The Beijing Hour

Chinese President Xi Jinping has delivered a New Year speech, calling for efforts to achieve new progress in "the story of China's miracle" (01:03). Cities and towns across China have held celebrations to ring in 2026, as have many others all over the world (10:33). Swiss authorities fear that an explosion at a ski resort has killed dozens of people and injured more than 100 others (23:31).

Chinese President Xi Jinping has delivered a New Year speech via China Media Group and the Internet (01:05). Beijing says the military exercises around Taiwan served as a warning to separatist forces on the island, and against foreign interference in the Taiwan question (10:40). The United States announces sanctions on 10 individuals and entities, targeting Iran's drone trade with Venezuela (19:27).

The Chinese president calls for unity to advance Chinese modernization at a gathering to usher in the New Year (01:06). Beijing says the military exercises around Taiwan served as a warning to separatist forces on the island, and against foreign interference in the Taiwan question (10:40). The United States announces sanctions on 10 individuals and entities, targeting Iran's drone trade with Venezuela (19:27).

China has held its annual Central Rural Work Conference in Beijing to map out priorities for the country's rural work in 2026 (01:10). The Eastern Theater Command of the Chinese People's Liberation Army has run its second day of military drills around Taiwan, conducting long-range live fire exercises (05:33). U.S. President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu have discussed breaking the Gaza deadlock (17:59).

The Eastern Theater Command of the People's Liberation Army has begun drills around Taiwan to safeguard national sovereignty and territorial integrity (01:10). Cambodia and Thailand vow to gradually consolidate a ceasefire in their disputed border area following talks that China hosted (11:46). Criticism over the Japanese government's record defense budget continues to mount across the country (21:17).

Beijing condemns Japan's substantial increase in defense spending after the Japanese cabinet approved a draft budget for fiscal year 2026 (01:01). China's high-speed rail network surpasses 50,000 kilometers with the opening of a new line in the country's northwest (17:29). The U.S. president confirms his country's military strikes against Islamic State targets in Nigeria (20:00).

A Chinese military spokesperson calls for joint actions to contain the revival of militarism by Japan's right-wing forces (01:05). The Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank is marking its 10th anniversary (11:46). The Ukrainian president unveils the main points of a draft peace proposal to end the conflict with Russia, while Moscow says it is still formulating its position (21:05).

China calls on Japan to shoulder the responsibility of ensuring nuclear safety (01:00). China finalizes its ratification of the landmark High Seas Treaty on protecting marine biodiversity (09:38). Members of the UN Security Council including China and Russia criticize the U.S. for escalating military tensions with Venezuela (19:02).

Chinese President Xi Jinping has called on state-owned enterprises directly administered by the central government to contribute more to Chinese modernization (01:07). A senior Japanese official who advocates for nuclear weapons in the country is facing criticism and opposition (11:54). A Russian investigative committee says Ukrainian Special Forces could be responsible for a car bomb attack in Moscow that killed a Russian general, while Ukraine has not yet made any comments (17:25).

Tensions escalate as China rebukes Japan's calls for nuclear weapons, sparking debates on regional stability and tourism impacts. In another significant discussion, China's legislature reviews a new Childcare Services Law aimed at bolstering legal protections for children. Meanwhile, Thailand and Cambodia aim to resume ceasefire talks to address ongoing border conflicts. The podcast also touches on the implications of US-Russian dialogues on Ukraine and the latest developments in sports and economy.