Winter Strom Street Scenes - Chicago

Winter Strom Street Scenes - Chicago

A man carries a little girl across a slush-covered State Street in Chicago, the United States, on February 12, 2025. Chicago is bracing for its first major winter storm of the season as moderate to heavy snow blanketed the U.S. third largest metropolitan city Wednesday. More than 100 schools in Chicago closed. A ground delay went into effect at the Chicago O'Hare International Airport beginning 12 p.m. An alert from the Federal Aviation Administration said departures to airport are delayed an average of 90 minutes due to snow and ice. Photo by Vincent D. Johnson/Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM

Winter Strom Street Scenes - Chicago

Winter Strom Street Scenes - Chicago

Pedestrians cross State Street in Chicago, the United States, on February 12, 2025. Chicago is bracing for its first major winter storm of the season as moderate to heavy snow blanketed the U.S. third largest metropolitan city Wednesday. More than 100 schools in Chicago closed. A ground delay went into effect at the Chicago O'Hare International Airport beginning 12 p.m. An alert from the Federal Aviation Administration said departures to airport are delayed an average of 90 minutes due to snow and ice. Photo by Vincent D. Johnson/Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM

Winter Strom Street Scenes - Chicago

Winter Strom Street Scenes - Chicago

A man pedals a bike on Dearborn Street in Chicago, the United States, on February 12, 2025. Chicago is bracing for its first major winter storm of the season as moderate to heavy snow blanketed the U.S. third largest metropolitan city Wednesday. More than 100 schools in Chicago closed. A ground delay went into effect at the Chicago O'Hare International Airport beginning 12 p.m. An alert from the Federal Aviation Administration said departures to airport are delayed an average of 90 minutes due to snow and ice. Photo by Vincent D. Johnson/Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM

Winter Strom Street Scenes - Chicago

Winter Strom Street Scenes - Chicago

Two women step into the subway entrance along State Street in Chicago, the United States, on February 12, 2025. Chicago is bracing for its first major winter storm of the season as moderate to heavy snow blanketed the U.S. third largest metropolitan city Wednesday. More than 100 schools in Chicago closed. A ground delay went into effect at the Chicago O'Hare International Airport beginning 12 p.m. An alert from the Federal Aviation Administration said departures to airport are delayed an average of 90 minutes due to snow and ice. Photo by Vincent D. Johnson/Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM

Winter Strom Street Scenes - Chicago

Winter Strom Street Scenes - Chicago

This photo taken on February 12, 2025 shows a scene on a slush-covered State Street in Chicago, the United States. Chicago is bracing for its first major winter storm of the season as moderate to heavy snow blanketed the U.S. third largest metropolitan city Wednesday. More than 100 schools in Chicago closed. A ground delay went into effect at the Chicago O'Hare International Airport beginning 12 p.m. An alert from the Federal Aviation Administration said departures to airport are delayed an average of 90 minutes due to snow and ice. Photo by Vincent D. Johnson/Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM

Winter Strom Street Scenes - Chicago

Winter Strom Street Scenes - Chicago

Pedestrians walk on snow-covered sidewalks along Wabash Avenue with Trump Tower in the background in Chicago, the United States, February 12, 2025. Chicago is bracing for its first major winter storm of the season as moderate to heavy snow blanketed the U.S. third largest metropolitan city Wednesday. More than 100 schools in Chicago closed. A ground delay went into effect at the Chicago O'Hare International Airport beginning 12 p.m. An alert from the Federal Aviation Administration said departures to airport are delayed an average of 90 minutes due to snow and ice. Photo by Vincent D. Johnson/Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM

Winter Strom Street Scenes - Chicago

Winter Strom Street Scenes - Chicago

Park workers use snow blowers to clear the area around the Cloud Gate sculpture in Chicago, the United States, on February 12, 2025. Chicago is bracing for its first major winter storm of the season as moderate to heavy snow blanketed the U.S. third largest metropolitan city Wednesday. More than 100 schools in Chicago closed. A ground delay went into effect at the Chicago O'Hare International Airport beginning 12 p.m. An alert from the Federal Aviation Administration said departures to airport are delayed an average of 90 minutes due to snow and ice. Photo by Vincent D. Johnson/Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM

Scenes From New Orleans Daily Life - USA

Scenes From New Orleans Daily Life - USA

Scenes from New Orleans daily life, in Louisiana, USA, on April 20, 2024. French district also known as Vieux Carré, shots served in syringes in a Bourbon street bar. Photo by Pascal Avenet/ABACAPRESS.COM

Scenes From New Orleans Daily Life - USA

Scenes From New Orleans Daily Life - USA

Scenes from New Orleans daily life, in Louisiana, USA, on April 20, 2024. French district also known as Vieux Carré, shots served in syringes in a Bourbon street bar. Photo by Pascal Avenet/ABACAPRESS.COM

Daily Life Of Palestinians In Central Gaza Strip

Daily Life Of Palestinians In Central Gaza Strip

A bustling street in Gaza shows scenes of daily life as residents navigate through crowded markets and busy roads, on November 20, 2024. Photo by Saeed Jaras/Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

Daily Life Of Palestinians In Central Gaza Strip

Daily Life Of Palestinians In Central Gaza Strip

A bustling street in Gaza shows scenes of daily life as residents navigate through crowded markets and busy roads, on November 20, 2024. Photo by Saeed Jaras/Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

Daily Life Of Palestinians In Central Gaza Strip

Daily Life Of Palestinians In Central Gaza Strip

A bustling street in Gaza shows scenes of daily life as residents navigate through crowded markets and busy roads, on November 20, 2024. Photo by Saeed Jaras/Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

Daily Life Of Palestinians In Central Gaza Strip

Daily Life Of Palestinians In Central Gaza Strip

A bustling street in Gaza shows scenes of daily life as residents navigate through crowded markets and busy roads, on November 20, 2024. Photo by Saeed Jaras/Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

Daily Life Of Palestinians In Central Gaza Strip

Daily Life Of Palestinians In Central Gaza Strip

A bustling street in Gaza shows scenes of daily life as residents navigate through crowded markets and busy roads, on November 20, 2024. Photo by Saeed Jaras/Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

Israel Forces Leave Devastating Scenes In Tulkarm - West Bank

Israel Forces Leave Devastating Scenes In Tulkarm - West Bank

Vehicles run on the street during an Israeli army operation in the refugee camp of Tulkarm in the north of the West Bank, September 12, 2024. Photo by Nidal Eshtayeh/Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM

Pakistan witnesses at least 77 attacks resulting 70 fatalities in April: report

STORY: Pakistan witnesses at least 77 attacks resulting 70 fatalities in April: report SHOOTING TIME: Recent footage DATELINE: May 4, 2024 LENGTH: 00:01:08 LOCATION: Islamabad CATEGORY: SOCIETY SHOTLIST: 1. various of street view in Pakistan 2. various of scenes of attack STORYLINE: Following a brief lull in March, militant attacks in Pakistan surged once again in April with at least 77 verifiable incidents resulting in 70 fatalities, an Islamabad-based think-tank said in a recent report. The fatalities included 35 civilians, 31 security forces personnel and four militants while 67 individuals suffered injuries, the Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies said in its monthly assessment report. In comparison, March 2024 saw 56 militant attacks, resulting in 77 fatalities and 67 injuries, said the report. This indicates a 38 percent increase in the number of militant attacks, although there was a 9 percent decline in deaths, with no change in the number of injuries, it added. The

Dutch shoppers turn frugal amid economic downturn

STORY: Dutch shoppers turn frugal amid economic downturn SHOOTING TIME: December 21, 23, 2023 DATELINE: Dec. 24, 2023 LENGTH: 0:01:15 LOCATION: THE HAGUE, the Netherlands CATEGORY: ECONOMY SHOTLIST: 1. various of a Christmas market in the Hague, the Netherlands. 2. various of street scenes with Christmas decorations in Amsterdam STORYLINE: With Storm Pia wreaking havoc throughout the Netherlands, the harsh weather conditions have dealt yet another blow to the already sluggish pre-Christmas sales in Amsterdam, the Dutch capital. Long before the storm hit the Dutch shores, however, stubbornly high inflation had already cast a shadow over the festive season by prompting Dutch shoppers to watch their budgets more closely. According to a report by Dutch news website NU.nl, some festive products like Christmas wreaths and ragout cost 10 percent more now than a year ago. The latest figures from Statistics Netherlands (CBS) also confirm that Dutch shoppers are now buying less food and drinks than they did a yea

Chinese-built road paves way to better life for Afghans

STORY: Chinese-built road paves way to better life for Afghans SHOOTING TIME: Nov. 20, 2023 DATELINE: Nov. 24, 2023 LENGTH: 0:01:06 LOCATION: JALALABAD, Afghanistan CATEGORY: SOCIETY SHOTLIST: 1. various of the China-built road and street scenes in Nangarhar Province, east Afghanistan 2. SOUNDBITE 1 (Pashto): ZAHIDULLAH, Taxi driver 3. various of the China-built road and street scenes in Nangarhar Province, east Afghanistan 4. SOUNDBITE 2 (Pashto): QURISHI BADLON, Public relations officer of Nangarhar province 5. various of the China-built road and street scenes in Nangarhar Province, east Afghanistan 6. SOUNDBITE 3 (Dari): LAL MOHAMMAD, Shopkeeper 7. various of the China-built road and street scenes in Nangarhar Province, east Afghanistan STORYLINE: A Chinese-constructed road in Afghanistan has greatly improved local people's lives and facilitated transportation and business activities. The newly completed 45-km-long road runs from Jalalabad, the capital of east Afghanistan's Nangarhar province, to south

Netherlands holds parliamentary elections

STORY: Netherlands holds parliamentary elections SHOOTING TIME: Nov. 15/Nov. 22, 2023 DATELINE: Nov. 23, 2023 LENGTH: 00:00:44 LOCATION: Amsterdam CATEGORY: POLITICS SHOTLIST: 1. various of street scenes in Amsterdam 2. various of elections STORYLINE: The Netherlands kicked off on Wednesday a nationwide vote to elect a new parliament and a replacement for outgoing Prime Minister Mark Rutte. At 7:30 a.m. local time (0630 GMT), all 9,000 polling stations in the Netherlands opened their doors for the 2023 parliamentary elections. A total of 26 parties joined the race in a fragmented Dutch political landscape. Rutte, who led the past four governments, cast his vote on Wednesday morning in the Hague, for the last time as PM. The previous elections in March 2021 ended in a landslide victory for the People's Party for Freedom and Democracy (VVD) of Rutte with 34 of the 150 seats. According to the latest polls conducted by Peilingwijzer and cited by national broadcaster NOS, four parties are in the race to bec

China's retail sales up 5.8 pct in Q1

STORY: China's retail sales up 5.8 pct in Q1 DATELINE: April 18, 2023 LENGTH: 00:00:30 LOCATION: Beijing CATEGORY: ECONOMY SHOTLIST: 1. various of street scenes in China 2. various of the press conference 3. SOUNDBITE (Chinese/English interpretation): FU LINGHUI, Spokesperson of National Bureau of Statistics STORYLINE: China's retail sales of consumer goods went up 5.8 percent year on year in the first quarter of this year, the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) said Tuesday. SOUNDBITE (Chinese/English interpretation): FU LINGHUI, Spokesperson of National Bureau of Statistics "Market sales recovered fast and upgraded goods increased largely in the first quarter. The total retail sales of consumer goods reached 11,492.2 billion yuan (about 1.67 trillion U.S. dollars), up by 5.8 percent year on year." In March alone, retail sales jumped 10.6 percent year on year, data from the NBS showed. Xinhua News Agency correspondents reporting from Beijing. (XHTV)

China's GDP expands 4.5 pct year on year in Q1

STORY: China's GDP expands 4.5 pct year on year in Q1 DATELINE: April 18, 2023 LENGTH: 00:00:48 LOCATION: Beijing CATEGORY: ECONOMY SHOTLIST: 1. various of street scenes in China 2. various of the press conference 3. SOUNDBITE (Chinese/English interpretation): FU LINGHUI, Spokesperson of National Bureau of Statistics STORYLINE: China's gross domestic product grew 4.5 percent year on year in the first quarter of 2023, data from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) showed Tuesday. SOUNDBITE (Chinese/English interpretation): FU LINGHUI, Spokesperson of National Bureau of Statistics "We brought about a steady recovery for production demand. Employment and prices remain stable on the whole. Individual incomes continue to rise, market expectations improve significantly and the economy was off to a good start. According to preliminary estimates, the GDP in the first quarter reached 28,499.7 billion yuan (about 4.14 trillion U.S. dollars), up by 4.5 percent year on year at constant price, or up by 2.2 percent

Consumer products expo provides opportunities for exploring Chinese market: business leader

STORY: Consumer products expo provides opportunities for exploring Chinese market: business leader DATELINE: April 14, 2023 LENGTH: 00:01:43 LOCATION: ISTANBUL, Türkiye CATEGORY: ECONOMY SHOTLIST: 1. various of the venue for the third China International Consumer Products Expo 2. SOUNDBITE 1 (Turkish): COSKUN SIMSEK, Head of the China Trade Center in Istanbul 3. SOUNDBITE 2 (Turkish): COSKUN SIMSEK, Head of the China Trade Center in Istanbul 4. SOUNDBITE 3 (Turkish): COSKUN SIMSEK, Head of the China Trade Center in Istanbul 5. SOUNDBITE 4 (Turkish): COSKUN SIMSEK, Head of the China Trade Center in Istanbul 6. SOUNDBITE 5 (Turkish): COSKUN SIMSEK, Head of the China Trade Center in Istanbul 7. various of street scenes in China STORYLINE: A Turkish business leader says the third China International Consumer Products Expo (CICPE) currently underway in China's Hainan provides excellent opportunities for global companies to explore the Chinese market and products. The 6-day Hainan expo will wrap up on Saturday

Japan's population drops below 125 mln, down for 12th year

STORY: Japan's population drops below 125 mln, down for 12th yearDATELINE: April 14, 2023LENGTH: 00:00:53LOCATION: TokyoCATEGORY: SOCIETYSHOTLIST:1. various of street scenes in Japan2. various of Japanese peopleSTORYLINE:The population in Japan declined to 124.95 million in 2022, marking the 12th consecutive year of decline, government data showed Wednesday. As of Oct. 1 last year, the total population, including foreign residents, saw a decrease of 556,000, or 0.44 percent from the previous year, according to the latest population estimates released by the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications. The number of Japanese nationals, which came in at 122 million, plunged by 750,000, the decline of which has been expanding since 2011, the ministry said in an online report. The figure represented the largest comparable decline since comparable data became available in 1950, Kyodo News reported. The government will address the country's falling birthrate "with the highest priorit

Brazilian business leader expects China-Brazil trade ties to grow further

STORY: Brazilian business leader expects China-Brazil trade ties to grow further DATELINE: April 12, 2023 LENGTH: 00:01:46 LOCATION: SHANGHAI, China CATEGORY: ECONOMY SHOTLIST: 1. various of street scenes in China 2. SOUNDBITE (English): HENRY OSVALD, President, Brazilian Association for Industry, Commerce and Innovation in China (BraCham) 3. various of street scenes in Brazil STORYLINE: As Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva pays a state visit to China from Wednesday to Saturday, a Brazilian business leader says that he expects trade ties between both countries to grow further. SOUNDBITE (English): HENRY OSVALD, President, Brazilian Association for Industry, Commerce and Innovation in China (BraCham) "I've been in China since 2004. We have currently around 140 Brazilian companies in China, mainly in Shanghai, Zhejiang, Jiangsu, and also in Guangdong. I think both countries really need each other, for Brazil, even more, because China is the main trade partner. We are very confident that the rela

Rebound of China's domestic demand favorable to world economy: Argentine economist

STORY: Rebound of China's domestic demand favorable to world economy: Argentine economist DATELINE: April 11, 2023 LENGTH: 00:01:08 LOCATION: Buenos Aires CATEGORY: ECONOMY SHOTLIST: 1. various of street scenes in China 2. various of the venue for the third China International Consumer Products Expo 3. SOUNDBITE (Spanish): FERNANDO FAZZOLARI, Argentine economist and businessman STORYLINE: An Argentine economist says the rebound of China's domestic demand is a favorable scenario for the world economy. He also says China's vast market provides many business opportunities for Argentine companies and the ongoing consumer products expo held in China's Hainan is a good platform. SOUNDBITE (Spanish): FERNANDO FAZZOLARI, Argentine economist and businessman "In the case of Argentine companies, on one hand, there was an important growth in demand in China for basic products, also today there is a renewed demand for products such as processed meat, wine, oils, fruit, etc. There is an interesting path here." Xinhua

Chinese modernization unique, creative and inspiring: experts at Boao forum

STORY: Chinese modernization unique, creative and inspiring: experts at Boao forum DATELINE: March 31, 2023 LENGTH: 00:01:46 LOCATION: BOAO, China CATEGORY: POLITICS SHOTLIST: 1. various of Boao Forum for Asia 2. various of street scenes in China 3. SOUNDBITE 1 (English): GLORIA MACAPAGAL ARROYO, Former President of the Philippines 4. SOUNDBITE 2 (English): MARTIN JACQUES, Senior Fellow, Cambridge University 5. SOUNDBITE 3 (English): ALESSANDRO GOLOMBIEWSKI TEIXEIRA, Professor, School of Public Policy and Management, Tsinghua University 6. SOUNDBITE 4 (English): ALESSANDRO GOLOMBIEWSKI TEIXEIRA, Professor, School of Public Policy and Management, Tsinghua University STORYLINE: Experts attending the Boao Forum for Asia annual conference in China's Hainan believe Chinese modernization is unique, creative and inspiring to other countries. SOUNDBITE 1 (English): GLORIA MACAPAGAL ARROYO, Former President of the Philippines "We distinguish the Chinese part from the Western part. When China speaks of progress and

Africa striving for local currency usage in continental trade

STORY: Africa striving for local currency usage in continental trade DATELINE: March 31, 2023 LENGTH: 00:01:22 LOCATION: Nairobi CATEGORY: ECONOMY SHOTLIST: 1. various of the meeting 2. various of street scenes in Africa STORYLINE: The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) is striving for the usage of local currencies in trade among countries in the continent, an official said Thursday. Cross-border trading among countries in the Economic Community of West African States is already happening through the use of local currencies instead of the use of U.S. dollars, said Wamkele Mene, secretary general of the AfCFTA Secretariat, on the sidelines of a trade forum in the Kenyan capital of Nairobi. "We now want to expand to other regional blocs including the East African Community which is in talks with the African Export-Import Bank," Mene said. He said that the cost of currency convertibility due to the use of U.S. dollars in trade among African countries is close to 5 billion dollars annually.

Turkish scholar says Chinese democracy leads to social, economic progress

STORY: Turkish scholar says Chinese democracy leads to social, economic progress DATELINE: March 29, 2023 LENGTH: 00:01:19 LOCATION: ISTANBUL, Türkiye CATEGORY: POLITICS SHOTLIST: 1. various of street scenes in China 2. SOUNDBITE 1 (English): SELCUK COLAKOGLU, Director of Ankara-based Turkish Center for Asia-Pacific Studies 3. SOUNDBITE 2 (English): SELCUK COLAKOGLU, Director of Ankara-based Turkish Center for Asia-Pacific Studies 4. various of China's anti-poverty efforts STORYLINE: A Turkish scholar has said that Chinese democracy regards social and economic rights as of equal importance with other rights. SOUNDBITE 1 (English): SELCUK COLAKOGLU, Director of Ankara-based Turkish Center for Asia-Pacific Studies "Usually, there are different understandings of democracy in the world. There are different practices. When we look at China, China has a system of good governance. And also (in) China, in terms of the Chinese understanding of democracy, social and economic rights are equally important as other r

It's wrong to intervene in other countries under pretext of democracy: Spanish expert

STORY: It's wrong to intervene in other countries under pretext of democracy: Spanish expert DATELINE: March 25, 2023 LENGTH: 00:01:43 LOCATION: Beijing CATEGORY: POLITICS SHOTLIST: 1. various of street scenes in the U.S. 2. SOUNDBITE 1 (English): AUGUSTO SOTO, ESADE Business School in Barcelona 3. various of street scenes in Iraq 4. SOUNDBITE 2 (English): AUGUSTO SOTO, ESADE Business School in Barcelona 5. various of street scenes in China STORYLINE: A Spanish expert has said it's wrong to intervene in other countries' internal affairs under the pretext of promoting democracy. SOUNDBITE 1 (English): AUGUSTO SOTO, ESADE Business School in Barcelona "The United States has to be careful. If you go move around and claim that this is for democracy, for example, in Afghanistan, in Iraq, in different kinds of interventions around the world, that's wrong. That's absolutely wrong. Very often, this claim of democracy is an alibi in order to influence or impose certain norms upon others. We should not move around

Russian expat impressed by China's development

STORY: Russian expat impressed by China's rapid development DATELINE: March 24, 2023 LENGTH: 00:02:14 LOCATION: FUZHOU, China CATEGORY: SOCIETY SHOTLIST: 1. various of the Russian expat working 2. SOUNDBITE 1 (English): MIKHAIL PISARENKO, Russian teacher in Fuzhou 3. SOUNDBITE 2 (English): MIKHAIL PISARENKO, Russian teacher in Fuzhou 4. SOUNDBITE 3 (English): MIKHAIL PISARENKO, Russian teacher in Fuzhou 5. various of street scenes in China STORYLINE: Mikhail Pisarenko, a Russian teacher at Fuzhou Foreign Language School in east China, has been impressed by the country's rapid development. SOUNDBITE 1 (English): MIKHAIL PISARENKO, Russian teacher in Fuzhou "My first visit to China was in 2009. I came to Beijing and I took part in the opening ceremony of the Russian Language Year in China. At that time I was really impressed by Beijing. It is a large city with large roads. Then the second time I came to Beijing again in 2016 and took part in the educational exhibition and I was really impressed because I di

6 Indian states advised to increase vigilance amid rising COVID-19 cases

STORY: 6 Indian states advised to increase vigilance amid rising COVID-19 cases DATELINE: March 18, 2023 LENGTH: 00:01:31 LOCATION: New Delhi CATEGORY: HEALTH SHOTLIST: 1. various of India Gate in New Delhi 2. various of government buildings 3. various of people wearing masks 4. various of a hospital 5. various of street scenes STORYLINE: Amid a significant surge in COVID-19 cases in six states, India's health ministry has advised local governments to take a risk assessment-based approach to prevent and contain the infection from spreading further, officials said Friday. The federal health ministry wrote a letter on Thursday evening to the states of Maharashtra, Karnataka, Gujarat, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Telangana, asking them to pay attention to testing, treating, tracking, and vaccination. A few states are reporting higher number of COVID-19 cases, "indicating possible localized spread of infection and there is a need to follow a risk assessment-based approach to prevent and contain the infection, wit

U.S. regional bank failures evoke unease in banking sector

STORY: U.S. regional bank failures evoke unease in banking sector DATELINE: March 16, 2023 LENGTH: 00:01:37 LOCATION: Beijing CATEGORY: ECONOMY SHOTLIST: 1. various of the exterior of New York Stock Exchange Silicon Valley Bank 2. various of the exterior of Credit Suisse 3. various of screenshots of Moody's report 4. various of Silicon Valley Bank 5. various of Signature Bank 6. various of street scenes in U.S. 7. SOUNDBITE 1 (Turkish): MURAT TUFAN, Analyst with Turkish broadcaster Ekoturk 8. SOUNDBITE 2 (English): XN IRAKI, Kenyan economist STORYLINE: U.S. and European stocks plunged on Wednesday, as turbulence at Credit Suisse renewed fears of a banking crisis. Banking giant Credit Suisse lost nearly a fourth of its value Wednesday, amid the growing fallout from the collapse of two regional banks in the United States. Rating agency Moody's has slashed its outlook on the entire U.S. banking system to negative in the wake of failures at the Silicon Valley Bank (SVB) and Signature Bank (SNY). Experts hav

U.S. irresponsible monetary policy triggers SVB collapse, says expert

STORY: U.S. irresponsible monetary policy triggers SVB collapse, says expert DATELINE: March 15, 2023 LENGTH: 00:01:13 LOCATION: ISTANBUL, Türkiye CATEGORY: POLITICS/ECONOMY SHOTLIST: 1. various of Silicon Valley Bank 2. SOUNDBITE 1 (Turkish): MURAT TUFAN, Analyst with Turkish broadcaster Ekoturk 3. SOUNDBITE 2 (Turkish): MURAT TUFAN, Analyst with Turkish broadcaster Ekoturk 4. various of street scenes in U.S. 5. SOUNDBITE 3 (Turkish): MURAT TUFAN, Analyst with Turkish broadcaster Ekoturk STORYLINE: A prominent Turkish analyst has blamed the United States' irresponsible monetary policy for causing the collapse of Silicon Valley Bank (SVB) and putting the world financial market at risk. SOUNDBITE 1 (Turkish): MURAT TUFAN, Analyst with Turkish broadcaster Ekoturk "Unfortunately, the efforts of the U.S. financial capitalism to prevent crises, especially in its own environment, cause new troubles." SOUNDBITE 2 (Turkish): MURAT TUFAN, Analyst with Turkish broadcaster Ekoturk "The U.S. authorities follow monet

Chinese economy has continuing growth prospects: British expert

STORY: Chinese economy has continuing growth prospects: British expert DATELINE: March 14, 2023 LENGTH: 00:01:47 LOCATION: London CATEGORY: ECONOMY SHOTLIST: 1. various of street scenes in China 2. SOUNDBITE 1 (English): JOHN MCLEAN, Chair of the Institute of Directors for the City of London 3. SOUNDBITE 2 (English): JOHN MCLEAN, Chair of the Institute of Directors for the City of London STORYLINE: China's economy has shown remarkable resilience and enormous potential, as evidenced by key indicators that have surpassed expectations and signs of consumer and investor confidence. A British expert says China's economic recovery is expected to inject vitality into the growth of many other countries. SOUNDBITE 1 (English): JOHN MCLEAN, Chair of the Institute of Directors for the City of London "The engine is now primed and it's going to move. So the expectation is that I think the Chinese economy will touch the kind of 4.9-5 percent and will continue upon that rate. And already we've seen quite a number of C

China visa application center opens in Ethiopia's capital

STORY: China visa application center opens in Ethiopia's capital DATELINE: March 12, 2023 LENGTH: 00:00:56 LOCATION: Addis Ababa CATEGORY: POLITICS SHOTLIST: 1. various of the ceremony 2. SOUNDBITE 1 (English): ZHAO ZHIYUAN, Chinese Ambassador to Ethiopia 3. various of street scenes in Ethiopia 4. SOUNDBITE 2 (English): SAMUEL FITSUMBIRHAN, Director of Asia Pacific Division at the Ethiopian Ministry of Foreign Affairs STORYLINE: The Chinese Embassy in Ethiopia on Friday inaugurated the China visa application center in Addis Ababa, the capital of Ethiopia. The center is responsible for handling some consular document applications and consular authentication, as well as collecting governmental fees for these certificates. SOUNDBITE 1 (English): ZHAO ZHIYUAN, Chinese Ambassador to Ethiopia "The flow of people between our two countries is rising. More and more Ethiopian friends want to go to China. As a result, Chinese visa applications have surged." SOUNDBITE 2 (English): SAMUEL FITSUMBIRHAN, Director o

China's economic recovery bolsters global growth: experts

STORY: China's economic recovery bolsters global growth: experts DATELINE: March 12, 2023 LENGTH: 00:02:00 LOCATION: Manila CATEGORY: ECONOMY SHOTLIST: 1. various of street scenes in China 2. SOUNDBITE 1 (English): GEORGE BARCELON, President of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry 3. various of Chinese people working 4. SOUNDBITE 2 (English): HERMAN TIU LAUREL, Founder of Philippine BRICS Strategic Studies 5. SOUNDBITE 3 (English): FAHEEM SARDAR, Senior Policy Specialist at Strategic Policy Planning Cell, National Security Division of Prime Minister's Office of Government of Pakistan STORYLINE: China's economy has shown remarkable resilience and enormous potential, as evidenced by key indicators that have surpassed expectations and signs of consumer and investor confidence. Experts say that this has become a significant driving force for the struggling global economy. SOUNDBITE 1 (English): GEORGE BARCELON, President of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry "China's economic recovery

China's modernization drive a boon to world development: Russian expert

STORY: China's modernization drive a boon to world development: Russian expert DATELINE: March 10, 2023 LENGTH: 00:02:32 LOCATION: Moscow CATEGORY: POLITICS SHOTLIST: 1. various of street scenes in China 2. SOUNDBITE 1 (Russian): SERGEY LUKONIN, Head of the Sector of Economy and Politics of China at the Institute of World Economy and International Relations of the Russian Academy of Sciences 3. SOUNDBITE 2 (Russian): SERGEY LUKONIN, Head of the Sector of Economy and Politics of China at the Institute of World Economy and International Relations of the Russian Academy of Sciences 4. SOUNDBITE 3 (Russian): SERGEY LUKONIN, Head of the Sector of Economy and Politics of China at the Institute of World Economy and International Relations of the Russian Academy of Sciences STORYLINE: A Russian expert has spoken highly of China's modernization drive, saying that it's inclusive and can bring about benefits for world development. Sergey Lukonin, an expert with the Russian Academy of Sciences said that on the road t

Foreign business leaders eye opportunities amid China's economic recovery

STORY: Foreign business leaders eye opportunities amid China's economic recovery DATELINE: March 8, 2023 LENGTH: 00:01:57 LOCATION: SHANGHAI, China CATEGORY: ECONOMY SHOTLIST: 1. various of street scenes in China 2. SOUNDBITE 1 (English): MAURO DE FELIP, General Manager of Ferrero China 3. SOUNDBITE 2 (English): TITUS VON DEM BONGART, EY Partner, Head of GBN Greater China STORYLINE: Foreign business leaders have expressed confidence in the Chinese economy, believing the steady recovery of the huge market will bring lots of opportunities to global investors. SOUNDBITE 1 (English): MAURO DE FELIP, General Manager of Ferrero China "I guess China is entering really a new phase. We are very, very enthusiastic about that. We are looking forward to going together, to giving also our own contribution to the acceleration of the momentum overall. So we're very happy to see the government, also local governments taking initiatives in order to boost even more economy. I am persuaded and absolutely sure that there wil

Experts praise China's role as "major engine of global growth"

STORY: Experts praise China's role as "major engine of global growth" DATELINE: March 7, 2023 LENGTH: 00:02:57 LOCATION: Beijing CATEGORY: ECONOMY SHOTLIST: 1. various of street scenes in China 2. SOUNDBITE 1 (English): WICHAI KINCHONG CHOI, Senior vice president, Kasikornbank in Thailand 3. various of container terminals 4. SOUNDBITE 2 (English): RONNIE LINS, Director of China-Brazil Center for Research and Business in Brazil 5. SOUNDBITE 3 (English): ALBERT KEIDEL, Adjunct professor of economics at George Washington University STORYLINE: The Chinese economy has become a spotlight in the world economy, and international institutions are widely upbeat about China's growth prospects. The International Monetary Fund in January projected that China's economy will grow by 5.2 percent in 2023, 0.8 percentage points higher than its October 2022 forecast. Credit rating agency Fitch Ratings revised its forecast for China's economic growth in 2023 to 5 percent from 4.1 percent. Bank of America and Morgan St

Chinese economy shows great resilience, potential: experts

STORY: Chinese economy shows great resilience, potential: experts DATELINE: March 4, 2023 LENGTH: 00:02:17 LOCATION: Beijing CATEGORY: ECONOMY SHOTLIST: 1. various of street scenes in China 2. SOUNDBITE 1 (English): PATRICK MWANGI, International affairs analyst in Kenya 3. various of Chinese people working 4. SOUNDBITE 2 (English): JAMES M. NJIHIA, Dean, faculty of business and management sciences, University of Nairobi 5. SOUNDBITE 3 (English): PATRICK MWANGI, International affairs analyst in Kenya STORYLINE: China's economy has gotten off to a good start in 2023. Many experts say such a good start, stemming from the fundamentals supporting China's steady economic growth, sheds light on the country's economic resilience, potential and vitality. SOUNDBITE 1 (English): PATRICK MWANGI, International affairs analyst in Kenya "So economic resilience is seen through its capacity to withstand shocks. It is a very broad-based economy. Because it has many facets. Because it has a very strong manufacturing capacit

Ghana confirms 14 Lassa fever cases, including one death

STORY: Ghana confirms 14 Lassa fever cases, including one death DATELINE: March 3, 2023 LENGTH: 00:01:40 LOCATION: Accra CATEGORY: HEALTH SHOTLIST: 1. various of street scenes in Ghana 2. various of medical workers STORYLINE: Ghana confirmed 12 new cases of Lassa fever after Sunday, bringing the total number of infections to 14, said a release issued by the Ghana Health Service (GHS) Wednesday. The GHS said the 12 new cases were close contacts of the two cases confirmed earlier and identified through contact tracing. Ghana first reported two confirmed cases of Lassa fever Sunday, indicating that one of the infected persons had died of the disease, leaving the number of confirmed active cases at 13. "All 13 cases are alive and in stable condition and are being managed in designated health facilities. A total of 97 contacts have been identified, and efforts are underway to identify more contacts," the release added. Lassa fever is caused by the Lassa virus, transmitted to humans through conta

U.S. high spending on wars illogical: American anti-war activist

STORY: U.S. high spending on wars illogical: American anti-war activist DATELINE: Feb. 25, 2023 LENGTH: 00:01:46 LOCATION: NEW YORK, U.S. CATEGORY: POLITICS SHOTLIST: 1. various of street scenes in U.S. 2. SOUNDBITE 1 (English): ERIC GARRIS, Director of Antiwar.com 3. SOUNDBITE 2 (English): ERIC GARRIS, Director of Antiwar.com 4. various of street scenes in Afghanistan STORYLINE: An American anti-war activist has said that it isn't logical at all for the U.S. to spend so much of its tax dollars on wars rather than on infrastructure. SOUNDBITE 1 (English): ERIC GARRIS, Director of Antiwar.com "It isn't logical at all, but the system is run by the defense contractors. The United States spends a higher percentage of its budget on military by far than any other country on Earth. We are killing lots of people, and the results are not coming the way they promise, and it's only getting worse, and it could get very, very bad. It's very, very scary." SOUNDBITE 2 (English): ERIC GARRIS, Director of Antiwar.com "It

Global Security Initiative promotes peace through cooperation, dialogue: Pakistani expert

STORY: Global Security Initiative promotes peace through cooperation, dialogue: Pakistani expert DATELINE: Feb. 25, 2023 LENGTH: 00:01:19 LOCATION: Islamabad CATEGORY: POLITICS SHOTLIST: 1. various of street scenes in China 2. SOUNDBITE (English): SHAKEEL AHMAD RAMAY, CEO, Islamabad-based Asian Institute of Eco-civilization Research & Development STORYLINE: Commenting on the Global Security Initiative (GSI) Concept Paper issued by China on Tuesday, a Pakistani expert says the GSI demonstrates China's resolve to promote peace and prosperity through cooperation and dialogue. SOUNDBITE (English): SHAKEEL AHMAD RAMAY, CEO, Islamabad-based Asian Institute of Eco-civilization Research & Development "The Global Security Initiative is a different idea, an idea which has been devised to serve the interests of humanity and the planet. GSI has been designed to achieve two specific objectives, peace and prosperity. How will China be achieving that? China will be promoting cooperation, cooperation will be the key. So

China's modernization drive scientific, inspiring: Ethiopian scholar

STORY: China's modernization drive scientific, inspiring: Ethiopian scholar DATELINE: Feb. 19, 2023 LENGTH: 00:01:54 LOCATION: Addis Ababa CATEGORY: POLITICS SHOTLIST: 1. various of scenes in China 2. SOUNDBITE 1 (English): MELAKU MULUALEM, Senior international relations and diplomacy researcher at Ethiopia's Institute of Strategic Affairs 3. various of street views in China 4. SOUNDBITE 2 (English): MELAKU MULUALEM, Senior international relations and diplomacy researcher at Ethiopia's Institute of Strategic Affairs STORYLINE: An Ethiopian expert has spoken highly of China's modernization drive, noting that the Chinese path is scientific and inspiring for many African countries. SOUNDBITE 1 (English): MELAKU MULUALEM, Senior international relations and diplomacy researcher at Ethiopia's Institute of Strategic Affairs "Just to mention about these five pointers (of China's modernization), I think it is scientific because they are complementary to one another. For example, if we think of this nature and man,

China to play a fundamental role in directing world economy toward normality: Brazilian expert

STORY: China to play a fundamental role in directing world economy toward normality: Brazilian expert DATELINE: Feb. 12, 2023 LENGTH: 00:02:03 LOCATION: RIO DE JANEIRO, Brazil CATEGORY: POLITICS/ECONOMY SHOTLIST: 1. various of street scenes in China 2. SOUNDBITE 1 (English): RONNIE LINS, Director of China-Brazil Center for Research and Business in Brazil 3. SOUNDBITE 2 (English): RONNIE LINS, Director of China-Brazil Center for Research and Business in Brazil STORYLINE: A Brazilian expert has said that China, as the world's economic engine, will play a fundamental role in directing the world economy toward normality. SOUNDBITE 1 (English): RONNIE LINS, Director of China-Brazil Center for Research and Business in Brazil "It is worth mentioning that China has become the world's economic engine. Therefore, the world economy is highly dependent on good Chinese development. Due to its global economic importance, China will play a fundamental role in directing the world economy toward normality. The growth proc

British business community eyes stronger trade ties with China

STORY: British business community eyes stronger trade ties with China DATELINE: Feb. 11, 2023 LENGTH: 00:02:16 LOCATION: London CATEGORY: ECONOMY SHOTLIST: 1. various of street scenes in Britain 2. SOUNDBITE 1 (English): LORD HAMMOND OF RUNNYMEDE, Former Chancellor of the Exchequer 3. SOUNDBITE 2 (English): SIR SHERARD COWPER-COLES, Chair of the China-Britain Business Council 4. SOUNDBITE 3 (English): STEPHEN PERRY, Chair of the 48 Group Club 5. various of street scenes in China STORYLINE: British business leaders have expressed hope that trade ties between Britain and China will deepen as the two countries work toward economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. The remarks were made Wednesday during the "Icebreakers" 2023 Chinese New Year celebration, jointly hosted by the 48 Group Club, China Chamber of Commerce in the UK and China-Britain Business Council. SOUNDBITE 1 (English): LORD HAMMOND OF RUNNYMEDE, Former Chancellor of the Exchequer "China is the world's second-largest economy, the UK's sixt

On site in Aleppo: Homeless people in dire need of aid in quake-hit Syria

STORY: On site in Aleppo: Homeless people in dire need of aid in quake-hit Syria DATELINE: Feb. 11, 2023 LENGTH: 00:02:40 LOCATION: ALEPPO, Syria CATEGORY: OTHERS SHOTLIST: 1. STANDUP (English): HUMMAM SHEIKH ALI, Xinhua reporter 2. various of scenes in Aleppo STORYLINE: STANDUP (English): HUMMAM SHEIKH ALI, Xinhua reporter "Hello, everyone. This is Hummam from Xinhua News Agency. We're reporting from Aleppo. This is the daily vlog. We are now going to take you in a tour in the city of Aleppo, which was hit by an earthquake earlier this week. We will show you some street footage and how the daily life is going. So let's go. As we can see here on our right, there are some people sitting on the sidewalk. Some of these people are displaced. They have left their homes after the earthquake. As we're inching closer to this public park, we can see the people. We can see many of them are here in the public park. Not all of them were lucky enough to go to the shelter. Many of the houses and homes and residential bu

IMF official impressed by China's economic resilience

STORY: IMF official impressed by China's economic resilience DATELINE: Feb. 7, 2023 LENGTH: 00:02:12 LOCATION: Washington D.C. CATEGORY: ECONOMY SHOTLIST: 1. various of street scenes in China 2. SOUNDBITE 1 (English): THOMAS HELBLING, Deputy Director of the IMF's Asia and Pacific Department 3. various of Chinese consumers and tourists 4. SOUNDBITE 2 (English): THOMAS HELBLING, Deputy Director of the IMF's Asia and Pacific Department STORYLINE: In an update to its World Economic Outlook report released late January, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) projected China's economy will grow by 5.2 percent in 2023, 0.8 percentage point higher than October 2022 forecast, driven by a rebound in private consumption. An IMF official has highlighted three main sources that bolster China's economic resilience. SOUNDBITE 1 (English): THOMAS HELBLING, Deputy Director of the IMF's Asia and Pacific Department "Overall, I think the resilience has a number of sources. One at the household level, households have high lev

Russia's oil output up 2 pct in 2022 despite sanctions

STORY: Russia's oil output up 2 pct in 2022 despite sanctions DATELINE: Jan. 18, 2023 LENGTH: 00:00:44 LOCATION: Moscow CATEGORY: POLITICS/ECONOMY SHOTLIST: 1. various of Putin speaking at the video conference on Tuesday 2. various of street scenes in Moscow STORYLINE: Russian President Vladimir Putin said Tuesday that the country's oil production increased by 2 percent over the past year despite Western sanctions, according to the Kremlin. "I would especially like to talk about the oil and gas sector. Despite the previously mentioned sanctions pressure, oil production in Russia increased by about two percent in 2022," Putin said. "The volume of production amounted to 535 million tons," he added. The president also noted that while natural gas production decreased by 11.8 percent, global gas prices have grown significantly following the actions of Western countries. As a result of these processes, Russian gas producers and exporters contributed bigger revenues to the federal budget, he adde

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