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Coming up, President Xi Jinping highlights China -Belarus ties during meeting with Lukashenko.
US defense chief skips Ukraine meeting at NATO headquarters.
US vetoes UN Security Council resolution demanding immediate Gaza ceasefire Thursday marks the World Environment Day.
We're going to take a look at how the mission of environmental protection is advancing here in China and beyond.
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Chinese President Xi Jinping has called on China and Belarus to enhance cooperation under multinational frameworks including the United Nations and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization.
The Chinese top leader made a remark in a Wednesday meeting with his Belarusian counterpart Alexander Lukashenko in Beijing.
Xi Jinping said China has always viewed bilateral ties from a strategic and long -term perspective.
adding that the two countries share enduring friendship and formidable political trust. And for his part, President Lukashenko said China is setting a good example in terms of defending multilateralism and opposing unilateralism.
The Belorussian leader has paid a 3 -day visit to China.
So for more joining us now, underlying is Professor Cui Hongjian from the Academy of Regional and Global Governance Beijing Foreign Studies University.
University. Thank you very much for joining us.
First of all Professor Tsui, why do you think both leaders have emphasized friendship in their meetings?
Certainly I think this is repeated by President Lukashenko to China.
I think the main cause, especially the main issue for both societies is to stabilize and also strengthen relations or between two countries.
As we know, there are a lot of reasons for both the countries to promote their cooperation and relations.
As we know for the last decades, it is very, very stable and also always keeping a development cause.
I think it is a very, very important characteristic for this bilateral relations.
Of course, as we know now especially for Belarus, it looks like there will be some huge change in the regional, you know, situation and especially its environment.
I mean, for development, you know, particularly.
So I think it's time for Belarus to look for some more cooperation, and also some more support, especially from economic area from China.
So I think now it's time for both sides to, you know, reaffirm the importance of bilateral cooperation.
From China's perspective, Professor Cui, why do you think China views its ties with Belarus from a strategic and long -term perspective as we heard from President Xi Jinping?
Firstly, I think that Belarus is a very important trading partner and also an economic partner with China.
As we know, in this Belt and Road Initiative, Bellows put it very very important as well to help China to find some more cooperation in that part of the region.
As we know, there is a very very remarkable industry alone, cooperated by both China and Bellows to support this BRI initiative.
Another I think important thing is yes, there will be some big geopolitical, you know, transition in Europe.
So I think now it's time for China and the Bellows to look for some more, I mean balancing strategic format in that region.
So I think now it's time for also both China and the Bellows to confirm some commitments and also to support this balancing, I mean, strategic format, even now it's a huge change.
For China and Belarus, why do you think enhancing their cooperation on the frameworks like the United Nations and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization is seen as an effort to jointly safeguard international fairness and justice, and why does China's effort in defending multilateralism and opposing unilateralism matter to Belarus?
As we know, this year is a very, very remarkable time for every country to reconfirm, you know, secrets of the United Nations Charter and to, you know, support this commitment of equality between different countries.
As we know, even China and the fellows, they are trying to look for some more common goals but they are different in size and also in culture, in history, and even in geographic position.
So I think this corporation and also friendly relations between China and Belarus itself is a showcase of this United Nations Charter and also in a separate of the Shanghai cooperation organization, which means that to peaceful coexistence and also respect to each other and to look for some more one -on -one cooperation.
So I think it would be very, very important case once China and Belarus could continue their cooperation and friendly relations.
But of course, I think that for China it didn't need to have some more partners like Belarus and to support China's commitment to insist this United Nations Charter, even the Shanghai Corporation of Organizations.
Actually, in a meeting with representatives of the Chinese business community in Beijing on Tuesday this week.
President Lukashenko told this group that technological modernization of the manufacturing industry is one of the major items on the Belarus -China agenda.
What do you think the two sides can bring to each other in this particular regard?
China and Belarus are a very important trading partner.
And also in recent years, a very big increase in trade volume between two countries.
Besides that, now certainly, especially this time, it shows that Belarus try to find some more support or dynamic from China to support its, you know, what we call the modernization of the industry.
For Belarus, as we know, it's a lack of some metro industry sectors, and the countries could find some more space for this complementary cooperation.
And indeed, that for the past decades, Belarus looked for some more support from Russia or some other regional countries for its economic development.
Now as we know, because of the huge change of the original situation, I think it's a very very rational choice for Belarus to look for some more cooperation from China.
In a bigger picture sense, Professor Cui, some people describe the ties between China and Belarus as a growing alliance.
Is that how you see it?
Firstly, I don't think that it could be explained by using of a narrow concept of alliance from Western countries.
As we know, always Western countries or some medias try to describe relations between China, Russia, between China fellows, the so -called alliance.
Also the Chinese historic experience and also its policy commitment, there will be no space for any alliance in a narrow definition from Western countries.
But certainly China is trying to develop its partnership with countries, including Belarus.
So we can find that so far yes.
It's very, very health cooperation relation between China and Belarus.
Those countries they are looking for some more some grounds on some international issues and then they are looking for some more women cooperation economically.
So I don't think there are some more reasons for the so -called suspicions or some criticism from Western countries or media on the relations between China and Belarus.
I think this has a healthy and benign relationship between China and Belarus.
It will support, I mean, this balance of regional powers and also even could keep the balance between so -called security concerns and development demands.
So I think it could be a very, very remarkable showcase once China and and some other countries to develop a kind of new type of relations.
It's out of experience of a so -called alliance concept from Western countries.
And it could be innovative, I mean, steps for the international relations.
Hmm. Now, Professor Cui, since you have mentioned about Russia very briefly the final question before we let you go.
I mean, Chinese diplomats the relations between Beijing and Moscow as a one that does not target any third party and it should not be subject to interference from any third party.
Do you think these similar ideas or principles would also apply to the ties between China and Belarus?
Certainly. I think that China has its own understanding about the international order and also China is trying to push forward this reform of the international order, but I don't think a China will try to break down any rule and especially from international norms. So now especially I think from outside from Western public opinion, they should focus on some more actions and also some contributions of China to the stability of the region and also Chinese contribution to the global economy.
Not just, you know, started from the own historical experience and to describe China as a so -called negative So I think it's important to deal with the mutual perception issue.
But of course, I think that China will prove it herself as a belonging and also reliable power in the international world.
Thank you very much for joining us, Professor Cui Hongjian joining us from Academy of Regional and Global Governance Beijing Foreign Studies University.
Coming up, US defense chief skips Ukraine meeting at NATO headquarters in Brussels.
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US Defense Secretary Peter Hexxas has skipped a Wednesday meeting of 50 defense ministers at NATO headquarters in Brussels aimed at coordinating military aid for Ukraine this is the first time in three years that a Pentagon chief has skipped this very event.
This regular meeting mechanism was established by former US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin in April 2022 and has since emerged as a key component for Western aid for Ukraine.
The Trump administration, however, has seeked to distance itself from the group, handing over leadership to Britain and Germany.
The Ukraine gathering of defense ministers came three weeks before many of them will actually come together once again for NATO's annual summit in the Netherlands.
So joining us now on the line is Dr. Dikby Jams -Rem, External Relations Advisor to the Royal Academy of Cambodia and also Chair of BRCP, a geopolitical risk advisory forum.
Thank you very much for joining us, Dikby.
It's a great pleasure to join you again.
First of all, what signals do you read from the absence of Peter Hekse from this particular gathering?
Contextually, this shows that the U .S. is stepping back from direct involvement in the weapons transfers and financing of the weapons transfers to the Ukraine, and it points to the changing situation on the ground where the Russians are advancing right across the line of contact, and so the Americans are trying to distance themselves from that.
They know that what's coming and, of course, also the – I suppose you would call it a failure, or at least no advances in peace talks in Istanbul.
That seems to have, well, it seems to be an empty forum in real terms. And I think that the Americans are much more interested in selling weapons than they are in not being, you know, not not receiving funds, not transactional funds for the weapons they do provide.
So they're really just trying to get out of that.
I think they don't have any stock of weapons to provide anymore in real terms and we know that they're really trying to hand all of this over to Germany and to the UK.
Hmm so by the way can the leadership of the UK and Germany take the place of the previous role played by Washington in this meeting mechanism surrounding Ukraine?
Well I think they have done that already.
I think that's de facto in place but it seems much more about narrative than it There is a lot of public narrative and optimism about it, but in real terms, both those economies are suffering, they're in contraction in real terms. And it seems that they're using the idea of the war in Ukraine as a means by which to justify public debt to finance rearming Europe much more than they are in real terms about the strategic benefits of a now impossible Ukraine victory.
That's clearly not going to happen.
It's going to be negotiated at some point and I would say at this point Russia has the upper hand, so the Americans are very happy to hand it over to them.
And that leaves Donald Trump in the position of being above the conflict if you like, but still not as a party to the war, you know the US proxy war in the initial phases, it him above the fray so to speak, so yeah he's very happy to let the UK and the Germans wear it.
Now, despite the Trump administration's move to try to distance itself from this particular meeting group.
On the other hand, why do you think the Trump administration is actually continuing to ship weapons and other equipment or money to Ukraine under a A US $61 billion aid package established by former US President Joe Biden.
Well, as I referred to earlier, that basically has already been contracted.
In other words, the Ukrainians are going to pay for that in some way or another.
And so he's going to continue doing that for that reason, but also because it leaves them with a hand at the table, if you like, you know, with the cards at the table, although those cards are not very strong cards at all.
So, that's why they'll continue to do that.
They'll let it pass the course, I think.
I don't think there'll be a unilateral stop to that.
And it also gives them the hand within NATO as well, that's clearly obvious.
I can't see that they're going to stop that.
But anything greater than that will not happen, that's clear.
And that points to Pete Hegseth not going to this meeting, which is really about weapons and arms and money and not really about anything that's tactical or strategic on the battlefield.
Now, one observation is that European nations are increasingly optimistic that they can actually support Ukraine financially and militarily, even if President Donald Trump decides to wash his hands of the conflict.
What does your take, Dick B?
Well, only through public debt.
I mean, it's not as if they've got lots of money to spend, and, you know, they've got government surpluses that they can throw around, so anything that they do will be financed through debt, and that's going to cause, and has already caused severe problems politically, domestically for the UK and Germany and also for France, so I don't see that really going very fast, so look, they're going to keep this public narrative going.
But internally, there's enormous amount of strife and tension about how they're actually going to keep this going.
And I think it's going to be very, very difficult for them to keep that up for very much longer.
And perhaps we'll see something in the next meeting, which is the NATO Minister's Summit, But we'll probably see something there that will point to some kind of negotiation beyond what Eastern Bull has provided.
But the short answer is that neither the UK or Germany can afford to keep this going, and they're trying to keep a good public face to this.
But behind the scenes, they're very, very worried about how they're going to do that.
And to be perfectly honest, I think it's going to be very difficult for them.
Now of course, when we talk about support I guess there were several layers.
One layer is financial support and a monetary support, other layer is weaponry support.
Some people say the money is relatively easy.
The more difficult part is the supply, the continuous supply of weapons or air defense system to Ukraine.
Your, your take, your observation?
Well, as I just said, I think, you know, it's public debt that's going to finance it.
Yes, they can do that.
They can definitely get the money.
But, you know, as I said, it's going to put a strain on their economies no matter what, and that's going to have domestic implications.
But for weapons and supply chains for weapons, I mean, yes, they're struggling already.
I think that's highly unlikely that they can provide enough weapons at this point for the Ukraine even to maintain.
It's well, defensive posture, which is, as I said earlier, along the entire line of contact in Ukraine, the Ukrainians are in retreat.
And look, air defence I think is at this point is almost negligible.
I don't think they can provide any more systems. They don't have those there.
They don't have the rockets or the missiles that are used in those systems. Yes, they have the ability to monitor, but they cannot actually respond in a real way.
I think that's a losing game for them.
And they must be very, very concerned about that as well.
The final question before we let you go, Digby.
European leaders will, like you said, will likely wait for President Donald Trump's Europe and Russia policies to come into focus during the NATO Summit in The Hague, in The Netherlands later this month.
So, what do you expect for this upcoming gathering of leaders from across the military alliance?
Well, the first thing to mention here is that Vladimir Putin and Donald Trump had a one -hour phone conversation in the last 24 hours.
And in that conversation, Putin didn't mention the attack on the bombers in Russia.
What he mentioned was the civilian terrorist attacks on the bridge in Crimea and also on rail networks in Kursk region.
And that's the first time that Putin has mentioned that, and he said that to Donald Trump.
And Trump released a statement on Truth Social saying that almost certainly the Russians would exercise their right to reprisal for that.
So, look, I think, you know, Donald Trump is, as I said earlier too, he is trying to take a step back from the actual tactical weapons on the ground battlefield to try and just go into the only mediation.
But you know, the NATO, you know, the Europeans are extremely worried about this because they're going to lose so much face.
I think their political legitimacy in a large way relies on what's happening in Ukraine and that is not working in their favour in any way.
So you can see a very large discrepancy between public narratives and facts on the ground and even though So they are really trying to disguise those facts on the ground, saying that the Ukraine has tactical advantages and so forth.
This is clearly not true.
One just has to look at any kind of report from any source that's following battleground happenings to say that that's not true.
So yeah, look, I think he's going to what they're really trying to do at this point.
What Donald Trump's really trying to do at this point is extract the US as quickly as possible and come to some kind of agreement.
Thank you for joining us Dr. Dick B.
Ren joining us from Royal Academy of Cambodia.
I am Dingheng in Beijing.
We will be back after a short break.
You are back with the world today, I am Dingheng in Beijing.
The United States has vetoed a UN Security Council resolution demanding immediate and permanent cease -fire in Gaza.
All 14 other members of the UN Security Council have voted in favor of this resolution.
The resolution describes the humanitarian situation in Gaza as quote -unquote catastrophic, calling on Israel to lift all restrictions on the delivery of aid to the territory.
The U .S. is claiming that this resolution was not linked to the release of hostages, saying it would embolden Hamas.
So joining us now on the line is Dr. Wang Jing, Associate Professor with Northwest University in Xian, China.
Thank you very much for joining us.
Thanks for having me.
So, Dr. Wang, you know better than I do this is actually the fifth U .S. veto of similar resolution or relevant resolution since the start of the Israel -Hamas war in October 7th, 2023.
Do you think this idea or this so -called worry that this resolution would somehow empower the Hamas is a legitimate ground for the United States to veto it?
I don't think the United States claims stance because when we are talking about the United States excuses for the rejection of the proposal from United Nations Security Council, we mean that the United States will say, okay, on the one hand it will intervene the diplomatic and peace efforts from the United States because the United States according to their understanding, they are dominating the kind of the mediation process between Israel and Hamas.
And also, on the other hand, that this kind of proposal might empower Hamas.
So the United States has two bases.
But actually, I don't think these two arguments stand.
because on the one hand, United States should understand that even from United Nations Security Council, that every country in this world is concentrating on what is happening in the Gattas Strip.
And also every country in the international community hopes that the war should end and the crisis could be solved.
So that's why the International Security Council, the peace proposal represents a willingness and the consensus of international community rather than United States on the hegemonic thinking.
So that's why I don't think the United States' argument stands.
And also on the other hand, we should know that the Hamas is a very important conflicting side.
We cannot deny or ignore the existence of the Hamas.
And also we cannot, on the one hand, concentrate upon the activities of Israel, while on the other hand ignores the willingness and the stances from Hamas.
So that is unacceptable.
So that's why I don't think the United States' two arguments stand, and that's why I don't United States has a very legal ground to veto the proposal in the United Nations Security Council.
So other members of the UN Security Council have accused the United States of providing Israel with impunity.
So do you think it is fair to say that somehow Washington's supports for Israel or political support, let's put it this way, have basically remained the same or remained unchanged changed from Biden to Trump?
I think we can witness the very clear that on the one hand, there were some changes from Biden to Donald Trump, and on the other hand, there was something that remained unchanged and stable inside the United States foreign policy principles.
Because on the one hand, when we are talking about United States foreign policies, of course, every president has their own understanding over what is happening in the Middle East and what should be organized to benefit the United States own interests at large.
So that's why when we look at what is happening in the foreign policies in Joe Biden administration and what is right now in the second term of the Donald Trump administration right now, are actually working on differences.
For example, maybe Joe Biden might show to some extent, very strong stances or certain stances against the Israel's, for example, expansion of the Jewish settlements in the rest of the bank and east Jerusalem.
Well, also, when we're looking at what is happening in the Donald Trump administration, Trump don't care, and so that might, to some extent, very tiny differences, but the whole things are similar.
I mean, the comprehensive principles are similar.
That is in the international, very important scenario, United States always hopes to protect Israel, particularly against the war that is happening in the Getha Strip when Israel now is launching a four scale offensive in the Getha Strip.
And that's that. And that led to the very large waves of casualties.
United States does nothing.
So that's why I think on the one hand maybe there was some kind of a similarities and differences, I mean differences between Joe Biden and Donald Trump in the administration, but on the other hand large points I suppose and the strategy, and for the United States through Israel are similar and to some extent are the same.
Now the Chinese ambassador to the United Nations Mr. Fu Tung says quote Israel's actions have crossed every red line of international humanitarian law and seriously violated UN Resolutions.
Yet due to the shouting by one country, those violations have not been stopped or held accountable," unquote.
So, realistically speaking, Dr. Wang, what do you think other countries can do about the current situation?
I don't think the other countries can do a lot because actually we are looking at the war between Israel and Hamas, and Hamas actually is an important regional actor whose legitimacy has not been recognized by the majority of the international community.
And on the other hand, Israel is an important state inside the international community with independent sovereignty and independent foreign policy.
So that's why the other countries are difficult to intervene the foreign policies and activities, particularly the military and political activities, of Israel.
And so when we're talking about the war and what is happening here in the Gala Strip, we are not able to say that the international community should could stop directly the military actions from Israel in the Gala Strip.
But then some other things could be done.
for example, that international communities consensus voices should be heard in all levels.
And these kind of the voices and the consensus could further influence and to give more pressure to Israel and might constrain Israeli military activities and decrease the very possible harms to the civilians in the Gallus Strip.
So that's why I think international community might not be able to directly intervene what is happening in the 2000s, but actually they can do something more and something more should be done to help the people in the 2000s.
So to Israel, whose pressure do you think would matter more at the moment, pressure from the outside, pressure from the international community, or pressure from within?
I think of course the within.
I mean, this should be the undoubtedly, undoubtedly that the pressure it was inside Israel should be the first principle or the first priority that is really decision maker considered.
All those, there were now more and more pressure from international community, from international public opinion, from the other countries towards Israel to hope that Israeli government should suspend the military operation in the gana strip and bring peace back to this region.
But actually the attitudes inside Israel that would determine because the Israeli was the country with the political system featured as prime minister, and the Knesset, the parliament system inside in Hebrew.
So that's why Israeli decision making circles, they're most concerning and most important think for them to make in foreign policies are based upon the willingness and public opinion inside Israel.
So that's why everything should be changed gradually.
There were a lot of opinions inside, strong support inside Israel to continue the war.
So when we're talking about the end of war and bring peace back to this region, we're not talking about for giving pressure to Israel, but also with we're have to, I mean, give new channels to change the attitudes of Israeli people.
So that's why maybe this world will continue but the hope for peace should not be given up Hmm.
Thank you very much for joining us.
Dr Wang Jing. Middle East the expert and associate a professor was Northwest University in Xi 'an, China Coming up Thursday marks the World Environment Day We will take a look at how the mission of environmental protection is advancing here in China and beyond You're listening to world today will be back Hello, my name is Alessandro Columbia Teixeira.
I'm a professor of Public Policy Management at Tsinghua University in Beijing.
I am a great listener of The Wall today.
In my opinion, The Wall today is one of the best China radio programs. In The Wall today, we can get the best news and analysis in what is happening now in the world.
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Thursday marks the annual observance of World Environment Day which has been held since the year 1972.
With the theme Beat Plastic Pollution, the United Nations is reporting that 400 million tons of plastics are produced globally each year.
Half of that volume are for single use and only 10 % is recycled.
Meanwhile countries across the world are grappling with broader environmental challenges.
China has been ramping up efforts on biodiversity protection and ecological restoration, parts of the country's strategy to balance development with long -term ecological health.
For more joining us now in the studio is my colleague Songrui Xin.
Thank you very much for joining us.
Hello. First of all, what is the significance of establishing all those international days or annual observance like World Environment Day or the Earth Day, why is plastic pollution being highlighted as the main theme?
So first of all, let's look at the data that according to the UN Plastic pollution continues to pose a serious global threat I mean, with a report showing that around 85 % of plastic waste ends up in landfills or the natural environment I mean, much of aid is non -biodegradable, so that's a real crisis.
And international days like this act as a powerful tool to unite the world around urgent issues.
By focusing on plastic pollution, they leverage global attention to drive a, let's say, a kind of change, I mean, from individual behavior to international law.
So as U .N. Secretary -General António Guterres has emphasized that ending plastic pollution is not just a choice, it's a necessity for the health of our planet and its people.
And broadly say events, campaigns, and policy discussions during these days encourage cross -border cooperation, such as the U .N. Sustainable Development Goals.
And for me, for myself, I mean consumer demand for eco -friendly products has risen significantly due to increased awareness from annual activities.
So UN Secretary -General Antonio Guterres has called for an ambitious, credible, and just agreement that addresses the full life circle of plastics, reflects the needs of the community, and aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals.
With that in mind, Ruixin, what do you see as the biggest challenges that countries are faced with in terms of balancing economic growth with environmental protection?
Although I'm not an economist, but from my point of view, on the one hand, developing economists need to create jobs and improve infrastructure and raise living standards.
On the other, unchecked growth can lead to environmental degradation.
And loss of biodiversity and increased pollution, I mean including plastic waste.
So I think key challenges include finding sustainable alternatives that don't slow down developments, securing the necessary funding for green technologies and aligning policies across different sectors.
There's also the issue of equity.
ensuring that poor communities and countries can participate and benefit from sustainable growth without being left behind.
So each year, China actually holds various events to commemorate or to mark this particular World Environment Day.
Can you share with us some of the examples, in particular some very exciting examples with regard to China's achievements in terms of ecological protection?
Within decades, China has taken several steps to combat plastic waste, from banning free plastic bags to restricting disposable form products in the first 10 years of this century.
there are additional measures have been implemented and as early as 2005 Chinese president Xi Jinping pointed out that lucid waters and lush mountains are invaluable assets.
So Xi has on many occasions stressed efforts to advance the transition to low -carbon development as China joins the world to address climate change.
I had a business trip to Jiangsu Province last year and the place is located in Southeast China, what really hit me is how much is happening on the ground.
Like basically my reports focused on clean energy transition, from giant wind turbines binding off the coast to solar panels floating above fish ponds.
And there are teams racing to develop hydrogen tech and energy storage.
I mean it's clear that China's clean energy transition isn't just an idea, it's already in motion and we did some Vox pop there to see how many people are aware of clean energy and environmental crisis most of them have realized that environmental protection is no longer optional i mean it's essential so like what i've said i saw some first hand and the incredible progress i mean china is making in clean energy but it's clear the road ahead isn't easy and like Challenges like technical setbacks, founding worries, and a shortage of skilled workers all need to be tackled.
Still, with every new project and breakthrough, China moves closer to its climate goals.
The final question before we let you go.
As we know, the United Nations is highlighting this push for a global treaty to put an end to plastic pollution as a major focus of this day.
So how realistic is this goal of establishing a legally binding international treaty to tackle plastic pollution?
Or looking forward, looking ahead, what should the international community for example prioritise in order to ensure meaningful, really meaningful, environmental progress after World Environment Day?
Well that's a complex issue.
and at the current stage, I think the biggest challenge is translating that ambition into clear enforceable roles that all countries can commit to, especially when their economic realities differ so much. Although some major countries' persist pursuit of unilateralism and protectionism has seriously affected international roles and the international order, but what realistic is a on reducing single -use plastics and improving waste management and like holding major producers accountable.
So it's also critical to support developing nations with funding and technology so they can meet their targets.
So looking ahead beyond World Environmental Day, the international community should definitely focus on consistency.
That means making sure the momentum or any agreement doesn't fade once the spotlight moves on.
Because lasting environmental progress depends on follow through, not just good intentions.
Thank you very much for joining us.
That was my colleague Song Ruishing, joining us in our Beijing studio.
You're listening to World Today.
We'll be back. Hello, I am Dr. Digby James Ren, a political analyst and international relations scholar specializing in China area studies.
World Today offers unmatched in -depth perspectives on China's politics, economics, business, technology and society.
World Today's team of reporters and contributors provides valuable information from all of the world's major economies.
I hope you can join me on World Today for the very best insights and news from China, on China, and help to build a better understanding of China's role in the world today.
You are listening to World Today, I am Ding Hen in Beijing.
China is quickly emerging as a top travel destination with a notable surge in inbound tourism.
To enhance the visitor experience, the country has rolled out a series of traveler -friendly measures including standard visa -free transit policies.
Earlier this year, China launched a nationwide instant tax refund system, aiming at further boosting tourism and consumer spending.
So, how does this particular instant tax refund system actually work?
And what do international travelers think about it?
To find out more, my colleague Chen Hongjie visited some of the Beijing's busiest commercial districts to experience first hint with regards to the city's dynamic shopping scene.
Tea. Absolute fascinating tea.
Tea's a good one. Definitely sweets.
Great perfumes here.
Cosmetics. Cream, clothes, shoes.
I like the Chinese style.
Samoyed caton. The drones.
China house. Luxury products.
Took us from China and our home.
I have it actually.
Very easy. Awesome.
I will try it now. I'm definitely gonna go shopping now.
Here's what you might need.
A guide to China's tax refund policy.
In Beijing there are over a thousand tax free stores offering everything from luxury brands to traditional brands and from digital products to cultural and creative products.
Overseas tourists who purchase products for more than 200 yuan at the same tax free store on the same day can obtain a bad invoice and the tax refund application.
They can then choose to receive an instant refund.
For example, here at China World War, where 100 tax -free stores are located, foreign visitors can shop and get instant tax refund here at this dedicated counter.
Eligible tourists should be departing China from Beijing within 17 days and have valid documents ready with credit card pre -authorization.
Just remember to get your customs verification stamp and cancel your credit card guarantee at the airport before leaving China.
Tax -free is interesting for tourists.
Foreigners can save money when they travel in China.
I think they will be very happy about this.
I think it's really great that China is so welcoming to tourists, and more and more.
Like, a lot of Americans are scared to come to China and I think that would probably increase tourism and it would be really good for tourism in the country.
Tax -free is a really good option for people to buy more.
I mean, at the end of the day, the more you buy, the more they make.
so I think tax -free options are really good for people who want to purchase.
You need to come and see and buy something here.
If you are traveling to China, don't miss instant tax refunds here.
It's easy and convenient.
Enjoy shopping in China.
Chen Hongjie reporting.
So for more on the vitality of China's travel boom, my colleague Huang Jiyuan earlier sat down with Professor Liu Baochen from the University of International Business and Economics.
As you know, the holiday economy has become a very important topic in China's economic discussions.
And this instant tax refund policy is aimed at part of it.
So how does this new policy differ from the old one?
What's the difference between this new one and the traditional tax refund policies?
The whole aim is really to boost to the conception side because we're used to tinker more with the supply side of the Chinese economic reform.
Now we realize that conception is not only part of the economic driver, but also is really the final destination for economic development.
And now China is also taking to the consideration that President Xi always emphasized to further open Chinese store for foreign participation in both trade, economics, and also in tourism.
so this refund policy gives a very strong signal to the global, the participants who are interested in China.
I do not think they are going to come simply for tax refund but rather, you know, this is really additional benefit for them to really to enjoy their Chinese culture, Chinese cuisine and visited many of those interesting places and possibly identify business opportunities.
but this is really the add on the type of benefit for foreign tourists to purchase from China, and this was also implemented in the right time when we are facing a lot more uncertainties with the US reciprocal tariff, and now people just come here and buy stuff, and then Chinese government is in a form of subsidizing your own purchase decisions, so this is great.
Another thing is that because it says it really introduced the digital service in that regard so it provides a lot more convenience to the consumers from China, but what I really expect is that we do need to expand more of the duty free shops and also to encourage more of the foreign visitors to get online to deal with our digital service.
So this is something that is non -economically beneficial, but also, I think, symbolically we're very much welcome.
As we all know, now is a time of extreme global turbulence, whether it's economic or geopolitics.
It's quite a mess. But why is China looking good and looking attractive at this point?
Why is China attractive now?
Well, I recently produced a book about the Chinese value with regard to the perception and practice, well, there's no doubt that China is really first standing very close to common sense and getting close touch to reality, we understand what really people need.
It's not really what politicians really need.
And then the sincerity in the end is going to touch the ground and gave more incentives for people to stand closer with you.
So, when the US is really setting up higher on their war of tariff and China is further opening with the rest of the world by implementing further the integration with ASEAN countries and also implementing more of the obligations to reduce the tariff and non -tariff barriers, teaming up with the RCEP members.
And now we're also engaged in more of the free trade agreement with many other countries, particularly along the Belt and Road.
And so this is the right approach that is in stark contrast with what the White House has been doing.
This really is there to be further guided by the shared future for humankind, by proposed by President Xi, and we are moving, inch by inch even, at least towards the right type of goal.
And so this is something that's what China and also me as a Chinese feel rather proud of.
You know, during my colleague's visit we actually encountered several US tourists and ex -patriots who shared their perspectives on US tariffs and their impact.
With that tariffs in place, What are your thoughts on the instant tax refund policy?
Well, definitely they can immediately also it bypasses the tariff, and more importantly it also gave people a very strong welcome gesture.
However much they can really refund and plus such a policy is there to reduce the threshold from you know previously 500 RMB now to 200 RMB and even for big ticket items and the one -time refund can be up to 20 ,000 RMB, which is really significant for individual buyers.
And then they also have the direct experience, talking with Chinese vendors.
Actually, many of my friends, they would like to go to the silk alley, simply just to bargain.
And they enjoy the whole bargaining process.
And also where some of my students who come from Africa, from United States, Europe, they enjoy the local dialect.
Of course, most people come from Zhejiang province.
So this is really something that cannot be substituted by simply e -commerce or buying from local stores in the neighborhood.
Professor Liu Baoquan from the University of International Business and Economics, talking with my colleague Huang Jingyuan.
That's all the time for this edition of World Today.
To listen to this episode again or to catch up on previous episodes, you can download our podcasts by searching the world today.
I am Dinghan in Beijing.
Thank you so much for listening.
Bye for now.
