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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 Bigham with you on this Wednesday, October 29th, 2025.
You're listening to The Beijing Hour, coming to you live from the Chinese capital.
On today's program, the Chinese and US presidents will meet in South Korea on Thursday for talks on bilateral ties and common concerns.
Xi Jinping will also attend the APEC meetings in South Korea and pay a state visit in the country.
Hurricane Melissa struck southern Cuba with winds of nearly 200 kilometers per hour.
In business, China's introduced new measures for opening markets to foreign investors.
In sports, the Milan Cortina Winter Olympics have begun their 100-day countdown.
In culture and entertainment.
Former industrial sites in China are now powering a cultural and tourism boom.
Now the day's top stories.
China's announced that President Xi Jinping will meet U.S.
President Donald Trump in Busan on Thursday.
The foreign ministry says the two leaders will discuss bilateral ties and issues of common concern.
President Xi is traveling to South Korea to attend the APEC leaders meeting in Zhengzhou and pay a state visit on Friday and Saturday.
China says it's ready to make joint efforts with the United States for positive outcomes from the meeting between the leaders.
The Chinese foreign ministry stressed the strategic guidance of heads of state diplomacy and said Beijing hopes Thursday's talks will chart a new path for the steady development of bilateral ties.
China also noted its world-leading status in combating drug crimes, saying it's open to work with Washington on the fentanyl issue.
A spokesperson said China hopes the U.S. will take action and create conditions for cooperation.
Host city Zhengzhou, is putting on its best appearance to welcome leaders from APEC economies this weekend.
From the historical landmarks to the energy in its traditional markets, the historic capital is on full display.
Shane Hamm wandered the streets and venues.
Zhengzhou has long been at the crossroads of culture and diplomacy.
This week, the historic capital is preparing once again to welcome the world.
Across Gyeongju.
Final touches are being made as volunteers prepare to welcome guests, putting Gyeongju's spirit of hospitality on full display.
During the APEC summit.
Many visitors from overseas will be coming and I hope they get to experience Yeongju's beautiful cultural heritage and the unique charm of Korea.
Pride runs deep throughout the city, from its picturesque streets to its vibrant marketplaces, like here at Gyeongju's Seongdong Market, where the buzz of APEC resonates throughout daily life.
A lot of people have been visiting lately and the traditional market here has been doing really well.
We're seeing more customers and it's great to welcome so many visitors from abroad.
From ancient temples to traditional markets.
Gyeongju is showing the world what hospitality really means blending heritage, community and pride as it welcomes the Asia Pacific.
This is a tourist city, so people from all over the world come here.
There's so much to see and the night scenery these days is especially beautiful.
Gyeongju's iconic landmarks stand as reminders of a rich past shaping Korea's global future.
And the city is once again making history, this time on the world stage.
That was Shane Hamm on the atmosphere in Zhengzhou ahead of the APEC leaders meeting.
New Zealand Trade Minister Tom McLeay is highlighting APEC's crucial role in fostering international cooperation, particularly at a time of rising protectionism and geopolitical tensions.
Owen Pullen sat down with the minister ahead of this year's leaders' meeting.
McClay said the regional group's power to unite diverse economies and find common ground remains indispensable in today's challenging trade environment.
You recently wrote an article entitled Why APEC Matters More Than Ever.
What was the key message there?
40 of the world's population, almost half of the world's economy, will be meeting together, both ministers and leaders.
We must grab hold of that as a chance, an opportunity to talk about ways to grow trade and not restrict trade.
Because international trade is good for consumers, for consumer choice, but it also grows businesses and grows wealth and economies.
You say that we're living in an era marked by rising protectionism and geopolitical tensions.
What can APEC 2025 realistically do to defuse those tensions?
I think there are opportunities for ministers and leaders to meet bilaterally to talk, as well as collectively to talk about what some of the rules should be and the effect that changes in trade and trade policy can have upon the world's economy as well as individual economies.
So the answer is yes, it can.
Should we expect any very large announcements as a result of APEC?
We will have to see.
But certainly there are a number of bilateral meetings country to country that the world will be watching with a lot of interest.
Two-way trade between China and New Zealand recently topped 40 billion for only the second time in history.
What does that tell you?
Our trade agreement with China is very important to us.
It's one of our most important. economic relationships.
And there are companies in China and New Zealand who have been cooperating together for many, many years.
They have formed very strong relationships where they are mutually beneficial and both sides invest in that relationship because they know that what they offer in their respective countries grows equally.
And so, you know, this is something that we should be very proud of.
It is a significant achievement.
It is underpinned by that free trade agreement.
That was New Zealand Trade Minister Todd McClay on trade with China under multilateral frameworks.
The Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation represents 29 billion people, or 38 of the global population, and drives 60 of the world's GDP.
Nearly half of all global trade flows through this region.
That integration strengthened by frameworks such as the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership.
RCEP trade hit US$5.7 trillion last year.
The group attracts over 30 of global foreign direct investment and the International Monetary Fund projects.
It will contribute nearly a third of global economic growth by 2030.
More than half of China's foreign trade is with APEC economies.
China has been strengthening regional infrastructure through projects like the China-Laos Railway and has established more than 100 science and technology cooperation agreements.
Through platforms like the China-ASEAN Expo, cooperation is shifting from simple trade to full-chain innovation.
China is also contributing to a more sustainable and inclusive future for the Asia-Pacific region through initiatives including Peru's Chanque Port and electric bus systems in Latin America.
We spoke with Professor Liu Baocheng at the University of International Business and Economics about China's efforts to strengthen cooperation on regional connectivity and empower common development.
He's just returned from South Korea after attending the APEC Business Advisory Council meeting.
From the meeting, I read that people have high expectations.
One is that China brings up the special skills and advantage in building all those the infrastructures that can really there to connect people, connect goods and also connect people's mind, even.
And then China is so much willing to share its technologies in the green transition, in the building of the logistic infrastructures and also to link with both the hardware and software in communication, when China is going for high quality development.
And they are also eager to learn about the Chinese experience as how they can really transit from the traditional industries into a new productive landscape in which people can really benefit a great deal.
And many other countries also raised the questions as how China can really share more about the Chinese rural revitalization program, and that's something that many countries are really concerned about, as how to bring the a better solution to narrow the divide between the rural development and also their urban development.
That was Professor Liu Baocheng on China's experiences for APEC members.
China's been South Korea's top trading partner for 21 years, while South Korea is China's second largest.
Trade volume has grown by more than 60 times since the two countries established diplomatic ties 33 years ago.
Behind the trade data lies a new digital trend.
As Hwang Fei finds out, Korean consumers are snapping up Chinese tech and lifestyle products.
Buy, buy, buy.
Once the signature catchphrase of China's shopping craze is now resonating across South Korea.
Here in Seoul, Chinese brands are everywhere from robo-vacuums to smart gadgets.
Consumers say it's the mix of design, quality and innovation that wins them over.
In Korea, DJI leads the action cam market and Narwhal tops robot vacuums even ahead of Samsung and LG.
Both brands are high-tech, convenient, and reliable.
That's why so many people are choosing them.
I bought a Chinese drone, super efficient and great value.
I'd definitely get another.
AliExpress delivery was quick too, arrived in just three days.
I was impressed.
Chinese e-commerce platforms, including AliExpress and Timu, are accelerating their entry into South Korea's multi-billion dollar online retail market.
And most parcels are coming from one coastal city.
This is Weihai, China's nearest city to South Korea.
Seoul is only about 400 kilometers away and parcels can arrive overnight, shipped out from the port right behind me.
But the trade boom isn't just about location.
It's powered by smarter logistics, pro-business policies, and fast developing e-commerce platforms.
This AliExpress warehouse processes up to 50,000 orders a day, all bound for Japan and South Korea.
During the single-stay shopping festival, that number can quadruple.
We normally have about 400 staff, but that doubles to 800 on singles day, running 24-7.
Do Koreans also shop on Singles Day?
Yes, the discounts are very enticing.
Can your warehouse handle that scale?
Absolutely.
Our 70000 square meter facility with advanced systems can handle up to 150000 orders a day at peak.
Digital systems boost efficiency, helping workers sort through goods in a warehouse the size of 10 football fields.
Parcels can reach Korean homes in as little as three days.
We have 21 ships to South Korea every week, making Weihai one of China's busiest routes.
Many ships leave at night and arrive the next morning seamless for logistics.
Air freight to South Korea takes just 45 minutes, but even by sea we achieve overnight delivery at one-third of the cost.
That's why South Korea's largest e-commerce platform, Coupang, also centralizes its shipments here.
Strong government support and a friendly business environment made a big difference.
Coupang is also recruiting more Chinese sellers, whether through cross-border shipping or local fulfillment.
This year marks the 10th anniversary of the China-Korea Free Trade Agreement, and Weihai has become a model for bilateral cooperation.
I was Huang Fei on e-commerce connections between China and South Korea.
Coming up, China is marking the Chongyang Festival, also known as Seniors Day.
European carmakers are facing the risk of production stoppage as a result of the Dutch government's abrupt seizure of chip company Nexperia from its Chinese owner.
This week we dive into one of the most dramatic business clashes unfolding in Europe to find out what's behind the next period drama.
Has the Netherlands overplayed its hand?
Who ultimately stands to lose the most?
And what does it mean for Europe's industries?
Join us at the chat lounge, wherever you get your podcasts, and on CGTN Radio.
13 minutes past the hour.
A Wednesday marks China's Chongyang Festival, also known as Senior's Day, a time to honour and care for the elderly.
Chinese authorities say the country has become a moderately ageing society, with 310 million people aged 16 and above accounting for 22 of the population.
The total is expected to reach 30% within the next decade.
China's new five-year plan calls for stronger elderly care services and an advanced long-term care insurance system.
It's also set a goal to raise the average life expectancy by one year, bringing it closer to 80 years.
With more.
Do Hongyu spoke with Wang Yaojeng, an associate professor of economics at Peking University.
First, what are the main challenges China faces in expanding and improving elderly care services, especially in rural and less developed areas?
We have had the opportunity to see the situation of what Beijing's elderly care services are.
The data was provided by the government and administrative data.
So we are looking at a huge amount of shortage in affordable care services.
If this is what we see in Beijing, then in rural and less developed areas, it would be even worse.
So one of the major challenges is the high cost and shortage of manpower.
Labor costs continue to rise along with economic development, of course.
But if we look ahead with a declining birth rate And the shrinking labor force in the future, these pressures will be only intensifying.
And if we rely solely on government funding, that will place tremendous physical pressure on local authorities and especially in less developed areas.
So the fundamental solution really lies in how the use of technology such as smart devices or digital platforms and AI and even robots, to replace much of the manual work and make elderly care more efficient and accessible and sustainable in that it's lower cost and it's affordable by everyone.
And some also see China's demographic change as a source of opportunities, especially in terms of the silver economy.
So how can China better tap into the silver economy to turn its rapidly aging population into a new source of growth and innovation?
Yes, of course, when there is demand, there is a push for the market to actually meet the demand.
So China's aging population could potentially become a powerful source of new growth.
And we know that older adults typically have more stable incomes and also more free time, which makes them an important and reliable consumer group.
And their needs in clothing or food, housing and travel are also distinct from other age groups.
So, as this group continues to expand, it's a huge market opportunity and producers will try to meet this market demand that comes from nearly one third of the population, which is expected that how China's demographic would change within a decade.
So the market potential is enormous.
And to tap into this, China can encourage enterprises to design these age-friendly products and services and home makeovers and invest in technologies such as smart health devices and also community care platforms.
And by turning this demographic change into economic opportunity, the silver economy can become a new engine for innovation and sustainable growth.
That was Wang Yaojing, an associate professor of economics at Peking University.
China is projected to become a severely aging society by 2050.
The country is undergoing a shift in elderly care from traditional family-based care to a model of collective responsibility.
This transformation is giving rise to new industries and growth models.
Guo Tianqi checks out the diverse services for seniors in Shanghai.
I'm 72 years old and have lived in this community since 1984, over 40 years now.
I've seen many changes here.
There's a three-building elderly care complex nearby, and I plan to enjoy my retirement here.
The community complex is only about 500 meters from Yin's home, and going to the elderly's canteen has become a daily routine for her.
We seniors don't want to shop and cook every day.
Here the meals are varied and soft like eating at home and we even get discounts.
A nutritious meal here costs about 15 RMB, or around 2 US dollars for those over 60.
Respecting the elderly is a virtue inherited by the Chinese people, and refining ways of enabling ordinary elderly people to live a dignified age is an ongoing process of many Chinese communities.
Changgang neighborhood is in Shanghai's old urban area, with about 100000 residents and an aging rate of more than 49.
We built a comprehensive health service center covering 47000 square meters, serving over 40000 people.
As a result, some elderly individuals choose to attend day care centers.
We come here at 9am and leave at 3.30pm.
After lunch, we nap, then have snacks.
Teachers teach us crafts and games.
We see this as our second home.
People over 80 can stay in community nursing homes for round-the-clock care with immediate access to community hospitals.
After my husband died, I was almost mentally broken and had heart problems.
I feared dying alone at home.
My daughter noticed and helped me move here.
Now my appetite is better and I've gained weight from 35 kilograms to 45 kilograms.
According to the Ministry of Civil Affairs, by 2024, China had 310 million people aged more than 60, accounting for 22 of the population entering an aging society.
Demand for high-quality elderly services is rising.
The China Electronics Information Industry Development Institute reports the silver economy reached 83 trillion RMB in 2024, expected to exceed 25 trillion RMB, or 34 trillion US dollars, by 2030.
Many old Shanghai homes have small bathrooms, but we can renovate them, replacing bathtubs with showers, adding folding chairs and L-shaped handrails.
Shanghai offers financial subsidies for these adaptations 100 for low-income seniors, 30 for others.
By mid-century, China's elderly population will surpass 500 million, nearly 40 of the total population.
Proactively addressing aging while promoting economic growth must go hand in hand.
That was Guo Tianqi on China's approach to an aging population.
The people-centered vision runs through every section of the Communist Party of China Central Committee's recommendations for the 15th Five-Year Plan.
It aims to meet growing demand for a better life and achieve common prosperity for all.
Wang Mengjia spoke with experts about the highlights.
A window of opportunity.
This is how Chinese President Xi Jinping framed the country's development over the next five years to secure strategic initiatives and make decisive progress toward the goal of basically achieving socialist modernization by 2035.
Ma Liang, professor at Peking University, says the 15th Five-Year Plan's recommendations reaffirm China's efforts to cultivate and expand emerging and future industries.
These industries include artificial intelligence, low-altitude economy and other industries in which China boasts global competitive edges, injecting continuous momentum into the high-quality development of the country's economy.
People-centered vision is another highlight for the coming five years, which means making solid progress toward realizing common prosperity for all.
For example, the 15th Five-Year Plan also emphasizes the importance of the Chinese people's economy apart from China's economy.
The difference lies in a single word, has undergone significant changes.
It means that China's ultimate goal to develop the economy is to ensure that the people live a better life.
It aims to help people to find a decent job and get a life with enhanced quality.
Ma says the Chinese people's economy refers to the global extension of China's economic activities, which are included in the calculation of GNI or Gross National Income.
This approach goes beyond the traditional focus on GDP or gross domestic product and aims to balance economic growth with the well-being of citizens.
China's new five-year plan speaks of top-level design, but experts believe it also carries genuine care for ordinary people.
It's a grand blueprint for the nation's development but also a vision of a better life for everyone.
That was Wang Mengjia reporting.
Coming up.
Hurricane Melissa killed at least seven people in the Caribbean before striking Cuba as a Category 3 storm.
He can't live without the Yellow River in his eyes.
Both my grandpa and dad made the living from the river.
The Yellow River Mosaic is a 12-part series of multimedia stories featuring the people who live by the river and share a close bond with it.
Subscribe to Yellow River Mosaic on your favorite podcast platform or visit radiocgtncom for more in this program.
23 minutes past now.
The U.S.
National Hurricane Center says Melissa has landed in Cuba as a Category 3 storm, bringing sustained winds of up to 193 kilometers per hour on the southern coast.
It reached Cuba after battering Jamaica and killing at least seven people in the Caribbean as of Tuesday local time.
The storm has left thousands without power.
In the meantime, in the United States, the large Jamaican community in Florida is mobilizing to help.
Nitsa Soledad Perez has more from Miami.
One of the most powerful hurricanes ever recorded in the Atlantic Basin slammed into Jamaica on Tuesday.
Hurricane Melissa was a catastrophic Category 5 storm when its eye crossed the island's southwest coastline, packing sustained winds of 300 kilometers per hour.
It's only the second Atlantic hurricane to ever make landfall at that intensity.
By Tuesday afternoon, thousands were without power.
Catastrophic flooding inundated the western side of the island, with landslides reported and storm surge reaching up to four meters high.
During their final update before landfall, Jamaican officials made a desperate plea.
Within the next hour, when I get an update, I will see more persons in shelters and we will see more people responding.
Jamaica, this is not the time to be brave.
An estimated 25,000 tourists were on the island when Melissa struck.
Here in South Florida, the response has been immediate.
And we're all watching and waiting with bated breath, but we know the news will not be good.
And here we are, not waiting to hear. that our help is needed.
We are already organized, galvanized, ready to go.
Here in South Florida, home to one of the largest Jamaican populations outside the island.
The community is not waiting to act.
Behind me are the Global Empowered Mission.
Volunteers have been packing critical supplies like food Water, ready to be deployed when conditions allow.
It's the second devastating blow in just over a year.
Last summer, Hurricane Beryl battered the same region.
We were just recovering from Hurricane Beryl a year ago.
We spent a lot of time in the hurricane relief and that just rushed us.
And there was billions.
It cost us billions of dollars in the recovery stage and we're still recovering from burial, one of the strongest hurricane systems ever to hit us Category 5, certainly the strongest that has hit us in our history hitting us today.
That was Nitsa Soledad Perez on Hurricane Melissa.
The United Nations says it's providing aid for Jamaica, Cuba and Haiti in the face of Hurricane Melissa.
UN Secretary General Spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric said relief supplies are accessible at several locations and there is a plan for evacuation.
Additional relief stocks are available at our UN Humanitarian Depot in Panama from UN agencies, NGOs and international cooperation partners.
In Cuba, where the hurricane is expected to make landfall overnight in the eastern part of the island, Preparations are pre-positioning of supplies and assets are still underway.
Authorities plan to evacuate about half a million people to safer ground.
Meteorologists say the hurricane is the strongest storm to hit the islands in modern history.
At least 60 drug suspects are dead after Brazilian authorities launched a raid on a trafficking gang in Rio de Janeiro on Tuesday.
Police have detained 81 suspects.
Around 2,500 police and soldiers targeted the notorious Red Command.
State Governor Claudio Castro called the raid the biggest operation of its kind in the city's history.
Witnesses also saw at least two police officers' bodies among 10 that were brought to a local hospital.
Authorities have not confirmed the exact number of officer casualties.
A former bank robber says he warned the Louvre Museum of security weaknesses, including jewel cases that were easy to attack.
David Desclos said he visited the museum in 2020 for a podcast and pointed out that display cases near street-facing windows were, in his words, a piece of cake to break into.
Earlier this month, thieves took just minutes to steal eight pieces of the French crown jewels from the Louvre.
Desclos says this is exactly what he warned about.
And five years later on a Sunday, I turned on the TV and what did I see?
Exactly what I had predicted.
In seven minutes, like arson looping, they robbed Louvre through the windows, just as I had said.
Through the window, they came, they took, and they left.
And then I said to myself, they are completely reckless.
They should have listened to me, because I had predicted all this, and everything happened exactly as I predicted.
And there you have it.
The reformed burglar is now a stand-up comedian.
He argues that a 2019 redesign left the jewels more exposed, while the Louvre insists its cases meet modern security standards.
We're at 29 past the hour checking the forecast.
Beijing will be overcast on 7 Wednesday evening.
It's cloudy and 16 on Thursday.
Nanchang will see a light rain overnight and tomorrow with a low of 16, a high of 19.
Wanning will see heavy rainfall with a low of 23 degrees overnight.
The rain eases a bit tomorrow with a high of 26.
Elsewhere in Asia, Islamabad's at 15 overnight, then sunny and 27 for Thursday.
Vientiane will see a light rainfall tonight and tomorrow, with a low of 21 and a high of 28.
Phnom Penh will see a light rain and 24 degrees, then a high of 30.
In Africa, Nairobi's getting heavy rainfall and 22 degrees on Thursday.
Kampala will see moderate rain overnight, continuing tomorrow with a low of 19 and a high of 24.
Juba will see a light rain with a low of 23 and a high of 31 degrees.
It's time for a short break.
So far this hour.
The Chinese and US presidents will meet in South Korea on Thursday for talks on bilateral ties and common interests.
Xi Jinping will attend the APEC meetings in South Korea and pay a state visit in the country.
Hurricane Melissa has struck southern Cuba with winds of nearly 200 kilometers per hour.
Shane Begum with you.
Stay with us here on The Beijing Hour.
Shh, 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 to stop?
Would ours keep on ticking?
Ever wondered what's actually going on in Africa through the perspective of an African?
How are things really going between China and Africa?
What's the narrative of this relationship?
Well, get a perspective with China Africa Talk.
Hear from African diplomats, entrepreneurs, academics, Chinese natives and more.
Get on our wavelength every week to find out what's real with China Africa Talk.
Find us on your favorite podcast.
We'll see you there.
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 Bigham with you on this Wednesday.
Still to come.
In business, China's introduced new measures for opening markets to foreign investors.
In sports, the Milan Cortina Winter Olympics have begun their 100-day countdown.
In culture and entertainment.
Former industrial sites in China are now powering a cultural and tourism boom.
To contact us, you can email radio at cgtn.com or follow our X account at CGTN Radio.
But now at the check of the day's headlines, here's Tianyu.
Thank you, Shane.
Chinese President Xi Jinping will meet with U.S.
President Donald Trump in Busan, South Korea on Thursday.
The Chinese foreign ministry says the two leaders will engage in discussions on strategic and long-term issues concerning bilateral relations, as well as major issues of mutual interest.
A ministry spokesperson says China is willing to work with the US to promote positive outcomes from this meeting, providing new guidance and injecting new momentum for the stable development of China-US relations.
President Xi will also attend the 32nd APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting in Gyeongju and pay a state visit to South Korea.
His trip concludes on Saturday.
The APEC CEO summit has kicked off in Gyeongju ahead of the leaders' meeting in the South Korean city.
More than 1700 attendees will discuss topics such as AI, digital transformation and sustainability at 20 themed meetings.
A survey in the US has found that more than half of Americans now support cooperation and engagement with China, up sharply from 40 last year.
According to the survey by the Chicago Council on Global Affairs, the shift is driven by a fading bipartisan consensus on America's China policy.
While a majority of Republicans still favor limiting China's rise and support higher tariffs, Democrats are moving the opposite way.
The findings mark the first time since 2019 that a majority of Americans have voiced a preference for a policy of friendly cooperation with China.
The poll also finds that 54% of Americans oppose higher tariffs on Chinese imports.
Witnesses have reported explosions over the Gaza skyline after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he ordered powerful strikes.
Residents also heard tanks shelling in central Gaza.
Netanyahu's decision came after reports that Hamas fired on Israeli forces in the south of the Palestinian territory.
Hamas has delayed transferring another hostage's body in response to Israel's planned strikes.
Netiahu called it a violation of the ceasefire.
Hurricane Melissa has hit Jamaica and Cuba while Haiti battles worsening floods.
In southern Haiti, residents have been wading through waterlogged streets for two days, raising fears of new cholera outbreaks.
The country reported 139 suspected cases and five deaths earlier this month, after nearly three months without infections.
Gang violence, poverty and weak governance all limit storm preparations.
Meanwhile, Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel has urged people to stay in shelters and prepare for the worst.
The president also warned of long-term damage that would be caused by the hurricane, which could affect crops and the already deficient electric grid.
For the 13th time, the U.S.
Senate has failed to advance a Republican-backed founding bill to end the government shutdown.
Senators voted 54 to 45 on the bill, short of the 60 needed to move forward.
The pressure is building as millions of Americans risk losing food assistance, federal workers have missed a full paycheck and flight delays pile up at airports.
Senator.
Minority Leader Chuck Schumer has blasted Republicans in Congress for doing nothing to reopen the government.
Meanwhile, North Carolina has joined other states in suing the federal government to maintain funding for the SNAP food aid program.
And finally, voting for the Dutch parliament's lower house has begun, as candidates from 27 parties compete for 150 seats.
Over 13 million registered voters are eligible to cast ballots.
The election was called after the Party for Freedom quit the governing coalition in June over a dispute on immigration, prompting the resignation of the cabinet.
The Beijing Hour, your window on China and the rest of the world.
36 past now and with business, here's Dou Hongyu.
Thank you, Shane.
And now let's start with the equity markets.
Chinese mainland stocks rose on Wednesday.
The Shanghai Composite Index gained 0.7%, closing above the key 4,000 mark.
The Shenzhen Component Index added nearly 2%.
The Hong Kong market fell with the Hang Seng Index down 0.3%.
Tokyo stocks finished higher with the Nikkei rising more than 2%.
China has introduced new measures and the ongoing Financial Street Forum to further open its markets to domestic and foreign investors.
The China Securities Regulatory Commission launched a new plan to streamline the qualified foreign investor regime.
Chairman Wu Qing explains.
It's a key step in China's financial opening up this year.
The plan aims to make market access easier, boost investment efficiency and open more channels, building a clearer and more convenient environment for global investors.
Glenn introduces a green channel and simplified approval process for long-term investors, such as sovereign wealth funds, international organizations and pension or charity funds.
Wu also says that China will further strengthen cross-border financial links and deepen cooperation between the mainland and Hong Kong markets.
We will improve the mutual access mechanism, raise the efficiency of overseas listings and promote coordinated development between onshore and offshore markets, balancing opening up with security.
For domestic companies.
China is moving to better protect small and medium-sized investors in the capital market.
Chief Economist Chen Li, from a regional regulator, says the goal is to boost market vitality and support the real economy.
Retail investors often face a disadvantage in disputes with institutions.
The new guidelines introduce a two-way protection strategy, requiring institutions to seek fair resolutions and supporting legal interpretations that favor retail investors.
The country has urged financial institutions to provide more products and services tailored to small and medium-sized investors.
China is expanding green finance with loans and programs that support low-carbon living and sustainable growth.
It's becoming an important force driving the country's high-quality development.
Li Shuang has more.
Each time users in China choose to pay bills online, walk instead of drive or skip disposable utensils.
They earn something called great energy points.
Low-carbon behavior is turned into real trees planted in arid regions, linking personal choices to the national green transition.
From everyday choices to broader financial reform.
China is exploring new ways to make finance serve sustainability.
Here at this year's Financial Street Forum.
Green Finance and ESG are part of a wider conversation to drive high-quality growth.
China's financial system is going greener and faster.
China's green credit has exceeded 40 trillion yuan, or US$5.56 trillion, with remarkable growth.
Financial institutions are actively developing innovative products under the guidance of the central bank and regulators, to meet the strong financing demand for both green and transition projects.
Green finance has become a key pillar of China's high-quality development strategy.
And as green finance expands, ESG short for Environment, Social and Governance is emerging as the next stage of China's sustainable finance journey.
The philosophy of ESG is highly aligned with Chinese modernization and the development of a beautiful China.
Since 2024, ESG policies have shifted from voluntary to mandatory, from frameworks to standards, accelerating their implementation nationwide.
Analysts say this shift marks a crucial step, turning ESG from a buzzword into a performance standard and a risk management tool for China's corporate sector.
China's financial institutions are using data and fintech to measure, verify and reward sustainable behavior.
Experts say, during the 15th five-year plan, from 2026 to 2030, the focus will be on expanding coverage, improving standards and enriching the toolkit.
From a film scan to trillion yuan portfolios.
China's green finance and ESG journey reflects a shared ambition to make sustainability measurable, investable and achievable.
That was Lishuang reporting.
Meanwhile in Europe, Spain is hosting a forum to highlight China-Europe cooperation.
Ken Brown reports for Madrid.
Beijing Financial Street in the capital's Xicheng District is the beating heart of the Chinese finance sector, known as China's Wall Street.
It's where the highest level decisions for Chinese economic development are made.
And on Monday, a big financial forum began following the announcement of the proposed 15th five-year plan, focusing on transformation and innovation.
Here at Madrid's financial centre known as the Cuatro Torres or the Four Towers, a simultaneous event took place on Sino-European Economic Cooperation.
This is the first time this important event has been held in Spain and only the second in Europe.
So I think that this is very meaningful and significant because China EU, as a major business partner, economic partners in the global community, that China and Spain can play a bigger role or a more meaningful role for this China-European cooperation.
Artificial intelligence and collaboration dominated the discussions.
The guest we invited for the forum can reflect the core theme, which is about how we take advantage of AI in financial services and cross-border investment, facilitating the dialogue and advice among entrepreneurs to boost the economic and trade ties between China and Spain.
China's recently announced five-year plan proposal focuses on further opening up high quality development and how the country will continue to be the engine of world growth.
In Madrid.
The conversation centered around opportunities for European companies within a new reality.
The fact that we are having this conversation about the five-year plans, something that we will not have, something like 10 years ago.
It is an important milestone.
We have to embrace.
This new multipolar reality is part of this geopolitical change that we are witnessing right now.
So we have to invite different views, different perspectives to the conversation of designing this future machine AI reality, machine plus human reality.
Artificial intelligence in finance, in education and in tackling cybercrime took center stage at this forum.
But the key words in all these global issues were cooperation and collaboration.
That was Ken Brown in Madrid.
China added over 10 million new urban jobs from January to September, reaching nearly 90 of its annual target.
The Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security says the government provided nearly 20 billion yuan, or US28 billion, to support job retention.
Training and employment programs received more than 16 billion yuan.
A subsidy of 900 million yuan helped 140000 companies and benefited about 600000 young people, including college graduates.
China's wholesale and retail sectors showed solid growth in the first nine months, helping to boost domestic demand.
The Ministry of Commerce says the sector's value rose 56, reaching more than 10 trillion yuan, or about US15 trillion.
It accounts for over 10% of the country's GDP.
Profits in key wholesale markets grew over 8, while industrial consumer goods markets saw profits jump around 20.
Online retail in rural areas climbed nearly 8, and e-commerce sales of agricultural products rose close to 10.
China's taxation administration has reported strong growth in outbound tax refunds.
From January to September, the number of foreign travelers claiming refunds jumped nearly 230 percent and total refunds almost doubled compared with last year.
Since April, improved policies and faster processing have made tax refunds easier, boosting overseas shopping.
In major cities like Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou, travelers can now shop in multiple stores, but claim all their refunds at a single point.
And finally, PayPal has experienced a slowdown in payment activity over the past two months in the US and Europe.
CFO Jamie Miller says consumers are becoming more selective in their spending.
Third quarter earnings show that US companies are feeling the squeeze from a widening gap between lower-income and affluent consumers, with tariffs adding uncertainty.
After the company announced a partnership with OpenAI and reported strong earnings, PayPal shares closed up around 10.
Thank you very much.
That was Do Hong Yu with Business.
Coming up in sports, the Milan Cortina Winter Olympics have begun their 100-day countdown.
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.
Here's Yong Hwa.
Thank you, Shane.
Italy has marked 100 days to the Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics.
Milan will host ice events, while skiing, snowboarding and other competitions take place across Cortina and the Valtellina and Fermi valleys.
Over 3500 athletes will compete for 195 medals across 16 disciplines, with thousands of volunteers helping preparations.
Cortina, host of the 1956 Games, is undergoing major upgrades ahead of the events.
Fondazione Cortina, president Stefano Longo says the city is fixing roads, expanding hotels and improving access to nearby towns.
With the return of the Winter Olympics, I will showcase our rich tourism resources and deep sporting traditions to the world.
Cortina has always been a premier destination for alpine skiing, welcoming passionate visitors year-round.
Currently, we are intensively engaged in many preparations. with significant tasks ahead, especially the renovation of roads in the city centre and the expansion and upgrading of hotels.
We are widening the connecting roads to nearby cities to ensure easy access for visitors.
The Olympic torch relay begins November 26th in Olympia Greece, and ends February 6th in Milan with opening ceremony at San Siro.
In baseball, the Toronto Blue Jays evened the World Series with a 6-2 win over the Los Angeles Dodgers in Game 4.
Vladimir Guerrero Jr hit a two-run homer in the third, giving Toronto a 2-1 lead, while Shane Bieber pitched into the sixth, allowing just one run over five and one third innings.
Toronto broke the game open with a four-run seventh, capped by RBI singles from Andreas Jimenez, Bo Bischitz and Edson Barger, overcoming the heartbreak of their 18-inning loss in Game 3.
Bieber says, coming off a tough loss, it was inspiring to see his teammates' consistency and trust in each other.
Coming off of what could be a back-breaking loss last night, it was an absolute pleasure to show up today and see you guys.
Nobody changes.
Nobody ever wavers.
Nobody ever hesitates.
It's the same group of guys, each and every day, that continue to put the work in, continue to compete, continue to rely on each other.
And it's an absolute pleasure to play for them.
Shohei Otani pitched six-plus innings for the Dodgers but struggled at plate, ending a World Series record streak of 11 consecutive times reaching base.
Game 5 is set for Thursday morning Beijing time at Dodger Stadium.
Turning to tennis, Carlos Alcres' Paris Masters run ended abruptly as Britain's Cameron Norrie upset world No.
1466364.
Coming off wins at the US Open, Cincinnati and Japan.
Alcaraz struggled on court, committing 54 unforced errors, and was visibly frustrated.
The Spaniard who skipped the Shanghai Masters to rest has historically found the Paris Masters a challenging tournament and was unable to find his rhythm this year.
He praised Norrie for the victory by admitting he could have done more with being really helpful for me.
I didn't take it with really easy mistakes.
I'm really disappointed about my level today.
It is what it is.
Air Croatia is now focusing on preparing for next month's ATP finals and Davis Cup, aiming to recharge and regain top form before returning to competition.
In football, Karim Benzema got better former Real Madrid teammate, Cristiano Ronaldo, as Art Edihad defeated Art Nasser in the Saudi Kings Cup last 16.
Benzema opened the scoring 15 minutes in finishing a slick counter-attack before Adnasa's Angelo Gabriel equalized.
Hossam Awuah restored Adi Hart's lead in the first half stoppage time.
Arnasa was reduced to 10 men early in the second half when Ahmed Arjuliden received a straight red card but the host couldn't capitalize.
Ronaldo's best chance to equalise came one-on-one with the goalkeeper, but the effort fell short.
The win marked just the second for R.E.D.
Hart under new coach Sergio Conceso, who took charge earlier this month.
And finally, in Serie A, AC Milan dropped points in the league as Atlanta held them to a 1-0 draw.
Samuel Ricci's early strike gave Milan the lead, but Edmila Lukman equalized the host in the 35th minute.
The draw leaves Milan third on 18 points, three behind leader Napoli who won 1-0 at Lecce.
Second-placed Roma, also on 18 points, will host Parma on Thursday, while Inter Milan sits fourth with 15 and welcomes Fiorentina.
Milan goalkeeper Mike Meichner made key saves, including a late stop from David Zappacosta as Atlanta pushed for a winner.
Despite dominating possession in the second half, the home side couldn't find a breakthrough and the game ended all square.
Thank you very much.
That's Yong Guang with sports.
Coming up in culture and entertainment.
Former industrial sites in China are now powering a cultural and tourism boom.
From east to west, people in China are chasing their dreams and leaving their mark.
Want to know how they beat the odds and made a difference?
Footprints brings you the true life stories of their journeys.
53 minutes past the hour.
In culture and entertainment.
China's once bustling factories and steel plants are finding new life, not through production, but through tourism.
From Beijing's Shougang Industrial Park to former industrial hubs across the country.
Sites once defined by smoke and steel are becoming popular cultural and leisure destinations.
Zheng Chuning has more.
Once symbols of China's heavy industry, places like Beijing Shougang Industrial Park are now drawing crowds of curious visitors.
Across the country, industrial tourism is breathing new life into old factories and steel mills, transforming production sites into destinations of innovation and pride.
Well, this used to be all about smoke, steel and furnaces.
But now Beijing Shougang's industrial park has become the city's one of the most iconic makeovers, where heavy industry has turned into a hub of creativity and innovation.
Relocated ahead of the 2008 Olympics, Shougang has reinvented itself as a vibrant space for culture and technology.
Its towering blast furnaces now house art exhibitions, cafes and creative studios, and even served as the stage for the big air event during the 2022 Winter Olympics.
I used to live here when the plant was still operating.
It's amazing to see how the whole area has changed.
I think it's fascinating to blend art and culture into the old furnaces.
It's also a great place for taking photos.
And Shougang Park is not alone.
According to Tripcom's 2025 National Day Tourism data, high-tech and heavy industry study tours have surged in popularity.
Aerospace and automobile factory visits now account for over 20% of the travel searches.
Tourists say the boom reflects a growing interest in culture and history.
The history of industry is also the history of a city.
Through industrial tourism, visitors can learn about local history and culture, enriching their knowledge and appreciation, which is exactly what many travelers are looking for today.
From repurposed steel plants to high-tech workshops, China's industrial tourism is redefining travel, blending education, innovation and national pride.
That was Zheng Chuning reporting from the Shougang Industrial Park in western Beijing.
The world's sweetest event.
The Salon de Chocolat is marking the 30th anniversary with a brand new flavor of celebration.
Instead of the traditional chocolate fashion parade, this year's show will feature a chocolate-themed musical.
Marianne Chandernagore is the general manager of the chocolate show.
This year has a special flavor as it's the 30th anniversary.
This marks 30 years of passion and 30 years of supporting the cocoa, chocolate and pastry industry.
And this year there are many guests for the anniversary, as we are welcoming more than 260 exhibitors to the show and you will see more than a hundred renowned chefs present in the entertainment areas for tastings and demonstrations for our visitors.
So we can say that for five days, we're ultimately the largest global showcase for sweet gastronomy.
The performance blends storytelling, song and dance with dazzling chocolate costumes created by teams of designers and chocolatiers, all set in a Broadway-style atmosphere.
A skyscraper in eastern China is now a world champion.
The Sun Tower in Yantai, Shandong Province, has captured a top global honour.
The 2025 Award of Excellence for Best Tall Building Under 100m.
A praise for its innovative design.
Cultural impact.
The tower blends ancient principles with modern architecture, creating striking lighting effects during the solstices.
Since opening in September of last year, the landmark has drawn over 1 million visitors and hosted more than 40 cultural events, including an outdoor theatre and sky library.
The award underscores Yantai's growing reputation for creative and high-quality urban development.
We're at 57 past the hour.
Checking the forecast before we go.
Beijing's overcast this evening, a low of 7.
Thursday is cloudy and 16 degrees.
Nanchang will see a light rainfall overnight and tomorrow.
The low of 16, a high of 19.
Wanning will see heavy rains and 23 this evening.
The rain eases a bit tomorrow.
The high is 26.
Elsewhere in Asia, Islamabad's down to 15, then sunny and 27 on Thursday.
Vientiane will see a light rainfall overnight and tomorrow with a low of 21 and a high of 28.
Phnom Penh will see a light rain with a low of 24 and a high of 30.
In Africa, Nairobi's getting heavy rainfall and 22 degrees Celsius on Thursday.
And that's it for this edition of the Beijing Hour.
Making news today.
The Chinese and US presidents will meet in South Korea on Thursday for talks on bilateral ties and issues of common concern.
And Xi Jinping will also attend the APEC meetings in South Korea and pay a state visit in the country.
On behalf of the staff.
This is Shane Biggum 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 a living from the river.
Would you like to move away from the Yellow River?
I don't think I will.
I love it so much.
The Yellow River, the second longest river in China, is regarded as a shaping force in the history, economy and culture of northern China.
Today, about 100 million people live within its water basin, making up nearly 9 of the country's population.
How is climate change felt at its headwaters?
And what are the locals doing to cope with it?
What are the descendants of the boatmen doing?
What has kept some people from leaving their home village by the river?
And what has drawn others back?
Could the fading fishing community revive in a time of digital transformation?
From 2021 to 2024.
Our reporters visited the upper, middle and lower reaches of the Yellow River.
Talk 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.
