The Beijing Hour

China's top leadership has pledged to support companies severely impacted by tariffs, along with measures to boost consumption and expand opening up (01:10). China has once again denied tariff negotiations with the U.S. and called on Washington not to create confusion (01:55). And China’s Shenzhou-20 mission is taking zebra fish experiments in space one step further by studying bone loss and cardiovascular regeneration (12:47).

China and Azerbaijan have agreed to elevate ties and exempt visas during a state visit of Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev (01:02). A new three-member crew will head to China's Tiangong Space Station on Thursday for tasks including science experiments and spacewalks (01:57). And the International Monetary Fund has downgraded growth forecasts for the world and major economies as U.S. tariffs loom over global trade (12:48).

The International Monetary Fund/World Bank Spring Meetings have opened amid market turmoil stirred up by U.S. tariffs (01:01). Wall Street and the dollar plunged as investor confidence falters in the face of U.S. President Donald Trump's tariffs and his attacks against the Federal Reserve chair (37:21). And the presidents of Kenya and Azerbaijan are paying state visits to China starting Tuesday (15:26).

Foreign and defense ministers from China and Indonesia have discussed political security and defense cooperation at the first "2+2 dialogue (01:06)." China says it will counter any tariffs deal that the United States makes at Beijing's expense (05:40). And China has pledged visa-free transit and payment convenience among other measures to accelerate the opening-up of its service sector (38:31).

Chinese President Xi Jinping has concluded his state visits in three Southeast Asian countries, after meeting Cambodian leaders and pledging to build an all-weather community with a shared future in the new era (01:08). The IMF warns that U.S. tariffs will weaken the global economy and trigger inflation (15:40). Ukraine says it has signed a memorandum on a minerals deal with Washington (22:33).

Chinese President Xi Jinping says China-Cambodia relations remain rock solid, and he looks forward to deepening cooperation (01:08). China says it will pay no attention to the U.S. tariff numbers game but will defend national interests (10:47). And the China International Consumer Products Expo in Hainan is advocating sustainability (17:35).

Chinese President Xi Jinping has met Vietnamese leaders and called on the two countries to pursue high-quality development, modernization, and a community with a shared future (01:03). The Chinese president has pledged closer ties with Malaysia and ASEAN (10:30). And China's cross border trips increased by more than 15% in the first quarter (13:13).

Chinese President Xi Jinping has pledged to work with Vietnam to deepen ties for the benefit of both countries and the world (01:04). China's foreign trade showed resilience in Q1, rising 1.3% (38:27). And China's box office this year is currently topping the world with around 3.4 billion U.S. dollars (52:40).

China's commerce ministry and foreign ministry have reiterated the country's call for dialogue to resolve differences on tariffs, and its determination to protect national interests (01:05). Germany's Union bloc and Social Democrats have secured a deal for a coalition government (14:09). China and Spain are seeking closer ties during a visit by Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez (21:23).

China's white paper on trade and economic ties with the United States criticizes Washington for its global tariffs, while urging dialogue to resolve differences (01:00). The United Nations chief has rejected an Israeli proposal to control aid deliveries to Gaza (15:44). And sales revenue in Chinese manufacturing continued growth, increasing 4.8% in Q1 (44:15).

Chinese authorities have expressed determination to protect the country's interests in the face of U.S. tariff threats, calling them an act of bullying and protectionism (01:02). Protesters doubt if the meeting between Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and U.S. President Donald Trump will help reach a hostage release deal (15:20). And South Korea has confirmed June 3 as the date for the next presidential election (22:36).

U.S. tariffs have sent Asian stock markets tumbling as they continue to spark opposition (01:03). A new trend offering immersive experiences emerged in Chinese shopping centers during the Qingming Festival holiday (15:38). Towns in the U.S. Midwest and South are submerged after days of rain that triggered more flood alerts (21:33).

South Korea will hold snap elections within 60 days after the Constitutional Court voted unanimously to remove impeached president Yoon Suk Yeol from office (01:05). Canada and Mexico have vowed to protect their industries after U.S. auto tariffs took effect (14:56). And Friday marks the beginning of the Qingming Festival holiday in China, a time for people to honor their ancestors and make short trips (09:03).

U.S. President Donald Trump's announcement of reciprocal tariffs has drawn global opposition, with China and other trading partners vowing to act to protect interests (01:02). China has delivered new aid supplies to assist earthquake relief in Myanmar (13:27). And Denmark’s prime minister has visited Greenland to reaffirm support amid U.S. pressure to control the island (21:56).

China and Russia have reaffirmed ties during Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi's visit, as the two countries mark 80 years since the Allied victory in World War II (01:06). Chinese teams are disinfecting earthquake-affected areas in Myanmar to reduce the risk of diseases amid high temperatures (09:02). And the world is bracing for new U.S. tariffs, as many trading partners vow to come up with countermeasures (17:27).

The Chinese People's Liberation Army Eastern Theater Command has carried out drills around Taiwan in a stern warning to separatist forces (01:03). Chinese rescuers are not giving up on finding earthquake survivors in Myanmar while people in the affected areas cope with a shortage of resources (10:23). And French far-right leader Marine Le Pen says she will appeal after a court found her guilty of embezzlement (24:12).