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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. Qianlu with you on this Friday, March 21, 2025.
You're listening to the Beijing Hour coming to you live from the Chinese Capital, on today's programme.
Chinese President Xi Jinping highlights ecological conservation during a visit to the southwestern province of Wingnan.
Yemen's Houthi group has launched a ballistic missile attack on Tel Aviv.
And Donald Trump's tariff policies are threatening to derail the global economy.
In business, the upcoming 2025 China Development Forum in sports, the International Olympic Committee has a female and African president for the first time.
In culture and entertainment, Nezha too continues to make waves in overseas markets.
Now checking today's top stories.
Chinese president Xi Jinping has called on Vietnam Province to break new ground on development in the pursuit of Chinese modernization.
He also highlighted the southwestern province's significant role in ecological conservation, urging local authorities to serve as an ecological security barrier in that part of China.
The President inspected the province on Wednesday and Thursday.
Wang Hayang has the story.
President Xi Jinping has emphasized the need for Yunnan to develop the whole flower industrial chain to bring more benefits to people.
Xi made remarks with inspecting a modern flower industry park in the city of Li Jiang on Wednesday.
He learned about fresh -cut flower varieties, and inspected a rose cultivation area and rose -grading and packaging production line in the park.
He spoke to villagers and technicians working there, saying Yuna's flower industry has brought prospects.
President Xi also inspected the old town of Lijiang, which has over 800 years of history and is a UNESCO World Heritage site.
He learned about local efforts in protecting and utilizing cultural heritage, and spoke about promoting the integrated development of culture and tourism.
He stressed the importance of preserving and utilizing cultural landmarks to maintain China's traditional culture.
He emphasized the need to strike a balance between protection and development to make the beautiful old town shine with new vigor and vitality.
In the provincial capital of Kunming, after listening to a work report from the Yunnan provincial party committee and provincial government she called industrial transformation and upgrading a key part of China's high quality development.
He urged Yunnan to optimize and expand its resource -based industries through side -tech innovation while developing future industries and emerging strategic industries.
She highlighted the Yunnan's strategic location saying it's necessary to enhance high standard opening up and establish itself as a key gateway to south and southeast Asia.
On Thursday, Xi met with senior officers and representatives of the soldiers and civilian staff of the Chinese People's Liberation Army troops stationed in Kunmen.
That was Wang Hayang with an overview of President Xi Jinping's inspection tour of Yunnan Province.
Proposed by President Xi, the concept of ecological civilisation serves as a guide for China's endeavors to tackle environmental challenges.
It stresses that civilizations cannot thrive without healthy ecosystems, and mankind and nature must co -exist in harmony.
The concept of ecological civilization states that mountains, rivers, lakes, farmland, forests, and vegetation are a community of life.
It also emphasizes that the environment must be protected by rigorous institutions with a disciplined rule of law.
The concept highlights the country's long -term commitment to building a beautiful China.
It also highlights global efforts and cooperation in making the world a greener place.
President Xi touched upon the importance of ecology during his visit to Yunnan.
Earlier, Philip Hampshire spoke with Liu Baochan at the University of International Business and Economics on how Yunnan can leverage its resources to foster ecological civilisation.
The strategic location of Yunnan province sanctioned the unique climate and also biodiversity over there.
And together, on which the cultural diversity has been further developed in which more of the civilisation of its unique nature is growing, particularly in recent years, with the government support.
the balance between the conservation of biodiversity, cultural diversity can go together with their economic development by taking advantage of their strategic resources like local crafts and also the local farming together.
More of the brands are also being built and more of the national reserve parks are being further rebuilt and protected, and some of the old towns are under renovation, but still keep its ancient type of classic culture.
All in all, I could see that there is a good combination, a good synergy and integration between the ecological conservation, cultural protection, and together.
That goes with their economic growth.
President Xi underlined Yunnan's ecological status and talked about its path to green development.
So how do you translate that green development across into economic development as well and balance the two together?
Well, first of all, infrastructure development that is based on green transformation.
The Yunnan is there to provide a huge resources in hydropower and solar power.
And so, therefore, to take advantage of their unique resources, together with more of the introduction of new technology, they can go for grain development, while energy can be further drawn to support the local industrialization.
And also, the local farming.
In the meanwhile, more of the grain farms can also be introduced there so that a carbon footprint can be measured.
and also their contribution to the conservation of biodiversity and ecological self -validation can be traded on the financial market so that the compensatory mechanism can be further employed to support the change from the cultural conservation with the economic value.
And then more of the unique brands like their tea, their flour, their coffee can give further value to their Now was Liu Baochen at the University of International Business and Economics.
Friday, March 21 is the International Day of Forests.
First set up in 2012 by the UN General Assembly, it aims to celebrate and raise awareness of the importance of all types of forests.
Woodlands are important pillars of global food security and nutrition, and the livelihoods of millions of families.
They also play a key role in agriculture by hosting pollinators and acting in soil enrichment, climate regulation, and biodiversity conservation.
According to the UN, wooded watersheds are sources of fresh water to more than 85 % of the world's major cities.
In crisis situations, forests become an economic and food lifeline, providing up to 20 % of family income in rural areas while guaranteeing healthy diets.
But we are losing our trees at an accelerated pace, with 10 million hectares lost annually to deforestation and around 70 million hectares devoured by fires.
Over the years China has been taking extra special care of its woodlands.
It has also been planting more trees than any other nation on the planet.
Xia Chen explains the country's efforts on the forest conservancy.
Forests are crucial for our planet and play an important role in our daily lives.
They cover approximately one third of the Earth's land area.
Well these ecosystems are home to some 80 % of the world's terrestrial biodiversity.
They're a natural defense against climate change, removing greenhouse gas carbon dioxide and generating oxygen.
Forests also play a crucial role in the maintenance of ecological elements such as the nitrogen cycle, precipitation, and soil health.
At the COP26 climate summit in 2021, more than 100 countries, meaning 85 percent of the world's forests, pledged to halt and reverse deforestation by 2030.
China has made remarkable strides in the forestation and ecological restoration, especially in recent years.
Reinforcing its commitment to green development and environmental sustainability in 2024, China planted 4 .45 million hectares of trees, raising the country's forest coverage to over 25%, with the total forest stock volume exceeding 20 billion cubic meters.
China has cumulatively forested over 773 million hectares, making it the country with the largest hike and green coverage globally.
This year's theme of the International Day Forests is forests and foods.
More than 5 billion people around the world use forest and non -timber forest products for food, medicine and livelihoods.
Forests and trees are a rich source of nuts, fruits, seeds, roots, tubers, leaves, mushrooms, honey, wild meat and insects, providing essential nutrients for both people and animals.
Over 2 billion people rely on wood and other traditional fields supplied by forests for cooking.
Even fossil fuels were formed, from the dead remains of trees.
Forests are also crucial for agriculture.
They help keep the soil healthy, retaining water, offering food and shade for livestock, regulating temperatures, and acting as natural barriers against the wind for crops.
With the Chinese concept that lucid waters and lush mountains are valuable assets, the country has been enhancing its forest food production capacity.
The official data shows the country's annual forest food production has surpassed 200 million metric tons.
That's about 140 kilograms for every individual in the country.
Forest food products include edible oils, red dates, pine nuts, specialty products such as mushrooms, and jingsan.
The development of forest food has ecological, economic, and social benefits and is an important measure to build a diversified food supply system and ensure national food security there.
That was Xiaochun on China's greening efforts over the years.
Meanwhile, forestry authorities say forest food has become China's third -largest agricultural product after grains and vegetables.
The country's output of forest food exceeded 200 million tons last year.
China has issued guidelines and catalogues to improve the yield and quality of forest food.
Coming up, Yemen's Houthi group has launched a ballistic missile attack on Tel Aviv.
It's 12 minutes past the hour.
Yemen's Houthi group has claimed the responsibility for a ballistic missile attack on a southern Tel Aviv.
A Houthi military spokesperson says the operation was in support of the Palestinian people.
As follows a previous attack, the group aimed at the Ben Gurion Airport in Tel Aviv.
The Israeli military says it intercepted two missiles launched from Yemen on Thursday.
Meanwhile, media reports say the US military launched airstrikes on Yemen's Red Sea port city of Hadada, a northern province on Thursday evening.
Ihab El -Fandi has details.
U .S. warplanes carried out airstrikes on a residential area in the Thankhara district, causing widespread destruction and leaving several people dead.
CGTN's camera was at the bombing site in Surnagh, capturing the scenes of destruction and subsequent fires.
While we are having dinner, U .S. warplanes launched two airstrikes on residential neighborhoods, caused casualties including around 9 civilians.
These locations have no connection to military sites they are purely civilian residential areas.
The US airstrikes were not limited to Sannah.
They also targeted the provinces of Santa, Al -Jof, Al -Baida and Hodeidah which are under the control of Ansar -Allah widely known as the Houthis.
More than 10 air strikes were carried out.
President Trump says that they are targeting sites linked to the Ansar -Allah group.
The says these strikes aim to stop Ansarallah from attacking US and Isla ships in the Red Sea.
But Ansarallah insists the attacks would not stop their curations.
They say the only way to end the attacks is to stop the Israeli war on Gaza and lift the blockade.
As air strikes continue and tensions rise, the situation here in the ground remains uncertain and civilians across the country that are paying the ultimate price.
In Sanaa, residents are waking up to a station surrounded by rebel destruction following a night of bombardment.
Now, as Ihab El Fandi reporting, Israel's military has resumed bombing Gaza and expanded ground operations.
The Gaza Health Ministry says at least 91 Palestinians have died, with dozens wounded.
The armed wing of Hamad says it fired rockets at Tel Aviv in response to Israel's killing of civilians.
—Rami Amageri reports from Gaza City.
The story is the continuation of Israeli airstrikes on various parts of the Gaza Strip, including the northern part and the central Gaza Strip, the southern part of the Gaza Strip.
It has been reported that 90 Palestinians have been killed, 17 of them have been killed in a strike in the Bet -Lahia town where the Israeli army decided to carry out to start a ground operation.
the first such announcement since Israel renewed its war against Gaza about three days ago.
That is the situation right now with the traffic is being blocked by the Israeli army as they have retaken, the Israeli army has retaken the Nizareem corridor, which was running during the truce deal, but now it is being controlled by the Israeli army and the traffic is very blocked from the south to the north and from north to the south It is okay on the road, the coastal road as stated by an Israeli army statement.
That is the situation for the time being.
More Israeli airstrikes, more Israeli announcement that the Israeli army will continue its operations against the Gaza Strip.
For the first time, the Islamist time party announced it has fired a small barrage of rockets into the Tel Aviv town in Israel.
The Israeli captain has voted to dismiss the head of the Shinbet domestic intelligence service.
This happened despite three days of protests by thousands of Israelis in Jerusalem.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says he has lost confidence in Ronan Ba who has led Shinbet since 2021.
The decision followed months of tension between the two over a corruption investigation into allegations that a number of aides in Netanyahu's office were offered bribes by figures connected with Qatar.
Protesters are angry about the decision of the Israeli government to resume fighting in Gaza, breaking a two -month ceasefire.
More than 50 Israeli hostages are still in the Palestinian enclave. Moving on to Europe.
Russian forces have launched attacks on two Ukrainian areas.
A mass -drawn attack struck the Black Sea port of Odessa, injuring at least three people.
The city has come under frequent Russian attacks during the conflict, particularly its port facilities.
Officials also reported several strikes on areas near the southeastern Ukrainian city of Zaporizhia, including one guided bomb.
One, five people were injured, including a child.
Meantime overnight Ukraine bombed Russia's Angles military air base, with drones in the southwestern region of Saratow.
The airbase hosts Russian strategic bombers that are used to attack Ukraine and a warehouse holding cruise missiles and glide bombs.
EU Member States, excluding Hungary, have agreed to support a proposal for an immediate ceasefire in Ukraine.
Ukraine President Volodymy Zelensky thanked the leaders via video link for their support.
These countries also held informal discussions, drawing up plans to take on greater responsibilities for the continent's defence from the United States.
The discussions are an attempt to avoid the chaos of a potential unilateral US withdrawal from NATO.
Stuart Smith has more from Brussels.
�A program called RIAUM Europe frees up around $160 billion for defence, but crucially only for weapons and equipment produced in Europe and other select countries like Ukraine.
It excludes in its current form the American and British defence industries, something London hopes to change.
The EU Council says this will help boost competitiveness, as well as European security.
And it�s a win for the French, German and Italian defence industries which compete with the UK for business.
The money from this loan can be spent on what the EU considers its most pressing deficiencies, from drones and anti -drone systems to air and missile defence, areas which Ukraine believes it can significantly contribute.
But EU leaders at the summit have disagreed on what exactly the eligibility criteria should be when it comes to what can be bought, with some countries wanting it to be linked strictly to defence while others saying looser criteria should be acceptable, like improving cybersecurity.
security. On Thursday, the EU disbursed an additional billion dollars to Ukraine, money that comes from the profits of frozen Russian assets, as it claims the burden of rebuilding Ukraine should be shouldered by those responsible for its destruction.
Separately, leaders discussed the Middle East, deploring a breakdown of the ceasefire in Gaza and the refusal of Hamas to hand over remaining hostages.
They urged Syria's transitional authorities to ensure protection of civilians and leaders of countries that rely on the euro currency say they want to do more to use the private savings of eurozone citizens in european investments as one way to boost growth in european businesses.
Now Stewart Smith on the latest EU commitments to Ukraine.
Coming up on Donald Trump's tariff policies are threatening to derail the global economy.
China's economic growth is outperforming expectations but questions remain.
Now it's 21 minutes past the hour.
A full -blown trade war has been looming on the horizon ever since the current U .S. administration an array of trade measures against its partners around the world.
President Donald Trump's indiscriminate import duties have not only severed ties with America's long -cherished allies, but also threatened to derail the entire global economy.
The Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development has already lowered its global growth forecast in its latest interim economic outlook, citing trade barriers imposed by countries as a drag on economic expansion and a driver of inflation.
In response, a Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson stated that tariffs and trade barriers harm all parties and undermine global economic stability.
The spokesperson also emphasized that trade disputes should be resolved through dialogue, not at the expense of the global economy.
The Trump administration's tariff exemption for the Canadian auto industry will expire in early April.
The US president has also threatened further tariffs on other goods on top of the counter tariffs already in effect.
Dan Williams reports from Detroit, Michigan.
Workers at a Canadian trucking company prepared to get another vehicle ready for the road.
Against a backdrop of depressed traffic and low rates, trucking companies like this one, Onfray Logistics, based near Windsor in Ontario, Canada, now face a new headwind.
The tariff war between the US and Canada is already having a major impact, especially given the sizable auto industry in the region.
Steve Ondeko is the president of the company.
There is so much integration, many parts go back and cross the border, three, four, five, up to six or seven times, I've heard of 45 to 50 % of our business is auto related.
We certainly understand the situation and are doing everything we can to obviously minimize costs us and do the right thing, and getting our business ready to weather the storm if you would.
This is the Ambassador Bridge.
It is North America's busiest border crossing.
On average, more than 7 ,000 trucks travel between the US and Canada over this bridge each day, but there are real fears that further tariffs will slow that traffic significantly, impacting jobs on both sides of the border.
Kassim Kurshed is a truck driver.
He's concerned about the potential slowdown in the auto industry caused by the tariffs and the possibility of losing his job.
It's a lot of concerning because if the industry is gonna shut down, of course, we will not have anything to transfer we as drivers, like how are we going to make our living.
It's not encouraging at the moment and everybody is like heartbroken and really impacted by this.
Because if we wouldn't have any jobs, we have no idea what the future holds for us.
The Canadian trucking industry is big business.
Trucks carry some 70 % of all trade between the US and Canada.
The industry alone directly employs more than 300 ,000 drivers.
Well the uncertainty, it's a word nobody wants to hear.
When you're unsure of what's going to happen in the future from day to day, week to week, it stresses people out.
We don't need that.
We have truck drivers going across the road wondering if they're going to work the next day or not.
If the tariffs stay in place long -term, them, the impacts on trucking along with many other industries could be severe.
It certainly could be devastating for all of us.
It's time for calm.
It's time for understanding there's been enough harm done to everyone in the world, and we need to get together, figure out what's going to work for both economies.
For now, companies like this one are still attempting to move forward, but the road ahead is unclear.
And that was Dan Willems reporting.
Business owners from both sides of the US and Canada border have gathered in Vermont to share their experiences with the sweeping tariffs imposed by the Trump administration.
All of our equipment pretty much has come out of Quebec, and you know if I were to start reading labels and saying oh I can't buy this, it's Canadian, we'd be out of business, of course.
And the other thing is that all the tariffs and the changing political atmosphere has just made it extremely disruptive.
But the interior costs have also had a huge impact on us and will continue to, specifically aluminum prices with cans.
That 25 % increase on the tariff will simply just get passed along to us.
The 18 participants in the roundtable discussion included breweries, a maple syrup producer, a furniture company, an electrical company and a ski resort.
The event was hosted by St. Peter Welch, a Vermont Democrat, and featured Marie -Claude Biebo, a Canadian member of Parliament.
Welch says he is disturbed by Trump's actions that have affected a long, stable, and valuable relationship.
Seniors in the United States have expressed concerns about their retirement plans in light of market volatility and the policies of the Trump administration.
I'm very concerned with this administration how unstable things are right now at my age at 70 when financial advisors tell you don't worry about it, just hang on, just hang on, things will come back.
Yes, they're going to go down, but they're going to come back.
Well when you're 70 years old, how long do you have to wait?
We have a monthly review of our financial position.
So every first of the month my wife and I sit down and review things.
things. We've lost $70 ,000 between January and February in our retirement accounts.
That makes me nervous.
U .S. Treasury Secretary Scott Besant believes Trump's policies on trade, taxes, and deregulation will lead to a transition rather than a crisis, though he acknowledges the possibility of a recession.
Senior EU officials have said the alliance is delaying its retaliatory trade action over the Trump administration's increase in tariffs on all steel and aluminium imports.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said the world's biggest trading block opposes tariffs.
We think that tariffs are bad.
They are like Texas, they are bad for consumers, they are bad for business on both sides of the Atlantic, without any question.
We are in active discussions with the U .S. administration on this issue, and I can confirm that we decided to adjust the timing of the entry into force of tariffs, the impact of our response does not change." The EU had intended to impose measures on goods from the United States worth around 26 billion euros in two phases on April 1 and April 13.
Now it won't move before mid -April.
The tariffs will target steel and aluminium products, as well as textiles, home appliances prices and farm goods.
However, US President Donald Trump also plans to impose reciprocal tariffs on to match the tax rates that other countries charge on imports.
These reciprocal tariffs are expected to be announced on April 2.
It's 28 minutes past the hour checking the forecast for the day.
Beijing is down to 9 on Friday evening.
Saturday will be sunny with a high of 27.
Nanshan is 12 tonight, Tonight tomorrow will be sunny with a high of 27.
Elsewhere in Asia, Islamabad is 11 this evening, then overcast to end of 31.
Vientiane's 18 overnight tomorrow will be cloudy with a high of 32.
Phanofan's 22 overnight tomorrow overcast to end of 34.
It's time for a short break.
So far this hour, Chinese president Xi Jinping highlights ecological conservation during a visit to the southwestern province of Rinan.
Yemen's Houthi group has launched a ballistic missile attack on Tel Aviv.
Donald Trump's tariff policies are threatening to derail the global economy.
Yeon -woo -woo -deo stay with us here on the Beijing island.
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Examining the events that impact and shake 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 Thank you for joining us with the video with us on September 1 Laeksip to five China Development Forum.
In sports, the International Olympic Committee has a female and African president for the first time, in culture and entertainment Noja 2 continues to make waves in overseas markets.
To contact us, you can email radio at cgtn .com or follow our X account at cgtnradio, but first checking today's headline news.
China, Japan and South Korea will hold high -level talks aimed at strengthening cooperation and addressing pressing regional and global issues.
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi has arrived in Japan to attend the 11th Trilateral Foreign Ministers' Meeting.
Beijing says it is ready to work with the other two nations to implement the consensus reached by their leaders and expand cooperation in key areas.
Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning says the areas include cultural exchanges, economic and trade collaboration, technological innovation, digital transformation and more.
The spokesperson says China aims to contribute to regional and global peace, stability and prosperity by deepening shared interests and expanding the scope of cooperation.
Meantime, the spokesperson says China welcomes visits by individuals from all sectors of the United States, including members of Congress.
Meng Ning made the remarks after U .S. Republican Senator Steve Daines arrived in Beijing on Thursday for a visit to China.
China. She said China welcomes thang's visit, adding that the stable, healthy and sustainable development of China -U .S. relations serves the common interests of both peoples and meets the universal expectations of the international community.
South Korea's opposition parties have submitted an impeachment motion against Acting President Choi Seok -Mok.
They submitted the motion for full reasons, including Choi's alleged involvement in impeached President Yong Suk -yo's botched imposition of martial law and his refusal to appoint a constitutional court justice for over three weeks.
The nine -member court currently has eight justices because of Choi's refusal to add the final member, and Monday it plans to decide whether to impeach Prime Minister Han Duk -so.
Choi became the acting president of South Korea in December following the impeachment of Yong.
The Sudanese armed forces have regained control of the presidential palace in Central Khartoum.
The rapid support forces have been holding the palace since April 2023.
Fighting that broke out nearly two years ago has killed tens of thousands of people and left millions of others displaced.
Ukrainian President Volodymy Zelensky says Ukraine and the US technical teams will meet in Saudi Arabia on Monday and discuss a partial ceasefire with Russia.
Zalensky said Ukraine supports a US plan to seize attacks on Ukraine's energy infrastructure.
Russian President Vladimir Putin also accepted the US proposal.
Russia said its next round of talks with the US is also in Saudi Arabia on Monday.
Afghanistan's Foreign Ministry says the acting Foreign Minister has met a US delegation in Kabul to discuss bilateral relations and a prisoner exchange.
US invoice said progress on the prisoner exchange is a significant step toward building trust. This was the first US delegation to visit Afghanistan and meet with top officials since the Taliban assumed power in 2021.
The two countries exchanged prisoners in January under the mediation of Qatar.
Meanwhile, the US State Department said Taliban has released a U .S. citizen detained more than two years ago.
Heathrow Airport in London has closed due to a power outage.
A fire broke out at an electrical substation supplying power to Europe's largest air hub.
British Airways has warned off of what it described as significant impacts from the closure.
An air route linking a major southwestern China city and the Japanese capital has resumed.
To start, there will be three round trips each week between Chengdu and Tokyo.
Officials say the flight frequency will increase to five round trips per week.
The two countries originally launched the route in 2011, but suspended it during the Covid pandemic.
Friday is also the world's glassier day.
A recent UNESCO report is warning that glaciers around the globe are melting faster than ever with the last three -year period seeing the largest glacial mass loss on record. The report says the dramatic ice loss has totalled 9 ,000 gigatons since 1975.
Director Michael Zampf of the World Glacier Monitoring Service says the loss could lead to a flood of economic, environmental and social problems as sea levels rise while key water sources window.
It also warns glacier might disappear on the current melting rates within this century with five of the last six years registering the largest losses.
This is Tianlu in the Chinese capital coming up in business.
the upcoming 2025 China Development Forum.
Thirty -six minutes past the hour turning to business, here's Wang Zihang.
Thank you, Tien Lu.
Stock markets on the Chinese mainland closed lower on Friday.
The Shanghai composite was down nearly 1 .3%, while the Shenzhen component lost almost 1 .8%.
Fisheries and navigation equipment led the gainers.
Elsewhere in China, the Hong Kong stock market closed at a loss, which the Hong Kong Hang Seng index down nearly 2 .2%.
Meantime, Japan's Nikkei was down nearly 0 .5%.
The 2025 China Development Forum will take place in Beijing on Sunday and Monday.
This is the first major international forum after China's annual political meetings, the two sessions.
Since it's launch in the year 2000, the forum has become a key platform for dialogue and cooperation between China and the world.
This year's theme is unleashing development momentum for stable growth of the global economy.
Top leaders in government, business and academia will discuss global economic recovery and sustainable development in the post pandemic era.
Big names from the global companies like Fint, FedEx, BMW and Mercedes -Benz will attend, along with senior officials from the IMF and the World Bank.
The forum features 12 symposiums covering hot topics like AI, technological innovation and the green energy transition.
As one of China's highest level economic forums, its discussions often influence multinational business strategies.
companies. It is a unique opportunity for global companies to engage with Chinese policymakers and gain insights into the country's economic direction.
The coffee industry in Yunnan province is evolving as people there have shifted from producing raw beans to crafting premium coffees.
Local authorities are teaming up with farmers and entrepreneurs to build a sustainable future in this southwestern province.
Yang Jinghao has more.
This is a coffee plantation in Bao Shan, southwest China's Yunnan province.
Yunnan's high -altitude climate and rich soil provide ideal conditions for Arabica coffee, making it home to over 98 percent of China's coffee production.
According to the provincial agricultural department, rural bean production reached 146 ,000 tonnes in 2023, continuing its static growth.
For decades, however, Wunan's coffee was primarily sold as low -cost raw material to international brands.
During the low period, raw coffee beans were priced at only 3 -4 yuan per kilogram.
Even at the peak, the price only reached a little over 30 yuan.
But things are changing.
Of course, this represents only a small segment of the market, but it signals a broad shift from commodity coffee to high -end specialty beans.
But varietal improvement is just the first step.
Local growers are also refining farming techniques, such as adopting integrated water and fertilizer irrigation systems. And, the ways the beans are processed are also evolving.
This is the sun drying method.
Fresh berries are picked, washed and then directly dried in the sun. Through this process, the coffee beans develop a one -like flavor.
Ding Jie, a cafe owner, has taken his passion for coffee a step further.
He recently launched a coffee estate in Baoshan, integrating conservation, processing, sales and cultural experiences.
I ran a coffee shop and I've met people from all over the world.
They all have high praise for Yinan coffee.
I believe more people will start growing coffee." From humble beginnings with commercial beans to a thriving specialty coffee scene, Yinan's coffee industry is brewing success after decades of exploration.
With Chan's coffee culture thriving, the best is yet to come.
There was Yang Jinhao on the coffee industry in southwest China's Yunnan.
China has committed to stabilizing foreign investment, enhancing the business environment for foreign enterprises.
Yoyan spoke with Bayer Healthcare Vice President Thomas Jackson to discuss his outlook on the future of China's healthcare sector.
You have been working in Bayer for over 25 years.
So how would you evaluate the current business environments for foreign -founded enterprises here in China, and in light of China's commitment to deepening reform and opening up and stabilizing foreign investments such as allowing the establishment of a wholly foreign -owned hospital in the country, so what opportunities and challenges do you foresee for multinational companies operating in the country?
All of these policies are definitely interesting and catching the the interests and the curiosity of pharmaceutical companies.
We are currently very busy with the projects that we have in the pipeline already.
Like for example, we're also building or working on building locally produced medical devices on this site but those policies are also promising if you look further in the future, especially the policies around allowing foreign -owned entities to get involved in innovations around cell and gene therapies.
That is very promising for us because BioEd is actually one of the global innovators when it comes to those therapies.
We have two wholly owned subsidiaries, Ask Bio and Blue Rock.
And those companies are working on some cutting edge therapies, for example, for Parkinson's disease.
And that will be really interesting to see how that can at some point lineup with what's happening in China.
And let's say since they assume you're real, you have super -headed the localization of production in Beijing, especially for two globally significant, innovative drugs, the cruel and the Korean -dear.
You have highlighted Beijing's strengths in talent and supply integration as key factors.
Could you elaborate on why Beijing is an ideal location for foreign enterprises?
What is keeping me busy right now is a curiosity around what is happening in the area of advanced automation and advanced robotics.
We believe that we are in the middle of the candy store, as I call it.
There are so many innovative companies working on this area here in Beijing and in China.
We want to tap into that, we want to understand the trends that are happening there so that we can see the added value for the pharmaceutical industry, and then hopefully also bring that into our whole global network.
You have played an active role in fostering communication between Chinese and German companies, including participation in events like the China International Input Expo or CIIE, and also sharing insights on China's health policies with the Biden headquarters in Germany.
20. So what is your outlook on the future of China's health market?
Always, we have been here 140 years and we intend to stay here a lot longer, so we keep our eyes open.
We are part of the communities here and every day we try to be a better version of ourselves.
That was Yeo Yang reporting.
Now Chinese equities are becoming increasingly attractive for foreign investors driven by recent technological advancements like DeepSeek.
According to the State Administration of Foreign Exchange, foreign investors increased holdings of domestic bonds and equities by US $12 .7 billion in February.
Meanwhile, the trading volume of South Korean investors on Chinese and Hong Kong stock exchanges reached a 30 -month high of over US $780 million in the month, far exceeding their transactions in European and Japanese shares during the same period.
Major foreign investment banks including Goldman Sachs and Morgan Stanley are optimistic about Chinese equities this year, advising investors to overweight their portfolios with these assets.
The All -China Federation of Trade Unions has announced 10 measures to stimulate culture culture and tourism among workers to further invigorate economic and social development.
Key initiatives include distributing trade union coupons, raising the standards for helping people in need and increasing support for spending assistance.
According to the trade union, these measures will enhance workers' access to cultural, sporting and tourism services while improving welfare.
In January, China's state council announced a series of measures to incentivise culture and tourism, such as offering more coupons and discounts for consumers, and more cultural and arts -related services at public institutions." Tesla's new mega factory in Shanghai has exported its first batch of mega -pack batteries to Australia.
It took the new facility just over a month to launch to export its first shipment.
The company says the factory highlights Tesla's further expansion in the global energy storage market.
Megapacks produced at the Shanghai facility will be available to domestic and Asia -Pacific markets.
And finally, Hong Kong has announced the first batch of regulatory pilot projects for the low -altitude economy.
Chief Executive Zhong Li says the low -altitude economy is one of China's strategic emerging industries, and an example of new -quality productive forces.
It is said to strengthen city management and business efficiency and create a whole new experience of smart living for the public.
The local government has received proposals from 72 applicants, 38 of them among the first batch of pilot projects rolling out.
Some of the projects will start trial operation in April, and the first phase of the trial period is six months.
Thank you very much. That was Wang Zihan with Business.
you're listening to the Beijing conditioning coming up in sports, the International Olympic Committee has a female and African President for the first time.
Buckle up for the Chinese Grand Prix.
On the sideline story, we are breaking down F1's 2025 season.
The F1 Academy's groundbreaking debut in Shanghai featuring all female drivers, Max Verstappen's rivals closing in and Lewis Hamilton's Ferrari gamble.
Plus, can Joe brand -new raceback on the grid.
Subscribe now to sideline Story where we keep the engines running.
Well, it's 4 -2 -7 minutes past 8 -hour.
With sports, here's Yang Wang.
Thank you, Tian Lu.
The International Olympic Committee has named the Kirsty Coventry as its new president.
As a 9 -year -old girl, I never thought that I would be standing up here one day getting to give back to this incredible movement of ours.
At 41 years old, the Zimbabwean swimmer has made history as the first woman and first African to hold the highest position in the sports world.
Coventry is a 7 -time Olympic medalist in swimming.
She won 49 out of 97 votes.
Her closest competitor, IOC Vice President Juan Antonio Samaranc Jr., received 28 votes.
Coventry will officially take over from Thomas Bach on June 23 becoming the 10th President in the IOC's 131 -year history.
Bach has served maximum 12 years in office.
After the vote, Coventry shared that she has great memories from two Olympic Games in China.
Looking at the numbers that China was able to bring into sports through the Beijing and Winter Olympic Games, I think there's so many lessons that the world can learn from how engaging with communities has really benefited.
We've seen so many numbers of young people now engaged in winter sport.
we will be sitting down with the seating president, with President Buck and having some really good time to have a handover and transition.
During that time I want to also bring the candidates together, we have had so many incredibly strong conversations and ideas that have been shared over the last six months.
And I really like to take the opportunity to investigate and look into some of those opportunities that we could drive forward together.
And then it's going to be about engaging with with all of our stakeholders, with our top sponsors, with our IOC members, with the International Federation, the NOCs to really have a pause, identify where we have come from, look where we want to go in the future and then make a clear and decisive programme." That was Kirsty Coventry, the new President of the International Olympic Committee.
Meanwhile, the International Olympic Committee session has voted to include boxing in the the 2020 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.
The IOC had previously excluded sport from the 2020 program due to governance issues with boxing's previous governing body, the International Boxing Association.
The IOC itself managed the boxing tournament Santa Tokyo and Paris Olympics.
Last month, the IOC officially recognised the World Boxing as the new governing body for the sport.
Boxing made its debut in the modern Olympics in 1902 and has been featured in every edition since, with exception of the 1912 Stockholm Olympics.
In tennis, Chinese zhen qingwen and buen chokdu have advanced to the next round of the Miami Open.
Zhen progressed in women's event with a dominant straight set victory over Lauren Davis.
She served 12 phases, and converted 4 of 7 breakpoints to secure a convincing win.
The Olympic gold medalist will face host player Taylor Townsend in the round of 32.
On the man's side, Buenchoktor also moved down to the second round with a straight -sense win over former world number eight Kamri Nori.
He will next face Australian 10th seed Alex TArmino. Turning to football, Japan became the first team to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup with a 2 -0 victory over Bahrain, while China suffered a 1 -0 defeat away to Saudi Arabia, remaining at the bottom of its group.
group. With 19 points from 7 matches, Japan has secured one of Group C's two automatic qualification spots, marking its 8th consecutive appearance at World Cup.
Saudi Arabia moved up to 3rd place with 9 points just 1 point behind 2nd place to Australia, which dominated Indonesia 5 -1.
Meanwhile, China remains at bottom with 6 points tied with Indonesia and Bahrain.
China will face Australia in Hangzhou on Tuesday before taking out Indonesia and Bahrain in June, as it looks to stay alive in the race for qualification.
And finally, in the NBA, Stephen Curry exceeded early during the game against the Toronto Raptors.
The Golden State Warriors star appeared to suffer an injury, after landing hard on his tailbone during the drive in the third quarter.
The Warriors later announced he would not return due to a pelvic contusion.
Curry finished the game with 17 points on 6 of 8 shooting.
Despite his early exit, the Warriors went on to win 117 -114 team.
The Warriors have been one of the hottest teams in the NBA since the trade deadline, winning 15 of their last 18 games after acquiring Jimmy Butler.
This run -run has pushed the Warriors into sixth place in the Western Conference, securing the final guaranteed playoff spots.
Thank you very much. That was YongGong with Balls.
coming up in culture and entertainment, Noja 2 continues to make waves in overseas markets.
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Now it's 53 minutes past the hour, turning to culture and entertainment.
Chinese -animated blockbuster Nejatoo continues to make waves in overseas markets.
news. According to data from ticketing platform Mao Yan, Nejatu has earned over US $37 million internationally, placing it in the top 15 of the highest -grossing Chinese films abroad.
Since its international release on February 13 in Australia and New Zealand, Nejatu has steadily expanded its global presence.
It opened in North America the following day, breaking the region's 20 -year -old opening weekend record for a Chinese language film.
Nezha2 is also currently screening in select theaters in the U .K. Beijing Fashion Week is back with a bold new vision.
Seeing the new wave, new power, Leonie Zuma has more from the catwalk.
Over the next few days, the city will be buzzing with cutting -edge designs, emerging talents, and a celebration of China's evolving fashion theme.
And what better way to kick things off than with an opening show that redefines aesthetics.
Enter Sun Themes, a brand that blends Eastern philosophy with modern fashion, here to create a lifestyle not just a look.
The inspiration for this collection comes from Zhuangzi's Wandering Beyond, much like the theme of the collection Rising from the East, which draws from the tonal beauty of classical Chinese poetry.
We find profound inspiration in traditional literary aesthetics.
I have always believed that fashion is culture worn on the body.
As writer Eileen Chang once said, when a person is silent, their attire becomes their best language.
This philosophy is reflected in our showcase today.
By merging Eastern philosophy with Western thought, Samsung invites audiences to rediscover beauty in everyday life and explore the role of aesthetics in modern living.
Founded with a deep appreciation for eastern traditions, the brand sees beauty as both a visual delight and a way of life.
This season integrates poetry and philosophy into fashion, drawing inspiration from ancient wisdom and nature's harmony.
From poetic silhouettes to a runway that looks like a living canvas, Beijing Fashion Week's opener is painting a whole new picture of style and there are plenty more brush strokes to cover.
With a decade of fashion evolution behind it, this year's Beijing Fashion Week is looking to the future.
Celebrating bold ideas, new designers and China's growing influence in the global style scene.
Now with Leonie Zuma reporting.
The Chinese opera A Dream of Splendor is in final preparation for its world premiere at the Shanghai Grand Theatre at the end of the month.
Inspired by the popular TV series, the production blends traditional Song Dynasty aesthetics with modern operatic elements.
The production also features dynamic projections of historical landmarks, including the Baochu Pagoda and Hong Bridge, complimented by historically accurate props.
U2 will make history as the first Irish songwriters to receive an Ivar's Academy Fellowship, the highest honour from the UK songwriting organization.
Inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame 20 years ago, the Irish band has won 22 Grammys.
The Ivar Novello awards all the Ivar's will be held at Groznever House in London on May 22nd.
The annual Hua Jiao Festival has kicked off at Yu Yuan garden in Shanghai.
Celebrating the birthday of the flower goddess, the festival has a history of over two thousand years.
Colorful displays, parades, and dance and musical performances will take place at landmarks within the garden, including Central Plaza, Gold Plaza, and Zhou Chiu Bridge areas.
The festival runs until the end of April.
It's 58 minutes past the hour, check the forecast before we go.
Beijing is down to 9 on Friday evening.
Saturday will be sunny with a high of 27.
Nanchang is 12 tonight.
Tomorrow will be sunny with a high of 27.
Elsewhere in Asia, Islamabad is 11 this evening.
Saturday will be overcast and 31.
Vientiane is 18, then cloudy and 32.
Pen Pien is 22 at night tomorrow overcast and 34.
In Africa, Nairobi will see slight rain with a high of 27 on Saturday can palise 19 overnight tomorrow's light -ring with a high of 25, Juba's 24 tonight tomorrow's light -ring and 37.
And finally to Xiania, Port Vila is 23 this evening tomorrow will see light -ring with a high of 29.
That's it for this edition of the Beijing Hour Making News Today.
Chinese president Xi Jinping highlights ecological conservation during a visit to the Southwestern province of Lino. On behalf of staff, this is Tianlou in the Chinese capital.
hoping Adronath for the next edition of the Beijing Hour and open a window to the world together.
Beijing Round Table roundtable roundtable connecting China and the world we bring you fun and timely Discussions about what's affecting our lives everywhere every day tune in to roundtable Where the east meets the west and understanding is the goal From north to south, east to west, people in China are chasing their dreams and leaving their mark.
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