The Beijing Hour

China is seeing less energy consumption and more forest coverage after 20 years of pursuing the vision that "lucid waters and lush mountains are invaluable assets." (01:02) China is remembering its contribution to the allied victory in WWII, 80 years after Japan's unconditional surrender (11:29). And the leaders of Russia and the United States are preparing to discuss a settlement of the Ukraine crisis at their summit in Alaska (23:07).

China has made significant progress in digital infrastructure and technology innovation during the 14th Five-Year Plan period (2021-25) (37:58). Ukraine's president says the U.S. and EU have agreed on five major principles for the upcoming summit between the U.S. and Russian leaders in Alaska (01:07). China has activated emergency responses in eight southeastern regions after Typhoon Podul made landfall (26:06).

The Chinese government has issued a first-of-its-kind policy to subsidize loans, as part of the country's drive to support businesses and spur consumer spending (01:01). A village in eastern China has transformed from a dusty mining backwater to a lush, verdant holiday destination in just a few years under a nationwide environmental protection scheme (14:43). The White House is downplaying expectations for the upcoming U.S.-Russia summit on Friday (27:04).

China and the U.S. agree to extend their tariff truce for another 90 days (01:00). The vision of “lucid waters and lush mountains are invaluable assets" has been nourishing China’s environmental protection efforts, with a highland lake in the southwest transformed under its guidance (13:53). U.S. President Donald Trump declares a public safety emergency in Washington D.C. to combat street crime (26:26).

Qatari broadcaster Al Jazeera blames Israel for the deaths of five of its staff in Gaza, including a well-known reporter (01:04). The UN Security Council has convened an emergency session to talk about Israel's planned takeover of Gaza City (05:55). Extreme weather across the globe continues to cause problems, including torrential rains and scorching heat (26:05).

Israel's security cabinet has approved plans for the takeover of Gaza City, prompting condemnation at home and abroad (01:01). Fish farming is raising incomes and helping the environment on the Qinghai-Xizang Plateau (06:50). The latest U.S. tariffs affecting 90 nations have come into force (23:55).

U.S. and Russian officials say President Donald Trump could meet with President Vladimir Putin as soon as next week (01:01). The UN humanitarian office says the crisis in Gaza is escalating beyond catastrophe (01:53). Washington continues to ramp up its trade war with a new round of tariffs targeting India and others (22:53).

A UN official says Gaza will need aid deliveries in huge numbers for months or even years to come (00:55). A report from Xizang highlights environmental improvements in the ecologically sensitive region in southwest China (09:45). Many European officials say the EU's trade deal with the U.S. gives them no reason for celebration (19:06).

China underscores social and economic progress in Xizang, as the autonomous region marks its 60th founding anniversary (01:10). An American former contractor in Gaza has spoken out about the U.S. and Israeli-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (17:43). Extreme weather events are sweeping across many parts of the world (23:02).

The U.S. economy is showing signs of strain amid Washington's tariff campaign against global partners (01:02). Xizang in southwestern China continues to make headways in the agricultural sector (08:47). Conflict and shattered infrastructure continue to hamper aid efforts in Gaza, causing widespread hunger and misery (22:20).