China voices concern as Japan increases defense spending

China is raising concerns over Japan's increased military spending amid the tensions over the Taiwan region (01:04). U.S. and Ukrainian officials say their talks on a Russia-Ukraine peace deal have been productive (09:35). And China's Hainan Province is preparing for a surge in tourism with the island's special customs operations soon taking effect (19:00).

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi has elaborated on China's position on the Taiwan question during a phone call with a French presidential adviser, urging both countries to safeguard the outcomes of WWII and firmly support each other on core issues (01:09). Washington is threatening imminent action to stop suspected Venezuelan drug traffickers on land (13:08). And Hong Kong authorities have confirmed 128 deaths in a high-rise fire and arrested another two people (21:28).

A white paper on China's arms control, disarmament, and non-proliferation describes the country's constructive role and highlights its initiatives for a peaceful world (01:02). Rescuers and residents in Hong Kong are offering aid after a deadly fire at a residential complex (12:21). And products for the elderly and consumer electronics are at the heart of China's planned "trillion-yuan-level" consumption sectors (15:35).

Chinese officials have questioned what Japan's self-claimed "consistent stance" on the Taiwan region is and whether it still adheres to the one-China principle (04:52). China and Tonga have reaffirmed mutual support and agreed to align major development projects (12:10). And Ukraine has reached an understanding with the United States on a peace deal, while Russia says a U.S. envoy will visit next week (17:11).

During a phone call with U.S. President Donald Trump, Chinese President Xi Jinping emphasized that Taiwan's return to China is an integral part of the post-war international order, with Trump acknowledging Washington's understanding of the importance of the Taiwan question to China (01:08). President Xi Jinping has reaffirmed China's commitment to being a reliable partner to Tonga, and urged the two sides to contribute to a community with a shared future for humanity (06:26). And China's unmanned Shenzhou-22 spacecraft has reached the Tiangong Space Station after Shenzhou-20 was damaged by suspected space debris (33:54).

Chinese Premier Li Qiang has stressed unity, openness and cooperation among the G20 to face global challenges (01:08). Flights on 12 routes between China and Japan have been cancelled under diplomatic tensions (15:06). And negotiations continue on a 28-point U.S. peace plan between Russia and Ukraine, as Europe calls for it to favor Kyiv, and Moscow signals openness to talks without compromising its interests (23:36).

Japan's aquaculture industry is blaming Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi for uncertainties in exports and is demanding the government address their concerns (02:29). China says it's ready to make joint efforts toward multilateralism as Premier Li Qiang arrives in South Africa to attend the G20 Summit (16:21). And Ukraine says it has received a U.S. peace plan, while Russia denied consultations with Washington (24:49).

Travel agencies and hotel operators in Japan are dreading a difficult season ahead as Chinese tourists cancel orders under diplomatic tensions (10:27). China and Kyrgyzstan have pledged mutual support for each other's sovereignty and development after the first foreign ministers' strategic dialogue (15:47). And Washington reportedly expects Ukraine to concede some land under a peace plan that Kyiv said it had no role in drafting (25:08).

Chinese authorities say Japan's claims of existential threats are an excuse to justify aggression (01:03). Chinese Premier Li Qiang has called on the Shanghai Cooperation Organization to stimulate vitality for innovation and transformation (15:37). And a bill requiring the release of files on convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein has cleared the U.S. House with only one objection (25:43).

China has lodged representations over the Japanese prime minister's recent remarks over the Taiwan region during a meeting between foreign affairs officials (01:08). Island-wide independent customs operations in Hainan will link the free trade port with global markets, and reduce costs while increasing efficiency (10:25). And the UN Security Council has adopted a U.S. plan authorizing an international stabilization force in Gaza, but China abstained saying it fails to address critical details and does not give the UN a clear role in Gaza's future (22:49).