Exhibitors from BRI participating countries seek business opportunities at Hainan expo

STORY: Exhibitors from BRI participating countries seek business opportunities at Hainan expo SHOOTING TIME: April 15, 2024 DATELINE: April 17, 2024 LENGTH: 00:01:55 LOCATION: HAIKOU, China CATEGORY: ECONOMY SHOTLIST: 1. various of the 4th China International Consumer Products Expo 2. SOUNDBITE 1 (English): ASILBEK KHONKHUJAEV, ASIYA International Trading (Shanghai) Co., Ltd. 3. SOUNDBITE 2 (English): RAMAZAN TUZEN, Shanghai Tuzen Trading & Service Co., Ltd. 4. SOUNDBITE 3 (English): HABIB UR REHMAN, PakPersian Carpets Shanghai Co., Ltd. STORYLINE: The 4th China International Consumer Products Expo is underway in south China's island province of Hainan. It draws 4,000+ brands from 71 countries and regions, including the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) participating countries. SOUNDBITE 1 (English): ASILBEK KHONKHUJAEV, ASIYA International Trading (Shanghai) Co., Ltd. "My name is Asilbek. I'm from Uzbekistan. I have been living in China for almost seven years. We bring a lot of unique products from Uzbekis

Visa-friendly countries witness surge of holidaymakers from China

STORY: Visa-friendly countries witness surge of holidaymakers from China SHOOTING TIME: earlier footage DATELINE: April 7, 2024 LENGTH: 00:01:55 LOCATION: Beijing CATEGORY: ECONOMY SHOTLIST: 1. various of the views in Thailand 2. SOUNDBITE 1 (Chinese): WANG XIAOMEI, Tour guide 3. SOUNDBITE 2 (Chinese): ZHANG GUOZHONG, Tourist 4. various of the port in Horgos 5. SOUNDBITE 3 (Chinese): RAQING HASMUKHAN, Chinese tourist 6. SOUNDBITE 4 (Chinese): MERWAN MAISILI, Chinese tourist 7. various of the views in Thailand 8. SOUNDBITE 5 (Thai): JIB, Yachtie in Thailand 9. SOUNDBITE 6 (Thai): META KAEWONG, Photographer in Thailand STORYLINE: In recent months, there has been a notable surge of Chinese travelers heading to visa-friendly destinations, embracing the ease of international travel. Pattaya, one of Thailand's most visited seaside resorts, has witnessed a significant influx of Chinese tourists. SOUNDBITE 1 (Chinese): WANG XIAOMEI, Tour guide "The tourist numbers have been booming since March. I'm a full-time

Egypt joins int'l operation to airdrop aid to Gaza

STORY: Egypt joins int'l operation to airdrop aid to Gaza SHOOTING DATE: March 7, 2024 DATELINE: March 8, 2024 LENGTH: 00:00:55 LOCATION: Cairo CATEGORY: POLITICS SHOTLIST: 1. various of Egypt's aid to Gaza STORYLINE: Egypt has joined an international operation to airdrop humanitarian aid to the Palestinian Gaza Strip which is currently facing ongoing Israeli siege and bombardment, the Egyptian military said in a statement on Thursday. "Members of the Egyptian Air Force participate in the international coalition to airdrop aid into Gaza from Jordan," the statement said, noting that Jordan, the United States, France, the Netherlands, and Belgium also took part in the operation. The "urgent humanitarian and relief aid" targets the affected areas in northern Gaza, according to the statement. Adjacent to the besieged Palestinian enclave, Egypt has been a major aid supplier to Gaza via the Rafah border crossing during the ongoing Israeli attacks. The aid is donated by Egypt and other countries as we

Vilnius Book Fair 2024 held in Lithuania

STORY: Vilnius Book Fair 2024 held in Lithuania SHOOTING TIME: Feb. 22, 2024 DATELINE: Feb. 23, 2024 LENGTH: 00:02:55 LOCATION: Vilnius CATEGORY: CULTURE SHOTLIST: 1. various of the Vilnius Book Fair 2024 STORYLINE: Vilnius Book Fair 2024 kicked off on Thursday in the Lithuanian capital Vilnius, attracting some 300 exhibitors from Lithuania, Poland, Latvia, Spain, and many other countries. This year's highlights at the four-day event will be discussions on the future of books and the impact of artificial intelligence on literature. Over 500 events will take place in five halls of the exhibition center, ranging from meetings with authors to discussions on key public issues and concerts. About 50,000 participants are expected at the fair this year. At the book fair, readers will have the opportunity to be the first to buy the latest books of Lithuanian and foreign writers and get an autograph of the writer. The annual book fair is one of the largest book fairs in the Baltic region. This year's book fair

Tunisia holds Carthage Puppetry Arts Days

STORY: Tunisia holds Carthage Puppetry Arts Days SHOOTING TIME: Feb. 4, 2024 DATELINE: Feb. 5, 2024 LENGTH: 00:01:57 LOCATION: Tunis CATEGORY: CULTURE SHOTLIST: 1. various of the Carthage Puppetry Arts Days STORYLINE: The fifth edition of the Carthage Puppetry Arts Days is being held in the Tunisian capital of Tunis. The eight-day event, which started Saturday, is expected to gather more than 100 puppeteers from 19 countries and regions to stage 55 shows, according to the official TAP news agency. Xinhua News Agency correspondents reporting from Tunis. (XHTV)

Cross-border Spring Festival gala held between China, Vietnam

STORY: Cross-border Spring Festival gala held between China, Vietnam SHOOTING TIME: Jan. 30, 2024 DATELINE: Jan. 31, 2024 LENGTH: 00:00:55 LOCATION: HEKOU, China CATEGORY: CULTURE SHOTLIST: 1. STANDUP (English): XIONG XUANANG, Xinhua Correspondent 2. various of the China-Vietnam spring festival gala STORYLINE: STANDUP (English): XIONG XUANANG, Xinhua Correspondent "I am now in Hekou Yao Autonomous County in southwest China's Yunnan Province, which is bordered with Lao Cai Province in Vietnam. Today, a New Year gala co-hosted by China and Vietnam is held there. Let's enjoy it." More than 2,000 border residents from China and Vietnam watched the Spring Festival gala online and offline on Tuesday. Artists from both sides brought wonderful performances to an exciting crowd gathering in Hekou County, an important gateway for economic and cultural exchanges between the two countries. It's the sixth edition of the cross-border galas initiated in 2017. A similar gala was also held in Vietnam's Lao Cai on Monday

Air China launches flights to Türkiye's Istanbul Airport

STORY: Air China launches flights to Türkiye's Istanbul Airport SHOOTING DATE: Dec. 29, 2023 DATELINE: Dec. 30, 2023 LENGTH: 00:00:55 LOCATION: ISTANBUL, Türkiye CATEGORY: ECONOMY SHOTLIST: 1. various of Istanbul Airport in Türkiye 2. various of the launching ceremony STORYLINE: Air China launched its flights to and from Istanbul with a ceremony held at Istanbul Airport on Friday, boosting close ties between Türkiye and China, local media reported. Speaking at the ceremony, Selahattin Bilgen, acting CEO of Istanbul Airport, said Istanbul-Beijing reciprocal flights will further strengthen the commercial, tourist, and cultural relations of the two countries, reported the Ihlas News Agency. Bilgen said that the cooperation between Air China and Istanbul Airport is a positive sign for boosting regional and global air transport and international connectivity. The number of Chinese airlines served at Istanbul Airport has reached four with Air China, according to Bilgen. Xinhua News Agency correspo

China's further opening-up, innovations boost global recovery

STORY: China's further opening-up, innovations boost global recovery SHOOTING TIME: Nov. 2023/file DATELINE: Nov. 8, 2023 LENGTH: 00:01:55 LOCATION: Beijing CATEGORY: ECONOMY SHOTLIST: 1. various of economic activities and city views in China 2. various of the 6th CIIE 3. various of NEV production lines STORYLINE: China's economy has sustained its recovery momentum with solid progress made in high-quality development, with China's gross domestic product expanding 4.9 percent in the third quarter, and growing 5.2 percent year on year in the first three quarters of 2023, according to China's National Bureau of Statistics. Data show that by the end of September, 1,110 overseas institutions had gained access to China's bond market, with holdings topping 3.3 trillion yuan (453 billion U.S. dollars), and 202 banks from 52 countries and regions had set up institutions in China. Over the past five years, the annual China International Import Expo (CIIE) has become a symbol of China's high-level opening-up and a

China calls for AI safety cooperation at summit

STORY: China calls for AI safety cooperation at summit SHOOTING TIME: Nov. 1, 2023 DATELINE: Nov. 2, 2023 LENGTH: 00:02:55 LOCATION: London CATEGORY: TECHNOLOGY SHOTLIST: 1. various of the summit STORYLINE: The Chinese delegation attending the AI Safety Summit in the United Kingdom (UK) has called for exchange and cooperation among countries on artificial intelligence (AI) safety and international governance issues. Wu Zhaohui, China's vice minister of science and technology, spoke at the opening plenary session of the summit on Wednesday, and the Chinese delegation participated in discussions on AI safety and other issues. The Chinese delegation promoted China-proposed Global Artificial Intelligence Governance Initiative launched at the third Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation held in Beijing on Oct. 18, and will carry out bilateral talks with relevant countries. The delegation underlined that the summit provides an important platform for dialogue, and opportunities for exchange and coop

Agricultural product fair held in N China

STORY: Agricultural product fair held in N China DATELINE: Oct. 21, 2023 LENGTH: 00:01:55 LOCATION: LANGFANG, China CATEGORY: ECONOMY SHOTLIST: 1. various of the 2023 China (Langfang) Agricultural Product Fair 2. SOUNDBITE 1 (Chinese): WEI LIUJIAN, Chinese purchaser 3. SOUNDBITE 2 (Chinese): WANG JING, Chinese Buyer 4. SOUNDBITE 3 (English): ABDUL ALEEM BAIG, Pakistani exhibitor 5. SOUNDBITE 4 (Chinese): QURBONZODA FIRUZJON, Iranian exhibitor 6. various of the 2023 China (Langfang) Agricultural Product Fair STORYLINE: The 2023 China (Langfang) Agricultural Product Fair kicked off in Langfang, north China's Hebei Province on Thursday. The four-day fair has attracted more than 200 enterprises from more than 20 countries and regions. SOUNDBITE 1 (Chinese): WEI LIUJIAN, Chinese purchaser "There are quite a lot of people here, and a large variety of products. I saw delicious foods from across the country, as well as handicrafts from other countries." SOUNDBITE 2 (Chinese): WANG JING, Chinese Buyer "There are

Vlog: Why is BRI so popular?

STORY: Vlog: Why is BRI so popular? DATELINE: Oct. 18, 2023 LENGTH: 00:02:55 LOCATION: Beijing CATEGORY: SOCIETY SHOTLIST: 1. STANDUP (English): LIU YUTIAN, Xinhua correspondent 2. SOUNDBITE 1 (English): SEEPHEEPHE MAHAO, Lesotho journalist 3. various of BRI-related footages 4. SOUNDBITE 2 (English): BOUNFAENG PHAYMANIVONG, Lao journalist 5. SOUNDBITE 3 (Chinese): AMEEN MUNEER MOHAMMED AL-OBAIDI, Iraqi journalist 6. SOUNDBITE 4 (English): JELENA GRUBOR STEFANOVIC, Serbian Chamber of Commerce and Industry 7. SOUNDBITE 5 (English): MOHAMMAD A. ABUNAYYAN, Chairman of ACWA power, Saudi Arabia STORYLINE: STANDUP (English): LIU YUTIAN, Xinhua correspondent "This year marks the 10th anniversary of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). Over the past decade, the BRI's circle of friends has continued to expand, involving countries in different regions, at different development stages. Why is it so popular? Here, I try to find the answers." Seepheephe Mahao is a journalist from Lesotho, a country in southern Africa wi

China's Langfang to hold int'l carnival

STORY: China's Langfang to hold int'l carnival DATELINE: Sept. 15, 2023 LENGTH: 00:01:55 LOCATION: LANGFANG, China CATEGORY: CULTURE SHOTLIST: 1. various of artists visiting Langfang 2. SOUNDBITE 1 (English): LESLIE ELI, Member of Orchestra Traditional Malaysia 3. various of performances and rehearsals 4. SOUNDBITE 2 (English): ADNAN JAHANGIR, Dancer of Pakistani Cultural Troupe 5. various of performances 6. aerial view of Langfang City STORYLINE: The "Dream Langfang - International Carnival" will be held from Sept. 16-17 and Sept. 23-24 in Langfang city, north China's Hebei Province. The carnival, themed "Harmony and Coexistence," is hosted by the Silk Road International Arts Center in Langfang. The event will feature 13 works created and arranged by artists from 15 countries and regions, with a total of 22 performances. SOUNDBITE 1 (English): LESLIE ELI, Member of Orchestra Traditional Malaysia "Hi, I'm Leslie from Malaysia. We bring 10 people from Malaysia. (There are) so many languages in Malaysia,

G20 agrees to grant permanent membership to African Union

STORY: G20 agrees to grant permanent membership to African Union DATELINE: Sept. 9, 2023 LENGTH: 00:01:20 LOCATION: New Delhi CATEGORY: POLITICS SHOTLIST: 1. STANDUP (English): ZHANG YICHI, Xinhua correspondent 2. various of the G20 summit held in New Delhi STORYLINE: STANDUP (English): ZHANG YICHI, Xinhua correspondent "The Group of 20 (G20) members agreed on Saturday to grant permanent membership to the African Union (AU) in an effort to make the group more representative." The agreement was reached at the inaugural session of the two-day G20 summit held in New Delhi during the weekend. Amidst applause from other G20 representatives, Azali Assoumani, president of the Union of the Comoros and current AU chairperson, then assumed his seat representing the 55-member-state continental body for the session. Created in 1999, the G20 is a main forum for international cooperation in the fields of finance and economy. It previously comprised 19 countries plus the European Union (EU). The AU, whose previous de

China Mobile holds conference on digital economy in Indonesia

STORY: China Mobile holds conference on digital economy in Indonesia DATELINE: Sept. 2, 2023 LENGTH: 0:02:55 LOCATION: Jakarta CATEGORY: ECONOMY SHOTLIST: 1. various of the conference STORYLINE: China Mobile, China's leading telecommunications company, held a conference in Jakarta on Friday to explore development trends for the digital economy in Southeast Asia. The 2023 Southeast Asia Regional Cooperation Conference brought together government officials and businesses from China and Southeast Asian countries to foster collaboration to accelerate digital transformation, and promote sustainable and inclusive development in the region. Gao Tongqing, executive vice president of China Mobile Communications Group, told the conference that his company saw the event as an opportune time to move forward with its partners to accelerate collaboration between the digital economies of China and Southeast Asia. Secretary-General of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Kao Kim Hourn, who delive

Libya deports 486 illegal migrants

STORY: Libya deports 486 illegal migrants DATELINE: Aug. 22, 2023 LENGTH: 00:02:55 LOCATION: Tripoli CATEGORY: POLITICS SHOTLIST: 1. various of the press conference 2. various of the illegal migrants 3. various of the press conference STORYLINE: Libyan Interior Minister Emad al-Tarabelsi announced Monday that 486 illegal migrants have been deported to their countries of origin. In a press conference following the announcement, the minister said that 294 of them are from Egypt. Al-Tarabelsi said that the deportees include those recently left stranded near the Tunisian border after being expelled by Tunisian authorities. "The international community and the European Union must help Libya to reduce this phenomenon, which has burdened the country with the presence of large numbers of migrants," al-Tarabelsi said. "The Ministry of the Interior has launched an expanded security campaign ... to arrest human traffickers and refer them to court. These efforts will be intensified in the future," he said

BRICS helps developing countries make voices count in global governance: expert

STORY: BRICS helps developing countries make voices count in global governance: expert DATELINE: Aug. 22, 2023 LENGTH: 00:01:55 LOCATION: JOHANNESBURG, South Africa CATEGORY: POLITICS SHOTLIST: 1. various of street views in Johannesburg 2. SOUNDBITE (English): CAVINCE ADHERE, Kenya-based international relations scholar 3. various of Africa 4. various of street views in Johannesburg STORYLINE: The 15th BRICS Summit is scheduled to be held on Aug. 22-24 in Johannesburg, the largest city in South Africa. Cavince Adhere, a Kenyan international relations scholar, said that BRICS has provided an opportunity for developing countries to make their voices count in global governance. The expert noted that BRICS is a platform for collaboration where developing countries can work together to overcome their development challenges. SOUNDBITE (English): CAVINCE ADHERE, Kenya-based international relations scholar "The BRICS summit is a very strong platform for collaboration, especially among South-South countries. It h

BRICS plays increasingly important role in int'l arena, says Turkish scholar

STORY: BRICS plays increasingly important role in int'l arena, says Turkish scholar DATELINE: Aug. 19, 2023 LENGTH: 00:01:55 LOCATION: ISTANBUL, Türkiye CATEGORY: POLITICS/ECONOMY SHOTLIST: 1. various of BRICS countires 2. SOUNDBITE 1 (Turkish): BARIS DOSTER, Scholar with the Istanbul-based Marmara University 3. various of BRICS countries 4. SOUNDBITE 2 (Turkish): BARIS DOSTER, Scholar with the Istanbul-based Marmara University 5. various of BRICS countries 6. SOUNDBITE 3 (Turkish): BARIS DOSTER, Scholar with the Istanbul-based Marmara University 7. various of Johannesburg STORYLINE: BRICS countries are playing an increasingly important role in the international arena, with many countries intending to join the bloc, Baris Doster, a scholar with the Istanbul-based Marmara University, told Xinhua in a recent interview. SOUNDBITE 1 (Turkish): BARIS DOSTER, Scholar with the Istanbul-based Marmara University "We see the world's emerging economies, countries that are opposed to U.S. hegemony, coalescing around

How will military coup in Niger spill over to West Africa?

STORY: How will military coup in Niger spill over to West Africa? DATELINE: Aug. 10, 2023 LENGTH: 00:03:55 LOCATION: Niamey CATEGORY: POLITICS SHOTLIST: 1. various of supporters of the coup-d'etat in Niger gathering in Niamey 2. various of ECOWAS heads of state at an emergency meeting held in the Nigerian capital Abuja 3. various of ECOWAS defense chiefs at a press briefing 4. various of supporters of the coup-d'etat in Niger gathering in Niamey 5. SOUNDBITE 1 (English): STEPHANE DUJARRIC, Spokesperson for UN Secretary-General 6. SOUNDBITE 2 (English): SHERIFF GHALI, Expert on international relations at the University of Abuja in Nigeria 7. various of ECOWAS defense chiefs at a press briefing 8. various of UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres at the press briefing 9. SOUNDBITE 3 (French): ANTONIO GUTERRES, UN Secretary-General 10. SOUNDBITE 4 (English): MUSA CHRISTOPHER, Nigeria's Chief of Defense Staff 11. various of street views in Niamey STORYLINE: Leaders of West African countries are expected to meet

Xinjiang border port handles 4,000 China-Europe freight trains this year

STORY: Xinjiang border port handles 4,000 China-Europe freight trains this year DATELINE: July 12, 2023 LENGTH: 00:00:35 LOCATION: URUMQI, China CATEGORY: ECONOMY SHOTLIST: 1. various of the China-Europe freight trains STORYLINE: Horgos railway port, a border port in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, has handled 4,000 China-Europe freight trains this year as of Tuesday. On Tuesday, a cargo train carrying 55 containers of goods such as daily necessities, clothing and machinery parts left the Horgos port for Belarus. In 2016, the Horgos port welcomed its first China-Europe freight train. Now, a total of 77 routes pass through the port to 45 cities and regions in 18 foreign countries. Xinhua News Agency correspondents reporting from Urumqi, China. (XHTV)

Egypt calls for sustainable solutions to refugee issues

STORY: Egypt calls for sustainable solutions to refugee issues DATELINE: June 21, 2023 LENGTH: 00:00:55 LOCATION: Cairo CATEGORY: POLITICS SHOTLIST: 1. various of Cairo STORYLINE: The Egyptian Foreign Ministry on Tuesday reaffirmed the importance of coordinating international efforts to find sustainable solutions to refugee issues. "Solutions should consider integration between human and developmental aspects via finding a comprehensive perspective," the ministry said in a statement on World Refugee Day, which is celebrated every year on June 20. Egypt called for mobilizing necessary resources to meet the refugees' humanitarian needs and support refugee-hosting countries based on the principle of equitable sharing of burdens and responsibilities. "This occasion is an important opportunity to shed light on the sufferings of refugees and to affirm solidarity with them and the hosting countries," it added. Amid regional crises and natural disasters, Egypt continues to open its doors to provide

Cooperation with China will advance industrialization in Africa, says Ghanaian official

STORY: Cooperation with China will advance industrialization in Africa, says Ghanaian official DATELINE: May 18, 2023 LENGTH: 00:02:55 LOCATION: Accra CATEGORY: ECONOMY SHOTLIST: 1. various of participants 2. various of African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Secretariat 3. various of Ghana ports and harbour 4. various of participants 5. SOUNDBITE 1 (English): MICHAEL OKYERE BAAFI, Deputy Minister of Trade and Industry 6. various of participants 7. SOUNDBITE 2 (English): MICHAEL OKYERE BAAFI, Deputy Minister of Trade and Industry STORYLINE: African countries should take the third China-Africa Economic and Trade Expo as an opportunity to strengthen cooperation with China to advance their industrialization and infrastructure development, a senior Ghanaian official said Monday. China and Africa need to strengthen their already strong relations and make it even more mutually beneficial through trade, Deputy Minister of Trade and Industry Michael Okyere Baafi told Xinhua at a promotion event for the th

CIIE important platform for Ethiopian products to enter wider Chinese market

STORY: CIIE important platform for Ethiopian products to enter wider Chinese market: DATELINE: May 14, 2023 LENGTH: 00:01:55 LOCATION: Addis Ababa CATEGORY: ECONOMY SHOTLIST: 1. various of the promotion conference 2. SOUNDBITE 1 (English): DAGNACHEW ATINKUT, Advisor to Ethiopia's Ministry of Trade and Regional Integration 3. SOUNDBITE 2 (English): SONG SHANGZHE, Deputy director general of CIIE Bureau 4. various of the CIIE STORYLINE: Experts and policymakers attending a high-level promotion conference in Addis Ababa, the Ethiopian capital Friday said the China International Import Expo (CIIE) offers a crucial platform for Ethiopian products to enter the wider Chinese market. SOUNDBITE 1 (English): DAGNACHEW ATINKUT, Advisor to Ethiopia's Ministry of Trade and Regional Integration "The expo is a world-class expo, providing new channels for businesses to strengthen cooperation between our two countries. It is also a good opportunity for our country to promote trade and investment to broaden its market linka

China's high-quality development to have positive spillover effects: celebrated politicians

STORY: China's high-quality development to have positive spillover effects: celebrated politicians DATELINE: April 21, 2023 LENGTH: 00:01:55 LOCATION: GUANGZHOU, China CATEGORY: ECONOMY SHOTLIST: 1. SOUNDBITE 1 (English): GLORIA MACAPAGAL ARROYO, Former Philippine President 2. SOUNDBITE 2 (English): KHUESHID MAHMUD KASURI, Former minister of Foreign Affairs, Pakistan STORYLINE: China's pursuit of high-quality development will produce notable positive spillover effects for the world, celebrated politicians said at an international conference in China's Guangzhou. The three-day conference, Understanding China -- Greater Bay Area Dialogue, concluded on Thursday. The event has attracted celebrated figures from the global political, academic and economic communities, from both home and abroad. SOUNDBITE 1 (English): GLORIA MACAPAGAL ARROYO, Former Philippine President "Rather than a competitor, China has proven to be a partner in development. It is a market for developing countries, a donor and a provider of

Kenya wins double golds in Jerusalem Marathon

STORY: Kenya wins double golds in Jerusalem Marathon DATELINE: March 18, 2023 LENGTH: 00:04:10 LOCATION: Jerusalem CATEGORY: SPORTS SHOTLIST: 1. various of runners and spectators STORYLINE: Kenya's Noah Kiprotich won the men's title of the 12th annual Jerusalem Marathon on Friday in two hours, 18 minutes and 13 seconds. Chakib Lachgar of Spain came second at 2:25:45, while Israel's Melkam Jamber took the bronze at 2:28:30. Kenya also grabbed the gold in the women's race as Margaret Njuguna crossed the finish line first in a time of 2:52:44, ahead of Russia's Elena Tolstykh (2:55:31) and Israel's Noah Berkman (2:59:12). The two Kenyan gold medalists Kiprotich and Njuguna won a prize of 3,750 U.S. dollars each. About 18,000 runners from 72 countries and regions competed in the event, which also included half marathon, 10km and 5km runs, as well as a 1.7km families' run and 800m communities' run. Xinhua News Agency correspondents reporting from Jerusalem. (XHTV)

Education affected in Kenya as drought worsens hunger crisis

STORY: Education affected in Kenya as drought worsens hunger crisis DATELINE: March 3, 2023 LENGTH: 00:02:55 LOCATION: Nairobi CATEGORY: ENVIRONMENT/EDUCATION SHOTLIST: 1. various of drought-stricken areas in Kenya 2. STANDUP (English): RUTH WANGARA, Xinhua reporter 3. various of food assistance 4. SOUNDBITE 1 (Swahili): ROSE NKOIRA, Local resident 5. various of food assistance 6. SOUNDBITE 2 (English): FELIX WATAKILA, County Commissioner of Kajiado 7. various of farmers and cows STORYLINE: Kenya is one of the countries in the Horn of Africa region that has been hit hard by the worst drought in decades. Education and learning have been interrupted as a low school turnout has been reported in various counties across the country in drought-stricken areas. The Kenyan government has carried out feeding programs in arid and semi-arid areas to keep the children in school. STANDUP (English): RUTH WANGARA, Xinhua reporter "This is Ilbisil Boarding, one of the schools that are benefiting from the county's feedin

Laos actively preparing for return of Chinese tourists

STORY: Laos actively preparing for return of Chinese tourists DATELINE: Feb. 7, 2023 LENGTH: 00:01:55 LOCATION: Vientiane CATEGORY: ECONOMY SHOTLIST: 1. various of Lao tourist attractions 2. various of tourists STORYLINE: The Lao government and private sectors are actively preparing for the arrival of Chinese tour groups. "We are working in partnership with travel agencies, hotels and other tourism-related businesses to improve facilities and services in readiness for the return of Chinese tour groups," local Lao daily Vientiane Times quoted Darany Phommavongsa, director general of the Tourism Management Department of the Lao Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism, as saying. "We held a meeting with private companies to discuss ways to improve facilities and design activities to entice more Chinese visitors to Laos. Those activities will soon be finalized," the official told the daily on Friday. Tourism experts predict that millions of Chinese tourists will visit ASEAN countries and many of t

Romanian prime minister visits Egypt

STORY: Romanian prime minister visits Egypt DATELINE: Feb. 5, 2023 LENGTH: 00:00:55 LOCATION: Cairo CATEGORY: POLITICS SHOTLIST: 1. various of Romanian Prime Minister Nicolae Ciuca and his Egypt's counterpart, Moustafa Madbouli (Courtesy of the Egyptian cabinet) 2. various of the Egyptian cabinet 3. various of a joint press conference for both PMs (Courtesy of the Egyptian cabinet) STORYLINE: Egypt Prime Minister Moustafa Madbouli and his visiting Romanian counterpart Nicolae Ciuca held a joint press conference on Saturday, tackling some issues of mutual interest. Madbouli highlighted that the trade exchange value between Egypt and Romania exceeded 1 billion U.S. dollars in 2022. He called on Romania to increase the export of grain to Egypt. On his part, Ciuca said their talks ranged from Egyptian-European ties and energy exchange to government digital transformation implementation strategies. He asserted that it is necessary to activate all mechanisms for further trade relations between both countries

Türkiye's exports reach record high in 2022: president

STORY: Türkiye's exports reach record high in 2022: president DATELINE: Jan. 3, 2023 LENGTH: 00:01:55 LOCATION: ISTANBUL, Türkiye CATEGORY: ECONOMY SHOTLIST: 1. various of Istanbul 2. various of Türkiye Exporters Assembly in Istanbul 3. SOUNDBITE (Turkish): RECEP TAYYIP ERDOGAN, Turkish President 4. various of the container port 5. various of Istiklal Street 6. various of exchange office STORYLINE: Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan announced on Monday that Türkiye's exports in 2022 reached a record high of 254.2 billion U.S. dollars, registering a year-on-year growth of 12.9 percent. "Our goal now is to make Türkiye one of the top 10 exporting countries," Erdogan told the Türkiye Exporters Assembly in Istanbul, adding that exports were only 36 billion dollars when the ruling Justice and Development Party came to power 20 years ago. SOUNDBITE (Turkish): RECEP TAYYIP ERDOGAN, Turkish President "Our goal now is to make Türkiye one of the top 10 exporting countries." According to the president, the num

Hiroshima marks 63rd anniversary of atomic bombing

Hiroshima marks 63rd anniversary of atomic bombing

HIROSHIMA, Japan - People participating in a ceremony Aug. 6 marking the 63rd anniversary of the 1945 U.S. atomic bombing offer a moment of silence at 8:15 a.m., the time the atomic bomb detonated over Hiroshima. Prime Minister Yasuo Fukuda and some 45,000 others, including diplomats from 55 countries, attended the ceremony in the western Japanese city.

U.S. best known for manufacturing violence in other countries: Kenyan analyst

STORY: U.S. best known for manufacturing violence in other countries: Kenyan analyst DATELINE: Oct. 27, 2022 LENGTH: 00:01:55 LOCATION: Nairobi CATEGORY: POLITICS SHOTLIST: 1. various of general views 2. SOUNDBITE (English): GERALD LEPARIYO, Geo-politics and climate change analyst in Kenya STORYLINE: A Kenyan analyst has said that the United States is best known for manufacturing violence for regime change in Africa and other countries around the world, while its own democracy is in question. SOUNDBITE (English): GERALD LEPARIYO, Geo-politics and climate change analyst in Kenya "The United States is best known for manufacturing violence for regime change in Africa and other countries around the world. In fact, we've seen during post-Cold War, American government developed or manufactured 'Rose Revolution' in Georgia. They manufactured 'Orange Revolution' in Ukraine. They manufactured 'Arab Spring' in Northern Africa. The danger of that is that it's normally America manufactured those revolutions to plant

Egypt "closely follows reactions" from OPEC+ oil production cut decision

STORY: Egypt "closely follows reactions" from OPEC+ oil production cut decision DATELINE: Oct. 18, 2022 LENGTH: 0:00:55 LOCATION: Cairo CATEGORY: ECONOMY SHOTLIST: 1. various of the headquarters of the Egyptian Foreign Ministry STORYLINE: In a statement issued by the Egyptian Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Monday, Egypt said it was closely following the reactions from the recent OPEC+ decision to slash its daily oil production. On Oct. 5, the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) and its allies, a group known as OPEC+, announced a major production cut of 2 million barrels per day (bpd) starting November to bolster oil prices that have recently tumbled over recession fears. The reduction equals around 2 percent of this year's global oil demand, which is estimated by OPEC at around 100 million bpd. Egypt also said it supported Saudi Arabia's stance in explaining the technical considerations of the OPEC+ decision, which aims primarily to achieve oil market discipline, and to ensure the s

European Political Community to hold next meeting in Moldova

STORY: European Political Community to hold next meeting in Moldova DATELINE: Oct. 7, 2022 LENGTH: 00:00:55 LOCATION: Prague CATEGORY: POLITICS SHOTLIST: 1. various of the meeting STORYLINE: The European Political Community (EPC) will convene its next meeting in Chisinau, the capital of Moldova, Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala said in Prague on Thursday. Fiala made the remarks after the inaugural EPC meeting in Prague, the first-ever such meeting held in the city which brought together over 40 European leaders. Besides EU member states, several Western Balkan nations and non-EU countries that are deeply integrated within the single market as well as Britain and Türkiye also joined the so-called "EU+" gathering. According to a statement issued by the EU after the meeting, the energy crisis and peace and security dominated the discussions among the European leaders. The statement quoted European Council President Charles Michel as saying that "At a time when Europe's stability and security is being threa

Greece, Slovakia to strengthen cooperation amid energy crisis

STORY: Greece, Slovakia to strengthen cooperation amid energy crisis DATELINE: Sept. 7, 2022 LENGTH: 00:00:55 LOCATION: Athens CATEGORY: ECONOMY/POLITICS SHOTLIST: 1. various of the meeting between the Slovak and Greek President and their delegations 2. SOUNDBITE 1 (Slovak): ZUZANA CAPUTOVA, Slovak President 3. SOUNDBITE 2 (Greek): KATERINA SAKELLAROPOULOU, Greek President 4. various of the meeting between the Greek Prime minister and Slovak President 5. SOUNDBITE 3 (English): ZUZANA CAPUTOVA, Slovak President 6. various of the meeting between the Greek Prime Minister and Slovak President and their delegations 7. SOUNDBITE 4 (English): KYRIAKOS MITSOTAKIS, Greek Prime Minister 8. various of the meeting between the Greek Prime Minister and Slovak President and their delegations STORYLINE: Visiting Slovak President Zuzana Caputova and Greek leaders agreed in Athens on Tuesday to tighten their countries' cooperation in light of the current crises, in particular the energy crunch. SOUNDBITE 1 (Slovak): ZUZANA

HICOOL 2022 Global Entrepreneur Summit held in Beijing

STORY: HICOOL 2022 Global Entrepreneur Summit held in Beijing DATELINE: Aug. 28, 2022 LENGTH: 00:00:55 LOCATION: Beijing CATEGORY: ECONOMY SHOTLIST: 1. various of the HICOOL Global Entrepreneur Summit and the Global Entrepreneurship Competition activities STORYLINE: The HICOOL 2022 Global Entrepreneur Summit kicked off in Beijing on Friday, bringing together world-leading startup incubators, venture capitalists, business startups and industry gurus to discuss the latest trends in technological innovation and business development. 　　 A total of 5,016 projects have been submitted to the HICOOL 2022 Global Entrepreneurship Competition. According to statistics, this year's competition received 6,672 applicants, including 1,555 foreign nationals from 91 countries and regions. 　　 Launched in 2020, the HICOOL Global Entrepreneur Summit and the Global Entrepreneurship Competition is an all-in-one startup ecosystem platform, aiming at facilitating entrepreneurs and startups to base and develop in Beijing. Xinhua N

5 Arab states gather in Egypt to discuss all-round cooperation

STORY: 5 Arab states gather in Egypt to discuss all-round cooperation DATELINE: Aug. 23, 2022 LENGTH: 00:00:55 LOCATION: NEW ALAMEIN, Egypt CATEGORY: POLITICS SHOTLIST: 1. various of the headquarters of the Egyptian presidency 2. various of a presidential reception (official shots) STORYLINE: The leaders of Egypt, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Jordan, Bahrain and Iraq met on Monday over means to develop their all-round relations, just a day before a five-way summit in New Alamein, a coastal city in northwestern Egypt. During the meeting, Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah al-Sisi expressed his country's appreciation for the close historical bonds that united Arab countries, Presidential Spokesman Bassam Rady said in a statement. Sisi and the other four Arab leaders - UAE President Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Jordanian King Abdullah II, Bahraini King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi - also exchanged views on enhancing relations and cooperation in all available areas a

56th Carthage Int'l Festival held in Tunis

STORY: 56th Carthage Int'l Festival held in Tunis DATELINE: Aug. 9, 2022 LENGTH: 00:00:55 LOCATION: Tunis CATEGORY: CULTURE/ENTERTAINMENT SHOTLIST: 1. various of Carthage International Festival STORYLINE: The 56th Carthage International Festival is being held in Tunis. It's the largest annual cultural event in Tunisia that is held every summer. It mainly invites artists from Arab, African, European and American countries to perform. The festival has been suspended for two years due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This year's festival runs from July 15 to Aug. 20. Xinhua News Agency correspondents reporting from Tunis. (XHTV)

Sudan launches 1st direct maritime shipping route to China

STORY: Sudan launches 1st direct maritime shipping route to China DATELINE: June 28, 2022 LENGTH: 00:02:55 LOCATION: Khartoum CATEGORY: ECONOMY SHOTLIST: 1. various of the launching ceremony 2. SOUNDBITE 1 (Arabic): HISHAM ALI AHMED ABUZAID, Sudanese Minister of Transport 3. various of the launching ceremony 4. SOUNDBITE 2 (English): MA XINMIN, Chinese Ambassador to Sudan 5. various of the launching ceremony 6. SOUNDBITE 3 (English): XU QUN, Executive president of Shanghai Greenroad International Logistics 7. various of troupe performing STORYLINE: Sudan held the launching ceremony of the Sudan-China Express, the first direct maritime shipping route between the two countries, in the capital Khartoum on Sunday evening. Sudanese Minister of Transport Hisham Ali Ahmed Abuzaid and Chinese Ambassador to Sudan Ma Xinmin were among the officials and business representatives of both countries attending the ceremony. SOUNDBITE 1 (Arabic): HISHAM ALI AHMED ABUZAID, Sudanese Minister of Transport "We are extreme

27th Int'l Publishing and Book Fair draws to close in Rabat

STORY: 27th Int'l Publishing and Book Fair draws to close in Rabat DATELINE: June 11, 2022 LENGTH: 00:01:32 LOCATION: Rabat CATEGORY: CULTURE SHOTLIST: 1. various of the book fair STORYLINE: The 27th edition of the International Publishing and Book Fair is currently taking place in Rabat until June 12. This edition honors African literature. In the Pavilion of Honor, 19 publishing houses from different countries of Africa, more than 450 writers, thinkers, academics, translators and African artists will lead meetings, debates and signing sessions. This year's book fair saw the participation of 712 exhibitors representing 55 countries and regions around the world. Xinhua News Agency correspondents reporting from Rabat. (XHTV)

China's ambassador to Bulgaria calls for deepening ties under BRI

STORY: China's ambassador to Bulgaria calls for deepening ties under BRI DATELINE: May 31, 2022 LENGTH: 00:01:55 LOCATION: Sofia CATEGORY: POLITICS SHOTLIST: 1. various of the 5th anniversary meeting of the Bulgaria National Association for the Belt and Road STORYLINE: China's Ambassador to Bulgaria Dong Xiaojun on Monday called for deepening bilateral ties between China and Bulgaria within the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). Since its launch, the BRI has achieved remarkable results and has entered a stage of high-quality development, Dong said at the 5th anniversary meeting of the Bulgaria National Association for the Belt and Road. Bulgaria is an important cooperation hub in the Balkans under the BRI, Dong said, adding that the traditional friendship between China and Bulgaria has been constantly deepening within the BRI and the cooperation mechanism between China and the countries of Central and Eastern Europe. He said that priority should be given to cooperation in the fields of

Israel, Turkey agree to expand economic ties

STORY: Israel, Turkey agree to expand economic ties DATELINE: May 26, 2022 LENGTH: 00:01:55 LOCATION: Jerusalem CATEGORY: POLITICS/ECONOMY SHOTLIST: 1. various of press conference (courtesy of GPO) 2. SOUNDBITE 1 (English): YAIR LAPID, Israeli Foreign Minister 3. SOUNDBITE 2 (English): MEVLUT CAVUSOGLU, Turkish Foreign Minister 4. various of a press conference 5. various of Israel's President visiting Turkey earlier this year 6. various of Israel's natural gas in the sea (courtesy of GPO) 7. various of Marmara (file) STORYLINE: Top diplomats of Israel and Turkey on Wednesday agreed to boost their economic cooperation after years of strained relations. Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu is on a visit to Israel, the first such visit by a Turkish foreign minister in 15 years. At a joint press conference in Jerusalem, Israeli Foreign Minister Yair Lapid said that the two countries are willing to open "a new chapter" in their relations after "ups and downs," and agreed to renew the work of a bilateral

China's growth, stability serve as regional public goods: World Bank economist

STORY: China's growth, stability serve as regional public goods: World Bank economist DATELINE: May 22, 2022 LENGTH: 0:01:55 LOCATION: Bangkok CATEGORY: POLITICS/ECONOMY SHOTLIST: 1. various of China's economic growth 2. SOUNDBITE (English): AADITYA MATTOO, World Bank East Asia and Pacific Chief Economist STORYLINE: A World Bank economist has said China's economic growth and stability have become public goods for the East Asia and Pacific region, providing stability and support to the region. SOUNDBITE 1 (English): AADITYA MATTOO, World Bank East Asia and Pacific Chief Economist "China has become more and more important for this region. In several countries, about one-tenth of value-added or more, in Lao PDR, in Malaysia, in Thailand, in Vietnam, is absorbed in China. So what happens in China matters for the whole region and China's stability and growth, it's like a public good for the region. It has provided stability and support." Despite downside risks, including the Russia-Ukraine conflict, COVID-19

Europe takes direct consequence of Russia-Ukraine conflict: Chinese FM spokesperson

STORY: Europe takes direct consequence of Russia-Ukraine conflict: Chinese FM spokesperson DATELINE: April 22, 2022 LENGTH: 00:02:55 LOCATION: Beijing CATEGORY: POLITICS SHOTLIST 1. various of press conference 2. SOUNDBITE (Chinese/English): ZHAO LIJIAN, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson STORYLINE Since the start of the conflict between Russia and Ukraine, Europe has to take the direct consequence of the conflict with multiple crisis in refugees, energy and economies, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian said on Friday. SOUNDBITE (Chinese/English): ZHAO LIJIAN, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson "Since the start of the conflict between Russia and Ukraine, Europe has to take the direct consequence of the conflict with multiple crisis in refugees, energy and economies. The UN refugee agency said that so far, there are more than 5 million Ukrainians rushing into the neighboring countries in Europe, creating unprecedented refugee crisis. Due to the massive sanctions on Russia, multiple eco

Stunning aerial view of China-constructed bridge in Croatia

STORY: Stunning aerial view of China-constructed bridge in Croatia DATELINE: April 1, 2022 LENGTH: 0:00:49 LOCATION: KOMARNA, Croatia CATEGORY: SOCIETY SHOTLIST: 1. various of the China-constructed Peljesac Bridge in Croatia STORYLINE: The China-constructed Peljesac Bridge in Croatia has been successfully completed and will soon be open to traffic. The Peljesac Bridge, 2.4-km long and 55-meter high, is designed to link the mainland of Croatia with its southernmost Dubrovnik-Neretva County, crossing the Mali Ston Bay over the Adriatic Sea and bypassing foreign territory. In January 2018, a Chinese consortium led by China Road and Bridge Corporation (CRBC) won the bid for the first phase of the Peljesac Bridge and its access roads. It is the biggest transportation infrastructural project between the two countries since they forged diplomatic ties 30 years ago. Once completed, the bridge can potentially cut a three-hour journey to just two to three minutes. Xinhua News Agency correspondents reporting

Cuba introduces Chinese language course into secondary education

STORY: Cuba introduces Chinese language course into secondary education DATELINE: March 9, 2022 LENGTH: 00:00:55 LOCATION: Havana CATEGORY: SOCIETY SHOTLIST: 1. various of students at Cuba's Fructuoso Rodriguez secondary school 2. SOUNDBITE (Mandarin): MA HUI, Chinese Ambassador to Cuba 3. various of students 4. SOUNDBITE (Spanish): HOU JIAQI, Chinese language teacher STORYLINE: The Cuban Ministry of Education has introduced a Chinese language course into secondary education. At Fructuoso Rodriguez secondary school, nearly 130 seventh graders can choose Chinese as an optional subject this semester starting on Monday. Chinese Ambassador to Cuba Ma Hui said the two countries have taken a significant step to develop their relations through culture and education. SOUNDBITE (Mandarin): MA HUI, Chinese Ambassador to Cuba "I'm fully convinced that knowing about Chinese culture and language will bring many opportunities for students in the future." Over the years, the interest in studying Chinese has grown in

Hiroshima marks 63rd anniversary of atomic bombing

Hiroshima marks 63rd anniversary of atomic bombing

HIROSHIMA, Japan - People participating in a ceremony Aug. 6 marking the 63rd anniversary of the 1945 U.S. atomic bombing offer a moment of silence at 8:15 a.m., the time the atomic bomb detonated over Hiroshima. Prime Minister Yasuo Fukuda and some 45,000 others, including diplomats from 55 countries, attended the ceremony in the western Japanese city. (Kyodo)