The Beijing Hour

Chinese FM calls for end to fighting as German, EU diplomats welcome China-Pakistan proposals

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi has discussed the Middle East situation in separate phone calls with top diplomats from Saudi Arabia, Germany and the EU, urging a halt to hostilities and the protection of civilian targets (01:11). Many in China are going on vacation looking for new experiences during the Qingming Festival holiday this weekend (12:45). And Russia is preparing to send a second oil tanker to Cuba after a vessel delivered the first shipment to the island in months (22:46).

Trump says U.S. is achieving goals in Iran, but critics push back

President Donald Trump says the U.S. is achieving its goals in the Iran conflict, though analysts dispute his claims (01:04). European leaders have pushed back against Washington's threats to quit NATO, reaffirming support for the alliance while staying neutral on Iran (11:40). Chinese EVs are in the spotlight at the Bangkok International Motor Show, as rising fuel costs reshape consumer choices (41:30).

China, Pakistan urge a return to dialogue to restore peace in the Middle East

China and Pakistan put forward five proposals on restoring Middle East peace and stability, as their foreign ministers met in Beijing and urged ensuring the safety of non-military targets and navigation, and supporting the primacy of the United Nations Charter (01:04). Xiongan is reporting new progress including a national climate observatory, marking nine years since China announced the plan to establish Xiongan New Area (13:35). And Japan has drawn domestic opposition over the deployment of missiles with counterstrike capabilities, which signals a major shift away from the post-war defense-only policy (22:41).

Iran approves Hormuz toll plan

Iran's parliament has passed legislation to impose tolls on vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz as Tehran aims to tighten sovereign authority over the crucial waterway (01:30). A Russian tanker is delivering this year's first oil shipment to Cuba, although Washington says its embargo on the island remains changed (23:20). And China's factory activity returns to expansion in March with the manufacturing PMI climbing to 50.4, marking the fastest growth in a year (36:54).

CPC Central Committee, Xi invite KMT chairperson to visit Chinese mainland

The Communist Party of China Central Committee and General Secretary Xi Jinping have invited Chinese Kuomintang party chairperson Cheng Li-wun to visit the Chinese mainland in April (01:04). Iran's Islamic Revolution Guard Corps has confirmed the death of Navy commander Alireza Tangsiri (13:32). The 6th China International Consumer Products Expo will take place from April 13th to 18th in south China's Hainan Province (36:51).