Forget the unmissable news stories of the day.
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 Meggam with you on this Thursday, March 27th, 2025.
You're listening to the Beijing hour coming to you live from the Chinese capital.
On today's program Chinese Vice premier Ding Shui -shang has delivered a keynote speech at the Bao Forum for Asia which is now officially underway in Hainan.
US stocks took a tumble after Washington's latest tariff announcement on all imported cars.
US lawmakers have been questioning top officials in the Trump administration about the Signal App security leak scandal.
In business at major high -tech forum underway now in Beijing.
In sports an upset on the women's side at the Miami Open.
In culture and entertainment the Hamburg ballet is returning to China.
Now checking the day's top stories.
Bio Forum for Asia annual conference has officially opened in Hainan province.
Chinese vice premier Ding Shui Sheng attended the opening ceremony on the Southern island and delivered a keynote speech. Events have been ongoing since Tuesday.
Collectively they reflect Asia's efforts to promote multilateralism and boost cooperation.
Dai Kai has more on the Chinese vice premier's message.
In his speech, he congratulated the success of the Buhao Forum for Asia.
And he said that this year actually marks the 10th anniversary of Chinese President Xi Jinping presenting the idea of building a community of shared future for Asia.
And bit by bit, over the past 10 years, that idea is slowly but steadily becoming a reality.
He put forward four suggestions in his speech. Number one is that he said we should further strengthen solidarity and cooperation by building a mutual trust. He also said fostering globalization by opening up Asia should open its doors proactively to serve the world, and he said also to promote a more inclusive environment in Asia.
Number three, he mentioned that we should also promote this common development pattern.
For example, we should better carry out the global development initiative, making the most of the tools we have. For example, the Asia Infrastructure Investment Bank, we should fully utilize tools like that to help emerging markets and developing countries.
and last but not least, he also mentioned that peace, peace is a key word and key message about safeguarding the regional stability.
He said that the world needs a stable, a peaceful, as well as a growing Asia, and in terms of Asia, in terms of China, he also said that China's door of opening up will only open wider, let's take a listen.
No matter how the external environment changes, China will open wider to the world and depth of China's opening -up.
We warmly welcome business from all countries to invest and operate in China, joining the process of Chinese modernization and sharing China's development opportunities.
China will continue to stabilize foreign investment and foreign trade, its economic growth to the world has been stable about 30 per cent to the world's economic growth and it will continue to work on its innovation -driven strategies and again, the message here is all about building consensus and creating a common future for Asia and beyond.
That was Dai Kai at the opening ceremony of the Ba 'ou Forum in southern China.
Discussions at the forum place a strong focus on the ethical development and governance of artificial intelligence.
Experts have emphasized China's active role in promoting international cooperation to establish ethical standards in advanced responsible AI governance.
More insights, Tian Liu interviewed Director Zeng Yi of the International Research Centre for AI Ethics and Governance, who's also a member of the UN high -level advisory body on AI.
As AI continues to develop rapidly, can you share your thoughts on how China has been advancing AI governance in recent years?
Well, I think when China established the national AI development plan, within that, actually, there is at least more than 10 times mentioning the importance of ethics and governance overall.
As far as I could remember, back to at least 2019, as one of the experts in the national AI governance committee, me and my colleague developed the national AI governance principles, which actually tells not only in China but also the world, where China AI is actually going.
Well, everything has to go into the details and actually to be grounded into reality.
Well, actually it went back to last year many ministry and CG level AI ethics review committee has been established.
So the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, they've been working on detailed AI ethics review guidelines to guide the domestic trials here in China.
What is even more actually important is how China AI governance can actually contribute to the global efforts.
So this is why during the Belt and Road Conference last year, actually there's a release of the Global AI Governance Initiative by our government.
So actually the Global AI Governance Initiative tells about the importance of building ethical trustworthy and safe AI, instead of having AI to be used in a wild way.
Well, on the other side, we also talked about inclusivity so that China AI governance models can be connected to the rest of the world and also to promote AI fair use in many of the low and middle income countries.
Well, I think the trying of China AI governance actually is part of the global process, so this is why the Chinese government also endorsed that the United Nations should serve as the core for global AI governance.
By using the platform of the UN, the Chinese effort actually can be, you know, one of the best practices that can be shared to the world.
That was Director Zhang Yi of the International Research Center talking about China's efforts to advance AI governance.
The Boyao Forum for Asia has released a key report on the region's sustainability.
With the help of Chinese AI model DeepSeek, we've summarized some of the key takeaways from the 168 page document.
The report says green industrial transition can effectively combat climate change and achieve sustainable development.
Asia could grow into a hub for global carbon trading.
Investment and clean energy technologies has been on the rise in Asia.
There's great potential in finance to address climate issues and finally, regional cooperation is crucial in all of these processes.
DeepSeek also makes predictions for future trends in green development.
It sees the potential in smart AI -powered grids, advanced energy storage technologies and new systems for hydrogen production as an alternative for traditional fuels.
The AI tool also predicts the mainstreaming of the circular economy, involving the recovery and recycling of resources.
coming up the latest U .S. tariffs effecting all automobile imports into the country.
The U .S. is attempting to revive its shipyards, not with innovation, but with tariffs.
A hefty one and a half million U .S. dollar fee on China -made bulk ships could shake global shipping.
Will it backfire on the U .S.?
Can America rebuild its industry, and will business pressure sink the plan before it sets sail?
Check out this week's chat lounge, wherever you listen to podcasts.
And I'll see you at the end of the radio.
Nine minutes past the hour.
Beijing says there'll be no winners in any trade or tariff wars.
Foreign Ministry spokesperson Gao Jia -Kun stresses that U .S. import duties not only violate WTO rules, but harm global trade and its own national interests.
The remarks come after President Donald Trump announced new tariffs on all cars not made on American soil.
The 25 % on automobile levees will take effect in April.
And will affect all foreign -made vehicles and light trucks.
Wall Street stocks plummeted following the announcement.
Poppy Imputing has more from Washington, D .C.
These auto tariffs of 25 % are going to be really a big hurt for a lot of Americans.
It's not only going to impact consumers.
Consumers, they're going to be paying more for their cars, some analysts, suggesting as much as $3000 upwards to as much as $12000.
We also have domestic automakers warning that there could be job losses.
Trump for his part though with his announcement from the Oval Office, positive that this will have a long term net benefit for the country.
So we'll effectively be charging a twenty five percent tariff, but if you build your car in the United States there is no tariff and what that means is a lot of foreign car companies.
A lot of companies are going to be in great shape because they've already built their plant.
But their plants are underutilized, so they'll be able to expand them inexpensively and quickly.
But others will come into our country and build.
And they're already looking for sites, they're looking for mostly sites.
They don't want to take the old buildings that are empty and falling down.
They want to build new and this tremendous action.
It's not just car makers.
It's also countries that are concerned while it may be true that there could be some impetus and growth as some companies that decide that it is best for them to invest in the United States.
Ultimately, the immediate to medium term impact is going to be financial pain.
We have heard at the outset from for example, Canada, the Prime Minister Mark Carney calling this tariff announcement on auto parts, as well as cars, a direct attack on their economy.
Of course, Canada is a historic ally of the United States.
On top of that, we've also heard from Europe, which is a huge trading partner for the United States.
Germany being just one such country.
We heard European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen saying while they will seek negotiated solutions, they vow to protect their workers as well as consumers and businesses.
That was Poppy in Puting reporting.
China's Commerce Ministry has announced that the country has filed a lawsuit against the United States over its additional tariffs.
Beijing filed the lawsuit under the WTO dispute settlement system.
Commerce Ministry spokesperson He Yadong described the U .S. tariffs as a clear example of unilateralism and protectionism which violate WTO rules.
The spokesperson said the U .S. has agreed to consultations under the WTO system and that China will continue to advance the procedures in line with WTO rules.
Other U .S. trading partners also expressed frustration over the planned auto tariffs.
Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba said Japan will consider an appropriate response, avowing that all options are on the table.
The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders in the United Kingdom said the decisions disappointing and called for reaching a deal that works for all.
A coalition of nearly 300 business groups is urging the Trump administration to abandon a plan to levy million -dollar fees on Chinese -linked ships every time they dock at a US port.
It's part of Trump's plan to revitalize American shipbuilding and punish China for what the administration views as unfair competition in the sector at hearings in Washington U .S. shipping operators warned the plan could backfire leading to job losses and falling exports Kate Fisher has the story this week's hearings are really a last -ditch plea from businesses for President Trump to reject these planned port fees the CEO of the largest US owned international ocean cargo carriers said the fees could quote unintentionally destroy American -owned carriers under the proposal companies using Chinese
made ships to transport goods will be charged up to one and a half million dollars every time that vessel enters a US port.
There would be additional fees if Chinese made ships make up the majority of their fleet Altogether, the fees could top three million dollars per port visit, substantially increasing the costs of shipping goods, a cost that will be passed along to consumers.
During these hearings, U .S. companies claim they will be the ones bearing the brunt of these fees and that it will be extremely challenging and costly for them to switch out their fleets because there are few alternatives.
Commercial shipbuilding in the U .S. is virtually nonexistent.
Only, about five ships are turned out every year, compared to more than a thousand in China.
So, many of these companies rely on China -made vessels.
The CEO of the Chamber of Shipping of America said that penalising China and US operators is not an acceptable result.
A recent study shown that the fees could cause exports to fall by nearly 12 % and reduce GDP by a quarter of a percentage point.
China, meanwhile, has blasted the plan, warning it will complicate shipping and endanger seafarers.
It will ultimately be President Donald Trump who decides what happens.
But this is a crucial moment for the shipping industry, which is not only staring down this potential port fee, but also an escalating trade war.
The president set to announce reciprocal tariffs on global trade partners next week.
Now there's Kate Fisher reporting.
A multiple of countries have voiced opposition to U .S. President Trump's plan to impose tariffs on imports from nations that buy oil or gas from Venezuela.
He also plans to impose new tariffs on Venezuela itself citing its hostility toward the U .S. The tariffs will take effect next week.
Mitzah Soledad Perez has more.
U .S. president Donald Trump's directive imposes a 25 % tariff on countries purchasing Venezuelan oil.
A move poised to further devastate Venezuela's primary economic lifeline.
These sanctions extend beyond direct importers, targeting nations that are part of the Venezuelan coup through third -party channels.
Sanctions we defeated them and those that will come will defeat them too with work, inventiveness and love.
They can sanction and impose tariffs on whatever they want.
What they cannot sanction is the love and patriotism of the Venezuelan people.
For Venezuela, already grappling with years of economic sanctions, this new tariff threatens to further isolate the nation from global markets.
The Trump administration has justified the move by fighting national security concerns specifically linking it to the Trang Mira -guagang, designated as a foreign terrorist organization.
China opposes the US move to punish countries buying Venezuelan oil.
The US has long abused illegal unilateral sanctions and so -called long -arm jurisdiction, blatantly interfering in the internal affairs of other countries.
China firmly opposes this and urges the U .S. to stop interfering in Venezuela's internal affairs, lift its illegal unilateral sanctions, and take more actions that contribute to the peaceful and stable development of Venezuela and other nations.
There are no winners in trade wars or tariff wars.
Raising tariffs will only impose greater losses on American businesses and consumers.
India, another key importer of Venezuelan oil, faces potential economic repercussions.
In January, its imports surged to more than 250 ,000 barrels per day, making up nearly half of Venezuela's total exports, and recent diplomatic efforts to strengthen petroleum cooperation between India and Venezuela now hang in uncertainty.
Meanwhile, the Trump administration has extended Chevron's deadline, granting the U .S.-based oil giant until the end of May to wind down its operations in Venezuela, a decision that further complicates the global oil landscape.
As these new tariffs threaten to reshape international energy markets, the potential human cost is likely most acute for Venezuela.
A nation already enduring intense economic pressure, largely stemming from U .S. imposed sanctions.
This new set of tariffs is set to take place on April 2nd.
That was Nitza Soledad Perez reporting.
Coming up, U .S. lawmakers have questions about the Signal Apps security scandal.
We're at 18 minutes past the hour.
The Atlantic magazine has released more details about U .S war plans for strikes on Yemen.
The editor in chief received the information after someone mistakenly added them to a group chat with top Trump administration security officials.
The White House denies sharing any classified information.
Questions remain about how a journalist got into the chat and why U .S national security officials use the app Signal to discuss secret military plans.
Jim Spellman reports.
The Atlantic's editor -in -chief Jeffrey Goldberg chose not to publish sensitive military information in his initial story Detailing how US national security adviser Mike Waltz Included him in a text message group on the app signal about an attack on hootie rebels in Yemen I made the decision that this the technical aspects of this including what kinds of weapons packages the attack Sequencing and so on that's not necessarily in the public interest what's in the public interest is that they were running a war plan on a messaging app.
But facing pressure over the embarrassing and potentially dangerous episode, U .S. President Donald Trump and others asserted that no classified information was shared in the Signal Group.
So the Atlantic reversed course and has now published operational details of the attack that killed dozens.
The messages included minute -by -minute updates from Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, who writes It's Team Update and goes on to detail fighter jet and drone movements and timing of initial strikes.
The location, an apparent killing by missile of a high -profile quote target terrorist, while at his girlfriend's apartment, is also described.
Other group members say congratulations using words and emojis.
It's a level of recklessness that I have not seen in many years of reporting on national security issues.
At a House hearing on Wednesday, Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard and CIA Director John Ratcliffe, who were both on the signal thread, defended their communications but admitted mistakes were made and seemed to shift blame toward the national security adviser and defense secretary.
It was a mistake that a reporter was inadvertently added to a signal chat with high level national security principals having a policy discussion about imminent strikes against the Houthis and the effects of the strike.
The National Security Advisor has taken full responsibility for this.
Republicans are now calling for an investigation, and Democrats want accountability.
Operational security is a basic but critical function, and it's something that's taught to the very youngest service members.
And what we saw in this breach, in this leak, is those basic ideas thrown out.
Because there is a sense of callousness, of indifference, of lack of accountability in this administration that is deeply disturbing." Many critics of President Trump and his administration say they won't be satisfied until someone is fired.
They're focusing their criticism on National Security Advisor Michael Walt and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth.
That was Jim Spellman reporting.
In Europe governments and intelligence officials are closely following the fallout from the signal group chat security breach. The messages included harsh criticism of European allies from top Trump administration officials.
Trent Murray has more from Berlin.
The fallout from the leaked signal chat between senior US defense officials is being closely followed here in Europe, particularly given the conversation seemingly gave an unfiltered insight into the Trump administration's views on its transatlantic partner.
With Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth describing Europe as quote free -loading and pathetic European capitals have been responding in London.
The Armed Forces Minister Luke Pollard said that if such an incident occurred in the UK there would be clear consequences and disciplinary action while the leader of the opposition Liberal Democratic Party Ed Davey said such incidents will make security services nervous about US UK intelligence sharing.
However the UK's Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner said relations with Washington are as strong as they have ever been.
News of the content of the conversation comes at a time where much of Europe remains concerned about the rhetoric coming out of the US towards Europe.
The European Council of Foreign Relations recently concluded that President Trump isn't plotting against Europe but rather increasingly views the bloc as geopolitically irrelevant.
While the Italian Institute for International Affairs has said that the Trump administration sees Europe not merely as a competitor but also as an economic and even ideological threat.
Meanwhile, while not addressing the leak directly, the President of the European Council Antonio Costa said recent geopolitical tensions confirmed Europe needs to acquire all the means necessary to defend itself against military aggression adding that peace without defense is quote and allusion.
And new data released Tuesday by the European Parliament reveals the combative rhetoric out of the US is seemingly having a galvanising effect on the people of Europe.
A new survey shows 74 % of EU citizens believe that being part of the block benefits them.
It's the highest number since that question was first asked all the way back in 1983, while nine in 10 EU citizens said they believed that member states should be more united to face current global challenges.
That was Trent Murray reporting.
A mass affiliated news agency says spokesperson Abdul Latif Al Kano has died in an Israeli airstrike on northern Gaza.
The Gaza Health Ministry has reported at least 830 deaths since Israel resumed large scale strikes on March 18.
Rami Almagari has more.
Two Israeli airstrikes on two different parts of the Central Gaza Strip, Nusayrat refugee camp, and there's a wider village in central Gaza Strip where a number of people have been reportedly killed and others injured in Nusayrat near a hostess or a place where food is distributed.
The latest is the evacuation order for part of the Gaza city that southern remote neighborhood sub -Arab of Gaza.
Yes, the Israeli army ordered the population there to leave ahead of Israeli airstrikes.
Regarding the move for, against Hamas, this is something that is misunderstood.
The Palestinian national and the political parties, including Hamas and many, many and about 10 parties in Gaza issued a statement asserting that the move is against the Israeli occupation, the continued Israeli army operations against the Gaza Strip, calling on the world community, on the world to stop that war.
That is the latest from the Palestinian factions involving Hamas, Islamic Jihad, the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine and other Palestinian political factions.
Now it's Rami Amigari on the confrontation in Gaza.
Israeli Prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu has threatened to seize parts of Gaza if Hamas does not release the remaining hostages.
Hamas warned they'd return in coffins if Israel does not stop bombing the Palestinian territory.
Jonathan Magyev has more from Tel Aviv.
This is perhaps now the policy that Israel wants to convey towards Gaza.
If Hamas does not release hostages, then taking over territory and perhaps also implementing the Trump plan, that would be the next thing.
It was not only said by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in the Israeli parliament, the Knesset, but also echoed by defense minister Israel Katz comments he made exactly the same thing telling the residents of Gaza, especially the northern Gaza Strip, that they should evacuate, that Israel is planning to expand the operation and actually seize more land if the hostages are not brought back.
Benjamin Netanyahu also used his speech in parliament for a lot of internal affairs.
There's a lot of criticism on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for the latest internal affairs he's been dealing with, the firing of the head of the internal security agency.
Ronen Bahr is also trying to fire the attorney general.
The government approved the 2025 budget, which critics say does not do any good for the entire Israeli population, but only for those sectors supporting the coalition.
Benjamin Netanyahu using his speech at the parliament trying to explain all those, but more than anything, Netanyahu stressing that Israel will expand its military operations, will take more land from Hamas in the Gaza Strip unless more hostages are freed.
How much impression is this making on Hamas?
At least for the moment it doesn't seem that it's making a lot of impression as We're not hearing any concessions from Hamas in regards to the hostages.
That was Jonathan Regev reporting.
In South Sudan, authorities have arrested first Vice President Riek Machar in a military style operation.
It marks a major escalation in the collapse of a power sharing agreement between Machar and President Salva Kiir.
Machar's party says the arrest is a blatant violation of the 2018 constitutional agreement that ended a civil war that had killed 400 ,000 people.
United Nations warns that the incident could push South Sudan back to the edge of large -scale conflict.
There were reports of violence outside of Juba right before the arrest. European leaders have gathered in Paris for a summit with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.
They'll be discussing what security guarantees Europe can offer to Ukraine, including possible military deployment in the country.
The summit follows Zelensky's talks with French president Emmanuel Macron on Wednesday, who pledged over two billion dollars in additional military support for Kyiv.
Macron also accused Russia of reinterpreting recent limited ceasefire deals.
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.
Now 29 minutes past the hour, checking the forecast before the break and Beijing's down to four degrees on Thursday evening.
It'll be cloudy in ten on Friday.
Nanchang's down to twelve and then a slight rainfall in twelve degrees.
Elsewhere in Asia. Islamabad's eleven overnight, a slight rain and twenty -five degrees on Friday.
Biengtian is 23 degrees, then cloudy in 38 degrees.
Phnom Penh is down to 25 degrees.
That's followed by a slight rain in 36.
In Africa, Nairobi is getting a slight rainfall and 24 degrees on Friday.
It's time for a short break.
So far this hour, Chinese Vice Premier Ding Shui -sheng has delivered a keynote speech at the forum for Asia, which is now officially underway in Hainan.
US stocks took a tumble after Washington's latest tariff announcement on all imported cars.
US lawmakers have been questioning top officials in the Trump Administration about the Signal Apps Security League Scandal.
Shane Bigham with you.
Stay with us here on the Beijing Hour.
Shhh, listen up. Can you hear the heart beat 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.
And right there, in the mist 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 Beggum with you on this Thursday, still to come in business, a major high -tech forum underway now in Beijing and sports and set on the women's side at the Miami Open.
In Culture and Entertainment, the Hamburg Ballet is returning to China.
To contact us you can email radio at cgtn .com or follow our ex -account at CGTNradio.
First of all a check of the day's headline news.
Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi called for stronger strategic coordination with France to build a more fair and equitable global governance system.
He made the remarks while meeting with his visiting French counterpart, Jean -Noel Barro in Beijing.
Wang said China's willing to deepen cooperation with France in traditional sectors while expanding new areas for cooperation, and that it encourages mutual investment.
He also called on the two sides to work together to ensure the success of promoting the number of French students studying in China to exceed ten thousand in the next three years, and doubling the scale of European youth exchanges in China during the period.
Barreaux said France remains committed to developing future -oriented long -term and stable relations with China.
He added that France supports free trade and opposes trade wars.
Meantime, Beijing and Paris have vowed to ensure an effective implementation of the Paris Agreement.
This comes as the two countries issued a joint statement on climate change on the occasion of the 10th anniversary of the agreement following a meeting between the two foreign ministers in Beijing.
The two sides vowed to firmly support the agreement and its goal of holding the increase in the global average temperature below two degrees Celsius above pre industrial levels.
They also agreed to strengthen cooperation on energy efficiency and decarbonization in the areas of energy industry, transportation and buildings.
The two countries also pledged to jointly support climate actions and protect biodiversity and ecosystems. China will support France in holding a successful UN Ocean conference in June.
A Chinese military spokesperson says the People's Liberation Army will shatter all attempts of Taiwan's separatist activities.
National Defence Ministry spokesperson Wu Qian made the remarks days after the PLA conducted drills near Taiwan, who said the drills are a deterrent against secession plots and a warning against external interference.
He said the drills are completely necessary and just. South Korean acting President Hane Deuk -su is vowed to gather all available resources to contain the forest fires in the country's southeast. The worst forest fires in the country's history have killed at least 26 people and forced tens of thousands to flee.
The flames also destroyed hundreds of structures including an ancient temple.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney's condemned U .S. President Donald Trump for imposing new 25 % tariffs on auto imports, calling them a direct attack on workers.
This is a direct attack, to be clear, a direct attack on the very workers that I stood in front of, uniformed workers I stood in front of this morning at the Ambassador bridge, a bridge that is a symbol and a reality up until now of the tight ties between our two countries, ties of kinship, ties of commerce, ties that are in the process of being broken.
Canadians as a whole across this country have gotten over the shock of the betrayal and are learning lessons.
We have to look out for ourselves and we have to look out for each other and work together for each other.
Trump unveiled a new tariff on imported cars and light trucks starting next week.
Automobiles are Canada's second largest export and provide jobs for 625 ,000 people.
In response, Carney announced a $1 .4 billion U .S. dollar fund to protect auto jobs and boost local production.
The prime minister also said Trump has pushed the U .S. into a global trade war.
Other major U .S. trading partners, including the EU and Japan, have also expressed regrets over the Trump move.
Brazil Supreme Court has ordered former President Jair Bolsonaro to face trial for allegedly conspiring to overthrow the government after his election loss in 2022.
Balsanaro said the ruling was grave and baseless.
He's accused of five crimes and could face decades in prison.
The Swiss town of Neuschatel is inviting people to enjoy art and get a doctor's note for free.
This two -year project covers the cost of museum prescriptions for locals and visitors.
A city council member says the project is based on a world health organization report showing The arts can have various health benefits.
Doctors can now prescribe museum visits in our city.
Four museums are part of the program, using culture as a way to improve health and wellbeing.
So the idea was based on a 2019 report from the World Health Organization that proved the benefit of art and art therapy and culture, in general, on human health.
And then there were a few experiences especially in the context of COVID where everyone with a closure of cultural places realized how much we needed them to feel good.
Doctors also say the initiative also encourages people to engage in outdoor activities.
They hope the Swiss National Healthcare System will cover culture as a form of therapy.
Coming up, a major high -tech forum underway now in Beijing.
The Beijing hour, your window on China, and the rest of the world.
37 past the hour and turning to business here's Wang Zhan.
Thank you Shane. Stock markets on the Chinese mainland closed higher on Thursday.
The Shanghai composite was up nearly 0 .2 % and the Shenzhen component gained roughly the same amount.
Chemical, pharmaceuticals and home appliances led the gainers.
Elsewhere in China, the Hong Kong stock market also ended higher on this trading day with the Hansang index up over 0 .4%.
Meantime, stocks in Japan ended lower with the Nikkei shedding 0 .6%.
The 2025 Zhongguancun Forum is underway in Beijing bringing together participants from over 100 countries and regions.
The event aims to spark breakthroughs in AI, quantum computing and 6G, Liu Jiachen has more.
The 2025 Zhongguancun Forum is a flagship platform for international collaboration in science and technology innovation has just launched its most ambitious edition ever and this year's Beijing innovation heart is beating louder.
You know this place where I'm standing right now is dubbed as the cradle of China's innovation hub and in 2019, 2021 and 2023 Chinese president Xi Jinping has sent congratulatory letters to Chinese foreign three times, putting much emphasis on the country's innovation -driven development.
And that is, you know, echoed by Zhang Guoxing, member of the political bureau of the CPC Central Committee, as well as the Vice Premier of the State Council, during this year's opening ceremony, he delivered a speech and said that China is deeply implementing the strategy of innovation -driven development.
innovation -driven development.
And meanwhile, he calls for a global collaboration in this realm, emphasizing that scientific and technology innovation is a global issue.
So this isn't just about China.
It's about writing the next chapter together.
And also during this year's opening ceremony, many of the science advancements and technology achievements have been unveiled for the first time, including a breakthrough in gene therapy that can be helpful for treating the blind.
Also China's Mengxiang drilling vessel is completed and put into service.
Meanwhile, sitting at the Huairu district of Beijing, there's a high -energy photon source that has just emitted its first extra light for the better understanding of the micro world.
So one can find many thrilling things here and also you know as as part of this year's highlights there are many tech shows.
During the Opening Ceremony there was a robotic demonstration and guests from both home and abroad can have fun and interactions with human eyes here are all across the venue.
They find that future is just here.
You know we can we also found there's a an intelligent piano which can play by itself and record any beautiful music you played on it.
So, you see, the future isn't just imagined and pictured here.
It's been engineered and showcased from this very hub.
There was Liu Jiaxin at the Zhongguancun forum in Beijing.
Official data shows the combined profit of China's major industrial enterprises went down 0 .3 % on a yearly basis in the first two months of the year.
Industrial firms with an annual main business revenue of at least 20 million yuan, or around 2 .8 million US dollars saw their combined profits surpass 910 billion yuan.
The manufacturing sector reported a profit of nearly 640 billion yuan, an increase of 4 .8%.
Electricity, gas, and water supply companies achieved a profit of over 130 billion yuan, increasing 13 .5%.
According to the National Bureau of Statistics, industrial enterprises continue to see sustained growth in revenue during the two -month period, creating favorable conditions for the recovery of corporate profits.
The combined business revenue of these major industrial firms went up 2 .8 % 0 .7 points faster than the 2024 whole year growth rate.
Now for more, Zhang Junfeng spoke with Jamil Ahmed, chief analyst at online trading brokerage, GTC.
China released a range of key economic data this month including data on industrial profits.
What is your take on the current state of China's economy as we start to unwind the first quarter?
I would say cautious optimism because you are looking at some of the economic data reports such as what you just mentioned with the industrial production where the profitability has increased.
And you're actually seeing the Chinese economy is ticking along in a, I would say a moderate pace, but maybe a sustainable pace so far for the first quarter.
Consumer spending seems to be picking up, retail sells also suggesting the same.
Of course, you've had the Chinese authorities have come out just over a week or so ago with a 30 -point plan to help improve the domestic economy and that the growth target for 2025 2025 will remain the same as 2024 which is five percent that was a little bit more of a surprise not because of particular concerns on china but because of the concerns around the global impact of these trade disputes and the aggression that the us has shown when it comes to trade tariffs on so many different trading partners that was jameel ogmed sharing his thought on china's economy Leading Chinese and international
firms will showcase their latest humanoid robots at the 5th China International Consumer Products Expo in southern China next month.
The six -day expo begins on April 13 in Haikou and will highlight emerging consumption trends including artificial intelligence and low -altitude aviation.
The event will introduce a dedicated tech zone to display cutting -edge technologies and products with humanoid robots being a highlight.
Major tech innovators such as Huawei, Tesla and Rokid will present their latest AI integrated products ranging from humanoid robots to AR glasses.
The Xpo which is a key platform for global trade and consumption trends has drawn the participation from over 4 ,100 brands from 71 countries and regions.
It is China's only national -level exhibition featuring consumer products and also the largest consumer expo in the Asia -Pacific region.
The World Economic Forum is joining Hong Kong exchanges and clearing to host its annual financial services event in the city.
Leaders at the forum say artificial intelligence and the opportunities it presents have created a sense of optimism while acknowledging that looming tariffs threats from the United States pose challenges.
Laura Westerberg has more details.
In the heart of Hong Kong's financial district, international investors gathered to discuss trade and business opportunities at a time of global uncertainty.
Opening the event, Hong Kong Exchange Chairman Carlson Tong had this message.
The international appetite for China opportunities is very strong.
It has been spurred on by recognition of China's long term focus on innovation.
most recently demonstrated by what we call the Deep Seek moment.
Investors seized on China's advances in artificial intelligence to pour funds into the Hong Kong market at a time when U .S. President Donald Trump's trade wars are undermining confidence in the U .S. economy.
The city's Hang Seng benchmark has rallied more than 20 per cent this year.
It's a much needed bright spot, with China's slowing economy under pressure from the U .S. tariff policy.
Hong Kong, too, has been ramping up research into AI development, but economic concerns have lingered, with tourism numbers not yet recovered to pre -pandemic figures.
Hong Kong is caught in the trade war with the United States, as new American tariffs apply to both the Chinese mainland and Hong Kong goods.
Still, Finance Chief Paul Chan insists the city has a role to play.
Many companies try to diversify their industry chain, supply chain, into Southeast Asia.
Then for companies why don't we play the role of supply chain management, trade financing, professional services, hand -holding these companies in their efforts of going global.
Earlier this month, Chinese Premier Li Chang said he wanted Hong Kong to deepen cooperation with the international community.
countries and companies are bracing for the impact of further tariffs next month.
What do investors despise more than anything?
It's uncertainty. So I think getting some certainty around the policy situation, letting the dust settle in the United States and some of those arrangements between the US and their partners on a bilateral basis letting that gel and having some clarity there will probably be like a cathartic thing.
The World Economic Forum says rising geopolitical tensions threaten to fragment the global financial system and that could cost as much as 5 % of the world's GDP due to reduced trade and capital flow.
In this environment, Hong Kong and the Chinese mainland are working hard to show they are a safe and reliable place to invest. That was Laura Westbrook in Hong Kong.
Thank you very much, that was Wong Zihang with business.
Coming up in sports an upset on the women's side at the Miami Open.
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 Thank you, Shane, we begin in Tennis.
Teenager Alexandra Iala has pulled off another upset and Miami opened when she knocked out second seeded Igor Svyantek 6 -2, 7 -5 in the Quarterfinals.
Iala reached her first WTA Semifinals by beating her third major champion on Wednesday, this time in 1 hour 37 minutes.
She said she's still taking in the victory.
There's a lot of emotions definitely.
Happiness has to be on the top of all the whole list. Yeah, I'm just trying… I still haven't had time to stop and think about it yet, but I'm super, super happy with the win.
Shavian Thak praised her opponent's ability to put her on the back foot.
Her being elected didn't surprise me.
But for sure she went all -in, you know.
and she made this return in pretty long so it was not easy to hit it back.
She was pretty loosened up and just went for it so yeah I mean for sure she felt very nice through them and it helped her.
Iala received a wildcard into the WTA1000 event.
The 19 -year -old is the only Filipino player on the professional tennis tour and entered ranked 140th.
Along the way she defeated 2017 French Open Champion Yilina Osterbenkel and reigning Australian Open Champion Madison Keyes.
Up next for her will be Jessica Pegula, who got past Emma Raducanu in 3 sets.
Meantime, China's Jiang Xinyu and Chinese Taipei's Wu Fangxie reached the semi -finals of the women's doubles with a 6 -3, 6 -4 victory over Chinese pair Wang Xinyu and Zheng Caizhai.
Jiang and Wu will meet Mira Andrieva and Diana Schneider from Russia on Saturday, with the place in the final at stake.
On the men's side in Miami, rising star Arthur Filz came from a set down to shock top seed Alexander Sivirev and reached the quarterfinals.
Filz will face another youngster in 19 -yield Jakob Manczyk in the quarterfinals, with both players chasing their first Masters' 1000 semifinal spot.
Red Bull has dropped Liam Larson as the teammate of Formula 1 champion Max Verstappen after just two rounds of the season and replaced him with Yuki Tsunoda on Thursday.
Lawson was given the Red Bull seat despite not having previously driven a full F1 season and struggled immediately.
The New Zealander didn't score any points, crashed out of the season -opening Australian Grand Prix and qualified in last place for the Chinese Grand Prix and its sprint race.
Tsunoda moved up from Red Bull's second team racing balls in time for his home Japanese GP next week.
Lawson will take on Tsunoda's place at Racing Bull's alongside rookie Isaac Hodea.
In football from La Liga, Barcelona will take on Osasuna in a postponed home match, as they hope to tighten their grip at the top of the table.
Earlier this month, the original fixture was called off after around 20 minutes before kick -off after the sudden passing of Barca club doctor Charles Monero Garcia. Henrik Fligzeit is looking to extend its seven -game winning streak, despite the tight turnaround his players have to make after the international break.
I think we have a big, big quality in in this team and we can win against everyone.
Also, if there are some players not in the team.
So for me, we are focused on this, we are looking forward and very positive about that.
B Trends now level with leaders Real Madrid on 60 points but have a game in hand.
A win will send them three points clear at the top.
Still in football, Bayern Munich defender Afonso Davies has suffered an ACL tear in his right knee while on international duty with Canada.
Davies left in the 12th minute of Canada's 2 -1 win over the United States in the CONCACAF Nations League third place play -off on Sunday.
The Bundesliga club and the 24 -year -old left back will miss the rest of the season.
In another blow to Bayern's backline, defender Daio Tua Pamacano is also out for several weeks with a knee injury.
League leaders Bayern hold a six -point lead over second -placed Bayern Leverkusen.
FIFA has announced the details of the 2025 Club World Cup's US $1 billion prize money.
The tournament champion is set to receive up to $125 million.
The inaugural 32 -team FIFA Club World Cup will take place in the United States from June to July.
The world football governing body said its new flagship tournament is projected to generate $2 billion in revenue.
It will acculate $1 billion to participating clubs and an additional $250 million to a global solidarity fund for club football.
The 32 clubs will receive varying participation fees determined by a ranking system incorporating sporting and commercial criteria.
And finally, the Chinese women's rugby team will make its long -awaited return to the Hong Kong Sevens core tournament this Friday, targeting a top 8 finish.
This marks the team's first appearance in the core event in six years, fresh off a sixth -place performance at Paris Olympics.
As the fifth leg of the World Rugby 7th Series, the Hong Kong sevens will debut at newly built Kaitak Sports Park with 12 teams competing in the men's and women's divisions.
All right thank you very much. Coming up in Culture and Entertainment, the Hamburg Ballet is returning to China.
Experience the musical classics of the East. Mingle with the masters of Chinese music.
We'll begin in Chinese.
Music talks, witness the sound of antiquity and modernity.
53 past the hour. In Culture and Entertainment the Hamburg Ballet will perform a Midsummer Night's Dream at the National Centre for the Performing Arts in Beijing from Friday to Sunday.
That tells one of Shakespeare's most beloved comedies.
In 1977, choreographer John Neumeier reimagined the classic through ballet.
The ballet's music blends a poetic score by Mendelssohn with the ethereal organ and mechanical sounds of Hungarian born composer Georgi Ligeti.
Neumeier said they are thrilled to bring the ballet to China, creating a bridge across cultures through art.
Thirteen years ago, the Hamburg Ballet captivated Beijing audiences with Mahler's Third Symphony and Neumeier's Ballet Nijinsky.
The Golden Panda Awards will host its second edition in September, to honour outstanding film and television works.
The biennial event in Chengdu will organize film screenings, and an international cultural forum.
Participants from China and abroad will also get the opportunity to observe giant pandas up close.
Linlin has more. The second edition of the Golden Panda Awards is set to take place in September 2025.
The features a total of 27 awards across four categories, including film, TV drama, animation and documentary.
The Golden Panda Awards belongs to every creator who believes that cinematic experiences can weigh more into every cultural guardian of the arts.
It aims to inspire these individuals to root themselves in their communities and strive for greater accomplishments.
Professor Ying Hong, renowned expert of film theory and critique, who served as a judge during the inaugural edition, will once again lend his expertise to this year's jury.
For the second edition of the Golden Panda Awards, we hope to attract even more attention, especially as the selection criteria will inspire more creators.
As we evaluate the work, are to spread the guiding principles of the Gordon Panda Awards to a broader audience.
With its focus on diversity, inclusiveness and promoting mutual respect and equality, I am confident it will have a lasting impact on both Chinese and global film and television.
At the press conference, the organizing committee also announced the event will feature three key activities.
Guests will meet industry insiders at a reception, forums, and the award ceremony.
As the highest level awards in China for international communication, the Golden Panda Awards aims to build a global community with a shared future through film and television productions.
The event is committed to deepening intercultural exchanges and building international friendships.
The Golden Panda awards is held every two years in southwest China's Sichuan Province and is hosted by the China Federation of Literary and Art Circles and the Sichuan Provincial Government.
That was Lin Lin reporting.
International music legend Sarah Brightman will take the stage at the Beijing Performing Arts Center, starring in Andrew Lloyd Webber's classic musical, Sunset Boulevard. It's adapted from the 1950 Academy Award winning film of the same name.
The musical, run in Beijing from Thursday until April 13, and then continues its journey in Shanghai.
We're at 57 past the hour, Beijing's down to 4 degrees Thursday evening.
It'll be cloudy and 10 on Friday.
Nansheng's down to 12 and then a slight rainfall and maintains 12 degrees.
elsewhere in Asia, Islamabads 11 overnight, then a slight rain in 25 on Friday.
Vientiane's 23 this evening then cloudy in 38.
Phnom Penh's down to 25 degrees, that's followed by a slight rainfall in 36.
In Africa, Nairobi's getting a slight rainfall and 24 degrees celsius on Friday.
That's it for this edition of the Beijing Hour.
Making news today, Chinese Vice Premier Ding Shui -sheng has delivered a keynote speech at the Bao Forum for Asia which is now officially underway in Hainan.
The US stocks took a tumble after Washington's latest tariff announcement on all imported cars.
On behalf of the staff, Shane Biggum and 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.
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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 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 nine percent 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, or in our 12 -part series, The Yellow River Mosaic, Available only on CGTN Radio.
