The Beijing Hour

China is prioritizing innovative trade and improving the business environment among efforts at further opening up under the 15th Five-Year Plan (01:21). China's Shenzhou-21 spacecraft is at the launch area awaiting liftoff (31:40). And the European Union has failed to agree on a plan to use frozen Russian assets to finance new loans for Ukraine (24:39).

China's major goals for the next five years include achievements in deepening reform and strengthening national security, as the country marches toward socialist modernization (01:15). China continues to share opportunities from its opening up at Phase II of the Canton Fair, and ahead of the China International Import Expo (14:10). Trade delegations from China and the United States will begin talks in Malaysia on Friday (31:38).

U.S. and Russian officials have decided to postpone a planned meeting between President Donald Trump and President Vladimir Putin in Hungary after their foreign affairs chiefs spoke on the phone (01:05). Airbus has opened a second assembly line in China, capitalizing on the nation's push for high-level opening up under the 14th Five-Year Plan (07:38). And a UN report has condemned U.S. strikes against Venezuelan vessels as "extrajudicial executions" (19:01).

Sanae Takaichi has unveiled her cabinet including two female ministers and 10 new appointees after winning parliament's approval as Japan's first female prime minister (01:07). The U.S. government shutdown is affecting more than a thousand workers at the agency responsible for safeguarding the nuclear stockpile (21:28). And Chinese movies have raked in one billion yuan in overseas markets so far this year (52:19).

Official data shows that China's economy expanded by 5.2% in the first three quarters, and remains on track to meet the annual growth target of around 5% (01:06). Top Chinese leaders are discussing a development plan for the next five years at the fourth plenary session of the CPC's 20th Central Committee (03:14). And Israel and Hamas accuse each other of violating the Gaza ceasefire after a brief exchange of fire that killed more than 40 people (13:08).

The 2025 Beijing Intelligent Connected Vehicles Conference is showcasing cutting-edge AI, smart mobility innovations, global collaboration, and China's leadership in ICV technology (01:08). Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin plan on meeting in Hungary to discuss the Russia-Ukraine conflict (09:50). Hamas and Israel trade accusations over truce violations, with disputes over returned bodies and commitments under the Gaza agreement (17:28).

China recorded over 7.2 million foreign visits in Q3, up 48% as expanded visa-free policies drive inbound travel growth (01:03). As the world marks World Food Day, a UN official warns of mounting challenges to global food security (11:28). A federal judge has temporarily halted U.S. government layoffs as the shutdown disrupts industries and food aid programs (21:17).

Hainan Province in southern China is set to launch island-wide independent customs operations, introducing zero tariffs on 74% of imports - a major milestone during the 14th Five-Year Plan period (01:05). China's consumer prices stabilized in September, with core inflation hitting a 19-month high, driven by strong consumer and industrial demand (36:25). And the U.S. government shutdown is impacting the economy, with federal layoffs, flight disruptions, and closures of major tourist attractions (21:12).

Chinese President Xi Jinping says China will deepen cooperation to advance the Global South's shared interests, as he met world leaders attending the Global Leaders’ Meeting on Women in Beijing (01:08). Beijing is urging Washington to show sincerity in trade talks, denying wrongful claims over its rare earth controls (16:27). China remains the world's top goods trader and second-largest in services, with trade growth driven by innovation, free trade agreements, and global cooperation (36:11).

Chinese President Xi Jinping has opened the Global Leaders' Meeting on Women in Beijing, outlining four proposals and new funding to advance global women's development (01:06). Hamas has released 20 Israeli hostages as part of a peace deal to end the conflict in Gaza (18:48). China's foreign trade rose four percent in the first nine months of 2025, with ASEAN remaining the country's largest trading partner (37:38).