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This is the Beijing Hour.
Examining the events that impact and shape China and the rest of the world.
This is the Beijing Hour.
One hour of news and information brought to you every weekday.
Now here's your host. Shane Bigum with you on this Monday, June 23rd, 2025.
You're listening to the Beijing Hour, coming to you live from the Chinese capital.
On today's program, Israel and Iran have continued to trade fire following Washington's attacks on three Iranian nuclear sites.
The Prime Minister of Singapore is in Beijing as part of a five -day official visit to China.
And Sudan's Prime Minister has announced plans for a new government as the country enters the third year of internal conflict.
In business, oil prices have surged following the U .S. attack on Iran.
In sports, the NBA has crowned the champion for the 2024 -25 season.
in culture and entertainment, highlights from the Beijing International Book Fair.
Now checking the day's top stories.
Israel and Iran have continued to trade attacks after the United States struck three Iranian nuclear sites on Sunday.
The Israeli military says it attacked six Iranian airports on Monday, damaging runways and aircraft. Iranian media Press TV has released footage showing Iran shooting down Israeli drones.
Another Iranian media outlet also reported that Iran launched to cyber attack against israel obtaining large amounts of data of israeli journalists and celebrities israel said its air force launched strikes against iranian military facilities in kermanshah iranian leader supreme leader ayatollah ali hamaneh vowed to punish israel in the first his first public comments since the u .s attacks u .s president donald trump said monumental damage was done to all nuclear sites but the international atomic energy agency says says the damage to the facilities is unclear and that there is no increase in off
-site radiation. Iranian President Massoud Pesashkin says the U .S. attacks revealed that Washington is the main factor behind the Israeli attacks.
Oil prices have surged to a five -month high.
Jonathan Morgev has more from Tel Aviv.
Israel did not officially mention what it believes is the damage caused to those three nuclear plants, but Israel is backing the American assessments, saying that heavy damage, was inflicted to all those three places.
And more than anyone, the Fordow nuclear plant, which is dug deep, deep under the ground, some 60 or 80 meters under the Iranian mountains.
And that plant was apparently penetrated by the heavy bombs which were launched by the B -2 American bombers.
Israel is backing the American assessment, saying that heavy damage was inflicted to this plant and to other plants.
Now comes the question of if and when there will be some kind of an exit strategy.
It depends a lot on what Iran can do regarding Israel and regarding the United States.
If Iran decides to retaliate on the American attack by striking American targets in the region, then this would call for further American intervention, and this war will go on.
And the United States said that an attack on its bases, then they will react.
If the war continues in its current status, then perhaps there's an issue of the Iranians going back to negotiations, perhaps showing more flexibility.
And in this case, if the flexibility shown by the Iranians is one that may satisfy the United States, then the Americans may be asking Israel to perhaps refrain from more attacks and this war would eventually come to an end.
We do not know yet.
sirens sounding in many parts of Israel, including central Israel, where we are.
But it was far from being the major launches that we saw before.
It was one missile that was intercepted.
But still, there is, I think, an understanding that more missiles will be fired towards Israel in the coming days, and it will be up to Israel to decide if and how to react as far as Israel is concerned at this time.
The war is on, and the strikes in Iran continue.
That was Jonathan Regev reporting.
Hundreds of people have gathered to protest in Tehran after the U .S. strikes on Sunday.
President Massoud Peseshkin joined parts of the demonstration against the U .S. and Israel.
There are growing concerns over how the Iranian military might respond.
Sapir Sarami has more from Tehran.
100 percent, certainly Iran would respond to these strikes.
Perpetrated by the U .S., as you have seen in the last one week and a half, If Iran had been retaliating against Israel every night and every day, Iran is gonna respond.
But when and how is not determined yet.
We have to let the IRGC commanders and military commanders decide on that.
You know, what I see on media outlets and on telegram channels that say Iranians feel like that, Iranians feel like this, I'm surprised.
Because Iran is not a nation of 2 million or 3 million, there are 90 million people living in Iran.
So there are a variety of feelings.
There are a variety of senses that we can feel across the country.
Some people are afraid.
Some people don't actually care about missiles.
Some people just doing their business.
Some people are panicked.
But personally, what I've seen around myself, what bothers Iranians more than missiles and trowels is that the net has been shut down in 72 hours.
So they don't go to work.
They don't go to school.
They don't go to university.
They are kind of feeling bored.
Last time, I told myself okay the war is over because they have launched the strikes in Fodor and Natanz and now they have reached the objectives.
But surprisingly, I had the explosions in the sky.
So not this complicated question, what's the end game?
What will happen in the future?
So I think that situation on the ground is very unpredictable these days.
Now they say Iran should negotiate.
Something is fishy here.
They are scared now.
Until now, do you think we have been fighting with Israel?
It's been the U .S. as the main player.
All Israeli arms and planes are American.
People are here today to urge the government to respond to the U .S. attacks.
If we do not respond, they will definitely be more rude and continue bullying.
Our armed forces should give them a crushing response as soon as possible.
I cannot talk on behalf of every citizen here, year, but many people are panicked, afraid, and actually many people are angry because now two countries are striking us.
We have Israel launching missiles, drone jet fighters every night, and we have U .S. striking our nuclear facilities.
Saper Seremit reporting.
The U .N. Security Council has held an emergency meeting to discuss the U .S. and Israeli airstrikes on Iran.
Secretary General António Guterres urged efforts to end the fighting and resume talks on Iran's nuclear program.
China's permanent representative to Li Wen also condemned the U .S. strikes on Iran.
Mitch McCann has more from New York.
At Sunday's Security Council meeting, the UN Secretary General reiterated his call for an immediate halt to the fighting and a return to negotiations.
Antonio Guterres said a credible solution must include full access for the International Atomic Energy Agency to all nuclear sites in Iran.
We face a stark choice.
One path leads to wider war, deeper human suffering and serious damage to the international order.
The other leads to de -escalation, diplomacy and dialogue.
We know which path is right.
The Secretary -General's comments follow a White House decision to strike three Iranian nuclear sites, including the use of so -called bunker buster bombs.
It marks a dramatic escalation of tensions in the region.
The council also heard from Rafael Mariano Grossi, the head of the International Atomic Energy Agency, who briefed members on the impact of the strikes, including damage at the Fordow facility, the primary target in the attacks.
Craters are visible at the Fordow site, Iran's main location for enriching uranium at 60%, indicating the use by the United States of America of ground -penetrating munitions.
This is consistent with statements from the United States.
At this time, no one, including the IAEA, is in a position to assess the underground damage at Fudong.
Grossi also told the council Iran says there has been no increase in off -site radiation levels at all three sites.
Like other members of the international community, China condemned the violence and said it is deeply concerned about the situation getting out of control.
China strongly condemned the U .S. strike on Iran and the bombing of nuclear facilities under the safeguard of the IAEA.
The actions of the United States seriously violated the purposes and principles of the U .N. charter and the international law, as well as Iran's sovereignty, security and territory integrity.
At the council, an Iranian spokesperson criticized the U .S., calling it ironic that the only country to have used nuclear weapons as now demanding Iran never acquire one the timing nature and the scale of Iran's proportionate response will be decided but it's armed forces the United States a permanent member of this council the depositary of NPT and the only a state that has ever used nuclear weapons murdering millions in two cities has no once again distorted to illegal force waged a war against my country under a fabricated and absurd pretext preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons.
What a bitter and tragic irony.
They also said the attacks marked another stain in the political history of the United States.
How was Mitch McCann reporting?
The Israeli ambassador to the UN defended the US actions, describing them as righteous.
Iranian Foreign minister Abbas Arachi is in Moscow for talks on regional and international developments.
He says Iran and Russia maintain close coordination on all issues and that the regional situation demands clearer, firmer and more united positions from both sides.
Whether it's Israel or the United States, their attacks on nuclear facilities and research centers are clear violations of the UN Charter.
There is no imminent threat justifying such such actions.
This is outright aggression.
Iran and Russia have long shared common concerns, mutual interests and often common adversaries.
We think together, support one another and maintain close coordination to confront shared challenges.
This cooperation will continue tomorrow and beyond.
At this critical juncture, the international order is under serious threat.
Our talks with Russia carry great significance, and we are committed to doing our utmost to to safeguard regional and global stability.
Raachi also urged the UN Security Council and other international bodies to take action against what it called U .S. aggression.
And speaking on the sidelines of the meeting of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation in Istanbul, he said the U .S. and Israel have crossed a red line.
The warmongering and lawless administration in Washington is solely and fully responsible for the dangerous consequences and far -reaching implications of its act of aggression.
Of course, the door for diplomacy should always be kept open, but this is not the case right now.
My country has been under attack, under aggression, and we have to respond based on our legitimate right of self -defense.
And we will do that as long as needed and necessary.
It is irrelevant to ask Iran to return to diplomacy, because we were in the middle of diplomacy.
We were in the middle of talks with the United States when Israelis blew it up.
And again, we were in the middle of talks and negotiations with Europeans happened only two days ago in Geneva when this time Americans decided to blow it up.
The 51st session of the Council of Foreign Ministers of the OIC was in Istanbul on Saturday and Sunday.
The OIC issued a declaration on the growing tensions between Iran and Israel but left out references to U .S. involvement.
Michal Bar -David has more.
It is a death trap.
On Sunday, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation's Council of Foreign Ministers summit concluded in Istanbul.
In its final declaration, the OIC condemned what it called the aggression of Israel and announced plans to establish a ministerial contact group tasked with engaging regional and international governments to support de -escalation efforts related to Iran.
However, the declaration made no mention of the U .S. attack on Iran's nuclear facilities.
Some analysts say this omission was expected, suggesting the statement was intended to be symbolic rather than actionable to avoid wider consequences.
In the short run, perhaps in the next couple of days, it looks like Iran will not want to go back to the table because they believe that they are not the ones who have left the table in the first place.
A highlight of the OIC summit was the attendance by Iranian foreign minister Abbas Arachi.
At a press conference on Sunday, he urged the UN Security Council to convene an emergency session and condemned the u .s. strikes on Iran which he called a clear violation of international law the US administration holds sole and full responsibility for the consequences of its actions including the Islamic Republic of Iran's right to self -defense under the principles of the United Charter Iran reserves all options to defend its security interests and people iraqi also accused u .s president donald trump of betraying his voters by supporting israel stating that washington had crossed a red line meanwhile
turkey's foreign ministry issued a statement warning that ongoing tensions could escalate into a broader global conflict it stressed that negotiations are the only viable path to resolving disputes over iran's nuclear program.
Yet here in Istanbul, Arakci reiterated that diplomacy cannot resume while Iran remains under attack.
That was Mihal Bardavid in Istanbul.
The direct involvement of the United States in the Israel -Iran war, with the bombing of Iranian nuclear sites by the U .S. Air Force, has intensified the conflict, raising fears among regional residents of a broader war in the Middle East. Ratsin Radvar has more from Tehran.
From the early hours of Israeli attacks on areas in Tehran, and other Iranian cities on June 13 many Iranians were shocked by events unfolding and struggle to accept the new reality of their lives many have sought refugee in safer areas and peripheral cities hoping the situation will soon calm down however since the war began the sky of various Iranian cities have been constantly targeted by Israeli attacks stripping citizens of any sense of security.
In the initial days of the unrest, roads leading out of the capital saw heavy traffic filled with the people who packed their suitcases into their cars, desperately seeking peace far from their homes.
Tanaz, a Yugo instructor who fled Tehran to escape Israeli missiles.
It's heartbreaking to have to unwillingly say goodbye to my friends, to my students and my home without any idea of what the future holds.
I don't know when I might return or when this war, which brings insecurity and threat of death, will end so I can go back to a normal life." The Israelis claim they are only targeting military sites but many residential and commercial areas in Iran's capital have also been damaged in these attacks.
The latest casualty figures from this war in Iran Iran reports 722 deaths and over 2 ,500 injured so far.
Many homes have been destroyed and daily airstrikes continue to cause new devastation across Iran including in Tehran.
Yasin, a literature student, hopes the war ends soon to prevent further casualties and damage.
Every day that the war continues means more damage to the country's infrastructures or people's homes.
It means more grieving families and the loss of innocent lives.
The country is half paralyzed and everything is overshadowed by this nightmarish situation.
I hope the war ends today.
On the past Friday, in Tehran and several other cities across the country, supporters of the Iranian government took the streets.
They expressed support for military military operations against Israel and condemned Israeli attacks.
They chanted slogans against Israel and wished for Iran's victory.
Erfan, a young participant in the Tehran Rally.
The Zionist regime's attack came at a time when indirect negotiations were ongoing, and there was a chance to resolve things about the nuclear issue through diplomacy.
This shows the warmongering nature of the Israelis, and the U .S. support for this attack is disgusting.
These days, the sound of rockets and air defense systems has become a bitter shared experience among citizens who hope that with the end of the war, their lives will once again be touched by peace.
For Beijing Hour, this is Raston Radwar, reporting from Tehran, Iran.
Some Chinese nationals living in Iran say the ongoing tensions in the country have affected their lives and work.
Investor Shirke Jian is working with a friend to provide business services in Iran.
He says many Chinese investors who want to build factories in the country are now hesitating to do so.
International trade purely in commodities are not attractive for many Iranians who are welcoming foreign investors to build factories in Iran instead.
dead. As such, international trade in commodities is facing a hard time, so this time I chose to set up a business locally with a friend.
But when we were just about to discuss details, the wall broke out.
Many of my friends were scared.
I'm sure, says Israel's bombings.
Bombing has forced many local businesses in Tehran to suspend operations, with many large supermarkets and department stores closed.
Yes, many Iranians are outraged over the U .S. strikes.
Liu Yining, who is learning Persian in Iran, has left Tehran.
She says she started preparing on June 15th when the Iranian government issued evacuation warnings, but she went through a lot of trouble booking buses which were all cancelled starting on the 14th.
We previously planned to book a bus and travel to Tabriz near the northern border, but we tried three times and all failed as all the buses were eventually cancelled.
assault. The owner friends eventually took a taxi to Hamadan in the southwest as there were huge traffic jams on roads heading to the north.
They eventually left Iran and arrived in Turkey on June 17th.
Coming up, Singapore's prime minister is visiting China.
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Twenty -one past now.
Singaporean Prime Minister Lawrence Wong is in Beijing for a five -day official visit.
His agenda includes meetings with Chinese President Xi Jinping, Premier Li Cheung and top legislator Zhao Leji.
Youyang has more. Singapore's Prime Minister Lawrence Wong has arrived in Beijing at the invitation of China's Premier Li Cheung.
Lawrence Wong is paying an official visit to China from Sunday to Thursday.
This is actually PM Lawrence Wang's first visit to a non -ASEAN country since he took office in May and this year marks the 35th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between China and Singapore.
Actually Singapore is China's 5th largest trading partner amongst South East Asian countries countries, and China has been Singapore's largest trading partner for 12 consecutive years.
Well, last year, trade volume between the two sides hit over US $111 billion marking a year -on -year increase of 2 .6%.
Meanwhile, the two sides upgraded their bilateral free trade agreement protocol last December, as Singapore was actually the first Asian country to sign such an FTA with China.
As we say, the implementation of such documents is actually expected to create more potential of cooperation in areas such as service trade and investment.
That was Youyang reporting.
A national high -level think tank released a report tracing Chinese President Xi Jinping's exploration of the path of financial development with Chinese characteristics while he was working in Fujian province.
The report also reviews how the Chinese practices can contribute to the world by inspiring other countries concerning financial governance.
Zhou Jiaxin has more.
From 1985 to 2002, Xi Jinping held several posts in cities in East China's Fujian province.
Over those 17 years, one of his then legacies was the exploration of financial development with Chinese characteristics.
The think tank Xinhua Institute in a recent report reviewed the original concepts and transformative practices on financial work initiated by Xi during his tenure in Fujian.
It elaborates on the theoretical foundations and defining features of the path of financial development with Chinese characteristics and reveals Chinese solutions for global financial development and governance.
Casey's focused on Xi's efforts on financial system reform, poverty alleviation via financial tools, forestalling and diffusing financial risks, supporting the real economy and local development, unlocking capital flows through local forestry reform, and supporting the development of Industrial Bank, one of China's first joint -stock commercial banks.
At the time, financial services for the public were lacking.
Xi recognized the vital role of finance in boosting economic and social development in underdeveloped regions.
He urged us to set up an office in Ningde, calling on us to go to the grassroots level so that finance could truly benefit local communities the report analyzed the salient feature of the path through three dimensions the integration of political leadership and professional guidance the coordinated advancement of efficiency and fairness and the dynamic balance between autonomy and openness according to the report the essential significance of China's characterized path of financial development lies in charting and institutionalized course towards finance for the good of all by reconstructing a new
type of contractual relationship between finance and society this inspires us to strengthen our financial thinking and sharpen our expertise especially in leveraging financial tools to bolster technological innovation green transition small and micro businesses and the digital economy economy.
We must resolutely follow the path of financial development with Chinese characteristics.
Ensuring high -quality financial growth becomes a driving force for Chinese modernization." The distinctive path of financial development has underpinned China's great national rejuvenation with robust financial strength, the report says, concluding that with the Eastern philosophy of harmonious coexistence and the unity of the greater good and shared benefits, China contributes its approach to global financial governance.
That was Zhou Jiaxin reporting.
Coming up, Sudan's Prime Minister announces a new government.
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At 26 past the hour, Sudanese Prime Minister Kamal Idris has announced plans to set up a new nonpartisan and technocratic government.
He says that government will be based on competence, experience and integrity free from quotas and favoritism.
The move comes as the conflict between the Sudanese armed forces and the rapids support forces has entered its third year.
Idris has dissolved the country's caretaker government.
Sofia Shima Chero reports.
Sudan's prime minister is set to form a one -of -a -kind government composed of 22 independent experts.
The Civilian Government of Hope is the first government in Sudan's history to combine two good components, technocrats, which means governing the people through the agency of their servants, scholars, based on their expertise and technical background, and non -partisan, which means they don't belong to political parties, meaning that they represent the voice of the silent majority.
This is the first Sudanese government to open nominations to the public where candidates can submit their credentials via government electronic channels.
The criteria for cabinet members include possessing Sudanese nationality regardless of race or religion, they must be nonpartisan and also have the highest levels of expertise required in relevant fields.
Many have expressed hope that this could steer the country toward a new political face.
It is essential to choose experienced ministers with a proven track record and integrity, which is the most important thing because we see that corruption has spread throughout all the government institutions.
Responsibility is rampant, citizens are suffering and services are generally poor.
I consider this the right decision at this right time and I wish them success.
However, this move will directly challenge existing power -sharing deals with armed groups allied with the Sudanese army under the 2020 Juba peace agreement.
Idris was appointed new Prime Minister last month by Army Chief Abdul Fattah al -Burhan.
He pledged at the time to review and dismantle what he called parallel governments of unnecessary councils and commissions that drain public funds.
That was Sofia Shimachero reporting.
A senior United Nations official stressed the importance of political and economic pressure to bring the humanitarian situation in Gaza to an end.
Jonathan Whittle is with the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs and said people die almost daily while searching for food.
and he's called for urgent action.
He also called the situation entirely preventable, saying that the U .N. and its partners must be allowed to work in the region.
At 29 past the hour, checking the forecast ahead of the break, and Beijing's down to 24 Monday evening.
It's sunny and 38 on Tuesday.
Nanchang's at 22 overnight, and thundershowers in 29 tomorrow.
Elsewhere in Asia, Islamabad's down to 28, a slight rainfall and 37 on Tuesday.
day. The Indians down to 23.
Then a slight rain in 31.
Phnom Penh is at 25 overnight.
Then heavy rainfall in 32 degrees.
In Africa, Nairobi is getting some clouds in 25 degrees on Tuesday.
Kampala is down to 20, followed by a slight rain in 24.
Chuba is 21 this evening.
Then some rain in 32.
Finally to Oceania, Port Vila is 23 overnight.
Then a slight rain in 27 degrees.
Apia will get a slight rain Tuesday and 29 degrees Celsius.
It's time for a short break.
So far this hour, Israel Israel and Iran have continued to trade fire following Washington's attacks on three Iranian nuclear sites.
The prime minister of Singapore is in Beijing as part of a five -day official visit to China.
And Sudan's prime minister has announced plans for a new government as the country enters the third year of its internal conflict.
Shane Begum with you.
Stay with us here on The Beijing Hour.
shh listen up can you hear the heartbeat of our world it's vibrant and pulsating with the essence of life itself from the stem of trees to the gurgle of rivers from the silent strength of of mountains, to the icy whispers of glaciers, even the solid ground beneath our feet, right there in the midst of all beats the heart of humanity.
What if those other heartbeats were to stop?
Would ours keep on ticking?
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Examining the events that impact and shape China and the rest of the world this is the beijing hour one hour of news and information brought to you every weekday now here's your host shane bigum with you on this monday still to come in business oil prices have surged following the u .s attack in iran in sports the nba is crowned a champion for the 2024 -25 season in culture and entertainment highlights from the beijing international book fair contact us you can email radio at cgtn .com or follow our x account at CGTN Radio.
Now checking the day's headlines, here's Wang Zihang.
Thank you, Shane. Beijing says the Persian Gulf and its surrounding waters are important channels for international trade, and that maintaining security and stability in the region serves the common good.
Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiagun made the remarks of the Iranian parliament to approve the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a major maritime chokepoint in the Gulf region.
Guo said China calls on the international community to step up efforts to de -escalate the conflict and prevent regional turmoil from further impacting global economic development.
The spokesperson also said China is willing to strengthen communication with Iran and other stakeholders to play a constructive role, adding that the Chinese foreign minister already spoke with his Iranian counterpart over the phone.
China has condemned the US strikes on Iranian nuclear sites.
China's ambassador to the UN says it has exacerbated tensions in the Middle East and dealt a heavy blow to the international nuclear non -proliferation regime.
Fu Cun made the remarks at an emergency meeting of the Security Council.
China strongly condemns the US attacks on Iran and its nuclear facilities under the safeguards of the IAEA.
The actions of the United States seriously violate the purposes and principles of the year -one charter and the international law, as well as Iran's sovereignty, security and territorial integrity.
He said the international community must uphold justice and restore peace and stability.
The Russian ambassador to the UN has also condemned the US strikes, saying they pose a major threat to nuclear safety and security globally.
Several close US allies have urged to return to negotiating table.
Some countries and groups in the region have also condemned the move while also urging the de -escalation.
UN Chief Antonio Guterres has warned of a dangerous retaliation cycle after US strikes on Iranian nuclear sites.
Addressing the Security Council, he urged immediate diplomacy to prevent a wider Middle East conflict.
The bombing of Iranian nuclear facilities by the United States marks a perilous turn in a region that is already reeling.
From the outset of the crisis, I have repeatedly condemned any military escalation in the Middle East. The people of the region cannot endure another cycle of destruction.
And yet, we now risk descending into a red hole of retaliation after retaliation.
To avoid it, diplomacy must prevail.
The UN chief also stressed the necessity to protect civilians and ensure safe maritime navigation.
Guterres also urged Israel and Iran to return to the negotiating table.
He urged nations to act wisely for peace.
China has opened a new tourist attraction in the northwest that simulates the experience of being on Mars.
The site is the country's first Mars -themed tourism experience, covering 67 square kilometers in the Gobi Desert in Gansu.
Visitors can see simulated Mars probes and rovers and experience starry sky tents.
Visitor Zhang Chengxu showed great excitement.
I saw a video about the landscapes here simulating Mars when I was amazed.
Now I'm here to find red sandstone, Mars rover and nests printed with 3D technology.
It really felt like I had travelled to the outer space.
The base offers over 30 immersive activities.
Visitors can watch simulated rocket launches, try manual spacecraft docking, and see how hydroponic plants grow in a Mars -like environment.
A senior United Nations official has addressed the importance of political and economic pressure to bring the humanitarian situation in Gaza to an end.
Jonathan Whittle with the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs said people die almost daily while searching for food.
People in Gaza today are being killed trying to reach food.
The attempt to survive is being met with a death sentence.
There's no safe way to eat.
Since the total blockade was partially lifted just over a month ago, people have been killed almost daily while trying to get food.
I've been told over 400 have been killed.
And I've met some of those injured in the past days in the beds and corridors of the Nasser Hospital that is overflowing.
Whittle called for urgent action.
He also called the situation entirely preventable, saying that the UN and its partners must be allowed to work.
All right, thank you very much. That was Wang Ziheng with Headline News.
Coming up in business, oil prices have surged following the US attack in Iran.
The Beijing Hour, your window on China and the rest of the world.
37 past the hour now.
Turning to business, stock markets on the Chinese mainland close higher on Monday.
However, gains were tempered by concerns over the Middle East after the U .S. launched airstrikes on three Iranian nuclear facilities over the weekend.
He Jian has more. Shanghai Composite was up 6 .65 % and Shenzhen Component and Chinex close 0 .4 % higher.
Oil and gas stocks led the gain, extending three -day winning streak.
Mao Ming Petrochemical, Shihua and Sinopec Shandong Taishan Petroleum were the top performers.
Elsewhere, energy stocks also outperformed.
Ganzhou Tengyuan Cobalt New Material led the game.
And this came after the news that the Democratic Republic of Congo, the world's top cobalt supplier, extended a production ban by another three months after introducing a four -month restriction in February to curb oversupply of the electric vehicle battery material.
Oh, it's He Jian in Shanghai.
Also in China, the Hong Kong stock market closed higher, with the Hang Seng index up by over six -tenths of a percent.
In the meantime, in Japan, the Nikkei fell by a tenth of a percent.
Oil prices surged on Monday at the highest since January, after the U .S. joined Israel in attacking Iran's nuclear facilities, raising supply concerns.
Brent crude and U .S. West Texas Intermediate each rose over 1%, with prices up around 10 % since the conflict began on June 13th.
Iran, OPEC's third -largest crude producer, has sparked fears that retaliation could include closing the Strait of Hormuz, a key route for nearly 20 % of global oil supply.
Goldman Sachs warned that Brent could briefly reach $110 per barrel, up over 40 % higher than the current levels if flows through the strait were halved for a month.
Meanwhile, Iran's parliament reportedly approved a measure on Sunday to close the Strait of Hormuz, raising tensions and risking strained relations with neighbouring countries and key trade partners.
Nadia Swan reports on the potential impacts of the move.
What we can see is that these straits, what they're doing, the threat of closing these straits, what they're doing to global oil prices.
We've seen that hike on Monday morning of almost almost $80 a barrel.
That's a high since January.
And that's actually likely to cause a lot of more uncertainty and spikes in the market.
So even if Iran just began just disrupting or harassing shipping in that Strait of Hormuz, that could equally well have a problem there.
Of course, it has a knock -on effect on the world's economy.
We're already dealing with global trade tariffs as well.
Factories across Asia, India, China, Japan, they all need those oil supplies to actually then produce in their factories.
And of course, that impact of an increase in prices is also going to have a knock -on effect on consumer prices in the short term.
Some analysts do say that the Middle East is not the sole supplier of oil.
So although although demand may not be booming right now.
It's not particularly good news for consumers in the short term.
The other thing it could do is it could take Iran into conflict with the U .S.'s largest fleet, the Fifth Fleet, which is based here in Bahrain as well.
So we're in uncharted waters, so to speak, because the level of uncertainty we're facing now with the conflict in this region is really quite unprecedented.
That was Nadia Swan reporting.
As the world navigates a complex energy transition, Russia highlighted the concept of energy justice at this year's St. Petersburg International Economic Forum.
He Jingyi spoke with Russian Energy Minister Sergei Savilev about the meaning of the term, its current relevance, and how growing China -Russia cooperation is contributing to a more balanced multipolar energy landscape.
The Russian Ministry of Energy has introduced the idea of energy energy justice in this year's SPIV.
So how would you define this concept and why has it been proposed at this particular moment in the global energy landscape?
We are now building a new world, a multi -polar world, and all the countries participating in BRICS are precisely the group that is forming the New World Order.
Of course, this New World Order must also be formed on new principles.
One of the most important principles is energy energy justice energy Justice which means that the energy mix of each country is developed taking into account the characteristics of that country taking into account the factors that are defined as energy security and energy accessibility this is not only technical accessibility but also financial accessibility of course ecology reliability a combination of these factors factors, taking into account the circumstances of each country, taking into account the characteristics of each country.
And this is our most important approach to energy justice." With the BRICS platform gaining momentum in global energy discussions, how do you see it as a growing power in shaping a more balanced Global Energy Governance Framework, and how How can China and Russia jointly contribute to these efforts?
We will actively cooperate with China on all platforms that exist. We are constantly in cooperation.
Most recently I visited the People's Republic of China where we also discussed energy justice issues in China.
We are working very closely together with the State Energy Administration and forming common approaches.
Today at the International Economic Forums we continue this joint work and I have just come from our big meeting where we discussed energy justice issues.
We have agreed with our Chinese colleagues that we will jointly participate in all forums which take place on the territory of Russia and on the territory of China both.
Therefore on June 26 an SCO meeting will be held in China.
I will definitely participate in this meeting.
We will definitely continue this agenda there.
It is very important that we form this agenda taking into account the specifics of all countries so that energy justice takes place quickly and efficiently in each country.
That was Russian Energy Minister Sergei Savilev.
Summer Davos formal kickoff in Tianjin on Tuesday.
This year, the event in northern China brings together over 1 ,700 participants from more than 90 countries and regions to explore how entrepreneurship and innovation can reignite global growth.
The forum will focus on five key areas, the global economy, China's outlook, industry disruption, investing in people and the planet, and advancements in energy and materials.
Since its launch in 2007, the Summer Davos has become a leading global platform hosted in China.
The 9th China -South Asia Expo is underway in Yunnan province.
The event is one of the most important economic and trade platforms between China and South Asia.
Exhibitors from around the world are showcasing their best products and innovations.
We are from Bali, and we've been in the business for ten years now, and all of our pieces are carefully crafted by our silversmith by hand.
And also we have a lot of Hindu and Balinese values, so we like to bring the local artisan to the world, and this is our fourth time here, and last year we were quite happy with the response of the market here.
So that's why we come back.
We can package liquid coffee extract, goji berry concentrate, tea concentrates and other liquid products.
We're already working with partners in Cambodia, Vietnam and Bangladesh.
Many customers from Southeast Asian countries have come to check out our equipment.
This year's expo highlights growing trade, technological innovation and cultural exchanges between China and the Asian countries.
The events draw on representatives from over 70 countries, regions, and international organizations, along with around 2 ,500 enterprises.
The expo runs through Tuesday.
Japan's manufacturing activity returned to growth in June after nearly a year of contraction.
The AU Jibun Bank flash manufacturing PMI rose to 50 .4, breaking an 11 -month streak below the 50 mark that signals contraction.
Factory output and purchase inventories rebounded, lifting the headline index. However, new orders for manufactured goods, including from overseas customers, continued to decline.
Manufacturers' outlook for year -ahead output remained largely unchanged from May.
Chinese electric vehicle maker BYD's officially delivered its fifth vehicle carrier, the BYD Xi 'an.
The vessel has a service speed of 19 knots and can carry up to 9 ,200 vehicles.
BYD's already deployed four carriers to transport China's new energy vehicles to global markets.
These vessels have significantly improved the company's overseas delivery efficiency while reducing logistics costs and transport times.
Xiaomi CEO Lei Junze announced that the company will hold an official launch event for its new YU7 electric SUV on Thursday.
The company will reveal pricing details and start taking orders for the vehicle at the event.
In May, Xiaomi unveiled specifications for its second EV model.
Pre -order inquiries for the YU7 have already surpassed those of the SU7 during the same post -launch period.
Launched last year, the SU7 was Xiaomi's first EV, starting at around US $30 ,000.
You're listening to the Beijing Hour.
Coming up in sports, the NBA's crowned a champion for the 2024 -25 season.
season sideline story brings you all things sports related the hottest topics latest events juiciest stories all with a very personal take subscribe to sideline story podcast for heated sports discussions covering events that are happening in china and around the world 47 passed and turning to sports now here's yang guang thank you shane the oklahoma city City Thunder claimed the 2024 -25 NBA championship after defeating the Indiana Pacers 103 -91 in the decisive Game 7 final.
The Thunder won the best -of -seven series 4 -3 to secure their first title since relocating to Oklahoma City from Seattle in 2008.
It marks the franchise's second NBA championship in history, with the first coming in 1979 when the team was known as the Supersonics.
Thunder star Shea Gilgis Alexander was named the finals MVP after an outstanding series averaging 30 .3 points, 4 .6 rebounds and 5 .6 assists per game.
In Game 7, he delivered a clutch performance with 29 points, 5 rebounds and 12 assists.
Kirstie Coventry has assumed the presidency of the International Olympic Committee.
She becomes the first woman and the first African to lead IOC.
see. Coventry succeeds Thomas Bach, who has led the organisation since 2013.
Chinese tennis player Wang Xinyu capped off a milestone week at the WTA500 Berlin Open with a run -up finish.
It came after a fierce three -set battle against former Wimbledon champion Maketo von Drosewer.
Despite falling in Sunday's final, the 23 -year -old delivered a career -best performance on grass and signalled her growing presence among the game's elites.
Wang showed great composure and shotmaking in the tightly contested first set.
She broke von Drussever early with powerful forehand and aggressive court positioning.
Though the Czech responded with her trademark variety and consistency, Wang had 4 setpoints in the 10th tiebreaker before narrowly losing 12 -10.
In the second set, Wang maintained her focus and tactical discipline, reducing unforced errors and once again leaning on her explosive forehand.
She earned a crucial break in the 10th game to take the set 6 -4.
Though fatigue began to show in the decider, Wang continued to fight, but Von Drusselberg's experience and the clever use of slices proved decisive as she earned two key breaks and closed out the third set 6 -2 to claim the title.
After the match, Wang thanked the fans for their support throughout the week.
Yeah, I think we couldn't ask for a better crowd than this for the final.
It's a full house and you guys are amazing, you've been amazing to me this week, so thank you again.
Von Drusova congratulated Wan on her breakthrough performance.
Congrats on a great week and you played an amazing match, I saw that you wanted to retire in the first warm up qualifier so I am happy that you didn't do it.
And congrats to your team, it was a great match, great week for you guys, so yeah, we'll We'll see each other next tournament, but yeah, great week.
Wang's performance in Berlin was the first time she has reached a grass -coated final.
Wang, who beat four top 20 players en route to the final, will rise to world number 33 after the best singles showing of her career on the WTA Tour.
On the men's side at the Queen's Club, Spanish top seed Carlos Alcrees outlasted Jerry Lechka of the Czech Republic in three sets to add another title to his debut victory on the grass courts of this London event two years ago.
The Spaniard described winning the event as a special moment.
had the spectators at all honestly i i came here just to try to to feel more comfortable on grass just getting used to it and i ended up lifting the trophies it's a special moment for me for my team the 22 -year -old successfully defended his title at the french open two weeks ago two weeks ago in volleyball from the women's nation's league china fell to italy 3 -0 to close out the second leg in hong kong the italians are the reigning gold medalist from the paris Olympics and ranked number one in the world.
China dropped first set 25 to 21 and the second turned into a marathon before Italy came out on top 32 to 30.
Dong Yuhan stepped into the lineup for injured Wu Mengjie and the 19 -year -old made the move pay off.
She led the team in scoring with 19 points while 21 -year -old Tang Xin contributed 10.
On the other side of the net, Paola Iguanu finished with a match -high 21, China coach Zhao Yong.
We earned every point with the attitude of fighting hard and learning, so I think this team's attitude deserves recognition.
We had chances to win the first two CES, but lost in the end, a need to summarize well.
The straight CES defeat left China in 6th place with 3 wins and 1 loss after the first two stops.
They will now head to the US for the third leg.
Thank you very much. That was Yang Guang with sports.
Just adding In culture and entertainment, we have highlights from the Beijing International Book Fair.
From north to south, east to west, people in China are chasing their dreams and leaving their mark.
Want to know how they beat their odds and made a difference?
Footprints brings you the true life stories of their journeys.
53 past the hour, turning to culture and entertainment.
Over 1 ,700 overseas publishers from 80 countries and regions have taken part in this year's Beijing International Book Fair.
Highlights included leading academic journals like Science China and National Science Review, showcasing the country's rising role in global research. The fair saw the signing of new publishing deals and cutting -edge fields from smart manufacturing to pharmaceutical innovation.
Children's books also stood out with several featuring AR and VR elements.
A new section spotlighted China's cultural IP, bringing mythical figures like Ne Zha and Dunhuang Fairies to life across books, film and animation.
International publishing leaders said they're seeing growing global interest in China's ancient wisdom and modern innovation.
How Chinese has developed over many, many centuries and many thousands of years.
So we're interested in what's the base of Chinese culture reflected right the way forward through history into the world of China today.
day. And then we're also publishing books on modern China, how China is developing technology, how it's leading the world now.
Overall, what we see is big trends in technology and many Chinese researchers are very much applying already that technology.
We see new trends in how content is created.
We see new revolutionary ideas, for example, from AI and other digitization effects in the publishing industry and a lot of these trends also come from China.
And for more, Li Qiuyuan spoke with Gene Yuchen, vice president of Shanghai Jingqiao College.
Now, this year's Beijing International Book Fair has drawn huge global interest. What stood out to you the most and why does it say, what does it say about how the world is engaging with Chinese culture today?
I think this year a new trend definitely stood out as the enthusiasm coming from around the world And basically we're seeing an increase in the number of participants coming from overseas.
And if you think about it, it's just a signal that the cultural development of China is reaching a point where it's gaining attention from countries around the world.
And this is not a coincidence to think about the last year, right?
Culturally, we've seen the rise of Chinese movies and Chinese games.
names. And if you dig a little deeper, everything's connected with the Chinese history and Chinese culture and the Chinese language.
You know, as someone who grew up in China, we basically, you know, we grew up learning the phrases that there is a golden chamber within the books.
So reading has become a habit of many Chinese people.
And that's why the culture is so deep.
And reading is really at the core of the Chinese culture.
That was Jean Yu -Chen, vice president of the Shanghai Jingqiao College speaking.
27th Shanghai International Film Festival has concluded and with more details on that, Chen Lanyou spoke to Zheng Defu, chief operating officer at Bona Film Group.
Major Chinese films released earlier this year including Nezha 2 and Detective Chinatown 1900 have sparked a boom in film -oriented tourism tourism and also boosted merchandise sales, do you think the film industry has the potential to become a key growth driver for cultural and tourism consumption in China?
In blending culture with tourism, Chinese cinema has created numerous success stories.
Blockbusters like The Wandering Earth, Detective Chinatown 1900 and Creation of the Gods have turned their filming locations into popular tourist attractions.
For our recent production, Si Du, we constructed multiple sets in Guizhou province that were later developed into permanent tourist sites.
Similarly, at the China movie Metropolis, where we filmed Operation Heidao, we preserved several sets that now function as both visitor attractions and a military education facility.
Many visitors, particularly students, have remarked that while the films were impressive on screen, seeing the actual sets, especially the massive 120 -meter submarine replica, proved even more awe -inspiring.
These physical installations enable audiences to experience the might of our nation and military more tangibly than cinema alone could convey.
This cultural -tourism synergy represents a valuable extension of filmmaking's potential.
I was Jung Da -Fu, chief operating officer at Bonap Film Group, talking about China's film market.
We're at 57 past the hour, checking the forecast before we go, and Beijing's down to 24 on Monday evening.
Sunny and 38 for Tuesday.
Nanchang's at 22 this evening, then thundershowers in 29.
Elsewhere in Asia, Islamabad's 28 overnight, then a slight rainfall in 37.
Vientiane's down to 23, then some rain in 31.
Phnom Penh's at 25 this evening, followed by heavy rainfall and 32 degrees Celsius.
That's it for this edition of the Beijing Hour.
Making news today, Israel and Iran have continued to trade fire following Washington's attacks on three Iranian nuclear sites, and the Prime Minister of Singapore is in Beijing as part of a five -day official visit to China.
On behalf of the staff, this is Shane Bingham 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.
Find the Beijing Hour at precisely 6 p .m. Beijing time.
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He can't live without the Yellow River in his eyes.
The Yellow River is so noble and elegant.
Both my grandpa and dad made the living from the river.
Would you like to move away from the Yellow River?
I don't think I will.
I love it so much. The Yellow River, the second longest river in China, is regarded as a shaping force in the history, economy and culture of northern China.
China, today, about 100 million people live within its water basin, making up nearly 9 % of the country's population.
How is climate change felt at its headwaters?
And what are the locals doing to cope with it?
What are the descendants of the boatman doing, what has kept some people from leaving their home village by the river, and what has drawn others back?
Could the fading fishing community revive in a time of digital transformation?
From 2021 to 2024, our reporters visited the upper, middle, and lower reaches of the Yellow River, talked to the herders, farmers, boatmen, fishermen, and eco -activists who share a close bond with the river, and present their stories in pictures, podcasts, and videos, all in in our 12 -part series, The Yellow River Mosaic.
Available only on CGTN Radio.
