Direct passenger flight connects China's Guangzhou with Budapest

STORY: Direct passenger flight connects China's Guangzhou with Budapest SHOOTING TIME: June 27, 2024 DATELINE: June 28, 2024 LENGTH: 00:03:06 LOCATION: Budapest CATEGORY: ECONOMY SHOTLIST: 1. various of Budapest Airport exterior 2. various of water salute 3. various of plane arriving at airport 4. various of the speeches and welcoming ceremony STORYLINE: The first scheduled passenger flight between Chinese city Guangzhou and the Hungarian capital Budapest, operated by China Southern Airlines, landed at Ferenc Liszt International Airport on Thursday. As a part of the Hungarian government's "Eastern Opening" policy and China's Belt and Road Initiative, the two countries continue to deepen their bilateral ties with Hungary now having more direct flights to China than any other country in Eastern Europe, according to Boglarka Illes, state secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade. "We are very pleased that our bilateral relations, our economic and trade relations are also steadily developi

Flood relief efforts underway in east China's Leping

STORY: Flood relief efforts underway in east China's Leping SHOOTING TIME: June 26, 2024 DATELINE: June 27, 2024 LENGTH: 0:01:00 LOCATION: LEPING, China CATEGORY: SOCIETY SHOTLIST: 1. various of Leping 2. SOUNDBITE (English): SUI SHANGJUN, Xinhua correspondent 3. various of Leping STORYLINE: SOUNDBITE (English): SUI SHANGJUN, Xinhua correspondent "I am currently in Leping City of east China's Jiangxi Province. Due to continuous heavy rain, local river levels have risen, and some low-lying villages have been flooded. In severely affected areas, roads are submerged, and the ground floors of some houses are half underwater. Currently, local authorities have activated emergency flood control and disaster relief plans, relocated residents from high-risk areas, and organized rescue teams to carry out operations and transport supplies. Now, let's take a look at the current situation." Flood-stranded residents have been moved to upper floors of their homes. Rescue teams are using rubber boats to deliver food and

Kenyan president terms street protests treasonous, military deployed

STORY: Kenyan president terms street protests treasonous, military deployed SHOOTING TIME: June 26, 2024 DATELINE: June 27, 2024 LENGTH: 0:02:07 LOCATION: Nairobi CATEGORY: POLITICS SHOTLIST: 1. various of the Kenyan President addressing the nation 2. SOUNDBITE (English): WILLIAM RUTO, Kenyan President 3. various of the Kenyan President addressing the nation 4. various of protests STORYLINE: Kenyan President William Ruto termed Tuesday's street protests in the East African nation as treasonous, noting that his government will soon provide an expeditious response to the situation. In his televised address to the nation, Ruto said the government has mobilized all its resources to ensure the situation does not occur again "at whatever cost." He directed security organs to use all means possible to thwart any threats to the country's national security. SOUNDBITE (English): WILLIAM RUTO, Kenyan President "It is possible that the criminals who reigned terror on innocent people and attempted to challenge our l

Outgoing Dutch PM Mark Rutte appointed as NATO secretary general

STORY: Outgoing Dutch PM Mark Rutte appointed as NATO secretary general SHOOTING TIME: Recent footage DATELINE: June 27, 2024 LENGTH: 00:01:22 LOCATION: Brussels CATEGORY: POLITICS SHOTLIST: 1. various of the exterior of NATO headquarters in Brussels 2. various of NATO exercise BALTOPS 2024 in Gotland, Sweden 3. various of NATO Integrated Air and Missile Defence exercise Ramstein Legacy in Romania STORYLINE: The North Atlantic Council decided to appoint outgoing Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte as the next secretary general of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), NATO said in a statement Wednesday. The statement said Rutte will assume his duties as NATO's secretary general on Oct. 1, when Jens Stoltenberg's term expires after ten years at the helm of the alliance. On June 19, Romanian President Klaus Iohannis officially announced his withdrawal from the race for NATO's secretary general. Consequently, Rutte has gained the support of all 32 member countries. The Netherlands is a founding memb

China's automotive industry development impressive: Japanese engineer

STORY: China's automotive industry development impressive: Japanese engineer SHOOTING TIME: June 22, 2024 DATELINE: June 26, 2024 LENGTH: 00:02:00 LOCATION: SHIJIAZHUANG, China CATEGORY: ECONOMY SHOTLIST: 1. various of Uchino Ryuji working at his company 2. SOUNDBITE 1 (Japanese): UCHINO RYUJI, Senior advisor of Manufacturing Management Department, Cangzhou branch of Tianjin Yazaki Automotive Parts Co., Ltd. 3. various of Uchino Ryuji test driving China's new energy vehicles 4. SOUNDBITE 2 (Japanese): UCHINO RYUJI, Senior advisor of Manufacturing Management Department, Cangzhou branch of Tianjin Yazaki Automotive Parts Co., Ltd. 5. various of China's automotive industry STORYLINE: Thirty-nine-year-old Uchino Ryuji, from Kyushu, Japan, serves as senior advisor at the Cangzhou branch of Tianjin Yazaki Automotive Parts Co., Ltd. In Dec. 2020, he arrived in Cangzhou, north China's Hebei Province. China's long history and rich cultural heritage have fueled his passion for this land. Beyond the convenience of

China's largest lake sees rebound of rare fish species

STORY: China's largest lake sees rebound of rare fish species SHOOTING TIME: File DATELINE: June 26, 2024 LENGTH: 00:01:24 LOCATION: XINING, China CATEGORY: ENVIRONMENT SHOTLIST: 1. various of the Qinghai Lake 2. various of the naked carp 3. various of the Qinghai Lake 4. various of birds at the Qinghai Lake STORYLINE: Qinghai Lake, China's largest inland saltwater lake, has seen a positive growth of a rare fish species thanks to ecological protection. The naked carp, known as "Huangyu" in China, is endemic to Qinghai Lake. The fish is not only critical to the existence of local bird species, but also to the ecological balance of the highland lake. Due to overfishing and environmental deterioration, the population of naked carp declined sharply in the 1960s and 1970s. In 2002, Qinghai Lake only had 2,592 tonnes of naked carp. In order to protect the species and restore the environment, the province banned naked carp fishing in Qinghai Lake and nearby rivers in 2003. Qinghai has also closed the lake six

Lancang-Mekong traditional Chinese medicine center unveiled in Cambodia

STORY: Lancang-Mekong traditional Chinese medicine center unveiled in Cambodia SHOOTING TIME: June 25, 2024 DATELINE: June 26, 2024 LENGTH: 00:02:15 LOCATION: Phnom Penh CATEGORY: MEDICINE SHOTLIST: 1. various of the launching ceremony of the center 2. SOUNDBITE 1 (Khmer): TAN SOKUN, Director of Cambodia-China Friendship Preah Kossamak Hospital 3. various of Chinese experts providing TCM checkup and treatment to patients in Phnom Penh 4. SOUNDBITE 2 (Khmer): TAN SOKUN, Director of Cambodia-China Friendship Preah Kossamak Hospital 5. various of Chinese experts providing TCM checkup and treatment to patients in Phnom Penh 6. SOUNDBITE 3 (Chinese): LIU ZHEN, President of Guang' anmen Hospital, China Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine STORYLINE: The Lancang-Mekong Cambodia TCM Center for Diagnosis, Treatment and Cultural Exchange was launched in Phnom Penh on Tuesday. Located within the Cambodia-China Friendship Preah Kossamak Hospital in Phnom Penh, the center is aimed at promoting Traditional Chines

Hebei through foreign eyes: A Pakistani woman's happy life in rural China

STORY: Hebei through foreign eyes: A Pakistani woman's happy life in rural China SHOOTING TIME: June 15, 2024 DATELINE: June 26, 2024 LENGTH: 00:01:22 LOCATION: SHIJIAZHUANG, China CATEGORY: SOCIETY SHOTLIST: 1. various of Saira Akhtar in Dongzhoupu Village, Shenzhou City, north China's Hebei Province 2. SOUNDBITE 1 (English): SAIRA AKHTAR, Pakistani woman living in China's Hebei 3. various of Saira Akhtar and her family 4. SOUNDBITE 2 (English): SAIRA AKHTAR, Pakistani woman living in China's Hebei 5. various of Saira Akhtar and her family 6. SOUNDBITE 3 (English): SAIRA AKHTAR, Pakistani woman living in China's Hebei STORYLINE: 31-year-old Saira Akhtar from Pakistan is managing a family peach orchard with her husband in Dongzhoupu Village, Shenzhou City, north China's Hebei Province. Since her family came to China in 2018, Saira has gradually learned the knowledge and skills to manage an orchard. Now, the couple have a lovely daughter and a thriving orchard of more than 300 peach trees. SOUNDBITE 1 (E

Afghans crack open opportunity from China-bound pine nut trade

STORY: Afghans crack open opportunity from China-bound pine nut trade SHOOTING TIME: June 20, 2024 DATELINE: June 26, 2024 LENGTH: 00:01:56 LOCATION: Kabul CATEGORY: ECONOMY SHOTLIST: 1. various of pine trees in eastern Afghanistan 2. SOUNDBITE 1 (Pashto): CHIN MOHAMMAD, Farmer 3. various of pine trees in eastern Afghanistan 4. SOUNDBITE 2 (Pashto): MINA GUL, Farmer 5. various of pine nuts STORYLINE: Once primarily used as a source of fuel for heating homes, pine trees in eastern Afghanistan have become a cash cow for local villagers. Afghanistan's annual export of 5,000 tonnes of pine nuts is mostly destined for neighboring China. Since November 2018, a China-Afghanistan air corridor has offered a lucrative source of income for farmers in Afghanistan's remote mountains. The first air shipment contained 20 tonnes of pine nuts and flew from Kabul to Shanghai. Afghani farmer Chin Mohammad said six years ago that most pine nut buyers in his village were from neighboring countries. They would purchase

BYD launches 3rd EV model in Japan

STORY: BYD launches 3rd EV model in Japan SHOOTING TIME: June 25, 2024/Earlier footage DATELINE: June 26, 2024 LENGTH: 00:01:25 LOCATION: Tokyo CATEGORY: ECONOMY SHOTLIST: 1. various of the press conference 2. SOUNDBITE (Japanese): ATSUKI TOFUKUJI, President of BYD Auto Japan 3. various of BYD SEAL STORYLINE: Chinese automaker BYD on Tuesday unveiled its third electric vehicle (EV), the SEAL, in Japan, as the company marches into the country's sedan market. The SEAL will be available in two versions, both with a battery capacity of 82.56 kWh, according to BYD Auto Japan Inc. at a press conference in Tokyo. The base model, priced at 5.28 million yen (about 33,110 U.S. dollars), offers a driving range of about 640 kilometers, while the all-wheel-drive (AWD) version went on sale at 6.05 million yen with a driving range of 575 kilometers. Deliveries are expected by the end of July for the base model and the end of August for the AWD version. Highlighting safety, sporty performance, and comfort, the newly i

Indian govt imposes stock limits on wheat till March 2025

STORY: Indian govt imposes stock limits on wheat till March 2025 SHOOTING TIME: Recent footage DATELINE: June 25, 2024 LENGTH: 00:01:41 LOCATION: New Delhi CATEGORY: ECONOMY SHOTLIST: 1. various of India gate 2. various of Indian government buildings 3. various of wheat crop fields 4. various of crop harvesting 5. various of grain markets STORYLINE: Indian government Monday imposed stock limits on the quantity of wheat that retailers and processors can hold. The step has been taken to keep prices in check and prevent hoarding of wheat. "In order to manage the overall food security and to prevent hoarding and unscrupulous speculation, the Government of India has decided to impose stock limits on wheat applicable to traders/wholesaler, retailers, big chain retailers and processors for all states," the federal ministry of consumer affairs, food and public distribution in a statement said. According to the ministry, the limit is 3,000 metric ton (MT) for wholesalers, 10 MT for retailers, 10 MT per

Direct flights resume between Beijing, Prague

STORY: Direct flights resume between Beijing, Prague SHOOTING TIME: June 24, 2024 DATELINE: June 25, 2024 LENGTH: 00:00:50 LOCATION: Prague CATEGORY: ECONOMY SHOTLIST: 1. various of a Hainan Airlines aircraft touching down in Prague 2. various of Prague 3. various of the passengers 4. SOUNDBITE 1 (English): JIRI POS, Chief executive officer of the Prague Airport 5. SOUNDBITE 2 (Chinese): LIU ZHENG, Chinese passenger STORYLINE: A Hainan Airlines aircraft touched down in Prague on Monday morning, marking the resumption of direct flights between the capital cities of China and the Czech Republic. Jiri Pos, chief executive officer of the Prague Airport, said, "We have trust in the potential of the market in both directions. Together with Hainan Airlines, we are building a bridge." SOUNDBITE 1 (English): JIRI POS, Chief executive officer of the Prague Airport "We are extremely happy about this re-reopening of direct route between Beijing and Prague. We believe that the improvement of capacity on the air fl

Explore Belt and Road Int'l Skills Competition with Chinese participant

STORY: Explore Belt and Road Int'l Skills Competition with Chinese participant SHOOTING TIME: June 24, 2024 DATELINE: June 25, 2024 LENGTH: 00:00:58 LOCATION: CHONGQING, China CATEGORY: SOCIETY SHOTLIST: 1. various of the competition 2. SOUNDBITE (Chinese): LI SIYIN, Participant of Belt and Road Int'l Skills Competition 3. various of participants STORYLINE: The second Belt and Road International Skills Competition is underway in southwest China's Chongqing Municipality. Local college student Li Siyin is one of nearly 600 participants from 61 countries and regions. SOUNDBITE (Chinese): LI SIYIN, Participant of Belt and Road Int'l Skills Competition "Our major is called BIM, Building Information Modeling. It has many applications in the construction industry. For example, designers can use it to optimize blueprints." The three-day event aims to provide a platform for communication and exchange between talented young individuals, promoting international cooperation in the field of vocational skills. It al

Türkiye's domestic tourism sees notable resurgence in June

STORY: Türkiye's domestic tourism sees notable resurgence in June SHOOTING TIME: June 24, 2024 DATELINE: June 25, 2024 LENGTH: 00:01:39 LOCATION: ISTANBUL, Türkiye CATEGORY: ECONOMY SHOTLIST: 1. various of tourists 2. SOUNDBITE 1 (Turkish): HAMIT KUK, Chief adviser to the president of the Turkish Travel Agencies Association 3. various of traffic in Türkiye 4. SOUNDBITE 2 (Turkish): HAMIT KUK, Chief adviser to the president of the Turkish Travel Agencies Association 5. various of tourists STORYLINE: Türkiye's domestic tourism experienced a notable resurgence in June, surpassing the expectations of industry insiders. Officials from the Turkish Travel Agencies Association (TURSAB) have reported a strong start to the summer season, attributing the surge to the closure of schools on June 15 and the extended Eid al-Adha holiday from June 15 to 23. SOUNDBITE 1 (Turkish): HAMIT KUK, Chief adviser to the president of the Turkish Travel Agencies Association "Our expectations from the international market fo

Japan to respond appropriately, any time to excessive yen moves: currency official

STORY: Japan to respond appropriately, any time to excessive yen moves: currency official SHOOTING TIME: June 20, 2024/Earlier footage DATELINE: June 25, 2024 LENGTH: 00:02:39 LOCATION: Tokyo CATEGORY: ECONOMY SHOTLIST: 1. various of Bank of Japan 2. various of banks in Japan 3. various of Tokyo Stock Exchange 4. various of Nikkei stock index STORYLINE: Japan stands ready to take appropriate steps against volatile currency moves at "any time," the country's top currency diplomat said Monday, as the yen neared the 160 line against the U.S. dollar, a level that previously prompted authorities to intervene in the market. Masato Kanda, vice finance minister for international affairs, warned that excessive yen fluctuations negatively affect the economy. "We are ready to take appropriate action at any time," he told reporters. The yen's weakness persists after the Bank of Japan's decision this month to hold off reducing bond-buying stimulus until its July meeting. The yen weakened to 159.94 per U.S. doll

17 Chinese nationals feared dead in Hwaseong battery plant fire: official

STORY: 17 Chinese nationals feared dead in Hwaseong battery plant fire: official SHOOTING TIME: June 24, 2024 DATELINE: June 25, 2024 LENGTH: 00:01:12 LOCATION: HWASEONG, South Korea CATEGORY: OTHERS SHOTLIST: 1. various of the battery plant after fire 2. various of South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol visiting the fire accident site 3. various of the battery plant after fire STORYLINE: South Korean fire department officials said late Monday night that around 17 Chinese nationals were killed in the Hwaseong battery plant fire on the day earlier, but the exact number still needs to be further confirmed. South Korean officials, including Gyeonggi Province Second Vice Governor Oh Who-seok, Hwaseong City Mayor Jeong Myeong-geun, and officials from the fire department, briefed Chinese Ambassador to South Korea Xing Haiming on the accident and the progress of search and rescue efforts at the scene. South Korean officials said the accident has killed 22 people, 17 of them presumably to be Chinese national

Ancient Syrian city of Bosra struggles to preserve precious heritage

STORY: Ancient Syrian city of Bosra struggles to preserve precious heritage SHOOTING TIME: June 23, 2024 DATELINE: June 24, 2024 LENGTH: 00:04:05 LOCATION: BOSRA, Syria CATEGORY: CULTURE SHOTLIST: 1. various of the ancient city of Bosra 2. various of the theatre of Bosra 3. various of director of Bosra site explaining about the damage and restoration at the theatre 4. SOUNDBITE 1 (Arabic): ALAA AL-SALAH, Director of the Bosra Archaeological Site 5. various of the damages at the Bed of the King's Daughter archaeological site 6. SOUNDBITE 2 (Arabic): ALAA AL-SALAH, Director of the Bosra Archaeological Site 7. various of the damages at the Madrasat abu al-Fida archaeological site 8. various of director of the Bosra site working on his computer 9. SOUNDBITE 3 (Arabic): ALAA AL-SALAH, Director of the Bosra Archaeological Site STORYLINE: The ancient city of Bosra in southern Syria, a testament to civilizations spanning millennia, is locked in a new battle -- preserving the precious heritage from the ravage of ye

Villages in French Alps cut off by mudslide

STORY: Villages in French Alps cut off by mudslide SHOOTING TIME: June 23, 2024 DATELINE: June 24, 2024 LENGTH: 00:01:49 LOCATION: Paris CATEGORY: ENVIRONMENT SHOTLIST: 1. various of rockslide blocking access to the village of La Berarde 2. SOUNDBITE 1 (French): JEAN LOUIS ARTHAUD, Mayor of Saint Christophe en Oisans 3. various of mayor of Saint-Christophe en Oisans speaking on the phone 4. SOUNDBITE 2 (French): JEAN LOUIS ARTHAUD, Mayor of Saint Christophe en Oisans 5. various of blocked street STORYLINE: On the night between Thursday and Friday, a torrent of water, mud and rock swept across the village of La Berarde in Isere in the French Alps, cutting off the village from the outside world. Four helicopters were deployed to evacuate about 100 people. With no casualties, all the homes of the village were destroyed. The French government has promised an emergency fund to rebuild the village. Other villages in the surrounding area, whose inhabitants were not evacuated, are completely isolated. Electr

Members of "Kuliang Friends" visit former residences in China's Fuzhou

STORY: Members of "Kuliang Friends" visit former residences in China's Fuzhou SHOOTING TIME: June 20, 2024 DATELINE: June 24, 2024 LENGTH: 00:02:29 LOCATION: FUZHOU, China CATEGORY: SOCIETY SHOTLIST: 1. various of Kuliang Friends in Guling 2. SOUNDBITE 1 (Chinese): ELYN MACINNIS, Lead researcher at the Kuliang Tourism and Culture Association 3. various of MacInnis 4. SOUNDBITE 2 (Chinese): ELYN MACINNIS, Lead researcher at the Kuliang Tourism and Culture Association 5. various of the summer villa of MacInnis' family 6. SOUNDBITE 3 (English): GAIL HARRIS, Descendant of H.R. Caldwell family 7. various of the Kuliang Friends in Guling 8. various of Gail Harris 9. SOUNDBITE 3 (English): GAIL HARRIS, Descendant of H.R. Caldwell family 10. various of the Kuliang Friends in Guling 11. SOUNDBITE 4 (Chinese): ELYN MACINNIS, Lead researcher at the Kuliang Tourism and Culture Association STORYLINE: Descendants of Americans who once lived in Guling, in China's Fuzhou, returned to their families' former residences on t

Dutch auto dealer optimistic about Chinese NEVs in European market

STORY: Dutch auto dealer optimistic about Chinese NEVs in European market SHOOTING TIME: June 20, 2024 DATELINE: June 24, 2024 LENGTH: 00:01:11 LOCATION: ALKMAAR, the Netherlands CATEGORY: ECONOMY SHOTLIST: 1. various of Voyah's first store in Alkmaar, the Netherlands 2. SOUNDBITE (English): KJELD RIEGEN, Head of Voyah brand at Gomes Noord-Holland 3. various of China's Wuhan STORYLINE: Voyah, a luxury electric auto brand of China's Dongfeng Motor Corporation (DFM), recently opened its first store in Alkmaar, northern Netherlands. Gomes, the authorized Dutch dealer of Dongfeng Motor, said it is very optimistic about the market prospect of Voyah due to its technology and reliability. SOUNDBITE (English): KJELD RIEGEN, Head of Voyah brand at Gomes Noord-Holland "We like the fastness of the Chinese brands' expansion of their technology advancement. We see that the technology is very good, reliability is good, the battery capacity of the cars is good. The drivability, the luxurious feel, and also the affordab

German enterprise at World Intelligence Expo eyes opportunity in China

STORY: German enterprise at World Intelligence Expo eyes opportunity in China SHOOTING TIME: June 21, 2024 DATELINE: June 24, 2024 LENGTH: 00:00:58 LOCATION: TIANJIN, China CATEGORY: ECONOMY SHOTLIST: 1. various of 2024 World Intelligence Expo held in Tianjin 2. SOUNDBITE (English): MARKUS LUETZENBURGER, UAV senior expert at TENSOR AG 3. various of the aircraft STORYLINE: The 2024 World Intelligence Expo, held in China's Tianjin last week, attracted many foreign enterprises to showcase their products. Markus Luetzenburger, an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) expert at Germany's TENSOR AG, said that his company wants to explore China's rapidly developing low-altitude economy. SOUNDBITE (English): MARKUS LUETZENBURGER, UAV senior expert at TENSOR AG "This is now the first model, the first time here in China to show the Chinese public our aircraft. Our aircraft, as you see, looks like a helicopter. But it's not a helicopter. It's so called auto-drive plane, which means that the rotor on top is not driven by an

Wushu brings Iraq, China even closer

STORY: Wushu brings Iraq, China even closer SHOOTING TIME: June 20, 2024 DATELINE: June 23, 2024 LENGTH: 00:02:03 LOCATION: Baghdad CATEGORY: CULTURE/SPORTS SHOTLIST: 1. various of Wushu lovers practicing at Shaolin Classic School Organization in Kurdistan-Iraq 2. mid of Burhan Kamil practicing Wushu 3. various of Wushu lovers practicing at Shaolin Classic School Organization in Kurdistan-Iraq 4. SOUNDBITE 1 (English): SORAN KHAFFAF, Wushu lover 5. SOUNDBITE 2 (English): DANIEL BAHADEN, Wushu lover STORYLINE: In a Wushu club located in the city of Sulaymaniyah in Iraq's semi-autonomous Kurdistan region, over 100 local Chinese martial arts enthusiasts clad in traditional training attire are diligently practicing Wushu routines. Despite the midsummer heat of Sulaymaniyah, where the temperature has soared to above 40 degrees Celsius, their passion for Wushu burns even hotter. Burhan Kamil is the founder of this Wushu club. Like many foreign enthusiasts of Chinese Kung Fu, Burhan's fascination was s

Campaigns begin ahead of presidential, legislative polls in Rwanda

STORY: Campaigns begin ahead of presidential, legislative polls in Rwanda SHOOTING TIME: June 22, 2024 DATELINE: June 23, 2024 LENGTH: 00:02:58 LOCATION: Kigali CATEGORY: POLITICS SHOTLIST: 1. various of the campaign 2. SOUNDBITE (Kinyarwanda): PAUL KAGAME, Presidential candidate for the ruling party RPF 3. various of the campaign STORYLINE: Campaigning started Saturday in Rwanda ahead of next month's presidential and legislative elections. Three presidential candidates are in the race including incumbent President Paul Kagame of the ruling Rwanda Patriotic Front (RPF), Frank Habineza of the opposition Democratic Green Party of Rwanda and Philippe Mpayimana, an independent candidate. Kagame, who has been in power since 2000, launched his campaign in Musanze district, northern Province, where he told a huge rally that the RPF politics is about ensuring the development of all Rwandans without leaving anyone behind. SOUNDBITE (Kinyarwanda): PAUL KAGAME, Presidential candidate for the ruling party

Malawi inaugurates new Vice President Michael Usi

STORY: Malawi inaugurates new Vice President Michael Usi SHOOTING TIME: June 21, 2024 DATELINE: June 23, 2024 LENGTH: 00:01:24 LOCATION: Lilongwe CATEGORY: POLITICS SHOTLIST: 1. various of inauguration ceremony 2. SOUNDBITE (English): MICHAEL USI, Vice president of Malawi 3. various of inauguration ceremony STORYLINE: Malawi on Friday inaugurated new Vice President Michael Usi after President Lazarus Chakwera appointed him Thursday to replace Saulos Chilima who died in a plane crash on June 10, creating a vacancy in the office of the Vice President. Usi, 56, took the oath of office in the Parliament Building Chamber in Lilongwe, the capital of Malawi, in front of President Chakwera, the Speaker of Parliament, members of Parliament, Judges and heads of foreign missions, among others. The new vice president pledged commitment to serving Malawians by helping the president find solutions to the challenges facing Malawians. "I accept the challenge and I'll work hard to make Malawians happy: I'll spend more t

German consumer goods company Beiersdorf confident in Chinese market

STORY: German consumer goods company Beiersdorf confident in Chinese market SHOOTING TIME: June 20, 2024 DATELINE: June 23, 2024 LENGTH: 00:01:35 LOCATION: SHANGHAI, China CATEGORY: ECONOMY SHOTLIST: 1. various of Beiersdorf's Shanghai branch 2. SOUNDBITE 1 (English): XUE WEI, Managing Director of Northeast Asia, Beiersdorf AG 3. various of production line of Beiersdorf 4. SOUNDBITE 2 (English): XUE WEI, Managing Director of Northeast Asia, Beiersdorf AG STORYLINE: German consumer goods company Beiersdorf has strong confidence and commitment to invest in China, Xue Wei, the company's managing director of Northeast Asia, said in a recent interview with Xinhua. SOUNDBITE 1 (English): XUE WEI, Managing Director of Northeast Asia, Beiersdorf AG "Despite all these uncertainties in the past few years, China market managed to grow continuously and very sustainably. Actually we will continue to invest. This is actually our commitment. I think our confidence level is very high and also we have long-term commitment

Humanoid robots, a highlight at World Intelligence Expo

STORY: Humanoid robots, a highlight at World Intelligence Expo SHOOTING TIME: June 20, 2024 DATELINE: June 23, 2024 LENGTH: 00:01:15 LOCATION: TIANJIN, China CATEGORY: SCIENCE/TECHNOLOGY SHOTLIST: 1. various of the 2024 World Intelligence Expo 2. various of humanoid robot Xiaoqi 3. various of humanoid robot Walker X 4. SOUNDBITE (Chinese): XIONG JINGCHUANG, UBTECH Robotics Corp Ltd. 5. various of the 2024 World Intelligence Expo STORYLINE: Humanoid robots have been charming crowds at the 2024 World Intelligence Expo, which concluded in north China's Tianjin Municipality on Sunday. These lifelike robots on display are capable of walking quickly, dancing, and even making coffee. With her sleek shoulder-length hair, high heels, figure-hugging outfit, and flawless makeup, humanoid robot Xiaoqi stands elegantly in the exhibition hall, ready to answer a myriad of questions. According to its producer Ex-Robots, a company based in northeast China's Dalian City, the robot model has begun mass production. At pre

Young manager from China's Xinjiang hopes to bring humanoid tech to hometown

STORY: Young manager from China's Xinjiang hopes to bring humanoid tech to hometown SHOOTING TIME: Recent footage DATELINE: June 22, 2024 LENGTH: 00:00:54 LOCATION: DALIAN, China CATEGORY: TECHNOLOGY SHOTLIST: 1. various of young manager from China's Xinjiang 2. SOUNDBITE 1 (Chinese): SHIRELI, General manager of western region, DS Technology Co., Ltd. 3. various of young manager from China's Xinjiang 4. SOUNDBITE 2 (Chinese): SHIRELI, General manager of western region, DS Technology Co., Ltd. STORYLINE: A young manager from China's Xinjiang is hoping to bring advanced technologies, including humanoid robots, back to his hometown. After graduating from college in the coastal city of Dalian, Shireli chose to stay in the city and became an engineer at a humanoid robot research and development company. SOUNDBITE 1 (Chinese): SHIRELI, General manager of western region, DS Technology Co., Ltd. "It never occurred to me before that I would one day work as a research and development engineer of humanoid robots. I

Taiwan compatriot embraces massive AI market in Chinese mainland

STORY: Taiwan compatriot embraces massive AI market in Chinese mainland SHOOTING DATE: June 18, 2024 DATELINE: June 21, 2024 LENGTH: 00:01:28 LOCATION: XIAMEN, China CATEGORY: ECONOMY SHOTLIST: 1. various of the forum 2. SOUNDBITE 1 (Chinese): HSU GUAN-SHENG, Taiwanese entrepreneur 3. various of the forum 4. SOUNDBITE 2 (Chinese): HSU GUAN-SHENG, Taiwanese entrepreneur 5. various of the forum 6. SOUNDBITE 3 (Chinese): HSU GUAN-SHENG, Taiwanese entrepreneur STORYLINE: As a veteran in the realm of artificial intelligence (AI), Hsu Guan-Sheng established an artificial intelligence development association in Taiwan in 2018. One year later, he landed his company in Xiamen City, Fujian Province, to embrace the massive market in the Chinese mainland. SOUNDBITE 1 (Chinese): HSU GUAN-SHENG, Taiwanese entrepreneur "We chose Xiamen, because the city's policy towards Taiwanese youth and businessmen is very clear, which is very conducive to running start-up projects or enterprises." In Hsu's opinion, the development

Kenya observes World Refugee Day

STORY: Kenya observes World Refugee Day SHOOTING TIME: June 20, 2024 DATELINE: June 21, 2024 LENGTH: 00:01:44 LOCATION: Nairobi CATEGORY: SOCIETY SHOTLIST: 1. various of activities on World Refugee Day 2. SOUNDBITE (English): EDWIN CHABARI, Kakuma refugee camp manager at the State Department of Refugees Services 3. various of refugees and displaced persons STORYLINE: Kenya observed the World Refugee Day on Thursday. The highlight of the event, which was attended by senior government officials as well as representatives of the UN, humanitarian agencies, and other development partners, was cultural dances, skits, and poem performances by refugees. Edwin Chabari, Kakuma refugee camp manager, said that Kenya observed the day by reaffirming the country's continuous open-door policy towards refugees by committing to implement policies that are compliant with international conventions. SOUNDBITE (English): EDWIN CHABARI, Kakuma refugee camp manager at the State Department of Refugees Services "Most of those th

Forest fire in western Türkiye contained: minister

STORY: Forest fire in western Türkiye contained: minister SHOOTING TIME: June 20, 2024 DATELINE: June 21, 2024 LENGTH: 00:01:20 LOCATION: Ankara CATEGORY: ENVIRONMENT SHOTLIST: 1. various of the forest fire 2. SOUNDBITE 1 (Turkish): IBRAHIM YUMAKLI, Turkish Minister of Agriculture and Forestry 3. various of the forest fire 4. SOUNDBITE 2 (Turkish): IBRAHIM YUMAKLI, Turkish Minister of Agriculture and Forestry 5. various of firefighting efforts STORYLINE: A forest fire in western Türkiye's Canakkale province has been contained, said Minister of Agriculture and Forestry Ibrahim Yumakli on Thursday. SOUNDBITE 1 (Turkish): IBRAHIM YUMAKLI, Turkish Minister of Agriculture and Forestry "We have crossed the entire area twice, and as of now, I can say that the Canakkale Eceabat fire is under control." The first extensive forest fire of the summer season, which the minister said has affected 575 hectares, was ignited by stubble burning in the Eceabat district of the province on Tuesday afternoon. SOUNDBITE 2

Egypt expects 2 bln USD in revenue from expat customs-free car import initiative

STORY: Egypt expects 2 bln USD in revenue from expat customs-free car import initiative SHOOTING TIME: June 20, 2024 DATELINE: June 21, 2024 LENGTH: 00:00:58 LOCATION: Cairo CATEGORY: ECONOMY SHOTLIST: 1. various of Egyptian Finance Minister Mohamed Maait 2. various of an Egyptian port 3. various of new cars STORYLINE: Egyptian Finance Minister Mohamed Maait said on Thursday that the applications registered by expats, with an aim of benefiting from the zero-customs car import initiative, push expectations to about 2 billion U.S. dollars in revenue. The minister said that more than 250,000 "import approvals" have been issued, and over 35,000 imported cars have been released so far. The initiative allows expatriates to bring one personal-use vehicle to Egypt without incurring customs duties or taxes, including the value-added tax (VAT). Egyptians living abroad should make a five-year bank deposit in foreign currency. After five years, expatriates can withdraw their money in Egyptian pounds accor

19 killed due to heatstroke in Delhi, surrounding areas

STORY: 19 killed due to heatstroke in Delhi, surrounding areas SHOOTING TIME: June 20, 2024 DATELINE: June 21, 2024 LENGTH: 0:01:41 LOCATION: New Delhi CATEGORY: SOCIETY/WEATHER SHOTLIST: 1. various of the Indian gate 2. various of street views 3. various of people drinking water STORYLINE: At least five persons died due to heatstroke in India's capital city and nearly 14 others died in the neighboring city of Noida over the past 72 hours, forcing the federal government to issue an advisory to government hospitals to prioritize heatstroke patients' treatment. Besides, more than 60 patients suffering from heatstroke were admitted at various hospitals. Most of them were said to be laborers, or those aged above 65 years. Delhi and nearby areas have been witnessing intense heatwave conditions over the past few days, with the mercury hovering around 45 degree Celsius during daytime. Meanwhile, according to a report by private news agency ANI, flights operations at Delhi's Indira Gandhi International

Tunisia's first Chinese song competition concludes

STORY: Tunisia's first Chinese song competition concludes SHOOTING TIME: June 19, 2024 DATELINE: June 20, 2024 LENGTH: 00:02:58 LOCATION: Tunis CATEGORY: CULTURE SHOTLIST: 1. various of Ben Arous Youth Sports Center 2. various of the singing competition and Tai Chi performance 3. various of awarding ceremony STORYLINE: Seventeen Chinese language and music lovers from Tunisia on Wednesday participated in the final of the country's first Chinese song competition. The participants performed Chinese pop songs and Peking opera during the two-hour event hosted by the Chinese Embassy in Tunisia and organized by the Confucius Institute at Carthage University in the capital city of Tunis. Ilhem Motamri, a Chinese language teacher and an amateur singer, clinched the championship in the adult group with her performance of "Chess Piece." Motamri said she started teaching Chinese in 2004 and has been practicing singing Chinese songs since then. She believed that a Tunisian female singer proficient in Ch

World Intelligence Expo 2024 opens in China's Tianjin

STORY: World Intelligence Expo 2024 opens in China's Tianjin SHOOTING TIME: June 20, 2024 DATELINE: June 20, 2024 LENGTH: 00:01:31 LOCATION: TIANJIN, China CATEGORY: TECHNOLOGY SHOTLIST: 1. various of the expo 2. SOUNDBITE (Chinese): WAN GANG, Chairman of the China Association for Science and Technology 3. various of the expo STORYLINE: The World Intelligence Expo 2024 opened in north China's Tianjin Municipality on Thursday. The expo, scheduled to be held from June 20 to 23, is co-hosted by the Tianjin municipal government and Chongqing municipal government, with a theme of "Intelligence: Extensive Development Space, Sustainable Growth Driver." The event aims to aggregate AI-related resources both nationwide and worldwide. SOUNDBITE (Chinese): WAN GANG, Chairman of the China Association for Science and Technology "Artificial intelligence has shown many new developments, new trends and new features. The technical level is constantly improving, the forms of plug-ins are more diverse, the application scen

China is extremely innovative economy: Deutsche Bank China COO

STORY: China is extremely innovative economy: Deutsche Bank China COO SHOOTING TIME: June 17, 2024 DATELINE: June 20, 2024 LENGTH: 00:02:09 LOCATION: SHANGHAI, China CATEGORY: ECONOMY SHOTLIST: 1. various of Shanghai 2. various of Deutsche Bank 3. various of China's Tianjin 4. various of Shanghai 5. SOUNDBITE (English): OLE GERDAU, Chief Operating Officer at Deutsche Bank China STORYLINE: Deutsche Bank has recently made substantial investments in enhancing its operational capacity in north China's Tianjin Municipality, said Ole Gerdau, chief operating officer at Deutsche Bank China. Deutsche Bank has a storied history marked by the establishment of its first international branch in Shanghai. Today, it is an international industry leader recognized as a preeminent financial institution among foreign banks in China, boasting an extensive array of licenses and a commitment to delivering financial services to a diverse clientele, including multinational corporations and financial entities. SOUNDBITE (Englis

Chinese investment strongly promotes Namibia's economic development: minister

STORY: Chinese investment strongly promotes Namibia's economic development: minister SHOOTING TIME: June 18, 2024 DATELINE: June 20, 2024 LENGTH: 00:02:24 LOCATION: Windhoek CATEGORY: ECONOMY SHOTLIST: 1. various of the launch of Rossing's 2023 Sustainability and Performance Report 2. SOUNDBITE (English): TOM ALWEENDO, Namibia's Minister of Mines and Energy 3. various of the event STORYLINE: Namibia's mining industry is one of the largest contributors to the country's economy, with Chinese investment playing a significant role in the development of the uranium mining sector, Minister of Mines and Energy Tom Alweendo has said. In 2023, the mining sector contributed up to 14.4 percent of Namibia's gross domestic product, Alweendo said Tuesday at a press conference held in Windhoek, the capital of Namibia. He noted that Chinese investment has been instrumental in establishing Namibia as one of the world's largest producers of uranium. "I am honored to be here today to recognize the Rossing uranium min

UN-backed school lights path of hope for vulnerable refugee girls in Kenya

STORY: UN-backed school lights path of hope for vulnerable refugee girls in Kenya SHOOTING TIME: June 18, 2024 DATELINE: June 20, 2024 LENGTH: 00:01:45 LOCATION: TURKANA, Kenya CATEGORY: SOCIETY SHOTLIST: 1. various of women refugee in Kakuma Refugee Camp 2. various of Lifeworks Tumaini Girls Secondary School 3. various of girls in class 4. SOUNDBITE 1 (English): IRAGI AKILIMALI, Refugee from DRC 3. various of the principal 4. SOUNDBITE 2 (English): JOSEPHINE NGUTA, Principal of Lifeworks Tumaini Girls Secondary School STORYLINE: For Iragi Akilimali, living in one of the largest refugee camps in Kenya has not diminished her dreams of becoming a doctor, a feat many of her peers would consider difficult. The 18-year-old student of Lifeworks Tumaini Girls Secondary School fled war in her native Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) with her family in 2016 in search of a brighter future in Kenya and ended up at the Kakuma Refugee Camp in Kenya's northwestern county of Turkana. The sprawling refugee camp,

Exploring Chinese culture-infused pewter products in Malaysia's museum

STORY: Exploring Chinese culture-infused pewter products in Malaysia's museum SHOOTING TIME: June 16, 2024 DATELINE: June 20, 2024 LENGTH: 0:02:10 LOCATION: Kuala Lumpur CATEGORY: CULTURE SHOTLIST: 1. STANDUP (English): GAO YANG, Xinhua correspondent 2. various of the museum 3. various of street views in Malaysia STORYLINE: STANDUP (English): GAO YANG, Xinhua correspondent "Now I'm at the Royal Selangor Visitor Center in Malaysia's Kuala Lumpur. This center is actually a museum. It is well known for its excellent craftsmanship of pewter products and many of these pewter products are infused with Chinese elements. This year marks the 50th anniversary of the establishment of the diplomatic ties between China and Malaysia. As the two countries launched the mutual visa-free policy, more Chinese tourists are expected to visit Malaysia in the future." The Royal Selangor Visitor Center, formerly a small pewter craft shop in Selangor state, Malaysia, was founded by then-Chinese pewter craftsman Yong Koon. It is r

Streptococcal toxic shock syndrome cases in Japan top 1,000

STORY: Streptococcal toxic shock syndrome cases in Japan top 1,000 SHOOTING TIME: Recent footage DATELINE: June 20, 2024 LENGTH: 00:00:41 LOCATION: Tokyo CATEGORY: HEALTH SHOTLIST: 1. various of street view in Tokyo 2. photos of symptoms being infected by streptococcus pyogenes 3. various of street view in Tokyo STORYLINE: Japan has seen cases of Streptococcal Toxic Shock Syndrome (STSS) surpass 1,000 in 2024, the National Institute of Infectious Diseases (NIID) reported on Tuesday. As of June 9, the preliminary number of cases in the country since the beginning of this year reached 1,019, data from the NIID showed, marking a significant increase in the spread of this severe bacterial infection compared to previous years. STSS, also known as severe invasive streptococcal infection, is a sudden-onset disease primarily caused by "Group A Streptococcus." Initial symptoms typically include sore throat, fever, loss of appetite, diarrhea, vomiting, and other gastrointestinal issues, as well as septic

Exploring intangible cultural heritages along China's Grand Canal

STORY: Exploring intangible cultural heritages along China's Grand Canal SHOOTING TIME: June 18, 2024 DATELINE: June 19, 2024 LENGTH: 00:01:31 LOCATION: CANGZHOU, China CATEGORY: CULTURE SHOTLIST: 1. various of the Grand Canal 2. STANDUP (English): BAI LIN, Xinhua correspondent 3. various of intangible cultural heritages on display 4. various of the Suzhou embroidery artwork 5. SOUNDBITE 1 (Chinese): ZHANG CHENGWEI, Tour guide at the exhibition hall 6. SOUNDBITE 2 (Chinese): ZHANG CHENGWEI, Tour guide at the exhibition hall 7. various of visitors 8. SOUNDBITE 3 (Chinese): ZHU YINGQING, Head of service department for visitors at the exhibition hall STORYLINE: An exhibition hall in Cangzhou, north China's Hebei Province, showcases a diverse array of intangible cultural heritages found along China's Grand Canal. With a history of more than 2,500 years, the Grand Canal served as a significant transportation artery in ancient China. STANDUP (English): BAI LIN, Xinhua correspondent "China's Grand Canal, a vast

Treasure hunt at China's Guangsheng Temple

STORY: Treasure hunt at China's Guangsheng Temple SHOOTING DATE: June 14, 2024 DATELINE: June 19, 2024 LENGTH: 00:02:18 LOCATION:TAIYUAN, China CATEGORY: CULTURE SHOTLIST: 1. various of Guangsheng Temple 2. STANDUP 1 (English): JIANG HAORAN, Xinhua correspondent 3. various of Guangsheng Temple 4. STANDUP 2 (English): JIANG HAORAN, Xinhua correspondent 5. various of Guangsheng Temple 6. STANDUP 3 (English): JIANG HAORAN, Xinhua correspondent 7. various of Guangsheng Temple STORYLINE: In the 1930s, architects Liang Sicheng and Lin Huiyin came to north China's Shanxi Province four times to investigate ancient architecture. They highly praised the architecture of Guangsheng Temple. STANDUP 1 (English): JIANG HAORAN, Xinhua correspondent "This is Guangsheng Temple. In 1933, Zhaocheng Jin Zang (Zhaocheng Jin Tripitaka), a Chinese version of the Buddhist canon dating from the Jin Dynasty (1115-1234) was discovered here, becoming a sensation in the academic world and making the name of Guangsheng Temple known thr

1 killed, 9 injured in Israeli airstrike on Lebanese village

STORY: 1 killed, 9 injured in Israeli airstrike on Lebanese village SHOOTING TIME: June 17, 2024 DATELINE: June 19, 2024 LENGTH: 00:01:14 LOCATION: TAIR HARFA, Lebanon CATEGORY: MILITARY SHOTLIST: 1. various of smoke resulting from Israeli raid on the outskirts of the border village of Tair Harfa 2. SOUNDBITE (Arabic): SLEIMAN HANOUN, Resident at Tair Harfa village 3. various of families visiting the graves of their relatives on the occasion of Eid Al Adha STORYLINE: One civilian was killed, and nine others were injured on Tuesday in an Israeli airstrike on a southern Lebanese village, Lebanese military sources told Xinhua. The sources, who spoke anonymously, said that Israeli drones launched six missiles at two cars, killing one civilian in the first car and wounding eight others in the second car and another riding a bicycle in the village of al-Borgholiye, north of the Tyre city. They added that Israeli warplanes raided Tuesday four towns and villages in the border area in southern Lebanon, destroy

Malawian vice president buried at home village

STORY: Malawian vice president buried at home village SHOOTING TIME: June 16-17, 2024 DATELINE: June 19, 2024 LENGTH: 00:02:41 LOCATION: NTCHEU, Malawi CATEGORY: POLITICS SHOTLIST: 1. various of Chilima's funeral procession 2. SOUNDBITE 1 (English): PATRICIA KALIATI, Secretary general of United Transformation Movement 3. various of Chilima's burial 4. SOUNDBITE 2 (English): COLLEEN ZAMBA, Secretary to president and cabinet 5. various of President Chakera and others at the burial 6. SOUNDBITE 3 (Chichewa): KENNETH KACHEPATSONGA, Chilima's follower 7. various of Mary Chilima, wife of the late Malawian Vice President Saulos Chilima, paying her last respect to her husband in Ntcheu STORYLINE: The body of Malawian Vice President Saulos Chilima, who died on June 10 in a plane crash, was buried at his home village Monday in Ntcheu district, about 165km south of the capital, Lilongwe. The burial ceremony was witnessed by Malawian President Lazarus Chakwera, former presidents, including Bakili Muluzi and Peter Mut

China higher education exhibition held in Nepal

STORY: China higher education exhibition held in Nepal SHOOTING TIME: June 18, 2024 DATELINE: June 18, 2024 LENGTH: 00:01:58 LOCATION: Kathmandu CATEGORY: EDUCATION SHOTLIST: 1. various of the exhibition 2. various of audience and guests 3. various of speeches 4. various of students visiting the exhibition STORYLINE: China higher education exhibition 2024 was held in Kathmandu on Tuesday, drawing many Nepali students and parents. A total of 31 Chinese universities participated in the exhibition and had interactions with students and parents. The exhibition was first held in Nepal in 2003. It returned to the country after a ten-year hiatus. There are as many as 2,500 Nepali students studying in China now, while the number of Chinese experts, scholars, university students and education volunteers who come to Nepal for study, research and teaching has been growing, noted Chinese Ambassador to Nepal Chen Song. "Cultural exchange and educational cooperation between the two countries have become an impor

Hong Kong stock exchange to stay open during severe weather

STORY: Hong Kong stock exchange to stay open during severe weather SHOOTING TIME: June 18, 2024 DATELINE: June 18, 2024 LENGTH: 00:00:32 LOCATION: HONG KONG, China CATEGORY: ECONOMY SHOTLIST: 1. various of John Lee delivering a speech 2. various of Hong Kong stock exchange 3. various of Hong Kong in bad weather conditions 4. various of John Lee delivering a speech 5. various of Hong Kong stock exchange STORYLINE: The Hong Kong stock exchange will no longer suspend trading during typhoons and other severe weather conditions from Sept. 23, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Chief Executive John Lee said on Tuesday. Hong Kong stocks and derivative products can be traded as usual even when the city issues warnings for typhoons at or above the Typhoon Signal No. 8, or the Black Rainstorm Warning, said Lee. Trading of A-shares through the Shanghai-Hong Kong and Shenzhen-Hong Kong stock connects will also proceed despite the weather alerts, he said. Hong Kong's major market participants including broker

Syrian refugees in Lebanon celebrate Eid al-Adha with bitterness of displacement

STORY: Syrian refugees in Lebanon celebrate Eid al-Adha with bitterness of displacement SHOOTING TIME: June 17, 2024 DATELINE: June 18, 2024 LENGTH: 00:05:01 LOCATION: Beirut CATEGORY: CULTURE SHOTLIST: 1. various of Syrian refugees gathering for Eid al-Adha 2. SOUNDBITE 1 (Arabic): ABOU BADWI, Syrian refugee 3. various of Syrian refugee camp 4. SOUNDBITE 2 (Arabic): MAHMOUD IBRAHIM, Syrian refugee 5. various of children gathering to receive candies 6. various of Syrian refugees women washing their laundry 7. various of Syrian refugee camp STORYLINE: Muslims across the world have embraced the Eid al-Adha, or the Feast of Sacrifice. Traditionally, the feast is an occasion for families to gather together. However, the Syrian refugees in Lebanon have to celebrate the festival with bitterness as they are far from their loved ones and homeland. SOUNDBITE 1 (Arabic): ABOU BADWI, Syrian refugee "This Eid is not what we used to celebrate. We used to bid farewell to the pilgrims who visit Mecca and this year

Syria faces severe water shortage, desertification, warn officials

STORY: Syria faces severe water shortage, desertification, warn officials SHOOTING TIME: June 17, 2024 DATELINE: June 18, 2024 LENGTH: 0:02:39 LOCATION: Damascus CATEGORY: ENVIRONMENT SHOTLIST: 1. various of the desertification spread in the eastern region of Syria 2. SOUNDBITE 1 (Arabic): MUHAMMAD MANHAL AL-ZOUBI, Director of Syria's Natural Resources Research Administration 3. various of the desertification spread in the eastern region of Syria 4. SOUNDBITE 2 (Arabic): MOHAMMED ABU HAMOUD, Director of Syria's Drought and Natural Disaster Relief Fund 5. various of farms in the eastern region of Syria 6. SOUNDBITE 3 (Arabic): MOHAMMED ABU HAMOUD, Director of Syria's Drought and Natural Disaster Relief Fund STORYLINE: Syria is currently experiencing widespread desertification due to climate change and civil unrest, said Muhammad Manhal Al-Zoubi, director of the country's Natural Resources Research Administration in a recent interview with Xinhua. Al-Zoubi said the absence of vegetation cover, deterioration

Exploring Zhiyuan, China-Malaysia Friendship Garden

STORY: Exploring Zhiyuan, China-Malaysia Friendship Garden SHOOTING TIME: June 16, 2024 DATELINE: June 18, 2024 LENGTH: 00:01:39 LOCATION: Kuala Lumpur CATEGORY: CULTURE SHOTLIST: 1. various of the garden 2. STANDUP (English): GAO YANG, Xinhua correspondent 3. various of visitors STORYLINE: STANDUP (English): GAO YANG, Xinhua correspondent "This is Zhiyuan in Malaysia's Putrajaya. It is also called China-Malaysia Friendship Garden. It was built to commemorate the 40th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between China and Malaysia. Ten years later, let's explore this garden again. Step inside the garden, we can see many golden fish in the pond and also the Chinese red lanterns. And these Chinese characters read 'Best luck for 2024.' Along the way, we can see many panda sculptures. We know in 2014, two giant pandas arrived in Malaysia. During the ten years, they gave birth to three panda babies. This is Ruo Lin Tang. It symbolizes that China and Malaysia are good neighbors connected by vast

Sudan's conflict creates humanitarian crisis

STORY: Sudan's conflict creates humanitarian crisis SHOOTING TIME: June 16, 2024 DATELINE: June 18, 2024 LENGTH: 00:01:48 LOCATION: Khartoum CATEGORY: MILITARY/SOCIETY SHOTLIST: 1. various of displaced persons 2. SOUNDBITE 1 (Arabic): MOHAMED YAQOUB ISMAIL, Displaced Sudanese 3. various of displaced persons 4. SOUNDBITE 2 (Arabic): FATIMA ABBAKER, Displaced Sudanese 5. various of displaced persons STORYLINE: The deadly clashes between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces since April 15, 2023 have claimed more than 15,550 lives and displaced over 8.8 million people nationwide, according to recent estimates by the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs. SOUNDBITE 1 (Arabic): MOHAMED YAQOUB ISMAIL, Displaced Sudanese "We left West Darfur (State) at night and fled towards Chad. They shot at us as we were fleeing. We arrived at the Adre area in Chad. Our family now lives in the old tent at this camp." SOUNDBITE 2 (Arabic): FATIMA ABBAKER, Displaced Sudanese "Our

UNCCD chief calls for joint efforts to tackle global land degradation

STORY: UNCCD chief calls for joint efforts to tackle global land degradation SHOOTING TIME: June 17, 2024 DATELINE: June 18, 2024 LENGTH: 0:03:37 LOCATION: BONN, Germany CATEGORY: POLITICS/ENVIRONMENT SHOTLIST: 1.SOUNDBITE 1 (English): IBRAHIM THIAW, UNCCD Executive Secretary 2.SOUNDBITE 2 (English): IBRAHIM THIAW, UNCCD Executive Secretary 3.various of UNCCD logos and promotional materials STORYLINE: Monday marked Desertification and Drought Day 2024, as well as the 30th anniversary of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD). In an exclusive interview with Xinhua on Monday in Bonn, Germany, UNCCD Executive Secretary Ibrahim Thiaw said that joint efforts are required to tackle challenges such as desertification and land loss. According to UNCCD statistics, about 40 percent of all land area worldwide has been degraded. Thiaw stressed that the biggest challenge is restoring the balance between increasing demands and shrinking resources. SOUNDBITE 1 (English): IBRAHIM THIAW, UNCCD