The Beijing Hour

Chinese officials say the country has made landmark achievements in commerce development since the 14th Five-Year Plan began in 2021 (01:05). Media reports say mediators including Qatar and Egypt have presented Israel and Hamas with an updated Gaza ceasefire proposal (17:25). The South African finance minister calls for greater global leadership from the G20 (24:15).

The China International Supply Chain Expo in Beijing enters its second day (01:05). China calls for respect for Syria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity (14:29). The European Commission proposes a two-trillion-euro budget from 2028 to 2034 for the European Union (35:15).

Chinese Premier Li Qiang says China is ready to work with Australia to further deepen bilateral cooperation (00:59). The third China International Supply Chain Expo opens in Beijing (08:26). U.S. President Donald Trump denies that he has taken Ukraine's side in the Russia-Ukraine conflict (20:08).

Chinese President Xi Jinping outlines ambitious priorities for urban development, focusing on enhancing quality of life and tackling sustainability challenges. The country celebrates a GDP growth of 5.3% amid these changes. In space news, the successful docking of the Tianzhou-9 cargo ship delivers a record 6.5 tons of essential supplies to China's space station. Discussions also touch on international relations, highlighting improved ties with Australia and the evolving role of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization in global trade.

Chinese officials discuss the resilience of the country's foreign trade, highlighting impressive growth in imports and exports. The automotive industry is showcased, particularly its shift towards electric vehicles and technological advancements. Trade tensions intensify as the EU pauses retaliation against U.S. tariffs, raising international speculation. Meanwhile, the humanitarian crisis in Gaza escalates with a staggering increase in casualties. The podcast also touches on global diplomatic developments and China's economic strategies.

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi attends the ASEAN Plus Three Foreign Ministers' Meeting in Malaysia, urging efforts to advance regional integration (01:13). U.S. President Donald Trump announces a 35-percent tariff for goods imported from Canada starting August 1st (09:26). Safeguarding the diversity of human civilizations for world peace and development is the central theme of the Global Civilizations Dialogue Ministerial Meeting in Beijing (16:19).

Chinese Premier Li Qiang expresses the country's support for Arab countries in strengthening strategic autonomy, during a meeting with Arab League Secretary-General Ahmed Aboul-Gheit in Cairo (01:12). U.S. President Donald Trump is set to impose tariffs on eight more countries, including a 50-percent levy on Brazil (16:35). Former South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol returns to jail after a court approved a warrant sought by prosecutors (25:38).

Chu Chang, a professor at the Belt and Road Research Center at Mingzu University of China, dives into the robust outlook of the Chinese economy amid global fluctuations. He discusses the ambitious targets set in the 14th Five-Year Plan, projecting over 35 trillion yuan in economic growth. The conversation highlights China's strengthening ties with Egypt and the implications of U.S. tariff threats on international trade. Chu also sheds light on the resilience displayed by the Chinese market in adapting to geopolitical challenges, showcasing innovation as a key driver.

BRICS countries have sharply criticized U.S. President Donald Trump’s threat to impose an additional 10 percent tariff on any country aligning with the bloc (01:55). President Trump extends the pause on the so-called reciprocal tariffs to August 1st while announcing new levies on 14 countries (07:35). Hopes are fading for finding survivors after deadly flash floods devastated parts of Texas (22:45).

Chinese Premier Li Qiang calls on BRICS nations to be the vanguard in advancing global governance reform, as leaders gathered in Brazil for the group's summit (01:09). China commemorates the 88th anniversary of the Lugou Bridge Incident which marked the start of Japan's full-scale invasion and the beginning of China’s whole-nation war of resistance (11:05). Gaza's health authorities say over 6,800 Palestinians have died since Israel resumed military operation in the strip on March 18th after a brief ceasefire. (21:36)