The Beijing Hour

China's zero-tariff policy for 53 African countries has taken effect, a move that analysts say will enhance South-South cooperation (00:53). The May Day holiday in China is a chance for travel and boosting consumption (10:31). And the third phase of the Canton Fair offers displays that address consumer needs for health and wellness, as well as emotional companionship (36:55).

China's social assistance law, coming into effect on July 1, aims to provide legal guarantees to promote the development of social assistance and ensure that all Chinese people benefit from the country's reform and development (01:03). Cities across China are staging diverse activities, hoping the five-day May Day holiday could boost the tourism sector (13:13). And the war in Iran has cost the Uni...

China's top leadership has outlined its economic priorities, emphasizing stronger domestic demand and continued reform to sustain growth amid ongoing challenges (00:57). Passenger trips across China during the upcoming May Day Holiday are forecast to reach a historic high (10:11). The Trump administration is reportedly preparing for an extended blockade of Iran (18:51).

Iran's foreign minister has visited Russia and blamed unreasonable U.S. demands and threats as part of the reason behind the slow progress in ending the war, while the Russian president voiced support for a diplomatic solution (01:06). The suspect in the White House press dinner shooting could be sentenced to life with the charge of attempting to assassinate the president (09:13). And Chinese airp...

There are conflicting reports about whether the Iranian foreign minister discussed Tehran's nuclear program during a visit to Oman, while the U.S. president said Iran can call to negotiate an end to the war after calling off an envoys' trip to Pakistan (01:04). The alleged gunman in the shooting at the White House Correspondents' Association dinner reportedly targeted Trump administration official...

China has announced the discovery of two new lunar minerals in samples retrieved by Chang'e-5 as the country marks its Space Day (01:10). Japanese lawmakers have approved a bill to establish a national intelligence committee, prompting widespread public concern (14:49). Lebanon and Israel have extended their ceasefire for three weeks after a high-level meeting at the White House (22:03).

Iranian leaders have cited the central role of the Strait of Hormuz in peace talks with the U.S., but Tehran has not confirmed participation in talks despite Pakistan's mediation efforts (01:03). The remains of 12 Chinese People's Volunteers have been laid to rest after their repatriation from South Korea (14:06). And UN officials are warning of rising temperatures that are putting the livelihoods...

The remains of 12 Chinese People's Volunteers who fell in the War to Resist U.S. Aggression and Aid Korea have returned home following a handover in South Korea (01:02). The U.S. president has threatened to bomb Iran again after extending the ceasefire hours before its expiration (10:42). And on this Earth Day, the world marks a decade since global leaders signed the Paris Agreement, aiming to cur...

China says Japan's accelerating remilitarization is a fact and a reality, vowing to remain vigilant after Japan revised its defense equipment transfer rules to allow exports of lethal weapons (04:03). Iran's supreme leader has reportedly approved new talks with the United States, while the U.S. president has said he will not likely extend the ceasefire beyond Wednesday if no agreement is reached (...

Chinese President Xi Jinping has spoken with the Saudi prime minister on the phone, discussing the Strait of Hormuz and regional peace (01:00). The winner of the humanoid robot half-marathon has beaten the human world record (12:39). And China is warning against the resurrection of militarism as Japan's plan to revise the country's pacifist constitution sparks protests in Tokyo (24:22).

Israel and Lebanon have begun a ceasefire that Iran says is part of the U.S.-Iran truce deal (01:15). China has slammed provocative actions by Japan's Self Defense Force and urged Tokyo to correct wrongdoings (10:06). And the IMF has highlighted the resilience and influence of China's economy (14:36).

China's economy grew 5% in the first quarter, showing resilience despite headwinds such as the energy shock from the Middle East conflict (01:04). Service consumption is a highlight of China's economic performance, rising 5.5% in Q1 (37:02). Iran and the United States maintain contact through Pakistan about the possibility of new in-person talks (10:18).

The top leaders of China and Vietnam have met in Beijing and discussed issues such as opposing unilateralism and developing China-ASEAN ties (01:10). Chinese President Xi Jinping has highlighted the stability and certainty in China-Russia relations during talks with the Russian foreign minister (09:56). And the U.S. president says the war against Iran is close to completion, and he isn't thinking...

Chinese President Xi Jinping has met with the Abu Dhabi crown prince and proposed adhering to the principle of peaceful coexistence, respecting national sovereignty, upholding the international rule of law, and balancing development with security (01:04). President Xi also met the Spanish prime minister and urged joint efforts to safeguard true multilateralism and global peace and development (03:...

China says U.S.-Iran negotiations in Pakistan are a step toward de-escalation, and is calling for the continuation of the ceasefire (01:07). The Spanish prime minister has highlighted cooperation with China in technology during his official visit (11:55). And China is looking forward to advancing ties with the UAE during a visit by the Abu Dhabi crown prince (31:40).

The leaders of the CPC and KMT stressed the value of communication across the Taiwan Strait as they met in Beijing during a KMT delegation's visit to the Chinese mainland (01:03). Participants from the dawn of ping-pong diplomacy 55 years ago have revisited a historically significant venue in Beijing (16:34). And Israel's prime minister is seeking direct talks with Lebanon after a wave of deadly s...

Iran has accused the United States of violating key parts of Tehran's ceasefire proposal, after Israel launched intense strikes across Lebanon under a disputed ceasefire deal (01:07). Ships have turned back amid reports that the Strait of Hormuz is closed again (08:27). And the Chinese Kuomintang party delegation has experienced drone delivery, cultural exchanges and other activities in Shanghai b...

The United States and Iran have agreed to call off strikes and continue negotiations in Pakistan in a move welcomed by the international community including China (01:07). China has vetoed a resolution on reopening the Strait of Hormuz at the UN Security Council, saying it's biased against Iran (07:31). And the Chinese mainland says compatriots from both sides of the Taiwan Strait are one family a...

Chinese Kuomintang party Chairperson Cheng Li-wun is visiting Shanghai, Jiangsu Province and Beijing, bringing a delegation from the Taiwan region (01:01). Iran has rejected a U.S. peace plan and is demanding a permanent end to the war and the lifting of sanctions (07:30). And Chinese shoppers have spent heavily on novel, smart and green products and services during the Qingming Festival holiday (...

China's transport authorities have estimated more than 840 million passenger trips during the Qingming Festival holiday - a 6% increase - as people traveled to honor ancestors or enjoy the spring, boosting consumer spending (01:09). Iran says it will retaliate after U.S. President Donald Trump set a Tuesday deadline to open the Strait of Hormuz or face strikes on Iranian infrastructure (10:13). An...

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi has discussed the Middle East situation in separate phone calls with top diplomats from Saudi Arabia, Germany and the EU, urging a halt to hostilities and the protection of civilian targets (01:11). Many in China are going on vacation looking for new experiences during the Qingming Festival holiday this weekend (12:45). And Russia is preparing to send a second oil...

President Donald Trump says the U.S. is achieving its goals in the Iran conflict, though analysts dispute his claims (01:04). European leaders have pushed back against Washington's threats to quit NATO, reaffirming support for the alliance while staying neutral on Iran (11:40). Chinese EVs are in the spotlight at the Bangkok International Motor Show, as rising fuel costs reshape consumer choices (...

China and Pakistan put forward five proposals on restoring Middle East peace and stability, as their foreign ministers met in Beijing and urged ensuring the safety of non-military targets and navigation, and supporting the primacy of the United Nations Charter (01:04). Xiongan is reporting new progress including a national climate observatory, marking nine years since China announced the plan to e...

Iran's parliament has passed legislation to impose tolls on vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz as Tehran aims to tighten sovereign authority over the crucial waterway (01:30). A Russian tanker is delivering this year's first oil shipment to Cuba, although Washington says its embargo on the island remains changed (23:20). And China's factory activity returns to expansion in March with the manu...

The Communist Party of China Central Committee and General Secretary Xi Jinping have invited Chinese Kuomintang party chairperson Cheng Li-wun to visit the Chinese mainland in April (01:04). Iran's Islamic Revolution Guard Corps has confirmed the death of Navy commander Alireza Tangsiri (13:32). The 6th China International Consumer Products Expo will take place from April 13th to 18th in south Chi...