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This is the Beijing Hour.
Examining the events that impact and shape China and the rest of the world.
This is the Beijing Hour, one hour of news and information brought to you every weekday.
Now here's your host Shane Bigham with you on this Thursday January 2nd, 2025.
You're listening to the Beijing Hour coming to you live from the Chinese capital.
On today's program, US authorities are investigating two deadly incidents on New Year's Day in New Orleans and Las Vegas.
Relief supplies from China have arrived in Vanuatu following an earthquake in Port Vila.
Gas is ushered in the new year with more casualties as Israeli attacks against Hamas continue.
In business, Chinese manufacturing activity expanded at a slower pace in December.
In sports, Chinese and American tennis stars square off at the United Cup.
In culture and entertainment, the flowing light international light art exhibition in Sichuan.
Now checking the day's top stories.
Two incidents on New Year's Day have killed 16 people in the United States.
A man rammed a pickup truck into holiday revelers in New Orleans, killing 15 people and injuring dozens of others.
A Tesla Cybertruck explosion outside of a Trump Hotel in Las Vegas also killed a person and injured seven others.
President Joe Biden says law enforcement authorities are investigating whether the two incidents were related.
Alistair Baverstock has more from the scene of that truck attack in New Orleans.
It's a devastating attack which occurred in the small hours as revelers celebrated here in the French Quarter which is party central here in New Orleans.
This truck came in ploughed through killing at least 15 injuring dozens more but it wasn't finished then.
The suspect then fired on the responding police officers wounding two of them and then himself lost that shootout and died here and then further on down the line we saw that the authorities identified the possibility of two IEDs, improvised explosive devices, inside the vehicle itself so that of course
called in the bomb squad that called in the special authorities and the entire area has been cordoned off in New Orleans.
Indeed in the French Quarter is on high alert for any further public disturbance so a lot going on here with police vans all over as New Orleans comes through this tragedy.
President Biden speaking about this suspect here in New Orleans who's been identified now as Shamshud Din Jabbar.
He himself is a US citizen, a US military veteran and one who has found to have had sympathies at the very least for the Islamic State.
The FBI has reported to me the killer was an American citizen born in Texas.
He served in the United States Army on active duty for many years.
He also served in the army reserve until a few years ago.
The FBI also reported to me that mere hours before the attack he posted videos on social media indicating that he was inspired by ISIS, expressing the desire to kill desire to kill.
Well about this event in Las Vegas we've seen that the cyber truck itself was parked outside of the Trump Tower Hotel in Las Vegas and then according to the authorities was detonated using fireworks gas tanks and camping fuel in order to detonate that electric vehicle and indeed electric vehicles can certainly
be detonated inside a cyber truck but the authorities still do not know the identify the identity of the suspect.
That was Alistair Baverstock reporting.
Many New Orleans residents say they are shocked by the incident.
We were you know outside on St.
Peter watching the fireworks went to bed about one didn't hear anything other than my phone was you know blew up with a bunch of family from Indiana asking if we were okay looked outside our front door and we saw caution tape and dead silence and it's eerie so we didn't see any problem everybody was having
a lot of fun there were a lot a lot of people there there were a lot of police mounted police as there always is in this kind of a crowd we didn't see so a lot of drunk people but we didn't see any problems at all.
Law enforcement has identified the driver as 42 year old Shem -Siddin Bahar Jabbar and for more on the incidents in the US, Asiya Namdar spoke to David Katz founder of Global Security Group.
Katz discuss what the focus of the investigation should be and which security measures are effective in preventing vehicles from striking large crowds.
What I'd be focusing on now is number one did this person act alone and if not number two is who else is involved and are other attacks imminent so that's probably the first course of action they're going to go through every bit of social media the perpetrator had I don't know if they have they report
the fire where allegedly this person was staying I don't know if that report is correct but if it is correct I would suspect that you know you'd have computers and things like that that were destroyed in that fire because those are a treasure trove of information but still there's going to be online
there'll be enough evidence to figure out what this person was doing whom he was who he was communicating with and see whether this was a lone wolf attack or in fact a conspiracy.
Based on what we know was there enough security and police presence on Bourbon Street and even if there was David how much can they really do when someone behind the wheel is speeding in an area crowded with New Year's Eve revelers?
Having barricades or for French barriers that's not enough because as we see if again if their initial report was was correct that there were barriers up then the suspect just drove right through what does the NYPD do they take garbage trucks they park them at interstate there is no way I don't care what rate
of speed you're driving it you're not getting through into the area where the crowds are assembled so it's a matter of there's an accident physical security first you can't rely on a barrier and the presence of law enforcement to deter someone who's in a truck barreling at a high rate of speed what you
need is an object of sufficient mass and weight to stop that person from actually gaining access to the area where the crowds are.
That was David Katz founder of Global Security Group sharing his insights on the two tragic incidents in the U .S.
on the first day of the year.
A shooting on Wednesday afternoon in the southwestern mont or in southwestern Montenegro has killed at least 10 people including two children.
Interior minister Danilo Cerenovic confirmed that the shooter took his own life while surrounded by law enforcement officials.
We can say that the operation has been successful this individual was isolated by the superior work of police officers and at the moment he realized he had no way out and he attempted to commit suicide he did not die on the spot but during the transport to the hospital in the capital of Montenegro this individual
died due to the severity of his injuries.
The attack which followed a dispute at a local bar also left four others injured.
Authorities identified the shooter as a 45 year old man who'd been at the bar where a brawl took place.
The man went home retrieved a weapon returned and opened fire.
Montenegro known for its gun culture has a tradition of widespread firearm ownership.
Coming up earthquake relief supplies from China have arrived in Port Vila.
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Around nine minutes past the hour a batch of emergency relief supplies offered by the Chinese governments arrived in Vanuatu to support the quake hit country's disaster relief efforts.
The aid includes tents, folding beds, solar lights, food, water purifiers and medical equipment.
A 7 .3 earthquake struck Port Vila last month killing at least 14 people and injuring over 200 others.
Chinese ambassador Li Minggang said that Beijing will continue to assist with recovery efforts.
Vanuatu caretaker prime minister Charlotte Selway expressed appreciation for China's assistance.
Well it's a great support from China to bring help to assist those who are injured because there are many sectors not only shelters but also medical supplies.
At times so thankful this moment I'm glad to see that the Chinese plan arrived with 35 times of good so the relationship of China and Vanuatu since 2010 with 1982 continued to grow and it is highest one this time and we are so happy as a small country to be a good friend of a big country and powerful
country as China. China also sent four engineers to assist with Vanuatu's post -earthquake response.
Huang Fei has more.
On the first day of 2025, China is sending 35 tons of emergency supplies to Vanuatu under the banner China Aid for a Shared Future.
The shipment totaling 235 cubic meters includes essential items such as tents, folding beds, water purification equipment, solar panel lights, emergency food and medical supplies.
Chinese technical specialists are already on the ground at the request of Vanuatu's government.
Four structural engineering experts from the Chinese earthquake administration are assessing building safety in hard -hit areas and investigating secondary disaster risks.
This marks the first time China has sent a disaster assessment team to a Pacific island nation.
The Chinese government has also committed 1 million U .S.
dollars in emergency funds for Vanuatu's disaster relief and reconstruction.
Chinese companies operating locally as well as the Red Cross Society of China have also provided timely support.
The foreign ministry says China stands ready to provide further aid to support Vanuatu's needs.
That was Huang Fei reporting.
Chinese people have held various activities to celebrate the new year.
The Yuyuan Garden in Shanghai is holding its annual Lantern Show attracting tourists from China and around the world.
The garden's held this event since 1995.
Chen Tong has more.
A giant snake in a central square, butterflies in the sky and mythical creatures.
The annual Lantern Festival at Shanghai's Yuyuan Garden has begun.
The beautiful scenery is drawing tourists from everywhere to celebrate the new year.
We really enjoy Chinese culture.
We love it very much.
It's my mom's first time in Shanghai.
She likes it very much.
I've been to Xian Zhatan and it has similarities because the buildings, the history, of course the roof is a bit different but very similar but still very beautiful.
It's very jubilant and creative.
It's a beautiful animal so it's going to be a good a good year.
This year's festival is once again inspired by the ancient classic of Chinese literature Shanghai Jing or classic of mountains and seas.
Before our opening, many tourists, especially South Korean tourists in recent days, have been showing their love for our lanterns.
They like how we express Chinese culture through these lanterns.
I think our theme this year will attract more foreign tourists and more attention on overseas social media platforms.
The Lantern Festival at the Shanghai's Yuyuan Garden is the annual tradition to celebrate the new year.
It runs until the middle of February.
What's your new year wish?
I don't know. Come back to China.
I want to go to a Chinese university.
I really hope that every country will have the peace.
My new year wish is to get rich.
I have too many to stay safe and healthy and for everything to go well.
In less than a month we are going to say goodbye to the year of the dragon and welcome the rival of the year of the snake and we hope every one of you a happy healthy and fruitful new year from Shanghai's iconic landmark Yuyuan Garden.
That was Chen Tong reporting.
Locals in the border town of Aarksan have celebrated the new year with traditional Mongolian games at the Winter Nadam Festival.
Chen Mengfei has more from that town in Mongolia.
Who knew watching wrestling would be so much fun?
The adrenaline warms up your body at the Winter Nadam Festival held in a little border town in northeastern China called Aarksan.
The event's concept comes from an annual Mongolian tradition of cultural celebration and a nomadic sports competition held each summer.
Here in Aarksan it's been adapted to a year -round tourism attraction.
All the classic Nadam elements, horses, Mongolian wrestling known as bok, archery, tug of war, are re -enacted in the biting cold, a staggering minus 20 degrees.
Endless flows of steaming Mongolian milk tea and 15 ,000 homemade meat buns are provided for free by the local tourism authority who is on a vigorous campaign to promote its winter tourism.
A flourishing leisure industry is what locals are counting on.
As the professional wrestlers took home handsome cash prizes, this snack vendor speaks for many as he said his new year's wish is to make more money.
That was Chen Mengfei reporting.
Coming up, the new year in Gaza brings more casualties due to the ongoing conflict.
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16 minutes past the hour, Palestinians in Gaza have ushered in 2025 amidst renewed casualties from Israeli attacks across the territory.
Local officials say the attacks killed at least 32 Palestinians in the Strip on New Year's Day.
Rami Almagari has more from Gaza.
The new beginning of the new year for the Gazan people for the Palestinians here is a continuation, resumption of Israeli army actions across the Gaza Strip.
And since overnight, a series of Israeli air raids had multiple homes in different parts of the Gaza Strip and various parts of the Gaza Strip, including the latest in the Shizhaya neighborhood in Gaza City in which six people, including three children, were killed in a freezing ground Israeli airstrike
on a home in Shizhaya.
We go up to the north.
We have four people were killed actually in a strike on a home in the Jabali refugee camp.
Another home was hit by the Israeli army in the same Jabali refugee camp.
Two other homes were hit in two other neighborhoods of Gaza City since overnight up to this moment.
This is the situation.
More escalation on the ground by the Israeli army on different targets in the Gaza Strip as the people around the world celebrate their new year.
The people of Gaza are still mourning the death and the passing away of their beloved ones.
This actually, despite the fact that this comes amidst Israeli determination, Israeli army, Israeli officials' determination and announced determination that they will continue their strikes on the Gaza Strip to make or to force Hamas to succumb or to surrender.
I'd like to note here notably there were two rockets fired on the nearby Israeli towns.
One was intercepted by the Israeli drone, Israeli dome of the defense system.
Another left another hit an open area and afterwards absolutely after this incident the Israeli army, older neighborhoods in the Jabali refugee camp and central Gaza Strip to leave immediately for Israeli army actions over there.
That's the situation.
That was Rami Almagari reporting.
Israeli forces have carried out raids in the Occupy West Bank arresting at least 22 Palestinians.
Rights groups estimate that Israel is holding over 10 ,000 Palestinians in various detention centers.
Jonathan Raghav has more from Tel Aviv.
The IDF usually comments when it holds raids in the West Bank.
They're held mostly in the northern West Bank, the area of Jenin and the area of Nablus.
What Israel generally is saying is that it wants to prevent the West Bank from becoming the Gaza Strip.
Israel was present in the Gaza Strip up until 2005 and at that time the main Palestinian power in the Gaza Strip was the Palestinian Authority, the Fatah faction but then after the Israeli forces left Hamas took over and things escalated until they reached the October 7th massacre and everything that occurred
after that. What Israel is saying is that all of the actions that it is taking in the West Bank are meant to prevent a similar situation there, a situation in which Hamas and the Islamic Jihad take control of the area from the Palestinian Authority.
And yes, it involves a lot of raids.
The operation in the West Bank actually will begin way before October 7th.
It began actually in 2022 after a string of attacks within Israeli territory in cities such as Beersheba and Haderah inside Israel.
Then Israel initiated a major offensive in the West Bank and practically every night, before and after October 7th, raids are held and people are taken into detention, into custody, many of them being eventually sentenced to many years for their activity in militant action.
This is an activity that has been ongoing for quite some time and there's no let up in this.
Regardless of what is happening in Gaza, in Lebanon, in Syria, this is something that has been going on for quite some time and at least for the moment it doesn't seem as if anything of that is about to stop.
That was Jonathan Regev reporting.
The stoppage of Russian gas through Ukraine sparked fears of shortages and soaring energy costs, especially in landlocked European countries like Slovakia.
Russia and Ukraine announced the stoppage on New Year's Day after failing to extend a transit deal.
The halt is pushing more European Union members to resort to more costly energy alternatives.
Ray Addison has more.
New Year, new problems.
Within just hours of 2025's arrival, Russian energy giant Gazprom has been forced to stop the flow of natural gas to Europe via Ukraine after Moscow failed to reach a deal with Kiev.
The news was expected, despite efforts by Slovakia and Hungary to negotiate, Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky had been adamant the existing five -year deal would not be extended.
Since the Russia -Ukraine conflict began in 2022, European Union has diversified its energy supply, reducing Russian gas imports to around 10 % of its total, but some member states still depend on Moscow.
The decision has effectively cut off one of the last arteries carrying Russian gas to Europe and is expected to impact central and eastern countries in particular, with Slovakian Prime Minister Robert Fico warning the stoppage will have a drastic impact.
Nobody, I repeat, nobody is pushing Slovakia away from the living space that is the European community.
But we must see that selfish national interests of the big ones and the meaningless geopolitical goals are beginning to dominate this community, and on the other hand, ignoring the needs of smaller ones.
Ukraine's decision means Kiev now faces the loss of some 800 million dollars a year in transit fees from Russia, while Gazprom will lose close to 5 billion dollars in gas sales, marking the end of decades of Moscow's dominance over Europe's energy markets.
It's also feared the drop in supply could push up gas and electricity prices in Europe, with countries forced to seek costlier alternatives and pass the difference on to their customers.
That was Ray Addison reporting.
Many European countries are downplaying the impact of the halt on Russian gas exports to the continent via Ukraine, saying they are already prepared for it.
The European Commission says their gas infrastructure is flexible enough to provide non -Russian gas via alternative routes.
Russian gas accounted for less than 10 % of the European Union's gas imports in 2023, down over 40 % compared to the time before the conflict with Ukraine started.
But some countries still rely heavily on Russian energy imports.
Nigeria's refined petrol production reopening a refinery that had shut down nearly a decade earlier.
Nigerian national petroleum company has resumed production at the refinery.
After shutting down operation in 2015, the 125 ,000 barrels per day worry refinery is back to life.
It's one of four state -owned refineries that had been non -functional for years after they fell into this repair.
Authorities say more will be brought back online.
The worry refinery is currently running at 60 % capacity.
Authorities plan to gradually ramp up production close to its optimal capacity in the coming weeks and months.
The government is now setting its sights on reviving the 110 ,000 barrels per day Kaduna refinery.
Indeed, prices of petroleum products are gradually coming down in the country as competition kicks in.
Nigeria has had to rely heavily on expensive fuel imports since the country's refineries shut down.
And with supply bolstered by the privately -owned Dangatte Mega refinery, importation is expected to fizzle out in the coming months.
That was Deji Betamosi reporting.
As technologies continue to advance, the world's becoming more connected than ever, and many young people tend to spend a lot of time online but struggle to foster in -person connections.
New socializing apps are working to bridge the gap.
Isabella Diaz has more.
Why dine alone when you can share a meal with some fresh new faces?
That's the idea behind Time Left, an algorithm -based app that uses personality traits to pair people that share common interests but no personal ties.
The goal according to the app?
Start a conversation, spark a connection and fight big city loneliness.
Time Left used my personality test results to match me with five compatible strangers in Melbourne who are also looking for genuine connections.
The Time Left algorithm definitely wiped its magic since that group hit it off pretty well.
The app boasts users in 200 cities in some 50 countries.
There is a booking fee of 16 dollars and that doesn't include the cost of the meal.
But Time Left is just one in a series of socializing apps designed to help adults make new friends and real connections.
I'm your chance. I'm your chance for small talk, big talk, real talk and the breakfast.
The breakfast allows users a chance to connect with someone each day and enjoy, you guessed it, breakfast for a weekly cost of seven dollars.
Canada's Paw Mates matches nearby pooch lovers for a pet -friendly dog meetup.
Simply create a joint profile with your pup, swipe through your neighborhood, chat and make a playdate.
And the UK -based app Peanut helps women in every stage of fertility, pregnancy, motherhood and menopause find friendships.
These types of apps are gaining popularity as more young people search for friendships that exist beyond the internet.
A 2023 report by Business Insider found, Gen Zers were willing to pay thousands of dollars on things like gym memberships and social clubs, all in an effort to make new friends.
But in an age increasingly dependent on social media, it seems the answer to offline friendships may oddly enough be online.
That was Isabella Diaz reporting.
The interim Bulgarian Prime Minister visited the border with Greece on Wednesday following the country's full accession to Schengen area.
Border checks between Bulgaria, Romania and their EU neighbors officially ended on New Year's Day, enabling free travel across the block.
28 past the hour Beijing down to minus 6 Thursday evening, then sunny and five degrees on Friday.
Nanshunk's down to six overnight, then sunny and 15.
Elsewhere in Asia, Islamabad's down to five and then overcast in 22 tomorrow.
Vientiane's down to 17 then overcast in 28.
Phnom Penh's 23 this evening, a slight rainfall in 30 on Friday in Africa.
Nairobi will see some rainfall in 26 degrees tomorrow.
Kampala's down to 22 and then a slight rain in 25.
Juba's 23 this evening.
That'll be followed by clouds in 39 degrees Celsius.
Finally to Oceania, Port Vila's 23 this evening, then some rain in 31.
Apia will see a slight rainfall Friday in 30 degrees Celsius.
It's time for a short break.
So far this hour US authorities are investigating two deadly incidents on New Year's Day in New Orleans and Las Vegas.
Relief supplies from China have arrived in Vanuatu following an earthquake in Port Vila and gases ushered in the New Year with more casualties as Israeli attacks against the mass continue.
Shane Bigamithi stay with us here on the Beijing Hour.
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Examining the events that impact and shape China and the rest of the world.
This is the Beijing Hour.
One hour of news and information brought to you every weekday.
Now here's your host Shane Bigham with you on this Thursday.
Still to come. In business, Chinese manufacturing activity expanded at a slower pace in December.
In sports, Chinese and American tennis stars square off at the United Cup.
In culture and entertainment, the flowing light international light art exhibition in Sichuan.
To contact us you can email radio .cgtn .com or follow our x -account at cgtnradio.
First of all, a check of the day's headline news and here's Tianyu.
Thank you Shane. Chinese President Xi Jinping and Ecuadorian President Daniel Noboa have exchanged congratulations over the 45th anniversary of diplomatic ties.
President Xi says China and Ecuador have witnessed strengthened political trust, cooperation and friendship.
He expressed the country's readiness to work with Ecuador to push bilateral ties to a new level.
President Noboa said Ecuador's participation in the Belt and Road Initiative and the China -Aquadore Free Trade Agreement have helped promote well -being in both countries.
He also said Ecuador is willing to work with China to build a prosperous future.
Chinese President Xi Jinping and his wife Peng Liyuan have sent a new year card to middle school teachers and students in the US state of Washington to extend their wishes.
The couple expressed hope that the youth of the two countries would continue to take part in China's initiative of inviting 50 ,000 young Americans to China for exchange and study programs in a five -year span.
They also hoped that young people from both sides would strengthen exchanges and interactions, enhance mutual understanding, carry forward traditional friendship and contribute to the development of China -US relations and world peace.
The US -China Youth and Student Exchange Association and teachers and students from two US high schools sent a new year card to President Xi and his wife and the Chinese people.
They wrote in Chinese on the card to extend New Year greetings and wish for an everlasting friendship between the two countries.
Over 100 teachers and students signed the card.
China will host the 25th Shanghai Cooperation Organization Council of heads of state meeting this year.
The nation is also serving as the organization's rotating chair for the first time in seven years.
China's Commerce Ministry says the country has added 28 US agencies to the export control list.
General Dynamics and Boeing Defense, Space and Security are on the list.
The ministry says the move aims to safeguard national security and interests and fulfill non -proliferation and other international obligations.
US authorities say a man driving a pickup truck drove through a crowd of pedestrians in New Orleans' French Quarter early on New Year's Day, killing at least 15 people and injuring 30 others.
President Joe Biden revealed that the suspect had posted a video before the attack.
The FBI has reported to me the killer was an American citizen born in Texas.
He served in the United States Army on active duty for many years.
He also served in the Army Reserve until a few years ago.
The FBI also reported to me that mere hours before the attack, he posted videos on social media indicating that he's inspired by ISIS, expressing a desire to kill, a desire to kill.
The attack took place on Bourbon Street, which was crowded with New Year's Eve revelers and fans gathered ahead of the Sugar Bowl college football playoff game.
That game had been scheduled for Wednesday evening at the Superdome, but was postponed until Thursday night.
A Tesla Cybertruck caught fire and exploded outside President -elect Donald Trump's Las Vegas hotel.
Law enforcement officials report that the driver is dead and seven people nearby suffered minor injuries.
FBI Special Agent Jeremy Schwartz stated that they have not ruled out terrorism as a possible motive.
As of right now, our number one goal is to ensure that we have the proper identification of the subject involved in this incident.
Following that, our second objective is to determine whether this was an act of terrorism or not.
I know everybody's interested in that word and trying to see if we can say, hey, this is a terrorist attack.
That is our goal. And that's what we're trying to do.
President Joe Biden received a briefing on the explosion, which occurred just hours after a driver drove a truck into a crowd in the Orleans French Quarter.
Additionally, we're tracking the explosion of a Cybertruck outside the Trump Hotel in Las Vegas.
Law enforcement and the intelligence community are investigating this as well, including whether there's any possible connection with the attack in New Orleans.
Authorities confirmed that the Cybertruck was rented through the Turowab app and appeared to be carrying fireworks.
And finally, displaced Palestinians in central Gaza are relying on charity kitchens for food due to the lack of aid and soaring prices amid the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas.
Adham Shaheen is a displaced woman from Gaza City.
She says those who still have homes and could have bought food and cooked it can no longer do so because of the high prices.
We've been in the war for a year and four months.
Because of the high prices, even the people who used to be able to cook and eat in their homes are now unable to cook and buy food.
Everyone is turning to charities.
Even the charities have become very crowded because the number is large and there are charities that have closed due to a lack of support.
The U .N. reported on Monday that 80 percent of households in Gaza have at least one child going without food and over 96 percent of children, as well as pregnant and breastfeeding women, suffer from inadequate nutrition.
The Israeli military says it only targets militants and blames Hamas for civilian deaths because its fighters operate in residential areas.
The Shanghai composite was down nearly 3 percent.
The Shenzhen component lost more than 3 percent.
The food in the precious metal sectors were among the top gainers.
The Hong Kong stock market ended lower.
The Heng Seng Index decreased more than 2 percent.
In Japan, the Nikkei dipped nearly 1 percent.
The latest Shaheen PMI survey shows that the manufacturing reading came in at 50 .5 in December, down a point from last month.
Despite the decrease, the figure remained above 50.
It represents expansion activity for three consecutive months now.
The Manufacturing Production Index has been above the threshold for 14 consecutive months and the New Orders Index has remained in the expansion zone for three months.
The Shaheen PMI survey focuses on small and medium -sized enterprises, believed to be more export -oriented.
For more, Lincoln Humphrey spoke with Wang Yauqing, associate professor of economics from Peking University.
What are the key highlights for you from December's Manufacturing PMI data?
What are the main opportunities and challenges for the manufacturing sector in the new year?
One of the biggest highlights is that the New Orders Index is 51 percent, showing a consistent and robust improvement.
This is a sign of the domestic demand recovery and restore of the market confidence.
We're also seeing medium to large enterprises that are having an even more positive PMI showing their resilience and robust recovery in their business outlooks.
However, we are also seeing small businesses under pressure with a lower PMI from last month.
The labor market is also lower than the 50 percent line, showing a continued pressure.
Also, the international market demand is weakening, especially in investment and intermediate goods.
So these are the challenges ahead, but also these could be the opportunities to deepen reforms in the financial system so that funds can be better channeled to small businesses while containing the risks, and also an opportunity to diversify our trade partners and expand our export market to mitigate
risks from potential geopolitical tensions.
Yeah, speaking of reforms, as you said, a lot of this year's results hinges on responding to the challenges we'll see in 2025.
What are the most important policies from the Central Economic Work Conference aimed at enhancing China's manufacturing industry?
So the Central Economic Work Conference placed special emphasizes on the manufacturing industry in supporting modernized industrial system.
And one of the most significant policies would be to boost consumption and improve investment efficiency.
That means there will be a series of physical and monetary policies that are aimed at decreasing borrowing costs, stimulating both consumption and investment, support the labor market and improve household income and possibly give tax subsidies to innovation activities in the manufacturing industry.
Last but not least, the high quality opening up related policies are going to expand our overseas market and create more room for the manufacturing industry to thrive in the international market.
Do you expect the expansion momentum seen in the past two months to continue this year?
Is this growth sustainable?
Let's look at the driving forces of the PMI.
So we're seeing food and related industries like alcoholic beverages, the service sector and general equipment, electronic mechanics, or the fast growing industries in December.
And these are closely related to the economic stimulus policies that aimed at boosting the investment and consumption in December.
So since the end of December, a series of these kind of stimulus policies have been released to lower financing costs for both businesses and consumers.
And in order to restore confidence in the real estate market and as well as domestic demand.
That was associate professor Wang Yao Jing from Peking University talking about China's latest manufacturing PMI figures.
China's border check agencies saw over 1 .8 million inbound and outbound trips during the new year holiday.
That marked a 13 .7 % increase.
According to the China National Immigration Administration, Chinese mainland residents made up 870 ,000 trips.
That was up 11%. Foreigners made 185 ,000 trips, a gain of 33 .6%.
Border inspection agencies checked 67 ,000 vehicles, including ships, trains and automobiles, representing an increase of nearly 15%.
Commercial circles in Shanghai are creating a wide variety of scenarios to enrich the shopping experience.
The city kicked off a month -long shopping season on New Year's Day.
Different districts will roll out hundreds of promotional activities to boost spending and attract more visitors.
The efforts include public entertainment activities and exhibitions.
Authorities in Pudong New Area say their focus is to boost New Year's spending by integrating business, tourism and cultural activities.
So far, the district has released details of more than 100 events with that theme.
The shopping season runs until February 4, the end of the 8 -day Spring Festival holiday.
Yunnan Province's flower industry has made breakthroughs in developing new varieties and smart agriculture.
Various new flower strains are thriving in greenhouses even in winter.
Tsai Yanfei is from the Yunnan Academy of Agricultural Sciences.
We haven't registered it as a new variety yet, but it has displayed very good traits.
Both its parents have strong fragrance, so is this variety.
Many rose varieties in the market are actually not fragrant at all.
So we should pioneer a new track that's different from foreign breeding.
Cities also introduced high -tech applications in the planting process.
The applications automatically control fans, skylights and sunshades according to a plant variety's requirements.
The technologies have greatly shortened the planting cycle and increased yields.
Data from China State Railway Group shows that the country aims to expand the length of its operating high -speed rail tracks to around 60 ,000 kilometers by 2030.
That'll be up from 48 ,000 kilometers at the end of 2024.
The company says as the country continues to improve its railway infrastructure, the operating mileage of its network is expected to reach 180 ,000 kilometers by 2030, and that'll be up from 162 ,000 at the end of last year.
The country's investment in the railway sector is likely to reach 590 billion yuan, or roughly US $81 billion this year.
China's railway network handled a record of more than 4 billion passenger trips last year, marking a 10 .8 % increase.
The railway has transported nearly 4 billion metric tons of cargo, up 1 .9 % and rising for the eighth consecutive year.
Chinese car brand Helen Qi saw its annual sales volume exceed 411 ,000 units last year, an increase of 17 .4%.
This was the first time the company's sales figures reached 400 ,000 units, marking positive growth for seven consecutive years.
New energy vehicle sales soared to 115 ,000 units.
That was up nearly 44%.
Hongqi is an iconic brand in China.
Established in 1958, the brand has seen its vehicles used in parades to mark national celebrations.
FAW Group, which owns Hongqi, achieved vehicle sales of 3 .2 million units during the same period, with revenue exceeding 550 billion yuan, or roughly US $75 billion.
You're listening to The Beijing Hour coming up in sports.
Chinese and American tennis stars square off at the United Cup.
LeBron James is now the only active player in the NBA to reach 40 years old.
What does this achievement say about James' career?
Who else did great in their professional sporting careers after 40?
Listen to the latest episode of Side Line Story to join our discussion on those legends.
Find Side Line Story wherever you listen to podcasts.
3. Coco Gulf beat 35 -year -old veteran Zhang Shui, 7 '6", 6 '2", in the Women's Singles match.
Gulf says she was really impressive by Zhang's performance during the match.
In Men's Singles, U .S.
Open finalist Taylor Fritz swept past Zhang Zhijian in straight sets.
In the mixed doubles match, Sun Faojin and Zhang Shui were very close to getting the final set, but failed to bouncing the Super tie -break in a 6 '3", 6 '7", 10 '3 matchup.
4. Staying in tennis, Chinese player Yuan Yue has beaten ninth seed Marta Kostiuk in straight sets to advance to the third round of the WTA Brisbane International.
Yuan broke in the third game of the first set to lead 5 '4", and went on to take the first set 6 '4", after Kostiuk saved 4 set points in Yuan's service game.
In the second set, the Ukrainian vault number 18 came back stronger and broke first to lead 3 '1", but Yuan adjusted quickly to counter her opponent's temple before breaking back, and Yuan led 5 '3".
In the ninth game, Kostiuk saved one match point when she hit a backhand down the line, but Yuan broke to claim the set 6 '3", and swept into the next round.
She will next meet Ukrainian player Angelina Kalinina in the last 16.
5. Football, Arsenal has kicked off the New Year with a 3 -1 win over Brentford to move back into second place in the Premier League.
The Gunners shook off a slow start to leapfrog Nottingham Forest and the pool within six points of League leader Liverpool, which has a game in hand.
Brian Mbomo put the home team ahead in the 13th minute, but Gabriel Jesus made it 1 -0 just before the half -hour mark.
Michal Moreno scored in the 50th minute, and Gabriel Martinelli added a third for the Gunners three minutes later.
Snow manager Michal Alarteta praised the player's calmness.
It was Arsenal's second straight win without Bukayo Sakha who is likely to be sidelined until at least March following surgery.
The England winger tore his right hamstring in a 5 -1 win over Crystal Palace.
In basketball, the CBA has tipped off the New Year with a game in between the Beijing Ducks and Liaoning Flying Leopards at the capital indoor stadium.
The Ducks welcome back star player Zhou Qi and the centre tallied 10 points and 10 rebounds to help Beijing sweep past the Liaoning 105 -90.
Zhou says he's just looking to contribute to his new squad's success.
Because I joined the club relatively late, I've been trying to keep up with the requirements of the coaches doing what they arrange on both offense and defence, and working hard to integrate into the team.
Zhang Cairen had the game high 27 points for Beijing, while Liaoning shooting guard Kyle Fogg had the team high 24 points.
Dan Zwells added 17 for Liaoning to push his recent hard run to 97 in three contexts.
And swear Troy Gillenwater had the game high 41 points, and Guangdong East Sunshine cruised past Tianjin pioneers 110 -103.
In table tennis, Shen Dong Weichao has swept past the Huang Shiei Base, 3 -0 in the man's team final to lift the trophy of the table tennis super league.
The opening man's doubles match went to a fifth game, which saw Lin Jun -ju and Liang Jing -kun work well together to wrap things up 11 -9 for a 3 -2 victory that gave Shen Dong a 1 -0 lead.
While No. 1 Wang Zhuchen came from 1 -0 down to beat Lin Shijun 3 -2 in singles, and doubled Shen Dong's advantage to 2 -0.
He talked about the team's improvement in the new season.
I think the improvement in team cohesion and fighting spirit gave us a different feeling, thanks to the addition of Lin Yu -ju and the harmonious collaboration among other team members, including the support from the staff of the team, which was very helpful to me.
So, I am very happy that we won this trophy for the club.
In the third match, Liang Jing -kun outlasted Xue Fei 3 -1 to clinch the title for Shen Dong.
Lin Shijun was named singles MVP for the season while the doubles award went to Lin Gao Yuan of Shen Tou Min Ren.
Finally, in the NHL, Andrew Lee scored his first career goal and Dansi Kamper earned his second shutout of the season to help the Los Angeles Kings beat the New Jersey Devils 3 -0 for their third straight win.
This is Lee's 19th NHL game.
He lifted the puck as he earned the crease and backed it off the crossbar to give Los Angeles a 1 -0 lead early in the second period.
Midway through the third, Philip Dannalt chipped the puck ahead of the Quinton Byfield, who had just gotten out of the penalty box.
The Canadian centre then lifted the puck over Jake Allen's pad and under his glove to make it 2 -0.
With a little over four minutes left in the third period, the Devils pulled their goaltender and Adrian Camp scored into the empty net to complete the 3 -0 victory for the Kings, while the visitors have lost the three straight games in regulation for the first time this season.
Thank you very much.
That was Yang Guang with Sports, coming up in culture and entertainment.
The Flowing Lights International Light Art Exhibition in Sichuan.
I cannot marry you while your mother regards me.
Stepping to the world of timeless elegance with Mrs.
Spring Fragrance, a captivating audiobook by Edith Eaton, read by Man Ling.
Because the green leaf still clings to the bow.
Experience the lively yet complex lives in Chinese American communities at the turn of the 20th century as Edith Eaton's delicate prose weaves together themes of tradition, change, love and identity.
Forget all that belongs to the joy of life.
Follow the journey of Mrs.
Spring Fragrance and witness the struggles and fights of those living on a rapidly changing exotic land while holding on to their cultural traditions or more importantly to their identities.
You could hardly believe that his daughter was seriously opposed to becoming the wife of such a good -looking prosperous young merchant as Wang Ling.
Join Books and Beyond for Mrs.
Spring Fragrance. Let the stories come to life in your imagination.
Subscribe to Books and Beyond for free on your favorite podcast platforms or log on to radio .cgtn .com for more.
50, 4 past the hour now turning to culture and entertainment.
The Flowing Light International Light Art Exhibition opened at the Sichuan Fine Arts Institute.
Zhang Shuang has more.
The events have gathered artists teams from across the globe including China, France, Italy, Germany, Indonesia and many more.
The 3D Miping competition showcased the world's best light and shadow artworks.
Huge projections, rings, blinded architecture and art perfectly.
Artists share their understanding and perception of the world through the light and shadow art.
I am from Germany and I am from Weimar which is the city where the Bauhaus was founded and we make a projection mapping festival it's called Genius Loki Weimar and we do this since 2012 and this is the first time that I'm taking part in a chinese competition and the craftsmanship and the quality of the works
of the chinese were submissions were really really impressive.
Launched in July 2024, the competition has received entries from 100 54 artists the teams across 30 countries.
26 exceptional works from 18 countries advanced to the finals and were displayed at a festival.
Experts evaluate the work based on aesthetic appeal relevance to the medium, creativity, innovation, execution and artistic fusion.
Global artists showed intersection of diverse cultures through their unique perspectives and styles such as the for traditional Chinese elements by French artists and the interpretations of different Asian civilizations by German artists.
I'm the first ever from Africa to do a competition like that and Bianca is from Brazil so even if we didn't win the prize this is already for us it's big it's really big.
We became legion because we were the first in our kind to do to be invited in a festival like that in China.
The theme of our artwork is the roots.
The roots is like how shonshin got this traditional vibe that became modern with those modern buildings and everything connect together with all the cultural side that you have like Tai chi and apparently the taxis as well is really something that is known in shonshin.
The experts had an in that discussion on the future development terms of light and shadow art and the application prospects of new technologies such as AA and virtual reality.
This not only provides artists with new creative ideas but also injects new vitality into urban culture.
That was Zhang Shuang reporting from Chongqing.
An exhibition at the Louvre museum in Paris is taken visitors on a guided journey to explore art and history focused on the concept of beauty through the ages entitled Of All Beauties.
The project is the first collaboration between the L 'Oreal group, the world's largest cosmetics company.
The new exhibition showcases art history through over 100 works.
They focus on rituals practices and idealized versions of beauty.
Museum visitors can access information via QR codes next to the artworks.
The exhibition runs till March of 2027.
At Finland's third biggest coffee roastery in Helsinki, baristas bring up a coffee blend developed by artificial intelligence.
It's called AI -conic.
The blend, an AI -picked mixture of four types of beans, is the end result of a joint project by the CAFUT roastery and local AI consultancy, Ellef.
Ante Maraletto is the founder of Ellef.
He says that leveraging models like ChatGPT and Copilot, the AI is tasked with crafting a blend that would ideally suit coffee enthusiasts' tastes, pushing the boundaries of conventional flavor combinations.
CAFUT roastery says that it hopes the trial opens dialogue between coffee professionals.
At 58 past the hour, check in the forecast before we go for the day.
Beijing is down to minus six on Thursday evening.
Friday will be sunny.
The high is five degrees.
Nanchung is down to six, then sunny and 15.
elsewhere in Asia, Islamabad is five overnight, then overcast in 22.
Vientiane is down to 17, then overcast in 28.
Phnom Penh is 23 overnight, then a slight rainfall in 30 tomorrow.
In Africa, Nairobi will see a slight rain and 26 degrees Celsius on Friday.
Kampala is down to 22.
A slight rainfall in 25 tomorrow.
Chubas down to 23, then followed by cloudy skies in 39 degrees.
Finally, to Oceania, Port Vila is 23 this evening, then a slight rain in 31.
A pea will see some rainfall Friday in 30 degrees Celsius.
That's it for this edition of the Beijing Hour.
Making news today, US authorities are investigating two deadly incidents on New Year's Day in New Orleans in Las Vegas.
And believe supplies from China have arrived in Vanuatu following an earthquake.
On behalf of the staff, Shashane Bigham and the Chinese capital, hoping to join us for the next edition of the Beijing Hour and open a window to the world together.
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