Expectations high for French president's state visit to China

China's Permanent Representative to the United Nations delivers another letter to the UN chief, rejecting Japan's arguments over the Taiwan region (01:10). Two former French prime ministers share expectations for President Macron's state visit to China this week (15:39). The South African president dismisses a threat from Washington to exclude Pretoria from next year's G20 Summit (24:41).

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).