The Beijing Hour

The first phase of Gaza's ceasefire begins, marking progress toward hostage releases, aid delivery and a possible final peace (01:04). Beijing and Rome mark 55 years of ties, pledging deeper cooperation in trade, innovation, and culture, as the Chinese foreign minister visits Italy (12:34). China's holiday consumer sales rose 4.5%, led by tourism, culture, and health products (37:43).

Gaza peace talks have stretched into a third day, but Israel and Hamas continue to communicate through mediators (00:58). China's foreign minister is in Europe for a high level meeting with the Italian government and a foreign ministers' dialogue in Switzerland (09:00). The US government shutdown is entering its second week and economists are issuing warnings for the country's ecnomoy (21:50).

Israel and Hamas have held their first day of indirect talks in Egypt on the details of a Gaza ceasefire plan, which concluded with what Egypt describes as "a positive atmosphere." (01:13). No end yet in sight for the US government shutdown, as more attempts to break the impasse on federal funding fail in the Senate (09:31). China sees a travel surge as the National Day and Mid-Autumn Festival holiday is coming to an end (19:00).

As China celebrates the Mid-Autumn Festival during the National Day holiday, people are spending the long break with family reunions, performances and travels (01:04). Hamas and Israeli delegations are discussing a U.S.-backed plan that aims to reach a ceasefire in Gaza (10:27). And the new French prime minister has resigned a day after his new cabinet is unveiled (19:21).

Vibrant cultural and recreational activities are underway across China to celebrate the National Day holiday season (01:55). Protests are underway around the world after Israel intercepted civilian boats from the Global Sumud Flotilla and detained activists (13:38). Authorities have declared a stabbing attack outside a synagogue in Manchester as a terrorist incident (19:37).

China's railway network set a new single-day record for passengers to start the National Day holiday Golden Week (01:08). Organizers of an international aid flotilla for Gaza say Israeli forces have stopped dozens of boats carrying activists and aid (07:38). The White House says mass lay-offs of federal workers will begin in two days, as the government enters its shutdown (12:08).

Crowds gathered in Tian'anmen Square in Beijing for the flag-raising ceremony on National Day, while Hong Kong and Macao SARs also raised the National Flag for the occasion(01:09). A partial government shutdown is taking place in the U.S. after Congress and the White House failed to agree on a funding deal (08:43). Rescue continues after a strong earthquake in the Philippines killed at least 69 and injured 150 others (21:09).

Chinese President Xi Jinping has led tributes at a ceremony in Beijing, as commemorative events took place across the country to learn about the perseverance and courage of revolutionary heroes (01:03). China's manufacturing activity picked up in September, with the PMI rising 0.4 points from the month before, and the non-manufacturing PMI remaining stable (02:12). And Israel has accepted a U.S.-proposed Gaza ceasefire plan that includes the release of all hostages (11:17).

China's top leadership has emphasized a people-centered approach during the country's economic and social development in the next five years, as they decided to hold the fourth plenary session of the 20th CPC Central Committee from October 20 to 23 to discuss a proposal for the 15th Five-Year Plan (01:03). Traveling and shopping in China are trending among international tourists under visa exemptions and tax refunds (01:44). And Iran has rejected the return of sanctions, calling the action by the E3 "illegal and unjustified (12:43)."

The Chinese premier has reaffirmed Beijing's support for UN authority and reforms, pledging closer ties under President Xi Jinping's Global Governance Initiative (01:06). The Palestinian president has accused Israel of genocide in Gaza, while the U.S. president expressed opposition to Israeli annexation of the West Bank (09:33). China has created over 59 million urban jobs since 2021, with basic old-age insurance coverage significantly expanded (38:11).