The Beijing Hour

High-level Chinese and U.S. officials have resumed talks in Madrid, focusing on tariffs and the future of TikTok, as President Trump reportedly considers a fourth extension of the app's divestment deadline (01:09). The Qatari PM says Israel's strike on Doha will not stop the Gulf country's mediation efforts for a Gaza ceasefire (19:55). China's economy showed positive progress in August, with the policy promoting consumer goods trade-ins continuing to deliver encouraging results (36:37).

The remains of 30 Chinese volunteer soldiers who fell in the War to Resist U.S. Aggression and Aid Korea have returned from South Korea, marking the 12th repatriation under a bilateral handover agreement (01:09). The UN Security Council has condemned Israel's strike on Doha, voicing its support for Qatar and the country's vital role in mediation amid the Gaza conflict (21:31). China says its government debt remains manageable, with the country's fiscal policy having ample room for future action (38:01).

Beijing is calling on Washington to deepen cooperation on maintaining peace and stability, while also warning against U.S. interference in China's core interests (01:07). Influential Donald Trump supporter Charlie Kirk is dead following a shooting at a speaking event in Utah (09:32). China has built the world's largest disease prevention and medical care systems, with the average life expectancy reaching 79 years, 1.1 years higher than in 2020 (19:56).

China has reaffirmed its commitment to deeper opening-up, reform in trade services, and global cooperation as CIFTIS 2025 is underway in Beijing (01:01). Qatar has vowed to respond firmly to an Israeli strike on its capital that targeted Hamas officials (09:36). China’s consumer inflation fell in August, while factory prices showed signs of stabilization (36:27).

The Chinese president says BRICS countries should continue to uphold multilateralism and enhance the voice of the Global South as he joined world leaders for a virtual summit (1:04).China's manufacturing output is projected to rise significantly during the 14th Five-Year Plan (2021–2025), contributing more than 30% of global growth (36:58).French PM Francois Bayrou is stepping down after losing a confidence vote due to his controversial budget plan (14:24).

China is embracing economic globalization and inviting international collaboration, as showcased at a major trade fair. The country’s foreign trade has seen a significant rise, while Japan navigates leadership changes. Typhoon Tapa has caused major disruptions in Guangdong, highlighting the region's resilience. Also discussed are China's innovations in technology and the impressive growth of startups in Bulgaria and Cambodia. The podcast touches on a captivating documentary about China's landmark space mission and the enduring cultural significance of the Yellow River.

China has wrapped up a busy week featuring the Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit and V-Day commemorations, sending a clear message to the world for peace and a shared future for all (01:22). The Serbian President says President Xi's political messages on September 3 are exactly what the world needs (11:54). France says 26 countries, mostly from Europe, have formally vowed to deploy troops as part of a future Russia-Ukraine ceasefire (23:20).

Beijing's commemorative events for the 80th anniversary of victory of the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War have struck a chord with people far and wide (01:05). Following the V-Day events, international historians are saying China's contribution to victory in World War II was essential (16:04). Israel has rejected a Hamas ceasefire proposal and is preparing for an all-out assault in Gaza City (20:55).

The Chinese president has called on all countries to eliminate the root causes of war as he addressed the country's V-Day military parade and commemorations in Beijing (01:06). China's first 8K movie shot in space, produced by China Media Group, is set to premiere nationwide (53:25). A suicide bomber has struck the headquarters of one of the most powerful military units in Libya (25:50).

Chinese President Xi Jinping has chaired a three-party meeting, saying Beijing is willing to work with Russia and Mongolia to pursue the high-quality development of their trilateral cooperation (01:09). An American professor has hailed President Xi's Global Governance Initiative, highlighting its emphasis on common humanity and shared future (04:04). Authorities in Afghanistan have confirmed more than a thousand deaths from the earthquake in the country's mountainous east (24:39).