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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 biggum with you on this Tuesday, April 22nd, 2025.
You're listening to The Beijing Hour, coming to you live from the Chinese capital.
On today's program, the IMF, World Bank, spring meetings in Washington will have a focus on US president Donald Trump's tariffs.
China and Indonesia have reached a consensus on supporting each other's development.
And Ukraine says it's ready for any dialogue on a ceasefire to protect civilian infrastructure.
In business, Wall Street continues to disappoint investors.
In sports, the Laureus World Sports Awards is named this year's winners.
In culture and entertainment, one of China's biggest film festivals is now in full swing.
And now checking the day's top stories.
The International Monetary Fund and World Bank's spring meetings in Washington are focusing on tariffs.
This year's gathering got underway amid upheaval in global financial markets.
There's also a question about whether the United States will keep funding these two institutions.
Owen Faircloth has more.
When the International Monetary Fund last took stock of the global economy, just three days before Donald Trump was inaugurated as US president back in January, the outlook looked rosy, especially for the US, with the IMF forecasting a healthy two point seven percent growth in 2025.
But now delegates from across the world are gathering here in Washington, D .C., for the annual spring meetings the IMF host jointly with the World Bank just weeks after Trump sank global stock markets by announcing hefty tariffs on trade partners just about everywhere.
Most of those tariffs have since been postponed pending negotiations, but how much of Trump's actions and the ensuing retaliatory tariffs changed the landscape?
The head of the IMF gave a strong hint while previewing these meetings last week.
What we see this time around has a very sharp increase in uncertainty, but the economic fundamentals are still quite strong.
This is why when I spoke about what you should expect from us next week, I stressed there would be markdowns but not recession.
no recession, but the extent of those growth forecast markdowns will be laid bare with policymakers looking for solutions on trade and tariffs.
Ultimately, trade is like water.
When countries put an obstacle in the form of tariff and non -tariff barriers, the flow diverts.
Some sectors in some countries may be flooded by cheap imports.
Others may see shortages.
Other items on the agenda include the IMF's recent $20 billion bailout for Argentina and the first Syrian delegation visit to this forum in at least 20 years.
If Trump and Harris remain the overarching talking points at these two institutions this week, one discussion on the sidelines is likely to be Washington's continued financial support for them.
As the White House reviews its membership of international organizations, the head of Bank said last week he did not yet know if the US would commit to a four billion dollar fund to helping the world's poorest countries.
That was Owen Fairclough in Washington.
China's ambassador to the United States, as Beijing firmly opposes any tariff or trade war, Xie Feng urged the world to follow the trends of the times.
Globalization, connectivity and complementary advantages are the foundation of global prosperity over the past decades.
And the path countries must take to achieve sustained common development, weaponizing interdependence would only cause self -isolation and backfire.
And tariff barriers would clog the flow of international trade and devastate the health of world economy." Meanwhile, Wall Street financial analyst Michael Hudson says the U .S. tariffs are benefiting the elite at the expense of the majority of the population.
The United States is the only country in the world that has weaponized its foreign trade, weaponized its foreign currency, the dollar, weaponized the international financial system and treated every economic relationship in an adversarial way to weaponize it.
And other countries say, how can we have a different approach and treat trade as How can we mutually gain?
How can we treat investment is something where the investor gains, but we also gain, so what's happening is that as other countries are putting in place their mutual production facilities, transportation facilities, investment facilities, Trump is isolating the United States from trade and investment relations.
is trying to isolate China.
But what it's doing is isolating itself from everyone except that satellite.
World Bank, former chief economist, Justin Yifu Lin, shares the observation that Washington may end up isolating itself if the rest of the economies come together.
Lin downplayed the chances of a complete decoupling between China and the US because American consumers and companies need Chinese goods.
He also said American users have found ways to buy from China through e -commerce apps.
Global tariffs of Delta blow to the U .S. wedding industry.
Wedding essentials, including bridal gowns and candles, are heavily reliant on China or Europe.
Around 80 percent of flowers are also dependent on imports.
Media reports say prices for wedding dresses could double.
The extra costs have forced many to change their plans or even delay their weddings.
It was nothing we would have anticipated.
It's like inflation, yes, but tariffs no. The linen napkins, the candelabras, the florals, and even the chairs.
Even if you're getting married up in your parents' backyard, I mean, you're going to be affected one way or another.
The U .S.'s multi -billion dollar toy industry is also sounding the alarm.
Data from the U .S. Commerce Department shows that the country imported over 17 billion dollars of toys last year, with more than 13 billion dollars from China.
The CEO of the toy association says China's not currently producing any toys for the US market under steep tariffs, and major retailers are reportedly canceling orders.
Greg Ahern says US production capacity is far from able to meet demand.
96 % of the manufacturers here in the US are considered small or medium sized businesses.
Well, there are some toys that are made here in the US, but they're mostly paper goods or highly automated goods, and it represents a small portion of the toys that are manufactured.
To be able to stand up manufacturing in the US, is it possible?
Yes, but in the short term, absolutely not.
Toy companies worry that the trade tensions could jeopardize the holiday season and store owners are doubtful if they can keep going if the tariffs remain in place.
Data from container tracking service Visian shows that container bookings bound for the US in the first week of April dropped by 67 % compared with the week before.
Bookings departing the U .S. declined by 40%.
U .S. ports are anticipating a significant fall in container traffic.
Edus Tien -Shen reports from Los Angeles.
When combined, the Port of Long Beach and the Port of Los Angeles is the largest port complex in the Western Hemisphere, receiving nearly 40 % of all imported containers arriving into the U .S. But according to its CEO, its cargo volume is already seeing a decline in the aftermath of the latest US tariffs.
Our concerns about reduction I think are gonna really start being elevated as we move towards May.
We already have, our staff has now recorded 17 canceled sailings from the international carriers, which means less containers coming into the complex. And given the on and off nature of the tariffs shipping experts believe it will take months for businesses to be able to establish the most profitable trade routes.
It's just going to take some time for importers to diversify their supply chains, the countries of origin.
And what you'll see is an uptick of manufacturing in nations that don't have tariffs levied on them by the United States.
And then you'll see that confidence picked back up.
But as you can imagine, these things don't happen overnight.
And it's going to take the next several months.
And I think really a long -term understanding of where the tariffs are going to line up so people can make business decisions, and they may hold freight until then.
But until the market regains a sense of stability, major U .S. ports could see steep declines in container traffic to North America.
Right now we're estimating a 20 percent reduction in volume for the second half of 2025.
Now that, again, is under the assumption that the tariff implementation is going to move forward at some high numbers.
The U .S. administration has repeatedly expressed openness to new trade deals with major trading partners like China and Europe.
But until that happens, uncertainty continues to loom over international trade.
That was Edyst Tianshin reporting on a collapse in container shipping under the U .S. tariffs.
Coming up. China and Indonesia reach an agreement on supporting each other's development.
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At 11 minutes past the hour, China and Indonesia have agreed to hold talks and support each other in their development.
Foreign and Defence Ministers from the two countries had their first 2 plus 2 dialogue and reached consensus on security cooperation and maintaining peace and stability in the South China Sea.
They also discussed the Belt and Road initiative and trade.
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi held separate talks with his Indonesian counterpart and urged joint efforts to pursue modernization.
Wang Mengjie has more.
Beijing hosted the first ministerial meeting of Foreign and Defence ministerial dialogue between China and Indonesia on Monday, with a memorandum of understanding on establishing a comprehensive strategic dialogue mechanism signed by Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and his Indonesian counterpart.
After the signing ceremony, foreign ministers and defence ministers from both sides briefed reporters on a consensus, reached during talks.
It marks the beginning of a new chapter in strategic mutual trust in political security cooperation between our two neighboring countries to emerging economies and to developing countries." Deepening cooperation in the field of defense security will definitely provide strong support for building the China -Indonesia community of a shared future.
The two foreign ministers also exchanged views on bilateral ties and cooperation in a separate meeting.
This is not the end of the world.
Strengthening our mutual trust and cooperation has sent signals of solidarity and openness to the world.
It is important. We have shown that in all these years our relations have been keep increasingly progressing and we want to continue.
A reception was also held Monday to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between China and Indonesia.
China and Indonesia are good neighbors and good partners.
The Chinese foreign ministry said China stands ready to work with Indonesia, following the strategic guidance of the two presidents and making full use of this mechanism as an important platform to elevate mutual trust and coordination into a higher level.
That was Hwang Meng -je reporting.
Kenyan President William Ruto is paying a state visit to China starting Tuesday.
China expects this trip to contribute to the China -Africa community with a shared future in the new era and unity among the global south.
Daniel Aratmoi reviews China -Kenya ties.
China and Kenya established diplomatic relations in 1963.
During the colonial era, China supported Kenya's struggle for independence.
The two countries emphasized principles of sovereignty, mutual respect, and noninterference in domestic affairs, which promoted mutual understanding.
60 years on the relations have transformed and evolved into a comprehensive strategic partnership.
The people -to -people relationship between Kenya and China goes beyond our bilateral relations.
Bilateral relations starts from the 60s, but the people -to -people relations is 600 years old when the first Chinese visited Kenya.
Key projects like the Standard Gauge Railway, built under China's Belt and Road Initiative, have reduced cargo transit times, increased trade between Kenya and neighboring nations and boosted tourism in the country.
The 27 kilometer elevated Nairobi Expressway, built by the China Road and Bridge Corporation, has reduced travel time between Kenya's Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, the Nairobi Central business district and some key suburbs of the Kenyan capital.
In the agricultural sector, Kenya has emerged as one of the top suppliers of avocados to China, capitalizing on a rapidly growing demand.
This expanded market has empowered many Kenyan farmers through increased earnings.
In 2019, Kenya was granted enhanced market access to China, a move that boosted the flower export sector.
For many flower farmers, they expanded access into the Chinese market as facilitated easier trade routes and reduced barriers, giving the horticultural sector a timely boost. In education, China has established the Confucius Institute at the University of Nairobi, promoting the learning of the Chinese language by many Kenyans and facilitating cultural exchanges.
I am looking forward to building on what already exists to build greater understanding between our two peoples and ensuring that we take this into the future.
President William Ruto's visit to China is expected to further cement China's role as Kenya's leading trading partner.
That was Daniel Orapmoy on expectations for the Kenyan president's state visit in China.
Also, starting Tuesday, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev is paying a state visit to China.
He's expressed confidence that the visit will deepen the strategic partnership between the two countries.
He said bilateral relations are rooted in history and tradition, and are steadily advancing.
Aliyev said strengthening ties with China remains a priority of Azerbaijan's foreign policy.
He said the country will take advantage of its geographic location to expand transport capacities.
The African Space Agency headquarters is officially running in Egypt.
It marks a milestone in space collaboration on the continent.
Egypt's foreign minister says the agency is also open to cooperation with international partners.
Adele Almaruki reports from Cairo.
Nine years after the African Union adopted a continental space policy and strategy, the Africa space agency inaugurated its headquarters in the Egyptian capital Cairo.
With this step, the AFSA can finally pursue its mission to harness space science and technology for Africa's socio -economic development and sustainable development goals.
African ministers as well as directors of continental and international space agencies came to the Egyptian space city to celebrate this landmark step for Africa, all of them pledged to support Africa's space ambitions.
The European Space Agency marked this historic day by signing several corporation agreements with the world's newest continental space agency.
The mission of the Africa Space Agency is to collaborate all the space programs in Africa, being it space exploration, earth observation, astronomy, satellite communications.
It's an already existing framework from the Africa Union, which is now established on its own.
So it's not going to start its work, its work has already started.
The space industry is financially demanding and requires sophisticated technology to run.
For Africa, that's still a major challenge.
One of the roles of the African space agency is to coordinate efforts by national space agencies to complement Africa's space research and capacity building efforts.
Hard initials cannot invest heavily in the space sector because investment in Space is very, very captain intensive.
Coming together in a union like this is the best way to go.
Africa is a massive landmass.
The only way you can manage the resources of Africa and then the diversity of Africa is to use space science and technology.
No other means upon which we can do this thing.
China is expected to be one of the main global partners of the African Space Agency.
The Egyptian space city has a strong foundation of Chinese space technology which empowered Egypt with a satellite assembly integration and testing center, as well as expanded the country's remote sensing abilities and space images analysis.
It's quite interesting when you are in space, most of the geopolitical zones or political is totally different.
When you look at the international space station, you have all the nations coming together, especially the Americans, the Russians.
The role of the China supporting the Egyptian Space Agency also supported the African Space Agency.
It's a road that is well welcome and is an example for others to follow.
By hosting the African Space Agency, Egypt is solidifying its leadership role in Africa's space ecosystem.
It is a commitment from the North African country to nurture space research, technology development and innovation across the continent.
AFSA is not expected to build rocket ships and send humans to space, but will instead focus on earth observation, satellite communication, navigation and positioning as well as other space sciences and astronomy.
That was Adele Almaruki reporting.
Dozens of American students have climbed the Great Wall and practiced kung fu as part of their tour in China.
Beijing was the last stop for the students from Maryland who also visited Shanghai and Shenzhen.
Zhao Chunfeng spoke with some of them.
There's a saying in China, he who has never been to the Great Wall is not a true hero, and for many of these American students climbing it is something they've never experienced before.
First time with the Great Wall.
The first time! For all of you.
The Great Wall is one of the most iconic landmarks in the world and a true treasure of Chinese history.
Climbing in steep steps is both a challenge and a thrill, a test of endurance and an unforgettable way to connect with the past. I'm super excited to come, but I think actually walking up has really put into perspective how much work went into building this wall and how important it is.
It's something that you've never seen before unless it's in pictures, but the pictures don't even do it justice.
Getting to go up a few steps and looking back and seeing everything behind us and how the wall just keeps going and us all being here together to see that is really cool.
So many stairs. I was going to count them all but I lost track of 300.
Climbing the Great Wall wasn't the only first with these students.
After watching their peers in Beijing perform Chinese martial arts, the American students got their own taste of Kung Fu.
It's going great! I learned some basic moves and then I learned how to use this sword, and it's so fun.
I'm having a ton of fun.
They were enthusiastic and earnest, and there wasn't the communication barrier I had imagined.
For these young visitors, the trip is about more than just sightseeing.
It's a chance to make new friends, experience a different culture, and build bridges of understanding between China and the United States.
That was a story about Chinese and American students getting to know each other.
Coming up, Ukraine expresses readiness for ceasefire talks to protect civilian infrastructure.
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And twenty -two past the hour, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyi says Kiev is ready for any conversation about a ceasefire on civilian infrastructure.
He stressed that this must be the first step toward a reliable and enduring peace.
Ukrainian, British and French delegations are holding new peace talks in London following their meeting in Paris last week.
Zelensky said their primary task is to push for an unconditional ceasefire.
Russian President Vladimir Putin's proposed bilateral talks with Ukraine for the first time since the early days of the conflict.
Putin said Moscow is open to any peace initiatives and expects the same from Kiev.
The two sides resumed fighting after an Easter truce and accused each other of violations during that 30 -hour period.
Harvard University says it's filed a federal lawsuit against the Trump administration's funding freeze.
It says the action's unlawful and beyond the government's authority.
The university also says the case involves the government's efforts to use the withholding of federal funding as leverage to gain control of academic decision -making at Harvard. Trump administration officials sent a letter to the Ivy League school on April 11, demanding the university undertake governance reform and restructuring.
Harvard rejected the demands to make sweeping changes to its governance, hiring and admissions practices.
The Trump administration then announced a freeze on $2 .2 billion in multi -year grants and $60 million in multi -year contract value to the university.
The U .S. Homeland Security secretary has also demanded Harvard share information about illegal and violent activities involving foreign students by April 30th, or risk losing its authorization to enroll international students.
A recent report from the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization shows global coffee prices surge nearly 39 percent in 2024 reaching a multi -year high.
Brazil the world's largest coffee exporter, is facing a significant decline in coffee production as extreme weather conditions become the new norm.
Lei Xiangping has more.
Osma Junior has been growing speciality coffee for over 14 years across several farms spanning 500 hectares in the Sarada region of South -Eastern Brazil.
Since 2021, his fields have been battered by droughts, droughts, and heat waves, a fate shared by many farmers in one of Brazil's key coffee -producing areas.
Juno says this year's harvest outlook is grim...
In Sarada, there wasn't much rain at the end of February, and March brought really high temperatures that aren't good for coffee growth.
The best temperature for coffee is about 26 to 28 degrees Celsius, but we had highs of 37 to 38 degrees.
We usually start harvesting in mid -May and hope it doesn't rain then, because it can mess up the harvest. Unfortunately local experts expect that farms here will see an average yield drop of about 26 % this year, with some farms losing as much as 70%.
In late January, Brazil's national supply company predicted that the country's coffee production for the 2025 harvest season would fall to under 52 million bags or more than 3 .1 billion kilos, a 4 .4 percent decrease from last year.
In Minas Gerais, the largest coffee producing state, output is expected to drop by nearly 12 percent.
The decline is already reshaping the global market.
Juna says many growers had pre -sold their 2025 crops at prices far below today's soaring rates.
Due to the production drop, international coffee prices have risen sharply, but local growers aren't benefiting much. On one hand, we don't have coffee available to sell right now.
On the other, most of this year's crop was pre -sold at lower prices.
The price This spike has sparked new interest in planting coffee in Serrato this year, but 3 or 4 years from now prices could fall again, and that might cause even more problems. Junior's situation is echoed across Brazil.
Simon Pedro de Lima is head of the Expo -Caser cooperative, serving over 600 producers in Serrato.
He says the region's yields continue to fall short of their potential.
Over the past 5 years, coffee cultivation in Serrato has been severely affected by unfavorable weather with the annual yields consistently below potential.
As we approach the end of May and the harvest season, climate challenges persist, including the risk of frost following droughts.
These are climate -driven problems affecting the entire Brazilian coffee industry.
In response, farmers are taking action.
They are investing in advanced irrigation systems and testing more resilient coffee varieties.
President Antonio de Salvo of the Federation of Agriculture and Livestock of Minas Girais says modernization is now essential.
Our challenge in Minas Girais is to modernize the coffee industry to withstand climate change.
We are introducing more technology into farming.
Some coffee varieties developed 15 to 20 years ago can no longer survive today's conditions.
We are replacing them with more productive, resilient and cost -effective strains.
As climate change becomes a permanent hurdle for Brazil's coffee sector, growers say finding a balance between unpredictable weather and market demands will become one of the greatest challenges in the years ahead.
For the Beijing hour, this is Leylin Shampin.
U .N. Secretary -General António Guterres says the rights of indigenous peoples are non -negotiable, vowing efforts to make those rights a reality.
He made the remarks while addressing the opening of the permanent forum on indigenous peoples.
Guterres described the difficulties facing indigenous peoples around the world as an affront to dignity and justice, and a source of deep sorrow for him.
I urge governments and institutions to ensure that the leadership, rights and needs of Indigenous peoples are recognized and acted upon across the board. In a world in flux, it is particularly important that governments are alert to the impacts on Indigenous peoples.
And governments must honor their obligation in the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples without delay.
The 24th session of this forum is underway now at UN headquarters in New York and it runs until May 2.
We're at 29 past the hour.
Beijing down to 11 degrees on Tuesday evening.
It'll be sunny in 27 on Wednesday.
Nanchung's 19 overnight then cloudy in 26.
elsewhere in Asia. Islamabad 16 overnight then overcast and 39 on Wednesday.
BNTS down to 25 followed by a slight rainfall in 36.
Plamp ends 26 overnight, then a slight rain in 35.
In Africa, Nairobi will get moderate rainfall in 22 degrees on Wednesday, Campales down to 20, then some rainfall in 24.
Juba's 24 overnight, then overcast in 39 degrees.
And finally, to Oceania, Port Vilep 24 this evening, a slight rainfall and 30 degrees Celsius tomorrow.
It's time for a short break.
So far this hour. The IMF World Bank Spring meetings in Washington will have a focus on U .S. President Donald Trump's tariffs.
China and Indonesia have reached a consensus on supporting each other's development, and Ukraine says it's ready for any dialogue on a ceasefire to protect civilian infrastructure.
Shane Biggam with you.
Stay with us here on the Beijing Hour.
Listen up. Can you hear the heartbeat of our world?
It's vibrant and pulsating with the lessons of life itself.
From the stem of trees to the gurgle of rivers.
From the silent strength of mountains to the icy whispers of glaciers.
Even the solid ground beneath our feet.
And right there in the midst of all, beast of heart of humanity.
What if those other heartbeats were to stop?
Would ours keep on ticking?
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What's the narrative of this relationship?
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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 Beggum with you on this Tuesday.
Still to come. In business, Wall Street continues to disappoint investors.
In sports, the glorious World Sports Awards is named this year's winners.
In culture and entertainment, one of China's biggest film festivals is now in full swing.
To contact us, you can email radio at cgtn .com or follow our Ex Account at CGTN Radio.
Now with a check of the day's headline news, here's Tianyu.
Thank you Shane. China says all is ready for the launch of the Shenzhou -20 manned space mission from the Zheochuan satellite launch center.
The mission completed last rehearsal in northwest China.
The new crew headed to the Tiangong space station and take over from the Shenzhou -19 astronauts before their scheduled return around May 1st. Models showcasing China's achievements in lunar exploration are on display at Space Science Center in Toulouse, France.
The exhibits include models of the Chang 'e 4 lander and Yutu 2 rover.
They're the Chang 'e 4 probe the first spacecraft to land on the far side of the moon.
Space News Manager Benjamin Peters says the display plays a crucial role in helping the French public understand the far side of the moon.
We've established a partnership with the China National Space Administration and they provided us with a scale model of the Chang 'e 4 Lander for display.
We are thrilled by this because the mission marks the first successful landing on the far side of the Moon, a historic achievement.
It also paved the way for the subsequent channel 6 mission, which collected lunar samples from the Moon's far side.
Peter also expressed hope to keep presenting China's achievements in space exploration to the French public.
We are eager to present Chinese space projects to the public.
China is not only actively advancing lunar exploration missions, but it is also pushing forward with Mars missions and deep space exploration.
Displaying these accomplishments is important for us.
Toulouse is known as the European Capital of Science.
The southern French city is home to a cluster of aerospace companies.
The second phase of this year's Canon Fair will open on Wednesday in Guangzhou with a focus on quality home life.
Exhibitors have brought kitchen and tableware, home declarations, gifts, and furniture to the China Import and Export Fair.
During phase 1 last week, a matchmaking event brought together over 300 foreign trade companies with 360 Chinese wholesalers and e -commerce platforms. These meetings resulted in deals totaling nearly 700 million yuan or approximately 93 million USD.
products owners, local authorities are also participating in efforts to help business adapt and expand their market reach. The Chinese government's special envoy on the Middle East issue says China appreciates Oman's role in mitigating regional tensions.
During his meeting with the Omani undersecretary of foreign affairs, Jia Jun also noted the results from the China -Oman strategic partnership.
Sheikh Khalifa bin Ali al -Hathi said Oman is willing to advance cooperation and deepen coordination with China on international and regional affairs.
The Iranian president has reaffirmed the importance of preserving national interests in ongoing indirect talks with the United States.
Massoud Pazeshqian said Iran is ready for an agreement within a defined framework.
He also said if U .S. representatives refrain from negotiating on equal terms, Iran will continue on its own path.
The president's comments follow the second round of indirect talks between Iran and the U .S. in Rome on Saturday with mediation from Oman.
The shooter who killed 23 people in an attack in Texas nearly six years ago, Will not face the death penalty after he pleaded guilty in a state court.
State District Judge Sam Medrano sentenced Patrick Cruzias to life in prison without the possibility of parole.
Cruzias lawyer Joe Spencer said the plea brings judicial finality.
Patrick will spend the rest of his natural life in prison.
He will never again walk free.
Patrick will leave prison, only in a coffin, on God's time.
We hope that the resolution spares the victims of our community the further trauma of a protracted trial in decades -long appeals.
Last month, El Paso District Attorney James Montoya's office offered Cruzias the plea deal to avoid the death penalty.
Montoya said though Cruzias should be executed, the death penalty will delay a trial even further.
He said most of the victims' families just want the case's closure.
The attack in August 2019 targeted Hispanic migrants at a Walmart in El Paso.
And, finally, China's Education Ministry has added international cruise management and digital drama to the curriculum at advanced education institutions in the country's pursuit of high -quality development.
They're among 29 new majors for undergraduate students.
They aim to serve technological advancements and respond to emerging market trends.
New majors cover areas such as AI, medical security, and aviation.
Thank you very much. This was Tien Yew with Headline News.
Coming up in business, Wall Street continues to disappoint investors.
The Beijing Hour, your window on China and the rest of the world.
37 past now. And Chinese stock markets closed mixed on Tuesday.
The Shanghai Composite was up around 0 .3 % while the Shenzhen component dipped around 0 .4%.
Shares related to logistics and car services were among the biggest winners, while those related to tourism and batteries emerged as the biggest losers.
Elsewhere in China, the Hong Kong stock market climbed higher with the Hang Seng Index surging around 0 .8%.
In Japan, the Nikkei was a little bit below flat.
Wall Street continued its dismal performance, with stocks closing sharply lower on Monday after U .S. President Donald Trump ramped up his attacks on Fed Reserve chair Jerome Powell.
All three major equity indices plunged by as much as 2 .5 % while the U .S. dollar retreated and treasury bond yields rose.
Trump criticized Powell in a truth social post and demanded the Fed cut interest rates immediately.
Mitch McCann has details.
It was a brutal Monday on the New York stock exchange with more economic uncertainty as Donald Trump attacked the chair of the Federal Reserve and was still yet to see any significant progress on a trade deal with another country after Donald Trump implemented his widespread tariffs at the closing bell on Monday afternoon in New York the Dow Jones Industrial Average was down 971 points the S &P 500 was down 2 .36 and the Nasdaq the Tech Heavy Index was down 2 .55 percent.
Donald Trump has reiterated that world leaders are rushing to negotiate trade deals with his administration but we are yet to see any indication from the White House that one is close to being signed.
Japan has been one of the first nations to negotiate with the White House and while Mr. Trump touted progress there we are no closer to knowing when a deal with Japan or anyone else might be signed.
Adding to the uncertainty on Wall Street and the economy Donald Trump has continued his attacks on Jerome Powell.
On Monday morning, Mr. Trump posted on social media that there could be some sort of economic slowdown unless the chair of the Federal Reserve lowers interest rates or cuts rates.
Mr. Trump called him Mr. Too Late and a major loser as well.
Donald Trump is hopeful that a rate cut will ease pressure on American families in the hope it will be cheaper to borrow money and then stimulate the economy.
The risk with that though is that inflation could rise which is the exact thing the Fed is trying to avoid.
It would be significant if Donald Trump tried to fire Jerome Powell, being the chair of the Fed is not a political role and in fact Jerome Powell himself has reportedly said that Donald Trump cannot fire him.
That was Mitch McCann reporting from New York.
Growing concerns over the US tariff blitz and President Donald Trump's attacks against the Fed chair have driven investors toward safe haven assets.
Gold prices extended their record rally on Tuesday, with spot gold hitting a fresh all time high above $3 ,490 per ounce.
The metal has surged nearly 30 % so far this year.
Analysts warned that if the Fed loses its independence, it will cause a crisis of confidence in the U .S. economy.
Markets are now closely watching upcoming speeches from Fed officials this week for clues on the future path of U .S. monetary policy.
Paolo Battista Jr. with the New Development Bank talked about how global uncertainties are pushing countries to review their gold reserves.
The main competitor to gold is the U .S. dollar.
So a rise in the U .S. dollar, recovery of the U .S. dollar, would depend on trust, and trust will depend on a change in policies, economic and geopolitical.
I don't see that coming with Donald Trump.
On the contrary, I think that Donald Trump is deepening distrust in the U .S. dollar.
But again, why is gold so, so strong in this context?
Because there are no other alternatives.
The Western currencies, besides the dollar, are not an alternative.
The renminbi could be in the longer run but only if China feels secure and it doesn't feel secure yet to become an issuer of a main international reserve currency.
So you end up with countries, central banks buying gold for lack of other alternatives.
For more insights on surging gold prices, Zheng Junfeng spoke with Chen Jiehe, chief investment officer at Novum Arcade Technologies.
After President Trump's criticism of the Fed's independence, U .S. markets tumbled again last night.
What is the market outlook going forward?
Yes, the market is really bad.
US investors are trying to avoid this volatile market.
There are multiple reasons behind this weakness of the market.
First of all, there is no cheap valuation for people to bottom fish.
The U .S. market is already quite expensive.
The dough is trading at around 25 times PE ratio and Nasdaq around 35 times.
Meanwhile, there is a large chance of dropping earnings, high tariffs and the breaking of supply chain is hurting the operation of many listed companies.
Furthermore, the reducing of independence for the Fed means something really worries the markets.
Investors start to imagine a further reserve that is out of control and perhaps set policies as reckless as the tariff policy that the Trump administration is setting right now.
So this losing of rationality really worries people.
Gold price is approaching 3 ,500 US dollars per ounce.
I mean, just a few weeks ago, it's below 3 ,000.
And how high could gold prices realistically rise?
Well, this is a very hard question to answer because the current situation, it's just too awkward to be understood.
I mean, a government starts tariffing against the tens of other countries around the world and expects everyone to call them.
This is way too crazy in the financial market.
So that is why the gold price is running up so high.
I mean, people are just scared.
They don't know what's going on, but they understand that this will surely damage the dollar and the US economy.
So they rush for gold for protection.
Basically speaking, the average production cost of gold is around 1 ,200 to 1 ,500 per ounce.
So this price of 3 ,500 is crazy, but who knows where it can go.
The current situation is too strange to be understood.
So it can just go even higher.
That was Chen Jiehe, chief investment officer at Novum Arcade Technologies.
Several countries have tried to hold talks with the US on tariffs.
Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba said on Monday that Japan does not intend to obediently shoulder more burden as demanded by the US.
He also stressed that security guarantees should not be linked to tariff negotiations.
Mexican president Claudia Scheinbaum said the country has yet to reach a deal with US President Donald Trump to avert tariffs on auto and steel exports.
as she said talks would continue.
Thailand's prime minister has announced the postponement of negotiations with the U .S. on steep tariffs.
On Monday, India's prime minister held talks with the U .S. vice president on the looming U .S. tariffs.
While both sides set a progress, they have not reached an official agreement.
Chief Executive Magazine says U .S. CEO confidence is plunged to a new low as business leaders respond to Donald Trump's tariff rollout.
A survey of over 300 CEOs and business owners revealed the confidence indexes dropped to its lowest level since Covid -19, reflecting their assessments of current business conditions and the outlook for the next 12 months.
An overwhelming majority of the CEOs who took part in the survey attributed their declining optimism to Trump's global tariff regime.
Among those surveyed, 67 % expressed disapproval of the tariffs while 76 % predicted Trump's policies would negatively or severely impact business this year.
The second phase of the 137th Canton Fair will open on Wednesday in Guangzhou.
Many Chinese suppliers, buyers, and retail platforms are actively developing strategies to help export -oriented companies manage tariff challenges and pivot toward the domestic market.
We have opened a direct procurement channel to the domestic suppliers.
Their products will reach the consumers through our 2 ,000 We want to help the export -oriented factories expand their domestic sales.
Belove has been an export -oriented company.
Seventy percent of our products are shipped to overseas customers.
Now we really need to further tap into the domestic market.
And we want to accelerate the process with the help of government policies and the e -commerce channels.
UR Platform is primarily working with small businesses and provides them with a one -stop service from logistics to customer service.
With our help, export -oriented businesses can access the domestic market much more easily.
Local authorities are also participating in efforts to help businesses adapt and expand their market reach. And China's state councils issued new guidelines to enhance reforms in the country's pilot free trade zones.
The plan aims to make them key hubs in China's dual circulation strategy, which reinforces domestic and international markets.
Officials hope the measures will boost the competitiveness of domestic companies and global trade, with a greater role for digital tools.
It also seeks to attract more companies to free trade zones for innovation and supply chain collaboration, with some zones serving as testbeds for internet -connected vehicles and autonomous aviation.
The upgrades promise further opening up in sectors such as law, finance and healthcare.
China's 22 free trade zones contribute about one -fifth of the country's foreign investment and total trade.
And just ahead, in sports, the glorious World Sports Awards is named this year's winners.
Headlines Story Podcast for heated sports discussions, covering events that are happening in China and around the world.
47 past the hour now and turning to sports.
Here's Yang Guang. Thank you Shane.
The Laureus World Sports Awards in Madrid has named Simone Bios and Montville Duplantis a sports woman and sportsman of the year.
American gymnast Bios won three gold medals and won silver at Paris Olympics.
I want to thank Laureus so much for this incredible honor.
I've been dreaming of moments like this since I was a foster kid.
So, I have to say thank you to my parents for adopting my sister and I and for allowing me to turn my passion into my profession." Swedish pole vaulter Duplantis claimed his second Olympic Gold and broke his own world record twice.
Thank you, thank you, laureate.
Thank you to the Academy.
Some halfway decent athletes think that I was deserving of this award, so that's a pretty cool thing." Meanwhile, tennis legend Rafael Nadal received the Sporting Icon Award. Thank you, at the same time, Mr. Rupert, for believing of the power of sport.
I'm putting together all this amazing effort that the Lourie's Academy is doing in a dairy basis to change the destinies of a lot of people that they didn't have opportunities that me or a lot of people in this room have. So thank you very much for this amazing job that you are doing." Chinese Paralympic swimmer Zhang Yuyan won the World Sports Person of the Year with a Disability award. Zhang lost her right arm and right leg in a childhood accident, but won seven gold medals at the Paris Paralympic Games.
American surfer Kelly Slater won the Lifetime Achievement Award. Real Madrid earned World Team of the Year award after winning the Champions League and La Liga last season.
Young Spanish footballer Jan Lament -Jamal took home the World Breakthrough Player award. In football Barcelona is preparing for their La Liga match against Mallorca.
They sit atop the standings four points ahead of rivals Real Madrid.
Talking about the title race with Real, head coach Hansi Flick says they will play hard for good results.
Hopefully it was the right wake -up call.
That we make all the things we want to do.
Our match plan, what we're going to do to show them maybe on the right way.
This is what I want to see from the team because it's not easy.
It's a long way until the end of the season.
And of course, Real is a fantastic team and they also try to reach their goals.
The Catalan giants are unbeaten in 13 matches after a 4 -3 win over Ciotavigal recently.
The Village Super League, or Sun Cha in Guizhou province, has reached its final qualification round.
20 village teams are competing in Rongjiang County for advancement.
Over the next two months, these teams will play round -robbing matches in two groups.
The top four from each group will advance to knockout rounds for the championship.
The finals will also feature food contests, showcasing intangible cultural heritage dishes from across China.
Launched in 2023, Sun Chao has gained global fame for its grassroots spirit and festive vibe.
In the NBA, Kawhi Leonard has scored 39 points, and Los Angeles Clippers evened their first -round playoff series against the Nuggets with 105 -102 win in Denver.
James Harden had 18 points, and the Wicca Zubac added 16.
Harden was impressed with Leonard's performance.
It felt like he didn't miss a shot.
His shot -making ability is elite.
And that's the aggressiveness that we need from him.
No matter what's going on.
No matter who's guarding him.
He just got to his spot and raised up.
So he's a big time player.
He plays big time. Nikolai Jokic led the Nuggets with 26 points and Jamele Murray had 23.
Elsewhere, the Detroit Pistons beat the New York Knicks 194.
Cade Cunningham scored 33 points for the Pistons.
In tennis, Yelena Ostepancil has upset top -seeded Arenas Tsarbalanka in straight sets to win the Porsche Grand Prix.
Ostepancil defeated Tsarbalanka 6 -4, 6 -1 to take the clay court title in Stuttgart.
Yeah I mean it was a great weekend, I'm really happy with the way I was playing and really proud of myself because I played really well and beat some really good players.
Tsarbalanka has 3 Grand Slam titles and 19 career titles overall, but was aiming for her first win at the Porsche Grand Prix.
This is Sabalanka's fourth loss in the finals and Stuttgart tournament.
Earlier Osterpenkel defeated second seed Yga Švientak in the quarterfinals.
This is her ninth career title.
And finally, Helger Runer says mental and tactical adjustments helped him win the final of Barcelona Open.
He overcame early doubts by studying past tactics, staying patient and maintaining mental toughness to secure the victory over Carlos Alcaraz.
In the beginning of the first set when I got broken, I thought to myself, wow, in one moment it seemed like how can I beat him.
Then I thought to myself, I don't need to try to hit every shot on the line.
So I told myself, what did Novak do when he beat him?
And I kind of played it in my mind the Olympic Final.
I was watching all of it, when they played, obviously an amazing match. I thought to myself, okay, let's try to play that kind of style, really make him play a lot of balls.
I'm very happy on how I stayed composed when it really mattered.
I was also very brave when I met her.
This mark's ruin as the first title since 2023.
It was also the day in its first ATP 500 title.
Thank you very much, that was Yang Guang with sports.
Just ahead in culture and entertainment, one of China's biggest film festivals is now in full swing.
From North to South, 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 and turning into culture and entertainment, the Beijing International Film Festival's in full swing.
The festival is one of China's most -anticipated film gatherings where industry professionals from around the world connect and new talents find their big break.
Caroline Wu reports.
This year's film festival holds great significance as it commemorates the 130th anniversary of world cinema, the 120th anniversary of Chinese cinema and the 15th edition of the Beijing International Film Festival.
Over the next few days, the festival will be filled with hundreds of events.
Nearly 300 movies from around the globe will be screened, providing a feast for film lovers.
Marking significant anniversaries, the 15th Beijing International Film Festival is a testament to China's booming film market drawing a diverse array of global films. Jurors like David Yates highlight how China's embrace of diverse global narratives aligns with its vision of cultural exchange.
I'm really excited to just see the spread of movies from around the world.
The cultural variety that's on show here is so impressive, and it's so welcoming.
Stories from across the planet and the diversity that we'll experience in a very short amount of time, a week and a half, is going to be truly spectacular, I think.
I'm very much looking forward to seeing that variety of work.
With the Chinese film market on the rise, it has become a magnet for international film platforms, as international partners express their eagerness to engage with and showcase Chinese cinema.
I'm here in Beijing, I think, because to help foster.
Traditionally Berlin has been a really great launchpad as an international platform for Chinese films and that was very much maintained this year.
We had two Chinese films in our main competition and one of them won the Silver Bear for best director, Huomeng's Living the Land.
So we have a huge fascination with Chinese cinema in the Berlinale and we really want to keep that going and to expand and build on it if we can.
The Vesta Vo is also a platform for international filmmakers to present their works.
Foreign creators also see China as a stage for both themes.
The very special thing about NAUI is that it's a multicultural co -production, so it's a Kenyan -German film about a Kenyan, very important Kenyan topic.
It's about child marriage, so it's about a hot topic, but we found a lead actress that you see on the poster, the girl.
And she gives you so much hope even in that dark topic, and I think that's the very, very special thing about NAUI.
From Kenya to Belgium, films like V Kansas Farms, rooted in local stories, yet globally resonant, find eager audiences in China's thriving market.
Vetrivale is the name of the village where we shot the film.
And the most beautiful village in the world is a kind of nickname that the inhabitants give to Vetrivale.
As filmmakers explore Beijing's blend of heritage and modernity, China's cultural bridges built on cinematic passion continue to inspire global collaboration.
This is Caroline Wu reporting.
The 10th China Original Drama International exhibition will open at the National Theatre of China on Friday, running until September 25th.
The 25 original Chinese stage productions will show in Beijing and Leshan in southwest China.
The festival aims to bring high quality Chinese drama to more people.
The National Theatre of China will open the event with its play Da Zhaiman, or The Grand Mansion Gate.
Since its debut in 2013, the plays always sold out.
For the first time the exhibition will expand beyond Beijing adding Leshan and Sichuan Province as a second -host city.
The organizers will also hold a seminar where experts and artists discuss the two -city exhibition model.
The International Scarecrow Art Festival is happening in Northwest China.
The festival takes place at a national wetland park in Anchuan.
The theme is Maracles.
Around 40 giant scarecrows and straw sculptures are on display.
Thousands of visitors came to the exhibition on its first day.
That exhibition runs till June 2nd.
57 minutes past the hour now.
Checking the forecast before we go for the day.
Beijing's down to 11 degrees Tuesday evening.
It'll be sunny and 27 on Wednesday.
Nanchang's 19 overnight.
Then we get cloudy skies in 26.
Elsewhere in Asia. Islamabad's down to 16, then overcast in 39 on Wednesday.
VNTN is 25 overnight, then a slight rainfall in 36 degrees.
Phnom Penh is 26 overnight, then a slight rainfall in 35.
In Africa, Nairobi is getting moderate rainfall in 22 degrees on Wednesday.
Kampala is down to 20, then a slight rainfall in 24.
Juba is 24 overnight, that's followed by overcast conditions in 39 degrees.
That's it for this edition of the Beijing Hour.
Making news today, the IMF, World Bank's spring meetings in Washington we'll have a focus on US President Donald Trump's tariffs, and China and Indonesia have reached a consensus on supporting each other's development.
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 6 p .m. 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 cannot 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?
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And what has drawn others back?
Could the fading fishing community revive in a time of digital transformation?
From 2021 to 2024, our reporters visited the upper, middle, and lower reaches of the Yellow River, talked to the herders, farmers, boatmen, fishermen and eco -activists who share a close bond with the River, and present their stories in pictures, podcasts and videos, or in our you
