The Beijing Hour

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).

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).

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).

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again criticized Japan for failing to reaffirm key political commitments on the Taiwan question and selectively citing historical documents (17:27).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).

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).