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This is the Beijing Hour, Examining the events that impact and shape China and the rest of the world.
This is the Beijing Hour, one hour of news and information brought to you every weekday.
Now here's your host.
Shane Bigham with you on this Monday, September 22nd, 2025.
You're listening to the Beijing Hour, coming to you live from the Chinese capital.
On today's program.
The UK Canada, Australia and Portugal have officially recognized the Palestinian state, with more countries expected to follow at the UN General Assembly this week.
China's Xinjiang region is noting significant improvements in income, education and health care as it marks its 70th founding anniversary.
The US president sparked panic among employers and skilled workers with a massive annual fee for H-1B work visas.
In business.
China's financial authorities have reviewed reforms and achievements during the 14th five-year plan period.
In sports, a display of U.S. sprinting power at the World Athletics Championships.
In culture and entertainment, the 12th Silk Road International Film Festival in Fuzhou.
Now the day's top stories.
The United Kingdom Canada, Australia and Portugal have become the latest Western nations to formally recognize the state of Palestine, a move adding fresh momentum to the push for a two-state solution.
With this, 151 of the 193 UN member states now acknowledge Palestinian statehood.
Israeli prime minister benjamin netanyahu has sharply criticized the decision, while other countries, including france, are expected to follow suit at the un general assembly in new york later this week.
Jeff moody reports from england.
I state clearly, as prime minister of this great country, that the united kingdom formally recognizes the state of palestine.
With these words, decades of british foreign policy upended.
The hope of a two-state solution is fading.
But we cannot let that light go out.
That is why we are building consensus with leaders in the region and beyond around our framework for peace.
Zakir Starmer emphasised, Hamas should have no say in the running of Gaza, a message reinforced by the UK's newly appointed Deputy Prime Minister.
Hamas is not the Palestinian people.
A Palestinian state is a just cause And our country, 108 years ago, signed up to the Balfour Declaration.
We believe in a homeland for the Jewish people.
But we also stated that we believed in the civil and religious rights of the Palestinian people.
And now is the time to stand up for that two-state.
Publicly, and rarely, the US at odds with UK policy.
So I have a disagreement with the Prime Minister on that score.
One of our few disagreements, actually.
But it's not just Britain.
Within the last few hours, first Canada, then Australia, both joining the UK in recognising a Palestinian state, with more nations expected to follow suit of the UN later this week.
Provoking this from the Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu.
We will have to fight, both at the UN and in all other arenas, against the false propaganda directed at us and the calls to establish a Palestinian state, which would endanger our existence and constitute an absurd reward for terrorism.
The international community will hear from us on this matter in the coming days.
It's a move that may not change the situation on the ground, but it's laced with intent nonetheless.
All eyes now on which countries follow suit and how Israel responds to the international voices that are growing louder by the day.
That was Geoff Moody reporting.
China is urging an urgent ceasefire in Gaza as violence in the Israel-Palestine conflict continues to escalate.
Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Guo Jiakou, made the call in response to a question on rising civilian casualties in Gaza and the growing number of countries now recognizing the state of Palestine.
Aguas said Gaza is an inseparable part of Palestinian territory and stressed that the principle of Palestinians governing Palestine must guide any post-war arrangements.
He urged countries with special influence over Israel to take real responsibility and called for renewed international consensus around the two-state solution.
The Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson warned that force cannot bring peace, and violence cannot guarantee security.
He added that China will continue working with the global community to push for a ceasefire, ease the humanitarian crisis and support the Palestinian people in their pursuit of legitimate national rights and lasting peace.
The two-state solution is a proposed framework to resolve the long-standing Israel-Palestine conflict.
In 1993, the Oslo Accords marked a historic agreement between Israel and the Palestine Liberation Organization, establishing mutual recognition and a path toward peace.
The vision of the two-state solution is to create an independent Palestinian state alongside Israel, with Palestinians governing the West Bank and the Gaza Strip.
The Oslo Accords also established the Palestinian Authority as an interim self-governing body to oversee parts of these territories.
While the exact borders and status of Jerusalem remain unresolved, the creation of a recognized Palestinian state at the United Nations would require Security Council approval.
Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas says Western recognition of a Palestinian state is a necessary step towards lasting peace in the region.
Abbas urged the international community to prioritize a ceasefire, allow the entry of humanitarian aid in Gaza and secure the release of all hostages and prisoners.
He called for Israel's complete withdrawal from the Strip, enabling the state of Palestine to assume full responsibilities in advancing recovery reconstruction.
Palestinian Foreign Minister Varson Agbekeian says the two-state solution represents an irreversible historical trend.
The two-state solution is the only viable path to resolving conflicts in the Middle East, and specifically between Palestine and Israel.
For us, the two-state solution is a very realistic choice.
The international community must help us realize this solution.
I believe that the whole world will eventually support the two-state solution, support the Palestinian people's right to decide their own fate and support their right to live in a free, secure and independent state.
Meanwhile, displaced Palestinians say recognition is long overdue and hope this puts pressure on Israel.
This is a beginning, a glimmer of hope for the Palestinian people.
The world is changing its stance on countries that support Israel.
They should join the countries that will vote today in favor of establishing a Palestinian state and recognizing a Palestinian state.
We are a people who deserve to have a state.
The least of our rights is for them to give us a country of our own where we can live in safety without fighting a missile.
These days, we are astonished when we don't hear the sound of a missile.
Israeli politicians from all sides say the move endorses violence committed by Hamas.
Jonathan Regev reports from Tel Aviv.
The announcement on Sunday by the UK, Canada and Australia to formally recognize Palestine as a state brought an outpouring of condemnation among Israeli politicians.
Within minutes, the Minister of National Security, Itamar Ben-Gvir, defined the recognition as a reward to what he called the Hamas murderers.
The head of the Blue and White Party, Benny Gantz, issued a statement saying the recognition of a Palestinian state after the October 7th attack only emboldens Hamas, extends the war and distances the prospects of a hostage deal, while strengthening Iran and its proxies.
Those in favor of the move say it grants Palestinians increased political stature and improves the chances of peace.
They say.
It's a long overdue recognition which gives Palestinians the right to self-determination, freedom and independence.
Supporters say it's a step forward towards justice and a two-state solution.
The formal declaration by Britain, Canada and Australia to recognize Palestine as an independent state comes ahead of a conference of the UN General Assembly.
Other European nations and allies are expected to do the same this week.
That was Jonathan Regev reporting.
And for more insight, Pandang spoke with Wang Jin, director of the Center for Strategic Studies at Northwest University in Xi'an.
So what do you make of the timing of this series of recognitions from Western countries?
Well, I think the timing is very crucial because we know, on the one hand, the United Nations Congress will open and it might be necessary for some countries, particularly some European countries, to restress their stance over Israel-Palestine issue, particularly over the status of Palestine independence.
And also, on the other hand, we have to know that the conflict between Israel and Palestine entered into the new era in which Israel now not only occupied more and more lands in the western bank of Palestinian areas in eastern Jerusalem as well, as now they are also launching and continuing their military attack activities in the Gaza Strip.
And all of these activities together actually violate very seriously the foundation for the future peace between Israelis and Palestinians.
So therefore, it is highly necessary for the international community, particularly for some Western countries who restressed their principles and prospects over the possible future peace between Israel and the Palestinians.
So therefore, when they clarify their stances, it is very important for international community to add new confidence for the future peace between Israelis and Palestinians.
So that's why the timing is very crucial.
Professor, let's focus a little bit more on the Israeli reaction so far.
The country, of course, has slammed the move, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stressing there will be no Palestinian state.
But, as we just reported and discussed, 151 out of 193 UN member states have acknowledged the Palestinian statehood.
How will Mr. Netanyahu represent this case of Israel versus the world in the future?
I think Netanyahu and the Israeli government not only Netanyahu himself, but also the Israeli whole government or the cabinet, as well as the Israeli maybe majority of Israeli public opinion will try to respond very actively and very aggressively.
Because, let's have to say, frankly speaking, from the understanding of most Israelis, the war is just on.
From their perspective, the war could be continued.
But the problem is that more and more international pressure has been given to Israel and more and more international criticism has been transferred to Israel and would be felt by Israelis.
I think it would become important motivations for more and more Israelis to reconsider, to rethink Israeli policies over Palestinians and Israeli policies in the Gaza Strip might influence the future in a more positive way.
Motivation for peace construction.
So that's why I think maybe, as we expect, maybe from the very short term, it's difficult to reach peace.
But from the longer term I recall that the international recognition of Palestine would be a very important positive factor for future peace between the Israelis and the Palestinians.
That was Professor Wang Jin at China's Northwest University, talking about the announcement by four Western countries recognizing a Palestinian state.
Meanwhile, Egypt has reaffirmed that its forces in the Sinai Peninsula are deployed strictly to secure the nation's borders, rejecting Israeli media claims that Cairo is expanding its military presence, in violation of the 1979 peace treaty with Israel.
The State Information Service stressed that the troops are tasked with countering threats such as terrorism and smuggling.
The statement comes as Israel intensifies its campaign in Gaza.
Egypt reiterated its firm opposition to the expansion of military operations and the displacement of Palestinians from their land.
Coming up, Xinjiang's success in raising income, health and education levels.
Decades on, Xinjiang has completely transformed.
It's the last place you'd expect to find an ocean harvest, and yet it's happening.
Technology is redefining cultivation.
I never imagined such breathtaking lavender fields transform the very structure of the soil beneath our feet.
It's difficult to get a full appreciation of the sheer scale of this facility almost solar panels as far as the eye can see.
Xinjiang isn't just a region where cultures meet, it's where they mix, evolve and come alive.
Modernization has also given this land a canvas for the future.
And I'm really looking forward to finding out why.
We're at 14 past the hour.
China is marking the 70th anniversary of the founding of Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region.
Over the decades, the vast far western territory has put people-centered development at the heart of its agenda.
Today, more than 70 of Xinjiang's public budget is dedicated to safeguarding and improving livelihoods, ensuring benefits are shared by all ethnic groups.
A major milestone came in 2020, when over 3 million rural residents were lifted out of absolute poverty.
Living standards have continued to climb.
In 2024, per capita disposable income reached around 42800 yuan, a little over 6000 US dollars in urban areas, nearly double that of 12 years ago.
Rural incomes rose by 60% to 19,400 yuan.
Education and health have also seen major progress.
Xinjiang now reports a completion rate of more than 99% for nine-year compulsory schooling.
That's above the national average.
And thanks to stronger public health services, average life expectancy has soared from just 30 years in 1949 to 77 years in 2024.
Xinjiang's been transforming barren wasteland into fertile rice fields, with new smart greenhouses producing crops all year round, accounting for one-sixth of China's total land mass.
The region is now a significant contributor to the country's food security and ecological sustainability.
Ray Addison went there to find out more.
In Pahataikeli Township, Kasha, rice is thriving where once nothing could grow.
Known as seawater rice, this saline-alkaline tolerant crop has turned barren land into fertile fields and contributed to improving food security.
We have grown seawater rice in Pahatai Keli township for seven years.
Initially, the soil was stark white.
On landing, we thought it was snow, but it was salt-alkaline crust.
Nicknamed seawater rice after wild varieties were discovered in coastal Guangdong.
Today's strains are bred to survive in soil with high salinity and still produce a bumper harvest.
We collected these wild varieties, preserved them and then used modern bio-breeding and hybridization techniques to create new, more stable seawater rice varieties with up to seven times more dietary fiber than ordinary rice.
Seawater varieties also create beneficial bacteria, which helps to improve the soil even further.
Through seawater rice cultivation, you now see almost no salt alkali in the fields.
Data shows.
Soil salinity was 03 to 05 percent on arrival.
Today it is about 01 percent.
Ph also dropped from 9 to 11 to 75 to 8.
From just 013 hectares of experimental land in 2018, the project has expanded to a 667 hectare base, with yields increasing by at least 48.
However, for local families, the change is about more than the soil.
Rozi Yoldash works on the farm and earns additional money by leasing his own land to the company.
I have just under half a hectare of land.
In 2021, I rented out just over half to Zhongnong Haidu, earning 3,000 yuan annually in rent.
That same year, I also started working here with a monthly salary of 3,000 yuan.
At present, I both collect rent on my land and receive a salary, and life for my family is getting better and better.
With close to 67000 hectares of seawater rice already grown nationwide, the Xinjiang project is seen as a model for tackling saline soils far beyond this region.
This is in fact a global challenge.
About 10% of the world's land surface is affected and China is one of the most impacted countries.
Expanding seawater rice across China and ultimately the world to transform saline soils into fertile fields is a vision that can be realised.
Wading through what was once considered wasteland.
This is President Xi's big food concept in action.
And just like the rice that now grows here, China is learning to thrive and evolve, preparing for the demands of tomorrow.
And it doesn't stop at the soil.
Around 1000 kilometres away, in Changji, a new kind of farming is redefining what's possible above ground, with smart greenhouses turning science fiction into daily reality.
The plants are grown in multiple layers without soil, using substrate and hydroponics.
The constant climate control allows harvests almost year-round, leaving crops unaffected by Xinjiang's harsh winters or scorching summers.
What once took 70 days in the open field can now be ready in just 25.
All the result of technology made in China.
Currently, at least 90% of the equipment is domestically produced.
We have also filed more than 50 patents.
From transforming salty soil into fertile farmland or revolutionizing crop yields using smart greenhouses, China is proving that the future of food isn't just about expanding growth.
It's about thinking outside of the box, growing bigger smarter healthier, even in the most unlikeliest of places.
That was Ray Addison taking a look at how technology has helped reshape the agricultural sector in Xinjiang.
This year marks the 80th anniversary of the founding of the United Nations.
The milestone is a testament to the people around the world who bring its mission to life every day.
One of them is Dilshad Ismailiev, who works for the World Food Program in Kyrgyzstan.
Zarina Safyadinova reports on how his collaboration with China is helping to brighten the future for tens of thousands of children.
This year marks the 80th anniversary This is southern Kyrgyzstan.
At first, it seems like an ordinary school day.
Hot meals, children smiling, and a bustling cafeteria.
But behind this is a bigger story.
International solidarity and people who firmly believe that no child should go to school hungry.
Your food supplies are running low, but soon the warehouse will be stocked with fortified flour, rice lentils and vitamin-enriched vegetable oil.
For Dilshad Ismanilyev, these moments are more than just his daily routine.
They're his mission.
Seeing the children enjoying meals and running to class with smiles on their faces evokes memories of his childhood.
I was an ordinary boy from the Osh region.
There were times when my friends couldn't focus in class simply because they hadn't eaten breakfast.
A hungry child cannot learn, and without education, a country cannot develop.
That's when I decided that when I grew up, I wanted to make a difference.
Dilshad is in southern Kyrgyzstan.
This work involves overseeing hundreds of schools, traveling thousands of kilometers over roads, conducting dozens of quality inspections and leading a full team of experts in their daily collaborations.
The project will continue until 2027.
A diverse diet is very important for children's health and growth.
When we hear words of gratitude from their parents, from school administrators.
It means a lot to us, to our organization, and we are genuinely happy for them.
The UN project is implemented in partnership with China's International Development Cooperation Agency, with support from the South-South Cooperation Assistance Fund.
This year alone it has provided hot meals to 100,000 school children in Kyrgyzstan.
More than 1,700 tons of food will be delivered to 300 schools across the country.
I had delicious soup today.
My friends and I love coming to our cafeteria and having lunch together.
Here, we prepare hot meals for 370 children.
This support from the UN and the Chinese government is not just aid for today.
It's an investment for the future.
Studies show that children who receive hot meals perform better in school and get sick less often.
School attendance has improved since the introduction of the hot meal programs.
Students now come to class and also get to enjoy a hot meal.
Over the past 80 years, the UN has demonstrated that its strength lies in creating tangible change for people where it is most needed.
All the values instilled in Dilshad by his parents and reinforced through his work are what he strives to pass on to his own children.
I hope my work in the UN matters not just for one village, one district or one city, but for the entire country.
We want to help people even beyond its borders.
Dilshad's story is just one of thousands, but it highlights an important aspect.
The UN's greatest strength lies in its people, those who work every day to make the world a better place.
That was a report on China and the UN providing school meals in Kyrgyzstan.
Coming up, the US panics the workforce with a $100,000 annual fee for H-1B visas.
The Yellow River Mosaic is a 12-part series of multimedia stories featuring the people who live by the river and share a close bond with it.
Subscribe to Yellow River Mosaic on your favorite podcast platform or visit radiocgtncom for more in this program.
At 23 past the hour, U.S.
President, Donald Trump's 100000 fee for skilled worker visas has triggered panic among employers and visa holders.
Despite White House clarifications that the order applies only to new applicants, confusion still reigns as workers and affected governments figure out what it means for them.
Some have also questioned Trump's power to make these changes.
Nick Harper reports from Washington.
Scenes of chaos in San Francisco this weekend as passengers try to leave a flight.
We are aware that a number of passengers do not wish to travel with us.
Fearing new visa rules would prevent them from re-entering the United States.
It followed visa changes Friday and the signing of a presidential proclamation in the Oval Office.
So there's an incentive to hire an American.
President Donald Trump argues it will benefit American workers.
Everyone's going to be happy and we're going to be able to keep people in our country that are going to be very productive people.
And in many cases, these companies are going to pay a lot of money for that.
And they're very happy about it.
H-1B visas have, for years, allowed high-skilled foreign workers to gain employment in the US.
Companies, many of them in the tech sector, sponsor applicants, with about 70 of the H-1B visas issued last year going to Indian workers.
I feel there is no loss for India.
I feel this decision has the biggest drawback for America.
They will open their offices here.
They will work here in India, which is already on the way of progress and will now progress more.
The changes have created confusion.
The White House was forced to clarify the rules Saturday after people spent thousands of dollars racing back to the US before the new rules took effect on Sunday.
Some analysts say long term, the changes will only hurt the U.S. economy.
It's a net negative for the US losing all this talent, both education talents students and scholars that are coming in, but then also research scientists who are working particularly in technology that the US is not going to be able to hang on to them.
The $100,000 fee applies to new visa applicants rather than renewals or current visa holders.
But immigration experts point out, only Congress can approve new parameters for work visas, meaning the presidential proclamation will likely be challenged in the courts.
That was Nick Harper reporting.
Meantime, Ravinder Bauer reports on what the visa fee increase means for Indian companies and tech workers.
If we look at the workforce, if these people who are employed in these companies in the US for some reason have to come back to India, or if the new hiring is going to happen.
Suppose people who are already finishing their education have got a job with a new company or with an Indian company.
Now, with this new announcement, that company will have to pay 100000 for that new employee's H1B visa, which means that the company might have to drop that decision.
So what happens to this group of people who are waiting to get into the job field?
They might have to return back to India and have to find those kind of jobs which probably are not available.
They might not be at par with their skill set and their experience.
So all these issues will lead to a major kind of an unemployment as far as these youngsters from India are concerned.
The IT sector has been one of the biggest sectors which the US has imported, in the sense, the skill set, from India.
So these sectors are going to have an impact.
At the same time, what we are seeing is that these employees have taken their families with them.
They have dependents there who are probably working.
So the whole system is going to be disrupted for these employees who are right now working in the US and who are H1B.
These are holders 70%. of them are Indians.
So what happens to this 70% in the next few days?
What happens to the new people who are coming in?
All these consequences will have to be dealt with, and surely it is a disruption as far as the economy and the workforce is concerned.
That was Ravinder Bawa reporting.
In southern China, authorities are stepping up emergency measures as super typhoon Ragasa draws closer.
The strongest storm to hit the country this year has prompted Guangdong province to raise its wind emergency response to level two, the second highest on China's four-tier system.
Starting Tuesday, schools in several cities, including Shenzhen and Zhuhai, will suspend classes, while work production, transport and business operations will also come to a halt.
Ferry services to nearby islands have been cancelled and more than 10000 vessels have relocated to safer waters.
Neighbouring Hong Kong has also suspended all school for two days, and its airport is weighing a shutdown of operations for more than 36 hours.
Weather authorities say Ragasa, the 18th typhoon of the year, is forecast to make landfall Wednesday along Guangdong's central or western coast as strong as a strong or super typhoon.
Winds could reach up to 200 kilometers per hour, bringing torrential rains across China's southern coast and beyond.
Meanwhile, in the Philippines, Ragasa has already battered the country's far north, forcing over 10000 people into evacuation centers.
And Kong will see heavy rains in 16 overnight, then moderate rainfall in 20.
Nanning's down to 24 under cloudy skies, then thundershowers in 31.
Guangzhou will see showers overnight, 25 degrees.
Downpours continue to more with a high of 33.
I also ran Asia up Islamabad's 23 overnight, then sunny in 36 on Tuesday.
Vientiane will see heavy rain in 24 overnight, then a light rain in 30.
It's time for a short break.
So far this hour, the UK Canada, Australia and Portugal have officially recognized the Palestinian state, with more countries expected to follow at the UN General Assembly this week.
China's Xinjiang region is noting significant improvements in income, education and health care as it marks its 70th founding anniversary.
The US president sparked panic among employers with massive fees for H-1B work visas.
Shane Bigham with you.
Stay with us here on the Beijing Hour.
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What if those other heartbeats were to stop?
Would ours keep on ticking?
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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 Begum, with you on this Monday.
Still to come in business.
China's financial authorities have reviewed reforms and achievements during the 14th five-year planned period.
In sports, a display of U.S. sprinting power at the World Athletics Championships.
In culture and entertainment, the 12th Silk Road International Film Festival in Fuzhou.
To contact us, you can email radio at cgtn.com or follow our ex-account at CGTN Radio.
But first of all, checking the day's headlines.
General Secretary Xi Jinping of the Communist Party of China Central Committee has sent festive greetings to farmers and those working in agriculture and rural development ahead of the 8th Chinese Farmers' Harvest Festival.
The Chinese leader also called for greater efforts to create a beautiful, harmonious countryside where people can live and work in comfort, and to move forward together toward a bright future of Chinese modernization.
Chinese Premier Li Cheng has urged the U.S.
Congress to facilitate exchanges and cooperation while meeting a delegation in Beijing.
The premier also stressed fostering friendship and common development.
He said China is willing to work with the US to achieve peaceful coexistence and win-win cooperation.
The premier also expressed hope that the US will work with China to advance the bilateral relationship along the correct track, benefiting both countries and the world.
He said China is willing to work with the US to address each other's concerns through communication in a spirit of equality, respect and mutual benefit.
Four countries have officially recognized the state of Palestine.
They are Portugal, Australia, Canada, and the UK.
The four countries also said it's important to adhere to the two-state solution.
The recognition marks growing international dismay with Israel over its nearly two-year assault and aid blockades on Gaza.
Israel has fiercely criticized the move, saying the recognition of a Palestinian state rewards Hamas for its 2023 attack.
China's urging an urgent ceasefire in Gaza as violence in the Israel-Palestine conflict continues to escalate.
Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun made the call in response to a question on rising civilian casualties in Gaza and the growing number of countries now recognizing the state of Palestine.
Guo said Gaza is an inseparable part of Palestinian territory and stressed that the principle of Palestinians governing Palestine must guide any post-war arrangements.
The Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson warned that force cannot bring peace, and violence cannot guarantee security.
He added that China will continue working with the global community to push for a ceasefire, ease the humanitarian crisis and support the Palestinian people in their pursuit of legitimate national rights and lasting peace.
Japan's ruling Liberal Democratic parties launched its leadership election campaign and five candidates are registering their bids.
The contenders are the agriculture minister, two former economic and security ministers, the chief cabinet secretary and a former LDP secretary general.
All of them ran in last year's election, which saw a record nine candidates.
Bangladesh has recorded its deadliest day of the year from dengue fever, with 12 deaths reported on Sunday.
Health officials say the outbreaks now claimed 179 lives, with more than 41000 infections so far this year.
The past day and night confirmed 740 new cases, highlighting the rapid spread of the mosquito-borne disease.
The June to September monsoons are traditionally peak dengue season in Bangladesh.
Australian Communications Minister, Anika Wells, says Optus will face serious consequences over last week's nationwide outage that disrupted emergency calls and has been linked to three deaths.
Optus, the second largest telecommunications provider in the country, suffered a 13-hour failure on Thursday that blocked more than six from her calls to Triple O, the country's emergency hotline.
Wells said Optus had no excuses and will be held accountable.
Regulators have launched an investigation just a year after fining the company 12 million Australian dollars for a similar breakdown.
Thousands of Filipinos have staged a rally in Manila against corruption.
Politicians, government officials and business operators are alleged to have pocketed kickbacks from flood control projects.
Allegations of mismanagement of these projects have been in the spotlight during the Philippines' monsoon season.
Protesters have clashed with police with some throwing stones and burning tires.
You're listening to The Beijing Hour.
Coming up in business.
China's financial authorities have reviewed reforms and achievements during the 14th five-year plan period.
You're listening to The Beijing Hour.
60 minutes of comprehensive news.
Your window on China and the world.
Thank you, Shane.
Stock markets on the Chinese mainland closed higher on Monday.
The Shanghai composite index was up by 0.2%, while the Shenzhen component gained 0.6%.
Stocks related to precious metals and consumer electronics led the gainers, while shares related to tourism, film and cinema saw notable declines.
In Hong Kong, the Hang Seng Index dropped 0.7%.
In Japan, the Nikkei was up almost 1%.
China's financial regulators have reviewed policy reforms and achievements during the 14th five-year plan period that ends this year.
They highlighted increased openness, as well as efforts in preventing systematic risk and supporting tech innovation.
Central Bank Governor Pan Gongsheng said China's banking sector has accumulated 470 trillion yuan, or 66 trillion US dollars worth of assets, the largest in scale worldwide.
China has also become the second largest stock and bond market and it remains the top holder of foreign exchange reserves.
Wu Qing, the head of China's securities regulator, reported a 58 surge in stock market misconduct penalties from 2021 to 2025 compared to the previous five-year plan period.
He said the A-share market has become much more resilient against risk, with tech shares accounting for a quarter of the total market cap.
For more.
Li Lilu spoke to Xu Qiang from the Belt and Road Research Center at Minsu University of China.
Reflecting on the 14th five-year plan period, what do you consider to be the most significant achievements in China's financial sector, particularly in terms of strengthening its role in safeguarding national and economic security?
We have to say, in the 14th five-year program we do face a lot of challenges and turbulence, but China's financial sectors are doing a pretty well job.
Number one is take a look at the size and efficiency.
Chinese financial sectors are growing phenomenally.
For example, Chinese commercial banks like the ABC, like the ICBC, like the CBB all together, they've become the number four, top four banks all over the whole world for seven consecutive years, which is really a phenomenal achievement.
Chinese banking sector has become the number one in the whole world for several years, and also Chinese stock market has become the number two, only next to American stock market, also for many years to come.
And all this money has been great to support the national GDP growth, national science and technology development and also capitalization.
So I think this is really a great achievement against current backdrop.
And number two, I think, is the stability and anti-risk.
China's still an emerging market, but if you take a look at the whole central bank's risk-proof framework, like the microprudential and also the behavior regulation, conduct and all that has been Anchoring to the standard of the mature market.
Take a look at the renminbi exchange ratio.
Among all the emerging markets in the past five years I think the renminbi exchange ratio is probably the most stable one and providing international financial market a really stable anchor to the value and also a very good tool for the international settlement clearing.
That was Chu Qiang from Minzu University of China.
Participants at a major business event between China and Southeast Asian countries have signed over 500 economic and trade agreements in southern China.
The 22nd China-ASEAN Expo and China-ASEAN Business and Investment Summit concluded in Nanning on Sunday.
Organizers say this year's expo saw the signing of 155 investment projects, with 74 focusing on processing and manufacturing.
The manufacturing projects cover areas such as mechanical equipment petrol, chemicals and chemical engineering.
The five-day event attracted over 3,200 enterprises from 60 countries.
Enterprises from ASEAN countries exceeded 600.
For the first time, the expo featured a pavilion dedicated to artificial intelligence, showcasing roughly 1200 products.
An eastern Chinese city has launched its first polar Silk Road shipping route to Europe.
A container ship departed from the provincial capital Fujian on Sunday morning.
Istanbul Bridge is expected to reach Europe in only 19 days via the Arctic route.
Customs officials say the new route will connect major Chinese ports, including Qingdao Dalian, Shanghai and Ningbo, with key European ports such as Felixstone in Britain, Rotterdam in the Netherlands and Hamburg in Germany.
The route offers exporters in Fujian and neighboring provinces more efficient channels for shipping goods such as building materials, textiles and electromechanical products to European markets.
According to China Ocean Shipping Agency Fuzhou, the service is about a week faster than the China-Europe rail service and over 20 days faster than traditional routes through the Suez Canal or around the Cape of Good Hope.
The agency says the launch of the route increases ship schedules and provides companies with more options for cargo transport to Europe.
Now, Xinjiang's natural resources and climate are distinct advantages for its agricultural development.
The northwestern Chinese region has steadily expanded its crop diversity beyond its renowned food and cotton industries.
Chen Lanyu visited a county in Botala, Mongolian Autonomous Prefecture to find out more.
With around 3,000 hours of annual sunshine, Xinjiang doesn't just grow crops, it perfects them.
Liu Shan, an international politics graduate from Russia's Mukimo University, is the daughter of a local sunflower seed factory owner.
She returned to Wenquan County in 2023 to contribute to her community.
Our factory provides a number of long-term positions for our villagers, increase their incomes and they can take care of their families.
While managing day-to-day operations at the factory, she introduced e-commerce by setting up a live streaming station.
And she credits much of this progress to support from the local government.
Our government introduced social influencers to our factory.
They have selected the agricultural products of our factory and sells online, boost our selling.
They provided us sustainable financial and political support is very important for us.
Liu Shan's factory is one of many enterprises that have benefited from local government support.
Another case in point is Ma Wanbao, who runs an agricultural cooperative focused on mushroom cultivation.
A technical expert in the field, Ma Wanbao started his business nine years ago.
The big temperature swings here are perfect for mushrooms.
They really thrive in such conditions.
However, knowing how to grow mushrooms did not mean he knew how to sell them.
He faced significant challenges in distributing his products.
And, as someone unfamiliar with digital platforms, he never imagined he would one day be able to engage in e-commerce.
Six years ago, the local government in Bortala helped us set up a live streaming station at my cooperative.
That's when we started to sell through e-commerce.
Sometimes we even go live right in the fields.
Our cooperative's facilities were also built with government support.
They've made a huge difference in helping farmers increase their income.
I am grateful for our policies here.
Ma Wanbao's cooperative has enabled 47 local families to profit from the mushroom business, with their products now sold all across China.
There was Chen Lan Niu in Xinjiang.
A group of mid-sized German companies has visited an eastern Chinese city to seek investment opportunities.
Taichung in Jiangsu Province is home to more than 500 German businesses.
Wu Bin reports.
The people sitting on the stage are representatives from East China's Suzhou and Germany.
They are sharing their experiences about choosing locations for German businesses in China.
Over 50 German companies are here in the eastern city of Taichung for the 12th China-Germany Economic Dialogue.
This is the first time in a decade that the dialogue has been held in China.
Rudolf Scharping, a former German defense minister, hosts the dialogue.
Currently, as the head of a consulting company, he aims to attract more German companies to China.
I think our cooperation between Europe and Germany on the one side, China on the other side, is something which has value in itself.
It's not defined by others.
And although we have different political systems, although we have some fundamental differences, the common interest in a stable world and in a good development of our societies and nations is overwhelming.
The common interest is economic development.
Before the dialogue, the German delegation, led by the former mayor of Hamburg and current chairman of the German Association of Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises, visited local German companies in search of more investment opportunities.
The city of Taichung is known as the hometown of German business.
Over 560 German companies are established here, with actual use of German capital exceeding US6 billion.
But that's not the limit.
A delegation of something about 20 companies from Germany, The medium-sized companies, the German Mittelstand.
They are very interested to invest in China, especially in this region here.
And therefore they look what is possible and they feel a big friendship between Germany and China.
With economic uncertainty and rising global competition, some believe that both countries need to have confidence in working together.
We don't think that these two great nations, Germany and China being number two and number three in the world, cannot find solutions for the better future.
I think we can.
And this is exactly why I believe this confidence needs to come back, because we know we will find it.
China is now the largest investment destination for Germany.
The first half of 2025 saw a 63 increase in German investment in China year on year, according to the Ministry of Commerce.
That was Wu Bin reporting.
Back to you, Shane.
Thank you very much.
That's Wang Ziheng with Business.
Coming up in sports, a display of U.S. sprinting power at the World Athletics Championships.
Sideline Story brings you all things sports related.
The hottest topics, latest events, juiciest stories, all with a very personal take.
Subscribe to Sideline Story podcast for heated sports discussions covering events that are happening in China and around the world.
And turning to sports, here's Yang Guang.
Thank you, Shane.
The United States displayed its sprinting power, claiming three out of four relay golds on the reigns of the final day of the World Athletics Championships.
In the men's 4x100m, Noah Lyles brought the baton home as the United States clinched the gold in the world-leading 3729 seconds.
Canada finished second, while the Netherlands secured the bronze.
Team USA celebrated following the race in Tokyo on Sunday.
I mean, it means a lot.
This is my first gold medal, so.
Hey, congratulations.
It means a lot, just showing people that we're the fastest in the world, so, yeah.
It means a lot to me as well.
I mean, you know what happened last year, so I came here just to rectify that.
You know, me and Christian's handoffs were smooth like butter, and Courtney and I got the job done.
Noah and Courtney got the job done, and that's all you can ask for.
What's the rain to some champions?
What's a little bit of rain to some champions?
Nice.
Botswana delivered a day's surprise in the men's 4x400m relay, clocking 2 minutes 5776 seconds to edge the Americans by just 007, as South Africa settled for bronze.
Sydney McLaughlin-Lebrun helped the US to win the women's 4x400m relay.
The Americans also triumphed in the women's 4x100m, winning in 4175 seconds to narrowly beat Jamaica.
By the close of competition, the United States led medal table with 16 golds, 5 silvers and 5 bronzes.
Kenya finished second with 7 titles and Canada placed third with 3.
China earned 2 silvers and 2 bronzes while host Japan collected 2 bronzes.
No Asian country or region won a gold medal.
The next World Athletics Championships will be in Beijing in 2027.
World Athletics President Sposhian Cole said Beijing has a special place in his heart.
Well, look, we know every time China hosts our event, they're very well organized.
I was elected in Beijing in 2015 as president and I'm looking forward to being there in two years with my many friends, and I know the athletes will get a very warm welcome.
The Chinese capital city will become the host for a second time, after it organized the 2015 World Championships.
In Badminton from the China Masters in Shenzhen.
China's Wen Hongyang claimed the men's singles title after sweeping past the Chinese Taipei's Lin Chunyu.
Wen cruised to a 21-11, 21-15 victory in 48 minutes to lift the host nation's first men's singles trophy at this event since 2017.
In women's singles, South Korea's Ann Se-young defended her title after overpowering China's Han Yue in straight games.
In other action, home favourites Jia Yifan and Zhang Shuxian overcame a pair from South Korea in three games to win the women's doubles title.
The men's doubles title went to South Korea while Thailand captured mixed doubles gold.
Iceland's veterans Wang Shiyue and Liu Xinyu have secured an Olympic berth for China.
The duo finished fourth at the ISU figure skating qualifier for the Milan Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games.
With this result, China now holds one Olympic quota in all four figure skating disciplines.
The tournament in Beijing marked Wang and Liu's return to the international stage after nearly two years.
During this period, the pair had faced various challenges including injuries.
Wang said they didn't want to disappoint the home crowd.
After completing this program, we were really emotional.
The pressure was enormous and we carried a lot of responsibility.
We didn't want to disappoint anyone, especially with many fans cheering for us.
We feel deeply honored to represent China and compete in front of a home crowd.
Wang and Liu previously made history by finishing 12th at Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics a record best for Chinese ice dancers in Olympic history.
And finally, Brazilian forward Leandro scored a hat-trick to power Shanghai pool to a 3-2 victory over Beijing Yuan, tightening the Chinese Super League title race.
They moved Shanghai Port to 54 points behind leaders Chengdu and Cheng only on goal difference.
Beijing has now lost three games in a row and sits fourth, six points off the pace.
Elsewhere in the league, Chengdu and third place Shanghai Xinhua play to a one-all draw on Sunday.
Thank you very much.
That's Yang Guang with sports.
Coming up in culture and entertainment, the 12th Silk Road International Film Festival in Fuzhou.
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我爱你。 This might be the easiest way to say I love you since there are so many other romantic expressions.
No matter if you're a rookie, 你好,我的中文一点点。 or a sophisticated learner, 我来北京五年了,我是本地人。 there is definitely something that will interest you.
Check out Takeaway Chinese, a world that starts with 你好。
Turning to culture and entertainment, the 12th Silk Road International Film Festival is opened in southeast China.
The festival in Fuzhou features main events, including the Golden Silk Road Awards and film screenings from guest countries.
Director Chen Kaige chairs a 13-member jury of prominent Chinese and international filmmakers.
This year's awards attracted more than 2800 submissions from 125 countries and regions, including a record number of works from Belt and Road partner countries.
To promote the coastal city's tourism and cultural heritage, the festival named Chinese actors Xu Ruohan and Xia Zhiguang as cultural ambassadors.
Along with Cambodian princess Norodom Jenna, they'll take part in city tours and interactive events.
More than 1200 representatives from 97 countries and eight international organizations have gathered at the 8th Silk Road International Cultural Expo in northwest China.
The event kicked off on Sunday in Dunhuang, a key hub on the ancient Silk Road in Gansu province.
The 2025 edition spotlights the latest achievements in Dunhuang culture studies, as well as arts, creative products and the preservation of intangible cultural heritage.
Among the exhibits, an intelligent mobile platform has become a center of attention among visitors.
Ma Jing with the Dunhuang Academy explains its functions.
It enables on-site digital collection, processing and display of cultural relics.
This not only helps promote the sustainable development of cultural heritage conservation, but will also advance progress and the entire cultural relics digitalization industry.
The two-day event is themed Strengthening Cultural Exchanges and promoting mutual learning among civilizations.
Belt and Road countries participating at the expo showcase their tourist attractions, customs and traditions.
China's first documentary filmed in space has premiered in London, presenting 8K ultra-high definition footage captured by the country's astronauts.
Blue Planet Outside the Window chronicles the Shenzhou 13 mission, featuring China's first six-month manned space mission stay and the first spacewalk by a Chinese female astronaut.
Premier at the Chinese embassy attracted more than 400 guests representing different sectors, and among them is Amir Syed, a founder and CEO of Aviation Education Pathways.
We can see a lot of development in the aviation industry and the airspace.
I know that at the moment there is a big initiative on the low altitude, obviously the aircraft for flying drones and flying air taxi.
That's been also implemented. charging ahead of everyone in the world.
In terms of AI, aerospace are already in the development as well process.
And we can see that as a big change going to happen in the future.
The documentary is largely told by Wang Yaping, China's first female astronaut venturing on a mission to the space station.
The 90-minute film tells the story of the astronaut trio, depicting their experiences in space, including conducting experiments, going on spacewalks, exercising and, of course, filming the 8K footage.
The anime film Demon Slayers topped the North American box office for the second weekend in a row, raking in 173 million.
The film set a record $70 million debut last weekend in North America.
It's grossed more than $100 million in the region through Sunday.
A newcomer at Universal's football-inspired horror film Hymn opened in second place with 135 million.
Rounding out the top three.
Warner Bros and New Line's horror film The Conjuring Last Rites took in 13 million in its third weekend.
57 minutes past the hour.
Checking the forecast before we go.
And Beijing's getting cloudy conditions in 17 on Monday evening.
A light rainfall in 21 for Tuesday.
And Congo see heavy rains in 16 overnight, then moderate rain in 20 degrees.
Nanning's cloudy this evening, 24 degrees, followed by thundershowers in 31.
Guangzhou will see showers in 25 overnight.
Downpours continue tomorrow.
The high is 33.
Elsewhere in Asia, Islamabad's 23 overnight, then sunny and 36 for Tuesday.
BNTN will see heavy rainfall and 24 overnight, then a light rain and 30.
Phnom Penh's getting moderate rainfall and 26 degrees tonight, then a light rainfall and 31 degrees.
And that's it for this edition of the Beijing Hour.
Making news today.
The UK Canada, Australia and Portugal have officially recognized the Palestinian state, with more countries expected to follow at the UN General Assembly this week.
And the US president sparked panic among employers and skilled workers with a massive annual fee for H-1B work visas.
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 can't live without the Yellow River in his eyes.
The Yellow River is so noble and elegant.
Both my grandpa and dad made a living from the river.
Would you like to move away from the Yellow River?
I don't think I will.
I love it so much.
The Yellow River, the second longest river in China, is regarded as a shaping force in the history, economy and culture of northern China.
Today, about 100 million people live within its water basin, making up nearly 9 of the country's population.
How is climate change felt at its headwaters?
And what are the locals doing to cope with it?
What are the descendants of the boatmen doing?
What has kept some people from leaving their home village by the river?
And what has drawn others back?
Could the fading fishing community revive in a time of digital transformation?
From 2021 to 2024.
Our reporters visited the upper, middle and lower reaches of the Yellow River.
Talk to the herders farmers boatmen, fishermen and eco-activists who share a close bond with the river.
And present their stories in pictures, podcasts and videos.
All in our 12-part series, The Yellow River Mosaic.
Available only on CGTN Radio.
