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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 Bigham with you on this Tuesday, September 16th, 2025.
You're listening to the Beijing Hour, coming to you live from the Chinese capital.
On today's program.
Chinese officials say the recent trade talks with the US were candid and in-depth, including a framework consensus on the popular TikTok app.
China's achieved historic breakthroughs in its grain harvest during the 14th five-year plan period that concludes at the end of December.
The U.N.
Commission says Israel has committed genocide in Gaza, holding top Israeli officials responsible for atrocities.
In business, China's improved rural infrastructure.
In sports, another new pole vault world record at the World Athletics Championships.
In culture and entertainment, an exhibition on the evolution of Chinese freehand painting.
Now check in the day's top stories.
China says it held candid, in-depth and constructive talks with the United States over trade and economic issues.
Discussions in Madrid highlighted the future of TikTok.
Beijing says it's reached a framework consensus with Washington on resolving issues concerning the app.
They also agreed on reducing investment barriers and promoting economic and trade cooperation.
Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng reaffirmed China's determination to safeguard its legitimate rights and interests.
He said the essence of China-US economic and trade relations is mutual benefit and win-win results.
Both sides said a stable economic and trade relationship is significant.
They vowed to jointly safeguard their hard-won achievements.
They also pledged to promote the healthy, stable and sustainable development of economic and trade relations.
International Trade Representative Li Chenggang stressed China's determination in protecting the legitimate interests of Chinese companies.
China has always been against the politicization, instrumentalization and weaponization of technology, trade and economic issues and will never seek any agreement at the expense of principles, the interests of the companies and international fairness and justice.
The Chinese side, or the China, firmly safeguards national interests as well as the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese companies and carries out export approval of technologies according to laws and regulations.
At the same time, the Chinese government fully respects businesses' will and support their equal-footed business negotiations based on the principles of the market.
Deputy Director Wang Jingtao of the China Cyberspace Administration revealed more details on the TikTok issue.
Through TikTok, the US user data and content security business.
The TikTok issue was resolved through methods such as the entrusted operation of TikTok's US user data and security, as well as the license for use of the algorithm and other property rights.
Wang added that the Chinese government will examine and approve matters involving TikTok, such as technology exports and intellectual property licenses, in accordance with laws and regulations.
During the talks, China raised concerns about what it calls unilateral bullying by Washington.
China criticized the US for overstretching the concept of national security and expanding the list of sanctions against Chinese entities.
China urged the U.S. to correct its mistakes and lift these restrictions as soon as possible.
Let's look at the US push to ban TikTok, which has taken several dramatic turns.
It began in April 2024, when President Joe Biden signed a bill giving TikTok 270 days to sell or face a ban.
That set the original deadline for January 19th of this year.
On his first day in office, January 20th, President Trump extended the deadline by 75 days, moving it to early April.
Just one day before that was set to expire, Trump granted another 75-day extension, pushing the deadline to June 19th.
Again, just two days before the deadline, Trump added another 90 days.
That moved the final sell-by date to Wednesday, September 17th.
According to a new Pew Research survey, public support for a ban has fallen to just 34, down from 50 back in 2023.
TikTok says it now has 170 million American users and over 5 million businesses on the platform, most of them small and local.
And for more on China-US trade talks.
Zheng Tao earlier spoke with senior fellow Einer Tengen at the Center for International Government Innovation.
TikTok was among the highlights of the trade talk.
What implications could this have for the future of China-U.S. economic relations?
Well, it's a very strange idea that you're defining national interests, international interests, between two major trading partners and two of the biggest economies in terms of a, in essence, private deal.
This has been going on since 2019.
There was an initial fine of $5.7 million by the FTC.
Because they said there was a violation of laws 2020 presidents.
Trump said, look, TikTok has to divest.
Biden in 2021 reversed it.
And then, you know, you go forward to today.
He was supposed to be divested and Trump keeps extending it by 90 days.
Now we're coming up to another point, a few days away from one of the deadlines, and they say that there is a deal.
But it's a very complex deal, because it's not a publicly traded company, so you can't have shares.
It's actually TikTok is a subsidiary of ByteDance and ByteDance is 60 owned by international organizations which are very close to the United States, for instance BlackRock, General Electric, Susquehanna International Group.
So they're the controlling interest.
The founders only have 20, and then the rest of it is split up among thousands of employees, including about 7000 in the US.
So you know, at issue is this the algorithms which Donald Trump seems to think helped him win his election.
And that's why most people think he's focusing on this, which is just, as I said, a private deal.
Why would this define U.S.-China trade relations?
Right.
The trade talks, however, send a positive signal.
Both sides stressed a mutual benefit and a stable trade relationship.
Meanwhile, in the broader context of China-US ties, since many would view the two sides as opponents, how likely is it that these commitments will translate into real actions?
Well, it We'll have to wait and see.
Remember, there was controversy involving the TPP, Trans-Pacific Partnership.
Donald Trump pulled out of that during his first term.
He said he negotiated the most beautiful, best deal in all of history. with both Canada and Mexico.
Then, when he was reelected after four years, he in essence tore that agreement up and modified it and said that these people, that Canada and Mexico, are cheating the United States.
So there is some concern about how you structure or deal with Donald Trump.
And I think it comes down to transactionalism.
And what I mean by that is that it's literally you give something, he gives something back.
If you break the deal, then there's nothing more on the table.
Everyone just goes back to square one.
So I think China is being very wary of his past history and making sure that they can be the adult in the room.
Try to calm things down but at the same time, not give too much away and assume that you know Donald Trump won't be back the next day with some new proposal.
I was Einar Otengan at the Center for International Government Innovation.
Coming up, China's breakthroughs in grain output over the past five years.
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Nine minutes past the hour.
China's grain outputs achieved a historic breakthrough since the start of the 14th five-year plan period running from 2021 through this year.
The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs says total grain production surpassed 700 billion kilograms last year, increasing by 37 billion compared with 2020.
Minister Han Jun says China has ensured food security.
China's per capita grain availability has reached 500 kilograms.
With that we have achieved basic self-sufficiency in cereals and absolute security in staple food, with food security fully guaranteed.
The mechanization rate of crop cultivation and harvesting nationwide has exceeded 75%.
Rural per capita disposable income rose to more than 23000 yuan, or over 3200 in 2024, steadily narrowing the urban-rural income gap.
Xinjiang has long been a paradise for fruit lovers.
The dry climate and abundant sunshine in the northwestern region creates fruits that are exceptionally sweet, juicy and full of flavor.
Ama Jing has traveled to Turpan, Xinjiang's most famous grape-growing region, to see how the grapes are shaping local industry and culture.
The city produces over 16 million tons of grapes each year, nearly half of Xinjiang's total and around 10 of China's.
It's also known worldwide as a grape gene bank, home to more than 550 varieties.
And she joins us live now.
So Ma Jing, what role do grapes play in Xinjiang's culture?
Grapes are Turpan's pride and joy.
Whenever I ask locals what specialty I should take home, the answer was always grapes.
One of the most popular touristy spots here is actually called Grape Valley.
It's a 26 square kilometer area where visitors can not only shop for fresh grapes and various, many other grape products, but they can also immerse themselves in the local Uyghur way of life.
Tourists can explore the vineyards here, learn about grape cultivation and even pick their own grapes.
There's also homestays and entertainment facilities for tourists.
I met several tour groups who told me Grape Valley is actually their only stop in Turpan.
You can feel how the local community is leveraging the grape culture to boost tourism and share their heritage.
Well, are entrepreneurs building brands around their grapes?
Absolutely.
We visited a grape processing enterprise here.
It's called Turpan Silk Road Pro Agricultural Biotechnology.
The Sun Dry is grapes taking full advantage of Turpan's ideal climate and supplies distributors across the country.
This natural drying method isn't just traditional.
It's actually more cost-effective and environmentally friendly compared to machine drying.
To them.
But what's really impressive is their use of technology.
I saw a sorting machine using AI technology that automatically puts the grapes into different groups based on the quality and specific customer's requirements.
This ensures only the best products make it to market.
Back to you, Shane.
Thank you very much.
That was Ma Jing on the grape industry in Xinjiang.
And as China works toward its ambitious carbon goals, it's tapping the vast deserts of its northwestern frontiers.
In Xinjiang.
Those windswept plains and sun-drenched landscapes are turning the region into one of the nation's leading clean energy hubs.
Lincoln Humphreys takes us inside of a landmark project at the heart of that transformation.
This region, deep in the Taklamakan Desert, Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region, averages 314 days of sunshine per year, the perfect place for large-scale solar power production.
Even from this high vantage point, it's difficult to get a full appreciation of the sheer scale of this facility almost solar panels as far as the eye can see.
It's 493 hectares worth of space that equates to about 700 official soccer fields worth.
But most importantly, it's 430,000 people's energy needs for one year.
This also includes the added benefits of bringing so much sought after shade to one of the most sun-soaked parts of China.
Compared to traditional methods, this approach has two key benefits.
First, the panel infrastructure stabilizes the soil and prevents erosion.
Second water runoff from the panels irrigates the ground below, supporting sustainable plant growth.
This project energizes the local economy with sustainable power and employment.
I started working here two years ago, right after I graduated.
The pay is quite good for the area, and I've already been able to buy an apartment in Aksu in a car.
Now I'm getting ready to get married.
In 2024, Xinjiang's new energy generation jumped by more than 30 to 116 billion kilowatt hours, making up over 80 of the region's total power growth.
Solar output rose almost 66% and wind power by over 17%.
With China targeting carbon peak by 2030 and neutrality by 2060.
Xinjiang's vast solar and wind resources position it as a clean energy hub and critical transmission corridor.
By year end, Xinjiang sent out more than 860 billion kilowatt hours of electricity, cutting coal use by 260 million tonnes and reducing CO2 emissions by more than 700 million tonnes.
Even in this high sunshine environment, solar panels have a bit of a weakness.
They're intermittency.
They can't generate power at night or when it's extremely cloudy.
That's when this facility comes in.
That noise you can hear is charging.
And this massive battery array has the capacity to power 300,000 homes every day.
This model has been a huge boost for Wuxi County's economy, and it has the potential to work in other places too.
Of course, it's not a simple copy and paste.
You have to adapt it to the local economy and the level of government support available.
Shining a light on a relatively undeveloped region's vast economic potential.
This facility is a beacon for investment.
The changes to local infrastructure and upstream and downstream oil, This project creates a great ripple effect.
On one hand, we're attracting the companies that actually make the solar panels and equipment to set up factories right here.
Then, on the other hand, having a growing, reliable supply of clean energy makes the entire region more attractive for other businesses to come and invest.
The ancient Silk Road transforming into a modern pathway to prosperity.
A Belt and Road Initiative gateway, proving that the future of energy is not just clean and green, but also a powerful engine for growth and change.
That was Lincoln Humphreys exploring a part of China's largest desert that's been turned into a green energy powerhouse.
The 2025 Legislators Forum for Friendly Exchanges has concluded in Xinjiang.
The event brought together 63 legislators from more than 50 countries and international organizations, along with Chinese provincial-level congressional leaders and deputies.
At the forum, Leo Mohan spoke with Eden Jirlik, vice president of Serbia's National Assembly.
He praised Xinjiang's role as a vital bridge in the Belt and Road Initiative connecting Serbia and China.
He also shared his impressions from visits to local factories and enterprises.
Over the past couple of days, we have visited beautiful places in Xinjiang.
So I want to ask you, what is your impression of Xinjiang so far?
I was truly surprised by the high level of development in Xinjiang.
And the special impression was visiting your companies here.
We were visiting some company who is producing gloves.
The high quality gloves for construction workers.
And also we visited a company who is making lavender-based products.
So I was impressed by all of them, by their dedication, professionalism and technology they use, which was something I have never seen before.
And, of course, at the same moment, I saw many minorities, many ethnic groups, many ethnic communities living together and respecting each other and being included in political and social life.
Xinjiang is a very important crossroads of Belt and Road Initiative.
It's already becoming a new hub of connection between East and West, which provides many opportunities for trade, for transport, logistics and investment.
And for Serbia, which is in the heart of Balkans and Europe, Xinjiang can be a new bridge to China, talking more about the future, where our nations grow together and support one another, which is, I think, very important, especially now in this war.
That was Eden Czerlek, the vice president of Serbia's National Assembly.
Coming up, UN officials say Israel has committed genocide in Gaza.
Decades on, Xinjiang has completely transformed.
It's the last place you'd expect to find an ocean harvest, and yet, it's happening.
Technology is redefining cultivation.
I never imagined such breathtaking lavender fields transform the very structure of the soil beneath our feet.
It's difficult to get a full appreciation of the sheer scale of this facility almost solar panels as far as the eye can see.
Xinjiang isn't just a region where cultures meet, it's where they mix, evolve and come alive.
Modernization has also given this land a canvas for the future.
And I'm really looking forward to finding out why.
20 minutes past the hour.
A UN commission of inquiries concluded that Israel is committing genocide in Gaza, accusing Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and other top officials of inciting atrocities.
The 72-page report cites mass killings, aid blockages, forced displacement and the destruction of a fertility clinic as evidence.
It found Israel committed four of the five acts defined as genocide under international law, including killing, causing serious harm, creating conditions to destroy the Palestinian population and preventing births.
Commission Chair Navi Pillay, a former ICC judge, said Israeli leaders have orchestrated a genocidal campaign for almost two years. adding that rhetoric from Netanyahu and others showed direct evidence of genocidal intent.
She compared the situation to the Rwandan genocide in the 1990s.
Israel rejected the findings as scandalous and fake.
The country is already fighting a genocide case at the International Court of Justice, insisting it's exercising self-defense after Hamas's October 7 2023 attack that killed more than 1000 people.
The Gaza Health Ministry says more than 64000 people have died since the war started, with parts of the enclave suffering famine.
Israeli Defense Minister, Israel Katz, has said Gaza is burning after heavy strikes and bombardment targeting the area.
Last month, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ordered the military to capture the enclave's largest urban center.
Israeli forces have been operating on the outskirts of Gaza City for the past few weeks.
Jonathan Regev has more on Israel's latest strikes.
We do have plenty though, of unofficial statements from army officials that are saying that yes, the operation has begun and is only meant to intensify.
How much will it intensify?
Maybe we can understand from the fact that the plan is to recruit another 130000 reservists next week.
Probably the end of next week, as the beginning of next week will mark the Jewish New Year.
Right after that, at the end of that week, 130000 reservists are set to join the 60000 which were already called.
Meaning that by the end of next week we will be speaking, if the plans go ahead, of some 200000 reservists.
And the plan is basically to carry on with the strike.
Israel believes, estimates that there are some 3,000 or so Hamas militants well entrenched in the tunnels in Gaza waiting for the army.
And we've seen that Hamas has the ability, has the potential and has the means to carry out guerrilla warfare against the incoming forces.
The Israeli reaction has been a complete and utter denial of these facts, expressed in a statement put out this morning by Foreign Affairs Minister Gideon Saar, who said that this report is completely biased, completely wrong.
And judging by the statement that we've just heard, the United Nations probe calls on the guilty people being Prime Minister Netanyahu and also The former defense minister, Yoav Galant and the president, Isaac Herzog.
Israeli officials are asking how is the president involved in any kind?
What kind of a report is this?
The president in Israel is a ceremonial figure who has basically nothing to touch with policy.
And regarding Yoav Galant, he was the minister of defense up until a year ago.
This is not a serious report if you're speaking of a ceremonial figure and of someone who was defense minister up until a year ago.
This is far from being a serious report.
Claiming Israeli officials completely biased and has nothing to do with reality.
In reality, Israel is constantly pouring aid into the southern Gaza Strip.
All the allegations of genocide are completely wrong and utter denial as far as Israel is concerned.
And that was Jonathan Regev reporting.
Leaders of Arab and Islamic states have warned that Israel's attack on Qatar could threaten efforts to normalize ties in the region.
They issued a joint statement after an emergency summit in Doha condemning the hostile acts against Qatar and what they describe as genocide and ethnic cleansing in Gaza.
The leaders say the prospects for peace and coexistence are at risk.
Adele Almarouki reports from Doha.
Leaders from 57 Arab and Muslim nations gathered in Doha to express their solidarity with Qatar.
They called on member states of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation to reconsider their diplomatic and economic ties with Israel.
Meanwhile, the Gulf Cooperation Council called for activating its joint defense mechanisms to deter Israel from further attacks.
The leaders confirmed that GCC security is undivided.
Any attack on a member state is an attack on all.
All capabilities of member states will be subject to Qatar's support in protecting its security and sovereignty.
The leaders have directed the Joint Defense Council and the Supreme Military Committee to hold an urgent meeting in Doha to evaluate the defense situation and activate response mechanisms of joint defense to protect GCC states.
The Emir of Qatar has been quiet since Israel launched airstrikes against the Hamas delegation in Doha, who've been negotiating the release of Israeli hostages.
On monday, he addressed his nation and the world for the first time since the attack.
If israel wants to assassinate hamas political leadership, why is it negotiating with them?
And if it wants to negotiate for the release of hostages, why is it assassinating everyone with whom it could negotiate?
Israel claims to be a democracy surrounded by enemies, while in reality, It is building an occupation and apartheid system, hostile to its surroundings, and waging a war of extermination during which it has committed crimes that know no red lines.
Its prime minister announced days ago that he has prevented the establishment of a Palestinian state and that such a state will never exist in the future.
All these leaders cleared their schedules on short notice to attend the summit.
All of them strongly condemned Israel's actions, calling on the international community to oppose further attacks.
We chose Qatar's diplomatic weight globally.
But also because of the gravity of the situation.
What happened last Tuesday, it was an attack on the international system as a whole.
These nations are standing up with Qatar.
It shows solidarity.
At the same time, Muslim leaders were speaking.
Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, renewed his threats to target Hamas leaders quote wherever they are.
Meanwhile, U.S.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio surprisingly announced a state visit to Qatar in hopes of containing further tension with Israel.
That was Adel Almaruki in Qatar.
President Donald Trump says the US military has destroyed an alleged Venezuelan drug vessel in international waters, headed for the United States.
Trump said the attack killed three men.
Shortly before Trump's announcement, Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro said Caracas would defend itself against what he called US aggression.
Maduro was responding to a US strike on another alleged Venezuelan drug boat earlier this month that killed 11 people.
Tensions between the two countries have escalated after Washington sent warships to the southern Caribbean for what US officials have called an anti-narcotics operation.
Brazilian President, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, has rejected the Trump administration's new 50 tariffs on Brazilian products, calling them misguided and politically motivated.
In an opinion piece published in the New York Times on the weekend, Lula said Brazil is open to negotiations that bring mutual benefit, but stressed that the country's democracy and sovereignty are not on the table.
He argued that Washington already enjoyed a trade surplus of 410 billion with Brazil over the past 15 years, with most US exports entering duty-free.
Lula accused the US of using tariffs and the Magnitsky Act to shield former President Jair Bolsonaro, who was sentenced last week to more than 27 years in prison for attempting a coup.
He said there should be no ideological barriers preventing cooperation between Brazil and the United States, urging both sides to respect each other and work together.
At 29 past the hour.
Checking the forecast ahead of the break.
In Beijing, it's getting cloudy conditions and 15 degrees on Tuesday evening.
Sunny skies and 26 for Wednesday.
Weifeng will see rainstorms and 17 overnight, then overcast conditions and 23.
Mianyang will see rainstorms and 20 this evening, followed by more rainstorms and 21 for a high on Wednesday.
Nanchang's 28 overnight, then cloudy and 36.
Elsewhere in Asia, Islamabad is getting moderate rainfall and a low of 22 this evening, followed by more rain and 31 degrees.
Vientiane will see moderate rainfall and 24 overnight, followed by moderate rain and 32.
Phnom Penh is getting moderate rain and 25 this evening, then some more rain and 32.
In Africa, Nairobi will get a light rainfall and 28 on Wednesday afternoon.
Kampala will see moderate rain 19 overnight, then a light rain and 26 degrees for Wednesday.
It's time for a short break.
So far this hour.
Chinese officials say the recent trade talks with the US were candid and in-depth, including the framework consensus on the popular TikTok app.
China's achieved historic breakthroughs in its grain harvest during the 14th Five-Year Plan period that concludes at the end of December.
And the UN Commission says Israel's committed genocide in Gaza.
Shane Begum 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 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.
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?
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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 Bigum with you on this Tuesday.
Still to come.
In business, China's improved rural infrastructure.
In sports, another new pole vault world record at the World Athletics Championships.
In culture and entertainment, and exhibition on the evolution of Chinese freehand painting.
To contact us, you can email radio at cgtn.com or follow our ex-account at CGTN Radio.
Now checking the day's headlines, here's Tianyu.
Thank you, Shane.
China says the key to trade cooperation with the United States is to respect each other's core interests and major concerns.
The two sides reached a framework consensus on TikTok after two days of talks in Spain.
Chinese trade representative Li Chenggang said both countries acknowledge the significance of stable bilateral trade relations and will maintain communication.
The official stressed that China will never seek any agreement at the expense of principles and the interests of companies.
He noted that China supports its companies in engaging in equal-footed business negotiations.
A UN spokesperson says they welcome and encourage high-level dialogues between China and the US.
He made the remarks following the ongoing trade talks in Spain between the world's two largest economies.
The spokesperson said the two countries' economic relationship has an impact on the global economy.
China says Vice President Han Zheng will attend the opening ceremony of the China-ASEAN Expo and deliver a speech on Wednesday.
Government officials from ASEAN member countries, including Myanmar Laos, Cambodia and Malaysia, will also attend the event in southern China.
China's foreign ministry says Beijing hopes to work with countries in the region for higher-level mutual benefit and build a closer China-ASEAN community with a shared future.
China and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations are each other's largest trading partner.
The two sides have completed negotiations for the 3.0 version of their free trade area.
China and Poland have agreed on the need to organize regular intergovernmental committee meetings.
The two countries reached the consensus following the fourth meeting of the China-Poland Intergovernmental Committee.
The foreign ministers of the two countries co-chaired the meeting.
The two sides reiterated readiness to continue cooperation at key multilateral platforms such as the UN, the Asia-Europe Meeting and WTO.
They also exchanged views on developing Eurasian transport corridors and expressed willingness to ensure the safety and accessibility of the China-Europe Railway Express.
They decided to further promote cooperation in tourism and expressed willingness to expand mutual investment.
The two sides also discussed China's export licensing for rare earth-related items to Poland and the entry of Polish agricultural and food products into the Chinese market.
China Coast Guard says it has moved against several Philippine vessels that intruded in Chinese territorial waters.
A spokesperson said several Philippine vessels sailed near Huangyandao, an island in the South China Sea, on Tuesday.
One of the vessels deliberately approached a CCG vessel, resulting in collision.
The spokesperson said the Philippine side bears full responsibility for the incident.
A South Korean government survey shows that the country's school violence victimization rate hit a record 25 this year, up 04 points from 2024.
The rise was led by elementary schools, where 5 of students reported being victimized, compared to 21 in middle schools and 07 in high schools.
Verbal abuse was the most common form of violence, at 39, followed by group bullying, physical violence and cyberbullying.
And finally, a new government report warns that millions of Australian homes will be at risk of climate change if global warming exceeds 3 degrees Celsius.
The National Climate Risk Assessment says rising sea levels could threaten 15 million coastal homes by 2050 and more than 3 million by 2090.
The report also warns of a dramatic increase in heat-related deaths.
In Sydney, deaths could rise by more than 400 and in Melbourne by more than 250 if temperatures climb 3 degrees above pre-industrial levels.
At that threshold, many native plants and animals could face extinction, with up to 70 of native plants exposed to conditions they have never experienced.
You're listening to the Beijing Hour 60 minutes of comprehensive news, your window on China and the world.
36 passed and turning to business now.
Here's Wang Zong.
Thank you, Shane.
Stock markets on the Chinese mainland closed higher on Tuesday.
The Shanghai composite remained almost flat.
The Shenzhen component gained nearly 0.5%.
Home appliance and e-commerce shares led the gainers.
Elsewhere in China, the Hong Kong stock market ended lower, with the Hang Seng down slightly.
Meantime, stocks in Japan also ended lower.
The Nikkei lost almost a tenth of 1%.
China has improved rural living environments based on local conditions and made solid efforts in rural development during the 14th five-year plan period.
Officials say the coverage of rural infrastructure has steadily increased, reaching villages and rural households.
The total length of rural roads exceeds 46 million kilometres, including many roads supporting industries, tourism and resource development.
The penetration rate of tap water in rural areas has reached 94, making water use more convenient and better guaranteed for rural people.
Over 90% of villages have access to 5G networks.
More and more rural people can have their parcels delivered to and collected from their doorsteps.
Customs data shows that China's major city clusters recorded growth in total goods imports and exports in the first eight months of the year.
The Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region in northern China registered over 3 trillion yuan, or around US430 billion, in foreign trade.
Exports in the region increased 4.3%, maintaining growth for five consecutive months.
Private enterprises demonstrated strong vitality, with export value exceeding 400 billion yuan for the first time, a 14 increase.
High-tech product exports reached nearly 200 billion yuan, exemplifying the region's core competitive advantages.
During the same period, nine mainland cities in the Guangdong, Hong Kong Macau, Greater Bay Area posted nearly 6 trillion yuan in imports and exports, representing 45 growth.
It accounted for over 20% of the country's total trade in goods.
Imports of high-end equipment closely related to new quality productive forces exceeded 100 billion yuan, a rise of over 37.
China has issued a new notice to deepen reforms in cross-border investment and foreign exchange management.
The notice removes the basic information registration requirement for pre-establishment FDI expenses, allowing overseas investors to open accounts and remit funds directly.
It also eliminates domestic reinvestment registration for FDI enterprises, enabling direct fund transfers without extra registration.
Enterprises can reinvest foreign exchange profits from FDI domestically and non-enterprise research institutions can receive foreign funds following FDI procedures.
To support innovation-driven businesses, authorities have increased the nationwide cross-border financing quota for high-tech, specialized SMEs and sci-tech firms from US10 million to US20 million.
China has further expanded its openness by extending its visa-free transit policy to allow stays of up to 240 hours, effective since last year.
In addition, travel programs like the free half-day tour are capturing the interest of visitors and transforming the travel experience for international tourists.
Guo Linjie has details.
I'm from New Jersey, USA.
Denmark.
I'm from India.
China.
These are some international tourists I encounter at the Temple of Heaven.
Wherever they're from, they share one conviction.
China's Asian wisdom and modern vibrancy are rewriting their travel diaries.
It's almost like it's in the air and with the history and everything, you feel just goosebumps.
And I'm super happy that I got to come to Beijing this time and see how amazingly organized the infrastructure is.
Everything flows, everything's clean, people are happy, people are friendly.
It's quite mind-blowing.
You know the heritage, the diversity which is prevailing here is simply amazing.
I'm at Beijing International Airport and these travelers behind me just landed here and in just one hour they were walking through the Beijing central axis.
International transit passengers can sign up for the tour right after landing at the airport, with complimentary transport, guides and entry to some of beijing's iconic heritage sites.
Travelers like this group from singapore are seizing the opportunity, making the most of their layover to experience china's history and culture.
I saw it on the website, so it was a.
It's a free, free trip, a free half day trip, so it's quite eye-catching.
You can see all the stuff like you never see before and unless you came to come to over to here, then you will get to see it even with just half a day in beijing.
Travelers are deeply impressed by china and many say they can't wait to come back for a longer, more meaningful trip next time.
What i like here is the cashless payment.
You don't need cash.
It's very convenient.
Just use your card or your phone.
I would recommend China to those people who want to Experience the culture of China, want an adventure.
In 2024, visa-free entry surged by 112, with over 20 million international travelers choosing to visit China under the streamlined entry policy.
Behind these figures is a deeper story a nation inviting the world to discover its rich history and dynamic present.
That was Guo Linjie reporting.
All the exhibits for the upcoming 22nd China ASEAN Expo have arrived at the expo venue in the southern Chinese region of Guangxi.
The event in Nanning, running from Wednesday to Sunday, has attracted over 130 exhibitors from ASEAN countries.
The expo will have an exhibition area of nearly 160,000 square meters.
It has also set an AI exhibition area of 10,000 square meters.
The event will feature 90 trade and investment promotion activities. and 13 high-level forums.
Meanwhile, organizers will release the first blue book outlining new opportunities in the China ASEAN Free Trade Area.
China's auto industry group has called on domestic and international carmakers to enhance collaboration on technological innovation and industrial chains.
The China Association of Automobile Manufacturers has emphasized the need for an open, fair and non-discriminatory international market environment to support technological progress and sustainable development in the auto sector.
The association is urging companies to strengthen cooperation on electrification and intelligent mobility to ensure green, safe and high-quality development of the global auto industry.
The industry group has also reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding fair trade and the legitimate rights and interests of the industry.
Now, a controversy over cheese is brewing in Europe.
At ECU is the popular Emmental cheese and whether one country can lay claim to it.
Jonathan Pleschberger has the story.
Austrian dairies may soon have to stop labelling their cheese as traditional Emmental.
Across Alpine borders, cheesemakers are at odds.
Switzerland is trying to ban neighbour Austria and other countries from using their brand name.
We think it's not justified to forbid Emmental, because in Austria we have this generic type of cheeses since more than 100 years.
We are proud to say we produce original Emmental cheeses.
Because the Swiss cheese spread to other countries so long ago, it is too late to protect.
The name now says Austria, which produces 14000 tons of Emmental each year, more than Switzerland does.
The Swiss argue Emmental is not just a cheese, but a piece of cultural identity.
So it should be called Emmental from Austria or Emmental from Germany to show the geographical difference when produced outside Switzerland.
After the European Union ruled against recognizing the Emmental trademark two years ago, the Swiss decided to file an appeal in April, prompting Austria and other countries to back Brussels in the cheese fight.
Do you like the taste?
Yes, it's typical Emmentaler.
I understand the Swiss people that they want to have their unique name for their unique region and unique cheese.
I think it doesn't matter because Gouda also is Gouda everywhere.
In every country it's the same name.
So Emmentaler should be Emmentaler everywhere.
Swiss Emmental production has declined by a third in the past 10 years.
Consumption of the medium-hard cheese across Europe is dwindling.
Competition for a narrowing market is getting tougher.
Switzerland is a high-priced area, so of course it's not so easy to compete on outside markets with their products.
Champagne can only be labeled as such if it's produced in that region of France.
Parmigiano-Reggiano must come from specific areas of Italy.
Austria and Switzerland's dairy farmers may have to wait until next year for a final court ruling on Emmental and whether it will join the ranks of products protected by the geographic origin.
That was Johannes Pleischberger reporting.
Thank you very much.
That was Wang Zaheng with Business.
Coming up in sports, another new pole vault world record at the World Athletics Championships.
Sideline Story brings you all things sports related.
The hottest topics, latest events, juiciest stories, all with a very personal take.
Subscribe to Sideline Story podcast for heated sports discussions covering events that are happening in China and around the world.
47 past the hour.
With sports now, here's Yang Guang.
Thank you, Shane.
We begin with the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo.
Sweden's Armand Duplantis cleared 63 meters to break the man's pole vault world record for the 14th time in his career.
Emmanuel Karalis from Greece secured a silver with 6m, while Australia's Curtis Marshall equalled his personal best of 595 to take bronze.
After clinching the title with a first-time clearance at 615m, Duplantis missed twice at 63m before soaring over on his third attempt to set his fourth world record of the season.
The 25-year-old sweet sent his thrill to break the world record at the biggest events of the year.
This is like very much extra special for me and everybody, I would say.
Most important competition of the year.
If it was Olympics last year, that's by far our most important competition.
Elsewhere, New Zealand's Jordi Bemis stunned two-time defending champion Soufiane Al-Bakali of Morocco during the men's 3000-meter steeplechase, with Kenya's Edmund Serum taking bronze.
In the women's 100m hurdles, final 23-0.
Ditayi Kambundi of Switzerland struck gold, ahead of Nigeria's Toby Amusen and America's Grace Dock.
Staying in Tokyo.
Defending champion Cameron Rodgers of Canada won the women's Hammer Throw gold medal, claiming her third straight major title with a world-leading mark of 8051m.
China's Zhao Jie produced a personal best of 776 in her final attempt to finish run-up, while her compatriots Zhang Jiale earned the bronze with 771.
Zhao was a bronze medalist at the Paris Olympics in 2024.
This year's World Championships is a special experience for me.
It's also my third World Championships.
I made progress during these three editions in terms of my mindset and ability.
As you can see, all of my throws are above 75 meters, so I'm improving a lot.
This is also my first time competing alongside my young compatriot.
In other action, three Chinese athletes advanced to the semifinals of the men's 110-meter hurdles on Monday.
Moving to football, Arsenal will head to Spain to take on Athletic Bilbao to start the group stage of the UEFA Champions League.
Mikel Arteta's side suffered another injury after a 3-0 threshing of Nottingham Forest in the English Premier League at the weekend.
Martin Odegaard was forced off in the first half after he received a knock to the same shoulder that saw him leave the pitch against Leeds United.
Arsenal lost in the semi-finals last season to eventual champions PSG.
Teta wants to use the lessons learned to change the club's history in a competition they have never won.
You take a lot of learnings from it.
It's painful because it's not only what we feel, it's about the team.
I think the expectation that we created and the real conviction that we had within the club, the team, that we could go all the way because we showed a very high level of consistency and quality throughout the competition and learn from it and try to be better.
Also on Tuesday, Real Madrid begins their campaign at home when they welcome Olympique Marseille in what will be the first Champions League match for Xabi Alonso as Real Madrid coach.
Real reached the quarter-finals last year, while Marseille are returning into the competition for the first time since 2022-23 season.
Staying in football.
On early began the defence of their AFC Champions League elite title with the come-from-behind 4-2 win over PFC Nassaf in Jeddah.
Having trailed 2-0 at half-time, after a brace from Kusain Nochev, the defending champs struck back with a double of their own through Enzo Milet, before Riyad Mahrez struck in the stoppage time.
Mohamed Ouslaman then added a late fourth for the Saudi club.
Also on Monday, Al-Wada pulled off a 2-1 upset of Saudi Pro League champions Al-Idihat in another opening group face match in Abu Dhabi.
Turning to table tennis, China's Wang Chuqin has returned to the top of the main singles rankings.
Wang earned 1000 ranking points by winning to world table tennis champs Macau on Sunday, lifting him above compatriot Lin Shidong.
WTT champions.
Macau runner-up Hugo Alcaldrado of Brazil, climbed to third, while Japan's Tomokazu Haramoto slipped to fourth.
In women's singles, Chinese paddlers dominated by sweeping the top five positions.
Sun Yingsha is topping the ITTF world list, followed by Wang Manyu, Chen Xintong, Kuai Man and Wang Yidi.
China also leads in women's doubles and mixed doubles rankings.
And finally, seven-time Super Bowl champion Tom Brady says he's among several current and former NFL players who will compete in the Fanatics flag football classic next March in Riyadh.
The round-robin event will feature three teams comprised of NFL players, plus other athletes and entertainers.
Flag football boasts more than 20 million players worldwide and will make its Olympic debut at Los Angeles Games in 2028.
It's a non-contact variant of American football where, instead of tackling, players stop the ball carrier by removing a flag attached to their waist.
Thank you very much.
That's Yang Guang with sports.
And coming up in culture and entertainment, an exhibition on the evolution of Chinese freehand painting.
From north to south, east to west, people in China are chasing their dreams and leaving their mark.
Want to know how they beat the odds and made a difference?
Footprints brings you the true life stories of their journeys.
53 past the hour.
Culture and Entertainment now, and the Beijing Fine Art Academy is hosting an exhibition on the 300-year evolution of Chinese freehand painting titled Rotation Among Three Masters.
The exhibition features over 70 artworks from 13 cultural institutions, including the National Museum of China.
It traces the development of Chinese freehand flower and bird painting from the Ming and Qing dynasties to modern times.
Central to the exhibition is Qi Baishi's deep admiration and learning from three painting masters Xu Wei Bada, Shenran and Wu Changshua.
Visitors have the unique opportunity to view the works of these four masters side by side.
An interactive device further enriches the experience, allowing attendees to explore the intricate evolution of freehand brushwork and the dynamic interplay among these artistic giants.
The exhibition runs through December 5th at the Academy's Art Museum.
The Grand Theatre of the Hong Kong Cultural Centre has hosted top Peking opera troupes from the Chinese mainland for classics like The Legend of the White Snake.
Zhu Dan has more.
The event was jointly organized by the Chinese Peking Opera Art Foundation, the Hong Kong Federation of Beijing Associations and the Hong Kong Chinese Culture Association, and was undertaken by CCTV Asia Pacific Media Investment Company Ltd.
The Hong Kong Jockey Club provided exclusive sponsorship.
The series of performances featuring Peking Opera celebrates the 76th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China and the Mid-Autumn Festival.
Hong Kong expires to become a hub for art and cultural exchanges between China and the rest of the world.
In this regard, we believe it is vital to tell China's story well through cultural and artistic expressions.
This time we are honored to host a renowned Peking opera troupe performing an exceptional production.
We feel this not only aligns perfectly with China's overarching policy, but also reflects the mission of the Jockey Club.
The lineup included distinguished artists from the Beijing Peking Opera Theater, Shanghai Peking Opera Theater, Heilongjiang Peking Opera Theater and the National Peking Opera Company, presenting high-quality performances.
Over three days, classic works such as The Legend of the White Snake were staged.
I think it's good to be open to all cultures.
It's good to be open to all different kinds of art.
I think it's great in Hong Kong, for instance.
Hong Kong is a very vibrant, open international city.
It's good that it celebrates its uniqueness.
And I love going to all different kinds of cultural events.
And coming here is a real pleasure, too.
The event aimed to use Peking Opera as a medium to strengthen cultural connection between the mainland and Hong Kong, support the development of the Greater Bay Area and promote cultural confidence and the advancement of modern Chinese civilization.
That was Zhu Dan reporting.
A Big, Bold, Beautiful Journeys premiered in New York.
The film follows Sarah and David, who get to relive important parts of their lives again.
What is that?
Maybe we should go through it.
Margot Robbie and Colin Farrell are leading the cast.
Robbie said the film blends intimacy with spectacle.
It was really quite an intimate experience.
I mean, we didn't have a large crew.
Obviously there's not too many cast members in this movie and a lot of it.
Colin and I are just kind of hanging out in the car.
And then we've got weddings, and we've got dance sequences, and we go to a high school musical.
So it gets very small, and then it gets very big, and then it gets very small again.
And I just think it's a pretty unexpected movie.
I think it takes some turns that people won't be expecting.
A big, bold, beautiful journey will be in theaters on Friday.
We're at 57 minutes past the hour.
Checking the forecast before we go for the day in Beijing.
It's cloudy down to 15 Tuesday evening.
Wednesday will be sunny and 26 degrees.
Weifeng will see rainstorms and a low of 17 overnight.
Overcast conditions in 23 tomorrow.
Mianyang will see rainstorms in 20 overnight, then rainstorms in 21.
Nanchang's down to 28, followed by cloudy conditions in 36.
Elsewhere in Asia.
Islamabad's getting moderate rainfall this evening 22 degrees for a low, moderate rain and 31 on Wednesday.
And that's it for this edition of the Beijing Hour.
Making news today.
Chinese officials say the recent trade talks with the US were candid and in-depth, including the framework consensus on the popular TikTok app.
And the UN Commission says Israel has committed genocide in Gaza.
On behalf of the staff.
This is Shane Biggum 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 6pm 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 a living from the river.
Would you like to move away from the Yellow River?
I don't think I will.
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?
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.
