The Beijing Hour

The head of the National Development and Reform Commission, China's top economic regulator, says the country's GDP is expected to grow by over six trillion yuan, or nearly 870 billion U.S. dollars, this year (01:20). Foreign diplomats and overseas media have spoken highly of China's ongoing Two Sessions and achievements over the past years (11:58). Beijing calls for de-escalating tensions in the Middle East while stepping up efforts to assist stranded Chinese nationals in the region (19:41).

China is targeting growth of 4.5 to 5 percent in 2026 and a 3.8 percent cut in carbon emissions per unit of GDP, as the country outlines plans to foster new growth drivers and expand opening-up (01:07). China's top legislature is reviewing its first Ecological and Environmental Code, a 1,200-article draft covering pollution, ecology, climate governance, and a pioneering green development chapter (14:38). China will send a special envoy to the Middle East to help restore regional stability, as Iran bans U.S., Israeli and European vessels from passing through the Strait of Hormuz (25:49).

China's top political advisory body has opened its annual session as over 2,000 advisors consult on state affairs and provide democratic supervision (01:05). China has entered a new era of development, laying the groundwork for its next Five-Year Plan as long-term strategies—from cutting-edge science to rural revitalization—begin transforming daily life (13:02). Global markets continue to tumble, as analysts warn that U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iran could hit several sectors hard (36:25).

China's national political advisors will discuss a work report and other key documents when they open their annual advisory session on Wednesday (01:06). Israel and Iran continue to trade attacks, leading to over 800 deaths (10:04). China has urged all parties involved in the Middle East conflict to stop military operations and find a negotiated solution (24:10).

The Iranian Red Crescent Society says the U.S.-Israeli strikes have killed over 550 people in Iran so far (01:04). China says more than 3,000 of its nationals have left Iran and one has been killed in the air strikes so far (11:20). A spokesperson for the upcoming annual session of China's national legislature will unveil the session's agenda on Wednesday (22:06).