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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.
Do -hong -you with you on this Friday, December 27th, 2024.
You're listening to the Beijing Hour coming to you live from the Chinese capital.
On today's program, the fifth National Economic Census reflects China's economic resilience through innovative growth.
Yemen's Houthi group vows to launch retaliatory attacks on Israeli cities.
An investigation into the cause of the Azerbaijan Airlines plane crashes underway.
In business, China's first poly -citizen futures.
In sports, China's major titles this year.
In culture and entertainment, a glimpse of the millennium -old Grand Canal at a museum.
Now today's top stories.
Chinese officials say the result of the country's fifth National Economic Census reflects efforts to strive for high -quality development with innovative approaches.
And Sun Tzu -yuan reports the results show that the Chinese economy has had a solid foundation, strong resilience and enormous potential over the past five years.
The National Bureau of Statistics of China released the fifth National Economic Census data on Thursday.
The GDP was revised.
The revised GDP in 2023 is 129 .4 trillion yuan, an increase of 3 .4 trillion yuan or 2 .7 percent over the preliminary calculation.
It's the first time the Census has included data on emerging industries such as the digital economy.
The Census covered the secondary and tertiary industries led by wholesale and retail with more than 10 million entities, rental and business services with 4 .6 million entities and manufacturing with more than 4 million entities.
Forestry, farming and fishery of the primary industries are excluded.
The number of operating entities in the service industry has increased significantly, becoming an important force in supporting economic growth and promoting high -quality employment.
In 2023, the added value of the tertiary industry will account for 56 .3 percent of GDP, an increase of more than 2 percentage points from 2018.
With the impact of the global pandemic on uncertainties in the world, Commissioner Kang said the Census helped to figure out the real situation and structure of China's economy.
Collected data shows the country has shown great resilience empowered by innovative growth.
China's strategy of building manufacturing power is being implemented, and the manufacturing industry has maintained rapid development.
By the end of 2023, the number of legal entities in the manufacturing industry nationwide reached 4 .048 million, an increase of 23 .8 percent from the end of 2018.
As per national regulations, the Census takes place every five years.
The innovative drive in the economy has shifted the employment pattern in the labor force.
We must also see that the existing conflicts in structural employment are still relatively prominent.
Some groups still face some challenges in finding jobs.
The next step is to put the promotion of high -quality and full employment in a leading position and strengthen employment support policies for targeted groups.
Officials said amid challenges, China's economy has withstood multiple internal and external challenges and maintained a stable and progressive development trend.
Collected data has shown a solid foundation and potential of the countries to thrive on the path of modernization.
That was Sun Tzu -yuan reporting.
This year marks the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between China and France.
Chinese President Xi Jinping paid a state visit to France in May.
This year also marks the China -France Year of Culture and Tourism.
But there were also tensions between the two countries this year.
Ross Cullen has more.
Toasting a landmark year, the French and Chinese presidents cheering the 60 -year anniversary of formally establishing bilateral ties.
Xi Jinping paid a state visit to France this year in the run -up to the Paris Olympic Games after Emmanuel Macron visited China in 2023.
During Xi's visit, the French leader hailed the work done by both sides to calm international tensions.
For the basis of this convergence of views, we believe together that an Olympic truce for all the theatres of war can be an opportunity to work towards a lasting solution in full respect of international law.
And I thank you Mr.
President for having brightly shown during our meeting your willingness to commit yourself in the same direction, which will consist in calling on all the parties involved for an Olympic truce during our forthcoming games.
Xi's two -day visit took place in May.
And it was full of pomp and ceremony, along with serious political dialogue.
There was also time for a less formal event.
Macron invited Xi to the Pyrenees for music and lunch in the mountains.
Yet despite the celebratory atmosphere this year, analysts say the Franco -Chinese relationship is not balanced.
From the commercial point of view, there's an absolutely enormous deficit compared with China and there are points of contention economically with the European Union generally, and with France specifically as regards China.
So we're starting a new year, which will undoubtedly be rather difficult, but precisely because it's an anniversary year, we hope that both parties will continue to get along.
The areas of tension this year included the introduction of EU tariffs on Chinese EV imports.
The European Commission says it was to counter unfair subsidies and France voted in favour of the measures.
This year, China introduced commercial restrictions on the imports of French brandy.
Beijing said the move was aimed at protecting domestic producers, but many in Europe saw it as a response to the EU's tariffs.
There have been cultural elements to this anniversary year.
China's national traditional orchestra staged a joint performance with France's Royal Opera Orchestra at the Golden Palace of Versailles, and a Tang dynasty exhibition is currently being held at France's National Museum of Asian Arts.
And both Paris and Beijing will be hoping to elevate their endeavours at a political and cultural level in 2025.
That was Ross Cullen reporting.
As the winter season is boosting ice and snow tourism in Heilongjiang, travellers from China and around the world are flocking to the north -eastern province.
Jiang Song -woo has embarked on a unique journey through Heilongjiang, taking a train from Harbin to Mohu, the northernmost city in China.
This is Harbin, one of the most populous cities in winter in China.
The world's largest snow -themed park, the Ice and Snow World, has heated up the holiday season.
For many, travelling by train is the preferred option.
So, how about taking a unique train that showcases local culture and hospitality?
The train departs every day, usually at 6 .20pm, and arrives at Mohu City at 12 for the next day.
The windows are decorated with paper cuttings, and staff has organised the famed Yangge, a song and dance duet popular in northeast China for the travellers, who are also free to join the Yangge dancers.
With their cheerful music and dance forms, the people from northeast China are always generous, warm -hearted and humorous.
Officials estimated that about 380 ,000 tourist trips will be made this year along this long route.
We are from Hunan's Changsha and will stay in Heilongchang for seven days.
The shows tonight were amazing, very joyful.
We also participated and loved it so much.
The activities offer tourists from southern China a special experience.
This way, they can enjoy northeast China's culture before arriving at Mohu City, and our train is very popular.
Mohu is the northernmost city in China, where tourists can visit forests, see reindeers, or enjoy the breathtaking northern nights.
Winter has boosted the Chinese economy a lot.
Over 87 million tourist trips were made to Harbin between November last year and February this year.
Generating revenue of 125 billion yuan, China's central government has also set goals.
By 2030, the total value of winter tourism should reach 1 .5 trillion yuan, which is about $200 billion.
The Asian winter games that will be held in Harbin in February next year will make winter tourism even more popular in China.
That was Jiang Song -woo reporting.
Coming up, Yemen's Houthi group vows to launch retaliatory attacks on Israeli cities.
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10 minutes into the hour.
Yemen's Houthi group has vowed to launch retaliatory attacks on Israeli cities.
This comes after Israeli airstrikes on Yemen's capital and the Red Sea port city of Hadada killed at least six people and injured over 40 others.
The Israeli military said it launched what it described as intelligence -based airstrikes targeting Houthi -controlled military targets on Yemen's west coast and inland.
The country also vowed to kill Houthi leaders and dismantle the group's military power.
Israeli warplanes hit Sana 'a International Airport, two power stations, and three ports.
WHO Director General Tedros Adonom -Gabriezes and his team were at the airport during the attack, but they were unharmed.
The Israeli airstrikes came after Houthis launched rocket and drone attacks on the Israeli cities of Tel Aviv and Ashkelon.
Israel's military operation in Gaza continues as the new year approaches.
Its strikes have caused one of the biggest humanitarian crisis in the world and unprecedented levels of damage on infrastructure in the strip.
The Gaza Health Ministry says over 45 ,000 Palestinians have died since October last year.
Nadra Al -Tibi has more from Central Gaza.
Throughout 2024, the Israeli army expended the scope of its military operations in the Gaza Strip.
It invaded the cities of Hanyones and Rava in the south and the cities in the northern Gaza Strip one after the other, besieging and preventing humanitarian supplies from reaching them.
Since the beginning of October this year, the Israeli army has launched a concentrated military operation in the northern Gaza Strip, which is still ongoing, hospitals and residential neighborhoods have been subjected to a large -scale attack, and hundreds of thousands of Palestinians have been forced to
evacuate amid an escalating humanitarian crisis.
The situation in Gaza Strip has been catastrophic and is moving from bad to worse.
Civilians have been being heavy due to the hostilities in the fighting.
They are entrapped in a closed loop of displacement, hunger, lack of safety.
Civilians in northern Gaza Strip for several weeks have been facing horrendous situations.
They are exposed to all kinds of risks.
The Palestinian Ministry of Health says the systematic targeting of homes has led to more than 1 ,400 Palestinian families being wiped out.
Nares Ashraf El -Ator was the sole survivor after Israeli missile destroyed his home and killed his entire family.
A crime was committed against my entire family, my children, and my wife.
We were sitting at home like any family who are safely in their home.
We did not pose a threat to anyone, and we were not warned in advance.
Suddenly, a missile hit us and turned my children into pieces.
According to the United Nations, 90 percent of Gaza's population has been displaced, and its people are enduring extremely harsh conditions.
Many have taken refuge in bombdy schools.
The elderly civilian Talat -Siksek pitched his tent on the beach to escape the bombing.
But the tide posed a threat while they were sleeping.
Of course, we were drowning.
Our belongings are gone.
How will we get new things in the current situation?
And there's nothing, not even money, to buy things with.
When the sea water flooded us, we were seriously harmed.
According to a report by the UN's OCHA, approximately 986 health workers have been killed, and only 17 of 36 hospitals in Gaza remain after they were bombed and the Palestinian health sector collapsed.
Currently, only a few hospitals have still the capacity to run and provide care.
It's a real problem.
It's a real health care system challenge every day for the patient to be able to access the needed care, and a lot of them can't right now.
Muhammad Awad is one of the Palestinian journalists who managed to leave Gaza for Cairo before the Rafahic Crossing was disclosed.
His family were killed in an Israeli bombardment while the number of journalists killed in this trip has risen to 196.
I moved to Cairo after the long and extended displacement process, and after my family was targeted on the 6th of January.
I moved her to work through the Al Arabiya Channel Office to follow up on field news in the Gaza Strip and coordinate with my colleagues who are still working in the field in order to transmit their images.
The infrastructure in Gaza has been devastated, with more than 66 percent of residential buildings damaged.
According to the United Nations, 90 percent of Gaza's population has been displaced, and 84 percent of Gaza has been subjected to forced Israeli evacuation orders.
With most Palestinians trapped in just 10 percent of the coastal strip.
As winter sets in, the suffering of the hundreds of thousands of displaced Palestinians who are crowded into the deliberated tents with their children amid this catastrophic cold and pursued by Israeli bombs, cold and hunger is increasing, and as the world enters 2025, many here hope for that long -awaited,
still -elusive ceasefire.
That was Nadra Al -Tibi reporting.
The Palestinian Health Ministry says eight Palestinians have died during Israeli military operations in and around the city of Tokram in the northern West Bank.
Fizal Salama is the head of the Tokram Refugee Camp Popular Committee.
The invasion lasted for over 33 continuous hours and took place in the Tokram camp.
The infrastructure in the notions camp were bulldozed, along with targeted attacks on buildings.
While thousands of structures in the Tokram camp were vandalized, large parts of them destroyed.
More than 200 homes were completely destroyed, rendering them unhabitable.
City zones, including women, were also targeted.
Two women were killed while standing in front of their homes in Tokram camp, murdered in cold blood.
Additionally, some children were killed and targeted in cold blood, and several young men were attacked by military drones.
The Israeli military said it opened fire after militants attacked soldiers, acknowledging harm to uninvolved civilians in the raid.
Over the past 10 days, Israeli forces killed 20 Palestinians in the West Bank, including at least 12 in airstrikes, which caused extensive infrastructural damage in Tokram's refugee camps.
Israel is intensifying its offensive along its border with Syria.
The Israeli Defense Forces say they intend to build temporary military posts to ensure their operations during the winter months inside the buffer zone in the Golan Heights.
Jonathan Rijev has more from Tel Aviv.
It's a presence. This has already gotten some international criticism, of course, from regional players such as Jordan, such as Egypt, such as Turkey, but also further afield.
France, for example, has criticized the Israeli presence there.
Despite all that, Israel is insisting that it will remain in the buffer zone in Syria.
And what we have seen over the past week, something that we've not seen before, is clashes with locals.
In Syria, Israel is trying to portray an image of good relations with the locals, of taking in an illegal weapon in accordance with some of the residents of the villages along the border.
It may be true in some cases, but in other cases, we've already seen clashes between IDF forces and local civilians.
In two different incidents, four people have been injured in Syria.
Israel is insisting it will stay there.
Some locals are beginning to protest against that.
And if we're looking at the next focal point of distress, it may very well be that, the buffer zone right on the Israel -Syria border.
That was Jonathan Rijev reporting.
Gulf Cooperation Council foreign ministers have addressed key developments in Syria in a meeting in Kuwait City on Thursday.
Council Secretary General Yaseem al -Budewi emphasized the importance of respecting Syria's sovereignty and territorial integrity and rejecting foreign interference.
The ministerial council stressed the importance of confronting terrorism and the chaos.
It also emphasized combating extremism, fanaticism, and incitement, promoting respect for diversity.
The ministerial council condemned repeated Israeli attacks on the Syrian Arab Republic, including the occupation of the buffer zone along the Syrian border, which constitutes a flagrant violation of Syria's sovereignty and the 1974 disengagement agreement.
The ministers condemned Israel's expansion of settlements in the Golan Heights.
They called for the lifting of sanctions on Syria while urging international support for the Syrian people.
The GCC also reaffirmed commitment to providing ongoing humanitarian assistance.
You're listening to The Beijing Hour coming up, the South Korean National Assembly votes in favor of impeaching acting president Hae -duk -su.
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21 Into the Hour The South Korean National Assembly has voted in favor of impeaching acting president Hae -duk -su.
Hae -duk -su says he respects the decision and will wait for the Constitutional Court's decision.
The finance minister will assume the acting presidency.
The Constitutional Court has held the first preparatory hearing on President Yoon Se -kyo's impeachment case.
It allowed Yoon and the National Assembly's legal representatives to submit lists of witnesses and evidence.
The court decided to hold the second pretrial hearing on January 3.
Yoon has been suspended from office after declaring a short -lived martial law earlier this month.
He insisted the declaration was an act of governance, but the National Assembly described it as an act of insurrection.
Shane Hum has more from Seoul.
In addition to this impeachment trial, we also have criminal investigations ongoing.
We saw the first indictment by investigators indicting the former defense minister, who is widely known to be the person who brought this idea of martial law to the president.
Details from this indictment being unsealed showing a host of information showing the connection between President Yoon and the defense minister and the circumstances surrounding his martial law work.
That was Shane Hum reporting.
An investigation into the cause of an Azerbaijan airline's plane crash in Kazakhstan is underway.
Russian media reports say that rescuers have found a second black box at the site of the crash.
38 people died while 29 others survived.
Aikerem Kali has more from Astana.
December 26 was declared a day of mourning in Azerbaijan in connection with the crash of a passenger plane near the city of Akhtar in Kazakhstan.
There are dozens of people who are coming and bringing flowers, toys, and posters with the words of support, President of Azerbaijan Irhan Ali signed a decree on Wednesday saying that he shares the grief of the families of those killed in the accident.
The national flag of Azerbaijan was also lured in Astana in memory of victims of the crash.
Kazakhstan prime minister Olzha's dictator visited the Azerbaijani embassy and left a note in the book of condolences for the passengers who died in the crashed Embraer 190 aircraft operated by Azerbaijan Airlines.
I'm a Kazakh, Korean, and Azerbaijani.
My mother is a Korean and half Azerbaijani.
So the situation was really important for our family to support Azerbaijan.
So today I come to the Azerbaijani embassy to also demonstrate our support for all people from Azerbaijan.
Meanwhile the Ministry of Emergency Situations of the Republic of Kazakhstan established a command center in Astana, the capital city of Kazakhstan.
It is from here that all work on the organization of comprehensive assistance is monitored directly in Akhtar.
235 personnel are working at the scene.
98 pieces of equipment are involved.
Of the 30 dead, 10 people have been identified.
Three citizens of Kazakhstan, three of Russia and four of Azerbaijan were continuous on identifying the rest.
20 injured people remain in hospitals.
All 29 hospitalized have been identified.
Two planes of the Azerbaijani delegation with 14 injured are expected to depart from Akhtar.
Additionally, a black box was discovered by the Ministry of Emergency Situation research team yesterday.
Around the clock, duty has been organized as a crash site.
Currently a government commission is in Akhtar to investigate the causes of the accident.
A delegation of the state agency for civil aviation of the Republic of Azerbaijan as well as representatives of Azerbaijan Airlines have arrived in Kazakhstan.
Representatives of the Embraer aircraft and C -NIPA, a Brazilian Center for the Investigation and Prevention Air Disasters have also come to Astana.
That was Aigurim Khali reporting.
UN Secretary -General Antonio Guterres has expressed concern about the post -election violence in Mozambique, which has resulted in loss of lives and the destruction of public and private property.
Spokesperson Stefan Tramply for the Secretary -General says Guterres has been following the developments in Mozambique closely.
The Secretary -General takes note of the announcement of the Constitutional Council of Mozambique regarding the outcome of the general elections held on 9 October 2024.
He urges all political leaders and relevant national stakeholders to defuse tensions, including through meaningful dialogue, legal redress.
Guterres urged all political leaders and stakeholders to refrain from the use of violence and redouble efforts to seek a peaceful resolution to the ongoing crisis.
The UN chief stressed that resolving the crisis in a constructive manner is essential to the collective future of Mozambique.
U .S. meteorologists say a series of atmospheric rivers are responsible for the strong winds, coastal flooding and heavy snowfall hitting the Pacific Northwest.
Reach Otto of the National Weather Survey said several weather advisories are in effect.
There's a number of warnings and advisories that are out right now for the Northwest.
We've got winter storm warnings across the mountains of the Cascade Ranges.
There's coastal flood advisories for the coast.
There's high wind warnings, avalanche wardens, flood watches, flood wardens.
So pretty much everything you can think of is effect from portions of Northern California into Western Washington.
Otto cautioned that the severe weather could disrupt holiday travel.
Now it's 28 past the hour.
Let's check the weather.
Beijing is minus 7 overnight, followed by sunny skies at a high of 5 on Saturday.
Nanshang is 3 tonight, tomorrow sunny skies with a high of 11.
Elsewhere is Lamma Bali 6 this evening.
Saturday will see sunny skies with a high of 18.
And when Tian is 19 overnight, tomorrow will see sunny skies with a high of 29.
Now it's time for a short break.
So far this hour, the fifth National Economic Census reflects China's economic resilience through innovative growth.
Dokunyu with you. 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.
Stoking you with you on this Friday.
Still to come? In business, China's first poly -citizen futures.
In sports, China's major title is this year.
In culture and entertainment, a glimpse of the millennium -old Grand Canal at a museum.
To contact us, you can email radio at cgtn .com or follow our X account at cgtnradio.
Now first, check in today's headlines.
Thank you, Hong Yu.
Chinese President Xi Jinping has sent congratulations to the commencement ceremony for a new railway project linking China with Central Asia.
President Xi described the construction of the China -Kurgistan -Wisbegistan railway project as a strategic decision by the three governments to promote regional connectivity and prosperity.
He called for joint efforts to turn the project into a new example of joint construction of the Belt and Road Initiative and promote economic and social development along the route.
The Kyrgyz city of Jalalabad held the commencement ceremony on Friday.
Iranian Foreign Minister Saeed Abbas Rakhchi is visiting China.
The visit runs till Saturday.
China has decided to impose countermeasures against the seven U .S.
military companies and their senior executives for arms sales to the Taiwan region.
The measures include freezing assets within China and banning all organizations and individuals in China from engaging in transactions, cooperation and other activities with them.
China has extended anti -dumping duties on imports of a chemical from the Taiwan region, Malaysia and the United States.
The commerce ministry said it will continue to impose the duties on inbutanol imports and alcohol for industrial application for another five years.
The move takes effect on Sunday.
The Chinese transport ministry says the country is expected to see record -breaking daily cross -regional trips during the upcoming Spring Festival travel rush.
The annual travel rush is a period of high transportation demand as Chinese people return home for family reunions.
The period will last from January 14 to February 22.
Vice Minister Li Yang says they have made preparations to ensure smooth transportation.
We predict that travel demand will be stronger this year with the release of various policies.
Both the number of trips and the daily travel volume are expected to reach historic highs during the Spring Festival travel rush.
Various departments will make further arrangements on the issue to ensure a safe, pleasant and convenient Spring Festival travel experience.
The upcoming Spring Festival China's most important traditional holiday falls on January 29.
In 2025, there will be an eight -day holiday for the Spring Festival with the eve of the Chinese Lunar New Year added.
Trained tickets for the travel rush will go on sale on December 31.
Air tickets for the Spring Festival period are already available now.
UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres has condemned the escalation between Yemen and Israel after the latter carried out airstrikes on Sanez International Airport, several Red Sea ports, and power stations in Yemen.
The airstrikes reportedly resulted in numerous casualties, including the killing of at least six and injuring dozens more.
Spokesperson Stephanie Tremblay for the secretary general says the UN Humanitarian Air Service crew member was among the injured.
A high -level delegation by the UN headed by the World Health Organization Director General Dr Tedros was at the airport when the strikes occurred.
The secretary general emphasizes that international law, including humanitarian law as applicable, must be respected at all times.
And he appeals to all to respect and protect civilians and civilian infrastructure.
Guterres warned that further escalation would undermine mediation efforts led by the UN special envoy, which aims at securing a negotiated political solution to the conflict in Yemen.
The secretary general also reiterated his call for the immediate and unconditional release of all UN and other personnel arbitrarily detained by the Houthis.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has paid tribute to former Prime Minister Mamuhan Singh, who died Thursday at the age of 92.
Modi visited Singh's home in New Delhi and offered condolences to his family.
Modi said the former prime minister's life was a reflection of his honesty and simplicity.
He saved the country from an economic crisis by providing a road towards a new economy.
As a prime minister, his contribution towards the development and progress of the country will always be remembered.
Singh is widely regarded as the architect of India's economic reform programme and the leader who made a landmark nuclear deal with the United States.
Singh became one of India's longest -serving prime ministers for 10 years and leader of the Congress Party in the parliament's upper house, earning a reputation as a man of great personal integrity.
A senior Bolivian official says the country plans to arrest a former president Evo Morales in due time.
Deputy Minister Gustavo Turrico says the arrest will proceed without endangering innocent lives.
Morales, who served as the Bolivian president from 2006 to 2019, faces accusations of human trafficking and rape.
Bolivian authorities issued an arrest warrant for Morales on December 16 and prosecutors requested an immigration alert for him three days later.
Morales has described the arrest attempt as a political persecution.
Community leaders have held a prayer vigil at the Coney Island subway station for the woman who died after being lit on fire inside a subway train.
A court hearing is scheduled Friday for the man accused of setting the woman on fire and fanning the flames with a shirt as she burned to death.
Police have charged Sebastian Zapeta with two counts of murder and one count of arson.
Federal immigration officials say Zapeta is a Guatemalan citizen who entered the U .S.
illegally. Police took Zapeta into custody while he was riding a train on the same line later that day.
Zapeta told investigators that he drank a lot of liquor and did not know what had happened.
Prosecutors say Zapeta did identify himself in photos and surveillance video showing the fire being lit.
Thank you very much.
That was Tian Lu with Headline News.
This is Dokong Yu in the Chinese Capital coming up in business, China's first polycytican futures.
It's time for a year -end review.
Check out the key dynamics shaping the global landscape in the past year that may continue to shape the trajectory of international events and trends in the future.
Also, where's the world heading in 2025, both economically and politically?
Will the world become more decobilized?
Get all these on chat lounges last episode of 2024 anywhere you get your favorite podcasts and I'll see you again radio.
38 minutes into the hour turning to business and let's start with the equity markets.
Stocks on the Chinese mainland closed mixed on Friday.
Timothy Pope has more.
It's proved to be a week where Chinese mainland investors had a lot to chew on.
The biggest morsel being media reports on the size of the Chinese government's stimulus plans for 2025.
These aren't official yet but the number being bandied about is 3 trillion yuan and that'll be in special bonds.
Then there was the world bank's move to increase its GDP forecast for China for this year and next year.
And lastly there's been an easing in the slowdown for industrial profits.
All of that had Chinese stocks edging higher today towards two week highs but the Shanghai composite index did close only about 0 .1 % higher.
The Shenzhen component fell by about the same amount.
Industrial stocks were correspondingly strong as were the utility companies which supply them with power.
That was Timothy Pope in Shanghai.
Meanwhile, China has launched its first polysilicon futures on the Guangzhou futures exchange.
Polysilicon is a crucial material for the photovoltaic industry.
The benchmark listing price for the futures was set at 38 ,600 yuan per metric ton.
At the opening, the main polysilicon futures contract surged by up to around 14%, hitting the upper limit of 44 ,000 yuan per metric ton.
The momentum later slowed with the increase narrowing to around 7 % and prices stabilized at 41 ,000 yuan per metric ton.
In Hong Kong, the Heng -seung index closed slightly below flat.
In Japan, the Nikkei gained 1 .8%.
In November, operating revenue for China's industrial enterprises above a designated size increased by 0 .5 % during the year, reversing the 0 .2 % decline in October.
Enterprises above a designated size are those with annual business revenues exceeding 20 million yuan, or 2 .7 million US dollars.
Profit declines also continued to narrow.
Profits fell 7 .3 % yearly, an improvement from the 10 % drop in October.
In the first 11 months, cumulative profits for China's industrial enterprises totaled 6 .7 trillion down 4 .7 % compared to the same period last year.
Industries focused on high -end, intelligent, and green manufacturing experienced strong profit growth in November.
The aerospace sector saw profits increase by 14%.
The rising smart and automated product significantly boosted profits in wearable tech, which surged by over 90%.
Meanwhile, value -added industrial output for enterprises is projected to grow by about 5 .7 % in 2024.
The fifth national economic census showed that by the end of 2023, China had over 2 .9 million corporate enterprises in the core sectors of the digital economy, employing more than 36 million people.
Among these enterprises, 262 ,000 were engaged in digital product manufacturing, 274 ,000 in digital product services, and 1 .4 million in digital technology applications.
Firms in digital technology applications employed 14 .6 million people, the largest share of total employment in China's core digital economy sectors in 2023.
Meanwhile, digital product manufacturing enterprises reported business revenue of 20 trillion yuan, or US $6 .7 billion in 2023.
China's high -speed railway network has reached a new milestone, expanding to 47 ,000 kilometers.
The country's total railway network now spans around 162 ,000 kilometers, with high -speed rail accounting for nearly 30 % of the total.
The growth of the high -speed rail network also plays a key role in boosting investment and industrial development.
Officials note that every 100 million yuan, or around US $13 .7 million invested in high -speed rail projects, generates 300 million yuan and creates over 2 ,200 jobs.
China has been expanding its high -speed rail network with the latest addition linking the cities of Shanghai and Hujiao.
Hunan has more. As the first railway line that goes westbound from Shanghai, the new line takes only 55 minutes from Shanghai terminal to Hujiao City in Zhejiang Province, half the time of the previous route.
Hujiao City lies at the center of the Yangtze River Delta region.
The new rail connects Hujiao with two international cities, Shanghai and Sujiao, and greatly shortens the travel time.
This will help us better attract tourists, especially international inbound tourists.
Now, the visa -free policy has been extended from 144 hours to 240 hours.
We have also partnered with travel agencies to launch more tourist routes abroad.
This is the construction of the 164 -kilometer railway line beginning June 2020, with a speed of up to 350 kilometers per hour.
Other than the two terminal stations in Shanghai and Hujiao City, all six stop stations are newly built.
This line is indeed a tourism line, linking nearly ten famous Asian water towns.
It goes across the Yangtze River Delta area from east to west, and there will be over 200 trains per day in 2025.
So do boost regional economic development and better serve residents and tourists for sure.
I myself come from the suburban area of Hujiao City.
The new line cuts my commute time from three hours to one hour, and a million of my friends are expecting to travel through this line.
China's high -speed rail has exceeded 46 ,000 kilometers and is expected to reach 50 ,000 kilometers by 2025, further promoting China's infrastructure construction and facilitating travel and tourism.
That was Hunan reporting.
Qishian County in Shanxi Province is known as the glassware capital of China and is famous for its hand -blown glass products, which are highly sought after by overseas buyers.
Hujiao has more. The craft of hand -blown glassware originated in Europe.
More than 100 years ago, it was introduced to Qishian County in northern China's Shanxi Province.
The craft has now evolved into a thriving industry in the region.
And hand -blown glassware has become a best -seller in overseas markets, accounting for 26 percent of global production.
Luo Jinxing is one of the most skilled stem pullers.
While machines can make a stem as thin as 8 millimeters, Luo can achieve an impressive 3 millimeters.
She makes around 2 ,500 pieces a day with a 95 percent pass rate.
Hand -blown glass products require intricate craftsmanship that machines cannot replicate, making them unique and highly favored in premium international markets.
Their prices are 3 to 5 times higher than the machine -made ones.
A long -time German client recently visited the company to discuss next year's orders.
Drawn by the hand -blown glass, the client placed another twice the size of this year's.
We are recurring customers because the quality is absolutely the best.
They are pretty able to adopt new designs every time we choose.
Right now, this product is pretty popular in Berlin and Munich.
It's a high society market.
And we just placed an order and hope they can quickly comply.
Glassware has become a pillar industry in Qi Xian.
The region now has more than 50 glassware companies, with a total annual output exceeding 300 ,000 tons, 70 percent of which are for exports to over 80 countries and regions, mainly in Europe and North America.
This year, in the first three quarters, Qi Xian's glassware exports generated over 1 .5 billion yuan, or US $200 million in revenue, marking a 10 percent year -on -year increase.
That was Fuqiao reporting.
You are listening to the Beijing Hour coming up in sports, China's major titles this year.
2024 was a big year in sports.
Paris Olympics, Euro 2024, and many other significant events generated classic sports moments.
What were the biggest sports stories of the year?
Who stood out as the most eye -catching athletes?
Check out the latest episodes of Sightline Story, review the year of international sports.
Subscribe to Sightline Story wherever you listen to podcasts.
48 into the hour, turning to sports, here's Yang Wang.
Thank you, Hong Yu.
Let's review the major titles won by Chinese athletes this year.
They won 194 major titles in Olympic Games, World Championships, and World Cups, a record high.
Over 80 of these titles came from Olympic disciplines including swimming, diving, table tennis, badminton, and tennis.
Chinese athletes broke 19 world records, 7 in Olympic disciplines.
In tennis, the United Cup is getting underway in Australia, with Team China taking on Brazil on Friday.
Zhang Zhezhen, Zhang Shui, and several other stars are representing China.
China will take on Germany two days later.
Just before the start of the tournament, top -seeded Americans Taylor Fritz and Coco Galf took time to visit the Rotnest Islands.
Fritz was part of the USA team at the inaugural event last year.
Gouten, pretty familiar with Perth, and yeah, like I said great city, happy to be back.
Both number three, Galf is making her tournament debut.
Yeah, it's really great to bring my family here.
It's my first Christmas away from home, so it was important for them to be able to come with me and their own Christmas break too, so just for them to see another part of the world at a young age is also pretty cool.
Action begins Friday in Perth and Saturday in Sydney.
Both cities host group play and knockout quarterfinals, with the semi -finals in final to be in Sydney next weekend.
Team USA will play their first match against Canada Sunday evening.
Fritz will play Fennec Sogi -ali -Asim, whom he leads 2 -0.
Gout will meet former US Open runner Clele Fenendis.
Two -time Grand Slam champion Simona Halib has pulled out of Australian Open qualifying due to pain in her knee and shoulder.
They will delay the start of her 2025 season.
Halib posted on social media that she was feeling poorly after an exhibition event in Abu Dhabi.
The 33 -year -old said she plans to enter a tournament in her home country, where play begins February 3rd.
Last week, Halib was granted a wildcard entry for Australian Open qualifying.
She was the runner -up at Melbourne Park in 2019 and won major titles and friendship later that year and at Wimbledon in 2019.
Australian Open qualifying starts on January 6th, and the main draw begins several days later.
In football, Liverpool has extended its lead at the top of the Premier League after coming back from a goal down to win 3 -1 at home to Leicester City.
Chelsea's hopes of pipping Liverpool to Premier League glory suffered blow.
Fulham scored twice in the final 10 minutes to end the Blues' 12th game unbeaten round with a 2 -1 win.
The defeat leaves second place to Chelsea's 7 points adrift of leaders Liverpool who have a game in hand.
Chelsea head coach Enzo Marisca says they could have played better.
In the meantime, Manchester City drew one all with Everton despite result, manager Pep Guardiola says he is satisfied with the performance.
The Wolverhampton wonders claims the big win beating Manchester United 2 -0.
Head coach Victor Pereira says the victory brings a lot of confidence.
In other action, Newcastle beat Aston Villa 3 -0, Bournemouth had a goalie's draw with Crystal Palace, Nottingham beat Tottenham, 1 -0 and West Ham over Southampton.
Thank you very much.
That was Yang Guang with Sports coming up in Culture and Entertainment, a glimpse of the millennium -old Grand Canal at a museum.
53 into the hour turning to Culture and Entertainment.
The Suzhou City Museum in eastern China's Anhui Province is displaying over 400 artifacts related to the Grand Canal illustrating a thousand years of history than shaped a thriving city.
Shennghi reports. Upon entering the museum's main exhibition hall, visitors immediately met with a striking 54 -meter long 4 -meter high wall showcasing a geological cross -section of the Grand Canal, making it the longest canal profile in China that has endured over time.
The 5 .8 -kilometre stretch of the canal has been flowing non -stop for more than 1000 years and was one of the sections of the ancient Grand Canal that was granted UNESCO World Heritage status in June 2014.
The 400 artifacts on display include ceramics, pottery, metalwork and jade, offering a detailed cultural view of the Grand Canal over the span of a thousand years.
They also show how East China's Anhui has evolved into a thriving trading stop.
Meanwhile, the Suxian section has survived the test of time, thanks to its natural geographic advantages and continuous protection by the people inhabiting its lush banks.
Suxian County has invested more than 1 billion yuan in developing a cluster of 10 cultural facilities in the Grand Canal area, including the Sui Tang Canal and museums that pay tribute to local family traditions as well as the library and the theater.
The Grand Canal once flowed for 3 ,200 kilometers from Beijing in the north to Zhejiang province in the south.
It used to be a major transportation artery running from ancient China, with a history dating back 2 ,500 years.
The canal functioned as the backbone of the ancient empire's inland communication and trading systems, transporting grain and strategic raw materials.
It has long played an important role in ensuring the country's economic prosperity and stability.
That was Shenli reporting.
An archery tower along Beijing's central access has opened to the public.
It's part of the Zheng Yaman Gates comprised of two structures, the Gate Tower to the north and the Archery Tower to the south.
The gate highlights the traditional urban management practices of ancient China.
A number of intangible cultural heritage products are on display.
Visitors will also be able to enjoy performances featuring traditional instruments and tea art.
During the Ming and Qing dynasties, the Zheng Yaman archery tower was part of a group of gates that served defensive and ceremonial purposes.
In recent years, the archery tower has undergone restoration using original materials and traditional techniques, ensuring the preservation of its historical integrity.
Archaeologists have discovered the remains of an ancient city road dating back over 3 ,000 years and yin shu in central China.
The archaeologists have carried out excavations in Hunan province and confirmed the presence of a north -south main road featuring a 1 .6 -kilometre -long ditch and dense wheel ruts on the surface.
It marks the longest urban thoroughfare ever found at the site, which had been the capital of the late Shan dynasty.
This new discovery, along with previously uncovered remains of multiple roads and ditches, reveals an urban road network pattern featuring a grid of three main east -west roads and three main north -south roads.
Hubei Provincial Museum has unveiled replicas of a pair of fossil human skulls dating back to one million years ago.
The fossils belonged to Homo erectus and they were from a male and a female aged between 25 and 45.
Researchers from Hubei Provincial Museum and several other institutions made the skull models using high -precision industrial scanners.
Experts say the yin shan man fossil skulls are the most complete ones of the era found in Eurasia, providing key evidence for the study of the evolution of Homo erectus in East Asia.
Now it's about 58 past the hour, let's check the weather.
Beijing is minus 7 overnight, followed by sunny skies and a high of 5 on Saturday.
Nanchang is 3 tonight tomorrow sunny skies with a high of 11.
Elsewhere is Llamabai 6 this evening.
Saturday will see sunny skies with a high of 18.
Vientiane is 19 overnight.
Tomorrow will see sunny skies with a high of 29.
Pennel Penn is 26 overnight.
Tomorrow sunny and 31.
In Africa, Nairobi will see sunny skies with a high of 26 on Saturday.
Kampala is 17 overnight.
Tomorrow will see sunny skies with a high of 28.
And that's it for this edition of the Beijing Hour.
Making news today, the fifth national economic census reflects China's economic resilience through innovative growth.
Yemen's Hubei Group has vowed to launch retaliatory attacks on Israeli cities.
On behalf of the staff, this is Dohong Yui 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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