The Beijing Hour

Tian Yu, a seasoned business reporter, discusses the alarming drop in hotel bookings as Chinese tourists cancel their plans due to diplomatic tensions with Japan. Yang Guang highlights the recent athletic achievements at China's National Games, celebrating emerging youth talents. Meanwhile, Lee Jung-ju provides insights into the South Korean government's formal protests regarding Japan's territorial claims, shedding light on the ongoing Japan-South Korea tensions. This dynamic conversation intertwines hospitality woes with sports and international relations.

Tensions rise as China accuses Japan of using existential threats to justify militarism. Premier Li Qiang emphasizes the need for the Shanghai Cooperation Organization to drive innovation and security. In U.S. news, a bill to release Jeffrey Epstein's files passes with overwhelming support, signaling a push for transparency. Amidst these discussions, experts explore Japan's nationalist rhetoric and its impact on regional dynamics, while China strengthens ties with Zambia and pushes for multilateral development goals.

China's diplomatic tensions with Japan escalate due to remarks about Taiwan. Hainan's new independent customs operations promise to boost trade efficiency and connect the free trade port with the global market. The UN Security Council authorizes an international stabilization force in Gaza, while China's abstention raises concerns about the plan's clarity. Plus, discussions about Hainan's initiative for green energy underscore its commitment to sustainable development.

He Jingyi, a field reporter covering Hainan Free Trade Port developments, shares insights on China's diplomatic tensions with Japan regarding Taiwan's status, emphasizing the importance of honoring existing agreements. The discussion touches on Hainan's preparations for independent customs operations, highlighting how these changes will enhance local shopping and tourism. Moreover, the podcast delves into Hainan's growth as a medical tourism destination, attracting visitors from ASEAN countries with advanced healthcare services.

China and Thailand are stepping into a promising future, as President Xi and Thai King Vajiralongkorn deepen their cooperation plans. Delays with the Shenzhou-20 mission due to a cracked window raise concerns, but astronauts have returned safely. Meanwhile, tensions with Japan grow over remarks about Taiwan, drawing a sharp response from Beijing. In other news, a boost in Thai merchants entering the Chinese e-commerce scene highlights growing economic ties.

This discussion features Ma Jing, a reporter and producer behind the 'Greener China / A Journey to 2060' series. She dives into the challenges facing China's national carbon market, highlighting the need for broader participation and better monitoring systems. The conversation also touches on low carbon prices, the importance of futures trading, and innovative digital tech to enhance emissions accounting. With a focus on stabilizing the market, Ma emphasizes the urgent need for reforms to make carbon trading a pivotal climate policy tool.

Chinese President Xi Jinping and Spanish King Felipe VI have discussed the two countries' long-lasting friendship and pledged to advance ties through 10 newly-signed cooperation documents (01:04). The China Pavilion on the sidelines of COP30 is sharing experiences and wisdom from China's climate response (03:12). And a funding bill that will ensure the reopening of the U.S. government has cleared the Senate before expected approval in the House (19:08).

Spanish King Felipe VI has discussed trade and economic ties at a forum in Chengdu during his first state visit to China since ascending to the throne (01:02). China is demonstrating its commitments and achievements in tackling climate issues at its pavilion during COP30 in Belem (11:59). And in a major milestone in China's auto industry, NEV sales in October accounted for more than half of all new cars sold in the country (37:16).

The China International Import Expo saw record tentative deals worth $83.4 billion, showcasing its role in forming lasting global partnerships. Experts discussed China's commitment to green development amid climate challenges, while the Senate passed a spending bill to potentially end the government shutdown. The expo also highlighted innovations like humanoid robots and drones, emphasizing global collaboration in tech. Additionally, humanitarian crises in Gaza and the Philippines draw attention to urgent global needs.

Chinese President Xi Jinping has attended the commissioning ceremony of the country's third aircraft carrier and inspected the vessel that is equipped with electromagnetic catapult launch capabilities (00:58). China's foreign trade in goods climbed 3.6 percent in the first 10 months, led by robust exchanges with ASEAN countries (09:04). And China's vice premier, attending the climate summit in Brazil, has pledged to fulfill the country's climate commitments and urged multilateralism (18:35).