The Beijing Hour

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).

Econa Ercicolia, reporter on rural revitalization and international development, Yang Guang, sports journalist covering basketball and Paralympics, and Feng Yilai, field reporter on China’s policy and global governance, discuss China’s 15th Five-Year Plan as a blueprint for modernization. They cover trade talks, rural lessons for Africa, environmental law and governance, economic openings, and a roundup of sports and cultural news.

Jen Copestake, a field reporter from rural Shaanxi who highlights grassroots voices and elderly care, and Ma Ji-hong, vice president of the China Law Society who explains legal frameworks for foreign-related business. They discuss the 15th Five-Year Plan’s approval, new national laws including environmental and development planning codes, and legal steps to support Chinese enterprises abroad.

China's top political advisory body has concluded its annual session adopting key reports and resolutions, after more than 2,100 members met for a week to deliberate on state affairs (01:02). The Chinese foreign minister says U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iran violate the UN Charter, urging all sides to halt military operations and return to dialogue (24:06). Global oil prices have swung sharply, following the latest Middle East conflict and a possible historic IEA oil release (36:47).

China's foreign trade jumped 18.3% in the first two months of 2026, with strong gains in exports and trade with ASEAN and the EU (37:20). China's draft Five-Year Plan calls for boosting grain output, consolidating poverty alleviation gains, and advancing reforms, including extending rural land contracts (01:07). The Chinese foreign minister has spoken with his counterparts from Kuwait and Bahrain over the Middle East crisis, underscoring China's commitment to peace while calling for a ceasefire and respect for national sovereignty (22:31).