The Beijing Hour

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Breaking news, business, up-to-date sports, and the hottest entertainment happenings, from the unique Chinese perspective.

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1388 episodes

Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank marks 10th anniversary

A Chinese military spokesperson calls for joint actions to contain the revival of militarism by Japan's right-wing forces (01:05). The Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank is marking its 10th anniversary (11:46). The Ukrainian president unveils the main points of a draft peace proposal to end the conflict with Russia, while Moscow says it is still formulating its position (21:05).

59m
Dec 25
U.S. criticized for escalating tensions with Venezuela at UN Security Council emergency meeting

China calls on Japan to shoulder the responsibility of ensuring nuclear safety (01:00). China finalizes its ratification of the landmark High Seas Treaty on protecting marine biodiversity (09:38). Members of the UN Security Council including China and Russia criticize the U.S. for escalating military tensions with Venezuela (19:02).

59m
Dec 24
Investigators suspect Ukrainian special services behind Moscow car bombing, Ukraine yet to respond

Chinese President Xi Jinping has called on state-owned enterprises directly administered by the central government to contribute more to Chinese modernization (01:07). A senior Japanese official who advocates for nuclear weapons in the country is facing criticism and opposition (11:54). A Russian investigative committee says Ukrainian Special Forces could be responsible for a car bomb attack in Moscow that killed a Russian general, while Ukraine has not yet made any comments (17:25).

59m
Dec 23
Thailand, Cambodia to resume ceasefire discussions

China has denounced remarks by senior Japanese officials who say the country needs nuclear weapons (01:03). China's top legislature has begun reviewing the draft Childcare Services Law designed to provide stronger legal protection for children (11:15). Thailand and Cambodia are set to resume ceasefire discussions on Wednesday (21:15).

59m
Dec 22
Beijing expresses opposition to 2026 U.S. Defense Authorization Act

Residents and businesses in Hainan Province are welcoming the launch of special customs operations that took effect on Thursday (01:06). Beijing has expressed opposition to Washington's 2026 National Defense Authorization Act for playing up purported threats from China (11:27). European Union leaders have decided not to use frozen Russian assets to fund Ukraine's defense needs, a decision welcomed by Moscow (20:59).

59m
Dec 19
Hainan formally launches special customs operations

Hainan Province has begun its special customs operations, a milestone in China's high-standard opening up (01:04). China says Japan's recent actions have cast doubt about whether it is intentionally stirring up troubles and provocations to justify its military buildup (14:28). The U.S. president says he wants to take back oil he claims stolen by Venezuela, while Caracas says Venezuelan oil and soil are rightfully theirs (23:24).

59m
Dec 18
Chinese mainland criticizes DPP's measures restricting cross-Strait exchanges

The clock is ticking toward a historic moment in Hainan Province, as it is set to formally launch island-wide special customs operations (01:06). Thailand has demanded Cambodia be the first to announce a ceasefire after more than a week of clashes while Cambodia has not responded (23:32). The Chinese mainland authorities have criticized the Democratic Progressive Party authorities for restricting exchanges across the Taiwan Strait (31:41).

59m
Dec 17
China demands Japan honor political commitments on Taiwan

Hainan Province is ready to start special customs operation and officially become a free trade port in China (07:36). China has again criticized Japan for failing to reaffirm key political commitments on the Taiwan question and selectively citing historical documents (17:27). The U.S. and several European countries have offered security guarantees for Ukraine as part of peace efforts to end the conflict with Russia (23:25).

59m
Dec 16
China sanctions former Japanese military chief over collusion with Taiwan separatist forces

Chinese authorities say the country's economy has sustained steady progress and generally stable momentum over the past month (01:02). China has sanctioned a former chief of staff of the Japanese self-defense forces over collusion with Taiwan separatist forces (12:47). Australia's leaders have agreed to take decisive action to strengthen gun laws following a fatal mass shooting at Sydney's iconic Bondi Beach (17:25).

59m
Dec 15
Optimism toward China becomes shared consensus: FM spokesperson

China says its policy continuity and stable growth will provide certainty for the global economy, as there's a growing consensus that its prospects are positive (01:10). Beijing again denounces the Japanese prime minister's remarks over the Taiwan region (10:53). Ukraine presents the U.S. with an updated version of the peace plan proposed by Washington, while Russia says it wants agreements for lasting and sustainable peace with security guarantees for all involved (24:22).

59m
Dec 12
China sets economic priorities for 2026, vowing to boost consumption, innovation

China pledges to fully tap its economic potential by boosting domestic demand and innovation, as the annual Central Economic Work Conference sets the tone for next year's economic work (01:16). China says its recent strategic patrol jointly conducted with Russia should not be a concern for Japan (11:40). Venezuela accuses the U.S. of international piracy after American forces seized an oil tanker off the Venezuelan coast (21:32).

59m
Dec 11
China-proposed Group of Friends of Global Governance established

Chinese Premier Li Qiang calls for openness and cooperation in global economic governance (01:07). The China-proposed Group of Friends of Global Governance has been established at the United Nations with the aim of enhancing exchanges and cooperation in global governance (12:00). China's consumer price index rises 0.7 percent in November, the highest reading since March 2024 (36:27).

59m
Dec 10
CPC leadership maps out economic direction for 2026

Chinese leaders have set the nation's economic priorities for next year, focusing on boosting domestic demand, strengthening innovation, and deepening reform and opening-up (01:05). The Ukrainian president has met European leaders to discuss the U.S.-brokered 20-point peace plan (20:33). The U.S. president says the country will allow Nvidia to ship its H200 artificial intelligence chips to what he calls "approved customers" in China and elsewhere (32:50).

59m
Dec 09
China demands Japan stop harassing its normal military exercises

The CPC leadership holds a meeting to analyze and study the economic work of 2026 and review a set of regulations on the CPC's leadership over law-based governance (01:10). China calls on Japan to immediately stop its dangerous actions of harassing the PLA's normal military exercises and training (11:06). Clashes have erupted between Thailand and Cambodia with both sides accusing each other of breaching a ceasefire reached in July (15:59).

59m
Dec 08
Xi calls on China, France to jointly contribute to global peace, stability

Chinese President Xi Jinping holds an informal meeting with his French counterpart in southwest China, saying the two countries should jointly contribute to global peace and stability through dialogue and cooperation (01:13). Japanese protesters are again urging the prime minister to retract her remarks on China's Taiwan region and resign (15:18). Russian President Vladimir Putin is on his first state visit to India in four years (25:40).

59m
Dec 05
China, France play a constructive role in promoting a multipolar world: Xi

Chinese President Xi Jinping has held talks with visiting French President Emmanuel Macron, highlighting the two countries' constructive role in promoting a multipolar world (01:16). China again calls on Japan to clarify its position on the Taiwan question, criticizing Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's recent remarks that continue to provoke international backlash (16:16). China Eastern Airlines is redefining long-haul travel with the launch of the world's longest commercial flight, linking Shanghai with the Argentinian capital (37:28).

59m
Dec 04
Chinese, Russian FMs vow to defend outcomes of WWII victory

The foreign ministers of China and Russia have called for safeguarding the victorious outcomes of World War II, with the Chinese side urging continued cooperation to counter the provocative actions of Japan's far‑right forces (01:20). French President Emmanuel Macron is in Beijing for his three-day state visit to China (15:34). Russia says there is still no compromise plan to settle the conflict with Ukraine, despite a lengthy round of talks in Moscow between President Vladimir Putin and U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff (20:15).

59m
Dec 03
Expectations high for French president's state visit to China

China's Permanent Representative to the United Nations delivers another letter to the UN chief, rejecting Japan's arguments over the Taiwan region (01:10). Two former French prime ministers share expectations for President Macron's state visit to China this week (15:39). The South African president dismisses a threat from Washington to exclude Pretoria from next year's G20 Summit (24:41).

59m
Dec 02
China voices concern as Japan increases defense spending

China is raising concerns over Japan's increased military spending amid the tensions over the Taiwan region (01:04). U.S. and Ukrainian officials say their talks on a Russia-Ukraine peace deal have been productive (09:35). And China's Hainan Province is preparing for a surge in tourism with the island's special customs operations soon taking effect (19:00).

59m
Dec 01
Chinese FM urges joint efforts, mutual support from China, France to maintain post-war order

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi has elaborated on China's position on the Taiwan question during a phone call with a French presidential adviser, urging both countries to safeguard the outcomes of WWII and firmly support each other on core issues (01:09). Washington is threatening imminent action to stop suspected Venezuelan drug traffickers on land (13:08). And Hong Kong authorities have confirmed 128 deaths in a high-rise fire and arrested another two people (21:28).

59m
Nov 28
White paper highlights China's efforts in arms control

A white paper on China's arms control, disarmament, and non-proliferation describes the country's constructive role and highlights its initiatives for a peaceful world (01:02). Rescuers and residents in Hong Kong are offering aid after a deadly fire at a residential complex (12:21). And products for the elderly and consumer electronics are at the heart of China's planned "trillion-yuan-level" consumption sectors (15:35).

59m
Nov 27
China demands Japan clarify its position on the Taiwan question

Chinese officials have questioned what Japan's self-claimed "consistent stance" on the Taiwan region is and whether it still adheres to the one-China principle (04:52). China and Tonga have reaffirmed mutual support and agreed to align major development projects (12:10). And Ukraine has reached an understanding with the United States on a peace deal, while Russia says a U.S. envoy will visit next week (17:11).

59m
Nov 26
President Xi urges China, U.S. to safeguard WWII outcomes in phone call with President Trump

During a phone call with U.S. President Donald Trump, Chinese President Xi Jinping emphasized that Taiwan's return to China is an integral part of the post-war international order, with Trump acknowledging Washington's understanding of the importance of the Taiwan question to China (01:08). President Xi Jinping has reaffirmed China's commitment to being a reliable partner to Tonga, and urged the two sides to contribute to a community with a shared future for humanity (06:26). And China's unmanned Shenzhou-22 spacecraft has reached the Tiangong Space Station after Shenzhou-20 was damaged by suspected space debris (33:54).

59m
Nov 25
China urges stronger G20 collaboration on environment, green transition, food security

Chinese Premier Li Qiang has stressed unity, openness and cooperation among the G20 to face global challenges (01:08). Flights on 12 routes between China and Japan have been cancelled under diplomatic tensions (15:06). And negotiations continue on a 28-point U.S. peace plan between Russia and Ukraine, as Europe calls for it to favor Kyiv, and Moscow signals openness to talks without compromising its interests (23:36).

1s
Nov 24
Concerns grow within Japan's aquaculture industry under strained relations with China

Japan's aquaculture industry is blaming Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi for uncertainties in exports and is demanding the government address their concerns (02:29). China says it's ready to make joint efforts toward multilateralism as Premier Li Qiang arrives in South Africa to attend the G20 Summit (16:21). And Ukraine says it has received a U.S. peace plan, while Russia denied consultations with Washington (24:49).

59m
Nov 21
Japan's hospitality industry suffering under strained relations with China

Travel agencies and hotel operators in Japan are dreading a difficult season ahead as Chinese tourists cancel orders under diplomatic tensions (10:27). China and Kyrgyzstan have pledged mutual support for each other's sovereignty and development after the first foreign ministers' strategic dialogue (15:47). And Washington reportedly expects Ukraine to concede some land under a peace plan that Kyiv said it had no role in drafting (25:08).

59m
Nov 20
Chinese premier urges SCO to focus on key areas of development and security

Chinese authorities say Japan's claims of existential threats are an excuse to justify aggression (01:03). Chinese Premier Li Qiang has called on the Shanghai Cooperation Organization to stimulate vitality for innovation and transformation (15:37). And a bill requiring the release of files on convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein has cleared the U.S. House with only one objection (25:43).

59m
Nov 19
Hainan Free Trade Port marks one month until independent customs operations

China has lodged representations over the Japanese prime minister's recent remarks over the Taiwan region during a meeting between foreign affairs officials (01:08). Island-wide independent customs operations in Hainan will link the free trade port with global markets, and reduce costs while increasing efficiency (10:25). And the UN Security Council has adopted a U.S. plan authorizing an international stabilization force in Gaza, but China abstained saying it fails to address critical details and does not give the UN a clear role in Gaza's future (22:49).

59m
Nov 18
No room for ambiguity or misinterpretation on documents about Taiwan Question: ministry

China is urging Japan to honor its commitments to the four political documents in which Japan acknowledges that Taiwan is Chinese territory (01:03). Chinese Premier Li Qiang is discussing the future of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization at a meeting in Russia (12:47). And Hainan Province is making final preparations for independent customs operations that will begin next month (14:20).

59m
Nov 17
China, Thailand pledge to align development plans as ties enter another 50 years

The heads of state from China and Thailand have expressed readiness to lead relations into a new era, as President Xi Jinping welcomed Thai King Maha Vajiralongkorn on his first state visit to China (01:16). The Shenzhou-20 astronauts have safely arrived home aboard the Shenzhou-21 spacecraft following a delay caused by a cracked spacecraft window (11:51). And China has slammed Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's remarks about the Taiwan region, warning Tokyo of heavy prices for any intervention (13:18).

59m
Nov 14