The Beijing Hour

China says it is willing to work with Russia to deepen the foundation of mutual trust, enhance the quality of cooperation, and broaden the path of friendship (01:05). We take a look at Xizang's transformation in technology and people's lives 75 years since the region's peaceful liberation (10:15). And China says it opposes external pressure on Cuba after a U.S. indictment of former president Raul Castro (20:46).

Chinese President Xi Jinping has called on China and Russia to drive their development and revitalization through strategic coordination, as the two countries agree to extend the Treaty of Good-Neighborliness and Friendly Cooperation (01:02). An agreement in principle to discuss a reciprocal tariff reduction framework and orders for 200 Boeing aircraft are among the outcomes of the recent China-U.S. consultations in South Korea (16:28). And the World Health Organization chief has expressed deep concern over the scale and speed of an Ebola outbreak in the DRC where the virus is believed to have spread unnoticed for weeks (24:36).

As the Russian president begins a state visit to China, both sides have expressed confidence in deepening friendship and cooperation (01:05). China has reiterated that the Taiwan region's participation in the WHO must be handled under the one-China principle after the World Health Assembly once again rejected a proposal to have Taiwan as an observer (31:47). And global health officials are calling on the international community to scale up support to fight an Ebola outbreak in Africa (24:09).

Ahead of Russian President Vladimir Putin's state visit, China says both sides are ready to elevate ties and bring more stability and positive energy into the world (01:10). The Second Senior Officials' Meeting of APEC China 2026 is reviewing past cooperation and preparing for future outcomes (13:13). And the Ebola outbreak has reached Goma in the DRC, prompting neighboring Rwanda to close the border (22:52).

As U.S. President Donald Trump concludes what he calls a very successful state visit, Chinese President Xi Jinping has highlighted common understandings on trade, expanding cooperation and addressing each other's concerns (01:16). Shanghai is hosting APEC meetings on food safety and women (11:16). And the UK's prime minister is facing a potential challenger after a Labour MP vacated a position in his constituency (22:12).

The Chinese and US heads of state have discussed issues such as trade and the Taiwan question during a state visit by the US president, who leads a delegation of business leaders (01:17). The International Maritime Organization has convened a meeting to discuss ways to help crew members aboard ships trapped in the Strait of Hormuz (18:19). And a norovirus outbreak has hit a cruise ship in Bordeaux, France where dozens of people have shown digestive symptoms (25:20).

China says it is willing to work with the United States in the spirit of equality, respect and mutual benefit to expand cooperation, as U.S. President Donald Trump begins a state visit (01:07). China and Tajikistan have signed a Treaty of Permanent Good-Neighborliness and Friendly Cooperation, which analysts say is a positive example in a world filled with conflicts and uncertainty (11:26). Several countries have identified more contacts linked with hantavirus cases after passengers from an ill-fated cruise ship returned home (23:34).

Tajik President Emomali Rahmon, in China on a state visit, has encouraged Chinese companies to explore more business opportunities in the Central Asian country during discussions with Chinese business leaders (01:11). The U.S. business and trade community is expecting President Donald Trump's state visit to China to foster more trust and productive dialogue (10:28). And Iran and the U.S. have kept the door for diplomacy open despite rejections of each other's peace proposals (21:06).

The week will see U.S. President Donald Trump pay a state visit to China from Wednesday to Friday, after delegations from both sides hold economic and trade consultations in Busan, South Korea (01:04). China's Tianzhou-10 cargo spacecraft has delivered supplies such as food and propellant to the Tiangong Space Station (13:48). And French and American passengers have shown symptoms or tested positive for hantavirus after disembarking the cruise ship (19:42).

Tensions have flared up again in the Strait of Hormuz as Iran accuses the U.S. of attacking its vessels, but the U.S. president said the ceasefire still holds (01:19). A global race is underway to track passengers on the hantavirus-hit cruise ship who disembarked before the outbreak (13:43). And starting May 11 through the end of the year, Chinese passport holders do not need a visa to travel to Brazil for purposes such as tourism and business (20:17).

A cruise ship linked with a deadly hantavirus outbreak has departed waters off Cape Verde and is expected to dock at Spain's Canary Islands in a few days, despite opposition from the local government (01:06). China says it appreciates France's efforts in facilitating the restitution of lost cultural relics after a draft bill passed the French National Assembly (04:40). And China's Tianzhou-9 cargo craft has re-entered the atmosphere in a controlled manner (22:41).

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi says the situation in the Middle East is at a critical juncture, as he met his Iranian counterpart and emphasized the importance of remaining committed to negotiations (01:04). The WHO says there may have been human-to-human transmission of the hantavirus on a cruise ship after identifying at least seven confirmed or suspected cases, including three deaths (13:15). And the May Day holiday in China saw over 1.5 billion domestic passenger trips, and more than 11.2 million cross-border trips by Chinese and foreign travelers (21:26).

The U.S.-Iran standoff in the Strait of Hormuz continues, as the UAE accuses Iran of attacking its civilian infrastructure in a move that analysts say could widen the confrontation in the region (01:02). A Chinese envoy to the United Nations says the international community must resolutely curb any attempts by Japan to possess nuclear weapons (22:17). Wu Yize has become China's second straight snooker world champion after defeating Sean Murphy in a thriller that stretched to the last frame (46:37).

China has erected a monument at the hotel where the Cairo Declaration was issued to commemorate the document that helped bring an end to WWII and formed part of the post-war international order (01:10). Immersive cultural tourism is emerging as a trend this Labor Day holiday (10:36). The United States is guiding ships out of the Strait of Hormuz starting Monday, while Iran insists that safe passage needs to be coordinated (22:28).

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 United States $25 billion so far (19:43).

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 airports and land ports are expecting heavy cross-border passenger volume during the May Day holiday (18:40).

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 officials over dissatisfaction with the government (10:18). And profits of major industrial firms in China rose 15.5% in Q1 thanks to government policies that helped cushion the impacts of a complex economic environment (36:40).

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 and health of over a billion people at risk (20:31).

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 curb global warming (19:12).

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 (13:20). And the Trump administration has launched a program to refund billions of dollars in tariffs (23:11).

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 about extending the ceasefire (16:18).

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 (03:00). And China's foreign trade grew 15% in Q1, marking the fastest expansion in five years (36:51).

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 strikes against Hezbollah (24:06).

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 before heading to Beijing (20:09).

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 as a KMT delegation visits the Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum (14:04).

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 (36:44).

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). And Chinese authorities have issued guidelines to encourage AI-powered e-commerce (36:51).

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 tanker to Cuba after a vessel delivered the first shipment to the island in months (22:46).

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 (41:30).

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 establish Xiongan New Area (13:35). And Japan has drawn domestic opposition over the deployment of missiles with counterstrike capabilities, which signals a major shift away from the post-war defense-only policy (22:41).

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 manufacturing PMI climbing to 50.4, marking the fastest growth in a year (36:54).

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 China's Hainan Province (36:51).

China's Hainan Free Trade Port marks 100 days of special customs operations alongside the close of the Boao Forum for Asia Annual Conference 2026, with gains in trade, tariffs, and efficiency (01:16). Tehran has sent its response to a U.S. proposal to end the conflict, as Washington extends a strike pause but weighs more troop deployments (11:09). The Chinese vice president has met South Africa's president, highlighting China's upcoming zero-tariff measures for African countries as both sides pledged deeper cooperation (36:37).

China's top legislator has called for resolving conflicts through dialogue and respecting diversity while addressing the plenary of the Boao Forum for Asia's annual conference in Hainan (01:07). Iran has denied holding any direct talks with the U.S., while Washington insists Tehran is seeking a deal amid rising tensions (13:28). The UN General Assembly has adopted a resolution declaring the transatlantic slave trade a crime against humanity and calling for reparatory justice (21:38).

Trade tensions have once again emerged as a key topic at this year's Boao Forum for Asia annual conference (01:07). Beijing says it will double down on playing a constructive role in promoting peace and an end to hostilities in the Middle East (11:42). China marks a decade since the approval of a key document which maps out the blueprint for developing the areas along the Yangtze River, the country's largest waterway (18:44).