Get the unmissable news stories of the day.
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. Tian Lu with you on this Monday, July the 7th, 2025.
You're listening to The Beijing Hour, coming to you live from the Chinese capital.
On today's program, Chinese Premier Li Cheng calls on BRICS nations to be the vanguard in advancing global governance reform.
China observes the 88th anniversary of the Lugo Bridge incident which marked the start of Japan's full -scale invasion and the beginning of China's nationwide wall of resistance.
And a Chinese naval fleet's visit fills Hong Kong residents with pride for motherland.
In business, China unveils plan to boost the domestic service industry.
In sports, the latest on Wimbledon.
In culture and entertainment, a Chinese adaptation of Mozart's celebrated opera.
Now checking today's top stories.
Chinese Premier Li Cheng says BRICS countries should strive to become the vanguard in advancing global governance reform.
He made remarks at the session on peace and security and reform of global governance at the 17th BRICS summit in Rio de Janeiro.
row. Premier Li called on the bloc to safeguard world peace and tranquility and promote the settlement of disputes.
He said BRICS countries should uphold independence and self -reliance and play a greater role in building consensus and synergies.
The premier added that they should also focus on development, bolster the drivers of economic growth, foster inclusiveness and advance exchanges and mutual learning among civilizations.
Leaders taking part in the meeting said BRICS countries should enhance solidarity and coordination, defend the UN Charter, uphold and practice multilateralism, and further promote common development, global governance, and lasting peace and prosperity.
On the first day of the summit, the leaders discussed topics including geopolitical conflicts and rising trade barriers.
Lucrezia Franco has more from the Brazilian city.
against a backdrop of uncertainty bricks leaders are gathering this sunday and monday in rio de janeiro for talks focused on global security and trade chinese premier lichang arrived having held a bilateral meeting with brazil's president lula da silva on saturday the two strategic partners agreed to cooperate on using artificial intelligence to improve agriculture production in both countries.
Lula also invited China to join an initiative to protect the world's forests.
Without naming the United States, Brazil's president opened the meeting with a warning, saying multilateralism and sovereignty are under attack.
Hard -won achievements such as the climate and trade regimes are under threat.
In the wake of the worst health crisis in decades, the global health system is facing an unprecedented assault.
Absurd demands over intellectual property still restrict access to medicines.
International law has become a dead letter, along with the peaceful resolution of disputes.
Lula continued calling for Israel to halt its actions in Gaza and for the creation of a Palestinian state.
State. He also denounced the violation of Iran's territorial integrity.
Just as he said, he denounced the violation of Ukraine's territorial integrity.
NATO's recent decision is fuelling an arms race.
It seems easier to allocate 5 % of the GDP to military spending than to deliver the promised 0 .7 % for official development assistance.
This shows that the resources to implement the 2030 agenda do exist, but they are unavailable due to lack of political will.
It is always easier to invest in war than in peace." Lula finished by saying the only path forward is through dialogue, and once again offered the UN Friends of Peace group, which was created by Brazil and China, as a vehicle for mediation of the conflicts.
A second afternoon session included the heads of state from the ten BRICS partner nations and focused on strengthening multi -lateralism, trade and the ethical use of artificial intelligence.
Wrapping up the first day of the summit, BRICS leaders released the Rio Declaration, a joint statement positioning the bloc as the voice of the Global South, advocating for inclusiveness, sustainability and the world order grounded in international law.
That was Lucrezia Franco on the BRICS Summit in Brazil.
Egypt is seeking to expand cooperation with the BRICS grouping of emerging economists, which it sees as a key platform for economic development and strategic partnerships.
Mohamed El Shaimi is the Egyptian Public Enterprises Sector Minister, Speaking with CGTN ahead of the 17th BRICS Summit in Brazil, the minister outlined active partnerships with fellow BRICS members.
This membership has boosted Egypt's economy.
The bloc has also opened up new export markets for Egyptian products.
With China, we are partnering in auto manufacturing, including electric vehicles and buses through Al Nasser Auto Company, alongside collaborations in textiles.
With India, we have a joint fertilizer venture and tourism agreements with an Indian hospitality group.
Similar partnerships also exist with the UAE.
The minister emphasized Egypt's strong commitment to working with other member states to help achieve its long -term development goals.
Egypt officially joined the bloc back in early 2024.
For more on the BRICS summit, Pandan spoke to Professor Zhu Jiejin from the School of International Relations and Public Affairs at Fudan University.
How important is the BRICS platform and the outcome of this time's summit as a boost to the Global South's voice in global governance reform?
Yes, global governance reform is the mandate and the core mission of the BRICS since its beginning.
In this year's Rio summit, global governance reform is the first priority agenda in the summit.
summit, mainly talk about the United Nations, the International Monetary Fund, the World Bank and the WTO, this mainstreaming international organization reform.
On the United Nations, this year is the 80 -year anniversary of the United Nations.
Where does the UN go forward?
So it depends on the member countries, including the BRICS and other countries.
We should cooperate to push the reform of the UN.
Including last year, the UN hosted the summit of the future and its outcome document, the Pact for the Future.
We should implement the agreement on the International Monetary Fund, IMF.
We should keep the IMF at the center of the global financial safety net.
On the other side, we should increase the voice of the global south and the emerging markets and the developing countries.
And also on the World Bank.
The World Bank should talk more about the poverty reduction, on the climate change, on the digitalization.
At the same time, the World Bank should increase the voice of the developing countries.
WTO now this year is its 30 -year anniversary, but at the same time, WTO is in crisis.
the BRICS countries and other countries, we should cooperate to push the WTO reform and also increasing the voice of the developing countries.
And also some new BRICS members, they are applying for the membership of the WTO.
So we should push this reform process.
Professor, in recent years, more countries have joined BRICS and even more countries are now applying for full membership.
Tell us how has the internal mechanism of BRICS has evolved to accommodate better coordination?
Yes, now more and more global south countries have joined the BRICS.
The BRICS is more attractive in the global south.
With the new members joining, the BRICS internal mechanism is more important.
Now, currently, I think two sides are important.
On one side, the BRICS, we should emphasize the BRICS spirit.
That's why we BRICS, why the BRICS, we come together for the global governance reform, for the spirit of the open, inclusiveness, democracy, equality, mutual respect.
We should emphasize this BRICS spirit.
The new members, when they join the BRICS, they should allow all the internalization of the BRICS spirit.
Secondly, on the other side, we should emphasize the BRICS institutional beauty.
Including this year in Rio, we are talking about establishing a BRICS database.
This database is to collect the BRICS documents and background information.
Next year, India will host the BRICS summit.
So how to transfer this year's Rio summit documents to next year, the BRICS data set, database will play an important role.
That was Professor Zhu Jejin from Fudan University sharing his insight on the BRICS summit.
it. Coming up, China observes the 88th anniversary of the Lugo Bridge incident, which marked the start of Japan's full -scale invasion and the beginning of China's nationwide war of resistance.
read podcast platforms and get ready to dive in.
Now it's 11 minutes past the hour.
Monday marks the 88th anniversary of the Lugou Bridge incident, which marks the start of Japan's full invasion of China and the beginning of China's whole nation resistance war against the Japanese aggression.
The incident happened when Japanese troops attacked the Chinese soldiers at the Lugou Bridge in Beijing on July 7, 1937.
The Museum of the War of Chinese People's Resistance Against Japanese Aggression in the Chinese capital held a ceremony on Monday to mark the occasion.
Nearly 600 people attended the event, including relatives of war heroes, students, government officials and military personnel.
Director Cai Qi of the CPC Central Committee General Office delivered a speech at the ceremony.
He urged the efforts to carry forward the spirit of the resistance against Japanese aggression.
A themed exhibition titled Full National Liberation and World Peace also kicked off on Monday.
It showcases over 1 ,500 photographs and more than 3 ,200 cultural relics offering a panoramic presentation of the Chinese people's 14 -year War of Resistance.
A Chinese veteran and witness recalls the incident that took place 88 years ago.
Liu Jiasheng has more.
Breeze sweeping off the river, sunlight shining over the street.
Wanping County cannot get any more peaceful.
Years ago, it was the scene of a brutal war.
Zheng Fulai was 7 years old at the time.
I woke up with the sound of gunfire.
I thought it was a military drill when the gun stopped firing.
I fell asleep again.
The next day, I was about to go to school when my father stopped me and said, no need to go to school.
We are at war. Centenarian Guo Yusheng was a soldier in the Chinese army when the incident happened.
We had to fight back.
Before the war, Japan was carrying out intensive military drills in Beijing.
We were patriotic soldiers and we did not want them to be there.
And when it comes to the scars of war, everyone has a story to tell.
Our weapons were not as good as the enemy's.
We just had rifles and machetes, they had planes and cannons.
When you are a soldier, it's like death follows you everywhere.
You can die at any time.
I had a playmate called Xichun Zi.
He was three or four years older than me.
He was shot in the belly by a projectile on the street and taken to the hospital, where he later died.
Zheng Fulai has spent almost all his life telling young people about the war.
He says the younger generations should know about their country's past and what people have been through.
With a history of more than 800 years, the bridge has witnessed conflicts, wars and changes over time.
Today, it still stands, as if to tell us not to forget the heavy history and to remind us that peace does not come easily.
That was Liu Jiaxin reporting.
For more details of the Lugo Bridge incident, here's Wang Mengjie.
On July 7, 1937, Japanese troops stationed near Lugo Bridge or Marco Polo Bridge On the outskirts of Beijing demanded entry to nearby Wenping County on the pretext of searching for a missing soldier.
The Chinese military rejected the order and the Japanese bombed the county seats and the bridge, triggering China's full -scale resistance against the Japanese invasion.
Japan has historically blamed China for the escalation of the war, claiming that China fired the first shot.
These distortions are even included in revised versions of middle school history textbooks in Japan.
The facts can be wiped out in textbooks, but proof speaks for itself.
In 2023, a 25 -minute video was released.
It showed things such as the Japanese troops' movement and Japanese invaders patrolling the walls in Wanping County.
According to historical records, the number of Japanese troops in Beijing doubled in just four months in 1936, leading up to the Lugo Bridge incident.
Japanese scholar Asushi Kotatsu also told reporters recently that the incident was a self -directed event by Japanese invaders.
Following the incident, the Chinese nation entered a phase of full -scale resistance in which over 200 major military engagements and nearly 200 ,000 smaller -scale battles occurred between Chinese and Japanese forces.
Over 35 million Chinese soldiers and civilians were killed or wounded, but they didn't stop fighting.
The resilience and determination of the Chinese military in a civilian population underscored the Chinese nation's firm commitment to safeguarding national sovereignty and independence.
By examining events leading up to and following this incident, we can learn from history and cherish the peace that was paid for with tears and blood.
That was Wang Mengjie reporting.
A Japanese scholar has uncovered a document reviewing the evidence of how Japan silenced anti -war voices and concealed the truth to master the support for its war against China.
The then -Japanese militarist government invoked laws to suppress anti -war speech. Seiya Matsuno is a researcher at the International Peace Research Institute of the Meiji Gokuin University.
He found a document compiled by the Hiroshima District Prosecutor's Office.
It listed 33 cases of people in Japan arrested for sharing first -hand information about the war or opposing the invasion.
Those targeted were not only Japanese citizens, but also Chinese and Korean people living in Japan.
Matsuno revealed the arrest of a 28 -year -old Korean driver who arrived from Shanghai after the Lugo Bridge incident and was reported for recounting what he saw.
His remarks were recorded as follows.
News in Japan doesn't reflect the truth.
The fighting in Shanghai is fierce.
Japanese troops have suffered heavy casualties.
The Yangtze River is filled with their bodies.
I've transported dead soldiers by truck.
There were so many we couldn't cremate them all.
Some were left out for days.
Japanese planes never shot down a single Chinese aircraft. In reality, China has the upper hand.
Their fortresses are solid.
The Japanese army can't break through.
The Korean man shared these comments with just a few people in places like small inns, then was reported.
He was simply speaking the truth about Japan's struggles in the war, but the militarist government saw it as subversive and arrested him.
The scholars said the government also used those cases as reference to tighten control of speech in the Japanese society.
These records were widely circulated within Japanese government agencies and used to control speech. It was clearly a time of fear, no freedom of expression, only militarist propaganda, a truly dark chapter in Japan's history.
He said only by confronting past mistakes can a lasting peace be built and that Japan must remember the importance of its pacifist constitution amid the geopolitical conflicts.
We've revisited history to prevent such tragedies from happening again.
In today's global climate, Article 9 of the Japanese constitution stands as a powerful reminder of its commitment to never wage war again.
This year marks the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression.
Coming up, a Chinese naval fleet's visit fills Hong Kong residents with pride for motherland.
Welcome to Climate Watch, the podcast that brings you the latest on climate change, energy and sustainability, all in under 30 minutes.
Each week, we speak with global experts, from energy policy pioneers to wildfire historians, uncovering the stories that matter most. Climate Watch is your go -to source for insightful, inspiring conversations.
Tune in to Climate Watch on your podcast platform and let's navigate the path to a sustainable future together.
A powerful display of China's naval strength has steered deep national pride among Hong Kong residents as the country's first domestically built aircraft carrier docked in the city for a five -day public visit.
The arrival of the Shandong aircraft carrier makes its first ever public visit to Hong Kong and the first time the ship has opened to the public since entering service.
I'm so excited to be here today.
It shows all the youth in Hong Kong the development of our motherland, greatly inspiring our new generation as future torchbearers of our nation.
Our nation is now strong and people live in peace, which allows us to join the high -quality development in a better way.
After seeing this, I'm so excited.
it enabled us to see our national strength, especially its military power.
We're definitely the best, and I'm so thrilled about it.
I was so moved, especially when our People's Liberation Army Navy soldiers sang patriotic songs with us, waving flags together on the deck.
I'm truly thankful for everything they've done to protect our country.
It was really touching.
Throughout the visit, the naval fleet engaged in a variety of activities, including a deck reception, ship tours, training demonstrations, national defense lectures, and cultural exchanges.
Over the period, more than 30 ,000 people toured the naval vessels.
Gaza's health authorities say a new round of Israeli airstrikes killed 18 more Palestinians and injured over 300 others.
The strikes hit about 130 sites in Gaza.
Over 6 ,800 Palestinians have died and over 24 ,000 have been injured since Israel resumed military operation in Gaza on March 18 after a brief ceasefire.
Israel issued an evacuation order for Hanunis in southern Gaza on Sunday.
Ramin Ameghari reports.
In a new fresh ground Israeli airstrike, a shulter school in Gaza City's western part of Al -Shateh refugee camp to the west of the city was reportedly hit by an Israeli airstrike.
Reports suggest that a number of people have been killed so far and others have been injured during this Israeli airstrike on a sheltered school in Gaza city's al -Shata refugee camp.
This is not the first Israeli airstrike.
A series of Israeli airstrikes, bombardments, have hit various parts of the Gaza Strip since the early morning, claiming the lives of at least 35 Palestinians in the territory, mainly in Khan Yunis, to the south of the Gaza Strip, Mawasi area, the coastal area, and also east of Khan Yunis, which is now designated by the Israeli army as a rid zone for Israeli army's operations over there.
A number of those, eight of them, were killed During getting some aid supplies on the location of the Gaza humanitarian foundation, that is a U .S. NGO backed by Israeli army, a large number of those killed are women and children and civilians who are said to have been paying a high price for Israel's actions against Hamas.
That was Rami Amoghari in Gaza City.
Palestinian sources say the first session of indirect ceasefire talks between Hamas and Israel has ended without a deal.
They say the Israeli delegation did not have a sufficient mandate to reach an agreement with Hamas during the talks in Qatar.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says he believes talks with U .S. President Donald Trump this week could advance progress towards a ceasefire deal.
The two leaders are meeting at the White House on Monday.
Jonathan Regev has more from Tel Aviv.
Egypt and Qatar are putting all of the pressure on Hamas in order to make sure this happens.
And the same goes for the United States with the Israeli side.
It is true that Israel defined the amendments being brought up by Hamas as unacceptable.
Analysts and officials are saying that the fact, just the mere fact that a delegation did make its way to Qatar, That's enough to show that these are gaps that can be narrowed, that can be bridged, and eventually an agreement can be achieved.
The hope, the main hope, was for the agreement to be officially announced on Monday afternoon in Washington, D .C., during the meeting of President Donald Trump with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
We are awaiting the official confirmation regarding the hour.
As far as we understand, it is meant to happen at 18 .30 local time in D .C.
That's 10 .30 p .m. GMT. It's quite a tight framework of time remaining to bridge the differences.
So not sure it will eventually be presented during that meeting.
But this is what both sides want.
Now, what's Jonathan Rega reporting?
reporting. Palestinians in Gaza are struggling to receive supplies from Israel and U .S.-backed food distribution centers.
U .S. contractors have been reportedly firing live ammunition at civilians, with some Palestinians describing the distribution sites as death traps.
Nadra Al -Tibi spoke to some of the witnesses and survivors at a hospital in Gaza City to find out more.
We are now at Nasr Hospital in Khan Yunis City in the south of Gaza Strip.
This one of the few hospitals are still operating under a minimal capacity with the ongoing heavy bombardment.
This hospital has become a primary receiving point for the patients and injured who are trying to access to the U .S. humanitarian points, the so -called safe non -governmental humanitarian points backed by Israel.
The World Health Organization reported more than hundreds of people, Most of them, women and young boys, were being treated for injuries injured in their chest, knee, and head.
According to the medical staff teams at Nasser Hospital and the victims' friends and families, confirmed that the aid seekers are exposed to a dangerous situation when they are attempting to obtain some food boxes from the aid distribution centers.
according to the Ministry of Health in Gaza Strip that the total number is rise to more than 50 ,000 people were killed and more than 133 ,000 people were injured.
Since the beginning of the conflict between Israel and Hamas, the aid seekers in Gaza are facing a catastrophic, dangerous situation as the Israeli army and the American companies are still shooting and open its fire against them.
I was on my way from our home to the aid distribution area.
On the way, I was shot in the leg and after that, I lost consciousness.
My friends gave me first aid and took me to the hospital.
When we reach the aid points, we become like piles of flesh on top of each other.
It takes immense suffering to get the aid.
As we leave, the Americans and the Israelis open fire on us and throw grenades.
The artillery shells also start raining down and people are killed.
My son went to the American aid site because of the lack of food and water.
What they call American aid is not aid.
It's a massacre of the Palestinian people.
As you can see, all the wounded around us came from that site.
It's a trap for the Palestinian people.
They want to eliminate the rest of our children.
I forbade my son from going, but he went anyway, and now, as you can see, he's lying here injured.
The Americans open fire and sit at the Israelis.
They crowd people together, and then shoot at the first sign of movement.
Most of the gunfire is direct.
These so -called aid zones are in fact clear and deliberate execution zones for people just trying to find a bite of food for their children.
I came here from the north, I travelled a distance of 50 kilometers.
You can't just enter directly, you have to wait while tanks open fire and there's a chance you could be hit.
Then when we arrive, the Americans let us in like dogs and throw the aid to us.
Some manage to grab it, others don't, and people push and shove.
They sprayed me with pepper spray, An American sprayed it directly in my face, and I couldn't see for half an hour.
There was a report on the attacks on Palestinians receiving supplies at Israel and U .S.-backed aid distribution centers in Gaza.
That's 29 minutes past the hour, checking the forecast before the break.
Beijing is down to 24 on Monday evening.
Tuesday was the Sunday showers with a high of 31.
In China it's 30 tonight, then sunny and 37.
In Zhejiang province, Wenling city is 22 tonight, then heavy rain and 27.
in Fujian Province, Ningde City is 27 tonight, then moderate rain and 36 degrees Celsius.
It's time for a short break.
So Tianlu with you, stay with us here on the Beijing Hour.
Shhh, 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 And right there, in the midst of all Beast 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 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.
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. Hello with you on this Monday still to come.
In business, China unveils plan to boost the domestic service industry.
In sports, the latest on Wimbledon.
In culture and entertainment, a Chinese adaptation of Mozart's celebrated opera.
To contact us, you can email radio at cgtn .com or follow our ex -account at cgtnradio.
But first, checking today's headline news.
Chinese President Xi Jinping has sent a congratulatory message to David Teva Kerbu, a governor -general of the Solomon Islands, on the anniversary of its independence.
China and the Solomon Islands established diplomatic relations in 2019.
In 2023, bilateral trade volume reached around US $540 million, the two sides also cooperating in areas such as tourism, security and health.
Monday marks the 88th anniversary of the Lugo Bridge incident, which marks the start of Japan's full invasion of China and the beginning of China's Whole Nation Resistance War Against the Japanese Aggression.
The Museum of the War of Chinese People's Resistance Against the Japanese Aggression in Beijing held a ceremony to mark the occasion.
Director Cai Qi of the CPC Central Committee General Office delivered a speech at the ceremony.
He urged the efforts to carry forward the spirit of the resistance against the Japanese aggression.
A themed exhibition titled for National Liberation and World Peace also kicked off on Monday.
It showcases over 1 ,500 photographs and more than 3 ,200 cultural relics, offering a panoramic presentation of the Chinese people's 14 -year war of resistance.
The Lugo Bridge incident broke out in Beijing on July 7, 1937, marking the start of Japan's full invasion of China.
Typhoon Dennis has made landfall on the west coast of Taiwan Island.
The tsunami dumped torrential rain, triggering floods and landslides late Sunday night.
The typhoon forced evacuation of nearly 3 ,000 people, mostly in mountainous areas near the southern port city of Kaohsiung.
While water levels in Taiwan have since receded, coastal provinces on the Chinese mainland are ramping up preparations.
Fujian has suspended some passenger trains.
In Zhejiang, some cities have halted flights and evacuated those from island areas.
China has pushed back against US President Donald Trump's claims that BRICS nations promote anti -US policies.
This comes as Trump threatens 10 % new tariffs on BRICS member states at the group's summit concludes on Monday.
Beijing calls BRICS a platform for open cooperation for emerging markets and developing countries.
It also warns trade wars have no winners.
The Brazilian president has called for a renewed commitment to multilateralism and inclusive global governance.
Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva addressed the second plenary session of the 17th BRICS summit in Rio de Janeiro.
He emphasised the need for reform of international financial institutions, particularly in the International Monetary Fund, to better reflect the interests of emerging economies.
He also spotlighted BRICS' ongoing efforts to create more secure cross -border payment systems. While unilateralism creates barriers to trade, our bloc is working to develop faster, cheaper, and more secure cross -border payment systems. This will boost our flow of trade and services.
Leula also called for fair and equitable global governance of artificial intelligence.
He hailed the adoption of the Declaration on Artificial Intelligence Governance by BRICS members, warning against AI being monopolized by a handful of powerful actors.
Originally formed by Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa, BRICS now also includes Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Indonesia and the United Arab Emirates.
The bloc has also established a new category of strategic partners encompassing 10 countries, including Belarus, Cuba and Vietnam.
U .S. President Donald Trump says Washington has reached new trade deals with some trading partners, while others will soon receive formal notification of increased tariff rates.
Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick confirmed that the higher tariffs are set to take effect on August 1st. The president is setting the rates and the deals right now.
The president is right in the midst of discussing all sorts of deals with all sorts of countries and I'm going to be with him when he makes that decision.
The move follows Trump's early announcement in April of a base 10 % tariff on most countries with the possibility of higher rates reaching up to 50 percent depending on the country and goods involved.
While the base rate was initially scheduled to take effect broadly in July, the White House delayed the implementation of the higher tariffs, applying them only selectively starting July 9.
Latinx's latest comments suggest a further three -week reprieve.
The decision reflects Trump's ongoing efforts to renegotiate U .S. trade relationships, with the White House framing the higher tariffs as leverage to secure better terms. Coming up in Business, China unveils plan to boost the domestic service industry.
37 minutes past the hour, turning to business, here's Wang Ziha.
Thank you, Tianlu. Stock markets on the Chinese mainland closed mixed on Monday.
The Shanghai composite almost remained flat, while the Shenzhen component was down 0 .7%.
The advertisement, marketing and real estate services shares led the gainers.
Elsewhere in China, the Hong Kong stock market ended lower on this trading day.
The Hang Seng index decreased over 0 .1%.
In Japan, the Nikkei lost almost 0 .6%.
China has released a plan to expand the domestic service industry as part of its broader efforts to promote all -round rural revitalization.
The The plan aims to increase supply in the domestic service sector, stimulate consumer demand in the sector and improve people's livelihoods.
The plan outlines 14 specific measures, including encouraging rural workforce participation in the domestic service industry, enhancing vocational training and strengthening social security for rural labourers.
China had nearly 300 million rural migrant workers at the end of 2024.
The domestic service sector, which is a key driver of employment, now employs more than 30 million professionals.
Over 1 million enterprises in the sector generate a market size exceeding 1 .1 trillion yuan, or around US $153 billion.
After a month of trial operations, the largest Legoland ever at opening has debuted in Shanghai.
The day also marks the start of the Shanghai Tourism Festival this year.
Situated in Jinshan District, the park is expected to reach 55 million people living nearby.
Chen Tong explored the venue.
Covering a total area of 318 ,000 square meters, this is China's first Lego theme park.
Exciting, huh? We are now standing at the world's largest Legoland in Shanghai.
This is the world's largest minifigure.
The July heat is not stopping Isoceastic tourists from enjoying the park.
They flocked in on the morning of opening day.
Some live in Shanghai and others traveled from many other cities.
Additionally, foreign tourists have traveled from across the globe to experience this massive park.
I really enjoy Chinese theme parks, and I was really excited to get a ticket for the opening day of Legoland.
I came to Shanghai specifically for Legoland.
I'm first time in Legoland, and I'm very, how to say, extremely awesome.
Take the reservations for Legoland Shanghai for July have now reached the top five for the city's most popular scenic spots.
And as of the end of July 4th, hotel reservations in Shanghai's Jinshan district, where the parks located, are now 3 .5 times higher year on year.
Not only Lego, Harry Potter Studio Tour is also expected to open in Shanghai.
Shanghai and Pepepeak are also expected to open a theme park here.
And Shanghai is expected to become a wonderland for fans of theme parks.
It's estimated that there are some 400 theme parks in China, which makes the country the second -largest theme park economy in the world.
An amusement exhibition held in Shanghai at the end of June, industry insider said such huge market potential is a reflection of the vitality of the Chinese economy.
economy. People want to have a good time.
People want to have fun.
And people want to go out with their friends, with their family, with colleagues, to really have a good time and forget about the daily issues of life.
And this is where we see China developing really, really well.
With the summer holiday have already started, the demand for theme parks is only expected to grow larger.
Data from China's travel bookings at qinar .com, shows that theme park bookings this summer summer holiday have jumped by seventy percent from the same period last year.
That was Chen Tung in Shanghai.
For more on this topic, Zheng Junfeng spoke with Du Jiaye, a research fellow at Shanghai University of International Business and Economics.
What factors are driving travel demand during this year's summer vacation?
Yes, this summer China's cultural tourism market is not just booming, it's evolving From packed museums to night festivals, the country is witnessing one of its most vibrant travel seasons.
Behind the scenes lies a powerful combination of domestic demand recovery, policy stimulus, and experience -driven consumption.
Local governments have gone beyond simply opening attractions.
They've become active in tourism -driven growth.
In many regions, cultural festivals are now packaged with free shuttle buses, consumption coupons and digital booking platforms. Technology has changed how people travel, from AI -powered travel guides to immersive AI experiences at historical sites.
Digital innovation is enhancing how stories are told and remembered.
China's tourism economy is undergoing from price -driven mass tourism to value -driven cultural consumption.
Shanghai's newly opened Legoland is proving to be a big hit.
It's on the headlines, too.
What role can the country's theme park play in promoting domestic tourism?
Because in Shanghai, there's already Disneyland.
There's another smaller Disneyland in Hong Kong.
There's Universal Studios theme park in Beijing and many smaller ones around the country?
Yes, I think Legoland is a very great case study in how theme parks are resharpening travel habits, boosting local economies, and redefining what vacation means for more than Chinese families.
Theme parks are not merely attractions.
They are ecosystems. They bundle leisure, cultural, retail, and hospitality vitality into one tightly curated experience.
Zine parks are becoming anchor assets in urban tourism planning.
In places like Shanghai, Shenzhen, Zhuhai, they are strategically located to support wider tourism clusters linking in nearby hotels, shopping centers, and transportation hubs.
The economic impact is substantial.
potential. Zimparks generate jobs, attract private investment, and create ripple effects across industry, from catering and design to digital entertainment.
They also bring in repeat visitors, thanks to seasonal events, correct branding, and IP -driven content.
That was Ju Jiayi at Shanghai University of International Business and Economics sharing sharing her thoughts on this year's summer travel and tourism trends in China.
Now, Briggs has launched a Customs Centre of Excellence in East China to support deeper economic and trade cooperation among member states.
The centre in Xiamen is part of the China -initiated Smart Customs Cooperation Partnership Programme.
It aims to promote technological development and innovation in customs among Briggs countries, foster customs customs modernization, and digitalization and bridge the digital divide to better address global challenges.
The center has launched a website and a capacity -building platform, while also showcasing China's experience to support coordinated customs development among BRICS countries.
A Chilean economist has warned the country's salmon exports will decrease US tariff policy.
Christian -Andres de Laogado is a researcher at San Sebastian University.
For Chile, the US is a key customer for the salmon industry, accounting for 40 to 50 percent of our exports.
Salmon is a product with a highly elastic market, so when tariffs are imposed, it naturally triggers early buying by customers.
But eventually, this leads to a decline in overall export volume.
We estimate that salmon exports will drop by 10 % to 15 % this year.
Chile exported nearly 100 ,000 metric tons of salmon to the U .S. in the first five months of the year.
A study in April by the San Sebastian University and an industry association showed that Chilean salmon exports accounted for 55 % of the American salmon market.
The 10 % tariff announced by the US could potentially reduce Chile's salmon exports by over US $570 million.
The 31st China Lanzhou Investment and Trade Fair is underway in the northwestern city, attracting over 2 ,000 domestic and international enterprises.
Participation has surpassed previous fairs with representatives of over 20 nations including Germany, Spain and Malaysia.
The fair has four exhibition zones covering international Silk Road cooperation, regional exchange and featured industries of Gansu province.
The exhibition showcased products across various fields including equipment manufacturing, biomedicine and data information.
Indonesia is the guest country of honour at this year's fair sending 16 enterprises to present the country's food, handicrafts and a traditional fabric dyeing technique called batik.
The fair has secured deals for over 1 ,180 investment projects Thank you very much. That was Wang Ziheng reporting.
Coming up in sports, the latest on Wimbledon.
Sideline Story brings you all things sports related.
The hottest topics, latest events, juiciest stories, all with a very personal take.
Subscribe to Sideline Story podcast. for heated sports discussions covering events that are happening in China and around the world.
Thank you Tianlu. In tennis, defending champion Carlos Alcaraz staged a thrilling comeback to defeat Andre Rublev and book his place in the Wimbledon quarterfinals.
After dropping the set with a 14th seed, Alcaraz showed his trademark resilience, converting key break points in the 2nd and 3rd sets before closing out the match with another decisive break in the 4th.
It is a different kind of tennis this year on Wimbledon because I think it's a different feeling.
For me, it's a little bit slower, the balls are a little slower, so it's kind of a different feeling before the French Open.
So right now I'm just trying to get that feeling that I'm just really proud and happy that I got today, just much better than the previous matches and hopefully keep it going and feeling even more comfortable.
El Caroz will next face Cameron Norrie after the Briton edged past the Chile's Nicolas Jerry in a gruelling five -set marathon. On the women's side, world number -one arena, Sao Balanca overcame a spirited challenge from Alice Merton's winning in street sets.
Yeah. I mean, today I definitely felt all the support.
And it was so amazing playing and feeling the support.
And I didn't have to pretend that they were cheering for me because they were really cheering for me.
And I mean, what can be better than that?
that, I really enjoyed that and I really hope that it can stay the same all the way and they're gonna help me energy wise to stay strong and to face all of the challenges." The Belarusian now with only top six seeds left in the women's draw will go on to face Laura Sigmund.
In table tennis, China's Sun Ying shot bounced to the second round of the WTT US Smash Women's singles in Las Vegas on Sunday, defeating Australia's Liu Yangzhi in a hard 4 -5 game battle.
Sun took the opener 11 -7, holding off a late charge from Liu.
The Australian bounced back in the second, racing to a 6 -1 lead and holding firm to level to match with an 11 -6 win.
Sun regained control in the third, cruising to an 11 -4 victory, but Liu responded with an 8 -1 start in the fourth and matched the scoreline to force a decider.
In the final game, Sun stepped Under pressure, leading 6 -4, she forced the timeout from Liu and then surged ahead with four straight points before sealing the match 11 -4.
With the win, Sun Yingsha moves on to the round of 32, where she will face Egypt's Hana Golda.
McLaren's Lando Noiris thrilled home crowd with his first ever win on British soil and rain -affected Formula One British Grand Grand Prix on Sunday.
His teammate Oscar Piastri was handed a 10 -second penalty for electric driving while leading behind the safety car.
Behind McLaren pair Nico Hülkenberg delivered a sensational drive to take third for Sauber, marking the Germans' first podium in 238 starts and the team's first top -three finish since 2012.
right moment made no mistakes and yeah quite quite incredible.
In the constructor standings McLaren extended its lead at the top with 460 points more than double that of second place Ferrari with 222 while Mercedes holds third on 210.
The 13th round of the F1 season is the Belgian Grand Prix at Spa on July 27th.
And finally in football and the 2025 CFA team China At China's Shenyang Peace Cup international tournament, China's U -16 men's team edged Uzbekistan 2 -1 thanks to a stunning late winner from Zhou Yunuo.
Both sides scored in the first half.
Their deadlock remained until the 88th minute.
When China capitalized on a second -chance opportunity from a corner, Zhou firing home a brilliant long -range strike to seal the vain and keep China's title hopes alive.
With the draw against Japan in their opener and now a win over Uzbekistan, China sits second in the standings with four points.
In today's other match, South Korea beat Japan 2 -1 to make it two wins from two and move on to the top of the table.
China and South Korea will battle for the title on Tuesday.
Thank you very much. That was Yang Guang with sports just ahead in culture and entertainment, a Chinese adaptation of Mozart's celebrated opera.
The best military commander is not he who fights 100 battles and wins every one of them.
The best military strategy does not lead to the desiccation of the enemy's capital city.
Decoding the Art of War will help you understand why there's no art in war and how Shunzi stayed undefeatable using the science of war with fun stories and insightful breakdown of famous battles.
Find Decoding the Art of War wherever you listen.
Now it's 52 minutes past the hour.
The Ministerial Meeting of the Global Civilization's Dialogue will open in Beijing this Thursday.
This year's theme is Safeguarding the Diversity of Human Civilizations for World Peace and Development.
Over 600 participants from around 140 countries and regions have registered to attend the event.
A Chinese adaptation of Le Nozze di Figaro, one of Mozart's most celebrated operas, is set to return to the stage at the National Center for the Performing Arts next week.
first performed at Vienna in 1786, with Mozart himself conducting, the work has become a timeless masterpiece of classical opera.
The National Centre for the Performing Arts' original 2013 production received critical acclaim and box office success and now returns to captivate a new generation of audiences.
CGTN's multimedia exhibition on the Tang Dynasty architecture is drawing international audiences at the 2025 Osaka World Expo As Taobin reports from the China Pavilion history comes alive through cutting -edge digital innovation resonating with visitors from around the world Visitors from Japan and around the world transported back in time by CDT's digital exhibition On display, the splendor of Tang Dynasty timber architecture through recreations from Fuoguan Temple, Daming Palace and ancient Chang 'an, once located near what is now Xi 'an.
This is much more than just a digital show.
Bringing Tang Song cultural masterpieces to global audiences through digital technology, these exhibitions forge innovative pathways for cultural promotion and dialogue.
Which is particularly significant when it comes to China's relationship with Japan, says Fang Wei, China's deputy consul general in Osaka.
These exhibitions shows the unique value of Chinese culture, reflect the open spirit of Chinese civilization and reveal the deep connections in the shared cultural history of China and Japan.
Truly, we're cultural cousins and civilization partners.
In Osaka, the CGTN exhibition uses AI -based animation and 3D modeling to provide international visitors with an interactive experience of Tan -era grandeur and elegance.
So here in this place we can not only see it on the screen, touch it with our hands, and we can also wear a VR glass to get ourselves immersed in the history and feel the art.
Through the VR glasses, the east hall of Fuguang Temple materializes with striking realism and meticulous detail.
I just enjoyed very much all the different types of the presentation, made by digital technology, all the architecture, and very precisely articulated.
Also, it represented very well, so it was very informative.
Also, as well it was kind of a joy to look at it, maybe in a well -designed way.
Alongside the architecture exhibition, exhibition, paintings dating back to the Song Dynasty, are also on digital display, opening new windows into China's centuries -old artistic legacy.
The vibrance of these works shows that cultural heritage has the power to transcend national and cultural boundaries.
That was Tao Bing reporting.
The cities of Fuzhou and Beijing will co -host the 2025 China -US Youth Choir Week kicking off this Wednesday.
The opening ceremony in Fuzhou will bring together that nearly 1 ,000 Chinese and American participants celebrating friendship, cultural heritage, and peace through the universal language of music.
Twenty -two youth choirs from both countries will take part.
The event is part of China's initiative to invite 50 ,000 young Americans to visit over five years aimed at strengthening people -to -people ties and fostering mutual understanding.
A highlight of the week will be a special joint concert at the Fujian Grand Theater on Friday evening, where Chinese and American choirs will perform together.
Now it's 57 minutes past the hour, checking the forecast before we go.
Beijing is down to 24 on Monday evening, then sunday showers with a high of 31.
Nanchang is 30 tonight, tomorrow will be sunny and 37.
In Zhejiang province, Wenling city is 22 tonight, then heavy rain and 27.
In Fujian province, Ningde city is 27 tonight, then moderate rain and 36.
Elsewhere in Asia, Islamabad is 25 this evening.
Tuesday will have moderate rain with a high of 30.
Vientiane is 24 overnight, then moderate rain at night 29.
Phnom Penh is 25 tonight, then slight rain at 32 tomorrow.
It's time for this edition of the Beijing Hour.
Making news today, Chinese Premier Li Qian calls on BRICS nations to be the vanguard in advancing global governance reform.
form. China observes the 88th anniversary of the Lugou Bridge incident, which marked the start of Japan's full -scale invasion.
On behalf of the staff, this is Tianlu 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.
We meet you on podcast and on air every weekday.
The Beijing Hour, your window on China and the rest of the world.
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 would.
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 boatman 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 a 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.
All in our 12 -part series, The Yellow River Mosaic.
Available only on CGTN Radio.
