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This is the Beijing Hour.
Examining the events that impact and shape China and the rest of the world.
This is the Beijing Hour.
One hour of news and information brought to you every weekday.
Now here's your hope.
Shane Bigham with you on this Wednesday, March fifth, two thousand twenty -five.
You're listening to the Beijing Hour coming to you live from the Chinese capital.
On today's program, the annual session of China's legislature is set a GDP growth target of around 5%, and Chinese authorities at the local level are ramping up efforts to help businesses expand globally.
Beijing's put levees on many US goods in response to Washington's latest tariffs targeting China.
In business, China's taking steps to foster emerging and future industries.
And today, we have part three of the Yellow River mosaic series telling stories of people whose lives are intertwined with the famous Chinese waterway.
Today, we continue our story at a remote school on the Qinghai Xizhong Plateau.
Now, checking the day's top stories.
China set its GDP growth target for this year at around 5 percent as the country's national legislature started its annual session in Beijing.
Chinese President Xi Jinping and other leaders attended the opening meeting.
Premier Li Cheng delivered a government work report where he outlined key tasks for the year ahead.
Li pledged support for the development of new quality productive forces and artificial intelligence.
He also said China will adopt a moderately loose monetary policy and issue ultra -long special treasury bonds to support the consumer trade in program.
Zhou Jaxin has details.
The initial agenda of China has topped lawmakers' week -long sessions, a glimpse of the world's second -largest economies' outlook through 2025.
The main targets for development this year are projected as follows.
GDP growth of around 5%, surveyed urban unemployment rate of around 5 .5%, over 12 million new urban jobs, CPI increase of around 2 percent.
In setting the growth rate at around five percent, we have taken into account the need to stabilize employment, prevent risks and improve the people's well -being, as well as the potential for growth and condition supporting growth.
A target of around five percent is well aligned with our mid and long development goals and underscores our resolve to meet difficulties head -on and strive hard to deliver.
While delivering the government work report in front of deputies to the National People's Congress, Chinese Premier highlights efforts in promoting new quality productive forces, stressing the resilience of industrial chains, tech -driven growth, and green transition.
Developing new quality productive forces in light of local conditions and accelerating the development of a modernized industrial system.
China's take breakthroughs, particularly in semiconductor and artificial intelligence, have been seeing as a disruptive rise against the backdrop of U .S.
strategic bans. Again, the Trump administration this week defines the World Trade Organization slapping new tariffs on countries including China.
Beijing's stance on upholding the international order is stayfast.
And the commitment to independent foreign policy is clear.
Expanding higher standard, opening up and stabilizing foreign trade and investment.
And the commitment to an independent foreign policy is clear.
We would stay committed to an independent foreign policy of peace and path of peaceful development.
We will remain firm in pursuing a mutually beneficial strategy of opening up, oppose hegemonism and power politics, oppose unilateralism and protectionism in all forms, and uphold international fairness and justice.
These session this year will amend the law on lawmakers themselves, which is believed to translate their good experiences in the past to law and better practice the democracy.
A draft law addressing the growth and protection of the private enterprises, especially the tech sector, is also among legislative efforts, aiming to boost China's market economy.
That was Zhou Jiaxin on the Chinese Premier's government work report.
Earlier, we spoke with Wang Xinsong, an associate professor at Beijing Normal University, and he explained the rationale and considerations behind China's latest GDP target, which is on par with the goal that was set last year.
I think this target was set with the consideration of multiple factors and internationally obviously So we're experiencing escalation of many uncertainties coming from wars and trade wars and other issues, climate crisis, you name it.
So this is going to exert some pressure on Chinese economy because we depend a lot on foreign trade contributing to our GDP.
But at the same time China is going through a very dramatic structural change in terms of boosting consumption as the major source of Chinese GDP.
That's why we are seeing from the work report that a number of fiscal monitor policies are being rolled out, including increasing the budgetary deficit rate to 4%, and including issuing more special bonds for local governments to clear up their debts, including other fiscal policies to promote trading programmes and other ones in order to boost consumption.
So at the same time, I think China, according to the worker report, has done a great deal last year in continuing with Chinese manufacturing capacity, which is upgrading for them further.
We're channeling out EVs and solar panels and other renewable energy products that involve a lot of high technologies, including AI.
So all of these factors are being considered.
China still has many edges that make the government, the Chinese general public feel confident that our economy is still going on a very positive trend, so overall 5 % is achievable.
I was associate professor Wang Xinsong at Beijing Normal University.
Premier Li Cheng's government work report has also outlined other major task for this year.
It says China will boost consumption and stimulate domestic demand across the board.
The country will continue to promote science, education, and innovation, as well as accelerating landmark reform measures.
Beijing will also advance rural revitalization, new urbanization, and coordinated regional development.
Green development is also on the agenda.
The report stresses efforts to improve people's well -being and enhance social governance.
Well, now we look back at some of the economic achievements from 2024.
China saw its GDP increase 5%, ranking among the world's fastest -growing major economies, and continuing to contribute around 30 % to global growth.
Last year, the country created over 12 .5 million jobs in urban areas, keeping the surveyed urban unemployment rate at around 5 .1%.
The CPI increased by 0 .2 % and the per capita disposable income increased by 5 .1%.
China's foreign exchange reserves surpassed $3 .2 trillion.
Meantime, brain output in 2024 hit a record high of 700 million metric tons, and the country also produced more than 13 million new energy vehicles.
Coming up, local authorities are taking steps to help Chinese businesses expand globally.
The two sessions bring together China's top legislative body and top political advisory Everybody.
As delegates and members discussed, the country's biggest priorities and plans.
What's China's growth targets?
In our motions and proposals are addressed.
Fellow CGTN's coverage of the annual political season.
A key moment that shapes China's political future.
Nine minutes past the hour.
In addition to setting out China's economic targets and policy priorities, one important task for the country's lawmakers is debating a work report from China's top legislative body, the NPC Standing Committee.
One key focus is speeding up legislation to promote China's private sector.
Ho Na explains how this is being done.
I have been following the NPC Standing Committee's bi -monthly session very closely.
I took part in a lot of discussions among lawmakers.
I would like to summarize in three words.
That It is efficiency, high quality and people oriented.
Well during the past year, the MPC standing committee has passed six new laws, fourteen amendments and four important legal decisions on major issues.
Well those laws and regulations are closely related to people's daily lives including China's first energy law and the law on the protection of China's cultural relics.
One particular draft stood out to the public, that is China's very first law on promotion and protection of the private sectors, and why is this so important?
It's because, we remember in February, just right after the Spring Festival, a symposium has garnered global attention when President Xi Jinping is addressing the heads of the Chinese leading private enterprises, which signals the country's strong commitment to promote the high -quality development of the private sector.
This draft law was put for its initial reading in December last year, 2024, And it has been undergoing just right, finished the second reading in February by the MPC Standing committee.
Normally if the law regulation has to undergone at least twice of deliberations or review before it's put to the third review, and it will very likely to be passed.
So one of the priorities for the lawmakers is to pass the draft law on the promotion of private enterprises.
earlier I talked to Lu Zhomei, she is the member of the N .P .C Standing Committee, and she is also the vice chairman of the Commission for Environmental and Ecological Conservation of the N .P .C.
She shared with me another important highlight of the legislation for this year and the drafting of Tonya's very first ecology cold.
Well, we know legislation protection of the environment and conservation is always be high on the agenda for lawmakers.
As currently we have over 30 laws and regulations on environmental and ecological conservation including the Yantu River Protection Law, the Yellow River Protection Law.
That was Hona at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing.
Local authorities in China are ramping up efforts to help businesses expand globally, ensuring they remain competitive in an increasingly complex international market.
From infrastructure to financial incentives, regions across the country are targeting measures to support companies navigating global challenges.
Dohong Yoo has more.
Chinese foreign trade enterprises are facing a tough global landscape.
Rising tariffs, geopolitical tensions and growing trade protectionism have made it more challenging to do business internationally.
Despite these headwinds, openness remains a key focus for local governments.
In the western province of Sichuan, authorities are prioritizing infrastructure improvements to facilitate cross -border trade.
Wang Chi, Vice Chairwoman of the Provincial Federation of Industry and Commerce, says enhancing transportation networks is a critical step.
We're working to restore and expand international flight routes while pushing ahead with the second phase of the Chengdu -Tianfu International Airport.
At the same time, we're improving the efficiency the China -Europe railway express to reduce transportation costs and strengthen our road as a global logistics hub.
Transporting goods via the China -Europe railway express is 4 times faster than shipping by sea and 5 times cheaper than air freight.
In 2024 alone, the railway ran 19 ,000 trains, connecting Western Europe with Southeast Asian nations.
Beyond logistics, financial support is also a key focus.
Sichuan has established a five -billion Yuan fund to help local companies invest in foreign projects, particularly those aligned with the Belt and Road Initiative.
Meanwhile, coastal provinces are taking a different approach, shifting their focus to industrial upgrading.
In Jiangsu, one of China's major foreign trade hubs, authorities are helping enterprises move up the value chain.
Chairman Jiang Li of the Nanjing Federation of Industry and Commerce explains.
The government is actively supporting businesses in their transformation.
The key is to help them develop high -end products, and make themselves indispensable in the global market.
Jiang Su is also working to boost enterprise visibility on the global stage, particularly at international trade fairs.
Chinese enterprises haven't had a strong enough presence at international exhibitions, especially compared with those from developed countries.
For many years, they focused solely on the domestic market.
But now the government is encouraging them to expand their reach and explore opportunities abroad.
As part of this initiative, the province has helped more than 4 ,000 companies participate in over 340 overseas trade fairs.
By strengthening infrastructure, enhancing financial support and promoting innovation, local governments across China are responding to global economic uncertainties with a firm commitment to openness, ensuring that businesses are well positioned to compete in the international Arena.
For the Beijing Hour, this is Tohong Yi.
Bago, a small town in northern China, has long been known as the country's luggage -making capital.
As AI reshapes industries worldwide, local businesses are embracing the technology to fuel their e -commerce growth.
Zhang Gucao takes us behind the scenes of this digital revolution.
At Baudin by Goldman Sachs and Backlidhgits, AI -powered digital humans are taking center stage in live -streaming cells.
DeepSeag helps us craft live -stream scripts and select digital avatars in multiple languages, enabling us to host broadcasts around the clock.
The small town in Hebei province is home to 180 ,000 residents and over 4 ,000 large making businesses supplying a third of China's domestic market.
Today, nearly all large makers have embraced e -commerce, a transformation that companies like Tian Shanshin have experienced firsthand.
Sales manager Wang Meng, reports the journey.
We started with orders from the Canton fair, but over time we moved online.
Ten years ago, online sales were less than 10 percent.
Now they account for more than half.
This shift has reshaped the company's foundation.
What once was a small operation with just two or three people handling everything from design to customer service has expanded into a thriving workforce of 60 to 70 employees, with most focused entirely on e -commerce.
Today, Tian Shanxing stands as the region's largest exporter, with annual sales reaching around USD $200 million, or $27 million.
while mount says the key to success is adaptability.
You have to evolve with the market.
If we had stuck to just PU Luggages, would be out of business.
For us, learning is everything.
AI and e -commerce have transformed our business and we keep adapting.
Yet, despite success stories like Tian Shanqing, many businesses in Baigou are still in the early stages of digital transformation.
With an oversaturated market and competition at an all -time high, small traditional manufacturers struggle to stand out.
In 2022, the local government launched a digital transformation empowerment centre to guide businesses through the shift.
Zhang Wei with the center says their focus was first on e -commerce and now on AI.
At first, we went door -to -door, teaching businesses how to use livestreaming and platforms like Doyin.
Now we are helping them integrate AI to stay competitive.
Bygol's transformation reflects a larger movement sweeping across China where tradition meets technology and businesses must innovate to thrive.
For Bygol's luggage makers, the future is digital, and AI is leading the way.
For the Beijing hour, this is Jiang Tao.
And coming up, China's retaliated to U .S.
tariff increases on many Chinese goods.
Artificial intelligence is ray shaping many industries and sports is no exception.
From robots athletes to AI referees, technologies transforming how athletes train and compete.
Listen to the latest episode of Sightline Story to join our discussion on the impacts of artificial intelligence on sports.
Should we let AI change the game, or guard our sporting traditions?
Subscribe to Sightline Story and debate us wherever you get your podcasts.
minutes past the hour.
US President Donald Trump's new 25 % tariffs on imports from Mexico and Canada took effect on Tuesday along with duties on Chinese goods increasing to 20%.
China's retaliated by imposing its own tariffs on certain US imports the government says its countermeasures are legitimate and necessary in defending the country's rights and interests.
The measures are more extensive than the previous round in February.
right. Zhang Chun -ing has more.
We have targeted up to 15 percent tariffs on a list of US goods.
They're all agriculture products, which is still less than proportional to the US tariffs.
Let's not forget that the US tariffs targets on all Chinese commodities.
So, it's a clear message that China is open to more negotiations and dialogue, which is in line with what the NPC spokesperson said earlier that they're hoping to get all these tree tensions resolved through dialogues and negotiations.
And also earlier, a Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson urged the United States to return to their rat path of cooperation and dialogue.
If the U .S. really wants to solve the fentanyl issue, it should consult with China on the benefit to address their respective concerns.
If the United States is ill -motivated and insists on launching a tariff war, trade war, or any other kind of conflict, China will fight to the end.
We urge the U .S. to abandon its bullying tactics, and return to the right path of dialogue and cooperation as early as possible.
In addition to the tariff countermeasures, we have also targeted some non -tariff measures, including adding 10 firms to a so -called US unreliable entity list, as well as prohibiting the scale of dual -use items of 15 US entities.
Also, we have filed a complaint to the WTO as well.
That was Jeong Jooning reporting.
Canada's hit back at the United States with retaliatory tariffs of 25%.
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has accused Trump of wanting to ruin the Canadian economy and said Canada would challenge US measures at the World Trade Organization.
Dan Williams reports from Montreal.
After months of uncertainty, the threat of tariffs has become a reality and a continental trade war has begun.
This time, there would be no last -minute reprieve like there was a month ago.
A 25 percent U .S. tariff on most Canadian goods are now in effect, with a 10 percent tariff on Canadian energy products.
In response, Canada hit back with a retaliatory tariff of 25 % or more than $20 billion worth of US goods to start.
And in 21 days, a further $86 billion in US goods will be hit.
Canada's Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says he would do everything in his power to protect the country's jobs and businesses.
The United States launched a trade war against Canada.
Their closest partner and ally, their friend.
Canadians are reasonable and we are polite but we will not back down from a fight.
Not when our country and the well -being of everyone in it is at stake.
This is a very dumb thing to do.
The province of Ontario is also taking action.
Imposing a 25 % tariff on electricity it sends to three U .S.
States, Minnesota, Michigan and New York.
Experts predict the trade war impact on the Canadian economy will be severe, while many industries such as auto are deeply integrated with complicated supply chains created over decades.
There are fears that some factories could be forced to close within a week.
A further escalation is already locked in.
Starting on March 12, the US will impose tariffs tariffs on steel and aluminum exports to the US, including those from Canada, while further tariffs on agricultural goods and lumber are also looming.
And there's more. After Canada announced retaliatory tariffs, the US threatened to match it.
US President Trump said Washington's reciprocal tariffs will immediately increase by a like amount.
For locals here in Montreal, there is a sense of anger and concern.
I think it's mostly fear and incomprehension between why now starting this.
It will cost jobs, money, there's no benefit for either country.
It impacts the consumer, first and foremost, to make everything more expensive, I think both sides of the border, even though it hurts more than it hurts the US.
It'll hurt our dollar, making again everything more expensive, adding inflationary pressure to us, so I don't think it's a way of going about doing business with your largest trading partner.
Canada and the US are now in a full -blown trade war.
Businesses, industries and residents on both sides of the border are about to discover just how damaging these latest developments will be.
That was Dan Williams reporting.
In Mexico President Claudia Scheinbaum says she'll announced countermeasures against US tariffs on Sunday.
Christian Daza is an independent journalist for Chicatesta .com, a Mexican news website focusing on the country's politics and social issues.
He says the Mexican working -class will be most affected by the tariffs.
Well, I think the result of this negotiation is that Mexico sent to the, I don't know if it was a negotiation or an imposition, but it was Mexico sent to the US.
I don't know if you heard 29 drop drug lord Kim Pinz.
So the threat was we are going to oppose those tariffs.
But on the other hand, Mexico City or Mexico government said, you know, we have these 29 drug lords that we can send you to your country if you're happy with that.
And about the tariffs, I think that is not a punch to the Mexican government.
I think it's a punch to the working class in my country because we know that there are a lot of companies threatening to leave the country if U .S.
apply this tariffs.
Of course, the decision will lay off a lot of workers here in Mexico.
And we know that unfortunately our economy is not in a good mood.
So we are afraid of those tariffs.
And we think that the answer of our Mexican precedent is not correct or is incorrect when she says that Mexico will also apply tariffs to the U .S.
I think that, well, that's not the point.
And we know that they are different economies.
There's a proverb here in Mexico that claims that if U .S.
has a coal, Mexico will have pneumonia.
And I hope our negotiation teams will get together and reach an agreement.
That was reporter Christian Daza speaking about the impact of the U .S.
tariffs on Mexico. British Finance Minister Rachel Reeves has warned that the UK would be affected by slowing global trade, even if tariffs were not directly applied to it.
And so I don't want to see tariffs increase.
I don't think it serves anyone well.
And it's absolutely the case that even if tariffs aren't applied to the UK, we will be affected by slowing global trade, by a slower GDP growth and by higher inflation than otherwise would be the case that we don't want to see tariffs and I will continue to make the case with all my international counterparts for free and open trade.
Countries around the world are scrambling to shield themselves from potential tariffs during U .S.
President Donald Trump's second term in office.
Reeves also told the manufacturing conference in London that the United States as Britain's closest partner in defense and security.
Wall Street's dipped amid anxiety over US President Trump's tariff policies.
At the closing bell, the Dow Jones industrial average dropped 1 .5 percent following a sell off on Monday.
The S &P 500 closed down 1 .2 percent, the worst session of the year.
The tech -intensive NASDAQ composite edged down around a third percent.
Analysts say the strong shift in market sentiment is largely attributed to the tariff policies.
Some listed companies have already signaled that they are likely to be affected.
From north to south, east to west, people in China are chasing their dreams and leaving their mark.
Want to know how they beeped their odds and made a difference?
Footprints bring you the true -life stories of their journeys.
Twenty -eight minutes past the hour.
Beijing's down to zero Wednesday evening.
It'll be sunny and 12 on Thursday.
Nansheng's 5 this evening, then cloudy and 13.
Elsewhere in Asia, Islamabad's down to 9 overnight.
It'll be cloudy and 24 degrees on Thursday.
B &T ends 22 tonight and then a slight rainfall in 32.
Brown pen's down to 25, and that's followed by a slight rain in 34.
In Africa, Nairobi is getting cloudy conditions in 30 on Thursday.
Compattle is down to 22, and that's followed by a slight rainfall and 28 degrees Celsius.
It's time for a short break.
So far this hour, the annual session of China's legislature has set a GDP growth target of around 5%.
Chinese authorities at the local level are ramping up efforts to help businesses expand globally, and Beijing's put levees on many US goods in response to Washington's latest tariffs targeting China.
I'm Shane Begum with you.
Stay with us here on The Beijing Hour.
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Find Decoding The Art Of War wherever you listen.
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From unexpected encounters to heartfelt reunions, immerse yourself in a narrative of love, peace, and enduring friendship.
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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 hopes.
Shane Bingham with you on this Wednesday, still to come.
In business, China is taking steps to foster emerging and future industries.
And today we have part 3 of the Yellow River Mosaic Series telling stories of people whose lives are intertwined with that famous Chinese waterway.
Contact us you can email radio at cgtn .com or follow our X account at cgtnradio.
Well first of all checking the day's headline news here's Tianyu.
Thank you Shane. Chinese president Xi Jinping has taken part in a discussion with deputies from the eastern province of Jiangsu attending the national legislature's annual session in Beijing earlier the Chinese leader took part in the opening meeting where a premier Premier Li Cheng set the country's GDP growth target for the year at around 5%.
Premier Li also outlined other key tasks in his government work report to the National People's Congress.
GDP grows of around 5 % surveyed, urban unemployment rate of around 5 .5 % over 12 million new urban jobs.
CPI increase of around 2%, growth in personal income in step with economic growth, a basic equilibrium in the balance of payments, grain output of around 1 .4 trillion Jin, a drop of around 3 % in energy consumption per capita GDP, continued improvements in the environment.
The premier also pledged support for the development of new -quality productive forces and AI.
He said China would adopt a moderately -lose monetary policy and issue ultra -long special chat rebounds to support the consumer trading program.
Arab leaders have adopted Egypt's $53 billion U .S.
reconstruction plan for Gaza, which aims to avoid displacing Palestinians from their land.
Leaders attending an emergency Arab summit in Cairo also agreed to form a committee to administer Gaza for at least six months under the Palestinian Authority.
Egypt's foreign minister said the plan includes the establishment of a seaport and an airport in the Gaza Strip.
The Arab leaders also emphasized the urgency of implementing new phases of the ceasefire agreement between Hamas and Israel and demanded Israel's complete withdrawal from Gaza.
Hamas welcomed the summit's outcomes.
US Democrats have protested President Donald Trump's joint address at Congress by holding signs.
House Speaker Mike Johnson had to direct the Sergeant at Arms to remove a Democratic member disrupting Trump's speech.
In his first congressional address during his second term, Trump slammed regulatory 3 processes and debt approvals that he claimed were slowing federal operations.
He also warned federal workers that they will be fired if they resist government policies.
Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky has called his recent meeting with US President Donald Trump in the White House regrettable but suggested both parties find the strength to move forward.
He also talked about the halting of U .S.
military aid. Today, many people have the same question.
What will happen next with the U .S.
assistance? I have instructed Ukraine's Minister of Defense, the heads of our intelligence agencies, and our diplomats to contact their counterparts in the United States and obtain official information.
Zelensky's remarks came in a social media post on Ex, hours after the White House announced a pause in military aid to Ukraine.
He said Ukraine is ready to sign a deal on rare earth minerals and security with Washington.
His statement came ahead of Trump's address to the US congress on Tuesday.
And finally, NASA's two stock astronauts are just a few weeks away from finally returning to Earth after nine months in space.
But Wellmore and SUNY Williams have to wait until their replacements arrive at the International Space Station next week before they can check out later this month.
They will be joined on their SpaceX ride home by two astronauts who arrived in September.
Williams said the hardest part about the unexpected extended stay was the wait by their families back home.
It brings to mind family and all the people on the ground who support us.
So you know it's been a rollercoaster for them, probably a little bit more so than for us.
We're here, we have a mission, we're just doing what we do every day.
and you know every day is interesting because we're up in space and it's a lot of fun so I think the hardest part is you know having the folks on the ground have to not know exactly when we're coming back.
Wilmore and Williams launched last June aboard Boeing's new Stalliner capsule making its crew debut after years of delay.
They expected the journey to be just a week or so.
However, the Stalliner had so many problems getting to the space station that NASA ruled it too dangerous to carry anyone and it flew back empty.
Their homecoming was further delayed by extra completion time needed for the brand new SpaceX capsule that was supposed to deliver their replacements.
Last month, NASA announced that the next crew would launch in a used capsule instead, pushing up liftoff to March 12th.
Thank you very much.
That was TNU with Headline News.
This is Shane Bigham in the Chinese Capital.
Coming up in business, China is taking steps to foster emerging and future industries.
Thank you Shane. Stock market on the Chinese mainland closed higher on Wednesday.
The Shanghai Composite was up over half a percent, while the Shenzhen component gained nearly 0 .3 percent.
The telecommunication services and the engineering machinery sectors were among the top gainers.
In Australia and China, the Hong Kong stock market ended higher, with the Hansang Index up almost 0 .3 percent.
Meanwhile, in Japan, the Nikkei increased to over 0 .2 percent.
Chinese authorities say the country will advance the integrated development of strategic emerging industries.
According to a government work report submitted to the national legislature, China will carry out demonstration initiatives involving new technologies.
The country will also promote the safe and sound development of the low -altitude economy and other emerging industries.
It will also foster industries such as biomanufacturing, artificial intelligence, and 6G technology.
Meanwhile, authorities will also make efforts to promote the development of innovative enterprises, prices, including small and medium firms that produce novel and unique products.
Industry data shows that the index tracking China's bulk commodity prices stood at 112 .6 in February, up 1 .3 % from January.
Among the 50 key types of products, the China Federation of Logistics and Purchasing Monitors 25 -soar price rises including agriculture, non -ferrous metals and chemicals.
Zhou Xiu is the deputy head of China bulk commodity circulation.
Rapid growth in automotive and home appliance production orders in February, with clear recovery in market demand, drove the rebound in non -ferrous metal prices.
Overall, China's bulk commodity market has maintained its steady recovery.
With rising business confidence and expectations, these will further consolidate the steady progress of economic growth.
The agricultural products price index rose 3 .5 % from January, marking 2 consecutive months of growth and indicating strong consumer demand.
The ferrous metal price index stabilised as steel demand rebounded due to the recovery of manufacturing and growing infrastructure investment.
Meanwhile, non -ferrous metal prices also showed signs of recovery, rising 2%.
As China implements policies to stimulate consumption and investment, key sectors such as food and beverage and finance play crucial roles.
JuJu spoke with Zhang Yi -chen, the CEO of Citic Capital Holdings.
One of your observations on China's tailoring sector again.
How do you think we can better both consume activity in this sector?
Food and beverage sector is obviously a very important sector in China.
It accounts for, I think, over 10%, roughly about 11 % of the total retail sales.
I think in spite of tough economic challenges last year, the sector still saw some growth.
We clearly experienced some challenging market conditions due to weak consumption sentiment.
I think last year was a tough year for the sector, especially for smaller players.
There have been many smaller restaurant closures.
Even for us, opening 1 ,000 restaurants requires more capital investment.
And the government is trying to help all the sectors by implementing these two new policies.
Essentially, you're trading old equipment for new equipment.
You're trading, for consumers to trading durable goods, old durable goods for new durable goods.
On the equipment front, the food and beverage sector is not included in terms of the policy coverage.
And I think that given how important the food and beverage industry is to overall consumption, So I think this policy should be expanded to cover the sector.
That would encourage more new restaurants because that would, the tax rebate, the subsidies would help with the overall investment into the sector.
There was City Capital holding CEO Jiang Yiqian offering his insights on China's consumption and investment trends.
A former Australian foreign minister says China's rapid advancements in cutting -edge technologies have given it a significant competitive edge, positioning the country to take a leading role on the global stage.
Bob Carr also expressed a confidence in China's economic recovery and investment potential.
I think the onus is on China to demonstrate to Western investors that China is investable and China welcomes foreign investment.
I think China has got a golden opportunity with the greater Bay Area that very ambitious network that embraces Hong Kong, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Macau, other cities when it comes to infrastructure, technology, tourism, advanced manufacturing.
KA says China's rapid advancements in cutting -edge technology across multiple sectors have left the West stung and propelled it to a highly competitive position globally.
China is a vital trade partner for Australia, with its markets absorbing significant volumes of Australian exports, including beef, lobsters and wine.
Thank you very much.
That was Wang Zihang with Business.
You're listening to The Beijing Hour.
And just ahead, we have part 3 of the Yellow River Mosaic series telling stories of people whose lives are intertwined with the famous Chinese waterway.
Embedded on the Ching Hai Shi Zhang platoon at a height of 4500m above sea level sits the only school across the vast land of Mado Township.
The herders' children here live a life far away from the tech -linked world.
You sit there quietly, listening to the sound of a catapooly, it's such a delightful feeling.
But they all long to wander into the unknown world.
The place has one of the longest winter season in temperatures that can drop to minus 40 degrees Celsius.
I could have died due to altitude sickness and carbon monoxide poisoning.
Join us to visit the school next to the headwater of the Yellow River and hear the story of love and hope, courage and devotion in the second episode of our 12 -part series, the Yellow River mosaic, Growing up at the headwater.
44 minutes past the hour.
You're listening to the Beijing hour.
Today Wooja continues with the second part of growing up at the headwater, an installment of our special series, the Yellow River Mosaic.
This episode tells the story of the teachers and students at the only school in Madua Township nestled deep on the Tsinghai Shi Zheng Plateau Are the kids happy?
Truly they are, they are very happy.
When it's not snowing Then, Gunka and the teachers join the kids for jogging at 6 in the morning.
After school, the campus becomes a wonderland of excitement and joy.
The kids and teachers, everybody is here, participating in ball games, traditional rope skipping, which I enjoyed a lot as a kid myself.
And exclusively for them, Guo Duan Woo, the traditional singing and dancing of the Tibetan people.
The read together in the evening.
In each classroom is a library quarter, where I found cartoon books in both Chinese and the Tibetan language, and fairy tales by Keith Christian Anderson and the brother's groom.
them. What do they like most?
Playing football. That's their favorite.
Boys and girls, the pupils and teachers.
Zhang Duchran said they always play together after homework is done.
Sometimes when there's Wi -Fi, I'll watch a football match on my phone together with the kids.
Though real time commentary of the game is always provided in the show, I would anyway comment on it again for the kids, after the match.
Most of us are fans of Le no Merci.
The kids don't have mobile phones, nor do they have TV to watch at school.
Their connection with the outside world is their teachers and parents phones and TV at home when the signal is good on their family posture.
If weather permits, they go back home during the weekend.
It's true. I'm not kidding.
Seeing I looked surprised, Kamalungpa told me again what she does to help at home.
I wash dishes and help my parents wash their hair and feet.
Sometimes I help her the cattle and yaks.
It's not a tough job, so long as they don't run off to our neighbours' pasture.
I pick wild flowers while I let them graze on grass.
You can do whatever you want, then you feel most and truly free.
You sit there quietly, listening to the sound of cattle grazing, the running creek in the spring and the birds chirping, peaceful, you just keep on listening, just like that.
It's such a delightful feeling.
Looking at her while she was saying this to me, I suddenly realized why Gunka, Mao Jengling and Sang Djo Terin, everyone I talked to, would tell me that the kids here are different.
different from any kid they've met elsewhere.
When the caregiver first said that to me, I didn't get it and asked him to be more specific.
I don't know how to explain.
It's beyond words, not even in the Tibetan language.
but if you look into their eyes you will understand the only thing you see is purity and innocence.
Yes, he is right. I see in their eyes the pure sky of the Qinghai Shizang plateau.
Chomo Longba told me her happiest experience, though, was the first time she traveled a long way from home.
Mao Jie -Ling, the Han Chinese teacher from Xinying, said she was very impressed by the kids' curiosity and their longing to see the outside world.
They all know that I'm from Xin Wolf, so they'd come to ask me why I had come to teach them from so far away.
What's it like in Xing Wolf?
How are kids there different from us?
How do they study at school?
I would show them pictures of the kids there and said to them, if you work hard, you would make it to the branch school of Minsoo University.
From there, you can advance further ahead to an even bigger world.
I think to them, the branch school is now the biggest goal.
and she is the farthest, their holy land.
Like New York and London to many western country kids, I guess.
I want to become a teacher to help other kids.
I want to become a doctor.
To go to Beijing and become a pot of butter.
My daughter is now the only township without dependable electricity supply in the county.
The headmaster said a stable power supply service is expected to be provided soon.
Yeah, I'm ready! We are fully prepared for the day.
The reliable power supply and internet access will be able to launch web -based multimedia teaching so that the kids will be able to obtain lessons and lectures given by teachers in other places such as Xunim.
Then we'll install the heating system.
This are two of my big tasks this year.
Both teaching and learning will be greatly enhanced if multimedia teaching is used here.
Our gap with the outside world will be significantly narrowed.
Though many of the teachers and caregivers want the kids to reap the benefits of connection and conveniences brought by the tech -linked world, I noticed a hint of concern and a hope that the most precious thing to their hearts will remain intact.
Tsan -to Tsahrin said, when he attended primary school in the county, he was addicted to Internet gaming.
We were too young to control ourselves and often play truant to go to the Internet bars.
We don't have such children here.
It's not a bad thing to touch these things at a later age when you are better at controlling yourself.
The kids will be able to understand what's good or bad when they finish primary school.
Chairman Wang Mu, who has taught them Chinese for two years, said the Internet has its pros and cons.
Though we live in a harsh natural environment, the kids are honest and kind -hearted.
In a little about a sophisticated outside world, and thus have a quality that's really fond in those growing up in urban areas.
I hope they'll keep it all always.
I hope they will learn good and keep evil away.
And when modern technology makes its way to the plateau and ancient way of life and brings people closer to the bigger world.
Will they, the teachers, stay longer?
I wonder. Zhang Zuociran told me, he has no plans to leave for now.
I still want to work here and keep the kid's company.
Do you have a sense of achievement working here?
I asked. He thought for a moment.
I stayed up the whole night several times to look after the kids who felt sick.
Does that count? Chime Waun -moo said teachers keep coming and leaving the school all the time.
It will be good for the kids.
I will stay and teach them uninterrupted from grade one to six.
I'm determined to hold on unless there are big changes in my life.
If I get sick, then I don't know.
Mao Jin Ling is now head of a teaching and research group.
If you get so far away and do a good job in this place, it's worthwhile.
Gong Gai has worked here for nine years.
Married with two kids, he goes back home to Xining only during holidays, or occasionally when a business trip happens to take him to the city.
Five months ago he went back when his wife gave birth to their second son.
He returned to the school three days after he was born.
Well, it's life. You have to make a choice.
I want this kiss here to have a good childhood.
Summit. Pause. Then, looking at those children, he went on.
How shall I put it?
They've never been anywhere.
If they get chance to travel, whatever they see is normal to them.
Every time I see that, I feel heartbroken for them.
So I want them to get out of the mountains.
I want them to travel and see the world.
And that was Growing Up At The Headwater.
From our special multimedia series, The Yellow River Mosaic.
Visit Radio .cgtn .com for more videos, podcasts, and photos from this series featuring the stories of people who live along the Yellow River and share a close bond with it.
58 minutes past the hour.
Check in the forecast before we go for the day.
Beijing is down to 0 Wednesday evening.
It'll be sunny and 12 degrees on Thursday.
Nansheng is down to 5 and then cloudy in 13.
Elsewhere in Asia, Luangabad is dipping to 9 degrees and cloudy in 24 on Thursday.
Bientan is down to 22 then a slight rainfall to 32.
On pens at 25 degrees overnight, then a slight rainfall in 34.
In Africa, Nairobi will be getting cloudy conditions in 30 degrees on Thursday.
Compal is down to 22, and then a slight rainfall in 28 degrees.
Juba's 28 overnight, then overcast in 43.
And finally, to Oceania, Port Vila's 24 this evening, then a slight rainfall in 31.
At Pia, it will have a slight rain Thursday during 30 degrees Celsius.
And that's it for this edition of the Beijing Hour.
making news today at the annual session of China's legislature has set a GDP growth target of around five percent for the year.
Chinese authorities at the local level are ramping up efforts to help businesses expand globally.
On behalf of the staff this is Shane Bigham in the Chinese capital hoping you'll join us for the next edition of the Beijing hour and open a window to the world together.
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