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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 Biggum with you on this Monday, December 23rd, 2024.
You're listening to the Beijing Hour, coming to you live from the Chinese capital.
On today's program, the ongoing session of China's 14th National People's Congress Standing Committee is reviewing draft laws and legal revisions.
Israeli bombardment of gas is intensified, including in designated safe zones, and experts have hailed 2024 as the biggest election year in human history.
In business, China is considering a law to promote development in the private sector.
In sports, football results from the Premier League and La Liga.
in Culture and Entertainment, a Hong Kong artist's exhibition in Shanghai.
Now checking the day's top stories.
Chinese lawmakers are reviewing draft laws and legislative revisions at the ongoing session of the 14th National People's Congress Standing Committee.
One of the highlights is the review of a national park law that delegates submitted to the top legislature for the first reading in September.
Soon Tianyuan has more.
more. Chinese lawmakers reviewed a series of legislative drafts over the past few days including a draft law on national parks development.
It was submitted to the NPC Standing Committee, China's top legislative body for legislature.
The first reading took place earlier in September this year.
The draft law ensured protection of management of protection of natural parks while balancing it with local welfare.
fair the latest draft emphasizes the need to focus more on trading professionals to help manage national parks and also the symbols and logos of the park will be under legal protection the draft also makes clear that if wildlife you know national park it should cause harm the compensation for such damages will be covered by the central government meanwhile it requires provincial government to assess the impacts on local life and businesses before establishing a national park they also have to come up with a plan to minimize disruptions the draft also specifies that when a national park is created
existing nature's conservation areas that fall within its boundaries will become part of the establishment additionally if only parks are included INCLUDED...
THERE WERE THREE OPTIONS FOR THE REST. THEY CAN STAY AS THEY ARE...
GET INCLUDED OR GET CANCELED.
IN 2021, CHINA OFFICIALLY ESTABLISHED THE FIRST BATCH OF FIVE NATIONAL PARKS, INCLUDING ONE FOR GIANT PANDAS...
TO ENHANCE BIODIVERSITY PROTECTION AND LANDSCAPE CONSERVATION.
CHINA IS COMPLETING THE WORLD'S LARGEST NATIONAL PARK NETWORK BY 2035.
and so far 49 additional sites have been selected across the country for future establishments.
That was Soon Tianyuan reporting.
China's made efforts to protect biological diversity.
One of the examples is the efforts made along the Chiantong River in Zhejiang.
Yang Shanchian has more from the eastern Chinese province.
province. Zheng Haibao is a dedicated biologist, and he has spent nearly two decades working in the subtropical evergreen broadleaved forest of Kaihua, where the Qiantao River originates.
He says the forest is a Chinese treasure.
Every tree in this area has a unique ID, and we monitor the growth by measuring the growth rain every half year.
Most primitive forests at low altitudes have already disappeared.
Here at the Qianjianyuan National Park, we still preserve this rare and continuous forest. The falling leaves and the seeds of the forest are regularly collected and sent to the nearby observation and research station.
The seeds help us understand why so many species in the forest coexist harmoniously.
Biodiversity is the foundation of human existence and sustainable development.
It is essential for food, materials, water and soil conservation, carbon storage and even medicine.
If we want to live harmoniously with nature, we must preserve biodiversity.
The source of Tiantang River is known as the seabank of East China.
A National Park was established to protect thousands of rare plants and wild animals.
This not only facilitates scientific research, but also safeguards the ecosystem of the whole Qiantang River, which flows through China's most populated and industrialized regions.
To protect the Qiantang River, a monitoring center was set up here, that used satellite, remote sensor, drones and other technology to track climate change, prevent disaster and preserve biodiversity.
diversity. Our remote cameras captured thousands of pictures of rare and wild animals every day.
This is crucial for research and the protection of animals.
We also provide residents with subsidies to discourage human intervention and protect the environment.
And we have established a community to educate people about the importance of ecological protection.
Every year, lots of of children visit the national park to study the plants and animals but more importantly the experience and learn about the significance of the biodiversity and how the harmonious coexistence of humans and the nature is an important resource passed down through the generations not just for themselves but for future generations that was young shanshan reporting china says multilateralism and cooperation remain the key to its vision at the UN, Beijing's leading efforts to ensure global collaboration on artificial intelligence, aiming to ensure that developing countries are not left
behind in the fast -paced technology space.
Jody Jacobs has more on China's role at the UN this year.
China has continued to assert itself as a key player in international diplomacy, using its permanent seat on the UN Security Council to push for its vision of a multipolar world order.
In recent months China has taken an active role in discussions around key issues including global security, economic recovery, climate change and global technology.
One of the highlights came in September when Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi delivered a powerful address at the UN General Assembly.
His speech emphasized Beijing's commitment to a community of a shared future for mankind, advocating for multilateralism and the protection of national sovereignty.
As a permanent member of the UN Security Council, China has repeatedly used its voice to shape outcomes on key issues such as the conflicts in Syria, Gaza and Ukraine.
In 2024, it has been particularly vocal on the war in Gaza, putting pressure on countries like the United States to a seed to a ceasefire, while at the same time urging for dialogue and negotiation in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
While China maintains its stance on these geopolitical issues, it's a key supporter of the UN's 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, and has pledged substantial investment in clean energy and green technology.
This year, China spearheaded global efforts on AI technology.
In July, the UN General Assembly adopted a China -led resolution on international cooperation involving AI development.
The measure stressed the importance of supporting developing countries, ensuring no one is left behind.
The international community should respect and safeguard the right of all countries to develop and utilize AI technology on an equal footing and to work together to create an open, inclusive and non -discriminatory environment for AI development.
AI should be a boon for all, not a game reserved for the rich and the powerful.
One analyst believes that China has certainly played and continues to play a constructive role in ensuring there are no gaps in the rapidly evolving world of technology.
China is certainly making a concerted effort to emerge as a voice of the developing world, but also as an alternative, if you like, to the Western narrative on all things related to the global digital compact, or digital which has become the catch -all phrase for all the new developments including artificial intelligence, cyber, quantum, etc. And I think it's fair to say that if you look at the global digital compact, China's role has been quite constructive.
China's diplomatic efforts at the UN will continue to shape the future of multilateralism and international governance.
Experts say in 2024 there was a clear emphasis on promoting cooperation, resisting unilateral actions and balancing its own interests with broader global priorities.
That was Jody Jacobs reporting.
Coming up, Israeli bombardment of Gaza has intensified.
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At 11 minutes past the hour, Israel's intensified attacks over the Gaza Strip.
A strike on a shelter in an Israeli -designated humanitarian zone in southern Gaza killed five people.
The Israeli army also ordered staff to evacuate Kamal Adwan Hospital in the north.
one of the last remaining health facilities.
The hospital is without power after an airstrike.
Its director says it's impossible to transfer patients without outside help.
Rami Al -Maghari has more from Gaza.
Let's start with the central Gaza Strip and Al -Buraj refugee camp, where five people have been reportedly killed during an Israeli airstrike and an Israeli airstrike on the Al -Buraj refugee camp, which show the clashes between Palestinian militants and the Israeli forces.
Also in the Nusayrat refugee camp in central Gaza Strip, there has been intense Israeli fire on the Mukhayem al -Jadid, or the new camp in the Nusayrat refugee camp to the west of the Nusayrat refugee camp.
And people have been reportedly injured during Israeli army actions There was an Israeli strike in which five people have been killed also because of the intensity of the Israeli actions over there.
When we go up to the north, in the northern Gaza Strip, Jabali refugee camp, there was an intensive fire on the Kamal Adwan Hospital, and it seems that the Israeli army is getting impatient towards the existence of that hospital, asking or ordering the hospital staff to evacuate immediately under intense Israeli fire.
Fire, and a child was, a toddler was killed in the hospital because of the Israeli fire on the Kamal Adwan Hospital.
That was Rami Amagari reporting.
Hamas and two other Palestinian factions say a truce agreement with Israel is closer than ever.
Egypt, Qatar and the U .S. mediated indirect talks in Doha last week.
A Palestinian official says the ceasefire talks are 90 percent complete, but negotiators need to finalize several points.
Adel Almaruki has more from Cairo.
One of the latest meetings was held here in Cairo between representatives of Hamas, the Islamic jihad and the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine, all three organizations or all three groups that represent quite a significant representation of the Palestinian resistance in Gaza.
Now one of the main points of differences, or two main points of differences, is precisely precisely, the number of Palestinian prisoners will be released from Israel, their names, and where will they go after being released?
Will they go back to the Palestinian territories or away from the country?
Also Israel's right to veto some of the names, how many will Israel get?
This is also part of the finalising points that have not been clear yet that an agreement has been reached about which. On the other hand, Israel's presence in Gaza, which territories will military presence will be maintained, will be security checkpoints?
If so, where exactly?
And that will indirectly affect the movement specifically for Hamas from the north to the south.
There seems to be quite an agreement that Israel will take a step away from the Rafah crossing, the main passage between Egypt and Gaza.
So these are basically where the deal has not been clear to have reached an agreement yet.
It seems that now it is closer than ever, according to Egyptian Qatari sources and as well as people from Hamas.
That was Adel Al -Marouki reporting.
Israeli opposition leaders are accusing Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of sabotaging these ceasefire talks.
Jonathan Regev has more from Tel Aviv.
What the opposition is saying, Paul, Paul, is that basically this is the Netanyahu policy as we've seen it in previous cases.
Every time that it seems that a hostage deal is about to come, Benjamin Netanyahu finds way, according to the opposition, to sabotage it.
This is due to the fact that Netanyahu is well aware that there are factors within his coalition, mostly the far -right leaders, Bezalel Smotric and Itamar Ben -Gvir, that oppose such a deal.
And Netanyahu knows very well that he, without the two of them and their parties, there's no coalition for him.
And according to the opposition, every time that Netanyahu would have to decide between the good of the hostages or the good of his coalition, he will always go with his coalition.
According to Yair Lapid and Benny Gantz, this time is no different.
Benny Gantz, for example, saying that as reports were coming of a possible progress in the negotiations for an agreement, Benjamin Netanyahu went and gave interviews to foreign media, to the Wall Street Journal, for example, and put prices that he knew that the other side would not accept, thus sabotaging the deal.
Yair Lapid, the head of the opposition, saying that once again Netanyahu is giving everybody perhaps the hope, the illusion that a deal is about to come, but then as he realizes once again that those right -wing elements within his coalition would not support the deal, He puts on prices that Hamas, he is well aware that Hamas will not pay.
Netanyahu in these cases putting the blame on everybody else, on Hamas, on the opposition, on the protests.
But it's actually you, Netanyahu, according to Yair Lapid, that is the one behind the failure of the negotiations.
This is basically what the opposition has been saying.
saying Gantz, Lapid, Avigdor Lieberman as well, all of the leaders of the big parties in the opposition.
This is also what the families have been saying.
They've been saying it throughout the week and also last night in the Saturday night protest. What will happen?
Are we heading for a deal or are we heading for another heartbreak?
As we've seen in previous cases, no one really knows.
But according to the opposition, Netanyahu is doing exactly what he did in previous cases in May and in July.
and now he's doing the same once again in December.
That was Jonathan Regev reporting.
The United States has carried out airstrikes on Yemen's capital, targeting Houthi military facilities.
The Houthis have claimed that they shot down a U .S. fighter jet and targeted the USS Harry S.
Truman aircraft carrier.
The U .S. military said the fighter jet was shot down in an apparent friendly fire incident and both pilots ejected safely.
The Houthi group and Israel also hit each other last week.
Protesters have taken to the streets in Yemen to condemn Israel's attacks.
Ahab Alfandi has more from Sana.
Thousands of Yemenis gathered in a civilian square in the capital, Sana, raising slogans and chanting calls to intensify and expand military operations at sea and deep into Tel Aviv in protest against Israel, Israel, which carried out a series of airstrikes against sports and energy infrastructure in Sanaa and Hodeidah.
Protesters condemned these airstrikes, saying their targets are civilians and reflect Israel's approach of attacking daily life.
They also say Israel has failed to stop Yemen's support for Gaza.
The airstrikes and attacks on the Yemeni Republic and its resources can in no way deter the Yemeni people from standing with, supporting and providing religious, Arab and Islamic solidarity to the Palestinian people.
We came out today to condemn the aggressive strikes on Yemeni people, as well as the Israeli aggression against Syria, Palestine and all the resistance fighters in Arab and Islamic countries.
Ansar Allah, also known as Yemen's Houthi Movement, whom Israel claims to target to change their stance on Gaza, have not shifted their position.
They described the Israeli attacks on power stations in Soldering and Nodring Sana 'a and the Salif district in Hodeida which killed at least nine people as acts of terrorism.
They affirmed their continued support for Gaza.
-"Surprises are being prepared to target the depths of the Israeli enemy's territory.
We will not stay silent about any attacks and will respond to strikes with even bigger strikes.
The message was delivered clearly.
Wasana was being bombed.
We simultaneously targeted the Ministry of Defence in Tel Aviv." On Friday, the military spokesperson for Ansar Allah announced a joint military operation by Yemen and Iraq targeting southern Israel with several drones, which he said successfully hit their targets.
The continued crimes committed against our brothers in Gaza will only lead to more strikes through missile power and the drone air force.
On the International Day of Human Solidarity, Yemenis have gathered in the Sabrin Square and more than 400 other locations.
Their message to the world is that they will not back down from supporting the Palestinian people, even if that means open warfare with Israel.
At the same time, they are calling for international solidarity, campaign to stop Israel's war in Gaza.
That was Ahab Alfandi in Yemen's capital.
The Turkish foreign minister has called for lifting sanctions against Syria after holding talks with the leader of Hayat, Tahrir al -Sham.
Akam Fadan says lifting sanctions is extremely important for the country's normalization and the establishment of security in Syria.
The necessary preparations for the reconstruction of Syria must be started as soon as possible.
Only in this way will it be possible to create an environment that will enable our Syrian brothers to return to their country voluntarily and safely.
The international community must provide strong support to the new administration.
The entire international community, especially the Arab countries, must engage with the new administration in Syria.
Faden also accused the international community of turning a blind eye to the region of Syria that's controlled by the PKK.
The minister added that PKK members are stealing the Syrian people's wealth and turning the region into a cauldron of terror.
Coming up, the biggest election year in human history.
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22 minutes past the hour.
2024 has seen elections taking place in over 70 countries and regions, with nearly half of the global population heading to the polls.
It's made this year the biggest election year in human history.
Joe Jiaxin has more on the changes brought about by the elections and their results.
One of the key words in what's dubbed the super year for elections is the party's shift. Largely shifting to the right.
Donald Trump's durian victory brings more uncertainties to both the United States and the global political landscape.
Meanwhile, trade tensions between the world's two largest economies could spiral out of control.
I do not expect very many good news from the American side.
They will exercise the xenophobic drive.
The Trump administration will intensify the trade war.
But it is very big policy mistake.
Protectionism is not a good advice for sustainable economic development.
Trump has vowed an additional 10 % tariffs on all Chinese imports and also threaten U .S. neighbors and European allies with tariffs.
With this rising protection needs, it will put great pressure on the WTO -based international economic order.
Currently, the U .S. has slapped a 100 % tariff on all Chinese EVs. The European Union, with its new and divided parliament, has followed suit, imposing tariffs of up to 35 % on Chinese green tech. the European Union must not take a side in the attack of the world between the US and China because globalization is an irreversible process and China knows much better than the old and the new American administration how to manage, how to continue this inclusive globalization.
In the UK the Labor Party, ending 14 years of Conservative Party rule, rule has echoed a sentiment of pragmatism.
The new prime minister has prioritized economic growth by strengthening relations with Washington, Brussels, and Beijing.
The idea that we must choose between our allies, that somehow we're with either America or Europe is plain wrong.
I reject it utterly.
Many British and Europeans also believe that Europe should seek to shape its China policy independently from the U .S. That's according to the European Council on Foreign Relations.
Both Stalmer and Trump seek the end of regional wars.
In the Middle East, negotiations surrounding a ceasefire in Gaza continue and could see a major breakthrough given the elimination of major Hamas and Hezbollah leaders and the fall of Assad government in Syria.
But the long sought -after solutions to the crisis in Ukraine is something the global community has yet to find.
In a rare defeat, the Democratic Party of Botswana and Southern Africa lost power for the first time in nearly 60 years, in a year of elections in which incumbents and traditional political parties across continents face challenges.
But the economy isn't the only issue driving anger at the status quo.
A survey by the Pew Research Center suggests there is a broader frustration with how representative democracy is functioning.
Globally, rising populism and nationalism could also widen the developmental gap between the North and South.
Developing countries, they are not willing to lend a helping hand to those struggling in developing countries.
They care much more about what's happening within their borders instead of beyond their borders.
After his third consecutive victory, India's Narendra Modi along with other Brexit nations say they will continue voicing support for the global south and they have committed to addressing the world's deficits in development governance and security through inclusive dialogue though experts warn of a new code war there is hope that cooperation could still outpace confrontation you know because china and the united states can together solve all of the the problems of the world, if you think about it.
That was a report on the major changes brought about by the elections that took place this past year.
The Panamanian presidents reaffirmed the country's sovereignty over the Panama Canal after U .S. President -elect Donald Trump threatened to retake the waterway.
Jose Raul Molino also defended the passage rates that Panama charges, saying that they didn't set them on a whim.
I want to express that every square meter of the Panama Canal and its adjacent areas belong to Panama and will continue to belong to Panama.
The sovereignty and independence of our country are not negotiable.
Raids are not a whim.
They're established publicly in an open hearing considering market conditions, international competition, operating costs, and the needs of maintenance and modernization of the interoceanic waterway.
Trump has threatened to reassert U .S. control over the Panama Canal, accusing Panama of charging excessive rates to use the Central American Passage.
The waterway that connects the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans was built in the early 1900s, and the U .S. maintained control over the canal zone until 1977.
At 28 past the hour, Beijing's down to minus 6 on Monday evening.
Tuesday, we'll see sunny skies and 5 degrees.
Nanchang's down to plus 3, then sunny and 10.
Elsa in Asia, Islamabad's down to 5 this evening.
Tuesday, sunny skies and 18.
Vientiane's at 15 overnight, then sunny and 28.
Phnom Penh's down to 24, sunny and 31 degrees on Tuesday.
It's time for a short break.
So far this hour, we look at the ongoing session of China's 14th National People's Congress Standing Committee.
It's reviewing draft laws and legal revisions.
Israeli bombardment of Gaza is intensified, including in designated safe zones.
and experts have hailed 2024 as the biggest election year in human history.
Shane Begumadip, stay with us here on The Beijing Hour.
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listen to Echoes of Kulia on radio .cgtn .com and all major podcast platforms examining the events that impact and shape China and the rest of the world this is the Beijing Hour one hour of news and information brought to you every weekday Now here's your host, Shane Biggum, with you on this Monday.
Still to come, in business, China's considering a law to promote development in the private sector.
In sports, we have football results from the Premier League and La Liga.
In culture and entertainment, a Hong Kong artist exhibition in Shanghai.
To contact us, you can email radio at cgtn .com or follow our ex -account at CGTN Radio.
But first of all, checking the day's headline news, here's Tianyu.
Thank you, Shane. The Chinese government has provided a million US dollars in emergency assistance to quick -hit Vanuatu to support its response to the disaster and reconstruction efforts.
The country has coordinated experts from Chinese enterprises based in Vanuatu to conduct a preliminary disaster assessment.
A Chinese medical team is taking part in treating and rescuing the injured people.
The Red Cross Society of China has also provided $100 ,000 in emergency cash assistance to the island nation.
An official says China is willing to continue providing follow -up assistance and help Faruqa to overcome difficulties and rebuild homes.
South Korea's corruption investigative body says impeached President Yun Seok -hyo defied its second request to appear for questioning over his martial law imposition.
The Corruption Investigation Office for High -Ranking Officials says the presidential office and residents have yet to receive the request to appear for questioning on Wednesday.
Yoon has reportedly yet to submit documents for the appointment of his defense counsel.
Reports say the Joint Investigation Unit will review whether to send the third request for questioning or seek an arrest warrant.
Quarants. Meantime, the Constitutional Court says it will hold the first pre -trial hearing over Yun's impeachment on Friday as scheduled.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has vowed to act forcefully against the Houthis amid increasing drone and missile attacks from the Yemeni group.
In one of the most recent incidents, a rocket from Yemen hit Tel Aviv on Saturday and injured 16 people.
Netanyahu says he has backing from the U .S. We're not acting alone.
The U .S. and other countries see the Houthis as a threat not only to international shipping, but to the international order.
Therefore, we'll act forcefully with determination and sophistication.
Israel launched a series of strikes against energy and port infrastructure in Yemen last week.
The Houthis have been targeting vessels linked with Israel, the U .S. and the U .K. in the Red to show support for Palestinians.
Meanwhile, Houthi military spokesperson Yahya Sarri says they have responded to hostilities towards Yemen.
The armed forces succeeded in thronting an American -British attack on our country as the aircraft carrier USS Harry Truman and a number of its destroyers were targeted.
The spokesperson also claimed that the militant group shot down a U .S. fighter jet, countering a U .S. account that two Navy pilots ejected to safety after a friendly fire incident in the Red Sea.
The head of a U .N.-backed team investigating crimes committed during the civil war in Syria says they are working with the country's de facto authorities in hopes of preserving newly uncovered evidence.
Robert Pettit said he had a constructive meeting and the team is aiming to help the people achieve accountability.
We have limited resources.
We have in -depth expertise.
We can bring that in terms of advising and counseling, but we are specifically mandated to do that, to preserve evidence and to collect it and to be able to analyze it.
I want to make it clear.
We're not here to take anything.
We are here to come and help preserve and use that evidence in proceedings.
proceedings. Activist Wafa Mustafa's father went missing in Damascus more than 10 years ago.
She said they need answers.
No one gets to tell the families what happened without evidence, without search, without work, without effort.
Now we're talking about mass graves.
These mass graves, you cannot just look at them and tell how many people are there.
We need proper organizations to do the actual work and that we know it will take years, but we need a proper process to have have the answers.
Many fear that journalists, researchers and the public may take or destroy evidence as they stream into former detention centers and mass gravesites.
And finally, Germany's federal police and migration authorities say they had received warnings about the alleged perpetrator of the attack on the Magdeburg Christmas market.
But the federal criminal police office said the information from last year was unspecific.
A 50 -year -old Saudi doctor allegedly rammed an SUV into a crowd at the Magdeburg Christmas Market in northeastern Germany, killing five and injuring 200 people.
Authorities said the suspect used to live in Mecklenburg -Western Pomeranian and complete his medical training there.
State Interior Minister Christian Pagel said the suspect received a fine in 2013 because he threatened the local medical Association during training.
Disputes have arisen because documents were requested, proof was demanded or similar, which he apparently did not share for his part, that he had to prove or present.
And it must have come to a large -scale action.
He had threatened actions which, according to the recollection of those involved, would receive international attention.
Police presence has increased at the Magdeburg Christmas Market.
Several other German towns canceled weekend events out of precaution and solidarity.
Berlin kept its markets open but also increased security.
Thank you very much. That was Tian Yu with Headline News.
This is Shane Biggerman, the Chinese capital.
Coming up in business, China's considering a law to promote development in the private sector.
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 Find us on your favorite podcast. We'll see you there.
And by the end of the session, losses for consumer, real estate, tech and health care stocks had dragged the Shanghai Composite Index half of 1 % lower.
The Shenzhen component was off by 1%.
Chinese banking stock have found a bit of favour at the moment with renminbi investors because they're not as volatile and are apparently delivering relatively high dividends.
There's also some flow into these stocks from bond investors too.
The bond market has, of course, been pretty overheated lately.
RATELY. TEN YEAR GOVERNMENT BOND YIELDS HIT RECORD LOWS AGAIN THIS MORNING.
THAT'S ANOTHER FRESH RECORD. AND THAT LEFT TRADERS LOOKING FOR SOMETHING THAT WOULD PAY OUT.
SO WE SAW AGRICULTURAL BANK OF CHINA AS THE BIGGEST CONTRIBUTOR AGAIN ADDING 3 PERCENT.
ENERGY AND POWER PROVIDER STOCKS ARE RISING AS WELL.
BUT THEY COULDN'T OFFSET THE LOSSES THAT WERE FEATURED ELSEWHERE ON THE MARKETS.
THAT WAS TIMOTHY POPE IN SHANHAI.
ELSEWHERE, HONG KONG'S HAN SANG INDEX SURGED 0 .8 PERCENT.
In Japan, the Nikkei jumped 1 .2%.
Chinese lawmakers are reviewing a draft of the country's first basic law specifically aimed at promoting the development of the private sector.
He Rong with the Justice Ministry says the initiative is intended to create a legal environment that supports business activities.
Efforts will be made to address overdue payments and strengthen budget management.
Management. Provisions will be introduced to ban back -to -back clauses, and strategies for negotiating, mediating and resolving overdue payments will be put in place.
Private enterprises will also be encouraged to engage in national scientific and technological research projects, with eligible firms receiving support to lead major technological innovation programs. A back -to -back clause refers to a provision that directly connects the payment obligations of a subcontractor to the payment received by the main contractor.
Looking ahead to 2025, the government plans to implement several key initiatives to support the private sector.
Local governments will be tasked with speeding up debt repayments, especially to small and medium -sized enterprises.
Also, the government will launch a special initiative to improve business law enforcement.
In the first 11 months of the year, where private enterprises contributed to more than 55 % of the total value of China's foreign trade, marking a two -point increase compared to the previous year.
Chief researcher Li Yong of the DNC think tank says the private sector plays a vital role in promoting high -quality development.
We need to understand, for example, the vital role of the private sector sector played in the foreign trade sector, and they account for, for example, over 64 percent of the exports and around 42 percent of the imports.
And they are important player, I mean, the private traders, importers and exporters, They play a very vital role, and they actually represent the opening up of China or the window of China's opening up in the reform.
And in the process, you know, they have been proactively, for example, getting integrated integrated into the global market, participating in global cooperation, and facilitating, for example, the supply chain cooperation, and through the international production networks.
And all of those have resulted, for example, the upgraded trade quality, the increased increased value added, and also the innovative input into the trading products.
So all of those, I think, are evidence of China's high -quality opening up and high -quality trade development.
Of course, there are some more evidence of that.
and those, I think, will continue to demonstrate the robustness of China's trade in the next year.
That was Li Yong, chief researcher of DNC Think Tank.
In the meantime, China's cross -border e -commerce trade saw an 11 .5 % increase in the first three quarters of this year, outpacing overall foreign trade growth by more than six points.
This growth is driven by faster and more efficient transportation of goods, Wang Tianyu has details.
From Xiamen in China's Fujian province to Sao Paulo in Brazil, tens of tons of different types of goods are being transported in both directions twice a week.
Since it started in February 2023, this air cargo route, operated by Ethiopian Airlines, has facilitated the export of cross -border e -commerce goods, medical supplies and high -tech products from China.
and when the flights return, they bring seafood and fruits from Brazil.
We guided the expansion of the cross -border e -commerce supervision center, doubling their warehouse area.
This provides one -stop services for warehousing, logistics and customs clearance.
Security checks and loading for export products and the unloading and sorting for imported products are simultaneously conducted.
It takes as fast as just two hours from security check to being fully loaded onto the aircraft. aircraft. Since the start of 2024, 212 flights have transported nearly 15 ,000 tons of goods between Xiamen and Sao Paulo, including 5 ,000 tons of imported seafood and fruits from Brazil.
Over 12 million export parcels have been shipped, and the cargo load rate is consistently at 100 percent, meaning each flight departs from Xiamen fully loaded.
By the end of the year, the total expo parcels are expected to reach 15 million.
Thanks to this route, we have sold our e -commerce products to South America, which have grown from clothing and footwear to pet supplies, kitchen tools and etc. Many local sellers from Fujian province have established their own e -commerce platforms in Brazil, creating a complete supply chain system from production to distribution.
distribution this air route is part of xiamen's broader efforts to strengthen ties with BRICS nations following the city's hosting of the ninth BRICS summit back in 2017 that was wang tianyu in east china's xiamen fujian province shanghai port has become the first in the world to handle 50 million containers in a single year yang yanbin from the port explains the growth in container throughput is largely due to an increase in exports exports?
First of all, the rise in container throughput is a result of the continued growth in both domestic trade and the economy.
In the first 11 months of this year, the number of export containers handled at Shanghai Port went up by 6 .4 % compared to last year.
On the domestic side, our new Luodong container terminal opened this year.
Its location gives us a big advantage in attracting more domestic traders for transit shipment.
Shanghai port now operates nearly 350 international shipping routes, linking over 700 ports across more than 200 countries and regions.
The port has ranked first globally for 14 consecutive years in terms of annual container throughput.
Tour guides with foreign language skills are in high demand across China.
This new trend is increasingly fueled by a rise in foreign tourists due to the updated visa -free transit policy.
Zhang Lidong is the manager of a travel agency in the southwestern city of Chongqing.
The 240 -hour visa -free transit policy has doubled inquiries, with bookings already confirmed through May next year.
Compared to last year, actual bookings have increased by 80 percent.
So far, China has 650 ,000 certified tour guides, with 93 % of them speaking Mandarin, 6 % speaking English, and just 1 % speaking other languages.
To bridge the gap, Chongqing's Cultural and Tourism Department has partnered with local universities to create a training center for tour guides.
Alright, thank you very much. That was Wang Zihong with Business.
You're listening to the Beijing Hour.
Coming up in sports, we have football results from the Premier League and La Liga.
Thank you, Shane. In the Premier League, Liverpool has strengthened its hold on first place place with an extraordinary 6 -3 victory at Tottenham Hotspur.
Luis Dias met Trent Alexander and Arnold's beautiful cross with a diving header to open the scoring before Alex McAllister nodded home from close range to double Liverpool's lead.
James Madison pulled one back in the 41st minute but Dominic Zoboszlai restored the visitors' two -goal lead before the break as he slid past Frieza Foster following a counter -attack.
Mohamed Salah's double came in the second half to take his league tally this season to 15, before Tottenham hit back with Dejan Kulusevski's volley and Dominic Solanke's effort in the 83rd minute that threatened to set up a frantic finale.
Badia settled any Liverpool jitters with his second goal of the game, despite victory Liverpool manager Arne Slot highlighted the toughness of the title race.
Of course it means something because you always prefer to be where we are at the moment than to be in another position in the league table.
But you know just as well as I know because I've won the league once how hard it is to win it.
You have to keep on going, keep on going.
Every three days you have to be on top of your game, every minute of the game.
Second place to Chelsea could have gone into first place before Liverpool's clash in North London but failed to make it after they were held to a frustrating goalie's draw away to Everton.
Elsewhere, Manchester United suffered a humiliating 3 -0 loss at home to Bournemouth as the South Coast club moved up to fifth, while bottom club Southampton's goalie straw at Fulham means reigning champion Manchester City is now the worst -performing Premier League team since the start of November, after a 2 -1 defeat as Aston Villa left them down in seventh.
In La Liga, Real Madrid forward Kylian Mbappe has seen a clearer recovery in his form as the host beat Sevilla 4 -2 to move up to second place.
Mbappé initially struggled after moving to Real but has scored six goals in his last eight games.
He opened scoring with an absolute thunderbolt from the outside box in the 10th minute.
Ten minutes later, Real midfielder Federico Viverdi fired another stunning long -range effort which passed goalkeeper Alvaro Fernandes.
This is his fifth goal from outside box in all competitions for Real this season, more than any other player in Europe's top five leagues.
Rodrigo fired home the third goal for Madrid in the 34th minute from a cross by Lucas Vazquez.
But Sevilla scored immediately after that when Isaac Romero had it in a cross.
Brahim Diaz quickly made it 4 -1 for Real eight minutes after the restart when he finished off a clever move in which Mbappé and Vazquez combined to set him up.
Sevilla managed to score another consolation goal thanks to Dodi Lugibagio in the 84th minute.
The victory lifted Madrid to 40 points, one behind leader Atlético Madrid and two ahead of Barcelona.
Involuble Italian club Corneliano has beaten China's Tianjin Bohai Bank 3 -0 to win their third FIVB Women's Club World Championship in Hangzhou without losing a single set.
Tianjin's run -up finishes the best result for a Chinese team in the tournament.
Chinese star Zhu Ting scored 12 points for her Italian club.
She says she felt happy about the result for both teams. No matter which side wins, this final was a fantastic match. I think everyone has done a good job.
Of course, I feel happy that our Chinese team has improved a lot and played an impressive match. Although the result determined the champions, I think everyone is a winner.
Corneliano Swedish star Isabella Haak was named the most valuable player of the tournament.
Tianjin's Li Yingying also scored 12 points in the final and shared the award of Best Outside Hitter with Zhu Ting.
In the NBA, Dylan Brooks scored 27 points to help the Houston Rockets win in Toronto for the first time in more than five years, beating the struggling Raptors 1 -14, 1 -10.
Jalen Green had 22 points and Alperen Schengen had 17 points and 10 rebounds for the Rockets.
Jacoby Walter fouled out with a career -high 27 points and Chris Butcher and Ochai Obagi each added 15 as Toronto's losing streak reached a 7.
The Raptors have lost 6 consecutive games at home.
Toronto's RJ Barrett missed his second straight game because of an illness.
tennis. Elsewhere, Nikola Jokic overcame a slow start for his 9th triple -double of the season in the Denver Nuggets' 1 -32, 1 -29 overtime victory of the New Orleans Pelicans.
Pascal Siakam had 19 points and 10 rebounds and the Indiana Pacers dominated the second half to rout the Sacramento Kings, 1 -22, 95.
And finally, in the CBA, the Xinjiang Flying Tigers battled past the Shaanxi Loons, 1 -28, won 21 in overtime to snap Shanxi's 7 -game winning streak.
Xinjiang centre Li Yanzhe shot 9 of 9 from the field to finish with 25 points.
Shanxi point guard Brandon Good had a game -high 38 points.
He and his teammate Zhao Ning combined for 62 points for Shanxi.
This is Xinjiang's third consecutive victory.
Elsewhere Jared Salinger had a triple -double but couldn't stop the Bay combo royal fighters from beating the shenzhen leopards 109 95 all right thank you very much that was young guang with sports coming up in culture and entertainment a hong kong artist exhibition in shanghai you're listening to the beijing hour 60 minutes of comprehensive news your window on china and the world At 53 past the hour, Hong Kong artist Lian Chu has recently staged an exhibition in Shanghai.
The Gen Z artist crafted the stunning landscapes by blurring the lines between the virtual and the natural.
Zheng Hong spoke with the artist about her creation process.
How does a digital native portray landscapes?
landscapes. Today we see the world through a digital lens, whether it's our phones, tablets or computers.
Artist Lian Chu, a Gen Z creator, captures this experience by integrating the concept of the frame into her fairytale -like landscapes.
Everything we look at right now is within a box.
It's within our phones, it's within our computer.
So, for my paintings, it's almost like a digital landscape.
Chiu begins in the digital world, creating collages on Photoshop before bringing her ideas to life on canvas.
Her solo exhibition, It's chilly yet warm!
reflects this blend of techniques and emotions.
Each painting offers a touch of warmth, like a rainbow, fireworks, or rosy skies amid snowy hills.
I put everything together and I put it in a collage.
Eventually when I paint, I add a lot of things.
It's actually happy if people feel like, oh, this is too digital.
It's exactly the message I want to portray.
Her work bridges the gap between the structured digital world and the organic flow of nature.
This balance reflects her personal journey of living with Tourette's Syndrome, a condition that often causes sudden uncontrolled movements or sounds.
Art became a source of therapy and calm.
Whenever I paint, everything just calms me down.
But I think the syndrome is very active when you're very young.
I had a hard time communicating with people.
In Hong Kong, I live on an island called Discovery Bay, so I'm surrounded by nature, plants, like they listen to you.
they have no judgment.
I think that's very important for me to have a really good listener.
Amid the endless stream of digital visuals Chu's work poses questions about how we perceive the world.
Can we still separate artistic creation from digital artifacts?
Do we still marvel at the wonders of daily life?
Her recurring childlike protagonists offer an answer reminding reminding us of the innocence and curiosity that many lose in adulthood.
That was Zheng Hong reporting.
A joint archaeological team from China and Uzbekistan has unearthed ancient Chinese cultural relics in Uzbekistan, showcasing the cultural exchanges between the East and the West along the ancient Silk Road.
At the Meng Chekdape site, researchers have found items including bronze mirrors, leather products, and eyebrow pencils dating back as early as 420 A .D.
The site's been referred to as a living fossil of the Silk Road, as it was once a crucial geographical location along the ancient Eurasian trade routes.
The site's been the subject of an archaeological project carried out by China and Uzbekistan since 2012.
The Trevi Fountain is open to the public after more than two months of cleaning and restoration as part of Rome's preparations for the 2025 Roman Catholic Holy Year.
The work included removing dirt, pollution, and lime scale from the 18th -century monument, one of the best -known of Rome's many tourist attractions.
The Vatican expects up to 32 million tourists will descend on the Italian capital for the Jubilee, putting Rome's antiquated infrastructure under enormous strain and adding to the headaches of managing the flow of visitors.
visitors completed in 1762 the fountain is a late baroque masterpiece illustrating the theme of the taming of the waters tradition dictates that visitors toss a coin into the fountain to guarantee their return to rome in the holiday season battle for big budget family movies paramount pictures sonic the hedgehog 3 has sped past disney's mufasa the lion king to take the top spot at the North American box office.
Studio estimates show that the new Sonic franchise debuted with US $62 million in ticket sales over the weekend.
With strong reviews and a high score from audiences, Sonic 3 is well positioned to be the top choice in cinemas during the busiest moviegoing period of the year.
Video game adaptations have emerged as one of the most dependable box office forces in recent years.
The two previous Sonic movies together grossed around 700 million dollars worldwide and the third installment appears likely to do better than either of them a fourth sonic movie is already in development at 58 past the hour checking the forecast before we go for the day beijing's down to minus six on monday evening we'll get sunny conditions and five degrees on tuesday nanchang's down to plus three then sunny and 10.
elser in asia islamabad's at five overnight then sunny skies and 18 on tuesday Day.
BNTN's down to 15, then sunny in 28.
Phnom Penh dips to 24.
It's sunny in 31 tomorrow.
In Africa, Nairobi will be getting overcast conditions in 25 degrees on Tuesday, Kampala's down to 19, and then cloudy skies in 26.
Finally to Oceania, Port Vila's at 26 overnight, then showers in 31.
That's it for this edition of the Beijing Hour.
Making news today, the ongoing session of China's his 14th National People's Congress Standing Committee is reviewing draft laws and legal revisions.
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.
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