Iran, Bahrain agree to begin talks on bilateral ties resumption

STORY: Iran, Bahrain agree to begin talks on bilateral ties resumption SHOOTING TIME: June 23, 2024 DATELINE: June 25, 2024 LENGTH: 00:01:33 LOCATION: Tehran CATEGORY: POLITICS SHOTLIST: 1. various of the meeting STORYLINE: Iran and Bahrain have agreed to start talks on the resumption of bilateral political relations following an eight-year diplomatic freeze, the two countries announced in a joint statement. Iran's Caretaker Foreign Minister Ali Bagheri Kani and Bahraini Foreign Minister Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani met in the Iranian capital Tehran on Sunday within the framework of the two countries' historical and brotherly relations, religious and neighborly bonds, shared history and mutual interests, according to the joint statement published on the Iranian Foreign Ministry's website early Monday. "In this meeting, the two sides agreed on the creation of the necessary mechanisms for starting bilateral talks on how to resume relations between their countries," the statement said. The mee

JORDAN-AMMAN-EAGER LION-MILITARY DRILL

JORDAN-AMMAN-EAGER LION-MILITARY DRILL

(240513) -- AMMAN, May 13, 2024 (Xinhua) -- Mostafa Al-Hiyari, director of Military Media at the Jordan Armed Forces-Arab Army, speaks at a press conference in Amman, Jordan, May 12, 2024. The annual Eager Lion military drill hosted by the Jordan Armed Forces started Sunday, with ground, naval, and air forces from 33 countries, including the United States and 10 other Arab countries, partaking in it. (Photo by Mohammad Abu Ghosh/Xinhua)

Jordan stages multinational military drill

STORY: Jordan stages multinational military drill SHOOTING TIME: May 12, 2024 DATELINE: May 13, 2024 LENGTH: 00:02:02 LOCATION: Amman CATEGORY: MILITARY SHOTLIST: 1. various of the press conference 2. SOUNDBITE 1 (Arabic): MOSTAFA AL-HIYARI, Director of Military Media at the Jordan Armed Forces-Arab Army 3. SOUNDBITE 2 (English): HERBERT LEE BREARD, Chief of the Exercises Division at the U.S. Central Command STORYLINE: The Jordanian Armed Forces' annual Eager Lion military drills began Sunday with participation of ground, naval, and air forces from 33 countries including the United States and 10 other Arab countries. The exercise runs until May 23. SOUNDBITE 1 (Arabic): MOSTAFA AL-HIYARI, Director of Military Media at the Jordan Armed Forces-Arab Army "The Eager Lion exercise is one of the most significant military drills conducted in the Middle East region, involving participation from ground, air, and naval forces at the level of the armed forces of the participating countries. Additionally, numerous go

China's Xinjiang posts robust foreign trade growth in Jan-Feb

STORY: China's Xinjiang posts robust foreign trade growth in Jan-Feb SHOOTING TIME: Archives DATELINE: March 21, 2024 LENGTH: 00:00:33 LOCATION: URUMQI, China CATEGORY: ECONOMY SHOTLIST: 1. various of land ports and freight trains in Xinjiang STORYLINE: The foreign trade of northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region surged by 51.4 percent year on year in the first two months of this year, local authorities said. The region's total imports and exports reached 63.69 billion yuan (about 8.97 billion U.S. dollars) during this period, according to the Urumqi Customs. In the January-February period, the region engaged in trade with 186 countries and regions worldwide. Its trade with five Central Asian countries amounted to 43.74 billion yuan, accounting for 68.7 percent of the total. Private enterprises in Xinjiang showed a strong performance in foreign trade during the period. Their trade value soared 48.1 percent year on year to reach 59.81 billion yuan, accounting for 93.9 percent of the r

Tunisian president underlines need to strengthen security in Arab societies

STORY: Tunisian president underlines need to strengthen security in Arab societies SHOOTING TIME: Feb. 26, 2024 DATELINE: Feb. 27, 2024 LENGTH: 00:01:33 LOCATION: Tunis CATEGORY: POLITICS SHOTLIST: 1. various of the meeting STORYLINE: Tunisian President Kais Saied on Monday stressed the need to reach an approach that contributes to enhancing the security of Arab societies, according to a statement released by the Tunisian presidency. While hosting participants of the 41st session of the Arab Interior Ministers Council launched in Tunis on Monday, Saied called for efforts to deal effectively with all security challenges facing the countries of the region, especially terrorism, extremism, drugs, cyber threats, illegal immigration, and transcontinental crimes. For his part, Saudi Interior Minister Abdulaziz bin Saud bin Nayef bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, also the honorary chairman of the council, said the regularly scheduled council meetings "reflects the common awareness of the importance of coordination to c

Iraq welcomes investment, economic cooperation: PM

STORY: Iraq welcomes investment, economic cooperation: PM SHOOTING TIME: Jan. 10, 2024 DATELINE: Jan. 12, 2024 LENGTH: 00:00:33 LOCATION: Baghdad CATEGORY: ECONOMY SHOTLIST: 1. various of the Baghdad International Fair STORYLINE: Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia' al-Sudani said here on Wednesday that his country welcomes investment and diverse forms of economic cooperation. Al-Sudani made the remarks at the opening ceremony of the 47th session of the Baghdad International Fair in the Iraqi capital Baghdad. He said the fair represented "an aspect of the relationship between Iraq and friendly countries." Mohammed Hannon, spokesman for the Iraqi Trade Ministry, said the fair aimed to promote cooperation between Iraqi and foreign private sectors. More than 800 Iraqi and foreign companies from about 20 countries participated in the event, which will last until Jan. 19. Xinhua News Agency correspondents reporting from Baghdad. (XHTV)

EU defense spending hits historic high in 2022

STORY: EU defense spending hits historic high in 2022 SHOOTING TIME: Nov. 30, 2023 DATELINE: Dec. 1, 2023 LENGTH: 00:01:33 LOCATION: Brussels CATEGORY: MILITARY SHOTLIST: 1. various of the European Commission Berlaymont building 2. various of EDA Annual Conference 2023 STORYLINE: European Union (EU) member states have collectively allocated a record-breaking 240 billion euros (262.4 billion U.S. dollars) for defense expenditure in 2022, as disclosed in the latest European Defense Agency (EDA) report released on Thursday. The figure was up by 6 percent from a year ago, marking a remarkable eight-year consecutive growth trend, according to the EDA Defense Data 2022 report. Among the 27 EU member states, 20 increased their defense spending. Six countries witnessed growth rates exceeding 10 percent. Established in 2004, the EDA serves as the central hub for European defense cooperation. Xinhua News Agency correspondents reporting from Brussels. (XHTV)

Global exhibitors eye opportunities at China's annual import expo

STORY: Global exhibitors eye opportunities at China's annual import expo SHOOTING TIME: Nov. 2, 2023 DATELINE: Nov. 4, 2023 LENGTH: 00:02:33 LOCATION: SHANGHAI, China CATEGORY: ECONOMY SHOTLIST: 1. various of the China International Import Expo (CIIE) 2. SOUNDBITE 1 (English): ANTOINE DE SAINT-AFFRIQUE, CEO of Danone, France 3. SOUNDBITE 2 (English): RUSS RIMMER, CEO of Avalon Dairy, Canada 4. SOUNDBITE 3 (English): KIM FAUSING, CEO of Danfoss, Denmark STORYLINE: The sixth China International Import Expo (CIIE) is scheduled from Nov. 5 to 10 in Shanghai. This year's CIIE has attracted attendees from 154 countries, regions and international organizations, including the least developed, developing and developed nations. As the world's first import-themed national-level expo, the CIIE is a showcase for China's new development paradigm, a platform for high-standard opening up, and a public good for the whole world. SOUNDBITE 1 (English): ANTOINE DE SAINT-AFFRIQUE, CEO of Danone, France "We have been partici

Workshop on China's rural development experience, global sustainable development held in Xiamen

STORY: Workshop on China's rural development experience, global sustainable development held in Xiamen DATELINE: Oct. 12, 2023 LENGTH: 00:01:33 LOCATION: XIAMEN, China CATEGORY: ECONOMY SHOTLIST: 1. various of the seminar 2. SOUNDBITE 1 (English): TANSULUU BAKTYBEKOVA, Chief expert, Ministry of Agriculture of Kyrgyzstan 3. SOUNDBITE 2 (English): JOSE RICARDO, Co-chairman and CEO of LIDE China 4. various of the seminar STORYLINE: A two-week workshop on China's rural development experience and global sustainable development opened Tuesday in Xiamen City, east China's Fujian Province. The event gathers 22 senior government officials from 16 countries, including Brazil, South Africa, and Kyrgyzstan. SOUNDBITE 1 (English): TANSULUU BAKTYBEKOVA, Chief expert, Ministry of Agriculture of Kyrgyzstan "I attended the seminar to get and gain more experience in rural development. As we know, the Chinese are inventive in rural development. The seminar is very important for sustainable development goals. The main takea

"iYunnan" series of activities in Cambodia held in Phnom Penh

STORY: "iYunnan" series of activities in Cambodia held in Phnom Penh DATELINE: Sept. 23, 2023 LENGTH: 00:01:33 LOCATION: Phnom Penh CATEGORY: CULTURE/SOCIETY SHOTLIST: 1. various of the event 2. SOUNDBITE (Khmer): SOPHORN KACRONA, Spectator STORYLINE: The release ceremony for the results of the "iYunnan" series of activities in Cambodia was successfully held in Phnom Penh on Friday, as one of the events to mark the 65th anniversary of the establishment of China-Cambodia diplomatic ties. The event was hosted by the Chinese Embassy in Cambodia, the Yunnan Provincial People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries, the information office of the Yunnan government, the National Television of Cambodia, and the government of Dali Bai Autonomous Prefecture. The "iYunnan" series of activities is one of the innovative non-governmental friendly exchange brands created by the Yunnan Provincial People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries. According to the organizer, since its launch in July

Arab students in China hope for enhanced bilateral collaboration

STORY: Arab students in China hope for enhanced bilateral collaboration DATELINE: Sept. 22, 2023 LENGTH: 00:01:33 LOCATION: YINCHUAN, China CATEGORY: SOCIETY/CULTURE SHOTLIST: 1. various of street and university views 2. SOUNDBITE 1 (Chinese): NISRINE ELABD, Moroccan student in Ningxia 3. SOUNDBITE 2 (Chinese): FATMA YOUSSRY, Egyptian student in Ningxia 4. SOUNDBITE 3 (Chinese): MOHAMMED AL-ALIMI, Yemeni student in Ningxia 5. SOUNDBITE 4 (Chinese): BAYAN ALBETIAR, Syrian student in Ningxia 6. SOUNDBITE 5 (Chinese): NISRINE ELABD, Moroccan student in Ningxia 7. SOUNDBITE 6 (Chinese): FATMA YOUSSRY, Egyptian student in Ningxia 8. SOUNDBITE 7 (Chinese): MOHAMMED AL-ALIMI, Yemeni student in Ningxia 9. SOUNDBITE 8 (Chinese): BAYAN ALBETIAR, Syrian student in Ningxia STORYLINE: With the sixth China-Arab States Expo underway in China's Ningxia, students from Arab countries and regions studying in Ningxia express high hopes for further bilateral cooperation between China and their countries. SOUNDBITE 1 (Chinese)

Myanmar annually produces over 9,000 tons of coffee

STORY: Myanmar annually produces over 9,000 tons of coffee DATELINE: July 17, 2023 LENGTH: 00:02:33 LOCATION: YANGON, Myanmar CATEGORY: ECONOMY SHOTLIST: 1. various of the coffee plantations in Shan state 2. various of the coffee shops in Yangon 3. various of the locally sourced coffee packets in supermarkets STORYLINE: Myanmar annually produces over 9,000 tons of coffee, including over 7,000 tons of Arabica coffee and over 2,000 tons of Robusta coffee, U Myo Aye, the chairman of the Myanmar Coffee Association, said on Friday. Out of the over 9,000 tons of coffee, about 1,500-1,700 tons were exported to foreign countries, he told Xinhua. "We are always striving to expand our coffee market, and we connect with international coffee organizations and importers and organize exhibitions by inviting traders. In our country, we conduct coffee festivals and coffee forums," U Myo Aye explained about the activities of the Myanmar Coffee Association to expand the coffee market. Myanmar has cultivated coffee since

Sudan's neighboring countries voice rejection of foreign intervention in Cairo summit

STORY: Sudan's neighboring countries voice rejection of foreign intervention in Cairo summit DATELINE: July 14, 2023 LENGTH: 00:01:33 LOCATION: Cairo CATEGORY: POLITICS SHOTLIST: 1. various of Sudan Neighboring Countries Summit 2. various of Sudan STORYLINE: Participants of the Sudan Neighboring Countries Summit held in the Egyptian capital of Cairo on Thursday rejected foreign intervention in the conflict-ridden country and urged immediate and comprehensive talks between the rival Sudanese military factions that triggered a regional humanitarian crisis. The communique of the meeting emphasized that Sudan's sovereignty should be respected and there should be no foreign interference. It also voiced great concern over the ongoing military operations and the acute deterioration of the security and humanitarian situation in Sudan. Leaders from Egypt, Ethiopia, South Sudan, Chad, Eritrea, the Central African Republic, and Libya, as well as officials of the Arab League and African Union Commission, attended t

U.S. growing military spending posing threat to other countries: expert

STORY: U.S. growing military spending posing threat to other countries: expert DATELINE: May 9, 2023 LENGTH: 00:01:33 LOCATION: Islamabad CATEGORY: MILITARY SHOTLIST: 1. various of U.S. military 2. SOUNDBITE (English): MIR MOHAMMAD ALI KHAN, Former investment banker at Wall Street 3. various of U.S. military STORYLINE: A Pakistani expert has said that the growing military spending in the U.S. will make other countries feel threatened, thus leading to tension and increased insecurity in the world. SOUNDBITE (English): MIR MOHAMMAD ALI KHAN, Former investment banker at Wall Street "When one country spends so much in its military expenses, it makes all the other countries unsafe. Because the balance of power tilts in one country's favor. Other countries feel threatened, or the perception of a threat. Like a hanging cloud, I have some phobia that they can come anytime. 39% of the world military spending by one country cannot make this world safe, has not made that. America did not become the biggest militar

Christchurch's Asian Art Festival celebrates cultural diversity

STORY: Christchurch's Asian Art Festival celebrates cultural diversity DATELINE: May 7, 2023 LENGTH: 00:01:33 LOCATION: CHRISTCHURCH, New Zealand CATEGORY: CULTURE SHOTLIST: 1. various of the festival STORYLINE: The Asian Art Festival was held on Saturday in Christchurch, New Zealand, showcasing a vibrant celebration of music, dance, and art, to address the city's cultural inclusiveness and the special contribution made by the wider ethnic communities, especially the Asian communities. The Chinese lion dance and Peking Opera were particularly popular, drawing in crowds who were delighted to take photos with the performers and applaud their impressive skills. The children's fashion show was also a highlight, where young participants showcased costumes that displayed Asian characteristics. Another important aspect of the festival was the "To Make the World Better" art exhibition, which showcased 62 works of art by artists from New Zealand, China, and other Asian countries and regions. This diverse collect

Half marathon held on China-Kazakhstan border

STORY: Half marathon held on China-Kazakhstan border DATELINE: April 26, 2023 LENGTH: 0:01:59 LOCATION: HORGOS, China CATEGORY: SPORTS SHOTLIST: 1. various of the half marathon 2. SOUNDBITE 1 (Chinese): ANUBAIKE KUWAN, Chinese runner 3. SOUNDBITE 2 (Chinese): ZHU DANDAN, Chinese runner 4. various of the half marathon 5. SOUNDBITE 3 (Kazakh): AMAN NURKALID, Kazakhstan runner STORYLINE: A cross-border half marathon was held Sunday at the China-Kazakhstan Horgos International Border Cooperation Center, which spans the border between China and Kazakhstan. About 1,000 runners from both countries participated in the race. Chinese runner Anubaike Kuwan claimed the men's title in 1 hour 9 minutes and 33 seconds while his compatriot Zhu Dandan won the women's race with a result of 1 hour 24 minutes and 19 seconds. SOUNDBITE 1 (Chinese): ANUBAIKE KUWAN, Chinese runner "During this race, I also had the chance to meet some foreign long-distance runners and exchange experiences with them. We agreed that we'll come

IMF improves economic forecast for Spain

STORY: IMF improves economic forecast for Spain DATELINE: April 13, 2023 LENGTH: 00:01:33 LOCATION: Madrid CATEGORY: ECONOMY SHOTLIST: 1. various of IMF meeting 2. various of IMF's projection 3. various of Spanish PM Pedro Sanchez 4. various of EAE Business School headquarters in Madrid 5. SOUNDBITE (Spanish): SARA HERRERO, Academic Director for Business and Talent, EAE Business School 6. various of Euro bills 7. various of IMF economic previsions for Spain and other countries STORYLINE: The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has improved its economic forecast for Spain, saying the country's GDP will grow by 1.5 percent in 2023 and by 2 percent in 2024. It means that Spain is expected to be the country with the biggest growth in the Eurozone, with its economy expanding considerably more than France and Italy, which are expected to see growth of 0.7 percent, while Germany is predicted to go into recession, with negative growth of 0.1 percent. Spain is also expected to outperform other major global economie

World's largest container ship calls at east China port

STORY: World's largest container ship calls at east China port DATELINE: April 9, 2023 LENGTH: 00:00:33 LOCATION: FUZHOU, China CATEGORY: ECONOMY SHOTLIST: 1. various of MSC IRINA STORYLINE: The world's largest container ship, MSC IRINA, called at the port of Xiamen in east China's Fujian Province on Saturday. After loading over 3,100 TEUs at the Xiamen Port, the mega-carrier will carry goods including clothes, electronic products and sea foods to the main harbors in countries along the Belt and Road. The 399.99-meter-long China's self-developed ship has a capacity of 24,346 TEUs (twenty-foot equivalent unit), with a total carrying capacity of 224,900 tonnes. Xinhua News Agency correspondents reporting from Fuzhou, China. (XHTV)

Myanmar exports over 600,000 tons of black grams

STORY: Myanmar exports over 600,000 tons of black grams DATELINE: April 8, 2023 LENGTH: 0:01:10 LOCATION: YANGON, Myanmar CATEGORY: ECONOMY SHOTLIST: 1. various of a black gram wholesale depot in Yangon STORYLINE: Myanmar exported more than 641,318 tons of black grams in over 11 months of the 2022-23 fiscal year beginning in April last year, the country's Ministry of Commerce said on Wednesday. During that period, the country earned over 525.08 million U.S. dollars from exporting black grams to countries including India, China and Thailand, the ministry's figures showed. Beans and pulses are Myanmar's second-most cultivated crops after rice, accounting for 33 percent of the country's total agricultural production, and black gram is the largest exported item among Myanmar's exported beans and pulses. Xinhua News Agency correspondents reporting from Yangon, Myanmar. (XHTV)

Cambodia, China joint military exercise concludes successfully

STORY: Cambodia, China joint military exercise concludes successfully DATELINE: April 6, 2023 LENGTH: 00:01:33 LOCATION: Phnom Penh CATEGORY: MILITARY SHOTLIST: 1. various of military exercises STORYLINE: Cambodia and China have successfully concluded the fifth edition of joint military exercise "Golden Dragon 2023" at the Royal Gendarmerie Training Center here. Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister and Defense Minister Gen. Tea Banh and Vice Admiral Wei Wenhui, deputy commander of the Southern Theater Command of the Chinese People's Liberation Army, as well as Chinese Ambassador to Cambodia Wang Wentian attended the closing ceremony on Wednesday. Speaking at the event, Banh said the joint exercise had come to a successful end, with fruitful results for the relations between the countries and armies. "This joint exercise has strengthened the capacities of the two militaries, further enhanced the spirit of solidarity, traditional friendship and cooperation between the two countries and peoples, and contributed

Russian UN envoy stresses need to "de-dollarize" world economy

STORY: Russian UN envoy stresses need to "de-dollarize" world economy DATELINE: April 5, 2023 LENGTH: 00:01:33 LOCATION: UN Headquarters CATEGORY: POLITICS SHOTLIST: 1. various of Vassily Nebenzia taking seat 2. SOUNDBITE (English): VASSILY NEBENZIA, Russian ambassador to the UN STORYLINE: Russian ambassador to the United Nations Vassily Nebenzia on Monday stressed the need to "de-dollarize" the world economy after the West's sanctions against Russia caused concerns about the reliability of the dollar-based international payment system. Russia has been talking about the need to delink itself from the dependence on the U.S. dollar and other Western currencies for a long time, he told a press conference at UN headquarters as his country assumed the rotating presidency of the Security Council for the month of April. Dependence on the U.S. dollar and other Western currencies is not just an issue for Russia, but for many other countries, given what happened after the European Union, the United States and some

Tunisia hosts event to celebrate traditional clothing festival

STORY: Tunisia hosts event to celebrate traditional clothing festival DATELINE: March 21, 2023 LENGTH: 00:01:33 LOCATION: Tunis CATEGORY: CULTURE SHOTLIST: 1. various of celebrations and people dressed in traditional costumes STORYLINE: The Tunisian National Heritage Protection Association held an event on Sunday in the center of Tunis to display traditional costumes. March 16 is the Tunisian National Day for Traditional Dress, and various celebrations were held across Tunisia on the weekend. During the celebration on Sunday, nearly a hundred Tunisian people dressed in traditional costumes from all over the country sang and danced on the streets in the center of Tunis. Tunisian national costumes are deeply influenced by Turkish, Arab and local Berber cultures, which are unique among African and Arab countries. Xinhua News Agency correspondents reporting from Tunis. (XHTV)

Japanese, S. Korean leaders meet in Tokyo amid raging opposition

STORY: Japanese, S. Korean leaders meet in Tokyo amid raging opposition DATELINE: March 17, 2023 LENGTH: 00:01:33 LOCATION: Tokyo CATEGORY: POLITICS SHOTLIST: 1. various of the street view in Tokyo 2. various of the protests 3. SOUNDBITE (Japanese): Protestor STORYLINE: Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida met with visiting South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol in Tokyo on Thursday, amid waves of opposition and criticism over ignoring history. At the Prime Minister's Official Residence, Kishida met with Yoon, who is on a two-day visit to Japan. It marked the first time in nearly five years that leaders of the two countries have held a summit in Japan. Yoon's visit followed his step to resolve the dispute over wartime laborers. South Korea earlier announced a plan that a local foundation would gather funds for South Koreans forced to work for Japanese companies during World War II and pay compensation the South Korean court judgment demanded from Japanese companies. Yoon's plan has been triggering resent

Latin American flowers gain in popularity in China's Guangdong

STORY: Latin American flowers gain in popularity in China's Guangdong DATELINE: Jan. 20, 2023 LENGTH: 0:01:33 LOCATION: GUANGZHOU, China CATEGORY: SOCIETY SHOTLIST: 1. various of flower markets in Guangdong 2. SOUNDBITE 1 (Chinese): TANG QUANZHONG, General manager of the City Flowers in Guangzhou 3. SOUNDBITE 2 (Chinese): ZHU JIANING, General manager of Sulisi Floral Design in Guangzhou STORYLINE: Residents in China's Guangdong have a tradition of visiting the flower market during the Chinese New Year. Flowers imported from Latin American countries have been gaining popularity among consumers. Thanks to the improvement of transportation and cold-chain logistics system, fresh flowers from the American continent can now be easily sent to the Chinese market in 3 to 4 days. SOUNDBITE 1 (Chinese): TANG QUANZHONG, General manager of the City Flowers in Guangzhou "People in Guangdong have a tradition of visiting flower markets during the Chinese New Year. Visiting the flower market makes the feeling of the new

Travel restrictions on Chinese tourists reveal West's political manipulation: Turkish expert

STORY: Travel restrictions on Chinese tourists reveal West's political manipulation: Turkish expert DATELINE: Jan. 10, 2023 LENGTH: 00:01:33 LOCATION: ISTANBUL, Türkiye CATEGORY: POLITICS SHOTLIST: 1. various of travellers 2. various of street scenes in some European countries 3. SOUNDBITE (Turkish): BULENT ERTUGRUL, Expert from Reyap Hospital, Istanbul STORYLINE: A leading Turkish specialist on infectious diseases said some Western countries' travel restrictions on Chinese tourist arrivals are based on political calculations. SOUNDBITE (Turkish): BULENT ERTUGRUL, Expert from Reyap Hospital, Istanbul "COVID-19 is no longer just a public health issue. It has also been turned into a political issue and an economic problem. Until recently, the number of (COVID-19) cases in Germany, France, and England was fairly high. I'm not even talking about the United States, as the situation there was even worse. Therefore, countries that have long lifted such restrictions among themselves - with the number of cases not

World Chinese Entrepreneurs Convention opens in Kobe

World Chinese Entrepreneurs Convention opens in Kobe

KOBE, Japan - Jia Qinglin, the No. 4 leader of China, addresses the Ninth World Chinese Entrepreneurs Convention, which opened at the World Memorial Hall in Kobe on Sept. 15. The three-day gathering has drawn 3,600 participants, including 2,600 ethnic Chinese, from 33 countries.

World Chinese Entrepreneurs Convention opens in Kobe

World Chinese Entrepreneurs Convention opens in Kobe

KOBE, Japan - Jia Qinglin, the No. 4 leader of China, addresses the Ninth World Chinese Entrepreneurs Convention, which opened at the World Memorial Hall in Kobe on Sept. 15. The three-day gathering has drawn 3,600 participants, including 2,600 ethnic Chinese, from 33 countries.

Olympus set to launch capsule endoscope in Europe

Olympus set to launch capsule endoscope in Europe

TOKYO, Japan - Olympus Medical Systems Corp. said Oct. 13 it will launch a capsule endoscope (ih handout photo) for the small bowel on Oct. 24 in 33 European countries including Britain, France and Germany. The capsule, measuring 11 millimeters in diameter and 26 mm in length, will be swallowed to transmit two images per second to a recorder unit via a built-in antenna until it is expelled through the anus, the medical systems unit of Japanese camera maker Olympus Corp. said.

Princess Sayako meets media ahead of European trip

Princess Sayako meets media ahead of European trip

TOKYO, Japan - Princess Sayako speak with members of the media at the Imperial Palace on Sept. 26 on her 13-day official visit to Romania and Croatia beginning Oct. 6. The 33-year-old princess said she hopes to interact with different peoples, experience a wide range of circumstances and deepen her understanding of the two countries (Pool photo)

Army officers from over 30 countries meet at Tokyo seminar

Army officers from over 30 countries meet at Tokyo seminar

TOKYO, Japan - About 120 senior army officers from 33 countries gather in Tokyo on Sept. 5 to discuss the role of armies in the early 21st century. The Pacific Armies Management Seminar has been held since 1978 with army representatives from Asia, Oceania, Europe, North America and Africa meeting to exchange opinions.

China's development mode inspires developing countries: Guinea-Bissau's ex-FM

STORY: China's development mode inspires developing countries: Guinea-Bissau's ex-FM DATELINE: Oct. 23, 2022 LENGTH: 00:02:33 LOCATION: Bissau CATEGORY: POLITICS SHOTLIST: 1. SOUNDBITE (Portugese): ANTONIO ARTUR SANHA, Former Prime Minister of Guinea-Bissau STORYLINE: A former political leader of Guinea-Bissau has said that China's development mode inspires developing countries, and China's presence is felt in all areas of development around the world. SOUNDBITE 1 (Portugese): ANTONIO ARTUR SANHA, Former Prime Minister of Guinea-Bissau "The Communist Party of China is a party that has given a lot to innovation, and to the life of Chinese people. China has great potential, which is why its development mode can inspire different countries a lot, especially developing countries. That's why China, being a country with a high level of inventions and applications of new technologies, is very capable of integrating with the world. China is one of the countries that has a very good policy in training human resou

Nearly 70 countries say no to interference in China's internal affairs

STORY: Nearly 70 countries say no to interference in China's internal affairs DATELINE: Sept. 27, 2022 LENGTH: 00:01:33 LOCATION: GENEVA, Switzerland CATEGORY: POLITICS SHOTLIST: 1. various shots of the UN Human Rights Council 2. SOUNDBITE (English): ZAMAN MEHDI, Pakistan's Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN Office in Geneva STORYLINE: A joint statement was delivered by Pakistan on behalf of 68 states on Monday at the ongoing session of the UN Human Rights Council, calling for non-interference in China's internal affairs under the pretext of human rights. SOUNDBITE (English): ZAMAN MEHDI, Pakistan's Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN Office in Geneva "Respect for sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity of states and non-interference in internal affairs of sovereign states represent basic norms governing international relations. Xinjiang, Hong Kong and Tibet-related issues are China's internal affairs. We oppose politicization of human rights and double standards, or interference

U.S. financial hegemony backfires as countries opt for de-dollarization

STORY: U.S. financial hegemony backfires as countries opt for de-dollarization DATELINE: July 14, 2022 LENGTH: 00:02:33 LOCATION: NEW YORK, U.S. CATEGORY: ECONOMY/POLITICS SHOTLIST: 1. various of the street view of in the U.S. 2. SOUNDBITE (English): MICHAEL HUDSON, Professor of economics at the University of Missouri-Kansas City STORYLINE: With the U.S. dollar being increasingly weaponized by a self-serving Washington, countries have been seeking reliable alternatives to regain financial independence. India's central bank has recently unveiled an Indian rupee settlement system for international trade, a move seen as a step towards de-dollarization. An American economist says the U.S. financial hegemony backfires as countries opt for de-dollarization. SOUNDBITE (English): MICHAEL HUDSON, Professor of economics at the University of Missouri-Kansas City "That (the dollar hegemony) enabled America to have high living standards and to be rich despite the fact that it's de-industrialized. The question is how

Turkey greenlights Sweden, Finland's NATO bid, internal conflicts remain

STORY: Turkey greenlights Sweden, Finland's NATO bid, internal conflicts remain DATELINE: June 29, 2022 LENGTH: 00:00:33 LOCATION: Madrid CATEGORY: POLITICS SHOTLIST: 1. STANDUP (English): FU YIMING, Xinhua correspondent STORYLINE: STANDUP (English): FU YIMING, Xinhua correspondent "Turkey changed its position and agreed to support Sweden and Finland's NATO membership applications on Tuesday during the ongoing NATO Summit in Madrid, while conflicts within the military bloc still remain. After an extended meeting among leaders from the three countries together with NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg on Tuesday afternoon, a trilateral memorandum addressing Turkey's security concerns was agreed and signed, paving the way for the two Nordic states' NATO membership applications." Xinhua News Agency correspondents reporting from Madrid. (XHTV)

G20 countries pledge 1.1 bln USD to global health initiative

STORY: G20 countries pledge 1.1 bln USD to global health initiative DATELINE: June 22, 2022 LENGTH: 00:01:33 LOCATION: Jakarta CATEGORY: HEALTH SHOTLIST: (Courtesy of Indonesian Health Ministry official Youtube: Kementerian Kesehatan RI) 1. various of the meeting 2. various of the press conference 3. SOUNDBITE (English): SRI MULYANI, Indonesian Finance Minister STORYLINE: The G20 countries and stakeholders have agreed to contribute 1.1 billion U.S. dollars to financing a global initiative to mitigate future pandemics. The health and finance ministers of the G20 countries made the commitment during the first G20 Finance and Health Ministerial Meeting in Yogyakarta, Indonesia on Tuesday. The pledged money will be allocated to Financial Intermediary Fund (FIF) for Pandemic Prevention, Preparedness and Response (PPR). The initiative is expected to create a financing and coordination platform between finance and health on how to address the pandemic. The Director-General of the World Health Organizat

Temperatures soar across Egypt

STORY: Temperatures soar across Egypt DATELINE: June 12, 2022 LENGTH: 00:01:33 LOCATION: Cairo CATEGORY: ENVIRONMENT SHOTLIST: 1. various of street view in Egypt STORYLINE: Temperatures have reached 43 degrees Celsius in Cairo and 45 in South Sinai and Upper Egypt on Saturday. The heatwave continues to sweep across the country and will start to gradually decrease from Sunday. Egyptian meteorological authority advised the public on Friday to avoid direct sunlight and to wear hats during the afternoon. The authority also recommended that people drink cold fluids and wear loose-fitting and light-colored cotton garments. Egypt has witnessed rising temperatures and humidity since Wednesday due to the Indian seasonal thermal depression that has caused scorching temperatures in Asian countries and is moving to several Middle Eastern countries, including Egypt. Xinhua News Agency correspondents reporting from Cairo. (XHTV)

Some state leaders publicly voice boycott of Summit of the Americas

STORY: Some state leaders publicly voice boycott of Summit of the Americas DATELINE: June 7, 2022 LENGTH: 00:01:33 LOCATION: Mexico City CATEGORY: POLITICS SHOTLIST: 1. various of the U.S. 2. various of Los Angeles 3. SOUNDBITE 1 (Spanish): ANDRES MANUEL LOPEZ OBRADOR, Mexican President 4. SOUNDBITE 2 (Spanish): NICOLAS MADURO, Venezuelan President 5. SOUNDBITE 3 (Spanish): MIGUEL DIAZ-CANEL, Cuban President STORYLINE: The state leaders of some countries in the Americas have publicly voiced a boycott of the Summit of the Americas in response to the exclusion of some countries by the U.S. government. The 9th Summit of the Americas is slated to be held in Los Angeles from June 6 to 10. The U.S. government, abusing its privilege of being the host country, decided at a very early stage to exclude Cuba, Venezuela and Nicaragua from the summit. SOUNDBITE 1 (Spanish): ANDRES MANUEL LOPEZ OBRADOR, Mexican President "So is it going to be the Summit of the Americas, or is it going to be the Summit of the 'Friends

Iraq Int'l Exhibition for Building Materials draws 210 companies

STORY: Iraq Int'l Exhibition for Building Materials draws 210 companies DATELINE: May 25, 2022 LENGTH: 00:02:33 LOCATION: ERBIL, Iraq CATEGORY: ECONOMY SHOTLIST: 1. Various of the fair 2. SOUNDBITE 1 (Arabic): SORAN QADIR, Director of Erbil International Fair 3. SOUNDBITE 2(English): MU YUNFENG, Representative of Chai Chen exhibition company 4. Various of the fair STORYLINE: Iraq's International Exhibition for Building and Construction Materials kicked off in Erbil, Kurdistan region of Iraq on Tuesday. It will last for 3 days, with the participation of 210 companies from six countries -- China, India, Egypt, Turkey, Iran and Iraq. The exhibition hosts 30 Iraqi companies, including companies from the Kurdistan region, all of which are specialized in construction materials and building engineering. The exhibition is considered the first of its kind this year, as its organizers seek to attract international companies to invest in the construction sector in Iraq. SOUNDBITE 1 (Arabic): SORAN QADIR, Director

Myanmar people celebrate full moon day of Kason

STORY: Myanmar people celebrate full moon day of Kason DATELINE: May 15, 2022 LENGTH: 00:02:16 LOCATION: Yangon CATEGORY: CULTURE SHOTLIST: 1. various of Myanmar people celebrating STORYLINE: Myanmar people, especially Buddhists, ritually watered the sacred Bodhi Trees across the country on Vesak or Buddha Day on Saturday. Ashin Varitta, a 33-year-old Buddhist monk from Myanmar's Mandalay, told Xinhua that Vesak or Buddha Day in Myanmar falls on the full moon day of Kason, the second month of Myanmar lunar calendar. "Vesak is the most important of all the Buddhist festivals, and Myanmar people mostly celebrate the day watering the Bodhi Trees," Varitta said, adding that other Buddhist countries also celebrate in their own traditions. The Shwedagon Pagoda in Yangon, the most sacred Buddhist pagoda in Myanmar, organized the Bodhi Trees Watering Festival this year, more than two years after it suspended the festival due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Xinhua News Agency correspondents reporting from Yang

U.S. interest rate hike severely harms economy in developing countries: experts

STORY: U.S. interest rate hike severely harms economy in developing countries: experts DATELINE: May 11, 2022 LENGTH: 00:02:33 LOCATION: Beijing CATEGORY: ECONOMY SHOTLIST: 1. various of street views in the U.S. 2. SOUNDBITE 1 (English): RONNIE LINS, Director of China-Brazil Center for Research and Business, Brazil 3. SOUNDBITE 2 (Spanish): JORGE MARCHINI, Professor of Economy, University of Buenos Aires, Argentina 4. SOUNDBITE 3 (Spanish): JORGE MARCHINI, Professor of Economy, University of Buenos Aires, Argentina 5. SOUNDBITE 4 (English): MICHAEL HUDSON, Professor of economics at the University of Missouri-Kansas City, U.S. STORYLINE: The U.S. Fed recently raised its benchmark interest rate by half a percentage point, in response to the highest inflation in the U.S. in 40 years. Experts say that the interest rate hike, the biggest in two decades, could benefit the U.S., but deal a blow to low-income countries and developing economies. SOUNDBITE 1 (English): RONNIE LINS, Director of China-Brazil Center

Global Security Initiative different from Western ideas of security: Indian scholar

STORY: Global Security Initiative different from Western ideas of security: Indian scholar DATELINE: May 6, 2022 LENGTH: 00:02:33 LOCATION: New Delhi CATEGORY: POLITICS SHOTLIST: 1. various of New Delhi 2. various of Chinese cities 3. SOUNDBITE (English): SUDHEENDRA KULKARNI, Former chairman, Observer Research Foundation STORYLINE: In a recent interview with Xinhua, Sudheendra Kulkarni, former chairman of Mumbai-based think tank Observer Research Foundation, said that China's newly proposed Global Security Initiative "is completely different from the unilateral, and self-serving ideas of security that are pursued by the Western countries." SOUNDBITE (English): SUDHEENDRA KULKARNI, Former chairman, Observer Research Foundation "The new concept of Global Security Initiative is one of the most important ideas placed before the international community in recent times. This is completely different from the unilateral and self-serving ideas of security that are pursued by the Western countries, and especially t

Cambodia to send 560-strong delegation to 31st SEA Games in Vietnam

STORY: Cambodia to send 560-strong delegation to 31st SEA Games in Vietnam DATELINE: April 29, 2022 LENGTH: 00:02:27 LOCATION: Phnom Penh CATEGORY: SPORTS SHOTLIST: 1. various of Cambodian Prime Minister Samdech Techo Hun Sen speaking during a meeting with athletes ahead of 31st SEA Games 2. various of the meeting hall STORYLINE: Cambodian Prime Minister Samdech Techo Hun Sen said in Phnom Penh Thursday that the country will send a 560-strong delegation to attend the 31st Southeast Asian Games (SEA Games) in Hanoi, Vietnam from May 12 to 23. Speaking during a meeting with them, Hun Sen said the delegation includes 363 athletes, who will compete in 33 sports in the forthcoming event. "This is the first time we send a large scale sports delegation to the SEA Games, and is the last event before we host it in 2023," he said. At the last SEA Games in the Philippines in 2019, the country bagged four gold, six silver, and 36 bronze medals. Eleven countries will send athletes for the 31st SEA G

Cambodia to send 560-strong delegation to 31st SEA Games in Vietnam

STORY: Cambodia to send 560-strong delegation to 31st SEA Games in Vietnam DATELINE: April 28, 2022 LENGTH: 00:02:27 LOCATION: Phnom Penh CATEGORY: SPORTS SHOTLIST: 1. various of Cambodian Prime Minister Samdech Techo Hun Sen meeting with the delegation STORYLINE: Cambodian Prime Minister Samdech Techo Hun Sen said in Phnom Penh on Thursday that the country will send a 560-strong delegation to attend the 31st Southeast Asian Games (SEA Games) in Hanoi, Vietnam from May 12 to 23. Speaking during a meeting, Hun Sen said the delegation includes 363 athletes, who will compete in 33 sports in the forthcoming event. "This is the first time we send a large scale sports delegation to the SEA Games, and is the last event before we host it in 2023," he said. At the last SEA Games in the Philippines in 2019, the country bagged four gold, six silver, and 36 bronze medals. 11 countries will send athletes for the 31st SEA Games. Xinhua News Agency correspondents reporting from Phnom Penh. (XHTV)

Portuguese companies welcome to Chinese market: Chinese ambassador

STORY: Portuguese companies welcome to Chinese market: Chinese ambassador DATELINE: April 13, 2022 LENGTH: 00:01:33 LOCATION: Lisbon CATEGORY: ECONOMY SHOTLIST: 1. various of an online seminar STORYLINE: Portuguese companies are "very welcome" to the immense Chinese market, the Chinese Ambassador to Portugal Zhao Bentang said on Tuesday. The embassy will "provide all necessary assistance" to these companies, he added. The statement was made at an online seminar called "Promotion of the 5th edition of China International Import Expo (CIIE)," where the ambassador highlighted the importance of bilateral trade relations between Portugal and China. The two countries "have always maintained friendly and cooperative relations, and the two economies are highly complementary," he said. China is a "large market for products with the protected origin and high added value," especially Portuguese wines, olive oils and fruits, Zhao emphasized. The ambassador highlighted that China has "sent a clear mess

Army officers from over 30 countries meet at Tokyo seminar

Army officers from over 30 countries meet at Tokyo seminar

TOKYO, Japan - About 120 senior army officers from 33 countries gather in Tokyo on Sept. 5 to discuss the role of armies in the early 21st century. The Pacific Armies Management Seminar has been held since 1978 with army representatives from Asia, Oceania, Europe, North America and Africa meeting to exchange opinions.

World Chinese Entrepreneurs Convention opens in Kobe

World Chinese Entrepreneurs Convention opens in Kobe

KOBE, Japan - Jia Qinglin, the No. 4 leader of China, addresses the Ninth World Chinese Entrepreneurs Convention, which opened at the World Memorial Hall in Kobe on Sept. 15. The three-day gathering has drawn 3,600 participants, including 2,600 ethnic Chinese, from 33 countries. (Kyodo)

World Chinese Entrepreneurs Convention opens in Kobe

World Chinese Entrepreneurs Convention opens in Kobe

KOBE, Japan - Jia Qinglin, the No. 4 leader of China, addresses the Ninth World Chinese Entrepreneurs Convention, which opened at the World Memorial Hall in Kobe on Sept. 15. The three-day gathering has drawn 3,600 participants, including 2,600 ethnic Chinese, from 33 countries. (Kyodo)

Olympus set to launch capsule endoscope in Europe

Olympus set to launch capsule endoscope in Europe

TOKYO, Japan - Olympus Medical Systems Corp. said Oct. 13 it will launch a capsule endoscope (ih handout photo) for the small bowel on Oct. 24 in 33 European countries including Britain, France and Germany. The capsule, measuring 11 millimeters in diameter and 26 mm in length, will be swallowed to transmit two images per second to a recorder unit via a built-in antenna until it is expelled through the anus, the medical systems unit of Japanese camera maker Olympus Corp. said. (Kyodo)

Princess Sayako meets media ahead of European trip

Princess Sayako meets media ahead of European trip

TOKYO, Japan - Princess Sayako speak with members of the media at the Imperial Palace on Sept. 26 on her 13-day official visit to Romania and Croatia beginning Oct. 6. The 33-year-old princess said she hopes to interact with different peoples, experience a wide range of circumstances and deepen her understanding of the two countries (Pool photo) (Kyodo)