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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 hope.
Shane Beggar with you on this Thursday, December 12th, 2024.
You're listening to The Beijing Hour coming to you live from the Chinese capital.
On today's program, China's top leadership sets the agenda for the year at the annual Central Economic Work Conference.
South Korea's opposition parties have filed a new motion to impeach the country's president.
The UN General Assembly has adopted a non -binding resolution calling for a permanent ceasefire in Gaza.
In business, China is expanding a pilot program for private pensions.
In sports, FIFA has announced the host for the 2030 and 34 World Cup tournaments.
In culture and entertainment, the high -end film festival supports four young filmmakers.
Beijing has held the annual Central Economic Work Conference as Chinese leaders chart economic plans for 2025.
Chinese President Xi Jinping delivered a speech at the conference.
The meeting noted that China's economy has seen some recovery this year with solid progress in high -quality development.
However, it also made clear that China's economy still has difficulties to overcome.
The conference also said conditions appear more favorable than challenging when it comes to China's development and economic recovery, and the long -term outlook has not changed.
For more on China's economic outlook, Xu Yuting spoke to Tian Xuan, chair of the National Institute of Financial Research at Tsinghua University.
What are the main challenges do you see currently facing China's economy?
And in your opinion, what are the key measures to boost high -quality economic development?
The main problems are insufficient domestic demand and sluggish investment in infrastructure, real estate and manufacturing.
The local debts and financial risks of small and medium -sized enterprises have not been completely resolved.
It is the first time in 14 years a moderately loose monetary policy has been announced.
We will see the implementation of more structural monetary policies to boost economic growth.
You have put forward many suggestions on deepening reform.
So under the current domestic and international circumstances, what do you think are the key measures to boost the reform and also promote high -level opening up?
There are many things we can do.
The most important is to stabilize expectations and boost confidence.
It is necessary to help enterprises get out of difficulties.
We also need to boost consumption and employment.
The target for this year was to create 12 million new jobs.
Based on recent data, that goal will be achieved.
What are the specific areas are likely to be targeted in the process of boosting domestic and international consumption?
In the future, we will pay attention to pensions, education and medical care.
These issues are closely related to people's livelihoods.
Previously, the focus of investment was on railways, highways and infrastructure.
It is necessary to shift to sectors focusing more on the people.
One issue is the silver economy.
We need to expand measures to cultivate industries to cater to the needs of elderly people.
What will direct stimulus impact the country's economy in 2025?
2025 is a crucial year.
It marks the final year of the 14th five -year plan and the preparatory year for the 15th five -year plan.
Economic development in 2025 will play a key role over an extended period.
Recent policies have boosted market expectations.
The economic growth target for this year is around 5%.
Next year, I think the economy will have stable development prospects, laying a solid foundation for the long -term vision 2035.
That was Tian Xuan at Tsinghua University sharing his insights on China's economic outlook.
Decorations are lining the streets at Macau's landmarks and ports, ahead of the 25th anniversary of the Special Administrative Region's return from Portuguese rule.
Flower displays have also created a festive vibe in parks and squares, a chinkaman of the Federation of Trade Unions Youth Committee, along with other people in the region, are full of hope for a better future.
Macau has made remarkable achievements over the past 25 years since his return to the motherland.
The successful practice of one country, two systems has brought Macau unprecedented economic development.
I believe Macau will have an even brighter future, the appropriately diverse economy will further develop, and the sense of happiness and security of the Macau residents will be further enhanced.
May our country enjoy prosperity and our people live in peace and harmony.
Macau's per capita GDP has grown from 15 ,000 U .S.
dollars in 1999 to nearly $70 ,000 last year.
A Forbes list from October ranked Macau as the second richest place in the world.
The Macau Chief Executive Designate says he plans to diversify the local economy during his tenure.
Sam Ho -Fai made the remarks ahead of the 25th anniversary of the city's return to China.
How did your journey this day?
Back in 2019, when Macau celebrated the 20th anniversary of its return, President Xi Jinping in his speech said Macau needs to identify the main focus and key projects for appropriately diversifying its economy on the basis of Macau's realities and through rigorous feasibility studies, taking a multi
-pronged strategy in terms of policy, human resources and financial support, and resolve the most difficult issues through synergy.
The three consecutive years of the pandemic fully proved that the judgment was solid.
After years of research, the S .A .R.
government has come up with a plan for economic diversification from 2024 to 2028.
Although the time is tight, our new administration needs to have this overall plan.
We have ample physical reserves and we have taken the initiative to put in place mechanisms, financial support and institutional arrangements for investments that are conducive to appropriately diversify economic development.
Sam adds they'll set up industrial funds for science and technology development and cultural tourism to create a favorable environment for economic and financial investment.
He also says they'll improve laws and regulations to ensure that the investment environment's business -friendly, fair, transparent and predictable.
The chief executive designates says they'll launch key projects for the next five years.
One of them is to make Macau a shipping and cargo transportation centre on the west bank of the Pearl River.
Another one is to build a culture tourism complex to help boost cultural exchanges between China and the rest of the world.
Sam's tenure starts on December 20th.
Local officials in Macau say the tremendous changes to the city's economy, society and people's livelihoods have impressed them.
As a young man in Macau, I feel very proud of myself.
With support from the motherland, Macau's young people now have more opportunities for development and can realise their aspirations in the SZG and greater Bay Area.
I am full of confidence in the development of Macau and the future of the motherland.
Macau has made remarkable achievements over the past 25 years since its return to the motherland.
The successful implementation of one country, two systems principle has brought Macau unprecedented economic development.
I believe that the future of Macau will be even better.
I think that the moderate diversification of Macau's economy will further develop and that the happiness and security of Macau's residents will be further enhanced and I wish the motherland peace, strength and prosperity.
China resumed sovereignty and established the Macau Special Administrative Region under one country, two systems on December 20th, 1999.
The Chinese People's Liberation Army garrison in the Macau Special Administrative Region has remained a faithful guardian of the region since 1999.
Over the past 25 years, the PLA garrison has been upholding the policy of one country, two systems and implementing the basic law.
The troops have played an important role in maintaining Macau's prosperity and stability.
Again, Xi has been a platoon leader for the garrison for three years.
The compatriots in Macau are deeply patriotic and have a strong sense of identity and belonging to the motherland and to the Special Administrative Region.
Through activities such as the open days of our barracks to the public and military summer camps, we have built a strong and meaningful relationship with the locals here.
The garrison so far held open -day activities to the public 18 times, boosting communication between the soldiers and local residents.
Thursday marks the 10th anniversary since the middle route of the South to North Water Diversion Project started supplying water.
The project diverts water from southern China to feed dry areas in the north, including Beijing.
Its middle route plays an important role in feeding water to the Chinese capital.
Officials say the MEGA project plays a strategic role in optimizing China's water resource allocation.
Soon, Tianyuan has more.
China's Ministry of Water Resources is commemorating a decade of achievements for the South to North Water Diversion Project.
Over the past 10 years, the eastern and central routes of this vital infrastructure project have transferred more than 76 billion cubic meters of water to alleviate shortages in China's drought -prone northern regions.
It has benefited more than 185 million people, ensuring the water supply for 45 large and medium -sized cities along the eastern and central routes.
Since the routes began operations, the project has run safely and smoothly, delivering increasingly significant economic, social and ecological benefits.
The Ministry has emphasized that the project not only ensures sufficient water for industry, agriculture and urban development, but also helps restore river and lake ecosystems.
Over -extraction of groundwater in northern regions has been effectively controlled.
Groundwater depletion and land subsidence in northern regions have been gradually curved, with water tables rising in some areas.
The South to North Water Diversion Project also utilizes surplus water before the flood season to replenish rivers and lakes, significantly improving the ecological environment of over 50 rivers along its routes.
The Ministry has confirmed that follow -up work on the project is progressing smoothly, and looking ahead, authorities say they will refine the project's layout to ensure that a sustainable flow of clear water continues to pour into northern parts of the country for the long term.
That was Sun Tien -Yuan reporting.
Coming up, South Korea's opposition parties will try again to remove the president.
Dive into news like never before with Deep Dive, the podcast from CGTN Radio.
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South Korea's opposition parties have submitted a second impeachment motion against President Yoon -Sook Ye -ol over his Marshall Law Declaration after the first one failed last week.
They vowed to vote again on Saturday to impeach Yoon.
The leader of the ruling parties called for supporting the impeachment against the president.
Han Dong -hoon was speaking after Yoon delivered a televised address to the nation, in which he justified his controversial Marshall Law decision.
Han has called on his party's lawmakers to vote on Yoon's impeachment based on their own conviction.
The country's parliament has passed bills to appoint independent councils to investigate the president's insurrection charge and scandals involving the First Lady.
Media reports say the police attempted another raid of the presidential office.
Jack Barton has more from Seoul.
It was unapologetic about the Marshall Law in that speech.
He came out and said that he believed it was constitutional because, in his words, the opposition had become a monster that was undermining constitutional democracy by launching endless impeachment bids against various officials within his administration and blocking all attempts at the ruling party
to put through legislation including the budget.
And it is true that the opposition, since it has gained a vast majority in the National Assembly since the start of the year, has really launched, in Yoon's head, those 27 counts of special prosecution, and it has certainly blocked all his legislation all the way through.
But Yoon, being very unapologetic, calling it that frenzied sword dance of the opposition and saying he was justified, at the same time he did apologize for causing unease among citizens during those brief hours of Marshall Law.
I fervently appeal to you all to unite in the path of protecting the Republic of Korea and our liberal democracy, which we have guarded with blood and sweat.
I will fight with the people until the very last minute.
And of course an appeal there for unity, but the fact remains for the vast majority of people here, declaring Marshall Law, crossed a red line, and polls show that most people here continue to support not just impeachment, but also that investigation into the charges of insurrection.
Well, Handong Hoon's been in a difficult position because he was actually on the list of people to be detained during Marshall Law.
So that was Yoon's own party leader was supposed to be rounded up and taken to a detention center.
He clearly wants to see President Yoon gone from the party.
But he knows if party members, ruling party members vote for impeachment, there will no doubt be a snap election and the party will lose.
But I think he gets a sense now that there is just no avoiding that.
So best to go into damage control as much as possible.
He's given ruling party members the freedom to vote on their conscience.
So there's a very good chance there will be an impeachment on Saturday after those remarks.
The president should be immediately excluded from state administration, including the military leadership.
As long as it has been confirmed that the president has no intention of stepping down early, an immediate suspension of his duties is required.
At the next vote, our party members should attend the meeting and participate in the vote, according to their conviction and conscience.
It's important to remember that unless the party sacks him, he won't lose power as the president, even if he's impeached.
And even if he's arrested on insurrection charges, he would have to be found guilty of insurrection charges and go through the appeal process.
Or if impeached, go through the constitutional court process.
And then finally, if they agree with the impeachment, he would then lose the presidency.
So even if he's impeached, even if he is charged and arrested, he may still remain president for some time unless he is sacked by the party.
That was Jack Barton reporting.
And for more on the South Korean president's future, Lee Dong -Ning spoke to Dr.
Wong Son -Tak, an adjunct professor at Seong -gung University.
Yoon -Sook Yeo was not apologetic about the martial law attempt.
What do you make of President Yoon's speech?
I believe he's doing his best to survive.
He might think he could be ousted or jailed if he is quiet and passive like yesterday or some days.
He's about to be arrested by prosecutors or police for the charge of insurrection.
Actually, he is about to be impeached by parliament in two days after two days.
So he needed to do something, everything to survive.
One of the critical messages today he made, he will fight all the way.
And so he asked his supporters to make a demonstration for him.
This could be a very dangerous point, I believe, because we have huge rallies on the street for impeachment of him.
So it is possible for the two groups of the demonstration conflict.
You said that he's trying his best to survive, but the situation is pretty harsh for him.
But do you still think there is a slim chance for him to escape from all of this?
Yes, he might think he can have a chance to survive because even after he is impeached by the parliament, he has to fight his legal legitimacy in court.
So he is doing his best, I believe.
How do you see the ruling party chiefs' latest comment that President Yoon should be immediately removed from office and that MPs to vote to impeach Yoon with conscience?
Mr. Han Do -hoon has changed his position several times.
So it is not easy to read his mind.
But what he said today is he supports the impeachment.
He argues that the president broke his promise to follow the decision of the ruling party, including only resignation from the presidency.
So he's urging his colleague lawmakers of his party to participate in the plenary session of the National Assembly, which will be held on Saturday, a vote for impeachment.
That was Dr. Eung -Sung Tech at Seogung University sharing his insights on the future of the South Korean president.
The Syrian Military Operation Administration has lifted the curfew previously imposed on Damascus and its surrounding areas.
It also called on residents to resume their daily activities and return to work.
The administration also encouraged citizens to contribute to rebuilding Syria as the country attempts to normalize conditions, following the fall of President Bashar al -Assad's government.
Uncertainty and challenges in rebuilding the country remain.
Philip Crowther with the Associated Press has more from the Syrian Capitol.
This change in government here, this transition going so, so quickly.
The interim prime minister, Mohammed al -Bashir.
And he, of course, is a man who already has met with members of the government.
Now, this is not a new government.
This is the government that was in place under President Bashar al -Assad.
Most of those ministers remaining in their positions.
Now, this transition officially is supposed to last until the first of March of next year.
What comes after that is maybe one of the most important questions that will be posed to him.
Will elections be held?
Is that even possible in a country that is still very divided, where there is fighting going on over many parts of this country?
That is an important question for Mohammed al -Bashir to answer.
Meanwhile, what we're also seeing is some really important changes here on the ground.
Very significant ones.
The Russian Navy fleet, according to a U .S.
official, has completely left Syria.
They are not welcome anymore, essentially, under this new government.
They're essentially looking for a place to park their ships at this point.
There is also very significant support coming in for this new rebel government here in Damascus from the United Nations.
The U .N. Secretary General Antonio Guterres saying that the change here brings hope to the Middle East.
That was Philip Crowther reporting.
The interim prime minister of Syria says his priorities are restoring security and state authority.
Mohammed al -Bashir hopes to bring home millions of Syrian refugees and provide essential services, even though concerns remain over the country's future and how inclusive it'll be.
Haidar Kazwini has more from Damascus.
Syrians started to step out of their homes into a new Syria, post the ouster of Bashar al -Assad.
The curfew imposed on Damascus and other provinces since Sunday has been relaxed by four hours and now it is fully lifted.
The new rebel flag has been raid across the country and it is being painted on the pocket of the shops, wiping out the earlier flag.
Four days after Assad government's collapse, banks and bazaars have started reopening and life is returning to what it used to be.
In the historic Hamadiya bazaar which has been historically an important commercial hub of Syria, business is gradually resuming and the hustle bustle making a return.
Hamadiya bazaar was opened two days ago.
We had two days of chaos in the country and we were cautious.
Now we have reopened the bazaar and it is like it was before and it will be better.
I hope that those who live abroad and miss the home and family can come back.
It is safe here. Our bazaar is now open and we are doing fine.
The rebels back, Mohammed al -Bashir, took charge as the interim prime minister and held his first meeting with most of Assad's era ministers.
This is a step seen by many as positive and along the path of restoring government services and putting Syria back on the track after an era of bloodshed and sanctions.
That was a high dark as we need reporting.
Israeli warplanes have been destroying the remains of Syria's military arsenal since the fall of President Bashar al -Assad's government.
The airstrikes of targeted military sites in Latakia and TARDIS provinces for four days.
Israeli troops have moved into a demilitarized zone inside Syria.
Many countries including Saudi Arabia, Iran and Iraq have condemned Israel's incursion.
Israel says its steps are temporary aiming to ensure border security.
Jonathan Raghav has more from Tel Aviv.
A week ago these same facilities were hit time and time again only for them not to fall to the hands of the Iranian proxies, not to be smuggled to Hezbollah.
Now they're hit again but in order not to fall to the hands of the enemies of the Iranian proxies and Hezbollah, these are of course the rebels.
What will the next day bring?
Who will control Syria?
Will there be a united Syria?
Those are questions which do not have a clear answer and Israel does not want to wait for developments in Syria and only then take action but do do it preemptively.
The Israeli army publishing the numbers of the targets hit in Syria and experts here in Israel estimate that roughly 70 to 80 percent of the abilities of the former Assad army have now been taken off.
Israel does not want to wake up one morning into a possibility of all this weapon falling into the hands of rebels.
We know that the rebels for now are looking inside into Syria for a possible reconstruction and perhaps for strengthening ties with foreign countries, even with western countries.
Do people here in Israel see a future in which those rebels have very good relations with Israel?
The answer is absolutely not and that is why Israel is taking preemptive actions to make sure that these unfriendly neighbors do not have access to the sophisticated weapons which up until a few days ago were a part of Assad.
That was Jonathan Regev reporting.
More countries have condemned Israel's operations in the buffer zone in Syria and surrounding areas.
Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakarova says Israel's actions are worsening the situation.
The actions of the Israeli armed forces, which took the buffer zone in the Golan Heights area and a number of adjacent areas, clearly violate the terms of the 1974 disengagement agreement between Israel and Syria.
The actions of the Israeli air forces, which are carrying out massive missile and bomb attacks on military and civilian targets on Syrian territory, are causing serious concern to the international community.
These military actions obviously do not serve the purpose of stabilizing the situation in Syria, and on the contrary, they further aggravate the already extremely difficult situation that has developed in recent days in this country.
Germany says it will not allow external forces to destroy the peace process in Syria.
Egypt says Israel has violated international law.
Coming up, the UN General Assembly's adopted a non -binding resolution for a ceasefire in Gaza.
Chinese business confidence in the European Union has declined for a fifth year to a new low.
What have the companies gone through in the once highly regarded fair and open market?
An EU business leader in China has warned a China -Europe trade war is unavoidable based on current trends.
How likely is that to happen?
If quitting each other's market is the least desirable option, what's the way out?
Find out on this week's Chat Lounge on your favorite podcast platform and CGTN Radio.
UN General Assembly's overwhelmingly adopted a non -binding resolution demanding an immediate, unconditional and permanent ceasefire in Gaza.
The resolution passed with 158 votes in favor, 9 against and 13 abstentions during a special session on the Palestine question.
The United States and Israel were among the countries voting against the ceasefire resolution.
The draft also called for the immediate release of all hostages.
The assembly also adopted a resolution calling on Israel to stop its ban on the UN's Palestinian aid agency.
It urged Israel to allow safe, rapid and unhindered humanitarian assistance into and throughout the Strip.
Jody Jacobs reports from New York.
The international community has once again overwhelmingly condemned Israel's war on Gaza.
On Wednesday, the United Nations General Assembly voted in favor of an immediate ceasefire.
158 countries in the General Assembly voted for the ceasefire, 13 abstained and 9 voted against, including the United States and Israel.
The United Nations says the speed and scale of the killing and destruction in Gaza are unlike anything seen in the Strip in recent history.
The US says the document risks sending a dangerous message to Hamas that there's no need to negotiate or release the hostages.
The resolution adopted by the General Assembly calls for an immediate, unconditional and permanent ceasefire in Gaza, as well as the release of all hostages.
This is a non -binding resolution, but represents the collective view of the international community.
Wednesday's vote follows the failed Security Council's legally binding resolution, which was vetoed by the United States.
The General Assembly also voted on a second resolution related to Israel's plan to ban the UN aid agency ANWA.
The Assembly also overwhelmingly adopted that resolution, which calls on Israel to reverse its decision.
As Jody Jacobs is reporting, China voted in favor of the resolutions on an immediate ceasefire and hostage release in Gaza.
China's UN ambassador said the motion reflects the international community's call for justice.
Beijing down to minus three on Thursday evening.
Sunny skies and three degrees on Friday.
Nanchung is down to five this evening, then sunny and 12.
Elsewhere in Asia, Islamabad's at four overnight, then cloudy and 21 on Friday.
Vientiane is at 20 this evening.
That'll be followed by clouds and 30.
Phnom Penh is down to 24 degrees, then moderate rainfall in 27.
In Africa, Nairobi will see a slight rain and 28 degrees on Friday.
Kampala is down to 20 and then a slight rain in 24.
Juba is 26 overnight, then cloudy and 38 degrees.
Finally to Oceania, Port Vila is at 24 this evening, a slight rainfall in 31 on Friday.
Appeia will see a slight rain tomorrow in 29 degrees Celsius.
It's time for a short break.
So far this hour, China's top leadership sets the agenda for the next year at the annual Central Economic Work Conference.
South Korea's opposition parties have filed a new motion to impeach the country's president.
The UN General Assembly's adopted a non -binding resolution calling for a permanent ceasefire in Gaza.
Shane Bigum with you.
Stay with us here on The Beijing Hour.
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But first, a check of the day's headline news.
Chinese President Xi Jinping has met Chairman Dmitry Medvedev of the United Russia Party in Beijing.
The Chinese Foreign Ministry described Medvedev's visit as an important high -level exchange between the two nations.
The diplomatic adviser to French President Emmanuel Macron will be in China on Friday and Saturday.
A Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson says Emmanuel Bono will hold the China -France strategic dialogue with Wang Yi, Director of the Office of the Central Commission for Foreign Affairs.
China's expressed dissatisfaction over remarks by the South Korean president.
It comes after Yoon Seok -kyo accused China of filming the National Intelligence Service with a drone.
Yoon made the claims in a televised address on Thursday, where he also claimed that Chinese solar power facilities will destroy forests in South Korea.
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said, though China does not comment on South Korea's domestic affairs, it firmly opposes Seoul's attempts to relate its domestic issues with China.
She said, "...hyping, groundless accusations of Chinese spies and smearing normal bilateral economic and trade cooperation is not conducive to the healthy and stable development of China's South Korea ties." Chinese Ministry of Water Resources says the country's South -to -North water diversion project
has transferred more than 76 billion cubic metres of water and benefited 185 million people over the past decade.
Vice Minister Wang Daxi says this mega project has effectively promoted the balance between people and natural resources in cities and rural areas.
The project has effectively improved water resource conditions and carrying capacity in the northern region, especially in the Huan Hui High region.
The project also assisted the implementation of major national strategies, such as the Beijing, Tianjin, Hebei region, and the construction of the Xiong 'an New Area.
The number of beneficiaries is also increasing year by year.
The ministry also says it will accelerate the construction of the national water network's main framework and major arteries and complete the overall layout of the South to North water diversion project as soon as possible.
Thursday marks the 10th anniversary of stage one of the massive and evolving project becoming fully operational.
The middle route, which is the most prominent one, begins at the Danjung Co -Reservoir in Hubei Province and runs through Hunan and Hebei before reaching Beijing and Tianjin.
The eastern route transfers water from Jiangsu Province to feed areas including Tianjin and Shandong.
The western route is yet to be completed.
The United Nations General Assembly's overwhelmingly voted to demand an immediate, unconditional and permanent ceasefire in Gaza and the immediate release of all hostages.
The United States and Israel are among the nine countries that voted against both resolutions.
Before the vote, China's UN ambassador said Washington had abused its veto power and previously struck down cease -fire bills at the Security Council, which led to the emergency General Assembly meeting that attempted to remedy the impact.
But Song said the international community must not allow the law of the jungle to become the new normal.
A ceasefire is the precondition for saving lives and restoring peace.
To associate the ceasefire with other issues, or even in reverse, said conditions for a ceasefire is in fact giving the green light for the war and the killings to continue.
We have to uphold and honor the international law and allow no exception.
The Chinese envoy also expressed support for the United Nations Aid Agency for Palestinians and called on Israel to guarantee access to, and the distribution of, humanitarian aid.
Palestine's ambassador to the UN demanded a chance for Palestinians to live and build a future for younger generations.
A New York police commissioner says the gun found on the suspect in the killing of United Healthcare CEO matches the shell casings found at the crime scene.
Jessica Tisch also says lab results match suspect Luigi Mangione's fingerprints to a water bottle and protein bar wrapper found near the scene of the killing.
First we got the gun in question back from Pennsylvania.
It's now at the NYPD crime lab.
We were able to match that gun to the three shell casings that we found in Midtown at the scene of the homicide.
We're also able at our crime lab to match the person of interest's fingerprints with fingerprints that we found on both the water bottle and the kind bar near the scene of the homicide in Midtown.
Suspect charged with murdering Brian Thompson has appeared in court in Pennsylvania.
Mangione's facing five felony charges including murder in the second degree, two counts of criminal possession of a weapon in the second degree, and the criminal possession of a forged instrument in the second degree.
US authorities say at least four people suffered injuries when a propeller plane crashed into traffic on a Texas highway and split in half.
The Federal Aviation Administration said only the pilot was on board but did not specify the condition of the injured.
Local Police Chief Aline Moyah provided some details.
Upon arrival officers observed a damaged plane with three damaged vehicles in the intersection.
We were able to confirm that five people are involved and four have been transported.
Three were transported with non -life threatening injuries and one is being transferred to an out of town hospital for a higher level treatment and the pilot is also being evaluated.
Victoria Police said the impact damaged three vehicles.
Images from the scene show part of the plane wreckage sitting on top of a car.
The FAA said it will investigate the plane crash.
Judge in Kansas overturned the conviction against two men in a 2009 double homicide and allowed them to go free.
The judge tossed convictions against 40 -year -old Dominique Moore and 34 -year -old Cedric Warren on grounds that prosecutors failed to turn over information about mental health issues of a key witness.
Both had been serving life sentences with no chance of parole.
Meanwhile Warren's father alleged the police officer who supervised the investigation that led to his son's arrest stalked female members of his family.
The mother of another man who was released after serving 23 years in prison corroborated Cedric Tony's accusations alleging the officer pressured her for sexual favors.
The discredited white police officer committed suicide last week ahead of the start of his criminal trial that alleges sexual assaults against black women.
Tony spoke on behalf of his son because Warren was too overwhelmed to address reporters after his release.
I really want to cry but I can't that's how overwhelmed I am for real so I'm just glad that he's out, I'm glad that his sentence got vacated.
You know my son was innocent the whole time.
Moore said that he was thankful and blessed after he walked out of a state prison.
The District Attorney involved in reversing the convictions insisted the police officer's role had nothing to do with the decision to free the two men, and it wasn't an exoneration.
It's just Shane Bingham in the Chinese capital coming up in business.
China's expanding a pilot program for private pensions.
The Beijing hour, your window on China, and the rest of the world.
Stocks on the Chinese mainland close higher on Thursday.
Shares surged amid expectations of more measures from a key policy meeting to boost domestic demand.
The Shanghai composite index was up 0 .8 % while the Shenzhen component gained 1%.
Hong Kong's Hang Seng index surged 1 .2%.
In Japan, the Nikkei 225 also jumped around 1 .2%.
China's revealed plans to expand its private pension program from 36 pilot cities and regions to nationwide coverage.
Participation in the scheme is voluntary and is designed to supplement the existing pension system.
Under the program, Chinese citizens can contribute up to US $1 ,600 annually to their individual pension accounts.
The new policy will come into effect on Sunday.
December 12, also known as Double 12, marks the final major shopping festival of the year in China.
People are anticipating strong sales, especially after a recent government subsidy program for home appliance trade -ins.
The initiative aims to encourage consumers to upgrade smarter, more energy -efficient products.
Guatianqi has more.
The end of the year is peak season for consumer spending in China.
During the Double 12's shopping festival, huge discounts coupled with the government's trade -in subsidy policy have spurred people to upgrade their home appliance.
We came here when we heard there were government subsidies.
We plan to replace our old water heater with a more energy -efficient one.
I prefer to buy home appliances in person at the store, but then I can barely feel the quality.
In the second half of this year, the Chinese government launched a policy of trading in old home appliances for new ones, providing subsidies for eight categories of products, including refrigerators, air conditioners and washing machines.
According to the Ministry of Commerce, as of December the 7th, nearly three million customers have purchased related products, driving sales to more than 200 billion yuan or 30 billion US dollars.
The greener and more energy -efficient the home appliances are, the more discounts they will enjoy.
For example, here is a label of first -level energy -efficient, which can get a 20 percent discount.
Jiangsu and Xinjiang have included 3C digital products under the trade -in subsidy policy, boosting sales.
Nearly 300 ,000 residents have already applied for trade -in subsidies in our shop.
In December, we predict that sales can increase by 300 percent year -on -year.
Judging from the current sales, the proportion of green and intelligent products is higher.
As consumers demand smarter and more advanced products, home appliances have become more intelligent, with voice control being one example.
With the continuous development of AI and the Internet of Things, more and more consumers are willing to upgrade their home appliances to live a smarter life.
Many foreign companies, including tech giant IBM, remain optimistic about China's economic prospects.
Hans Decker is the general manager of IBM Asia Pacific.
He highlighted China's strong foundation in innovation and entrepreneurial spirit as key drivers of growth.
The way the country has adopted towards technology is very impressive to me.
With 18 trillion dollars as total economy, with change of technology and change of demographics, there's a huge opportunity within this so large economy to basically use these technologies to plot the next five to ten years in a country like China, but also in the region here in Asia Pacific.
Decker has confirmed that IBM plans to remain in the Chinese market for at least another 40 years.
Data shows that China's auto production in November rose by over 11 percent from last year while sales climbed nearly 12 percent.
According to the China Association of Automobile Manufacturers, in the first 11 months of the year, auto production reached nearly 28 million units, a marking of 3 percent increase while sales grew by 3 .7 percent to almost 28 million units.
Association Deputy Secretary General Chen Shehua said the country's new energy vehicle sector also sustained strong growth.
In November, the NEV sector continued to grow rapidly, with monthly production and sales both exceeding 1 .5 million units.
From January to November, cumulative sales surpassed 40 percent of total automobile sales for the first time, playing a significant role in supporting overall sales growth.
We also noted that a national auto trade -in policy would expand domestic demand and boost the market.
China's auto trade -ins have exceeded five million units this year.
Consumers trading in an old car for an NEV will get a subsidy of 20 ,000 yuan, or roughly 2 ,800 US dollars.
While those opting for a new fuel -powered car will receive 15 ,000 yuan.
China's finance ministries issued yuan -denominated Treasury bonds totaling 6 billion yuan, or roughly 835 million dollars in the Hong Kong's special administrative region.
The issuance included additional two -year, three -year and five -year bonds with interest rates of 1 .7 percent or 1 .8 percent.
Each type of bond has an issuance value of 2 billion yuan.
The ministry said that investors welcomed the issuance with the total bid amount, nearly 3 .6 times the amount in circulation.
US consumer prices were up 2 .7 percent in November, moving higher from the 2 .6 percent annual increase in October and marking the highest annual rate since July, excluding food and energy costs.
The core CPI was at 3 .3 percent on an annual basis and 0 .3 percent monthly.
The readings come as Federal Reserve officials are mulling over what to do at their policy meeting next week.
Nearly three -quarters of Japanese companies believe that a second term for Donald Trump as US President will negatively impact their business environments.
According to a survey by Nikkei Research for Reuters, most respondents express concerns over tariffs in US China trade tensions.
Trump has threatened tariffs of up to 60 percent on US imports of Chinese goods and 25 percent on goods from Canada and Mexico, where many Japanese automakers have factories.
Two -thirds of the companies said that they were unlikely to change their business strategies if Trump increases tariffs.
Meanwhile, 22 percent said they'd focus on cutting costs and 8 percent indicated they'd expand their markets outside the United States.
Although worries about the potential implications of another Trump presidency persist, half of the respondents expect their earnings to grow in the coming year.
You're listening to the Beijing Hour and coming up in sports, FIFA's announced the host for the 2030 and 34 World Cup tournaments.
Thank you, Shane. We start with football.
FIFA has confirmed that Spain, Portugal and Morocco, together with three South American countries will host the World Cup in 2030.
Saudi Arabia will host the 2030 -4 edition.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino announced the decision following a virtual congress.
Well, the 2030 World Cup is an incredible celebration of football, with the kick -off of three celebratory matches in South America and then moving to two continents, two continents which represent it and represent so much for football Europe and Africa, Morocco, Spain and Portugal.
What message of unity, what message of significance this is for all the people moving ahead?
The combined proposal will see the tournament take place across three continents and six nations for the first time, with Uruguay, Argentina and Paraguay hosting celebratory games to mark the tournament's centenary.
Uruguay held the first edition in 1930, while Argentina and Spain have also staged the tournament before.
Portugal, Paraguay and Morocco will all be the first -time co -hosts.
CEF President Patrice Mozepi has congratulated Morocco for being a co -host of the 2030 FIFA World Cup.
It's a great honour but it's also a historic day for Africa and that's why we're very happy and very excited that Morocco will be hosting the FIFA World Cup 2030.
It's something that we're very proud of.
The result also means Saudi Arabia will also become the second nation from the Middle East to host, 12 years after Qatar did so in 2022.
Manchester City suffered a 2 -0 defeat at the Juventus in the Champions League.
City have lost seven games in their last ten matches in all competitions, winning only once, with their latest defeat leaving the club's place in the Champions League playoffs hanging in the balance.
Second half goals from Dusan Vlahovich and Western Mckenny lifted the Juventus up to 14th place understandings while City are just one point above the bottom eight in 22nd place with two group games to go.
City manager Pep Guardiola says he still has strong confidence about the team.
I don't think it was defensive mistakes much.
So that wasn't the reason the other games are not today, no?
We missed the last pass when arriving at the six -year box in a penalty spot many times and had a composure or especially shoot or make that good moment and assist so that was the difference but we are the best.
I love my team, the way we play and the result is not going to convince me the opposite.
Arsenal secured a comfortable 3 -0 win against Monaco at Emirates Stadium.
Monaco head coach Andy Harte lamented his gifts, his team presented to Arsenal saying their mistakes are not acceptable.
I was happy with the first 20 minutes and especially after the half time we came on the pitch, it wasn't this what I expected.
I don't want to say dominate but we were much much better in the game.
We had three opportunities to score the equaliser with Tiloquera, Brelenbolo and Takumi Minamino and with some changes of Arsenal they brought their decisive moment or crucial moment was the second goal of Arsenal.
Yes, today we gave them lots of gifts and we were really lucky in the half time that was the real result 1 -0 for Arsenal.
Monaco have lost its last two Champions League fixtures and has slipped to 16th on the table.
Chinese swimmers have put on a decent performance at World Aquatic Swimming Championships in Budapest.
Towne Chantin reached the women's 100m breaststroke final after breaking the Asian record just 0 .01 seconds behind the world record.
Qin Haiyan advanced to the men's 100m final after finishing the semi -finals in about 56 seconds, the second best of the finalists.
The event in Budapest has continued to see more records.
Sweet Swimmer Noponti shattered his own men's 50m butterfly world record improving to 21 .32 seconds.
In the women's 50m butterfly American Gretchen Walsh continued her dominance, having broken the event's world record twice in the preliminary round and semi -finals.
She won the final in 24 .01 seconds, slightly slower than her own world records.
In the NBA, Jelen Gray made two free throws with 3 .5 seconds left and Houston Rockets beat the Golden State Warriors 91 -90 to advance to the NBA Cup semi -finals in Las Vegas.
Houston snapped a 15 -game skater against the Warriors, winning for the first time in the series since February 2020.
The Rockets will face Oklahoma City Thunder, which beat Dallas Mavericks in the other West quarter -final game in the semi -finals on Saturday.
Outprint Shanging Land Rockets with 26 points in the 11 rebounds, and Jivari Smith Jr.
added 15 points. Elsewhere, the Atlanta Hawks took their first NBA round all the way to the semi -finals, beating the New York Knicks 108 -100.
The entry Hunter scored 24 points, and Jelen Johnson had 21 points for the Hawks.
Now they will face another East -powered Milwaukee Bucks on Saturday in the semi -final matchup.
Josh Hart scored 21 points, and Carl Anthony Town said 19 points and 19 rebounds for the Knicks.
And finally, in Formula 1, 7 -time World Champion Lewis Hamilton has made his final visit to the Malaysian capital as a driver for Mercedes F1 team.
Hamilton visited Twin Towers in Kuala Lumpur and celebrated the partnership between the Petronas and the Mercedes F1 team after 12 seasons.
The 39 -year -old then appeared at a 3 ,000 -person event, where he looked back on his favorite moments visiting the country in the highlights of his time with Mercedes.
Hamilton won six of his seven World titles with Mercedes, the most by any F1 driver with a single team.
Thank you very much, that was Youngguang with Sports.
Coming up in Culture and Entertainment, the Hainan Film Festival's support for young filmmakers.
Discover the realities and responses to our changing climate with Climate Watch.
Uncover critical issues such as the Maasai Merus disrupted roller -beast migration and the drop in the Panama Canal's water levels.
Delve into solutions for a sustainable future.
Tune in to Climate Watch on your favorite podcast platform.
Become more eco -conscious and take action to protect our planet.
Now, turning to Culture and Entertainment.
In the just -concluded sixth Hainan Island International Film Festival has been offering strong support for young filmmakers.
The support includes free shooting locations, mentorships from senior filmmakers and financial assistants.
The talent scheme is dedicated to injecting fresh talent and innovative ideas into the Chinese film industry.
Chung Mung -yuan reports.
The talent scheme is aimed at helping young filmmakers turn their innovative ideas into actual productions.
Under this program, selected directors and producers are granted permission to use certain shooting locations for free.
They also get post -production support, mentorship from senior filmmakers and financial assistants.
During a two -month selection process, the organizing committee received 475 project applications.
Most were from budding filmmakers born in the 1980s and 1990s.
However, younger people born within the last quarter of a century were also involved.
Scripts submitted included stories about suspense, youth and family, showing the perspective of younger generations.
We are faced with limited funding and time constraints.
However, the challenge lies in how to stimulate our creative potential within these limitations.
This is a crucial step for directors as they strive to establish their presence in the industry, making it particularly significant.
The scheme also helps to match young filmmakers with investors, producers and other cooperative partners.
During the film festival, all projects are open to invited guests, investors, producers and even some people who select films for international markets, with films screened especially for them.
Young directors will therefore get a chance to bring their works to international festivals and exhibitions.
Co -sponsored by China Media Group and the People's Government of Hainan Province, The film festival has partnered with 20 cinemas across the province to showcase over 100 films.
And that was Zhang Mengyuan reporting.
A Vietnamese musician is contributing to enhancing cultural ties between Vietnam and China through music.
Growing up in a musical family, Dong Trong Vin is now the conductor of a Vietnamese musical group that actively engages in cultural exchanges with China.
Influenced by his parents, Dong encountered Chinese traditional music and instruments from a young age.
My musical journey has been closely connected to China.
When I was a kid, before I went to studying in China, every time my father traveled there for work, I would say to him, dad, don't forget to bring me Chinese music CDs or tapes.
And when he would turn, he would always bring back boxes of traditional Chinese music tapes.
My father has been a mentor to me, opening the door of China to me.
For me, studying in China has been truly a dream since then.
In 2004, Dong came to the Shanghai Conservatory of Music, studying how to conduct Chinese folk music.
This was the start of his nine -year academic journey in China.
While studying in China, Dong also worked with Chinese musical groups like the Shanghai Opera House, Shanghai Chinese Orchestra, the Zhejiang Song and Dance Theatre to organize collaborative concerts.
I'm very happy and hope to do more, especially in folk music and art.
It is a great hope for us if there will be more exchanges between the two sides.
Dong is currently a permanent conductor at the Vietnam National Opera and Ballet.
He hopes that the two countries will further strengthen cultural exchanges and the two peoples again a deeper understanding of each other through music.
Beijing down to minus three on Thursday evening.
We'll have sunny conditions and plus three on Friday.
Nanshung is down to five and then sunny and 12 degrees.
Elsewhere in Asia, Islamabad's at four overnights.
Cloudy skies in 21 on Friday.
Vientan's at 20 this evening, then cloudy in 30.
Phnom Penh's down to 24.
Then moderate rainfall in 27.
In Africa, Nairobi will get a slight rainfall in 28 degrees on Friday.
Compile us down to 20, then a slight rain in 24.
Juba's 26 overnight, cloudy in 38 tomorrow.
And finally, to Oceania, Port Vila's at 24 this evening, a slight rainfall in 31 on Friday.
Pia will see a slight rain tomorrow in 29 degrees Celsius.
That's it for this edition of the Beijing Hour.
Making news today, China's top leadership sets the agenda for the next year at the annual Central Economic Work Conference.
And South Korea's opposition parties have filed a new motion to impeach the country's president.
On behalf of the staff, this is Shane Bigemann, the Chinese Capitol, 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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