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This is the Beijing Hour.
Examining the events that impact and shape China and the rest of the world.
This is the Beijing Hour.
One hour of news and information brought to you every weekday.
Now here's your host, Shane Bigum, with you on this Wednesday, May 28th, 2025.
You're listening to The Beijing Hour coming to you live from the Chinese capital.
On today's program, the Chinese foreign minister held talks with leaders and officials from Pacific Island nations.
Israel says it'll set up more aid distribution points after a chaotic attempt in Gaza.
US presidents ordered government agencies to terminate all remaining federal contracts with Harvard. In business, strong first quarter results for several major Chinese companies.
In sports, first round action from the French Open.
In culture and entertainment, China's achievements in preserving the country's cultural heritage.
Now check in the day's top stories.
Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi stressed equality when communicating with leaders and officials from Pacific island countries.
He held bilateral talks with some of them as they're in Xiamen for a ministerial meeting.
The gathering in the eastern city is the first in -person meeting in China.
Liu Jiexin has more.
Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi had met with his counterparts from Kiribati, Niwa, Tonga, the Solomon Islands, as well as the Cook Islands, where during the bilateral meetings the parties had an exchange of views, in -depth exchange of views on all -round cooperation and exchanges between China and Pacific island countries as well as international issues of common concern.
What impressed me a lot is that during an opening remarks during the bilateral meeting with premier and foreign minister Daughton Tagaladji of Niue, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said that China has always advocated that all countries no matter big or small is equal.
He also said that Niue is not alone and China can be a trustworthy friend and long term partner even though Niue's premier earlier has said about this island, it's a lonely island on the Pacific Ocean but Wang Yi insists that China and Niue had this relationship and China touches great importance to the Pacific island countries.
The two countries, by the way, have established the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership since 2018, and also since establishing the diplomatic ties with the Pacific island countries in the 1970s, China and Pacific island nations have already exchanged cooperation in more than 20 areas including trade, investment, ocean affairs, environmental protection, disaster mitigation and prevention as well as poverty alleviation.
So far China has already implemented more than 100 aid projects and over 200 batches of all kinds of assistance as well as trained more than 10 ,000 talents in various fields for these Pacific Island nations.
That was Liu Jiaxin reviewing China's ties with Pacific Island countries.
China says it highly appreciates the Solomon Islands commitment to the One China Principle.
The Pacific Felling country recently reiterated its recognition of the People's Republic of China as the sole legal representative of China.
The prime minister ordered all government ministries agencies and officials to fully comply with the policy.
Solomon Islands ambassador Barrett Salado says the country also appreciates China's respect in equal treatment.
I can point to one aspect that I see how with the relationship with China is that China do not see us as more, they see us as equal, even though we are small, and so that gives us a sense of dignity in ourselves, that is we can be proud of ourselves as well that we cannot see something, and there are this country that sees us as equal.
And so, you know, for Solomon Islands, it's new for me, especially to see that happen.
We are being treated with respect and dignity as well.
That we also have the right to develop ourselves and to benefit people to enjoy the fruits of development.
China is demonstrating these values and principles in the Pacific region.
and I would like to see more of China's involvement in the region in all areas of development to assist the small countries like Solomon Islands, because we need China to be there to share its experience with us and help us in our development pathway.
Ambassador, express hope for deeper cooperation between China and Pacific island countries to support more nations in achieving independent and sustainable development.
If you're interested in hearing more on cooperation from the ambassador's perspective, you can check out our news commentary program World Today across podcast apps in CGT and radio.
Senior officials attending the meeting have highlighted how relations with China help foster a partnership for prosperity.
Wang Mengmeng spoke with neo -Prime Minister Dalton Tagalegi and Fijian Assistant Foreign Minister Lenora Kirakira Tabua.
The Pan -Pacific island countries have maintained frequent exchanges.
Prime Minister Tagalegi, what are some of the key driving forces that you see have been pushing forward this relationship?
As a young diplomatic partner of China, we can see some great developments because of the We are standing from each other.
We need to respect for each other something always there.
But what is it, for a bigger developed country can support or modernise a small developed country such as New York.
New York's a dependent little island and we need all that support.
But more so, what the bigger developed country can learn from the undeveloped countries such as New York as well.
So, that, for the relationship, it's very important for China and within the Pacific region, as long as we have and understand, respect each other, but also respect the sovereign rights of the individual countries.
And it's no doubt to the rest of the Pacific countries within, in the Pacific, so that is important.
And, madam Lenora, what do you see as some of the key factors in sustaining bilateral relations?
Fiji is also, has enjoyed 50 years of bilateral relations with China, and we will be celebrating this on the 5th of November this year.
But for us in Fiji, as I know, is reciprocated by the People's Republic of China, it's about mutual respect and an understanding of country and of people.
China understanding the Pacific Way, how Fiji is part of the Pacific and how we have our cultures and traditions, and us in Fiji also reciprocating that understanding so that we can build this relationship together.
We have many, many examples, many great examples, but at the same time while we agree on many things.
We also understand that as two sovereign nations, we have divergent interests.
So for us, the talanoa, the conversations, doing things the Pacific way, speaking about it over conversations, over food, over a kava, if you will, helps build this relationship.
So it's about mutual trust, mutual understanding.
Those were some voices from the South Pacific and how their countries enjoy working with China.
Papua New Guinea was the first island country in the Pacific to sign Belt and Road documents with China.
A China funded digital upgrade has delivered clear broadcasts to millions of people and deepened bilateral ties under the BRI.
Soon Tianyuan has more.
Chinese television programs are gaining popularity across the South Pacific.
In Papua New Guinea, they've become a way for locals to see China and the wider world.
The quality has been enhanced.
It's very clear. the sharpness.
It's much better than what it used to be.
There's a wide range of content apart from the news channels, there's also documentary channels and there's a movie channel.
So you have access to basically everything.
We get to learn more about China, China's history, China's entertainment, China's news worldwide and all that.
So yeah, it gives us a glimpse and insight on how China is like and what's happening to funding Papua New Guin project in 2022, phase on bringing high quality pro people.
Digital television of benefits primarily the television signal and imag called the project, a con example of practical cooperation that benefits local communities.
We are ready to work with Papua New Guinea under the Belt and Road Framework to deepen cooperation in key areas like digital infrastructure.
We will provide a better audio visual services and an information access for the people, support the local development and livelihoods, and further advance the China PNG Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
Next year marks 50 years of China PNG ties, both sides have pledged closer cooperation for a brighter future.
I was soon Chen Yuan reporting.
Rising sea levels driven by the warming climate are posing existential threats to island nations in the South Pacific region.
The issue threatens to not only submerged parts of their lands but also brings problems like soil erosion and groundwater salinization.
When it comes to building up their resilience in adaptation systems. An expert says the real solution lies with local communities on these islands.
Professor Patrick Nuns with the University of the Sunshine Coast based in Australia.
Today, we think all we must build houses out of bricks and cement and things like that to make them strong.
But Pacific peoples in the past, they had houses designed in particular ways and built of certain materials that allowed those houses to withstand very strong winds.
So communities knew how to help themselves.
They were designed in that way.
And I think a lot of that knowledge, it would benefit from being revived and reintroduced to Pacific island contexts.
We said that Western countries have built up a narrative for decades that Pacific Island nations are vulnerable and helpless, driving these nations to become too dependent on international funding.
None examined recent trends of international aid programs primarily from Australia and the United States.
And they found that the funding is declining.
Every year, I see Pacific Island countries becoming more dependent on outside funding for climate change adaptation is really dangerous.
It's unsustainable because that outside money may not continue to flow.
And almost certainly it's going to fall.
When it comes to climate cooperation between China and the Pacific island nations none commended China for being practical and respectful.
China has listened where some other donor countries have made assumptions about what's going on.
And I think listening is very important.
I heard from a friend in the Pacific a few years ago, they said we like China because China comes and builds a road whereas Europe just gives you a lecture.
And I'm not saying that's true in every case but China has a reputation for being more practical about climate investments in the Pacific and less about setting the agenda, less about talking, more about action.
You can find the full interview with Patrick Nunn on Podcast Climate Watch on the CGTN radio website and major podcast platforms. Coming up, chaotic scenes in Gaza as Israel tries to hand out humanitarian aid.
for captivating stories and thought -provoking conversations.
Search Deep Dive on your favorite podcast platforms and get ready to dive in.
13 minutes past the hour, Israel says it'll set up more aid distribution points in Gaza.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the aim is to prevent humanitarian looting and establish a safe zone in Southern Gaza.
Turmoil unfolded as desperate Palestinians overwhelmed a new US -backed aid hub run by the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation.
Witnesses reported Israeli tank and gunfire with at least three people injured.
Palestinians have become desperate for food after nearly three months of Israeli blockade that pushed Gaza to the brink of famine.
Hundreds of thousands of men, women and children had walked for miles from tent camps to reach the aid hub.
A few managed to secure aid boxes but the vast majority left empty -handed.
Abraham Abu Taha has been displaced from Rafa.
We craved sugar, we craved oil.
They brought us sugar and oil and brought us flour.
This is the flour. Our children were longing for a bite to eat.
We ate lentils, we ate pasta.
And the merchants made us sell everything to buy expensive things.
The Gaza Humanitarian Foundation says staff withdrew temporarily for safety but later resumed aid operations.
UN officials and aid workers have warned of the risks of frictions between Israeli troops and crowds of people seeking aid at the hubs.
UN Aid Coordination Office spokesperson Jens Loehrke has urged Israel to allow a major increase in humanitarian aid in the Gaza, warning that the current supplies are vastly insufficient to prevent starvation.
The bottom line again, is that we are talking about a vastly insufficient amount of aid aid that eventually enters Gaza at the moment, that's why we need opening of more crossings, we need all types of aid, not aid that is cherry picked by the Israeli side that we're allowed to get in.
In the meantime, UNRWA says no aid has reached its facilities since March 2, despite over 3 ,000 trucks of food and medicine, which will soon perish waiting in Jordan and Egypt.
German Foreign Minister Johann Vadoffuhl has called on his party members to halt arms exports to Israel.
He stressed that Germany should not succumb to political pressure.
This comes after German Chancellor Friedrich Meritz delivered his most severe rebuke of Israel saying its operations in Gaza are no longer justifiable.
Complaints also continued at home as families of the hostages protested in Tel Aviv and demanded their release.
They urged the government to stop the attacks and strike a deal that ensures the return of the remaining captives.
Jonathan Megev reports from Tel Aviv.
Of misinformation and perhaps psychological terrorism on behalf of Hamas, on the Israeli hostage families, that is something that unfortunately Israelis can perhaps understand.
What they cannot understand is the fact that the Israeli prime minister is saying things, giving the families hope only then to say things that contradict the same things that he said only minutes earlier, there were reports coming out of the United States, out of Gaza, that things may be going into some kind of a hostage agreement.
And then Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu published a statement on his behalf.
Here is what he said.
We will defeat those who seek our lives.
We will bring back all our hostages.
We will ensure that Gaza no longer poses a threat to Israel.
This mission, including the return of our hostages, is with us day by day.
It occupies us night by night.
We are not letting go of it.
If we don't achieve it today, we will achieve it tomorrow.
And if not tomorrow, then the day after.
We are not letting go.
So the families understood that on Monday night or Tuesday evening or by Wednesday, there will be some kind of development.
But then the prime minister's office said, no, it did not mean Monday or Tuesday or Wednesday, just a form of expression saying that Israel Israel will not let up on this issue.
Maybe a form of expression.
But when you toy around with the emotions and feelings of families who have their loved ones in captivity in Gaza for 599 days that created a lot of criticism in Israel.
The families are very critical of the prime minister, as it is.
Once that this statement came and then some kind of a reaction, a revoking that from the prime minister's office.
it created major, major criticism on the prime minister.
That was Jonathan Raghav with reactions from angry Israeli families.
Ireland says it'll put forward legislation to ban trade with Israeli exporters based in occupied Palestinian territories.
You know, legal first for an EU member state, the planned embargo will target agricultural goods like olives and oranges, but will not result in a wider boycott of Israeli goods.
A parliament's expected to draft legislation this week.
Irish Foreign Minister Simon Harris said it cannot be business as usual with Israel.
He said the world is not done nearly enough and has to act now.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has met Turkish Foreign Minister Haqan Fidan to discuss efforts to end the Ukraine conflict and developments since direct talks between Moscow and Kiev.
Fidan also spoke with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov during the visit.
Dasha Chernyshova has more on those talks in Moscow.
Those were quite extensive discussions we understand from the press conference that was held in the Russian capital that they have been talking about bilateral issues, about the possibility of increasing trade as well as the obstacles that still exist in the bilateral projects including the construction of the nuclear power plants, how to remove those obstacles and how to find new areas of cooperation.
But indeed, they were talking a lot about the international agenda.
The situation in Syria, with both countries calling for the territorial integrity of Syria.
The situation in the Middle East with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov saying that their positions overlap in terms of the necessity to end the bloodshed and to establish the state of Palestine.
And the situation in Ukraine is something for which Moscow is thankful to Turkey, suggesting that Turkey has played a significant role in providing the location, the venue for the negotiations, as well as placing a lot of effort in terms of mediation.
We understand from the Russian side that Moscow will be willing to hold the second round of negotiations.
Again, in Istanbul, suggesting it is a convenient venue for both sides.
And also stressing that there have been many attempts by the Western countries to derail those negotiations that have already been taking place and the need to eliminate the root causes of these conflicts.
Hakan Fidani, Turkish Foreign Minister, also taking the note that there is an urgent need to establish the ceasefire that could potentially, in his words, then lead to the permanent peace.
And obviously, we understand that all of the efforts are now being put forward to continue those talks that have started between Moscow and Kiev.
That was Dashychurna -Shova reporting.
The Ukrainian Ecology Minister says the country is overhauling its minerals sector, hoping to attract billions of dollars of investment from a minerals deal with Washington.
Svetlana Hrenchak estimated that the sector suffered losses of around $1 .7 trillion because of territorial disputes and hostilities along the 1 ,000 kilometer front line.
The minister said the government's reviewing 3 ,000 mining licenses and 10 % could be dormant.
The U .S. Ukraine Mineral Steel created a fund that'll receive money from new mining licenses in Ukraine and invest in several in mineral projects.
Coming up, the U .S. president continues to target Harvard University.
Welcome to Climate Watch the podcast that brings you the latest on climate change, energy and sustainability, all in under 30 minutes.
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In 22 minutes past the hour, U .S. president Donald Trump's administration directed federal agencies to review and potentially terminate the government's remaining contracts with Harvard University.
An official valued the deals at around a hundred million U .S. dollars.
The administration also ordered missions abroad to stop scheduling new visa appointments for students and exchange visitors.
Moves came as the State Department prepares to expand social media vetting of foreign students.
Nathan King reports.
The Trump administration accusing one of the top universities of essentially having anti -Semitism on its campus also practicing diversity, equity, inclusion practices, defying a Supreme Court order on race -based selection, Harvard denies all this, saying essentially it is a private institution and has first amendment rights and is being bullied.
I've counted 11 different legal actions against half, there's a whole list of other smaller financial ones as well.
The research grants have frozen, especially in healthcare.
Many people think the Trump administration is shooting themselves in the foot as the hunt for global talent across the world will lure students who could have gone to Harvard and other institutions elsewhere, to Europe, to China.
We'll wait and see, but I can tell you, nearly every day, the pressure on Harvard from this administration increases.
Pressure on an elite institution used to be the pride of the U .S. educational establishment.
That was Nathan King outside the White House.
Port cities in China and the United States are suffering under trade tensions from U .S. tariffs, but those with sister -city relationships are hoping their ties can help to mitigate the damage.
Edith Tian Shan finds out how a pair of cities in eastern China and on the U .S. west coast are coping.
A cultural exchange project aimed at connecting middle school children in the United States and China through a book project could be another casualty of the on -and -off tariffs imposed on U .S. trading partners.
And we've been wrestling with the pricing of this book for some time and where we could get a good deal on the printing and so on.
So we had it printed in Tsingtao, got a very nice price offer from Tsingtao.
And the books were done and about to be shipped and we heard about the tariff.
So of course we had to add the tariff onto the price of the book which raised our little book substantially.
Long Beach and Qingdao have been sister cities for nearly 40 years and decades of personal relations will help both sides better navigate some of the recently imposed trade barriers.
Things change over the years there's been a lot of change over the years right but but this this will maintain like this is this we will keep this connection you know it's very important that not only our our sister our cities are connected but we're also both port cities and the ports very important to both of our cities and I'm sure this helps you know regardless of what's goin regardless of going on a continue to have a relati the director of community mayor's office, Williams list of sister city organ closer business ties betw other port towns that are around the world.
Given t trade is the primary driv economy.
The port's the l business here in Long Beach. You know, it's our number one driver of our economy, one in eight jobs depends on it.
So the trade between us and other cities is super important in these port cities, as we mentioned, all of our sister cities are mostly port cities.
And so keeping that person relationship and building connection will help us make sure that regardless what's going on with trade and business that we can keep that connection and hopefully strengthen it.
Many companies have secured business deals through the network of sister city organizations like this and at this time of trade disputes, these long term relations have become more important than ever.
That was Edis Tian Shan on putting friendship above differences.
Chinese companies in a key export hub are counting on resilient industrial chains to counter the economic challenges posed by U .S. tariffs.
Ningbo's exports to the United States accounted for over 20 per cent of the city's total last year.
Production for U .S.-bound products is resumed at a toy company following the announcement of a tariff adjustment between China and the US.
Procurement manager Yan Gong said their DIY toys are popular among international buyers and attributed their success to the efficiency of the industrial supply chain.
These beads are injection -molded here in Ningbo, then sent to plating factory in Suzhou for electroplating, and finally to a spray -painting factory in Iwu for colouring.
The company's been focusing on innovation to remain competitive.
Professor Hu Qiu Guang from Ningbo University has been tracking over 20 local export companies to understand the tariffs effects.
Ningbo is primarily a manufacturing city with a very complete industrial chain.
Each link in the supply chain has supporting suppliers.
This is a very important advantage, especially as Ningbo's exports to the United States accounted for over 20 % of its total exports in 2024.
Foreign trade companies in the region are receiving a lot of inquiries.
They are working to enhance quality and improve customer service.
King Charles III says Canada is facing unprecedented challenges in a world that's never been more dangerous.
He opened the Canadian Parliament on Tuesday with a speech widely viewed as a show of support in the face of annexation threats by US President Donald Trump.
The symbolic address requested by Prime Minister Mark Carney aimed to affirm Canadian sovereignty and unity.
The king is the head of state in Canada, which is a member of the commonwealth of former colonies.
The monarch warned of new threats.
Yet this moment is also an incredible opportunity.
An opportunity for renewal, an opportunity to think big and to act bigger.
An opportunity for Canada to embark on the largest transformation of its economy since the second world war.
A confident Canada, which has welcomed new Canadians, including from some of the most tragic global conflict zones, can seize this opportunity by recognizing that all Canadians can give themselves far more than any foreign power on any continent can ever take away.
The King later acknowledged the US President saying Carney and Trump had formed a relationship rooted in mutual respect.
Charles announced that Canada would defend its sovereignty by rearming its military, joining the Re -arm Europe initiative and strengthening its arctic presence.
Twentynine passed the hour, Beijing's 19 degrees Wednesday evening.
It'll be sunny in 33 on Thursday.
Nanchung is down to 19, then sunny skies in 28.
Elsewhere in Asia, Islamabad is down to 23, followed by overcast conditions in 35, Vientiane is 23 overnight as well.
Slight rain in 31 tomorrow.
Nam pen's 25 this evening followed by moderate rainfall and 29 degrees.
In Africa Nairobi is getting a slight rain and 24 on Thursday.
Kampala's down to 19 followed by some rain and 26.
juba's 22 overnight then some rainfall and 35 degrees.
It's time for a short break.
So far this hour the Chinese foreign minister has held talks with leaders and officials from pacific island nations.
Israel says it'll set up more aid distribution points after a chaotic attempt in Gaza.
The U .S. presidents ordered government agencies to terminate all remaining federal contracts with Harvard. Shane Bigam 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, and right there, in the mist 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 here 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 Megham with you on this Wednesday.
Still to come, in business, strong first quarter results for several major Chinese companies.
In sports, first round action from the French Open.
In culture and entertainment, China's achievements in preserving the country's cultural heritage.
To contact us you can email at radio at cgtn .com or follow our ex -account at CGTN radio.
But now checking the day's headlines, here is Tianlu.
Thank you, Shane. Beijing is waiving visa requirements for citizens from Saudi Arabia, Oman, Kuwait and Bahrain.
People from these countries can visit China for upwards of 30 days without a visa starting June 9th.
The latest move makes China a visa -free destination for the entire Gulf Cooperation Council nations that also include the United Arab Emirates and Qatar.
The United Nations has called images of people in Gaza seeking aid from a US -backed group heartbreaking.
Witnesses say chaos erupted Tuesday at a new US -backed aid centre in Rafah as thousands of Palestinians overwhelmed the site on its first day under Israeli oversight.
Stefan Drarek is the UN spokesperson.
Turning to the situation in Gaza, and I can tell you that we have Footage circulating on social media showed large crowds storming the area, grabbing boxes of aid.
Israeli troops fired warning shots while American security guards reportedly withdrew, no casualties were reported.
The Hamas -run Gaza media office condemned the rollout as a disastrous failure and accused Israel of using aid for political leverage.
Local residents and authorities say the Israel -backed aid plan undermines Palestinian dignity and call for reopening Gaza's crossings to allow unrestricted international aid access.
Health authorities in Gaza said over 54 ,000 Palestinians have died since the conflict between Israel and Hamas started on October 7, 2023.
Israel says its warplanes have destroyed the Houthi forces' last aircraft. Defence Minister Israel Katz said they hit targets at Sana 'a International Airport.
The Houthis have confirmed Israeli airstrikes on the aviation hub in the capital city.
Harvard students have rallied to protest US president Donald Trump's attacks on the prestigious institution including threats to expel international students and cancel federal funding.
Students condemned Trump's rhetoric as racist and authoritarian.
unless we turn over a massive amount of disciplinary information and surveillance.
This is information we are not legally required to give.
And once he has it, he will use it for his own nefarious ends.
He will use it to attack student protesters like all of you standing here today.
Shame! The Trump administration is moving to cancel all remaining federal contracts with Harvard worth around 100 million USD escalating its campaign against the Ivy League School.
A letter from the General Services Administration directs agencies to review and terminate contracts by June 6, citing alleged discriminatory admissions and hiring practices and failure to protect Jewish students.
This comes after the U .S. revoked nearly $3 billion in federal research grounds and made a separate attempt to bar Harvard from enrolling international students.
A federal judge has temporarily blocked the ban on foreign students.
Meanwhile, US media reports say that Trump administration has ordered US embassies to stop scheduling new student and exchange visa appointments as the State Department prepares to expand social media vetting of foreign students.
Harvard enrolls around 7 ,000 international students and calls the move unlawful and harmful to its academic mission.
Student leaders, including Jewish and international representatives, rejected the Administration's narrative and warned the actions could damage US leadership in research and innovation.
The Ivy League University is suing to challenge the Administration's actions.
It argues that the government's rush to punish the school violates free speech rights under the US Constitution's first amendment by trying to assert control of its staff, curriculum, and enrollment.
China's Education Ministry says more than 13 .3 million students have signed up for this year's National College Entrance Examination.
The Ministry says it has instructed local authorities to improve services in transportation, noise management, and accommodation.
The Ministry also pledged to crack down on cheating.
The exam in China, also known as Gaokao, is the largest and one of the toughest of its kind in the world.
It takes place in June every year.
Thank you Shane. Stocks on the Chinese mainland closed lower on Wednesday, the Shanghai Composite Index was nearly flat while the Shenzhen component was lower by nearly 0 .3%.
Elsewhere in China, the Hong Kong stock market lost more than 0 .5%.
In Japan, Nikkei closed almost flat for the day.
Several major Chinese companies have released their financial results for the first quarter of 2025, showing strong growth and positive momentum.
Technology company Xiaomi Group reported record -breaking performance.
Its revenue reached over 110 billion yuan for around US $15 billion, a nearly 50 % increase compared to the same period last year.
For the first time its net profit exceeded 10 billion yuan, the strongest single -quarter result in the company's history.
Xiaomi said its ongoing shift towards higher -end products from smartphones to home appliances was already paying off.
Leading e -commerce platform Pinduoduo also showed solid growth.
It posted revenue of around 96 billion yuan or about 13 billion US dollars, up 10%.
China's major online travel agency Trip .com reported that inbound travel bookings doubled compared to last year while hotel bookings from key visa -free regions in the Asia -Pacific jumped by over 240%.
Its international business also surged with overseas travel bookings rising more than 60%.
Changes in tariffs have created challenges for businesses in China and the United States.
In response, many Chinese foreign trade companies are turning to the domestic market.
Local e -commerce platforms in China have quickly stepped in to support this shift. They are helping businesses sell their products online to Chinese consumers.
Olivia He has more on the latest efforts.
Alibaba's Taobao and Timo have introduced their Foreign Trade Selection Initiative, supporting at least 10 ,000 foreign trade businesses and 100 ,000 foreign goods.
The platforms have cut through direct tape, enabling sellers to complete registration in just one day and begin product listing the next, while Timor supermarket provides direct access to Chinese consumers.
Meituan China's dominant food delivery and local services platform is also expanding its horizons.
The company now provides customized marketing solutions to help international products stand out in China's e -commerce landscape.
The support extends beyond traditional e -commerce platforms. Baidu, China's search engine leader, has unveiled a comprehensive assistance package specifically for exporters transitioning to domestic sales.
Their offering includes fee -free registration and listings, a generous 180 -day commission -free period plus valuable traffic support and special subsidies to help businesses gain traction.
Meanwhile, Tencent is leveraging its vast ecosystem to help foreign sellers establish their presence, offering both financial bonuses for store openings and crucial traffic support.
Similarly innovative, Ping Jo Jo has created a dedicated foreign trade to domestic sales channel, complete with marketing resources and visibility booths tailored to international products.
Together, DC initiatives demonstrate how China's digital economy is actively reshaping global trade dynamics.
That was Olivia He reporting.
Now ongoing tariffs have also caused changes in how small businesses operating across the United States, including those in the chewing gum industry.
Reporter Sean Callebs spoke with Nathan Mao, CEO of a chewing gum company in California idea about how the temporary US -China trade truce is affecting small businesses….
How is the back and forth on tariffs and the uncertainty affecting your company's operations?
Even though we're manufacturing our product in America, we still get a lot of things from China, the machinery, there's almost no company here or manufacturing company that makes specialised chewing gum machinery.
Packaging has been an ongoing thing, I've tried to it here.
It's been an issue.
And in fact, since this trade war started, I'm still waiting on quotes from in February.
That's interesting.
What about the 90 -day semi truce between the U .S. and China?
Has that helped at all?
Because this week shows that consumer confidence is improving.
But last month, there's an argument out there that people are just buying ahead, trying to get ahead of the punishing tariffs.
Are you seeing that?
I think that that is definitely a possibility and probably playing into it.
But I would say overall the pauses helped us tremendously.
We had some shipments that we thought we're going to be high risk.
Those happened to make it just as that was happening and the shipments were now waiting for.
I'm confident that those will be here before the pause is over.
So I think we're one of the lucky ones in that scenario.
What's your big concern once the 90 -day pause runs out?
Definitely on my mind just as much as it's been on it for the last couple of months.
You We've had to kind of tread lightly and cautiously moving forward I would say anxiety levels you know probably in the higher tiers as I'm sure with many other business owners that have products that they import or materials that they import.
Tell me a bit about your chewing gum.
What other source materials and staffing expansion plans, how are they being affected?
You know sometimes the best thing you can do is nothing and that's been kind of my strategy throughout This whole thing is, you know, move forward and whatever happens, happens will kind of address it when it when it does.
But we've notified staff that, you know, depending on how these tariffs go, there may be some changes on the horizon.
Talk to me a bit about your goals, what you're hoping to accomplish.
But certainly everybody has success on their mind.
How do you believe you've been affected by the trade issues?
Well, you know, our main thing is building our manufacturing facility.
And that was probably the number one thing that would be affected by the tariffs.
you know a lot of the machinery that we're bringing in, all of that is you know Chinese made.
So we can't say no to those shipments you know we've already paid for them and if we end up paying a tariff on it you know we're gonna have to do it we're just gonna have to find other ways you know on the back end or in the future to kind of make it make sense." That was Shawn Caleb speaking with the California based business owner.
The Chinese Commerce Ministry says it held a meeting to discuss deeper cooperation in the semiconductor sector with Europe.
Government officials, researchers, and representatives from over 40 semiconductor companies attended the event.
The meeting highlighted that China and Europe play key roles in the global semiconductor supply chain.
Both sides agreed to strengthen mutual understanding, build free trade confidence, and boost exchanges and cooperation.
The meeting also emphasized China's opposition to unilateral actions and bullying tactics, calling for a secure and stable global semiconductor supply chain.
Over half of surveyed German companies plan to boost their investments in China within the next two years.
This is according to a report released at Recent Forum on Sino -German Industrial Cooperation and Development in Beijing.
The report also shows that many German and other specialized European companies could more than double their growth in the Chinese market.
About 40 percent of surveyed firms said they plan to speed up research, development, and innovation activities in China.
The Ningbo -Zhouxian Port in eastern China has launched three joint initiatives with major European ports to create green shipping corridors.
It will partner with Hamburg and Wilhelmshaven in Germany and Valencia in Spain to cut emissions along key trade routes.
The ports will work with shipping lines, cargo owners and other stakeholders to promote zero carbon technologies, clean fuels and smart management systems. The move comes as the shipping industry, which handles about 80 % of world trade, is facing urgent pressure to decarbonise.
As the world's busiest port by cargo throughput, Ningbo Joshan connects to over 600 ports across more than 200 countries and regions.
Japan saw weak demand for its 40 -year government bonds at an auction on Wednesday, the lowest level since November.
The Ministry of Finance sold around US $3 .4 billion of these bonds.
This comes as investors have been selling off super -long bonds through May.
Rising interest rates and inflation concerns are making investors more cautious about buying long -term debt.
And finally, a report from the US Commerce Department shows that new orders for key manufactured capital goods dropped by the most in six months in April.
The slowdown in company spending on equipment suggests US President Donald Trump's inconsistent tariff policy is complicating business planning.
Meanwhile, American retailers like footwear brand Sketchers are in talks with investment banks about going private in a bid to shield earnings from tariff -induced volatility in the stock market.
Right, thank you very much. That was Wong Zigung with Business.
Coming up in sports, first round action from the French Open.
Shea Geldies Alexander is your 2025 NBA MVP. But should it have been Nikola Jokic again?
This week on Sightline Story, we dive into the debate that's splitting fans.
Did SGA really earn it?
Or was it all foulbait and flash?
Plus, is the NBA officially entering its international era?
Hit play for bold takes, big questions, and no sugar coating.
Catch Sightline Story wherever you get your podcasts.
Our 47 past the hour now.
Turning to sports. Here's Tianyu.
Thank you, Sheng. In tennis, Novak Djokovic has eased past Mackenzie MacDonald to enter the second round of the French Open.
The victory came after he claimed his 100th Korea ATP title in Geneva.
Well, the emotions were really nice.
last time I was there playing was Finals of Olympics, of course I did relive those memories that were wonderful and but you know it was quite challenging conditions I think at the beginning of the match with the wind and rain and everything was happening so you know it took me some time to really find the rhythm on the court with striking the ball and moving these conditions were quite different from Geneva.
But all in all a solid match, 3 times 6 -3, so it's good.
You can always be better, but I must be content and satisfied with the first round." 3rd seed Alexander Zevrev also cruised through by beating Lerner Tian in the first round.
Cameron Norrie delivered the biggest upset of the tournament so far in a 5 -set win over former world number 1 Daniel Medvedev.
It was a really tough match and I was just trying to play every point.
And every point was difficult.
There was no easy way to win each point against Daniel.
And somehow I managed to go my way in the end and I used the momentum to my advantage.
Like I said to you guys before, I had to run for four hours to have a chance and I was able to do that and I was pretty fortunate to go my way.
This is also the sixth time that Medvedev was knocked out in the first round of the French Open.
Nori will next face Federico Gomez.
On the women's side, 2nd seed Coco Galf breezed past Olivia Gadecki to enter the 2nd round.
She caused a brief and amusing delay when she stepped onto the court without her racquets.
The World Number Two looked confused before a bullboy ran out carrying her pack of racquets.
She said the incident somehow made her relaxed during the match. Well, the most important thing is to play with the racquet, so that was getting through first his first death and then after that um maybe it probably relaxed me going into the match because this is just such a funny thing um yeah so i'm just happy to get through today and i'll remember my rackets for next time galf will next face qualifier teresa valentova in women's doubles wen yue and lulu soon earned a hard -fought first round victory by defeating ana blinkova and mire sheriff sun said she enjoyed the partnership and wen shared
her teamwork and strategy in the partnership.
Our teamwork was quite good.
We didn't complicate things with elaborate tactics.
Instead, we relied on our singles skills, staying deep at the baseline to create the advantage.
It really helped us in the crucial moments of the match. The victory came days after Yuan's first -run defeat by Jessalyn Paulini in women's singles.
In snooker, Chinese player Bai Yu Lu has become the first player in seven years to defend the title at the World Women's Snooker Championship in Guangdong.
The 21 -year -old player defeated world number one Minq Nudcharit in the final held in the Southern Chinese province.
Bai said she feels honored to win the trophy in front of her home fans once again.
I played both finals on home soil.
I am very honored and happy to be seen winning the title by this crowd.
I have gained more confidence after defending the title.
I will be better in the future China is holding the men's and women's world titles in snooker after Zhao Xin -Tong won the men's world championships earlier this month As National Diving Championships Paris Olympics champion Chen Yiwen has claimed gold in the women's 3 -meter springboard event I have improved a lot in mobilizing my own capacity during the competition I made a big mistake in the semi finals, but this did not influence me much in the finals.
I think I have made progress.
On the men's side, Xie Si Yi and Wang Bo Wen won the final of the men's synchronized 3m springboard event.
In football, Manchester United has trained ahead of their friendly against the ASEAN All -Stars in Kuala Lumpur.
The club is on a post -season tour in Asia.
manager Ruben Amareme says he wants to set realistic targets for his team and focus on laying down the foundation for long -term progress.
He also highlighted the global scale of the club's fan base, saying it's always inspiring to see.
For us it's amazing to see even in difficult seasons to see how many fans this club has.
So I think it's our duty to be here, it's a pleasure.
they are outside, they are following this club for so many years and for us, again, it's really important to have that connection because in the end, that is the real thing, the thing that makes this club one of the best in the world.
And Man United will also play a friendly match in Hong Kong after the game in Malaysia.
Thank you very much, that was TNU with sports.
Just ahead in culture and entertainment, China's achievements in preserving the country's cultural heritage.
Experience the musical classics of the East. Mingle with the masters of Chinese music.
Music talks. Witness the sound of antiquity and modernity.
A 53 pass now turned into culture and entertainment.
China's released findings in the field of scientific archaeology and cultural heritage preservation in Beijing.
Among the highlights is the restoration of an ancient gold crown, dating back to the early 8th century, which showcased the integration of modern technology and traditional skills in preserving cultural relics.
Archaeologists unearthed the crown in northwest China in 2019.
The object suffered severe corrosion and cracking upon excavation.
They have restored the crown to its former glory with almost no visible traces of repair.
Researchers say they face challenges during the restoration process.
Wong Chi with the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences says the initial task was to restore the structural integrity.
We applied a domestically developed heat treatment and annealing method to re -crystallize the base metal of the crown.
This process restored its mechanical strength allowing us to reshape the crown.
Researchers found it impossible to use traditional bonding methods to restore the crown, as it was crafted using engraving techniques resulting in varying thickness across the surface.
Hawang says they developed modern technologies to address the issue, such as laser welding.
Their work marks the first restoration in China of a crown from the Tibetan Tubo Kingdom in the country's southwest. Other findings released include a Tang Dynasty ceramic dragon head unearthed in North China and results from archaeological work in the Munchak Tepe site, Uzbekistan's nearest ancient city to China.
Hangdian World Studios in east China is welcoming more entertainment industry insiders from across the world to explore the rising trend of micro dramas produced there.
Many of them say they want to learn about the production of these dramas, which are becoming increasingly popular in China.
Chen Tong has more from the studio in Zhejiang province.
Filmmakers, actors, actresses and producers from over a dozen countries have come to Hengjian for one mission.
Starting how microdramas are produced.
What I like that stood out to me was getting people's attention from the very get -go.
And then it's easier for them to sit through the whole thing.
Here you can find everything, you know like they have the sets, they have the cameras, they have the people, they have the everything.
I really like Chinese films and that is the reason why I'm here in this workshop.
With vertical shooting formats, a social media style and a shooting period of only a week, how microdramas are shot differs from traditional drama and films. Microdramas are not a new business but here in Hendian is becoming a serious business.
In the first four months of the year over 1000 shooting crews finished their filming projects here.
And that's why the Chinese Hollywood is attracting producers from all over the world.
Come to check it out.
The number of microdramas shot in Fen Dian so far this year has already exceeded the total number from last year.
Since last October, many entertainment industry players from North America, Europe, Southeast Asia, South Korea and Japan have come to us.
They want to understand the process and methods of shooting micro dramas and learn about our experiences.
China's metro industrial chain of show dramas is having an increasingly significant influence on the global entertainment industry.
There are now over 400 micro drama apps worldwide and Chinese companies hold 80 percent of the market share.
Your business model is working really well, right?
The speed of the production, the model that you have built is really really successful.
So I think we can learn from you in the sense of technical and production.
Stories can be changed but business model is this is the successful that can be replicated.
Hengdian wall studios has signed a memorandum with global production firm Dehling studio to strengthen international cooperation.
How is Chiantong reporting?
It's 57 past the hour now, checking the forecast before we go for the day.
and Beijing's down to 19 degrees Wednesday evening.
It'll be sunny and 33 on Thursday.
Manchang's 19 overnight, then sunny and 28 elsewhere in Asia.
Islamabad's down to 23.
Overcast conditions in 35 on Thursday.
Vientiane's down to 23, followed by some rainfall in 31.
Brumpens 25 this evening, then moderate rainfall in 29 in Africa.
Nairobi's getting a slight rain and 24 on Thursday, compatible us down to 19, followed by a slight rain.
That's it for this edition of the Beijing Hour.
Making news today, the Chinese Foreign Minister has held talks with leaders and officials from Pacific island nations.
Israel says it will put up more aid distribution points after a chaotic attempt in Gaza.
On behalf of the staff, this is Shane Begem in the Chinese capital.
Hoping you'll join us for the next edition of the Beijing Hour and open a window to the world together.
Find the Beijing hour at precisely 6pm Beijing time.
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He can't live without the Yellow River in his eyes.
The Yellow River is so noble and elegant.
Both my grandpa and dad made the living from the river.
Would you like to move away from the Yellow River?
I don't think I will.
I love it so much. The Yellow River, the second longest river in China, is regarded as a shaping force in the history, economy and culture of Northern China.
Today, about 100 million people live within its water basin, making up nearly 9 % of the country's population.
How is climate change felt at its headwaters, and what are the locals doing to cope with it?
What are the descendants of the boatmen doing?
What has kept some people from leaving their home village by the river, and what has drawn others back?
Could the fading fishing community revive in the time of digital transformation?
From 2021 to 2024, our reporters visited the upper, middle and lower reaches of the Yellow River, talked to the herders, farmers, boatmen, fishermen and eco -activists who share a close bond with the river, and present their stories in pictures, podcasts and videos.
or in our 12 part series, The Yellow River Mosaic, available only on CGTN radio.
