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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.
Tian Lu with you on this Friday, January 10th, 2025.
You're listening to the Beijing Hour coming to you live from the Chinese capital on today's program.
Rescue work and resettlement efforts continue in the Xi Zang region following a deadly earthquake.
China's foreign minister calls for deepening cooperation while meeting with Nigeria's president and foreign minister.
A UN report predicts that the world economy will grow 2 .8 % this year, unchanged from the past year.
In business, China reports steady growth in business entities in 2024.
In sports, China plans to establish a professional football league union by the end of the month.
In culture and entertainment, new lineup for the Shanghai Museum in 2025.
Now checking today's top stories.
Xi Zang is recovering from the deadly earthquake earlier this week.
Local officials from the southwestern Chinese autonomous region also known as Tibet say the first round of search and rescue work has concluded.
The 6 .8 magnitude quake struck Dingru County in Shigarza on Tuesday, killing 126 people.
It toppled over 3 ,600 houses and affected about 61 ,000 people.
For more on the earthquake, we're joined by New Hongling, who is in Dingru.
So how is your overall feeling so far?
Hi. Okay. So I've only got here this morning, actually around 9 o 'clock to Chicago.
And then later I traveled by highway which, by the way, is very smooth to Dingru County.
Currently, we, all of us, actually the three of us are feeling a little bit of headache, nausea, dizziness, fatigue, shortness of breath, all different levels of all these.
These symptoms are actually quite typical when it comes to the kind of symptoms you would experience once you are arriving at a high altitude.
Yet, these kinds of symptoms would happen to a person.
One, they go to the altitude of around 2 ,400 meters.
And here our average level would be around 4 ,200 meters.
So, yes, we're experiencing a lot of those.
But if you think about it, all of the people trying to help others, trying to search for those who are still in need and also trying to, for example, come up with certain construction, allowing people to stay in there and helping everybody.
They're also experiencing the same kind of high altitude sickness.
So yes, this is the situation right here.
And can you elaborate more on what have you seen in the Quake Hit area and on the way to it so far?
Sure. Like I said, we arrived at 9 o 'clock.
Actually, we took off from the city of Chengdu this morning, 6 o 'clock.
And right on that plane, I have already met a lot of people, just like us, going into Xi Zang area in this very cold winter, which is highly not recommended by people, for people who wanted to come here for a tour, for tourism or for mountain climbing, if we're talking about Kamalama.
And yet, we are on that same plane because many of us are heading into this disaster struck area to try to find one way or another to help local people.
I've met people from the Red Cross.
I've met people from different organizations who are dedicated to, dedicated in emergency response.
I've met a medical team and also certain, even personal foundation who are, who wanted to give people help.
So, we are all on that plane.
And after we arrived, it took us around 5, 6 hours on highway to get to…actually get to Dengzhi County.
And on that highway, one thing that got my attention was I've seen a lot of trucks, different types of cars running on the way, sending different material, different, for example, different equipment to keep people warm, food, different types of equipment to the disaster struck area.
We know in the Western culture, if you see the color red, it's an alert color.
It's not a happy, lucky or fortune color.
Yet here in China, the culture is different.
We use this color as a symbol of luck, as a symbol of happiness, and also as a symbol of uniting people together.
So, on all of those trucks, you would see this red, almost like a red flag or sometimes a red sign on any part of the car, saying that we are coming here, sending stuff to people in need in Chicago.
And that's actually very moving.
Once you get into the center area or the culture getting to the center area of Dengzhi County, the more frequent you get to see this truck sending stuff in.
I think for a period of time, you get to see one of those cars every 10 seconds or 20 seconds at that frequency.
And besides that, we can see people, local people, are trying to show their thanks to those who are coming to help them.
You see local, even milky stores, local restaurants who are still open, not yet going back home for spring festival and also just local people having little stalls on the side of the road, giving those who are sending stuff into Dengzhi County, sometimes they set up these stores so that people can get access
to hot water, get access to instant noodle, just in case.
So I am not yet to visit the center, epic center of the whole thing.
Yet I am very much excited and I wanted to make contributions in my own way, because I feel like everybody's doing the same thing here.
Thank you very much.
Please stay safe. And that was New Hongling, who is in Dingru.
More than 47 ,000 relocated residents are living in more than 200 resettlement signs across the quake -hit area in Dingru.
Authorities have allocated tents, stoves, electric blankets and fuel in the affected areas.
Goudian -chi visited a resettlement site at a village in Changsu, which is equipped with catering vans that enable 1 ,600 people to receive hot meals.
We are here at the Sangha village in the entire Dingru County.
There are more than 200 resettlement sites like this.
And the authorities said they've already dispatched 600 ,000 earthquake relief supplies to the epic center, including cotton tents, heaters, blankets and thick coats.
Also, we know that the biggest problem for the people living in here is the low temperature at night and the high altitude.
Taking this village for an example, the lowest temperature at night can reach minus 18 degrees Celsius, and the altitude is more than 4 ,000 meters above the sea level.
We are here at a catering camp provided by the local armed police, and they bring a lot of different devices that are designed to cope with the high altitude and low temperature situation.
There are different kinds of supplies, fresh meat and vegetables, and also some fresh rice delivered to this resettlement site every day.
The authorities have already dispatched 2 ,000 units of portable house to this resettlement site to this epicenter.
Long term portable house resettlement have already finished construction in Changshuo village, the epicenter.
And as for the restoration of the infrastructure, well, the first day after the earthquake, the electricity, telecommunication and traffic have basically restored.
But the authorities say the steady supply of clear water and electricity still needs some more time.
Now, Guo Tien -chi reporting.
Efforts are underway to ensure the basic needs of residents affected by the earthquake in Xizan.
One of the key focuses is how to keep them warm amid the low temperature in the high altitude region.
Gongming has more. I am at a village with sediment center where 31 tents have been set up to provide temporary shelter for about 100 residents here.
The Shikhan's Border Management Unit was the main first to reach the earthquake's epicenter.
Together with the specialized rescue forces from China and Nen, they swiftly set up temporary shelters for affected residents.
Relief supplies were also transported to the area within just a few days, ensuring the basic needs of the people were met.
To help everyone stay warm through the winter, we started distributing and setting up relief supplies last night, making sure people could get back to normal life and work as soon as possible.
Right now, every tent has a heater installed, and emergency power is available after dark.
Within 12 hours after the earthquake, we managed to restore electricity here.
We all felt really relieved and happy when we saw them running towards us.
They made us feel less scared.
The day after the earthquake, we moved into these tents, and we got blankets, the heater, and all kinds of food and daily necessities.
The heater is especially important, or it would be really hard to get through the winter.
Now, we have everything we need.
Life is good. Meanwhile, to ensure the long -term stable resettlement of disaster victims, 2 ,000 portable houses donated by various sectors are being quickly assembled at disaster sites.
In Zhilu Township, one of the hardest -hit areas, rescue teams from China Rail Construction Corporation's 14th Bureau are uploading and setting up 25 portable houses.
The advantage of this foldable portable house is its integrated design.
The plumbing and electrical lines are already installed, and you can quickly ensure heating by using electric heaters and other equipment.
It can fit two to four beds and a table, making it perfect for a family of four to stay in.
Based on a number of people in this settlement area, an additional 92 pre -made houses will be built to meet the living needs of each affected household.
Currently, all other settlement sites are working around the clock, aiming to ensure that disaster victims can move in as soon as possible for safe and warm winter.
Now, as Gomin is reporting, coming up, China's foreign minister calls for deepening cooperation while meeting with Nigeria's president and foreign minister.
Now it's 12 minutes past the hour.
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi says the country's ties with Nigeria serve as a model for solidarity and cooperation among countries of the global south.
He made remarks while meeting Nigerian President Bola Tinubu.
Tinubu says implementing the outcomes of last year's Beijing summit of the Forum on China -Africa cooperation will contribute to Nigeria's national development.
He also extended condolences over the earthquake in Shizan.
Wang Yi has also held talks with his Nigerian counterpart Yusuf Tuga.
Nigeria is the last stop of his fall nation tour to Africa.
Ajayc Mangat -Hezmaw from Abuja.
The Foreign Minister Wang Yi wrapped up his Africa tour in Abuja earlier today, where he met his Nigerian counterpart Yusuf Tuga and met with Nigeria's President Bola Tinubu.
And during both meetings, both countries agreed to deepen cooperation in various areas, including energy, technology, agriculture, peace and security.
And they also agreed to advance a strategic partnership.
Part of the aim of his visit, he said, was to implement some of the outcomes that were reached.
Or the MOUs signed during the FOCAC Summit in Beijing last year.
And so his coming here was to reiterate or reaffirm China's commitment to strengthening the cooperation and to implement some of the bilateral agreements that were signed with Nigeria.
Foreign Minister Wang Yi said that China was ready to support Nigeria in its development effort in ensuring that Nigeria continues to develop in terms of infrastructure by supporting it through its Belt and Road Initiative.
There's also been talks about support in peace and security.
This meeting was quite significant.
The key takeaway was that they're hoping to deepen cooperation in the various areas that they have a partnership or ties between Nigeria and China.
Now, as Ajak Mangat reporting, a new shipment of food aid from China has arrived in Sudan.
The aid will help several communities suffering from food insecurity due to the ongoing conflict in the African country.
Officials say the donation is part of a program for helping African countries deal with food security issues.
Fighting between the Sudanese armed forces and the rapid military force has displaced millions of people since it broke out nearly two years ago.
Naba Mohideen has more from Port Sudan.
A lifeline for thousands of struggling families in conflict hits Sudan.
Having arrived from China earlier this week, a shipment of aid is now being distributed to an increasingly desperate people.
Chinese officials say more help is on the way.
China and Sudan are interested in achieving food security.
There's a approach more between the leaders of the two countries.
China has also been providing Sudan with aid.
We appreciate the government's efforts to deliver aid to the people in need to various Sudanese states.
And we promise more aid in the weeks ahead.
China has also been supporting Sudan and providing aid even before the war.
And during the war, it provided Sudan with rice and humanitarian assistance.
This aid will be allocated for many Sudanese states, including Darfur, and we are eager to see China's participation in the future of Sudan after the war ends.
Such support for Sudan isn't unusual.
China has been actively supporting the country's fajade peace process as well as its socio -economic development.
Chinese companies helped build major infrastructure projects such as dams, hospitals, roads and bridges, and also provided humanitarian assistance when needed.
This week's assistance, however, was mostly about food.
China has donated to the government of Sudan with 1 ,200 tons of rice.
It will be transported from port Sudan to thousands of people in need in all of the regions impacted by the ongoing conflict.
Sudan has been gripped by a devastating civil war for almost two years.
With ordinary people, the wars hit in many places.
Up to 40 % of the population are struggling to find food, with famine spreading in many places.
China's donations aren't just helping the internally displaced within Sudan.
Last month, it donated 1 ,000 tons of emergency food assistance to South Sudan, where hundreds of thousands of refugees have fled.
That was Naba Mohidian reporting.
Data shows that travel between China and Austria increased in 2024, though the number was still below the pre -pandemic level.
Local authorities in Vienna are taking steps to attract more Chinese visitors.
Johannes Pielchberger has more.
Listening to Mozart's Le Nozze di Figaro in one of Vienna's historic Ring Road palaces has been on Lin Ting -ni's bucket list for a long time.
I love music, so I'm just like, I really, I'm excited.
You have a concert in one big hall, or in one big opera.
They can do it even in China or wherever they go.
But concerts like this, how we perform, how we give them this experience, is only to see in Vienna.
Vienna's world -famous classical music attracts millions of visitors each year, and while arrivals from China have been low since the Covid pandemic, recent figures are more optimistic.
In the first half of 2024, Vienna recorded a 129 percent increase in Chinese tourists compared with the year before.
Alongside direct connections to Beijing, Shanghai and Shenzhen, Vienna is now offering Hainan airline flights to Chengdu in southwestern China.
Chengdu is a very attractive city, the home of the pandas and Shenzhen, a world -renowned capital of technology, so I do hope that many more Austrians fly to China as well and use the Hainan flights to travel to these cities.
Vienna airport CEO Julian Yegar says he will visit China in a year in a bed to establish more flight connections.
I see a lot of potential for further growth in China and we do hope that we will get the one or other additional destination in China in the coming years.
Even though passenger numbers between Austria and China are currently at 70 percent of pre -pandemic levels, it's hoped a further increase is on the horizon as visitors seek to enjoy the highlights of each other's country.
Now was Johannes Plieschberger reporting.
Chinese government officials say the country is committed to optimising and standardising elderly care services.
They have also introduced measures to deepen reform and development of the services.
Zhou Yixing has more.
At a press conference, officials introduced a three -tiered network spanning counties, towns and villages.
The network is designed to address gaps and imbalances in elderly care services aimed at providing more accessible support for every resident.
The three -tiered service network will help close the gaps between urban and rural elderly care services and promote the full coverage of service resources so that the vast majority of elderly people can receive good care and enjoy their lives in an acquainted environment.
Efforts will also focus on integrating services to make it easier for the elderly to receive proper care at home, as well as balancing the roles of government and market forces.
Officials say China will continue to optimise elderly care services and expand its scale.
The government will also support the cultivation of a number of leading enterprises and guide business entities to improve their quality overall.
Concrete measures in different fields have been introduced, including further increasing financial support, promoting professional workforce development and accelerating technological innovation focusing on elderly care.
We will enhance physical funding efficiency by optimising budget management and strengthening performance assessments, guiding local governments to optimise the allocation of resources, helping to improve the level of public elderly care institutions.
Officials say with these initiatives, China is committed to responding to the growing needs of its ageing population with actions by building an inclusive and accessible system that combines both professional care and community support.
Now with Joey Xin reporting.
Coming up, a UN report predicts that the world economy will grow 2 .8 % this year, unchanged from the past year.
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22 minutes past the hour.
A UN report predicts that the world economy will grow 2 .8 % in 2025, unchanged from the past year.
According to the World Economic Situation and Prospects 2025, despite withstanding a series of shocks, global growth has stagnated and remains below the pre -pandemic annual average of 3 .2%.
The report highlights the enduring impact of weak investment, sluggish productivity and high debt levels on global economic performance.
UN Under Secretary General Lee Jinkua stressed importance of global cooperation in addressing the challenges.
Urgent actions are needed to address the debt sustainability challenges in many countries.
To close the gap in technology, financing and infrastructure, that hindered equitable growth, and to ensure that an accelerated energy transition reduces climate risks for all of us.
The challenges we face are complex, but the solutions are within our reach if we worked together.
Lee also stressed that the rising demand for minerals critical for the energy transition process presents a unique opportunity to stimulate growth, create jobs and reduce poverty and inequality.
The UN says over 120 ,000 Syrian refugees are facing desperate conditions as they return home.
Its refugee agency says many families who return to Syria after the fall of former President Bashar al -Assad find themselves with little shelter and few economic prospects.
Sally Patterson Hesmoor from New York.
Syria remains the world's largest refugee crisis.
Since 2011, more than 14 million Syrians have been forced to flee their homes in search of safety.
But the fall of the Assad government last month, which had ruled the country since 1971, sparked hope for many refugees of a return home.
More than 125 ,000 people have streamed back into the country in recent weeks.
But what they face there is hardly a dream come true.
Much of the country has been destroyed by a brutal war.
UN figures show nearly 15 million Syrians require health services, 13 million face acute food insecurity and many have no shelter while battling winter conditions.
This comes amid signs of instability in areas under the control of caretaker authorities.
UN officials warn of ongoing clashes across the country.
This week they told the UN Security Council the international community must urgently step in to help.
They're calling for the immediate lifting of sanctions put in place against the former president's government, saying they obstruct humanitarian and reconstruction efforts.
We need to ensure efficient flow of support into and through Syria.
This means that sanctions should not impede humanitarian support.
The United States announcement of a new general license covering transactions with Syrian governing institutions provides a welcome signal.
This also means support for and from Syria's neighbours.
The UN says it needs 73 .2 million dollars over the next six months to support more than 1 .1 million people.
Officials say they urgently need shelter, water and health services.
With warnings it's time now to turn words into actions.
Now with Sally Patterson reporting.
Washington DC has held a state funeral for late former US president Jimmy Carter.
Thousands of dignitaries attended Washington National Cathedral for a farewell to the 39th president.
Carter died last month at the age of 100.
Nathan King has more on Carter's life and legacy.
100 years of life, only four years in the White House, one term but did some quite incredible landmark things.
There was the official re -establishment of diplomatic relations with the People's Republic of China.
He kept David Accords bringing peace between two countries who have been at war and not recognise each other, Egypt and Israel.
There of course downturns in foreign policy with the Iranian revolution and hostage taking which lasted up until his last day in office.
When I was 13 years old I campaigned for him.
It was my first involvement in anything political and I saw him as a person of good character and integrity.
He was a Baptist like me and my family and a Southerner also.
I was very proud when he won and I supported him those four years and I saw the difficulties that he had.
Also some firsts as well.
He was the first person to have solar panels on his roof at the White House.
He championed a lot of environmental legislation.
Let's hear though a more personal tribute from his grandson.
They were small town people who never forgot who they were and where they were from no matter what happened in their lives.
But I recognise that we are not here because he was just a regular guy.
As you've heard from the other speakers his political life and his presidency for me was not just ahead of its time, it was prophetic.
Jimmy Carter's friendship taught me and through his life taught me the strength of character is more than title or the power we hold.
But perhaps there will be most remembered for bringing decency back into the office of President.
Being an outsider from the South, the first President to be so since before the Civil War an incredible legacy and a decent man well remembered and attributes well delivered.
That was Nathan King reporting.
As 28 minutes past the hour checking the forecast for the day.
Beijing is down to minus eight overnight followed by overcast skies and a high of two on Saturday.
Nanshan is one tonight tomorrow cloudy skies with a high of eleven.
Elsewhere Islam about as five this evening Saturday will see cloudy skies and a seventeen.
Bien tien is fifteen overnight tomorrow will see sunny skies and twenty five.
Panopian is twenty two overnight tomorrow sunny and thirty one.
In Africa Nairobi will see cloudy skies with a high of twenty six on Saturday.
Campalize nineteen overnight tomorrow cloudy skies and twenty seven degrees Celsius.
It's time for a short break.
So far this hour. Rescue work and resettlement efforts continue in the Xizan region following a deadly earthquake.
China's Foreign Minister calls for deepening cooperation while meeting with Nigeria's President and Foreign Minister.
Tien Lu with you. Stay with us here on the Beijing Island.
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Fate. Take care. Me too.
What do they truly mean?
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Bing. Bing. And. Ding.
And. And. And. And.
And. And. And. And.
And. And. And. And.
And. Thank you for your attention, Ms.
Thank you for your remarks in a reply letter to the young artists of China's national Peking opera company.
President Xi called on the artists to uphold virtue and artistic excellence and remain true to tradition while embracing innovation.
He also expressed the hope that the company will continue to play a vital role in promoting the art form and contribute to building China into a country strong in the cultural sector.
Peking opera is UNESCO recognized cultural heritage dating back over two centuries.
It is a performance art incorporating singing, acting and martial arts.
China and Britain will hold the 11th economic and financial dialogue in Beijing.
Chinese Vice Premier Hurley Fong and British Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves will co -chair the dialogue on Saturday.
The president of Sri Lanka will visit China next week.
Anura Kumara Disanayaki strip will run from Tuesday to Friday.
The visit comes at the invitation of Chinese president Xi Jinping.
The Chinese foreign ministry says it hopes the visit will consolidate traditional friendship, deepen mutual trust and expand Belt and Road cooperation.
The Public Security Ministry says China witnessed a 25 .7 % decline in criminal cases in 2024 compared to the previous year.
It made the announcement on Friday the country's fifth National Police Day.
The ministry said the overall public safety situation has remained stable.
Public security authorities solved over 17 ,000 cases on food and drug safety crimes across China last year.
The police also solved over 78 ,000 economic crimes, recovering nearly US $4 .3 billion in financial losses.
They cracked 38 ,000 drug -related cases and seized around 24 tons of drugs.
The Liberal Party of Canada says a nationwide race to choose the next leader of the party will conclude on March 9.
The party says it will announce the new leader on the same day.
A statement says the leadership contestant must declare their participation in the race by January 23.
Fires raging across Los Angeles have killed at least 10 people.
US authorities are expecting the number to rise in the coming days.
All of the large blazes that have broken out this week in the Los Angeles area are in the roughly 25 -mile band north of downtown.
Meantime, police are seeking a mandatory curfew after thieves looted several homes amid the chaos.
Robert Luna is a local county sheriff.
Our goal is to attempt to implement a curfew within the specific impacted areas around the two fire areas, both for palisades and Eaton.
On Thursday, AccuWeather increased its estimate for damages and economic losses with a range between US $135 billion and US $150 billion.
Fire officials have yet to determine the cause of the fires, but said they are actively investigating.
COVID -19 President Alassane Watarra has expressed readiness to continue to serve his country but stressed that his party has yet to make a formal decision on this candidate for this year's election.
As of today, I have not yet made a decision.
But I can also assure you that I am in good health and willing to continue serving my country.
The 83 -year -old was re -elected for a third term in 2020.
In September, the ruling party expressed its support for a potential Watarra candidacy in the 2025 election, which is scheduled for October, but the official nomination and acceptance have yet to take place.
This is Tian Lu in the Chinese capital.
Coming up in business, China reports steady growth in business entities in 2024.
Japan's largest steelmaker has brought the US government to court as the latter has blocked the steelmaker's acquisition of an American firm.
Why is Nippon Steel so obsessed with the loss -making company?
Why would Washington say the deal threatens US national security?
What implications does a failed acquisition have for those hoping to invest in the US?
Find out on this week's chat lounge on your favorite podcast platform and CGTN radio.
Now 36 minutes past the hour, turning to business, here's Wang Zhehan.
Thank you, Tian Lu.
Stock markets on the Chinese mainland closed lower on Friday.
The Shanghai composite was down over 1 .3%, while the Shenzhen component lost 1 .8%.
The animal feed and the home appliance component sectors were among the top gainers.
Elsewhere, the Hong Kong stock market also ended lower for the day.
The Hang Zang index decreased more than 0 .9%.
In Japan, the Nikkei dipped over 1%.
The state administration for market regulations says the number of registered business entities in China rose over 3 % to nearly 190 million by the end of 2024.
In the first three quarters of last year, the country saw about 2 .7 million newly registered business entities handling tax -related businesses, increasing 17 .4%.
Consumer rights protection efforts have also seen advancements.
Authorities recovered over 4 .7 billion yuan, or around US $641 million in economic losses from complaints and reports, up over 17%.
According to the administration, the progress reflects broader regulatory efforts aimed at fostering a fair market environment, including targeted support for individual businesses and stricter law enforcement to safeguard the legitimate rights of business entities.
Authorities have also intensified efforts to improve competition in the platform economy, alongside initiatives to transform traditional industries, cultivate emerging industries and plan for future industries.
Event organisers are discussing the latest trends in the exhibition industry at the ongoing 20th China Expo Forum for International Cooperation in Tianjin.
With global economic uncertainty on the rise, participants are turning to China to explore new business opportunities.
Xi Xinqian spoke with several participants to gather insights.
Global leaders from the exhibition industry have gathered here in Tianjin, continuing a tradition that has lasted for over two decades.
Year after year, the world's top event organisers return to China for the annual China Expo Forum for International Cooperation, or SEFCO.
So what keeps bringing them back?
... years and we are supporting it since the beginning back in Beijing in 2005, over the last three years I think that there is more international participants, so it's a good way to mix and match Chinese stakeholders with international stakeholders.
So now we have what we call an economic factor.
For example, our exhibition have a factor of 12 to 1, so 1 RMB spent in my venue give the city of Shanghai 12 RMB.
Because you have visitors, they go to restaurants, they take trains, they go to catering, you name it and when an exhibition is not happening, all these revenues are not existing.
And that is why I think the SEFCO and government involvement becomes more and more important and that's also why we as stakeholders, looking for closer relation with the government, with SEFCO.
In an age where artificial intelligence and digital technologies almost dominate every industry, one might question the need for traditional exhibitions.
But participants believe while technology is creating new communication channels, people still crave personal face -to -face interactions.
Xin is believing remains essential in business.
Exhibiting here in China isn't just about showing products and technology, it's also about tapping into the supply chains and industrial ecosystem.
There was Xu Xinchen reporting.
A report by the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade shows that the country saw a surge in industrial and technological exhibitions in 2024.
Last year, China hosted nearly 1 ,100 industrial and technological expos surging more than 63%.
According to the report, exhibitions have become a vital platform for showcasing the achievements of China's new quality productive forces with strategic emerging and future industries emerging as popular exhibition themes.
China's exhibition industry has actively explored the use of new technologies including human -computer interaction, artificial intelligence and the metaverse which have facilitated the development of new scenarios, models and formats of exhibitions.
As the end of 2024, the Union of International Affairs had certified more than 260 Chinese exhibition projects, an increase of over 20%.
The People's Bank of China has reported significant progress in its re -lending programs for technology, innovation and equipment renewal, with contracts worth nearly 1 trillion yuan, or around US $136 billion.
By the end of 2024, China's commercial banks had signed loans worth US $115 billion with over 5 ,000 science and technology enterprises and dispersed loans of nearly half a billion yuan to enhance the financing accessibility for medium and small -sized sci -tech companies.
The commercial banks have engaged with 22 ,000 equipment renewal projects nationwide, providing US $800 billion for enterprises to draw fran funds at any time.
The central bank says it will further optimize the re -lending process, expand the scale of equipment renewal loans and unleash demand for equipment renewal.
The auto sector is in the spotlight at the world's largest personal electronics shows, CES.
As Mark New reports, vehicles are getting faster and more sustainable.
At CES, Chinese EV maker Zeeker shows off a car that can go from 0 to 60 in about two seconds.
Some of its EVs will also now be equipped with their Golden Battery 2, the world's fastest charging battery in mass production.
It can run up to 300 km, less than 5 meters charging.
So in that way, you basically can use an electrical vehicle as convenient as refuelling your gasoline vehicle.
And this is the Zeeker Mix minivan.
You can see a normal sort of seat orientation.
But if I want to change it, all I have to do is press this button.
Speeding things up, this is what happens.
Perfect! Now I'm ready to relax.
Other companies are taking transformation features to another level.
I'm going to show you a magic, OK?
Thanks. This is the sped up process of the unpacking of a land module.
It's actually an electric vertical take off landing aircraft, or EV toll, which can lift off from wherever the van transports it to.
Due to our precisely docking system, it can attach ball and this attach ball very quick in three minutes, and it will release the EV toll.
And then you just unfold the arm and jump into the cockpit.
It's super easy. The repacking doesn't require any skill either, as it's completely automated.
Like a video game, yeah.
But it's all for real.
Tim Lumm is the proud owner of an EV toll made by the company Pivotal, which is showing off its latest model called Helix.
And I just tell the computer very simply where I want to go with simple joystick commands.
And it doesn't let me go too fast or over torque or over bank.
It has a radar altimeters to do the automatic takeoff and landing.
It's pretty incredible.
Since EV car owners deal with the fear of running out of battery power, we ask Pivotal's product marketing director if anxiety is even greater for EV toll flyers.
We've got a lot of alerts, audible and visual alerts, and backup LEDs that will blink at you to make sure you're very aware of the state of charge.
And then our training program, we teach awareness of those things and flight planning.
And there is a ballistic parachute on board to add to the safety if somehow you've pushed it way too far.
There was some mark new in Las Vegas.
Now, young consumers in China are prioritizing emotional well -being with their purchasing power, fueling a thriving emotional economy.
As a way to navigate a fast -paced and stressful modern life, China's youth are increasingly spending on goods and experiences that uplift their moods.
Many people would say, what's the point of buying this?
But for me, the greatest purpose is simply to make myself happy.
Everyone has their own interests.
And these interests become a source of emotional support and hope.
They also give you a stronger sense of motivation at work.
It's a huge emotional boost.
Shopping with my girlfriend is a meaningful experience.
The items we buy also carry great emotional value.
We love it. According to a research report on youth consumption trends in 2024, nearly 30 % of respondents would buy goods that can provide emotional value.
The goods include perfumes, flowers, pairs, electronic products, mystery boxes and self -improvement courses.
According to an industry report released by the China Consumers Association, emotional release will become a key factor influencing consumer decision -making among younger generations.
Experts say the new spending pattern reflects a new growth driver for domestic demand and a new upgrade in consumption.
Thank you very much.
That was Wang Zhehan with Business.
You're listening to the Beijing Hour coming up in sports.
China plans to establish a professional football league union by the end of the month.
The countdown to the Asian Winter Games in Harbin has started.
What will make it a special event?
Has China made a leap in winter sports development after the Beijing 2022 Olympic Winter Games?
Find out more in this week's episode of Side Live Story.
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47 minutes past the hour with sports.
Here's Yang Wang. Thank you Tian Lu.
Chinese authorities have announced the establishment of a professional football league union by the end of the month.
The union will manage the country's football leagues.
Its main job is to separate the management of the leagues from the operation site.
This means the Chinese Football Association will no longer handle league management and will focus instead on the national team and youth development.
China now has over 148 ,000 football pitches and nearly 93 ,000 top youth players, up 6 % from last year.
Also, the country is home to over 100 ,000 licensed coaches.
Real Madrid has booked a place in the Spanish Super Cup final against Barcelona with a 3 -0 win over Mallorca on Thursday.
Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti said the win was tough.
I knew this was going to be a difficult game.
We have suffered. We started very well.
We could have scored earlier in the first half.
We had a good beginning of the game.
But then things got complicated.
It's been a very demanding game because Mallorca played the way they had to.
They defended very well and tried to create chances.
And they got us in trouble a couple of times.
In the first half, Madrid had 15 shots making them the La Liga team with the most shots in the school is the first half this season.
Madrid will face Barcelona on Sunday.
This will be the third straight year that El Clácico is the Super Cup final matchup.
Real Madrid has won the trophy 13 times while Barcelona has claimed it 14 times.
Madrid has a chance to tie Barcelona's record and become the first defending La Liga champions to win the new format competition.
The two teams have met 9 times in the Super Cup Final before with Madrid winning 7 of those encounters.
Cristiano Ronaldo scored a penalty to help ArtNasa restart its Saudi Pro League campaign in 2025 with a 3 -1 win over Art Akudud.
Since joining Saudi Arabia, Ronaldo has scored 60 goals in 60 matches and provided 15 assists.
He is the fourth player to score 60 goals for ArtNasa in the Saudi Pro League.
Turning to the CBA, the top -ranked Giorgion Lions managed to beat Beijing Ducks 83 -79 in a tough match.
Giorgion came into the game on a four -game win streak with new signing Bob and Mochenovac making his debut.
But it was Barry Brown Jr.
who really stepped up putting up a game -high 24 points.
They got off to a strong start with a 7 -2 lead, but that was their only advantage until the final quarter.
They struggled on offense, scoring under 20 points in each of the first three quarters, and at one point they were done by 17.
In the final quarter, Giorgion turned things around defensively, going on a 13 -1 round to close a 66 -54 gap in just 4 minutes.
Brown made a key lay -up, assisted Hu Jinchou on a fast break, and then sealed the win with two free throws in the last 16 seconds.
Brown, who joined Zhejiang this season, is averaging 26 .6 points per game, ranking sixth in the league.
His 24 points made up nearly 30 % of the team's total, and his three -pointers in the first three quarters were huge in keeping them in the game.
Mochenovac mainly played in the first half, adding four points in 7 minutes and 26 seconds on the court.
For the BGR, this is Zhang Tao.
Now in tennis, Andy Murray is preparing for the Australian Open like never before.
The five -time Open finalist will be coaching 10 -time Australian Open champion and former rival Novak Djokovic.
I've played here a few times.
Yeah, I could never quite go over the line.
Unfortunately, this man was single -handedly responsible for that.
I'm now here to try and sabotage his chances of winning another one.
The two have faced off in seven Grand Slam finals, with Djokovic winning five, including four Australian Open titles.
Murray spent 10 days with Djokovic before Christmas, helping him prepare for the new season as Djokovic aims for a record 25th Grand Slam victory.
Wada has confirmed that the US lost its seats on the executive board at the start of the year for failing to pay its 2024 membership fees.
The US owes $3 .6 million.
The tension between the US and Wada is linked to a food contamination issue involving 23 Chinese athletes.
Despite investigations by China, Wada and the FINA clearing the athletes of any wrongdoing, the US continues to criticise Wada.
And finally, Hungarian gymnast Agnes Kleti was laid to rest on Thursday, which could have been her 104th birthday.
Kleti was Hungary's most decorated female Olympian with five gold medals.
She began her Olympic career in 1952 in Helsinki, winning her first gold in floor exercise at 31.
Her biggest success came at 1956 Melbourne Games, where she won four golds and two servers, solidifying her legacy as one of the greatest gymnasts in history.
Thank you very much.
That was Youngguang World Sports coming up in Culture and Entertainment, new line -up for the Shanghai Museum in 2025.
Ever wondered what's actually going on in Africa through the perspective of an African?
How are things really going between China and Africa?
What's the narrative of this relationship?
Well, get a perspective with China Africa Talk.
Hear from African diplomats, entrepreneurs, academics, Chinese natives and more.
Get on our wavelength every week to find out what's real with China Africa Talk.
Find us on your favourite podcast.
We'll see you there.
53 minutes past the hour, turning to Culture and Entertainment, the Shanghai Museum has kicked off the Year of the Snake with 20 special exhibitions.
The first exhibition, Spring, a celebration of the Year of the Snake, runs until March the 2nd.
It will feature 13 items from the museum's collection, including pieces alone from the Li Jia Shan site in Ringnan, China's first bronze art museum, and the Hubei Provincial Museum.
One of the year's highlights is the fifth edition of A Dialogue with the World, showcasing impressionist masterpieces from the Polar Museum in Japan, running from January 22nd to April 21st.
Also, Shanghai Museum will team up with the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York to present an exhibition of Chinese bronze art.
The Legend of the Kongdaw Heroes will release a new film adaptation on January 29th, the first day of Chinese New Year.
That is, the famous martial arts novel by Jing Yong.
A trailer for the movie revealed the release date for Chinese theatres and gave a sneak peek of the heroic female lead on the grasslands.
Jing Yong is a beloved figure in China for his martial arts novels.
The first volume of the English version of The Legend of the Kongdaw Heroes was published in 2018 by the UK's Macklehose Press under the title A Hero Born.
The exploration of an ancient tomb in eastern China is offering new insights into life from 2000 years ago, Ding Sivir has more.
Before the invention of paper, ancient Chinese used Jiandou, or bamboo and wooden slips, as writing materials.
Much of Chinese civilisation was documented and transmitted through these.
Jiandou discovered in the Haixuanghou tomb primarily consists of books that Liu He read or collected during his lifetime, including the Confucian classics known as the Analects.
The bamboo slips of the Analects unearthed from Liu He's tomb are incredibly significant.
There are over 500 slips, each containing approximately 24 characters.
We estimate this collection represents about one -third of today's version of the Analects.
It is the earliest known transcription.
Among the discovered slips, nearly 60 are official documents providing crucial insights into Han dynasty administrative protocols.
This represents a standard example of Western Han official documents.
For instance, one document outlined Liu He's request to the Emperor seeking permission to dispatch a retainer to Chang 'an.
The restoration of these artifacts is a massive undertaking.
Since the tomb was opened in 2015, a national -level team has been working tirelessly on the restoration process.
The bamboo slips were severely degraded and further compressed due to the collapse of the tomb chamber.
They break apart at the study's touch.
Their condition was extremely poor.
After stabilizing them, we began cleaning, dehydrating and collecting information from them in early 2023.
They completed the hydration and data collection process for all 5200 -plus bamboo slips expected to be finished around 2026.
From the earliest transcription of the Analects to detailed official documents, these slips represent a treasure trove of information with great historical and cultural significance.
Now let's think through your reporting.
Archaeologists have unearthed the smallest known cat fossil at a site in eastern China.
The fossil identified as an extinct species of leopard was so small it could easily fit in the palm of one's hand.
Researchers from the Chinese Academy of Sciences discovered the fossil in a cave at the Hua Longdong site in Anhui Province.
This site has previously yielded dozens of archaic human fossils, dating back 300 ,000 years, making them the earliest fossils found in East Asia linked to the evolution of Homo sapiens or modern humans.
The discovery of animal fossils at Hua Longdong could provide valuable insights into the environment, diet and potential threats faced by archaic humans.
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