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This is the Beijing Hour.
Examining the events that impact and shape China and the rest of the world.
This is the Beijing Hour, one hour of news and information brought to you every weekday.
Now here's your host. Shane Bigum with you on this Monday, May 5, 2025.
You're listening to the Beijing Hour coming to you live from the Chinese capital.
On today's program, the Chinese president will pay a state visit to Russia, and mark 80 years since Victory Day.
China's rail network has carried over 100 million passengers during the May Day holiday period.
Israel vows stronger measures against the Houthis in Yemen following a missile strike at Ben Gurion International Airport.
In business, the closing day for the 137th Canton Fair.
In sports, China's record -extending win at the Suderman Cup.
In culture and entertainment, China's brand new tourism experience is an offerings during the May Day holiday.
Now checking the day's top stories.
Chinese President Xi Jinping is paying a state visit to Russia this week and attending celebrations for the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Great Patriotic War.
His triple lasts from Wednesday to Saturday.
The Chinese foreign ministry says the leaders of the two countries will discuss bilateral relations, and hold strategic talks on international and regional issues.
The ministry says the two presidents agree that Beijing and Moscow should safeguard the post -World War Two order, defend international fairness and justice, and unite the global south to lead global governance in the right direction.
Russian President Vladimir Putin says reliable ties with China strengthen the stability of the world.
Today's Russia -China relations are not just anti -taught.
They have profound strategic significance.
Why? First of all, it is because the national interests of our two countries are aligned.
We are neighbors, and it is necessary to establish a good relationship.
This factor is beneficial to the development of both countries.
Today, Russia -China relations are functioning very effectively, especially at a time when the world's turmoil is not decreasing but increasing.
The relationship between Russia and China is so reliable and stable that it strengthens the stability of the world.
The Russian presidential office said President Xi and President Putin will hold bilateral talks on developing partnerships and strategic ties.
Sinologist Yuriy Tavrovskiy says China and Russia are facing an unprecedented expansion of mutual collaboration on many levels.
Alexei Milankovitch spoke with the political commentator on the state of China -Russia relations.
I met Yury in his typical Moscow classical apartment.
A lot of books are in the cabinets of his study.
Many are in Chinese and many books are about China.
Yury has written nine books about China.
And here Yury shows me his latest work.
In that book, among other things he attributes the expansion in trade between China and Russia to the Chinese leader.
Why is that so? Say three years ago our trade volume was about $100 billion.
And then in the year 2023 it jumped to 240 and stayed on this level because there was a political decision.
So, we have this combination of economic factors, natural factors and political factors.
That's why I'm sure that, in the upcoming years, our relations will be developing very well.
Yet, that expansion doesn't come without some challenges.
Another problem in the Russo -Chinese trade is logistics, because the volume of trade grows so quick that existing railways, gas pipelines, highways – they are not sufficient.
We are constructing new infrastructure.
Very soon it will be ready.
According to Yuri, the two countries shared a similar vision of the world and seen Russian relations that can be summarized in a single sentence.
I think that there is ancient Chinese saying, who are booting together, but different.
This is about Russian -Chinese relations, Russian civilization and Chinese civilization is not the same.
We are not very similar.
As Chinese say, we are always together and we always help each other.
So it's he or butong.
Sinologist Yuri Tavrovsky summing up China -Russia relations with a Chinese idiom.
This year marks the 80th anniversary of the Allied victory in World War II and the founding of the United Nations.
We asked experts how much has changed since 1945.
Former adviser, John Peng from the Malaysian Prime Minister's Office says the threats have not disappeared.
Fascism and colonialism, a related phenomenon, did not just end after the second world war with the defeat of Japan, for example, and with the decolonization of Southeast Asia.
And the proof of that, is the behavior of the West right now.
What you're seeing is reaction and sometimes a kind of feeling and ill -considered self -harming reaction to the loss of supremacy.
It didn't just magically go away with U .S. victory.
In many ways it persisted and it continued.
It took a new financialized form.
Professor Spiros Kitsoulis at the American College of Greece believes that global unity is more critical now than ever.
If there is one lesson learned, it's that war is always possible.
Even if we think that this is irrational or far from us, history shows that it's not that far.
The United Nations is the best hope we have. China's been calling for support for the United Nations' role in international affairs.
And Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi attended BRICS meetings in Brazil last week and urged member countries to aid UN agencies in their operations in order to create conditions for political settlement of differences.
Coming up, China's railway travel records strong numbers over the May Day holiday.
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At seven minutes past the hour.
China's rail network says it's carried more than 100 million trips during the May Day holiday.
A 10 .5 % increase. Travelers made nearly 20 million trips on Sunday.
Traffic authorities expect the number to exceed 21 million on Monday as people travel back to work at the end of the five -day break.
Big cities such as Beijing, Shanghai, Xi 'an and Wuhan are busy travel hubs, and highways are also anticipating a peak before the toll -free policy ends late Monday.
Meanwhile, the Holiday Box Office crossed the 700 million yuan mark on Monday afternoon.
Many cinemas offered discounts to attract visitors.
Museums across China have also been a major tourist draw over the holiday.
These institutions are harnessing technology to create immersive experiences that allow visitors to connect with different cultures.
Visitors can also choose souvenirs at the museums and take a piece of the past with them.
Xiaotui Hsui visited one in central China.
Wow, just moments ago, I was transported thousands of years back in time, stepping into the very heart of the ancient Mayan city -states.
This is the Rainforest Mysteries, an exploration of the Maya Civilization Exhibition.
I saw the feathered serpents, the Mayans, and their pyramids.
Thanks to the technology, I can interact with the history and get to know the main civilization.
This is not the only VR exhibition at Hona museum.
In fact, virtual reality tours and immersive experiences are becoming increasingly common in museums across China, making history more accessible and interactive and engaging, allowing visitors to step directly into the past. Instead of flying code and steel in display cases, artifacts are transformed into vivid, dynamic images or even fully immersive environments.
During the Labour Day holiday, our museum has been exceptionally popular based on our reservation data.
We've raised the daily ticket cap to 15 ,000 and all five days are fully booked.
The demand has been overwhelming.
Chinese museums are experiencing unprecedented surge in popularity, particularly among younger generations.
No longer just quiet repositories of artifacts.
They're evolving into vibrant cultural hubs.
Technology is playing a transformative role in this shift, while another major driver is the growing appeal of museum branded merchandise.
A few years ago, we only offered a few hundred products, mostly bookmarks and fridge magnets, but now we have thousands of items that are much more fun and interactive too, with blind boxes, snacks, drinks and more.
Museums are more than just guardians of culture.
They are emerging as powerful engines of consumer potential.
Looking ahead, many say that they will continue to breathe new life into the the market through creative merchandise, themed dining, cultural tourism and immersive digital experiences so that they can appeal to the younger generations.
That was Xiaorui Shui on new ways to explore museums in China.
Hainan Province is taking advantage of the May Day holiday to stage concerts, music festivals and other cultural and sporting activities.
The southern island is also issuing coupons for flight and hotel bookings until the end of June.
Shao Peng from Sansha Satellite TV takes a look at the festive vibe.
Flights from Malaysia and Singapore have arrived in Hana's capital city of Haikou.
A total of 167 passengers quickly passed through customs clearance with assistance of border inspection officers.
We came to Sanya this time as part of a company team -building trip.
China's visa -free policy is very convenient and customs clearance process was very smooth.
A series of activity sessions, a summer lawn concert and the food and music cultural week focusing on yingge dance, part of China's intangible cultural heritage, were also staged.
We came here at 2pm picnicking, camping and soaking up the May Day holiday vibe, when their cultural tourism is doing a great job.
Sanya City has launched a Giveaway initiative, volunteers at Sanya Phoenix International Airport, railway stations and duty free stores hand out fresh coconuts directly to visitors.
I'm a student in University of Sanya.
I'm so happy to participate in this activity, which is send out coconuts for free when I see the smile on visitors face and feel my job is very good.
Sanya's Night's Life also offers immersive experiences through a variety of activities.
I am from Brazil, and this was the best carnival I have ever seen.
Brazil has a lot of carnivals, but this was the best one of all.
Because of the music and the dancers.
Finishing this one gave me a real sense of accomplishment.
It felt like a personal breakthrough.
In Dangil, a dazzling fireworks display and bustling fireworks -themed market have filled the vibe.
We came from Heiko with our kids for a phone trip and unexpectedly witnessed this ground breathtaking display.
The scale was beyond imagination.
Through a wide range of festive events Hainan is present as tropical characteristics to tourists and locals alike.
That was Xiao Peng on holiday celebrations in Hainan province.
We asked Shanghai Jinqiao college vice president Jin Yu Chen about the surge in spending on entertainment and tourism and he says it reflects a shift in people's interests.
Gene also hopes the stronger consumer confidence will convert into long -term economic gains.
This is a clear signal of consumer confidence, and these numbers definitely highlight the resilience of the Chinese consumption story.
I mean, this May Day holiday saw a staggering over 1 .4 billion trips booked over the course of five days.
this is happening at a time of global market uncertainties.
And why is this happening?
Because China today has a very unique consumer base that is tech savvy, that is experience -driven, and you look at the growth is basically across the board. It's not just the trips that's being booked.
It's also the box office revenue that we're talking about, that we're seeing during this Labor Day holiday.
and it is also the experience -driven trips that are being planned.
So today's Chinese consumption story is very different because China has one of the largest middle -class groups in the world, and we're seeing this population growing over the years and it's becoming younger and tech -driven.
And that's why we're seeing the experience -driven activities booming in this market and hopefully this consumer confidence will translate into investor confidence because you cannot find a market like China elsewhere.
Ajin says events such as the Canton Fair also adapted to the new trends in development to demonstrate China's determination in opening up.
Chinese mobile payment app LE Pay has reported a 180 % increase in consumption by international tourists during the holiday.
Zambian tourist Suwanji enjoyed shopping in China.
The consumption experience in China is really, really great.
Not only is the price and the quality of the goods guaranteed, but also the price is very, very reasonable, which makes my trip to China with a lot, lots, lots of memories.
International visitors can now get instant tax refunds for their purchases.
Data from online travel agency Trip .com shows that this new policy's resulted in a 173 % increase in the number of inbound orders.
A restaurant chain in southwestern China employs only the hearing impaired.
Zheng Song -Wu went to one of the restaurants in Sichuan province to see how they make it work.
How can people order food if staff members in the restaurants are hearing impaired?
Why is it important for them to find jobs and how do they work?
This is one of the chains of restaurants that offer customers healthy food and these restaurants have helped over 40 hairy impaired individuals find employment, empowering them to view them not different from others and reminding them they're valued members of society.
All this was made possible by a young man named Lei Guan Shuai who recognized a bias against the hairy impaired due to perceived low communication efficiency during job hunting and felt a strong sense of responsibility to help.
We simply wanted to help some hearing impaired people around us earn a living, and to help them find employment.
Our starting point was a very simple idea.
All staff members in the restaurants are hearing impaired individuals from across the country.
They work in all areas from management, cooking, to delivering the cooked food.
I'm asking, what do you think of working here?
She says she is very happy to work here, and she is getting along very well with his teammates.
The customers can order food by scanning the QR code on the tables or online.
Guangxuan has always believed that individuals with hearing impairment are exceptional and have their own unique strengths.
I believe they are very excellent.
They have high efficiency and their own principles, which are the qualities that the food industry needs.
Once the working environment is comfortable, they wouldn't resign and they love the job.
They also work harder to share expertise with the new staff members.
Guan Zhai hopes the restaurants can be more than just his career.
He envisions them as platforms where the hearing impaired can learn valuable skills, contribute to society and lead fulfilling lives.
Now it's Jeong Song Woo on restaurants in Sichuan offering the hearing impaired an opportunity.
Coming up, Israel vows a strong response to a Houthi attack.
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Nineteen minutes past the hour, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says Israel will take strong action against the Houthis following a missile attack that targeted Israel's main international airport.
The Yemeni group said it'll continue to launch missiles at airports as part of its air blockade against Israel.
The Houthis claim responsibility for an attack that hit a driveway leading to the main terminal of Ben Gurion Airport in central Israel.
Israel's army confirmed it was the first time a missile struck airport grounds since this round of conflict began.
Jonathan Regev has more from Ben Gurion Airport.
Another missile was fired from Yemen, as has happened many times before, only this time the missile was not intercepted.
Two different interceptors were fired towards that missile from Yemen, one is an Israeli arrow missile, the other an American THAAD, and both missed the missile fired from Yemen despite being tracked.
As soon as it left Yemen, the missile was able to fly the 1 ,400 miles or so landing in the premises of Ben Gurion airport and the impact was very well felt in the main terminal, in the tarmac, in the runway, and shortly after that, various foreign airlines such as United and Delta from of the United States, British Airways, the Lufthansa Group, which also encompasses other European airlines.
All of them have announced that they are suspending flights to Israel.
The flights are suspended for a period of 48 to 72 hours.
Israel made a very big effort to bring back all those foreign airlines.
Many of them did not fly to Israel for months and months exactly due to these kind of things, due to the missiles that were fired towards Ben Gurion Airport towards the Tel Aviv area.
And it was very difficult and took a lot of time to bring back most of the foreign airlines.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Yisrael Katz, both of them setting out the threats to the Houthis, saying that whoever hits Israel should expect to receive a much stronger retaliation, a much bigger strike.
And while there is demand for an Israeli action in Yemen, it is really unclear how effective it can be.
We know that the Americans are hitting Yemen night after night after night.
Something that the capabilities of the Americans with their aircraft carriers being right there in the area, their capabilities are bigger than the Israeli ones.
Israel is located some 1400 miles away.
So how much can what can Israel do that the United States is not doing?
It is not exactly clear.
As Jonathan Rigaev reporting, a senior Israeli defense official says the military is issuing tens of thousands of call -up orders for reservists, as it prepares to intensify the offensive in the Gaza Strip.
The chief of the general staff said they're increasing pressure to defeat Hamas and bring back hostages.
The official said the military will destroy all militant infrastructure in Gaza, and the reservists will serve in other areas, including the northern border and the West Bank.
Israel's three -month blockade of aid deliveries has pushed Gaza hospitals to the brink of collapse, health ministry official Bassam al Hamadini says they're days away from running out of resources.
We are now about three days away from completely running out of fuel inside hospitals.
That is because the occupation of the Israeli army is preventing international and UN organizations from accessing diesel tanks, which are known to be located in Israeli military zones.
The Hamas -run media office says Israel continues to block baby formula, nutritional supplements and humanitarian aid, leaving more than 70 ,000 children hospitalized for severe malnutrition.
Rami Amigari has more on food prices in Gaza.
The food situation in Gaza is getting desperate by time as people are unable to get some basic essential supplies, including the flower people in the market say that a flower, a bag of a flower, is sold for more than about $300 ,000 or $400 ,000 U .S. dollars.
This is a very skyrocketing price, with people's inability to buy those goods and commodities, where the starvation is looming over the whole region, while the aid is not entering the Gaza Strip for several weeks now and there is no possibility for this aid to come by international pressure as Israeli media reports suggested that Israel is considering a plan of its own within two weeks or three weeks from now while Israeli operations, Israeli army operations continue on a bit in the territory." That was Rami AlMaghary reporting from Gaza City.
Pakistan's speeding up the distribution of rations to residents in regions bordering India.
Islamabad's anticipating an attack from New Delhi as India blames its neighbour for a deadly attack in a tourist region.
Daniel Khan visited a village near the front line preparing for a possible escalation.
Located near the line of control in Pakistan, administered Kashmir.
Chakoti is used to being on the front line of conflict, and once again, residents are preparing for the worst. I'm at the border village of Chakoti.
Just 2 kilometers from the line of control, 60 families live on edge watched day and night by Indian army posts perched high on the surrounding hills.
Beneath them lie 30 concrete bunkers not far from their homes, a stark reminder that here the threat of war is never far away.
In this remote corner of Hazak -e -Kashmir, the silence is deceptive.
Beneath the calm, fear brews as tensions between India and Pakistan escalate, two brothers, part of a family of five, clear out their underground bunker, last used in 2019.
One of them, Adeel Ahmed, says, when the shelling starts, they all squeeze into the small space.
There are just two bunkers for 50 people.
That's the line of control.
India's up there in the mountains, and we're down here in the line area which makes us a lot more exposed.
Across Chakotri, villages are bracing for more - hauling straw, fixing wooden beams and readying emergency supplies.
The Pakistani government has asked residents to stockpile rations for at least two months.
These bunkers, about 3 meters wide and just as deep, are the residents' only refuge.
Sometimes the firing lasts for three, four, even six days.
That's why we've stocked up with a month's worth of supplies, food, water, bedding, everything we might need.
Adeel's younger brother Ebrai tells us it's how to focus on schoolwork when explosions rackle their village.
They've announced that schools will be closed for ten days since we're so close to the LOC.
It's really tough for students.
Sometimes the fighting starts right in the middle of our exams and we just can't focus or study properly.
Pakistan says nearly 1 .5 million civilians live along the Line of Control.
Many can't afford to leave. They're tied to their livestock, homes, and history.
For them, survival depends on what's built underground, and why leaders trade blame and threats.
Families here do what they've always done—prepare, wait, and hope that this time, the war drums way before the shells fall.
That was Daniel Kahn reporting.
California governor Gavin Newsom says the golden state remains open to trade with China, despite the Trump administration's tariffs hurting its economy.
In an interview with Nikkei Asia, Newsom called California a stable partner with China, highlighting agreements signed during his visit to Beijing last year.
He criticized Trump's tariffs, saying they've cost California billions, harmed business and damaged its global reputation.
Newsom stressed that trade isn't a zero -sum game, emphasizing interdependence with Asia.
California, now the world's fourth largest economy, was the first U .S. state to sue the Trump administration over tariffs.
Newsom also distanced California from Washington, calling it the most untrump state and values and mindset.
U .S. President Donald Trump's tariff policies are facing sharp criticism from New Yorkers, who say the so -called reciprocal tariffs are hitting their wallets and shaking economic confidence.
It's infuriating, I mean here we have gone from a super strong economy to one that is on the brink of disaster, it's a totally self -inflicted wound, we don't need to be in this situation.
Our trading partners think we're enemies, it's insane, it's very upsetting.
It gets me upset that some people actually defend the tariffs and how it's being handled.
the customers are going to be paying for the actual citizens.
I think there's a lot of damage that's being created.
We have had a lot of incredible partnerships with other countries, with Mexico and Canada, and I think it's going to cripple our economy.
As daily costs rise and uncertainty deepens, some New Yorkers are rethinking their spending altogether.
Because I've been really nervous about the tariffs.
I actually bought a bunch of things before the tariffs came into place.
It is affecting me in that I'm not buying anything because I don't want to see how terrible the tariffs are.
I don't buy the things that I assume are most effective, affected which are vehicles and you know, higher price stuff.
I try not to consume that much. So I have, I don't really buy a lot of items other than daily necessities.
All tariffs are going to do is raise prices and I mean, any businesses that are created in the United States will also raise prices because that's why we buy from overseas is because it costs less to buy from overseas.
Showing up in the grocery stores, the prices have gone up.
It's quite ridiculous because I know during Christmas time, everything is going to be very expensive.
While the White House defends the tariffs as a move to boost American business, many U .S. citizens remain unconvinced.
29 past the hour. Checking the forecast ahead of the break and Beijing's down to 11 degrees Monday evening.
It'll be cloudy in 23 on Tuesday.
Nanshong's at 20 overnight, then clouds and 30 elsewhere in Asia.
Islamabad's 18 this evening, then sunny and 33 degrees.
Vientiane's down to 25 and then a slight rainfall in 36.
Phnom Penh's 24 overnight, then rainfall and 34 degrees Celsius.
It's time for a short break.
So far, this hour, the Chinese president will pay a state visit to Russia and mark 80 years since victory day.
The China's rail network has carried over 100 million passengers during the May Day holiday period, and Israel vows stronger measures against the Houthis in Yemen following a missile strike at Ben Gurion International Airport.
Shane Begum between stay with us here on the Beijing hour listen up can you hear the heartbeat of our world it's vibrant and pulsating with the essence of life itself.
From the stem of trees to the gurgle of rivers, from the silent strength of 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 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 here from African diplomats entrepreneurs academics Chinese natives and more get on our wave every week to find out what's real with China Africa Talk.
Find us on your favorite podcast, we'll see you there.
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 Negham with you on this Monday.
Still to come in business, the closing day for the 137th Canton Fair.
In sports, China's record extending win at the Suderman Cup.
In culture and entertainment, China's brand new tourism experiences and offerings during the May Day holiday.
To contact us, you can email radio at cgtn .com or follow our ex -account at cgtnradio.
But now with a check of the day's headlines, here's Tanyu.
Thank you, Shane. Yemen's Houthi rebels say they launched a hypersonic missile at Israel's Ben Gurion Airport on Sunday, the first time a projectile has landed on airport grounds since the Gaza war began.
The missile struck open ground near an access road, briefly halting flights and causing panic among passengers.
Director General Udi Bar -Oz of Bangorion Airport says they are working on all fronts to minimize flight disruptions.
We along with the Ministry of Transportation provide them with all the necessary information 24 -7, so there will be minimal disruption to the flight schedule in the coming days.
At the same time, the Ministry of Transport is conducting assessments to examine all possible scenarios for the coming days.
Despite efforts to resume operations, several foreign airlines canceled flights.
Wies just told us that they've canceled the flight.
Although the flight coming in is going to land, but the flight going out they're no longer gonna do flights to London.
They canceled it. They gave us no alternatives.
So, I had to find an alternative flight for tomorrow.
So I'm not gonna be at home tonight at London.
I'm supposed to go back to Paris today and Air France canceled their flights.
I am afraid it is going to be very difficult today to go back to France because all European carriers from what I see on the information have cancelled.
Lufthansa have cancelled, Swiss have cancelled, Brousser, so no connection is possible.
The Israeli prime minister vowed strong retaliation, saying Israel would do what it takes to protect its security.
The Houthis said the missile was launched in response to what they called Israeli crimes in Gaza.
Iran has rejected accusations by U .S. and Israeli officials of its involvement in attacks on Israel by the Houthis in Yemen.
The Iranian Foreign Ministry also condemned the U .S. military attacks on Yemen as a violation of the UN Charter and International Law.
The statement came after the Houthi group announced an air blockade on Israel.
The group said this was in response to Israel's decision to expand its operations in Gaza.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has spoken with his Pakistani counterpart and offered to help in resolving tensions between Islamabad and New Delhi.
Lavrov's conversation with Ishaq Dar took place two days after he spoke with the Indian Foreign Minister.
He also called for settling differences between the two neighboring countries during that conversation.
Suspected militants killed 26 people in a tourist destination in Indian -controlled Kashmir last month.
India and Pakistan have exchanged fire in the border region and accused each other of terrorist attacks.
Pakistan also claims it has intelligence of an Indian attack soon.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky says a ceasefire with Russia is possible at any time, renewing cause for a 30 -day pause in fighting first proposed by the US.
He was speaking during a visit to Prague in response to Russia's announcement of a planned 72 -hour ceasefire before May 9th to mock Victory Day.
Zelensky also met with Czech President Peter Pawel to discuss military aid, Ukrainian security, and plans to train Ukrainian pilots abroad.
The visit comes as Ukraine and Russia are preparing for another summer of intensified fighting.
The Sudanese army has reported a drone attack on a military airbase near Port Sudan Airport by the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces.
This was the first attack by the RSF to reach the eastern port city, which has been serving as the government's headquarters since the conflict erupted 2 years ago.
There were no casualties, but property damage.
And finally, Rwanda says it is in early stages of talks to receive immigrants deported from the United States.
The United Nations Refugee Agency warned there's a risk some migrants sent to Rwanda could be returned to the countries they fled.
Kigali denied the allegations.
US President Donald Trump launched an immigration crackdown and deported a resettled Iraqi refugee to Rwanda last month.
The East African country has had an agreement with Britain to take in asylum seekers before Prime Minister Keir Starmer scrapped the deal last year.
The Beijing hour, your window on China and the rest of the world.
36 past the hour. In business, stock markets in most parts of Asia are closed on Monday due to the holidays.
The markets will reopen for trading on Tuesday.
Monday marks not only the last day of the May Day holiday but also the final day of the third phase of the 137th China import and export fair, or Canton Fair in Guangzhou.
Teng -bo has more on the highlights of the fair from the southern Chinese city.
The Third Phase is all about the theme Better Lives including five sections with 21 exhibition areas, featuring 284 companies from 30 countries and regions.
And you'll be able to find everything from toys and maternity products to fashion, home textiles and leisure items. Over 12 ,000 exhibitors are showcasing their offerings at the Third Phase of the Canton Fair.
And it's worth noticing that the American buyers are actually not absent from this Canton Fair given the tariff policies imposed by the Trump administration.
They said that they have longstanding partners in China for so many years so it is impossible for them to cut the connections immediately and they say they heavily rely on China's manufacturing industries.
The first two phases of the Canton Fair are brought together more than 220 ,000 buyers from 219 countries and regions.
That's a new record. And in the third phase, exhibitors are rolling out thoughtful and customized products, for example, there are these kind of zippers that need to have designed to be opened by both hands for security reasons, and they are ergonomic bathroom products created to make life easier for the elderly.
So it's all about providing solutions that can really help improve people's everyday experiences?
And the organizers of the Fair, the China Trade Center, said that they have been supporting foreign trade companies by waiving booth fees in the rural revitalization areas and reducing booth fees by 50 % for other export exhibitors.
And this year's Canton Fair also organized 49 local trade delegations to create this kind of a database of high quality enterprises.
It aims to optimize the process of selection process of the exhibitors.
So as to allow more enterprises to participate can turn fair.
Many foreign tourists say China's instant tax refund policies have enhanced their shopping experiences in the country.
Tourists need to spend at least 200 yuan, or $2750 US, in a single store to qualify for a refund.
The maximum cash refund limit increased to 20 ,000 yuan.
International travelers can receive immediate cash refunds in yuan after completing credit card pre -authorization procedures, signing the necessary agreements.
Some international shoppers are praising the policy.
It's very nice. It makes you so happy that you want to buy some more.
For foreign tourists, it will be better to get a lot of money back.
Tax refund system here in Chengdu is a great system.
If you go you can go buy pretty much anything you want and then come back here to the counter, get some money, yeah.
New policy has also boosted inbound consumers spending during the May Day holiday.
Ren Li is the manager of the Departure Tax Refund Store at a museum in southwest China, and she says visitors are more willing to spend money thanks to the tax refund policy.
Our products like bookmarks, fridge magnets, and blind boxes are very popular among overseas tourists.
The reduction in the tax refund threshold from 500 yuan to 200 yuan is sure to further stimulate the purchasing desires of foreign visitors.
Visitors at the museum's tax refund shop can easily qualify for a tax refund by purchasing just two or three items as most products are priced between 30 and 100 yuan.
Data shows the number of inbound tourist arrivals in China increased by 40 % in the first quarter.
Washington's 25 percent tariffs on imported auto parts took effect on the weekend of added pressure on Japan's auto industry.
Tokyo says the move is extremely regrettable as concerns grow over jobs, exports and local economies.
Chun Yong -boi has more from Tokyo.
Last Saturday, U .S. President Trump's administration imposed an additional 25 % tariff on imported key auto parts in another blow to Japan's car industry, already slapped with the same rate of tariffs on automobiles.
Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Shiba described the new tariffs as extremely regrettable, and said Japan would continue to demand that they be reversed.
Automobiles are a core Japanese industry with an extensive supply chain for parts makers.
There is concern among the country's parts makers that the new U .S. tariffs could have a huge impact.
Data from Japan's finance ministry showed that the country's auto parts exports to the U .S. stood at 1 .23 trillion yen or about $8 .5 billion in 2024.
The amount accounted for almost 6 % of Japan's total exports to the U .S., the second biggest item after automobiles.
A recent survey by the influential Nikkei business newspaper of 44 major parts makers found nearly 70 % exported products to the U .S. and will face a greater burden from the new tariff.
Some partsmakers are considering shifting production to the US or other places in response to the tariffs, following the same steps of some major Japanese automobile manufacturers.
The auto industry supported 5 .6 million jobs in Japan, just under 10 percent of the country's workforce.
The government is concerned that if post makers also move production out of Japan, local economies in the country could suffer.
Japan and the U .S. has agreed to hold an intensive series of ministerial meetings on the tariff issue, starting in mid -May.
One major cabinet official told Japanese media that he understands that the two countries see next month's G7 summit as an opportunity to announce an agreement.
But he added that many uncertainties remain because U .S. President Trump has frequently shifted his position on tariffs.
As Chun -Yang Bai reporting.
Many industry insiders in Europe say the latest U .S. tariff hikes have negatively impacted local industries.
The steel sector's reported losses amid Washington's 25 % tariffs on all steel and aluminum imports.
European Steel Association Director General Axel Eger says other steel exports to the US have plummeted since the tariffs started.
So we have lost one million tons.
We are talking of a value of around 2 billion euros which we have lost. And that of course leads to capacity reduction and job losses in Europe.
Eger says the US tariffs go beyond mere trade disputes to present strategic challenges to Europe's industrial framework.
The US is the second largest export market for steel producers from the European Union, accounting for 16 % of total steel exports last year.
The tariffs have also cast a shadow over the wine industry in Italy.
Natalia Wine Growers Association says revenues could fall by over 320 million euros or more than 360 million US dollars per year due to the levies.
Alberto Scirani is the third generation heir of a family winery and he have expressed concerns about the impacts of Washington's 20 % tariffs on EU goods.
Before the tariffs, if you sell the one for $10, the maximum price you can sell at the restaurant is going to be $50.
In the middle of the different stages, I'm talking about duties and shipments and importers and distributors and many other factors that are going to change the price.
Before tariffs it was going to the restaurant for less or more than $50.
Now, with 20 % of tariffs, it's going to go up to $60 a bottle.
The winery exports over 90 % of its production to the United States.
Many insiders are hoping that the EU will find a solution to the tariff challenge and support their industries.
An industry insider in Brazil says the country's beef exports are feeling the pinch of the latest U .S. tariffs.
Paulo Mustafaga is the executive president of a Brazilian organization of slaughterhouses, meat processing, and export companies.
He says they're taking a wait -and -see approach regarding Washington's tariff policy development.
I believe the global economy is currently in a period of high uncertainty.
Everyone is still observing the follow -up development of U .S. tariff policies because we are unclear about how these policies will evolve, what the final outcome will be, and when this issue will be resolved.
he adds that China's become an important market for Brazil.
We hope to continue offering high quality products at competitive prices under favourable conditions to meet the needs of Chinese consumers and the market.
Without a doubt China is our most important market and co -operative partner.
We wish to continue to be a reliable supplier and sustain the strong co -operation between Barcelona and Brazil, that has lasted for many years.
Brazil exported nearly 2 .9 million tons of beef last year over 1 .3 million tons went to China, accounting for over 40%.
Now you're listening to the Beijing Hour.
Coming up in sports China's record extending win at the Suderman Cup.
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47 minutes past the hour in sports now starting with badminton defending champion China's beat South Korea three to one in the final of the Suderman Cup to capture our record extending 14th title in shaman.
Having won the last three editions China came to the game as one of the biggest favorites against four -time winner South Korea.
The hosting nation got off to a winning start from World No. 2 mixed doubles pair Feng Yanzhe and Hong Dongping, who recovered from a second -game blip to beat the South Korean duo.
In the women's singles, World No. 1 and Olympic champion An Se Young levelled the tie by beating World No. 2 Wong Jiri in two games.
China went up 2 to 1 after men's World No .1 Shi Yuqi crushed Jun Hyuk Jin in just 33 minutes.
Shi said was satisfied with his performance in the final.
I prepared well, I made good form during recent matches, and against John I just laid down my burden and play my own style on the court, so I think I live up to the expectations of the fans and my teammates in the final.
Women's doubles, China's top ranked pair of Liu Shengshu and Tan Ning, dominated the two games to help China lift the final trophy.
Turning to diving, Chen Jia's claimed gold in the women's 3m springboard at the diving World Cup Superfinal in Beijing.
This is her first -ever world title and it helped China sweep all nine gold medals at the event.
Despite the victory Chen remained humble when talking about that gold medal.
I will continue to train hard because there's still a lot for me to improve on, just be the best that I can be and stay true to the cause.
The 20 -year -old is a rookie at the World Cup and only started with the Chinese national team at the end of last year before making her debut earlier this year.
In the men's 10 -meter platform final, 22 -year -old Zhu Zefeng secured another goal for team China while teammate Cheng Zilong claimed silver.
Zhu was also honored as the best male diver for this season's World Cup superfinal.
In football, Bayern Munich has reclaimed the Bundesliga title.
after Bayer Leverkusen's late comeback wasn't enough in a 2 -all drop against Freiburg.
Bayern, who drew 3 -3 with RB Leipzig on Saturday, couldn't seal the title themselves but Freiburg did it for them.
Maximilian Egstein opened the scoring and Pero and Hincapi with his own goal early in the second half, gave Freiburg control.
Leverkusen, needing a win to stay in the title race, didn't manage a shot on target until the 82nd minute.
Florian Wirtz pulled one back with the strike off the post, and Jonathan Ta headed in an equalizer and stoppage time.
But it was too little too late as the defending champions surrendered their crown.
Liverpool Quesun head coach Shavi Alonso congratulated Bayern after the match. Because of Bayern I think that it deserves a championship.
I think that they were the more constant, the better team in the season, that's why they got the challenge.
so after last year we enjoyed it and this year was gonna be hard. So I think that is what it deserved for Bayern, so congratulations.
It was England forward Harry Kane's first trophy in his second season at Bayern Munich. He broke a league record two weeks ago with his 60th goal in his first 60 league games for Bayern.
He also looked set to become the first player in Bundesliga history to be crowned top scorer in both of his first two seasons.
In the Premier League, Chelsea moved a step closer to securing Champions League qualification with a 3 -1 victory over Liverpool, while Newcastle United slipped in a 1 -1 draw with Brighton and Hovey Albion.
The wind keeps the Blues fifth on the table, and only trailing fourth place Newcastle on goals scored.
Enzo Fernandes opened the scoring for Chelsea in the third minute before a Cole Palmer cross led to a Jerrel Kwanza own goal.
Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk pulled one back later, but palmer sealed it with a stoppage time penalty his first goal since mid -january at brighton newcastle looked set to uh looked set for defeat after yang Kuba mintes first half strike but alexander isaac equalized with an 89th minute penalty his 23rd league goal of the season chelsea and newcastle trail third placed manchester city by one point with three games to go in tennis casper root has captured the 12th clay court title of his career after beating Jack Draper in three sets in the men's singles final at the Madrid Open.
Rudess overcome a rib injury in his semifinal play, but the world number 15 showed few signs of that in the game.
He impressed in the opening set to take a crucial break and win it 7 -5.
Draper came roaring back with his trademark blistering forehand to level the final at a set each, but it was the two -time French Open finalist who edged a third, snatching a decisive break in the six game and pushing on to take the win and his first Masters 1 ,000 title.
Roods says he hopes to keep it going after achieving this big goal.
If I don't bring my AA plus game, I'm going to be whooped around there on the court.
So luckily I played really well.
And, you know, Jack has become, or he is such an incredible player on any surface now.
I mean he's won titles on every surface except for here and then he's already made final here in Madrid.
So it's an incredible year he's having and this is a really good boost for me.
I hope I can keep it going.
Well, despite the defeat, Draper will rise to fifth in the world rankings after a superb start to the season.
Just ahead in culture and entertainment, China's brand new tourism experiences and offerings during the May Day holiday.
Experience the musical classics of the East. Mingle with the masters of Chinese music.
So it's our music talks witness the sound of antiquity and modernity.
Fifty -three past the hour in culture and entertainment during the five -day May Day holiday, tourist attractions across China have launched new tourism projects offering visitors a brand new experience.
Ding Sayuwei has more.
The Wu Yuan ancient village in Jiangxi province is one of the best -preserved ancient architectural sites in China.
Local efforts have intensified in order to protect and restore these ancient buildings, which have become significant tourist attractions.
Li Keng village has welcomed many sketching teams. In recent years, these ancient houses have been restored and transformed by operators into homestays, tea houses, and cafes.
Since the beginning of this year, Wanzai County in Jiangxi has utilized fireworks plus cultural tourism as dual -core engines to stimulate a new night economy in cultural tourism consumption.
The fireworks show at the Wanzai Ancient City synic area ignites the night sky with its dazzling explosions and light performances.
Over 200 drones collide in tandem seamlessly integrating with the fireworks.
Currently the spectacle of the Wanzai fireworks can be seen in dozens of synic spots nationwide.
The Shihai scenic area in Xinhuan County's Sichuan Province is filled with the sound of music as a helicopter soars in the sky amidst the festivities of the Miao Flower Mountain Festival.
This event marks the launch of low -altitude sightseeing tours in Xinhuan County.
It showcases the deep integration of traditional intangibile cultural heritage with modern technology, drawing attention to the May Day Golden Week tourism market.
At a homesday in Lianyungang City, tourists are already checking in at the front desk.
The operator mentioned that this year's May Day bookings have reached 80 to 90 percent with nearly full occupancy.
Alongside homesdays, the demand for scenic area tickets is also heating up.
Suzhou Metro has prepared a spring sightseeing map for tourists, allowing them to explore Suzhou conveniently by Metro.
How is Ding Siu -8 reporting?
Disney and Marvel Studios Thunderbolts has debuted a number one at the North American box office earning an estimated 76 million US dollars over it's opening weekend.
Data from measurement firm ComScore also showed that superhero film performed strongly overseas.
Taking in over 86 million dollars for a global opening total of $162 million through Sunday.
Thunderbolts is the 36th film of the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
It stars Florence Pugh, Sebastian Stan, and David Harbour.
In second place, Warner Bros.
horror hit Sinners added $33 million in its third weekend, bringing its North American total to roughly $180 million and $236 million globally, rounding out the top three.
A Minecraft movie earned $13 .7 million in its fifth weekend, pushing its domestic total to around 400 million dollars.
Morocco's capital has recently seen a boom in luxury tourism.
Five new upscale hotels are under construction in Rabat, adding to a growing list of international brands.
The city blends rich heritage with modern luxury, a combination drawing more visitors and especially from Asia.
The new Four Seasons Hotel Rabat, which was once an eighteenth -century palace, and then a military hospital opened up in October.
The property preserves historic details like carved wooden ceilings, and even offers a suite where guests can sleep in the Saltans' former quarters.
Justo's cyber robot, the Conrad robot's Arzana, overlooks the Atlantic.
It features spa treatments with warm sand and balcony pools.
Official data shows tourism makes up around 7 % of Morocco's GDP.
57 past the hour Beijing down to 11 degrees Monday evening it'll be cloudy in 23 on Tuesday Nanshong is down to 20 and then clouds in 30 elsewhere in Asia Islamabad is at 18 overnight sunny and 33 on Tuesday Bn Tians down to 25 then a slight rainfall in 36 but on pens 24 overnight and then a slight rain and 34 in Africa and there he's getting moderate rainfall in 24 degrees on Tuesday.
Compel is down to 19, then a slight rainfall in 23.
Jube is 23 overnight, then overcast in 34.
That's it for this edition of the Beijing Hour.
Making news today, the Chinese president will pay a state visit to Russia and mark 80 years since Victory Day.
And China's rail network has carried over 100 million passengers during the May Bay holiday period.
On behalf of the staff, this is Shane Bigam in the Chinese Capital hoping you'll join us for the next edition of the Beijing Hour and open a window to the world together.
Find the Beijing Hour at precisely 6pm Beijing time.
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He can't live without the yellow river in his eyes.
The Yellow River is so noble and elegant.
Both my grandpa and dad made the living from the river.
Would you like to move away from the Yellow River?
I don't think I will.
I love it so much! The Yellow River, the second longest river in China, is regarded as a shaping force in the history, economy and culture of northern China.
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?
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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.
