The Beijing Hour

China's Hainan Free Trade Port marks 100 days of special customs operations alongside the close of the Boao Forum for Asia Annual Conference 2026, with gains in trade, tariffs, and efficiency (01:16). Tehran has sent its response to a U.S. proposal to end the conflict, as Washington extends a strike pause but weighs more troop deployments (11:09). The Chinese vice president has met South Africa's president, highlighting China's upcoming zero-tariff measures for African countries as both sides pledged deeper cooperation (36:37).

Wang Zaheng, business presenter covering markets and tech, offers crisp business stories with AI commentary. He highlights Asia's AI rise and China’s full AI supply chain. He discusses investments in robotics, humanoid robot development, and how data and human experts shape enterprise AI.

Tianyu/Tianlu — news presenters guiding headlines. Chen Tong — field reporter at Boao Forum covering trade and AI cooperation. They discuss trade tensions and Asia’s push for economic integration. They cover China’s diplomatic push for calm in the Middle East amid rising troop movements. They highlight energy and regional supply impacts and China’s tech and ecological initiatives.

The Chinese president has called on Xiongan New Area to create a market-oriented and law-based business environment that is up to international standards (01:04). The Boao Forum for Asia has opened its annual conference in southern China, highlighting Asia's resilient economy and its continued role as the world's leading growth engine (11:16). Beijing has expressed strong protest after an intruder broke into its embassy in Tokyo (33:07).

The two-day China Development Forum has wrapped up in the capital, with Beijing reaffirming its commitment to providing certainty and advancing high-standard opening-up (01:05). China has warned of an unmanageable situation in the Middle East if the war continues to escalate (16:02). Global markets are on edge as the raging Middle East conflict fuels sharp swings across assets (21:54).

The WTO warns that prolonged high oil and gas prices will further slow trade growth (01:13). The Japanese PM has met the U.S. president at the White House, as Tokyo pledges to invest heavily in the American energy sector (12:41). China's second large cruise ship has undocked in Shanghai, nearing trial voyages and delivery as the country expands its cruise tourism sector (19:30).

China calls for strengthening cooperation with Turkmenistan in natural gas, trade and other areas during the Turkmen national leader's goodwill tour (01:03). Iran says Israel has struck the South Pars gas field and Tehran has retaliated on a number of regional targets (11:39). Beijing says killing Iranian leaders and attacking civilian facilities are unacceptable, while urging an immediate halt to the military operation (31:42).

Chen Binhua, spokesperson for the State Council Taiwan Affairs Office, outlines mainland policies toward Taiwan businesses and residents. Discussion covers Taiwan-related provisions in the 15th five-year plan. Also highlighted are consular support for Taiwan residents overseas and how policy shifts aim to open fresh opportunities for Taiwan enterprises.

Talks in Paris yield preliminary China-U.S. consensus on economic and trade issues. China and Vietnam launch a new 3+3 strategic dialogue on diplomacy, defense and security. Beijing announces emergency humanitarian aid for Iran, Jordan, Lebanon and Iraq amid regional tensions. Coverage also examines global oil market reactions and rising consumer prices.

High-level economic and trade talks between China and the U.S. continue, with Beijing pledging to support the stability of the global trading system (01:01). China's economy has gotten off to a robust start in 2026, with major indicators posting a notable recovery (11:05). Protests have erupted across many Western countries opposing U.S.-Israeli attacks on Iran (19:52).