwork last as the title fight heats up?
And what about Max Verstappen?
Trailing badly in Red Bull Will he jump ship?
Rumours are swirling Can anyone catch McLaren after the summer break?
Get the full track analysis and the fiery debate on this week's Sideline Story Subscribe now wherever you get your podcasts 47 past the hour And with sports now, here's Yang Guang Thank you Shane China has added two silver and two bronze medals to its tally at the World Aquatics Championships in Singapore In the mixed 4x100m medley relay, Xu Jiayu, Qin Haiyang, Zhang Yufei and Wu Qingfeng took silver with a time of 3 minutes 39 .99 seconds.
Gold went to neutral athlete B who set a championship record, while Canada claimed the bronze.
The U .S. didn't qualify for the final.
China's Li Bingjie also earned silver in the women's 200m freestyle, finishing in 1 minute 54 .52 seconds.
It is her second silver of the meet following the 400m freestyle.
She will next compete in the 800m.
Chin Haiyan added a bronze in the man's 50m breaststroke, while Italy's Simone Sarasolo took gold.
Meanwhile, Pan Zhanle missed out on the man's 100m freestyle final despite a strong showing in the semis.
He placed 10th overall after faster times in the second heat.
Also at the tournament, Francis -Leon Marchand made history by shattering the world records in the men's 200m individual medley.
Marchand clocked 1 minute 52 .96 seconds in the semi -finals, breaking the previous mark of 1 minute 54 seconds set by American Ryan Lochte back in 2011.
The 22 -year -old French swimmer who won four gold medals at last year's Paris Olympics said the record felt like more than just the time.
Yes, for me it's a victory, especially that it's not a record that's matched.
It's more than a second.
I find it hard to believe 1 minute and 52 seconds for a 200 meters medal, but I'm so happy I achieved this!
Mark Zhang credited power training and technical improvements, saying he felt very light in the water and knew early in the race it was going to be fast. past. Despite a recent injury, he has remained consistent in training and said this world record has been on his mind for the past three years.
Snooker world champion Zhao Xintong has made a spectacular return to the tour at Shanghai Masters, defeating Chris Wakelin 6 -2.
Despite typhoon and tsunami warnings in Shanghai, nearly 2 ,000 fans packed the arena eager to witness Zhao's first match since becoming China's first crucible champion in May.
Wei Kling opened strong, but Zhao quickly capitalized on missed opportunities, taking the first two frames decisively.
Dwayne secured his place in the quarterfinals and set the stage for an exhilarating clash with Chinese snooker icon Ding Junhui.
I know everyone is looking forward to the showdown between Deng and me.
I believe that as long as I can perform to my level and deliver an exciting match for the fans, that will be more than enough.
In another round of 16 contest, China's Xiao Guodong came from 2 -0 down to defeat four -time world champion John Higgins, 6 -4.
China is out of the 2025 FIVB Men's Volleyball Nations League after losing 3 -1 to Brazil in the quarterfinals on Wednesday.
Playing on home soil, China took the first set 31 -29, but Brazil bounced back to win the next three.
Brazil's Alon Sousa led all scorers with 26 points, while Wenzihua led China with 15.
Despite the loss, China's head coach said he was proud of the team's fight and progress, noting the players gave everything.
China now turns its attention to the World Championship in the Philippines starting September 12.
Bayern Munich have secured the signing of Colombian forward Luis Diaz from Liverpool in a deal worth £65m.
million. The Bundesliga champions finally met Liverpool's valuation after renewed negotiations on Sunday.
The Premier League champions granted permission for Diaz to leave for Germany and on Monday, the 29 -year -old departed Tokyo where the Reds were preparing for Wednesday's match against the Oklahoma Mariners.
I'm very pleased, very happy to be a part of this great team and this institution i will try to give my best like i do always and as i have always done before and try to help the team with my football and my personality the colombian winger had been seeking a transfer since last summer after failing to agree on a contract extension beyond his remaining two years forcing liverpool to sanction his exits and finally police have have arrested former NBA star Hubert Arenas on suspicion of hosting illegal high -stakes poker games at his Los Angeles mansion, five others also in custody, including a suspected
member of an Israeli organized crime group.
Federal prosecutors say all six defendants are charged with operating an illegal gambling business.
If convicted, defendants would face maximum sentence of 10 years in prison.
All right, thank you very much. That's yuang guang with sports just ahead in culture and entertainment the world youth conference for peace at peeking university you're listening to the beijing hour 60 minutes of comprehensive news your window on china and the world 53 minutes past the hour now in culture and entertainment and at peeking university Three thousand young delegates from over 130 countries gathered for the World Youth Conference for Peace, launching a united call for harmony and global understanding.
Caroline Wu spoke to conference participants about their insights on the event.
As Together for Peace takes center stage, the much anticipated World Youth Peace Initiative is set to be unveiled, soon to be delivered to the United Nations.
After the opening remarks, the conference unfolds with a rich tapestry of activities and performances, aiming to plant the seeds of peace in the hearts of the youth.
We were performing about multiple songs to bring together all the cultures together for peace.
Two songs and a Hakka, mixed into one.
The first was Tehoku Fitu A Tu, written after the World War II, four soldiers returning home.
The second song was Toya Mai, written to encourage peace and happiness between everybody.
We all represent each region of the world, and we have the same goal, and that's why we're here.
These culturally infused performances not only entertain, but also serve as a powerful medium medium to convey the message of peace, bridging the gaps between different cultures.
It's very important to understand that most humans, they just want to have peace.
When the conference started there was a beautiful song from John Lennon and it's about a world without borders, a world without religion and I think the message of this song is that there's only one human race, there's no difference between the different human races.
And actually, what would be the best is if everybody would just love each other.
And as Confucius once said, do unto others as you would like them to do unto you.
And if everyone does that, the world would be such an amazing place.
By recognizing the commonalities among different cultures, the young delegates are taking an important step towards building a more harmonious and peaceful world.
So I think having the opportunity to learn about loads of different cultures through performances and art creates understanding and I think the real problem and why we have a lack of piece today is the lack of understanding which leads to a lack of patience so through understanding and learning about different cultures and promoting mutual understanding we can truly strive for peace together from the launch of the world youth peace initiative to cultural exchanges that transcend waters this conference proves that peace can thrive when young people unite that was Caroline Line Wu in Beijing.
Chinese micro -dramas are gaining a global fan base.
Data from analytics firm Sensor Tower shows that short drama apps had more than 370 million global downloads in the first quarter.
Accumulated downloads reached nearly 950 million by March, led by platforms such as RealShort and Dramabox.
The quick -paced stories explore universal themes that resonate with people across a broad range of cultures.
Production's also gone global, with creators becoming increasingly aware of a global audience.
Some shows feature foreign actors, incorporate different languages, and are set in diverse international locations.
Global Success has opened new opportunities for international talent, including some with Hollywood experience.
A Chinese producer says it provides actors with new opportunities and promotes Chinese stories.
A popular interactive game is back at the National Museum of Classic Books this month.
Ancient Book Restore, 100 Cities Book, lets visitors play as Ancient Book Restore, solving puzzles and decoding classic texts.
Created by Chinese tech firm Puzzle Master, the game has already attracted over 59 ,000 views on lifestyle app Xiaohongshu.
Founder Da Ying says that she was inspired during a trip to the Louvre where she saw kids learning through art.
And since 2019, the company's launched over 60 museum games aimed at visitors in their 20s and 30s.
57 past the hour. Checking the forecast before we go for the day.
Beijing's down to 23 degrees on Thursday evening.
Friday will be overcast, the high is 31.
Hefei will see heavy rainfall and 23 tonight followed by moderate rain and 28 degrees Celsius.
Nan Cheng is down to 28, then cloudy in 37, Chongqing's 30 overnight, then sunny and 41 degrees.
Elsewhere in Asia, Islamabad's down to 24, a slight rainfall and 31 degrees on Friday.
Vientiane's at 25 this evening, then a slight rain and 33 degrees.
And that's it for this edition of the Beijing Hour.
Making news today, Chinese officials say global economic and trade frictions remain at a high level.
and Canada says it'll join countries like France and the UK in formally recognizing Palestinian statehood.
On behalf of the staff, this is Shane Bigham in the Chinese capital, hoping you'll join us for the next edition of The Beijing Hour, and open a window to the world together.
Find The Beijing Hour at precisely 6 p .m. Beijing time.
We meet you on podcast and on air every weekday.
The Beijing Hour, your window on China and the rest of the world.
He can't live without the Yellow River in his eyes.
The Yellow River is so noble and elegant.
Both my grandpa and dad made the living from the river.
Would you like to move away from the Yellow River?
I don't think I would.
I love it so much. The Yellow River, the second longest river in China, is regarded as a shaping force in the history, economy and culture of northern China.
Today, about 100 million people live within its water basin, making up nearly 9 % of the country's population.
How is climate change felt at its headwaters, and what are the locals doing to cope with it?
What are the descendants of the boatmen doing?
What has kept some people from leaving their home village by the river and what has drawn others back?
Could the fading fishing community revive in a time of digital transformation?
information. From 2021 to 2024, our reporters visited the upper, middle and lower reaches of the Yellow River, talked to the herders, farmers, boatmen, fishermen and eco -activists who share a close bond with the river and present their stories in pictures, podcasts and videos, all in our 12 -part series, The Yellow River Mosaic, available only on CGTN Radio.
Thanks for watching!
