PODCAST · news
The Beijing Hour
by China Plus
Breaking news, business, up-to-date sports, and the hottest entertainment happenings, from the unique Chinese perspective.
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China honors top scientists with national sci-tech awards
Beijing has held a meeting to award China's highest sci-tech honors, with President Xi Jinping presenting the top awards (00:59). Large areas of southern China are reeling from flooding triggered by torrential rains from the 10th typhoon to hit the country this year (10:10). US President Donald Trump says he believes the Memorandum of Understanding with Iran is over, following the worst escalation of violence since the deal was implemented (21:04).
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Chinese FM calls for early conclusion of China-Norway FTA
China marks the 89th anniversary of the Lugou Bridge Incident, the start of Japan's full-scale invasion and China's whole-nation resistance against Japanese aggression (01:02). Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi calls on China and Norway to work toward an early conclusion of a free trade agreement during talks with his Norwegian counterpart (07:57). The UN welcomes Hamas' announcement that it will transfer the administration of Gaza to a Palestinian technocratic committee (33:21).
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198
China sends humanitarian aid to quake-hit Venezuela
Leaders of China and Montenegro have exchanged congratulations to mark the 20th anniversary of diplomatic ties (01:03). Public mourning continues in Iran as millions walked in a funeral procession for late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei (10:02). China has sent 80 tons of humanitarian aid to earthquake-hit Venezuela, where the twin quakes last month killed thousands of people (15:29).
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China, Denmark pledge to strengthen ties in foreign ministers' meeting
In a meeting with his Danish counterpart, visiting Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi says China is ready to maintain high-level exchanges with Denmark and strengthen cooperation in various sectors (01:03). A Chinese envoy has urged all parties to avoid threatening rhetoric and military adventurism, and to return to dialogue, amid unrelenting tensions between the US and Iran (09:35). A trial aiming to treat the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo is underway (20:15).
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Venezuela declares seven days of national mourning for quake victims
As the Communist Party of China has marked its 105th founding anniversary, the international community is paying attention to its long-standing vitality (01:02). Iran and the US have wrapped up another round of indirect talks in Doha, with no sign of progress toward a lasting peace (16:05). Venezuelan Acting President Delcy Rodriguez has declared seven days of national mourning for the victims of last week's twin earthquakes that had killed nearly 2300 people as of late Wednesday (21:43).
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CPC celebrates 105th founding anniversary, outstanding members honored
The Communist Party of China has honored its outstanding members on the occasion of its 105th anniversary, with General Secretary Xi Jinping of the CPC Central Committee conferring the July 1st Medals, the Party's highest honors (01:04). Hong Kong has marked the 29th anniversary of its return to the motherland, holding a flag-raising ceremony and a gala (15:59). Indirect talks between Iran and the US have resumed in Doha, with Qatar and Pakistan serving as mediators (22:05).
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CPC membership grows to over 101 million
As the Communist Party of China marks its 105th founding anniversary on Wednesday, new data shows its membership topped 101 million as of the end of 2025, reflecting its continued growth among people from all walks of life (01:35). Uncertainty surrounds the next round of US-Iran talks in Doha, with Washington confirming the talks while Tehran denying (12:52). A UN representative in Venezuela says officials are procuring thousands of body bags, as the number of deaths from last week's twin earthquakes is likely to rise (24:58).
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China, Belarus vow to maintain strategic communication, strengthen relations
China and Belarus have pledged to maintain strategic communication and strengthen bilateral relations during their presidents' meeting in Beijing (01:06). The US and Iran have reportedly agreed to halt recent hostilities and renew talks about the Strait of Hormuz (12:40). Rescue teams and aid are pouring in to Venezuela following the deadly twin earthquakes last week (19:14).
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192
China pledges to promote cooperation with Cambodia, Bangladesh
Chinese President Xi Jinping has held separate meetings with Cambodian People's Party President and Senate President Hun Sen and Bangladeshi Prime Minister Tarique Rahman in Beijing, pledging to promote cooperation with the two countries (01:16). Rescue efforts are underway in Venezuela for hundreds of people trapped under rubble after two powerful earthquakes struck the country on Wednesday (09:31). The UN maritime agency has suspended an evacuation operation for ships and sailors stranded in and around the Strait of Hormuz amid an attack on a vessel in the Gulf of Oman (21:00).
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Twin earthquakes devastate Venezuela
Two powerful earthquakes that jolted Venezuela on Wednesday had killed over 160 people by early Thursday, with around 1,000 injured (00:51). The Annual Meeting of the New Champions or the Summer Davos has wrapped up, with business leaders hailing the "China Opportunity 2.0" idea (09:04). Scientists have discovered a rare marine blue hole in the South China Sea, which could help unlock new clues about the evolution of marine ecosystems (23:47).
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Premier Li highlights China's economic resilience and openness at Summer Davos
Chinese Premier Li Qiang has addressed the annual meeting of the Summer Davos in Dalian, saying the country's economy has demonstrated stability, innovation, vitality and integration with the rest of the world (01:03). China's "first secretaries" are helping to revive and inspire the country's rural communities (20:27). A supercomputer in China has outranked its US counterparts as the world's most powerful (44:11).
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2026 Summer Davos begins in northeast China
The Annual Meeting of the New Champions, also known as Summer Davos, is underway in Dalian, northeast China, gathering more than 1,700 global business leaders (01:02). Iran says it will continue its peace talks with the United States following the discussions in Switzerland over the weekend (09:10). Andy Burnham has been sworn in as Labour Member of Parliament in Britain, a step closer to his goal to become the new prime minister (20:05).
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188
British PM Keir Starmer resigns
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has announced that he will resign as Labour Party leader and will step down as Prime Minister once a successor is chosen (00:59). Mediators say Iran and the US have agreed on a roadmap to reach a final peace deal within 60 days (07:46). The fourth China International Supply Chain Expo is underway in Beijing, featuring six major supply chain exhibitions and a supply chain services zone (36:43).
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187
China celebrates Dragon Boat Festival
People across China are celebrating the Dragon Boat Festival, or Duanwu Festival, with activities including making Zongzi — sticky rice dumplings wrapped in bamboo leaves — and holding dragon boat races (01:05). The US and Iranian negotiators are not meeting in Switzerland on Friday as planned, despite the agreement to stop the war and seek a permanent peace deal (11:26). The number of confirmed Ebola cases in the Democratic Republic of the Congo has surpassed 890 (23:28).
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186
US, Iranian presidents sign electronic MoU to end war
General Secretary Xi Jinping of the CPC Central Committee has called on Party members to carry forward revolutionary traditions and strive for new accomplishments (01:08). The presidents of Iran and the US have digitally signed the memorandum of understanding on ending the war, which includes the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and the extension of a ceasefire (13:01). The annual G7 summit has concluded without issuing a final communique for the second year in a row (24:22).
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185
China releases white paper on global governance
China has released a white paper on its principles, proposals and actions on global governance, outlining its efforts to uphold multilateralism and its wisdom in promoting a better world (01:05). The Myanmar president is continuing his state visit to China (11:23). The Iranian foreign minister stresses that ending the war with the US must include Israel's withdrawal from Lebanon (25:06).
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184
President Xi holds talks with Myanmar counterpart on boosting cooperation
Chinese President Xi Jinping has held talks with his Myanmar counterpart in Beijing, calling on the two sides to steadily advance key cooperation projects (01:02). The US and Iran have electronically signed a memorandum of understanding aimed at ending the war, ahead of the formal signing on Friday (09:48). The number of Ebola cases in the Democratic Republic of the Congo has surpassed 800 (23:03).
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183
US and Iranian officials confirm agreement on framework to end the war
US and Iranian officials have confirmed an agreement on a framework to end the war, halt the US blockade on Iranian ports, and reopen the Strait of Hormuz (01:01). Myanmar President Min Aung Hlaing is in Beijing for a state visit to China (13:57). The number of confirmed Ebola cases in the Democratic Republic of the Congo has surpassed 780, including over 170 deaths (22:08).
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182
Green development, human rights protection discussed at Global Human Rights Governance Forum
Participants at the two-day Forum on Global Human Rights Governance in Beijing have discussed how to balance green development with human rights protection (07:17). US President Donald Trump says he called off strikes against Iran scheduled for Thursday night, again claiming a deal is near completion (15:19). A UN report says conflict, violence and persecution displaced more than 117 million people by the end of 2025, the first decline in forced displacement in a decade (24:13).
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181
China releases new national human rights action plan
China has released a new national human rights action plan aimed at ensuring the people's fundamental interests are safeguarded (1:27). The US and Iran have traded a new round of strikes (11:09). Post-disaster reconstruction is underway in the Philippines after the powerful earthquake that struck Mindanao on Monday (20:28).
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Chinese FM urges dialogue to boost understanding among civilizations
A senior CPC official says China and the DPRK have reached new consensus on bilateral ties (01:06). Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi is calling for better understanding and mutual trust through dialogue in remarks marking the International Day for Dialogue among Civilizations (06:02). The number of people killed in Monday's powerful earthquake in the southern Philippines has risen to 45 (12:56).
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179
Xi says consensus reached with DPRK leader on bilateral relations in new era
General Secretary Xi Jinping of the CPC Central Committee has wrapped up a two-day state visit to the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, saying he and the DPRK leader reached consensus on developing bilateral ties in the new era (01:07). The 7.9-magnitude earthquake that struck the southern Philippines on Monday has killed at least 37 people and injured 500 others (09:18). The Democratic Republic of the Congo has confirmed 101 Ebola deaths and 550 cases since the start of the outbreak last month (21:35).
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178
Leaders of China, DPRK vow to achieve greater progress in bilateral ties
The leaders of China and the DPRK have held talks in Pyongyang, vowing to achieve greater progress in bilateral ties (01:04). Analysts warned that global ocean surface temperatures are nearing record highs as the world marks World Ocean Day (19:10). OPEC+ has decided to raise its oil production target for the fourth time in four months (42:23).
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177
Israel, Hezbollah continue trading attacks despite ceasefire deal
Chinese President Xi Jinping has held talks with his Lao counterpart who is on a state visit to China (01:11). Israeli and Hezbollah forces continue to trade attacks despite a ceasefire deal, killing more Lebanese residents and an Israeli soldier (15:53). As Africa battles the Ebola outbreak, a Chinese health worker shares his perspective from the ground (21:45).
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176
Lao president in Beijing to continue state visit
The Lao president arrived in Beijing from Zhejiang Province to continue his state visit in China (01:02). Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps says its navy targeted a US destroyer in the Gulf of Oman, while Washington has denied the claim (11:51). The WHO chief says he's encouraged by efforts to combat the Ebola outbreak (20:27).
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175
Beijing warns DPP authorities of consequences for betraying national interests
Lao president Thongloun Sisoulith has visited tech companies in Hangzhou, the first stop of his five-day state visit to China (01:04). Hostilities between the US and Iran have flared up, pushing bilateral negotiations into a stalemate (09:54). Beijing has warned that the Democratic Progressive Party authorities in Taiwan could face consequences for seeking support from external forces at the expense of national interests (18:53).
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174
Lao president begins state visit to China
The Lao president has begun a five-day state visit to China, starting in the eastern city of Hangzhou (01:08). Iran has reportedly halted indirect talks and peace deal negotiations with the United States, while Washington says talks with Tehran are continuing (12:04). Officials in the Democratic Republic of the Congo have confirmed more Ebola cases (24:30).
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173
China expresses "grave concern" over Japan's move to deepen cooperation with NATO
The US and Iran exchanged fire over the weekend as the two sides continue to talk about a peace deal (01:03). China has expressed grave concerns over Japan's move to deepen cooperation with NATO (11:57). Authorities in the Democratic Republic of the Congo continue to deal with rebel attacks even as they manage an Ebola outbreak (22:12).
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Chinese FM calls for advancing UN reform, enhancing Security Council's authority and capabilities
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi has stressed the importance of enhancing the voice of developing countries and small and medium-sized countries while attending a meeting of the Group of Friends of Global Governance at the UN (01:01). Strategic stability is one key topic at the Shangri-La Dialogue (18:19). And US officials say Washington and Iran have an MoU to extend the ceasefire and launch talks on Iran's nuclear program, but Tehran denies a deal is finalized (21:00).
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171
Global partnership launched in Beijing to fight poverty, promote development
China is among over 50 countries and international organizations that launched a Global Partnership for Poverty Alleviation and Development, which aims to explore pathways to eradicate poverty at its roots (01:08). China is urging Japan's policy makers to act with caution on the National Intelligence Council, noting that intelligence agencies in Japan have historically paved the way for militarism and aggression (10:09). And US President Donald Trump says Iran will not receive sanctions relief in exchange for giving up its stockpile of highly enriched uranium (20:49).
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Chinese FM calls for more support for UN Charter, advancement of US-Iran talks
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi has presided over a UN Security Council meeting and highlighted China's efforts in promoting peace and providing assistance (01:02). Profits of China's major industrial firms rose more than 18 percent on a yearly basis during the first four months of the year (36:46). And Japan has enacted a law to establish a National Intelligence Council, but the move has drawn protests from citizens demanding explanations (22:51).
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169
China, Serbia pledge deeper strategic cooperation and stronger bilateral ties
Chinese President Xi Jinping says China and Serbia should better align development strategies, implement the mid-term action plan for Belt and Road cooperation, and advance cooperation in transport and energy infrastructure (01:00). China and Pakistan have issued a joint statement reaffirming friendship and mutual support, as Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif wraps up an official visit (31:41). And US forces have struck launch sites and mine-laying boats in southern Iran (12:39).
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President Xi hails cooperation for facilitating development in China, Pakistan
Chinese President Xi Jinping has held talks with his Serbian counterpart, who has visited the Great Wall and Tian'anmen Square, during his first state visit to China (01:01). President Xi also met with the Pakistani prime minister and said Pakistan is a priority in China's neighborhood diplomacy while commending Islamabad's mediation efforts in the Middle East (31:41). And China's Shenzhou-23 astronauts, including a crew member from Hong Kong, are inside the Tiangong Space Station (14:29).
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167
Xizang makes progress in infrastructure, ecology after 75 years of peaceful development
Participants at the APEC Trade Ministers' Meeting in Suzhou are discussing topics such as regional economic integration and digital cooperation (01:09). The prime minister of Pakistan says relations with China have continued to grow in strength and strategic significance amid changing regional and global dynamics (06:18). We look at how efforts at developing infrastructure and ecological protection have changed lives and the environment in Xizang 75 years after its peaceful liberation (11:34).
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China supports Cuba in defending sovereignty, opposing external interference: ministry
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).
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165
China-Russia relationship enters new stage of achievements, development: Xi
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).
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164
China, Russia hail long-standing friendship, cooperation ahead of President Putin's state visit
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).
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163
China, Russia to promote ties to a deeper, higher level: ministry
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).
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US leader's state visit conducive to enhancing understanding, deepening trust: President Xi
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).
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China, US to build constructive relationship of strategic stability: Xi
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).
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Chinese, US trade teams hold talks as President Trump begins state visit
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).
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159
Tajikistan seeks closer economic ties with China through president's state visit
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).
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China, U.S. to engage in heads of state diplomacy, trade consultations
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).
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157
Brazil to waive visa requirements for Chinese citizens
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).
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China willing to promote protection and restitution of lost cultural relics: ministry
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).
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155
Chinese, Iranian FMs voice support for reopening Strait of Hormuz, reaching political settlement
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).
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Chinese envoy calls for vigilance against Japan's nuclear ambitions
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).
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153
China erects monument to commemorate signing of Cairo Declaration
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).
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152
South African apples first arrival under China's expanded zero-tariff policy
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).
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New law to provide accessible and efficient support for vulnerable groups
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).
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Breaking news, business, up-to-date sports, and the hottest entertainment happenings, from the unique Chinese perspective.
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