China's visa-free push spurs surge in international arrivals

China recorded over 7.2 million foreign visits in Q3, up 48% as expanded visa-free policies drive inbound travel growth (01:03). As the world marks World Food Day, a UN official warns of mounting challenges to global food security (11:28). A federal judge has temporarily halted U.S. government layoffs as the shutdown disrupts industries and food aid programs (21:17).

Hainan Province in southern China is set to launch island-wide independent customs operations, introducing zero tariffs on 74% of imports - a major milestone during the 14th Five-Year Plan period (01:05). China's consumer prices stabilized in September, with core inflation hitting a 19-month high, driven by strong consumer and industrial demand (36:25). And the U.S. government shutdown is impacting the economy, with federal layoffs, flight disruptions, and closures of major tourist attractions (21:12).

Chinese President Xi Jinping says China will deepen cooperation to advance the Global South's shared interests, as he met world leaders attending the Global Leaders’ Meeting on Women in Beijing (01:08). Beijing is urging Washington to show sincerity in trade talks, denying wrongful claims over its rare earth controls (16:27). China remains the world's top goods trader and second-largest in services, with trade growth driven by innovation, free trade agreements, and global cooperation (36:11).

Chinese President Xi Jinping has opened the Global Leaders' Meeting on Women in Beijing, outlining four proposals and new funding to advance global women's development (01:06). Hamas has released 20 Israeli hostages as part of a peace deal to end the conflict in Gaza (18:48). China's foreign trade rose four percent in the first nine months of 2025, with ASEAN remaining the country's largest trading partner (37:38).

The upcoming Global Leaders' Meeting on Women will mark 30 years since the Beijing Declaration, with China pledging to advance gender equality, and promote global cooperation for women's development (01:14). The UN has unveiled a 60-day aid plan after Israel and Hamas approved a U.S.-brokered peace deal (18:30). And the U.S. government shutdown continues, causing nationwide flight delays and leaving millions of federal workers and military personnel unpaid (24:14).

The first phase of Gaza's ceasefire begins, marking progress toward hostage releases, aid delivery and a possible final peace (01:04). Beijing and Rome mark 55 years of ties, pledging deeper cooperation in trade, innovation, and culture, as the Chinese foreign minister visits Italy (12:34). China's holiday consumer sales rose 4.5%, led by tourism, culture, and health products (37:43).

Gaza peace talks have stretched into a third day, but Israel and Hamas continue to communicate through mediators (00:58). China's foreign minister is in Europe for a high level meeting with the Italian government and a foreign ministers' dialogue in Switzerland (09:00). The US government shutdown is entering its second week and economists are issuing warnings for the country's ecnomoy (21:50).

Israel and Hamas have held their first day of indirect talks in Egypt on the details of a Gaza ceasefire plan, which concluded with what Egypt describes as "a positive atmosphere." (01:13). No end yet in sight for the US government shutdown, as more attempts to break the impasse on federal funding fail in the Senate (09:31). China sees a travel surge as the National Day and Mid-Autumn Festival holiday is coming to an end (19:00).

As China celebrates the Mid-Autumn Festival during the National Day holiday, people are spending the long break with family reunions, performances and travels (01:04). Hamas and Israeli delegations are discussing a U.S.-backed plan that aims to reach a ceasefire in Gaza (10:27). And the new French prime minister has resigned a day after his new cabinet is unveiled (19:21).

Vibrant cultural and recreational activities are underway across China to celebrate the National Day holiday season (01:55). Protests are underway around the world after Israel intercepted civilian boats from the Global Sumud Flotilla and detained activists (13:38). Authorities have declared a stabbing attack outside a synagogue in Manchester as a terrorist incident (19:37).