RECAP: Over 50 Injured After Strong M7.5 Quake Strikes Northern Japan

A magnitude 7.5 earthquake struck off Aomori late Monday, December 8, triggering tsunami warnings across Hokkaido and Tohoku before being lifted early Tuesday. Over 50 injuries and power outages were reported. Authorities warn of a heightened risk of another major quake in the coming week.

Royal Couple Visits Lopikerwaard and Vijfheerenlanden - Netherlands

Royal Couple Visits Lopikerwaard and Vijfheerenlanden - Netherlands

Benschop, The Netherlands, 2025-05-13 11:57:16 BENSCHOP, 13-05-2025, King Willem Alexander and Queen Máxima during a regional visit to the Lopikerwaard and Vijfheerenlanden in the province of Utrecht. PHOTO: NLBeeld/Patrick van EmstIn the photo: The Royal Couple attends a pole vault demonstration by three clubs from Lopik and Montfoort and speaks with athletes and volunteers about the sport and the social impact of club life. Afterwards, they visit Cheese Farm Verwei in Polsbroek Photo by Bruno Press/ABACAPRESS.COM

Royal Couple Visits Lopikerwaard and Vijfheerenlanden - Netherlands

Royal Couple Visits Lopikerwaard and Vijfheerenlanden - Netherlands

Benschop, The Netherlands, 2025-05-13 11:57:12 BENSCHOP, 13-05-2025, King Willem Alexander and Queen Máxima during a regional visit to the Lopikerwaard and Vijfheerenlanden in the province of Utrecht. PHOTO: NLBeeld/Patrick van EmstIn the photo: The Royal Couple attends a pole vault demonstration by three clubs from Lopik and Montfoort and speaks with athletes and volunteers about the sport and the social impact of club life. Afterwards, they visit Cheese Farm Verwei in Polsbroek Photo by Bruno Press/ABACAPRESS.COM

Royal Couple Visits Lopikerwaard and Vijfheerenlanden - Netherlands

Royal Couple Visits Lopikerwaard and Vijfheerenlanden - Netherlands

Benschop, The Netherlands, 2025-05-13 11:57:11 BENSCHOP, 13-05-2025, King Willem Alexander and Queen Máxima during a regional visit to the Lopikerwaard and Vijfheerenlanden in the province of Utrecht. PHOTO: NLBeeld/Patrick van EmstIn the photo: The Royal Couple attends a pole vault demonstration by three clubs from Lopik and Montfoort and speaks with athletes and volunteers about the sport and the social impact of club life. Afterwards, they visit Cheese Farm Verwei in Polsbroek Photo by Bruno Press/ABACAPRESS.COM

Royal Couple Visits Lopikerwaard and Vijfheerenlanden - Netherlands

Royal Couple Visits Lopikerwaard and Vijfheerenlanden - Netherlands

Benschop, The Netherlands, 2025-05-13 11:57:39 BENSCHOP, 13-05-2025, King Willem Alexander and Queen Máxima during a regional visit to the Lopikerwaard and Vijfheerenlanden in the province of Utrecht. PHOTO: NLBeeld/Patrick van EmstIn the photo: The Royal Couple attends a pole vault demonstration by three clubs from Lopik and Montfoort and speaks with athletes and volunteers about the sport and the social impact of club life. Afterwards, they visit Cheese Farm Verwei in Polsbroek Photo by Bruno Press/ABACAPRESS.COM

Royal Couple Visits Lopikerwaard and Vijfheerenlanden - Netherlands

Royal Couple Visits Lopikerwaard and Vijfheerenlanden - Netherlands

Benschop, The Netherlands, 2025-05-13 11:57:02 BENSCHOP, 13-05-2025, King Willem Alexander and Queen Máxima during a regional visit to the Lopikerwaard and Vijfheerenlanden in the province of Utrecht. PHOTO: NLBeeld/Patrick van EmstIn the photo: The Royal Couple attends a pole vault demonstration by three clubs from Lopik and Montfoort and speaks with athletes and volunteers about the sport and the social impact of club life. Afterwards, they visit Cheese Farm Verwei in Polsbroek Photo by Bruno Press/ABACAPRESS.COM

US: Kayaking Down Highway as Heavy Rain Triggers Flooding, Road Closures in Arkansas

A storm system battered a large part of the Midwest and South on Sunday, April 6. Heavy rain caused flooding and highway closures in Arkansas. This video shows people kayaking down flooded I-57 in Pulaski County.

Recap: Storm Eowyn Sweeps UK, Ireland With Strong Winds

Storm Eowyn's ferocious winds battered the UK and Ireland on Friday, January 24 leaving one person dead, thousands of homes without power, and causing disruptions to some transport services.

Former Thai PM Thaksin granted bail after indictment in royal insult case

STORY: Former Thai PM Thaksin granted bail after indictment in royal insult case SHOOTING TIME: June 18/Feb. 18, 2024 DATELINE: June 18, 2024 LENGTH: 00:00:57 LOCATION: Bangkok CATEGORY: POLITICS SHOTLIST: 1. various of the press briefing of the Thai attorney-general's office 2. various of a car carrying Thaksin leaving a police hospital on Feb. 18, 2024 STORYLINE: Thailand's former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra was granted bail on Tuesday, the country's criminal court said, following a formal indictment on his charge of royal insult. Thaksin has been released during trial on bail of 500,000 baht (about 13,600 U.S. dollars) under the condition that he is prohibited from leaving the kingdom unless permitted, a court statement said. According to the Thai Attorney-General, Thaksin is alleged to have defamed the monarchy during an interview with foreign media in 2015, which violated lese majeste and computer crime laws. The 74-year-old former prime minister returned to Thailand from self-exile last yea

China's Huawei awards winners of "Women in Tech" competition in Bangladesh

STORY: China's Huawei awards winners of "Women in Tech" competition in Bangladesh SHOOTING TIME: June 4, 2024 DATELINE: June 6, 2024 LENGTH: 00:01:57 LOCATION: Dhaka CATEGORY: TECHNOLOGY SHOTLIST: 1. various of guests delivering speeches at the gala ceremony of the "Women in Tech" ICT competition 2. various of female competitors receiving awards at the gala ceremony of the "Women in Tech" ICT competition STORYLINE: Chinese technology giant Huawei on Tuesday awarded the winners of its information and communications technology (ICT) competition "Women in Tech" in Dhaka, the Bangladeshi capital. Inspired by the theme "Tech for Her, Tech by Her, Tech with Her," the competition was launched for the first time in Bangladesh last year, attracting about 750 participants. It aims to develop local ICT talents and enable knowledge sharing among current female science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) students. With the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) as the s

Slovenian collector's Chinese museum dream fulfilled as artifacts debut

STORY: Slovenian collector's Chinese museum dream fulfilled as artifacts debut SHOOTING TIME: May 28, 2024 DATELINE: May 30, 2024 LENGTH: 00:00:57 LOCATION: Ljubljana CATEGORY: CULTURE SHOTLIST: 1. various of the exhibition 2. SOUNDBITE (English): NATALIJA POLENEC, Director of Slovene Ethnographic Museum 3. various of the exhibition STORYLINE: Over a century after its arrival in Slovenia, a stunning Chinese wooden model depicting a three-bay ancient gate with a saddle roof made its public debut in Ljubljana on Tuesday. It is one of the 130 exhibits showcased at the Slovene Ethnographic Museum, all belonging to the collection of late Slovenian collector Ivan Skusek who brought them from China a century ago. SOUNDBITE (English): NATALIJA POLENEC, Director of Slovene Ethnographic Museum "It will be about 130 pieces. So (we need) not only to look into the Slovene heritage, but look to the worldwide heritage. And of course, China's culture is one of those which I think are very well researched to be very g

Xi visits coastal greenway in Rizhao

STORY: Xi visits coastal greenway in Rizhao SHOOTING TIME: May 22, 2024 DATELINE: May 24, 2024 LENGTH: 00:00:57 LOCATION: JINAN, China CATEGORY: POLITICS SHOTLIST: 1. various of the greenway 2. SOUNDBITE 1 (Chinese): LIU LANXIANG, Tourist 3. SOUNDBITE 2 (Chinese): LIU XUEQING, ZHANG ZHENHUA, Rizhao residents 4. SOUNDBITE 3 (Chinese): LIU WENJUN, Head of Wanpingkou scenic spot in Rizhao 5. SOUNDBITE 4 (Chinese): FAN FENGZHAN, Rizhao resident STORYLINE: Chinese President Xi Jinping visited a coastal greenway in Rizhao, east China's Shandong Province on Wednesday. He learned about the local progress in strengthening the ecological protection and restoration of the coastline, and improving the quality of people's lives. SOUNDBITE 1 (Chinese): LIU LANXIANG, Tourist "Rizhao has amazing natural environment and beautiful scenery. We never thought that we'd meet President Xi here today! He was really nice to us." SOUNDBITE 2 (Chinese): LIU XUEQING, ZHANG ZHENHUA, Rizhao residents "President Xi asked about our ag

Palestinian death toll in Gaza rises to 35,091: health authorities

STORY: Palestinian death toll in Gaza rises to 35,091: health authorities SHOOTING TIME: May 13, 2024 DATELINE: May 14, 2024 LENGTH: 00:00:32 LOCATION: GAZA, Palestine CATEGORY: MILITARY SHOTLIST: 1. various of Jabalia refugee camp in northern Gaza Strip STORYLINE: The Palestinian death toll from the ongoing Israeli attacks on the Gaza Strip has risen to 35,091, health authorities in the Palestinian enclave said in a press statement on Monday. During the past 24 hours, the Israeli army killed 57 Palestinians and wounded 82 others, bringing the total death toll to 35,091 and injuries to 78,827, since the Palestinian-Israeli conflict broke out last October, it said. The statement noted that some victims remained under the rubble amid heavy bombardment and a lack of civil defense and ambulance crews. Israel launched a large-scale offensive against Hamas in the Gaza Strip to retaliate against a Hamas rampage through the southern Israeli border on Oct. 7, 2023, during which about 1,200 people were k

NW China's Xinjiang sees foreign trade value up 42.7 pct in Q1

STORY: NW China's Xinjiang sees foreign trade value up 42.7 pct in Q1 SHOOTING TIME: April 10, 2024 DATELINE: April 20, 2024 LENGTH: 0:00:57 LOCATION: URUMQI, China CATEGORY: ECONOMY SHOTLIST: 1. various of Horgos Port in Horgos, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region 2. various of a China-Europe freight train 3. various of Horgos Port in Horgos, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region STORYLINE: Total import and export value of goods in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region grew by 42.7 percent year on year to 93.63 billion yuan (about 13.2 billion U.S. dollars) in the first quarter of 2024, the second highest growth rate among all provinces, autonomous regions and municipalities in China, official data showed on Thursday. In March 2024 alone, Xinjiang's foreign trade value grew by 27.3 percent, registering growth for 29 consecutive months. From January to March, the region had conducted trade with 193 countries and regions across the globe. Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan

Dutch Keukenhof park celebrates 75th anniversary

STORY: Dutch Keukenhof park celebrates 75th anniversary SHOOTING TIME: March 21, 2024 DATELINE: March 22, 2024 LENGTH: 00:01:57 LOCATION: LISSE, the Netherlands CATEGORY: CULTURE SHOTLIST: 1. various of people visiting the Keukenhof park in Lisse, the Netherlands 2. SOUNDBITE (English): MARY ROSE BUGTO, Visitor STORYLINE: The Keukenhof park opened its doors to the public on Thursday in Lisse, the Netherlands, also celebrating its 75th anniversary with millions of beautiful flowers and colorful performances. The park first opened its doors in 1950 and has since developed into a popular destination for tourists from home and abroad. Covering an area of 32 hectares, the Keukenhof park holds its famous flower exhibition from March to May every year. This year it will be open for about eight weeks, with more than 7 million bulb flowers showcasing over 1,600 varieties, including more than 800 varieties of tulips. The organizers are expecting 1.4 million visitors from around the world. SOUNDBITE (English): M

Palestinians live in anxiety as Israel threatens to expand offensive to Rafah

STORY: Palestinians live in anxiety as Israel threatens to expand offensive to Rafah SHOOTING TIME: Feb. 5, 2024 DATELINE: Feb. 7, 2024 LENGTH: 00:02:03 LOCATION: Gaza CATEGORY: SOCIETY SHOTLIST: 1. various of the views in Rafah City 2. SOUNDBITE 1 (Arabic): NAEMA SAFI, Relocated Palestinian 3. SOUNDBITE 2 (Arabic): WALID REDWAN, Relocated Palestinian STORYLINE: The Israeli army has intensified its military operation and ground invasion in Khan Younis city, sparking fears that the army will reach the adjacent Rafah City soon. For many displaced Palestinians, since the outbreak of the conflict between Israel and Hamas in October last year, Gaza's southern Rafah City has been their last refuge in the Gaza Strip. Naema Safi, 57-year-old, is one of the about 1.5 million people in Gaza who were forced to relocate to the border town of Rafah to escape from the Israeli attacks. SOUNDBITE 1 (Arabic): NAEMA SAFI, Relocated Palestinian "There is no safe place. I came from Madinat Al-Zahra and went to Nuseirat

67 Migrants Arrive At The Port - El Hierro

67 Migrants Arrive At The Port - El Hierro

Dozens of migrants are attended by the Canary Islands Emergency teams, in the Port of La Estaca, January 23, 2023, in El Hierro, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Tenerife, Canary Islands (Spain). A skiff with 67 migrants has arrived at the Port of La Estaca on the Island of El Hierro where they have been attended by the emergency teams. The boat was sighted by the port services about half a mile from the port and inside it were 57 adults and ten minors, specifically nine boys and a girl. Photo by Europa Press/ABACAPRESS.COM

67 Migrants Arrive At The Port - El Hierro

67 Migrants Arrive At The Port - El Hierro

Dozens of migrants are attended by the Canary Islands Emergency teams, in the Port of La Estaca, January 23, 2023, in El Hierro, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Tenerife, Canary Islands (Spain). A skiff with 67 migrants has arrived at the Port of La Estaca on the Island of El Hierro where they have been attended by the emergency teams. The boat was sighted by the port services about half a mile from the port and inside it were 57 adults and ten minors, specifically nine boys and a girl. Photo by Europa Press/ABACAPRESS.COM

67 Migrants Arrive At The Port - El Hierro

67 Migrants Arrive At The Port - El Hierro

Dozens of migrants are attended by the Canary Islands Emergency teams, in the Port of La Estaca, January 23, 2023, in El Hierro, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Tenerife, Canary Islands (Spain). A skiff with 67 migrants has arrived at the Port of La Estaca on the Island of El Hierro where they have been attended by the emergency teams. The boat was sighted by the port services about half a mile from the port and inside it were 57 adults and ten minors, specifically nine boys and a girl. Photo by Europa Press/ABACAPRESS.COM

67 Migrants Arrive At The Port - El Hierro

67 Migrants Arrive At The Port - El Hierro

Dozens of migrants are attended by the Canary Islands Emergency teams, in the Port of La Estaca, January 23, 2023, in El Hierro, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Tenerife, Canary Islands (Spain). A skiff with 67 migrants has arrived at the Port of La Estaca on the Island of El Hierro where they have been attended by the emergency teams. The boat was sighted by the port services about half a mile from the port and inside it were 57 adults and ten minors, specifically nine boys and a girl. Photo by Europa Press/ABACAPRESS.COM

67 Migrants Arrive At The Port - El Hierro

67 Migrants Arrive At The Port - El Hierro

Dozens of migrants are attended by the Canary Islands Emergency teams, in the Port of La Estaca, January 23, 2023, in El Hierro, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Tenerife, Canary Islands (Spain). A skiff with 67 migrants has arrived at the Port of La Estaca on the Island of El Hierro where they have been attended by the emergency teams. The boat was sighted by the port services about half a mile from the port and inside it were 57 adults and ten minors, specifically nine boys and a girl. Photo by Europa Press/ABACAPRESS.COM

67 Migrants Arrive At The Port - El Hierro

67 Migrants Arrive At The Port - El Hierro

Dozens of migrants are attended by the Canary Islands Emergency teams, in the Port of La Estaca, January 23, 2023, in El Hierro, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Tenerife, Canary Islands (Spain). A skiff with 67 migrants has arrived at the Port of La Estaca on the Island of El Hierro where they have been attended by the emergency teams. The boat was sighted by the port services about half a mile from the port and inside it were 57 adults and ten minors, specifically nine boys and a girl. Photo by Europa Press/ABACAPRESS.COM

67 Migrants Arrive At The Port - El Hierro

67 Migrants Arrive At The Port - El Hierro

Dozens of migrants are attended by the Canary Islands Emergency teams, in the Port of La Estaca, January 23, 2023, in El Hierro, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Tenerife, Canary Islands (Spain). A skiff with 67 migrants has arrived at the Port of La Estaca on the Island of El Hierro where they have been attended by the emergency teams. The boat was sighted by the port services about half a mile from the port and inside it were 57 adults and ten minors, specifically nine boys and a girl. Photo by Europa Press/ABACAPRESS.COM

67 Migrants Arrive At The Port - El Hierro

67 Migrants Arrive At The Port - El Hierro

Dozens of migrants are attended by the Canary Islands Emergency teams, in the Port of La Estaca, January 23, 2023, in El Hierro, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Tenerife, Canary Islands (Spain). A skiff with 67 migrants has arrived at the Port of La Estaca on the Island of El Hierro where they have been attended by the emergency teams. The boat was sighted by the port services about half a mile from the port and inside it were 57 adults and ten minors, specifically nine boys and a girl. Photo by Europa Press/ABACAPRESS.COM

Pakistan's central bank forex reserves rise to 8.2 bln USD

STORY: Pakistan's central bank forex reserves rise to 8.2 bln USD SHOOTING TIME: Jan. 5, 2024 DATELINE: Jan. 5, 2024 LENGTH: 00:00:57 LOCATION: Islamabad CATEGORY: ECONOMY SHOTLIST: 1. various of Islamabad's streets STORYLINE: The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) said on Thursday that its foreign exchange reserves had increased by 464 million U.S. dollars to reach around 8.2 billion dollars by Dec. 29, 2023. The increase occurred "mainly due to receipt of official government's inflows," the SBP said in a statement. Net foreign reserves held by commercial banks came at around 5 billion dollars, the central bank said. Total liquid foreign reserves held by the South Asian country stood at about 13.2 billion dollars, according to the SBP. Xinhua News Agency correspondents reporting from Islamabad. (XHTV)

Pakistani central bank's forex reserves increase 21 mln USD

STORY: Pakistani central bank's forex reserves increase 21 mln USD SHOOTING TIME: File DATELINE: Dec. 16, 2023 LENGTH: 00:00:57 LOCATION: Islamabad CATEGORY: ECONOMY SHOTLIST: 1. file footage of streets in Islamabad STORYLINE: The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) said on Thursday that its foreign exchange reserves had increased by 21 million U.S. dollars. During the week ending on Dec. 8, total foreign exchange reserves of the bank reached around 7 billion dollars, the SBP said in a statement. Net foreign reserves held by commercial banks were 5.2 billion dollars, the central bank said. Total liquid foreign reserves held by the South Asian country stood at about 12.2 billion dollars, according to the SBP. Xinhua News Agency correspondents reporting from Islamabad. (XHTV)

German woodworking machinery manufacturer optimistic about Chinese market

STORY: German woodworking machinery manufacturer optimistic about Chinese market SHOOTING TIME: Dec. 10, 2023 DATELINE: Dec. 11, 2023 LENGTH: 00:01:57 LOCATION: SHANGHAI, China CATEGORY: ECONOMY SHOTLIST: 1. various of the German manufacturing company Homag 2. STANDUP (English): SUN QING, Xinhua correspondent 3. SOUNDBITE 1 (English): PETER LEGNER, CEO of HOMAG China 4. SOUNDBITE 2 (English): PETER LEGNER, CEO of HOMAG China STORYLINE: STANDUP (English): SUN QING, Xinhua correspondent "German manufacturing company Homag has been stationed in Songjiang, Shanghai for 30 years and has experienced tremendous development. The company continues to expand investment and increase production capacity in China, and has also established its China headquarters, three factories, sales center, and R&D center here. Thanks to the large Chinese market, Homag China has maintained a revenue of over 1 billion yuan (139 million USD annually) in the past few years. With the advantages of German manufacturing and a localized tea

24 Solar Terms: Major Snow

STORY: 24 Solar Terms: Major Snow SHOOTING TIME: File DATELINE: Dec. 7, 2023 LENGTH: 00:00:57 LOCATION: GUANGZHOU, China CATEGORY: CULTURE SHOTLIST: 1. various of animation about Major Snow STORYLINE: Major Snow, or "Da Xue," the 21st of the 24 Solar Terms on the Chinese lunar calendar, falls on Dec. 7 this year. It indicates the start of the midwinter season. From this point onwards, the weather gets colder, and snow becomes abundant. Xinhua News Agency correspondents reporting from Guangzhou, China. (XHTV)

China's "Snow Town" welcomes 1st snowfall in autumn

STORY: China's "Snow Town" welcomes 1st snowfall in autumn DATELINE: Oct. 21, 2023 LENGTH: 00:01:57 LOCATION: HARBIN, China CATEGORY: ENVIRONMENT SHOTLIST: 1. various of snowfall STORYLINE: Shuangfeng Forest Farm, known as China's "Snow Town," saw its first snow in this autumn Thursday night. Located about 280 km from Harbin, the capital of northeast China's Heilongjiang Province, the "Snow Town" receives up to 180 days of snow every year, and the average annual snow thickness is 2.6 meters. Xinhua News Agency correspondents reporting from Harbin, China. (XHTV)

Farmers in Gaza embrace promising date harvest season

STORY: Farmers in Gaza embrace promising date harvest season DATELINE: Oct. 4, 2023 LENGTH: 00:02:57 LOCATION: Gaza, Palestine CATEGORY: AGRICULTURE SHOTLIST: 1. various of farmers harvesting dates 2. SOUNDBITE 1 (Arabic): MOHAMMED BARAKA, Local farmer 3. various of farmers harvesting dates 4. SOUNDBITE 2 (Arabic): MEDIEN ABU RUJAILA, Local farmer STORYLINE: The annual date harvest season kicks off in the Gaza Strip in the first week of Oct. According to the Hamas-run agriculture ministry in Gaza, this year's harvest will last until mid-Nov., and the coastal enclave is expected to produce about 15,000 tons of dates this year, a rebound from low yield last year under the impact of bad weather. SOUNDBITE 1 (Arabic): MOHAMMED BARAKA, Local farmer "We are currently in the season of harvesting dates, which comes in the month of Oct. The planting comes in four stages, starting from pollination to harvesting dates. This season is a source of livelihood that we wait for from year to year. Everyone waits for it t

Construction of China-funded railway underpass starts in Ulan Bator

STORY: Construction of China-funded railway underpass starts in Ulan Bator DATELINE: July 6, 2023 LENGTH: 00:00:57 LOCATION: Ulan Bator CATEGORY: ECONOMY SHOTLIST: 1. various of the venue of the ceremony 2. SOUNDBITE (Chinese): SONG XUEJUN, Counselor of the Chinese Embassy in Mongolia 3. various of the venue STORYLINE: A groundbreaking ceremony for a China-funded railway underpass project was held in the Songinokhairkhan District of Ulan Bator on Wednesday. Officials from China and Mongolia and project workers attended the ceremony. SOUNDBITE (Chinese): SONG XUEJUN, Counselor of the Chinese Embassy in Mongolia "Today, we gathered together again to hold the groundbreaking ceremony of the Ulan Bator Railway Underpass Project. This is another great event for China and Mongolia to jointly promote the Belt and Road Initiative and deepen the development of the economic and trade cooperation between our two countries." The cross-railway travel time is expected to be reduced by about 40 percent, making urban

China's financial market attracts global investors: Bloomberg expert

STORY: China's financial market attracts global investors: Bloomberg expert DATELINE: June 24, 2023 LENGTH: 00:01:57 LOCATION: London CATEGORY: ECONOMY SHOTLIST: 1. various of China-related footage 2. SOUNDBITE 1 (English): LI BING, Head of Bloomberg Asia Pacific 3. SOUNDBITE 2 (English): LI BING, Head of Bloomberg Asia Pacific STORYLINE: Head of Bloomberg Asia Pacific Li Bing has said that global investors have shown great interest in China's financial market, as the world's second-largest market has become unavoidable for them. SOUNDBITE 1 (English): LI BING, Head of Bloomberg Asia Pacific "I can say quite confidently, global investors are still very much interested in China's market. We surveyed the group. More than 50 percent of the audience in the room told us they are still optimistic or cautiously optimistic about China's market. Overall, I think it is a very positive message. One fact you know, I think we can all agree on is, after the past many years of China's market opening up, I mentioned abov

Volkswagen at full speed in building new NEV hub in E China's Anhui

STORY: Volkswagen at full speed in building new NEV hub in E China's Anhui DATELINE: June 9, 2023 LENGTH: 00:01:57 LOCATION: HEFEI, China CATEGORY: ECONOMY SHOTLIST: 1. SOUNDBITE (English): ERWIN GABARDI, CEO of Volkswagen Anhui 2. various of Volkswagen's new factory in Hefei 3. various of Hefei city STORYLINE: Volkswagen is pushing ahead at full speed with its localization strategy for the Chinese market. Volkswagen Anhui is Volkswagen Group's first majority-owned joint venture for all-electric vehicles in China. According to Erwin Gabardi, CEO of the company, it is a key pillar for the group's e-mobility push and decarbonization strategy in China and globally. SOUNDBITE (English): ERWIN GABARDI, CEO of Volkswagen Anhui "As the famous Chinese saying goes, 'tian shi, di li, ren he.' The meaning is, to be at the right time, at the right place, having the right people is crucial for every successful business. With planned investment of 23.1 billion RMB (about 3.24 billion U.S. dollars), we are in full spe

Vlog: One night in Mt. Qomolangma base camp

STORY: Vlog: One night in Qomolangma base camp DATELINE: May 23, 2023 LENGTH: 00:03:57 LOCATION: Mt. Qomolangma base camp CATEGORY: SCIENCE SHOTLIST: 1. STANDUP (English): ZHU CONG, Xinhua correspondent 2. various of starry night above Mt. Qomolangma STORYLINE: STANDUP (English): ZHU CONG, Xinhua correspondent "Hello, this is Zhu Cong with Xinhua News Agency. I'm now at the Mt. Qomolangma base camp for mountaineering and scientific expeditions. And now, it's about 9:00 p.m. It is snowing so heavily that I can hardly open my eyes. And in today's vlog, I will show you how I spend one night in the base camp. And now it's about 10 p.m. The snow turns small. It is really cold outside. Right now I'm sitting in the Xinhua work tent. And it's about 11 p.m. And from the small window of our work tent, we can see that the snow has stopped. It's about -8 degrees Celsius outside. It is quite cold. Four hours later, at about 3:00 a.m., the expeditionists will depart the assault camp at 8,300 meters, heading for the summ

My life is quite beautiful: Party invitation from wooden figurines in China's Hunan Museum

STORY: My life is quite beautiful: Party invitation from wooden figurines in China's Hunan Museum DATELINE: May 19, 2023 LENGTH: 00:00:57 LOCATION: CHANGSHA, China CATEGORY: CULTURE SHOTLIST: 1. various of the animation 2. SOUNDBITE 1 (English): 3. SOUNDBITE 2 (English): Together STORYLINE: During China's Han Dynasty (202 BC-220 AD), with a prosperous economy and thriving culture, music and dance performances were frequently staged at festive events or in various rituals. What was a birthday party back then like? Wooden figurines from Hunan Museum have become "alive" to put on a performance. SOUNDBITE 1 (English): "Today is Lady Xin Zhui's (wife of a high-ranking official of the Changsha Kingdom) birthday. With wine and dance in abundance, the se (musical instrument) and bamboo pipes are played, wishing all the guests a happy time." SOUNDBITE 2 (English): Together "My life is quite beautiful. How about yours?" Xinhua News Agency correspondents reporting from Changsha, China. (XHTV)

U.S. military shooting range under construction raises concerns in S. Korea

STORY: U.S. military shooting range under construction raises concerns in S. Korea DATELINE: May 12, 2023 LENGTH: 00:00:57 LOCATION: Seoul CATEGORY: POLITICS SHOTLIST: 1. various of shooting range construction site STORYLINE: The construction of a shooting range used by the U.S. Forces Korea (USFK) in South Korea without prior notification to local authorities has raised concerns about noise and safety risks among local residents. Local broadcaster KBS reported that logging work began in March on a hill in downtown Changwon, about 300 km southeast of the capital Seoul, and the shooting range will be completed in two years. However, as apartment complexes, shopping centers and industrial parks are concentrated within a radius of 1.5 km from the shooting range, nearby residents are greatly concerned about the noise at the site and the risk of emergency accidents. The report said that local authorities were unaware of the project until residents raised complaints. Local residents have raised petitions on

China's breadbasket province launches special train for rice farmers

STORY: China's breadbasket province launches special train for rice farmers DATELINE: May 7, 2023 LENGTH: 00:01:08 LOCATION: HARBIN, China CATEGORY: SOCIETY SHOTLIST: 1. various of the special train 2. various of farmers 3. SOUNDBITE (Chinese): GUO XIAOWEI, Local farmer 4. various of the railway station STORYLINE: Northeast China's Heilongjiang Province launched a special train on Saturday carrying more than 400 farmers from Suihua City to the Sanjiang Plain, a major grain-producing base in the country, to boost the spring farming. According to the local railway department, there will be a total of 57 special trains which are expected to carry about 50,000 farming workers this year. It's the 24th consecutive year for the local railway department to launch the trains for rice growers. SOUNDBITE (Chinese): GUO XIAOWEI, Local farmer "I've been taking this train to plant rice seedlings in the Sanjiang Plain for more than ten years. We will work for more than 20 days, and this special train brings us more co

160 exhibitors attend Lebanon's trade fair for hospitality industry

STORY: 160 exhibitors attend Lebanon's trade fair for hospitality industry DATELINE: April 28, 2023 LENGTH: 00:00:57 LOCATION: Beirut CATEGORY: ECONOMY SHOTLIST: 1. various of people visiting the fair STORYLINE: About 160 Lebanese and international exhibitors has attended the HORECA Lebanon, an annual trade fair for the hospitality industry, which runs from April 25-28 in the capital of Beirut. The 27th edition of HORECA Lebanon, held under the theme of "Connect. Inspire. Explore," is expected to attract over 12,000 visitors and provide a vital gateway for industry leaders, said its organizer. More than 30 international buyers were invited to the fair, with an aim to boost the exports of Lebanese products. Besides the exhibition area dedicated to food, beverage and other hospitality-related products and services, the trade fair will feature several events, panel discussions, professional competitions, masterclasses and sessions with renowned local and international experts. "We want those who attend H

Western black crested gibbons spotted in SW China

STORY: Western black crested gibbons spotted in SW China DATELINE: April 20, 2023 LENGTH: 00:00:57 LOCATION: KUNMING, China CATEGORY: ENVIRONMENT SHOTLIST: 1. various of western black crested gibbon STORYLINE: Footages of western black crested gibbons seeking food have been captured in Wuliangshan National Nature Reserve in southwest China's Yunnan Province. The western black crested gibbon is a critically endangered species and is under first-class national protection in China. For many years, China has been committed to the protection of the rare species and its habitat. According to the latest survey, the global population of western black crested gibbons is about 1,100 to 1,400, most of them distributed in Yunnan. Xinhua News Agency correspondents reporting from Kunming, China. (XHTV)

Tibetan village benefits from booming tourism

STORY: Tibetan village benefits from booming tourism DATELINE: April 17, 2023 LENGTH: 00:01:57 LOCATION: NYINGCHI, China CATEGORY: ECONOMY SHOTLIST: 1. various of peach blossom 2. SOUNDBITE 1 (Chinese): PUBA, Local villager 3. SOUNDBITE 2 (Chinese): YANG, Visitor from Guangdong 4. various of peach blossom STORYLINE: With distinctive plateau landscapes and constantly improving infrastructure, the tourism industry in southwest China's Tibet Autonomous Region is thriving and has brought tangible benefits to local farmers and herders. In Suosong Village, Nyingchi City, the tourism economy has been booming over the past few years, thanks in part to the peach blossom festival, which has celebrated its 20th edition this year. The village now has 120 households and 416 residents. Villagers now run 41 homestays, offering a total of 1,600 beds for tourists. In 2022, the per capita disposable income of the village exceeded 31,000 yuan (about 4,500 U.S. dollars). SOUNDBITE 1 (Chinese): PUBA, Local villager "In the

Cherry blossoms reach full bloom in Tokyo

STORY: Cherry blossoms reach full bloom in Tokyo DATELINE: March 23, 2023 LENGTH: 0:01:57 LOCATION: Tokyo CATEGORY: ENVIRONMENT SHOTLIST: 1 various of cherry blossoms in Tokyo STORYLINE: The Japan Meteorological Agency announced on Wednesday that cherry blossoms in Tokyo are in full bloom, which came nine days earlier than average and five days earlier than in 2022. A cherry tree monitored in Tokyo has reached full bloom when about 80 percent or more of its buds are open, becoming this year's first sample cherry tree to do so in Japan. The Somei-Yoshino cherry tree, used by the agency as a yardstick to measure the annual event, started blooming on March 14, also the earliest in the country this year. According to the agency, the full bloom matched 2013, 2020, and 2021 to become the second-earliest day in the year for the seasonal phenomena to occur since records began. Xinhua News Agency correspondents reporting from Tokyo. (XHTV)

Exhibition of ancient Chinese ceramics held in Cuba

STORY: Exhibition of ancient Chinese ceramics held in Cuba DATELINE: March 18, 2023 LENGTH: 0:00:57 LOCATION: Havana CATEGORY: CULTURE SHOTLIST: 1. various of the exhibition 2. SOUNDBITE 1 (Chinese): MA HUI, Chinese Ambassador to Cuba 3. SOUNDBITE 2 (Spanish): YOSVANIS FORNARIS, Director of Havana's Museum of Decorative Arts STORYLINE: An exhibition featuring ancient Chinese ceramics kicked off in Cuba on Thursday in commemoration of the 10th anniversary of the Belt and Road Initiative. SOUNDBITE 1 (Chinese): MA HUI, Chinese Ambassador to Cuba "This year marks the 10th anniversary of the Belt and Road Initiative, which has become a popular global public good and an important platform for international cooperation." About 50 pieces of ancient Chinese porcelain went on display at the Museum of Decorative Arts in Havana in the exhibition titled "Of One Color." The exhibition was curated by Yosvanis Fornaris, a young Cuban archaeologist who received a scholarship to study at a ceramics university in China's

CHINA-ANHUI-WUHE-VETERAN FORESTRY WORKER (CN)

CHINA-ANHUI-WUHE-VETERAN FORESTRY WORKER (CN)

(230312) -- BENGBU, March 12, 2023 (Xinhua) -- This aerial photo taken on March 10, 2023 shows a view of forests on Luchong Mountain in Zhuding Town, Wuhe County, east China's Anhui Province. Zhang Wei, 57, is a senior technician and head of Zhuding forestry station under the natural resources and planning bureau of Wuhe. Having been engaged in grassroots forestry work in Zhuding Town since 1983, Zhang devoted himself to afforestation, protection of forest wetland, and promotion of forestry technology. Zhuding is noted for its complex terrain environment that range from mountains, hills, to plains, which imposes great challenges to afforestation tasks. In 2022 when Zhang was about to conclude his 4th decade as a forestry professional, he was named a "national model worker for greening". (Xinhua/Huang Bohan)

CHINA-ANHUI-WUHE-VETERAN FORESTRY WORKER (CN)

CHINA-ANHUI-WUHE-VETERAN FORESTRY WORKER (CN)

(230312) -- BENGBU, March 12, 2023 (Xinhua) -- Zhang Wei checks a tree for pest damages on Luchong Mountain in Zhuding Town, Wuhe County, east China's Anhui Province, March 10, 2023. Zhang Wei, 57, is a senior technician and head of Zhuding forestry station under the natural resources and planning bureau of Wuhe. Having been engaged in grassroots forestry work in Zhuding Town since 1983, Zhang devoted himself to afforestation, protection of forest wetland, and promotion of forestry technology. Zhuding is noted for its complex terrain environment that range from mountains, hills, to plains, which imposes great challenges to afforestation tasks. In 2022 when Zhang was about to conclude his 4th decade as a forestry professional, he was named a "national model worker for greening". (Xinhua/Huang Bohan)

CHINA-ANHUI-WUHE-VETERAN FORESTRY WORKER (CN)

CHINA-ANHUI-WUHE-VETERAN FORESTRY WORKER (CN)

(230312) -- BENGBU, March 12, 2023 (Xinhua) -- Zhang Wei patrols the forests on Luchong Mountain in Zhuding Town, Wuhe County, east China's Anhui Province, March 10, 2023. Zhang Wei, 57, is a senior technician and head of Zhuding forestry station under the natural resources and planning bureau of Wuhe. Having been engaged in grassroots forestry work in Zhuding Town since 1983, Zhang devoted himself to afforestation, protection of forest wetland, and promotion of forestry technology. Zhuding is noted for its complex terrain environment that range from mountains, hills, to plains, which imposes great challenges to afforestation tasks. In 2022 when Zhang was about to conclude his 4th decade as a forestry professional, he was named a "national model worker for greening". (Xinhua/Huang Bohan)

CHINA-ANHUI-WUHE-VETERAN FORESTRY WORKER (CN)

CHINA-ANHUI-WUHE-VETERAN FORESTRY WORKER (CN)

(230312) -- BENGBU, March 12, 2023 (Xinhua) -- Zhang Wei plants a tree on Luchong Mountain in Zhuding Town, Wuhe County, east China's Anhui Province, March 10, 2023. Zhang Wei, 57, is a senior technician and head of Zhuding forestry station under the natural resources and planning bureau of Wuhe. Having been engaged in grassroots forestry work in Zhuding Town since 1983, Zhang devoted himself to afforestation, protection of forest wetland, and promotion of forestry technology. Zhuding is noted for its complex terrain environment that range from mountains, hills, to plains, which imposes great challenges to afforestation tasks. In 2022 when Zhang was about to conclude his 4th decade as a forestry professional, he was named a "national model worker for greening". (Xinhua/Huang Bohan)

CHINA-ANHUI-WUHE-VETERAN FORESTRY WORKER (CN)

CHINA-ANHUI-WUHE-VETERAN FORESTRY WORKER (CN)

(230312) -- BENGBU, March 12, 2023 (Xinhua) -- Zhang Wei checks a tree for pest damages on Luchong Mountain in Zhuding Town, Wuhe County, east China's Anhui Province, March 10, 2023. Zhang Wei, 57, is a senior technician and head of Zhuding forestry station under the natural resources and planning bureau of Wuhe. Having been engaged in grassroots forestry work in Zhuding Town since 1983, Zhang devoted himself to afforestation, protection of forest wetland, and promotion of forestry technology. Zhuding is noted for its complex terrain environment that range from mountains, hills, to plains, which imposes great challenges to afforestation tasks. In 2022 when Zhang was about to conclude his 4th decade as a forestry professional, he was named a "national model worker for greening". (Xinhua/Huang Bohan)

CHINA-ANHUI-WUHE-VETERAN FORESTRY WORKER (CN)

CHINA-ANHUI-WUHE-VETERAN FORESTRY WORKER (CN)

(230312) -- BENGBU, March 12, 2023 (Xinhua) -- This aerial photo taken on March 10, 2023 shows Zhang Wei patrolling the forests on Luchong Mountain in Zhuding Town, Wuhe County, east China's Anhui Province. Zhang Wei, 57, is a senior technician and head of Zhuding forestry station under the natural resources and planning bureau of Wuhe. Having been engaged in grassroots forestry work in Zhuding Town since 1983, Zhang devoted himself to afforestation, protection of forest wetland, and promotion of forestry technology. Zhuding is noted for its complex terrain environment that range from mountains, hills, to plains, which imposes great challenges to afforestation tasks. In 2022 when Zhang was about to conclude his 4th decade as a forestry professional, he was named a "national model worker for greening". (Xinhua/Huang Bohan)

CHINA-ANHUI-WUHE-VETERAN FORESTRY WORKER (CN)

CHINA-ANHUI-WUHE-VETERAN FORESTRY WORKER (CN)

(230312) -- BENGBU, March 12, 2023 (Xinhua) -- Zhang Wei checks the growth of trees on Luchong Mountain in Zhuding Town, Wuhe County, east China's Anhui Province, March 10, 2023. Zhang Wei, 57, is a senior technician and head of Zhuding forestry station under the natural resources and planning bureau of Wuhe. Having been engaged in grassroots forestry work in Zhuding Town since 1983, Zhang devoted himself to afforestation, protection of forest wetland, and promotion of forestry technology. Zhuding is noted for its complex terrain environment that range from mountains, hills, to plains, which imposes great challenges to afforestation tasks. In 2022 when Zhang was about to conclude his 4th decade as a forestry professional, he was named a "national model worker for greening". (Xinhua/Huang Bohan)

CHINA-ANHUI-WUHE-VETERAN FORESTRY WORKER (CN)

CHINA-ANHUI-WUHE-VETERAN FORESTRY WORKER (CN)

(230312) -- BENGBU, March 12, 2023 (Xinhua) -- Zhang Wei (1st R) plants a tree on Luchong Mountain in Zhuding Town, Wuhe County, east China's Anhui Province, March 10, 2023. Zhang Wei, 57, is a senior technician and head of Zhuding forestry station under the natural resources and planning bureau of Wuhe. Having been engaged in grassroots forestry work in Zhuding Town since 1983, Zhang devoted himself to afforestation, protection of forest wetland, and promotion of forestry technology. Zhuding is noted for its complex terrain environment that range from mountains, hills, to plains, which imposes great challenges to afforestation tasks. In 2022 when Zhang was about to conclude his 4th decade as a forestry professional, he was named a "national model worker for greening". (Xinhua/Huang Bohan)