The Beijing Hour China Plus

Chinese President Xi Jinping has hosted his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin at the central government compound as the two leaders discussed topics including cooperation and peace(01:10). South Africa is urging the ICJ to order a halt of the Israeli offensive in Gaza(11:14). And Slovakia has charged a suspect in the shooting of the prime minister with attempted murder(20:46).

China and Russia have agreed to go further on their Comprehensive Strategic Cooperative Partnership in the New Era as the presidents of the two countries hold talks in Beijing (01:04). Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico is expected to survive after he was shot during an assassination attempt (14:57). And hundreds of athletes are in Shanghai for a last chance to qualify for the Paris Olympic Games (47:16).

China says additional U.S. tariffs on Chinese imports will not help the economy and bilateral relations but will result in higher costs (01:02). China is warning the Philippines not to abuse Beijing's kindness by trespassing in the South China Sea (11:09). And international tourists groups arriving at Chinese ports on cruise ships can now enter without a visa (14:43).

Mutual trust and cooperation have topped discussions at a meeting in Beijing between Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and his South Korean counterpart Cho Tae-yul (01:04). Donald Trump’s former lawyer has testified in court in New York saying he used settlement payments to keep an alleged affair about Trump quiet (16:02). And the Shanghai International Film Festival is set to open in June (53:04).

Israeli tanks have advanced deep into northern Gaza as troops continue to pound Rafah in the South(00:59). The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor is expected to be among talks during Pakistani Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar's visit this week(09:47). And Russian President Vladimir Putin has proposed former First Deputy Prime Minister Andrei Belousov as the new defense minister(18:05).

China and Hungary have decided to lift their ties during a state visit by Chinese President Xi Jinping where he held talks with the Hungarian president and prime minister(01:07). Israeli attacks on Rafah continue after peace talks conclude with no deal and despite U.S. warnings to halt arms deliveries(14:01). And the new Chinese ambassador to India says he’s ready to work to promote closer ties(20:22).