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This is the Beijing Hour.
Examining the events that impact and shape China and the rest of the world, this is the Beijing Hour.
One hour of news and information brought to you every weekday.
Now here's your host, Shane Begum with you on this Monday, April 28th, 2025.
You're listening to the Beijing Hour, coming to you live from the Chinese capital.
On today's program China says it has sufficient policy tools to help achieve this year's economic and social development goals.
Iran's declared a day of mourning after the weekend explosion and fire at a port that killed at least 40 people.
The world's largest car carrier vessels began its maiden voyage from China to Brazil.
In business, China's moving forward with the bill to support the private economy.
In sports, Liverpool dominates with a trophy on the line.
In Culture and Entertainment, the 20th China hua biao Film Awards in Qingdao.
And now checking the day's top stories.
China's top economic regulator says there is sufficient room for policy adjustment.
Supportive measures include an expansion of the consumer goods trade -in program and efforts at revitalizing the capital market.
The National Development and Reform Commission says authorities will maintain strategic stability regardless of the international situation.
The NDRC says it's fully confident in accomplishing this year's economic and social development goals.
Li Shuang has details.
Senior officials outlined a package of new policies aimed at strengthening confidence amid complex global environment.
Now despite external challenges, China's economy grew by 5 .4 per cent year on year in the first quarter, outpacing last year's full -year growth rate and ranking among the highest globally.
The country's export also grew by nearly 7 % in the first quarter, helping to lift overall momentum amid growing global uncertainties.
Now, that uncertainty mainly refers to rising trade protectionism and some pressures at home as well.
And to tackle these challenges, authorities are pledging targeted support for foreign trade and investment with one industry, one policy and one enterprise, one policy approaches ensuring precision in stabilizing growth and jobs.
Officials also emphasize the importance of stable employment to overall economic stability, unveiling new measures to help job seekers especially in vulnerable groups.
On the domestic front, policies will encourage consumption in elderly care, child care, culture and tourism while boosting private investment and ensuring stock market and real estate market stability.
Officials stressed that these new measures will be fast tracked directly to businesses and households with a strong focus on its practical results.
And also in terms of the country's long term economic outlook as well as the impact of tariffs, here's what the vice chairman of China's National Development and Reform has to say.
The so -called reciprocal tariffs severely violate the trend of the history and economic rules, severely impact global trade orders and rules, and severely hurt the legitimate rising interests of countries in the world.
This is classic unilateralism and hegemonism, which serves no one's interest, is not supported by the general public, and is doomed to fail.
announcement signaled a renewed focus on maintaining economic momentum and building a more resilient future." Li Shuang reporting.
China's main trade promotion body says its index shows that global trade frictions at a high level in the United States is the biggest variable.
The China Council for the Promotion of International Trade says nearly half of foreign trade companies will reduce business with the U .S. and three quarters have plans to tap emerging markets to make up for the loss.
They say shifting trade policies added to uncertainty and make it difficult to plan ahead.
The exporters are finding them alternatives rather by increasing domestic demand and resilience.
Cao Qifeng reports.
The China Council for the Promotion of International Trade, or CCPIT, issued its global trade friction index, which is a figure that measures trade tension.
and according to CCPIT, it stood at 106 for February indicating a high level of trade tensions between countries.
The CCPIT said, one thing worth noting is that the U .S. remains the biggest wild card when it comes to global trade friction.
It said for eight consecutive months, the U .S. conducted the most friction related measures in terms of value.
And also the U .S. ranked number one when it comes to China related trade friction measures and it has also issued the most unitary measures such as tariffs, controls and sanctions.
The CCPIT itself is also helping Chinese exporters by providing them with better legal services, creating new platforms for them to enter new foreign markets, such as holding business delegations to foreign countries, and also the CCPIT is further simplifying the process of handling and issuing certificates of origin and other commercial certification.
That was Cao Chu -fung in Beijing.
China's been facilitating regional and global trade exchanges with international events such as the recent Canton Fair and the China International Consumer Products Expo.
We asked Professor Liu Baocheng at the University of International Business and Economics about these efforts at opening up.
When China continues to open the door to foreign investment and foreign tourism, we are pretty sure that we can really stand on our own feet and maintain our economy at work and provide a better momentum to the global economy by teaming up with more of their regional partners and attracting more investments.
The kind of affair is really a conventional affair, but it has really proven the outstanding significance against such a backdrop of the disruption of a global supply chain and also the disruption of the global capital flow.
So, it shows that China knows what they are doing, we are not really being highly dredged by the tariff issues.
So, to isolate the issue, so we can really have earned more space to build our own economy and also to show to the world that China defends multilateralism, that China unilaterally also opens its doors further to the global participation in the entire supply chain.
That's the responsibility of China as the important player in the global economy.
That was Professor Liu Baocheng on China remaining resilient to external shocks.
BRICS countries are calling for member states to oppose unilateralism and trade protectionism.
At a meeting on trade economics they expressed concerns over tensions resulting from US tariffs.
They also discussed an economic partnership plan in protecting the multilateral trading system.
Agricultural ministers agreed that members should increase trade in agricultural products.
South African avocados will soon hit supermarket shelves in China and India.
It's part of a deal from the BRICS Summit 18 months ago.
Producers are running a wave of success as they break into the world's fastest growing markets.
Jilly Shire reports from Johannesburg.
South African avocados will soon hit China's supermarket shelves.
The initial batch debuted at The China International Import Expo last year.
But the first major commercial consignment from producer ZZ2 is now on its way to the Asian market.
We're really hoping that everything goes well.
The arrival quality in Europe this year has been very good.
So there's no reason why the arrival quality into China shouldn't be good.
The shipping time into China is actually slightly less than it is into Europe.
So we've had very little delays out of our ports this year, which has also been a good thing.
ZZ2 is working closely with US -based Mission Produce and China's Mr Avocado to fill a seasonal supply gap left by Peru and Chile, China's main suppliers, at the start of the year.
South Africa starting their harvesting on week eight So that is a window between week 8 to week 18, these 10 weeks period times, is China's short supply of avocado.
Kenya also has earlier crops, and Tanzania also has earlier crops, but the major thing is I like South Africa fruit because it's always a professional large farming.
You like ZZ2, like Westphalia, they all do large farming.
South Africa's recent entry into India, another BRICS nation, is also a big win for an industry that has, until now, mainly supplied Europe.
We have for years been trying to increase our market access in East Asia.
We now have others going into Japan just recently, into China and success also in other regions.
For the other industry here, the potential in terms of expansion of plantings and the flow into India and China, is really amazing.
It's really the start of a new chapter for Africa's ABO industry.
ABO producers are, however, pushing for more favourable trade terms. Despite being part of the BRICS grouping, each country applies different trade rules.
The problem in India is the tariffs are still a little bit high.
I know that our government and the Indian government are are negotiating, talking about the tariffs, seeing as if we can reduce the tariffs.
The tariff into China's at 7 % and the tariff into India's at 25%.
So at this stage, it's actually better for us to go into China.
South Africa runs a trade deficit with India and China but with both nations tipped to become consumer giants by 2030, demand from these markets could drive growth in South Africa's avocado industry, helping balance the scales and reshape its minerals -heavy export profile.
That was Jillie Shire on new markets for South African avocados.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney says the country's old relationship with the United States is over.
As he wrapped up campaigning for the federal election, the prime minister said U .S. president Donald Trump's tariff policies have betrayed Canada and ruptured the global economy.
A trade's also been on the mind of Canadian voters.
Dan Williams reports.
One final push for votes.
The leaders of Canada's political parties campaign for a final day across the country.
Canada's elections have witnessed a remarkable shift in the polls.
The Liberal Party was down by more than 20 points at the start of the year.
One key change saw Mark Carney replaced Justin Trudeau as its leader, a move preceded by the trade war with Canada's neighbour and largest trading partner, the United States.
US President Donald Trump also attacked Canada's sovereignty, claiming the country would be better off becoming a US state.
That appears to have influenced voters.
The polls now have the Liberal party just ahead of the Conservatives and its leader and former front -runner Pierre Poliev.
One effect of all this new tension with the US, a wave of new found Canadian pride.
I think it's probably one of the most important elections of the century because of what's happening now.
So it's, we need somebody strong in place that can push back.
I think for a long time we've been complacent because we've had this major friendship with the US and then somebody comes along and decides that well, we're not so neighbourly.
Well now we have to stand up for ourselves.
Whichever party wins its leader will be faced with a grim economic reality that an extended trade war with the US would seriously impact the economy here.
Given that 75 -80 % of our trade is with the U .S. the estimates are that it's going to knock off a couple of percentage points of GDP.
Which is really painful.
It really depends on how this whole story plays out with the auto industry, the auto tariffs and to what extent the Americans are doubling down on bringing back manufacturing.
That would seriously lead to job losses.
This has been a remarkable election campaign, the wild shift in opinion polls astonishing.
But now comes the poll that really matters as Canadians across the country head to voting booths to make their binding decision.
That was Dan Williams on Canadians heading to the polls with US tariffs looming over relations.
Coming up, a day of mourning in Iran following an explosion in fire at a port in the south of the country.
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Fourteen minutes past the hour, Iran's declared Monday a day of national mourning for the victims of the port explosion and fire on the weekend.
At least 40 are dead and 1 ,000 injured.
Initial reports link the cause of the blast in the south of the country to missile production.
but Iranian authorities have denied any connection with the defense sector.
Ehsan Qayvani has more on the aftermath of that deadly blast. The explosion at Shaikhis Raja eport sent shockwaves through the region, leaving devastation in its wake.
Workers, drivers and port staff were among the victims. Iran's parliamentary national security and foreign policy commission swiftly dismissed rumors, denying any link to missile production.
Officials confirmed the blast originated from chemicals inside containers with extreme heat temperatures up to 40 degrees Celsius, believed to be the factor.
President Masoud Pazeshkian has ordered a full investigation.
After visiting the site on Sunday, he issued urgent directives to manage the crisis.
Destruction is staggering.
Initially, reports indicate that over 10 ,000 containers destroyed, along with severe damage to vehicles and infrastructure.
Authorities are working around the clock to resume operations as soon as possible.
Russia is sending emergency planes with disaster response experts.
Many other nations have also offered condolences.
Rescue and recovery efforts continue as authorities assess the full impact.
Meanwhile, Iran's prosecutor general has pledged government compensation for those affected.
In a show of solidarity, people here in Bandar Abbas and neighboring provinces are donating blood, answering medical authorities' urgent call to aid the wounded." Now, as Ehsan Kayvani reporting from Bandar Abbas in southern Iran.
Security forces from India and Pakistan have exchanged fire along the border.
Attentions have risen after the killing of the tourist and Indian -controlled Kashmir.
Ravinder Bawe has more from New Delhi.
Well, the search operations have been intensified in the forests of Jammu and Kashmir.
The NIA or the National Investigative Agency has officially taken over the probe of the attack, following the orders of the Home Ministry.
eyewitnesses are being questioned for the minutest detail to piece together the sequence of events.
The NIA teams are also scrutinizing entries and exits.
More than 100 residences of alleged militant supporters have been searched and hundreds of local people detained for further investigations.
Sunday was the exit deadline for Pakistani nationals as India has suspended all visa services as a part of its strong response to the attack.
The Atari border has been busier than usual since morning.
Emotional scenes played out at the border as families said goodbye to their loved ones.
About 250 Pakistani nationals crossed the border on Sunday.
The Indian Navy released videos showing anti -ship missiles being tested to demonstrate readiness for any eventuality.
Here in Delhi, the prime minister addressed the nation in his monthly radio program, asking people to stay united in this time of crisis.
The chief of Defence staff has met with the defence minister, while the diplomatic coercive measures are still being implemented.
I was Ravinder Bawa with India's response following last week's attack on tourist and Indian -controlled Kashmir.
Pakistan's denied India's accusations and is demanding a full investigation.
Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif said Islamabad condemns all types of terrorism.
Pakistan's countered India's move to expel defense personnel.
Daniel Khan has more.
Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif has said Pakistan will fully cooperate with any neutral, transparent investigation into the deadly Pehl Gham attack in Indian -controlled Kashmir.
Sharif condemned what he called India's perpetual blame game, and warned that any attempt to tamper with Pakistan's water rights under the Indus Waters Treaty would be met with full force.
Meanwhile Interior Minister Mohsen Natri doubled down, demanding an impartial probe and accusing India of politicising the tragedy without evidence.
As India suspended the decades -old treaty and downgraded diplomatic ties, Pakistan hit backed by freezing bilateral agreements and warning of serious consequences.
With cross -border skirmishes flaring along the Line of Control, Defence Minister Khwaja Asif also warned that further escalation could trigger all -out war.
The United Nations has condemned the Pehelgam attack and called on both nuclear -armed nations to show restraint.
That was Daniel Khan in Islamabad.
British Columbia prosecution service in Canada has charged 30 -year -old men with murder after a car -ramming attack that killed 11 people at a Filipino heritage festival in Vancouver.
Akai G Adam Lowe is facing eight counts of second -degree murder and possibly more charges.
Investigators have ruled out terrorism and said the suspect had a history of mental health issues.
The incident shook the nation ahead of the federal election.
Vancouver mayor says he's ordered a full review of the city's safety measures.
Louise Greenwood has more.
eyewitnesses report seeing a black SUV being driven erratically in the area shortly after 8 p .m. local time there's a car that went just through through through the whole street and just hitting everyone I only saw one dead one man on the ground and I went I go further towards the end where the car went then there's more disloyalty the incident happened as thousands from Vancouver's Filipino community was celebrating an annual traditional festival.
Victims were left alongside food trucks where moments before many had been singing and dancing.
The concert featuring members of the pop band the Black Eyed Peas had just ended.
I don't even know what to say, this was a great wonderful event, a huge community event and to have it ending in tragedy like this.
A 30 year old man who police say was known to them in certain circumstances was arrested at the scene, but the authorities say the attack does not appear to be terrorist related.
That was Louise Greenwood reporting.
Coming up, The world's largest car carrier vessel is now on its first voyage, heading from China to Brazil.
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21 minutes past the hour.
The world's largest car carrier has begun its maiden voyage from eastern China to Brazil, China's BYD Shenzhen will take about a month to reach its destination.
With 7 ,000 new energy vehicles on board, the vessel can hold over 9 ,000 vehicles.
It runs on energy -efficient engines, and features other green technologies.
Meanwhile, China's hydrogen industry has chosen Spain as testing ground for its goal of decarbonising global shipping.
Ken Brown finds out why.
International shipping carries around 90 % of the world's trade.
No surprise then that it accounts for a billion tons of greenhouse gas emissions per year including three percent of the world's global CO2 emissions.
That's more than Spain, France, Portugal and Greece combined.
The International Monetary Fund has set a net zero shipping target by 2050, but how will this be achieved?
Biofuels and green hydrogen, say insiders.
When you use renewable energy like wind or solar to separate hydrogen from oxygen in water using an electrolyzer you get green hydrogen.
Think of it as electricity stored in liquid or gas form and when burned the only waste product is water.
Spain's abundant sun, wind and key global shipping routes make it a prime candidate for green hydrogen production.
Spanish petrol company Moeve, formerly SEPSA, is the country's leading supplier of marine fuels.
So green hydrogen forms the base fuel in order to create more manageable fuels like green ammonia, green methanol, which can be used to decarbonise shipping.
Energy transition is unstoppable and we see it in line with our strategy to invest somewhere in the region of 8 billion euro to become the leading supplier of low carbon energy by 2030.
Chinese companies are on board too.
High green energy, a global electrolyser maker, recently signed off on a 2 .2 billion -dollar investment in the Andalusia region.
And Envision announced another billion -dollar deal to develop the first hydrogen net zero industrial park in Europe.
Together we are laying the foundation for Spain to become a European leader, as they have said before, and a global player in the green hydrogen revolution.
Experts predict that the hydrogen market could be worth as much as 2 .5 trillion dollars a year by 2050, and Spain wants to be a key player, particularly in green hydrogen and the fuels that are going to power more sustainable shipping.
But is this the great green hope, or just great green hype?
Detractors say that it takes more energy to produce, store and transport hydrogen than it actually provides in useful energy.
And one of the world's leading climate scientists, Robert Hoarth, has called green hydrogen, largely a marketing creation by the oil and gas industry.
Despite the doubts, it's already scaling up, with sustainable shipping and aviation in its sights.
That is Ken Brown on Chinese hydrogen -powered shipping, testing the waters.
China's Shenzhou 19 and 20 crews have completed the handover aboard the Tiangong space station.
Shenzhou 19 astronauts have delivered the space station symbolic key to their successors and three astronauts will return home on Tuesday.
Shenzhou 20 will stay in orbit for six months.
Meanwhile industry leaders from China have attended an aviation event in Mexico with the aim of attracting international cooperation.
Alistair Baverstock reports.
As a fighter jet roars over Mexico's largest military airbase, it's not the only site, wowing the crowds.
At FamEx, Latin America's leading aerospace industry expo, the latest technology from around the world is on display.
International collaboration is everything for Mexico, not only to attract investment but to jointly develop things in aerospace or defence engineering.
Those international ties are vital for Mexico's $2 .5 billion aerospace sector.
Mexico's aerospace sector has projected 15 % growth by 2030, given continued demand for aircraft. Both Chinese and European aerospace companies are actively investing here, attracted by the skilled labor force and the strategic location.
Exhibiting here are global giants such as China Aerospace, whose international wing Great Wall is building on solid regional foundations.
The Chinese government attached great importance to the relationship with the latin american countries.
In recent years, we have had a lot of cooperation, you know supply satellites to Venezuela and Bolivia, and also we had cooperation in satellites with Brazil.
We are looking forward to more and more cooperation.
Private sector companies are also here from around the world.
John Murphy's endoscope camera company is based in Canada but collaboration with Chinese companies has resulted in products that are breaking new ground in Latin America.
China is certainly a leader in this space.
Even over the past 10 to 15 years there has been some giant leaps by innovation and so on in the Chinese product and a willingness to partner with North American distribution.
That collaboration is vital for the industry to advance.
An aircraft is built in 100 countries, from very small components to large ones, and no one can have global hegemony.
We don't see international collaboration ending, because that would ground global aviation.
It was a report from Mexico of space cooperation with international partners, including China.
Greenland Prime Minister Jens -Fredrik Nielsen says dialogue from the United States has not been respectful.
He was responding to remarks by U .S. President Donald Trump who has repeatedly expressed a desire to seize control of Greenland.
First of all, we are in a situation now where we need to, we need to stand together.
The talks from the United States have not been respectful.
It has been based on, the words used have not been respectful.
Nielsen met Danish Prime Minister Mette Fredriksen in Copenhagen on Sunday and stressed that Greenland is not a piece of property that can be bought.
Political parties in Greenland, which for years have leaned toward eventual independence from Denmark, recently agreed to form a broad -based coalition government in the face of Trump's designs on the territory.
Fredriksen reaffirmed Denmark's commitment to investing in Greenland, highlighting their shared Commonwealth ties.
The Danish king is scheduled to visit the island in a show of solidarity.
North Korea has confirmed its military involvement in the Ukraine conflict.
Pyongyang said operations in the Kursk region have concluded with victory.
The official KCNA news agency said leader Kim Jong -un decided to send armed forces based on a treaty of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between North Korea and Russia.
Russia said it's regained control of the Kursk region.
29 past the hour. Beijing down to 11 degrees Monday evening.
It'll be cloudy in 32 on Tuesday, then chunks down to 18, then clouds in 28.
Elsewhere in Asia, is Almabads 19 overnight, sunny skies and 40 degrees Celsius on Tuesday.
Vientiane rather dips down to 24, then a slight rain in 31.
Phnom Penh is 24 this evening, then some rainfall in 33.
In Africa, Nairobi is getting a slight rain, 26 degrees on Tuesday, Compala is down to 20, then a slight rainfall in 25 degrees.
Jube is at 24 overnight, a slight rainfall in 37 degrees tomorrow.
It's time for a short break so far this hour, China says it has sufficient policy tools to help achieve this year's economic and social development goals.
Iran's declared a day of mourning after the weekend explosion and fire at a port that killed at least 40 people.
The world's largest car carrier vessels began its maiden voyage from China to Brazil.
Shane Bingham with you, stay with us here on the Beijing Hour.
It's vibrant and pulsating with the essence of life itself.
From the stem of trees, to the gurgle of rivers, from the silent strength of mountains, to the icy whispers of glaciers, even the solid ground beneath our feet.
Right there, in the midst of all, beats the heart of humanity.
What if those other heartbeats were to stop?
Would ours keep on ticking?
Ever wondered what's actually going on in Africa through the perspective of an African?
How are things really going between China and Africa?
What's the narrative of this relationship?
Well, get a perspective with China -Africa Talk.
Hear from African diplomats, entrepreneurs, academics, Chinese natives, and more.
Get on our wavelength every week to find out what's real with China -Africa Talk.
Find us on your favorite podcast. We'll see you there.
The Chinese President Xi Jinping has stressed pulling the strengths of the working class for the rejuvenation of the Chinese nation.
He made remarks at a gathering to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the founding of the All -China Federation of Trade Unions.
The meeting honoured model workers and exemplary individuals.
China's top economic regulator has said the country will roll out measures to keep its employment and economic performance stable and promote high quality development.
Zhao Chenxin from the National Development and Reform Commission said authorities will speed up the implementation of a series of policies in the second quarter, including measures to boost consumption.
The official also criticised the so -called US reciprocal tariffs, saying they run counter to historical trends and economic laws.
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi has held phone talks with Pakistani Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishak Dhar.
Dhar briefed one on the latest tensions between Pakistan and India following a terrorist attack in the Kashmir region.
He said Pakistan is committed to managing the situation in a mature manner and it will maintain communication with the international community.
Wang said China is closely following the developments and he described combatting terrorism as a shared responsibility of the whole world.
The Chinese foreign minister called for a swift and fair investigation, saying conflict does not serve the fundamental interests of either India or Pakistan.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has condemned US President Donald Trump's tariffs and threats to annex Canada, calling them a betrayal that has fractured bilateral ties and the global economy.
The Liberal leader wrapped up his campaign on Sunday.
It is true that President Trump has betrayed Canada.
He's betrayed Canada and he has ruptured the global economy.
Our old relationship with the United States is over, unfortunately.
And America's leadership, America's leadership of the global economy is over.
Carney has vowed to fight Trump's tariffs.
Trade tensions have dominated the five -week race, helping Carnees Liberals regain a narrow lead over Pierre Polivarra's Conservatives ahead of Monday's final voting.
Trump's comments enraged the Canadians and reversed Polivarra's 20 -point lead.
The Liberals have compared the Conservative leader to Trump.
A nanopode shows a Liberal support at 43 % versus 38 .9 % for the Conservatives.
Vancouver Police have ruled out terrorism in a car ramming attack that killed 11 people at a Filipino heritage festival on Saturday.
Police said the suspect, a 30 -year -old Vancouver man, has a history of mental health issues.
The driver of a black Audi SUV plowed into crowds celebrating Lapu -Lapu Day, injuring dozens more, and shaking the nation just ahead of a federal election.
Lapu -Lapu Day celebrates an Indigenous chieftain who stood up to Spanish explorers who came to the Philippines in the 16th century.
British Columbia Premier David Eby said the province will not let the tragedy define the celebration.
This event does not define us and the Filipino community or that celebration that I know it's hard to believe it at this moment but I know we will come back stronger.
This is a community that has seen hardship and always comes back stronger, and we will be there standing with the Filipino community in Vancouver and British Columbia to make sure that that's the case.
He urged people to channel their rage into helping those affected.
Iranian President Massoud Pasekian has expressed condolences to the families of those killed in an explosion that rocked one of the country's main ports.
Pasekian visited the victims on Sunday and called for a full investigation.
Officials say at least 40 people died in Saturday's blast with over 1 ,000 others injured.
Videos showed widespread devastation with a deep crater, burning wreckage and heavy smoke forcing the closure of schools and businesses.
Authorities said the fire was largely under control by Sunday night as helicopters and cargo aircraft dumped sea water on the site.
Hamas says its delegation has briefed the Turkish foreign minister on the developments in ceasefire negotiations.
A senior Hamas official led the team that also discussed the humanitarian situation in Gaza and the prevention of aid from entering the region.
Hamas told Hakan Fidan about a visit to Cairo to hold talks with mediators.
Israel has resumed the tax since early March and is blocking the delivery of aid into Gaza.
All right. Thank you very much. That was Tian Liu with Headline News.
Coming up in business, China's top legislature is moving forward with the bill to support the private economy.
The Beijing Hour, your window on China and the rest of the world.
37 past the hour. Turning to business and here's Tian Liu.
Thank you, Shane. Stocks on the Chinese mainland closed lower on Monday.
the Shanghai Composite was down 0 .2 % while the Shenzhen Component closed over 0 .6 % lower.
Timothy Pope has more.
Stocks on the Chinese Mainland declined to the Shanghai Composite Index dipped by about 0 .2 % and the Shenzhen Component by 0 .6%.
Partly this was continued tariff fallout and there's quite a bit of confusion on this, most of it created by Donald Trump who said talks with China are underway and that he's had a call with President Xi Jinping.
But Trump's the only one saying that.
that everyone else is either denying it or looking bewildered about it.
Perhaps more importantly for China though, Friday saw a meeting of the Politburo and out of that we saw a pledge to support workers and firms hit hardest by the US tariffs.
But there wasn't any fresh stimulus measures announced, which some investors had been hoping for.
But what we seem to have instead is bringing stimulus plans for this year forward a bit rather than adding any extra deficit spending.
But that spending is of course already priced in by the market, so investors will be waiting for some good news elsewhere before plunging back in and potentially reigniting a rally.
That being said, AI related shares got a bit of a lift after President Xi called for more AI and semiconductor development in China.
This comes around the same time as we saw a report in the Wall Street Journal saying that Huawei has developed a new AI chip which could edge out Nvidia's products in China, Some of the high -end chips used to train large -language model AIs.
Aside from the tech stock gains today, the big banks also rose as did power providers while we saw real estate stocks the biggest losers.
It is a short trading week for A shares.
The markets will be closed from May the 1st to the 5th for the National Labour Day holiday.
That was Timothy Pope in Shanghai.
Elsewhere in China, the Hong Kong stock market closed almost flat In Japan, the Nikkei gained nearly 0 .4 % China's top legislature is further advancing a bill to support the country's private economy Lawmakers have begun the third review of a draft law on promoting the private sector at the 15th session of the 14th National People's Congress Standing Committee Feng Yilei has more China's top legislature is reviewing the draft law on promoting a private economy Facing a world full of turbulence, China is sure of one thing — high -quality growth.
Just a few months ago a meeting of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee issued a firm directive — unswervingly managed the country's domestic affairs will while staying committed to expending a high -standard opening up.
We're focusing on our own development while also expending reform and opening up, welcoming foreign capital into China, and also encouraging our private economy to invest abroad.
The introduction of the law is crucial in this regard. It not only provides legal norms but, more importantly, promotes the protection of rights, fosters technological innovation, enhances investment and financing convenience, and supports private enterprises in accessing various policies.
This law is an essential part of the implementing the decisions made in the political bureau meeting.
Chinese legislators broadly supported the draft. This is timely and imperative for China's private sector by valuing scientists, entrepreneurs and all private sector contributors.
This law, if enacted, would serve as a crucial confidence booster.
At a time when uncertainty defines the global headlines, China is choosing certainty through reform and the rule of law.
That was Fong Yilei reporting.
A deputy governor of China's central bank says the country will cut reserve ratios and interest rates when it is appropriate.
Zolan says the People's Bank of China will make full use of its policy tools.
In light of the domestic and international economic situation and the operation of the financial market, we will make timely cuts to required reserve ratios and interest rates and maintain adequate liquidity.
We will fully leverage the role of monetary policy instruments in adjusting both the monetary aggregate and structure, create new structural monetary policy instruments and precisely focus on key areas for stabilizing employment and growth to provide financial support.
He adds that they are working to enrich the policy toolkit and will introduce incremental policies to help stabilize employment, enterprises, markets, and expectations.
Over 220 ,000 overseas buyers have attended the 137th China Import and Export Fair as of Sunday, when a second phase concluded.
That part of the Canon fair focused on quality home furnishings.
It showcased products including decorative materials, home decoration, and gifts.
Exhibitor Hanfei Zhi showcased a robot coffee bar produced by his company.
This robot coffee kiosk has been popular with overseas buyers, with US taking one -third of sales volume.
But we have adjusted market strategies since the end of last year due to trade war worries switching to Europe, Middle East, Southeast Asia, Australia, and Belt and Road countries.
Many foreign exhibitors and visitors have spoken highly of the event and expressed hopes to further cooperation with Chinese companies.
I've been attending the fair for many years.
I'm looking for new items, new products, new designs.
In China, the products are very high -quality, the design improves a lot, and we feel very comfortable working with products made in China.
We are happy to strengthen our collaboration with Chinese suppliers.
I feel super good. It's the biggest fair I know in my life and it's very good for the product.
We expect to increase the business along the next years because we are investing heavily in new collections.
So it's a very important country for us for sourcing.
The can of air in Guangzhou hosts three phases from April 15 to May 5.
The third phase begins on Thursday, focusing on products that enhance quality of life.
Data shows that air passenger trips in China reached 190 million in the first quarter, representing a 4 .9 % increase on a yearly basis.
The civil aviation sector completed nearly 3 .6 million flight hours and over 1 .3 million flights from January to March Its punctuality rate was 94 .5 % There were no accidents in the first quarter Cargo and mail transported by air surpassed 2 .2 million tons A tech hub in southern China has launched new regular China -Europe Freight Express for e -commerce goods It's loaded with goods including 3D printers and gaming accelerates It will arrive in Budapest from Shenzhen in 15 days The new Trade Link aims to build more efficient and cost -effective connections between China and Europe and further boost
cross -border trade efficiency.
It also aims to help build more robust and affordable connections between the Guangdong, Hong Kong, Macao, Greater Bay Area in Southern China and Europe and enhance supply chain resilience.
The second Chinese cruise ship has reached a key point in its construction.
The Adora florist city completed its float out at a shipyard in Shanghai on Monday, a process examining the ship's hull and hardware.
It will next go through interior outfitting and system testing.
Zhang Qiang is the Assistant Director of the cruise ship project at Shanghai Waigaoqiao Shipbuilding.
He says this project has been more efficient compared to the first cruise ship, Adora Magic city.
I feel there's a tremendous change if we compare the first and second ships.
By the time the first ship floated for the first time, construction progress was just over 40%, but for the second ship it was over 70%.
It's a very big improvement for ship building.
The ship is set to be delivered around the end of next year.
And finally, one of Greece's major agricultural exports to the United States is bearing the of increased tariffs from Washington.
The tariffs are affecting various products from the European Union, including Greek olives.
Nellos Georgoutis is the Honorary President of Pan -Hellenic Association of Table Olives Processors, Packers and Exporters.
He expressed concerns over the impact.
Exports to the United States last year was 240 million euros.
This amounts to about 28 % of the total Greek exports, which last year for sure these extraordinary tariffs will hurt the exports of the United States.
Our estimate is that if these 10 % of the tariffs are passed to the U .S. consumer, the Greek greek exports will in our estimates will go down by about 15 percent gergori said some u .s importers have asked greek exporters to absorb part of the tariff costs further increasing the financial strain on greek businesses all right thank you very much that was tanyu with business coming up in sports, liverpool dominates with a trophy on the line sideline story brings you all things sports related 48 Pass now and turning to sports.
Here is Yang Guang.
Thank you, Shane. We start with football as Liverpool has rolled back from a one -goal deficit to thrash Tottenham Hotspur 5 -1 and wrap up the Premier League title on the momentous day at Anfield.
The Reds were rocked in the 12th minute as Dominique Solanke headed Tottenham in France, but the title party was only temporarily silenced as Liverpool struck back with the Luis Diaz tap in and Alex's McAllister Thunderbolt and the Cody Gagpo shot before halftime.
One -sided the second half saw Mohamed Salah end a six -game scoring drought by firing a low shot the 63rd minutes, celebrating his 28th league goal this season by snapping a selfie with a fan.
Tottenham's destiny Udughi then bundled in an own goal to complete a miserable game for the visiting team that has lost 19 Premier League games in these seasons.
Liverpool has matched arch rival Manchester United's record with 20 English titles.
Liverpool manager Aaron Slaat expressed his excitement after winning his first Premier League title.
I'm very very happy of course but to a certain extent also quite unreal because you've worked so hard for this moment to happen, and when it does happen it needs some time for you to truly feel it.
But the fans were so happy that it didn't took me long to understand what we achieved together at this season." A rendition of You Will Never Walk Alone, the club's beloved anthem, boomed out after the final whistle, with the likes of club -grates Kenny Dalglish and Ian Rush joining in.
Slott is only the fifth manager to win the Primetic title in his debut season in the league.
Staying in England, Manchester City has reached the FA Cup final for the third year in a row by beating Nottingham Forest 2 -0 at Wembley Stadium to maintain a chance of ending a dismal season with a trophy.
City scored early in each half as Rick Lewis put his team ahead in just second minutes and defender Josko Vadyor doubled the lead in the 51st minutes with a header from a corner.
Forest hit woodwork three times after that but couldn't get a consolation goal in their first FA Cup semi -finals since 1991.
City manager Pep Guardiola says even if they win the FA Cup this season is far from good for the team.
The club had to take the decision the right ones to next season be better.
The wing gave Guardiola's team a chance to salvage something from a disappointing campaign where their hopes of 5th a straight Premier League title disappeared early, and they failed to even reach the round of 16 in the Champions League.
Citi will play Crystal Palace in the final on May 17th.
In Serie A, two first -half goals from Scott McTominay helped Napoli to a 2 -0 home win against Torino, as the host reclaimed the sole lead in the standings with four games left to play.
Napoli topped Serie A with 74 points, three points clear of defending champion Inter Milan, which suffered a 1 -0 home defeat against A .S.
Roma on Sunday. Napoli's win also secured the team a top -4 finish, meaning they will make a return to the Champions League following a one -season absence.
Napoli raced to a seven -minute lead through McTominay, who bundled the ball in from close range.
The 28 -year -old doubled the advantage just before halftime striking from around penalty spot from a neat, lofted cross by Matthew Politano, making it his fifth goal in the last three appearances.
Meg Tominei, who joined Napoli in August from Manchester United has now scored 11 goals in his debut Serie A season.
And finally, turning to the NBA, Anthony Edwards scored 43 points and Minnesota Timberwolves rallied late for a win over Los Angeles Lakers in game four of the Western Conference Quarterfinal Series in Minneapolis.
Edwards grabbed nine rebounds and dished out six assists for the Timberwolves who ceased a 3 -1 lead in the best of seven series.
Elsewhere Miles Turner scored 23 points as one of eight players in double digits, and Indiana Pacers took three one first round series leads with the convincing 1 -29 to 1 -0 -3 road victory over the Milwaukee Bucks.
All right, thank you very much. That was Yang Guang with sports just ahead in culture and entertainment the 20th China Huabiao film awards in Qingdao experience the musical classics of the east mingle with the masters of Chinese music music talks witness the sound of antiquity and modernity 53 minutes past the hour.
Turning to culture and entertainment in Togo.
A jazz festival is giving emerging artists a platform to showcase their talents.
Among those making a splash is a musician who organizers say is crafting her own unique path in the genre.
Caroline Bai has more.
Foli Nedi a classically trained singer with a love for opera and gospel is a rising voice you need to hear.
Asheri Hasis for the Togo Jazz Festival it's obvious that she brings a unique style to traditional Togolese music making her talent fresh and exciting in the country's music scene.
When she takes to the stage at the Togo Jazz Festival, performing tunes infused with African and global influences, her vocal prowess leaves a lasting impression.
She receives a standing ovation and cheers from the crowd, leaving her emotional.
Foli Nedi isn't just an artist who sings as she pleases.
No, she musters the art of singing and her stage presence.
Not to mention her vocal power.
34, she is exceptional, it's truly something to appreciate.
It was magical, I had an engaged audience, some danced, some sang with us, I was overjoyed to participate in it.
For organisers of the Jazz Festival, artists like Nedi represent a much -needed positive shift in Togo's music sector.
The role of festivals is to give artists a platform to be known by audiences.
Women play a significant role in the music industry, but they are not always visible.
But for us, we give considerable importance to female artists and managers, which is one of our core missions.
Like many musical festivals across Africa, the Togo Jazz Festival plays a crucial role in nurturing talent.
And for emerging performers like Nedi, the attention and support she has received has been overwhelming.
After performing at the festival, she has gained more followers and plans on taking her music internationally.
That was Caroline Byte reporting.
The 20th China Huobiao Film Awards has lit up the city of Qingdao, celebrating the best in Chinese cinema from 2022 till 2024.
Big winners included Jung Yimou's Article 20 and the sci -fi blockbuster The Wandering Earth 2, which also earned Guo Fan the outstanding director award. Jung Yi took home Best Actor for Endless Journey, while Kara Y won Best Actress for Love Never Ends.
Animated hit noja 2 grabbed a special contribution award after smashing global box -office records since its Chinese New Year debut.
The event highlighted 20 Award winners across 11 categories from feature films to animation, showcasing the latest trends in Chinese filmmaking.
A digital art exhibition on the ancient shoe civilization has kicked off in Macau centering on the Sanxingdui and Jinsha cultures in southwest China.
The exhibition features ultra -high definition films, interactive installations, and close -up displays of ancient artifacts, bringing the mysterious world of ancient shoe to life through cutting edge 12k technology and immersive storytelling.
The over 500 square meters of LED screens recreate the natural landscapes and daily life of the ancient civilization.
The exhibition runs until June 24th.
The Twist singer, Chubby Checker, pop star Cindy Lauper, and rock band Soundgarden are among the acts chosen for induction this year into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
American Idol host Ryan Seacrest announced the 2025 inductees during the ABC singing competition show on Sunday.
Others selected for the Rock Hall in Cleveland included English rock group Bad Company, hip -hop act OutKast, rock and blues singer Joe Cocker and garage rock duo The White Stripes.
The artists will be inducted during a ceremony that will stream live on Disney Plus from Los Angeles in November.
We're at 57 past the hour, checking the forecast before we go for the day.
Beijing's down to 11 degrees this evening, it's cloudy and 32 degrees Celsius on Tuesday.
Nanxiang is at 18 overnight, then clouds in 28.
Elsewhere in Asia, Islamabad's down to 19.
It's sunny and 40 on Tuesday.
That's it for this edition of the Beijing Hour.
Making news today, China says it has sufficient policy tools to help achieve this year's economic and social development goals.
And China's moving forward with a bill to support the private economy.
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.
The Yellow River is so noble and elegant.
Both my grandpa and dad made the living from the river.
Would you like to move away from the Yellow River?
I don't think I will, I love it so much!
The Yellow River, the second longest river in China, is regarded as a shaping force in the history, economy, and culture of northern China.
Today, about 100 million people live within its water basin, making up nearly 9 % of the country's population.
How is climate change felt at its headwaters, and what are the locals doing to cope with it?
What are the descendants of the boatmen doing?
What has kept some people from leaving their home village by the river, and what has drawn others back?
Could the fading fishing community revive in the time of digital transformation?
From 2021 to 2024, our reporters visited the upper, middle and lower reaches of the Yellow River, talked to the herders, farmers, boatmen, fishermen and eco -activists who share a close bond with the river, and present their stories in pictures, podcasts and videos.
Or in our 12 -part series, The Yellow River Mosaic, available only on CGTN radio.
