China calls US-Iran talks step toward de-escalation

China's economy grew 5% in the first quarter, showing resilience despite headwinds such as the energy shock from the Middle East conflict (01:04). Service consumption is a highlight of China's economic performance, rising 5.5% in Q1 (37:02). Iran and the United States maintain contact through Pakistan about the possibility of new in-person talks (10:18).

The top leaders of China and Vietnam have met in Beijing and discussed issues such as opposing unilateralism and developing China-ASEAN ties (01:10). Chinese President Xi Jinping has highlighted the stability and certainty in China-Russia relations during talks with the Russian foreign minister (09:56). And the U.S. president says the war against Iran is close to completion, and he isn't thinking about extending the ceasefire (16:18).

Chinese President Xi Jinping has met with the Abu Dhabi crown prince and proposed adhering to the principle of peaceful coexistence, respecting national sovereignty, upholding the international rule of law, and balancing development with security (01:04). President Xi also met the Spanish prime minister and urged joint efforts to safeguard true multilateralism and global peace and development (03:00). And China's foreign trade grew 15% in Q1, marking the fastest expansion in five years (36:51).

China says U.S.-Iran negotiations in Pakistan are a step toward de-escalation, and is calling for the continuation of the ceasefire (01:07). The Spanish prime minister has highlighted cooperation with China in technology during his official visit (11:55). And China is looking forward to advancing ties with the UAE during a visit by the Abu Dhabi crown prince (31:40).

The leaders of the CPC and KMT stressed the value of communication across the Taiwan Strait as they met in Beijing during a KMT delegation's visit to the Chinese mainland (01:03). Participants from the dawn of ping-pong diplomacy 55 years ago have revisited a historically significant venue in Beijing (16:34). And Israel's prime minister is seeking direct talks with Lebanon after a wave of deadly strikes against Hezbollah (24:06).

Iran has accused the United States of violating key parts of Tehran's ceasefire proposal, after Israel launched intense strikes across Lebanon under a disputed ceasefire deal (01:07). Ships have turned back amid reports that the Strait of Hormuz is closed again (08:27). And the Chinese Kuomintang party delegation has experienced drone delivery, cultural exchanges and other activities in Shanghai before heading to Beijing (20:09).

The United States and Iran have agreed to call off strikes and continue negotiations in Pakistan in a move welcomed by the international community including China (01:07). China has vetoed a resolution on reopening the Strait of Hormuz at the UN Security Council, saying it's biased against Iran (07:31). And the Chinese mainland says compatriots from both sides of the Taiwan Strait are one family as a KMT delegation visits the Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum (14:04).

Chinese Kuomintang party Chairperson Cheng Li-wun is visiting Shanghai, Jiangsu Province and Beijing, bringing a delegation from the Taiwan region (01:01). Iran has rejected a U.S. peace plan and is demanding a permanent end to the war and the lifting of sanctions (07:30). And Chinese shoppers have spent heavily on novel, smart and green products and services during the Qingming Festival holiday (36:44).

China's transport authorities have estimated more than 840 million passenger trips during the Qingming Festival holiday - a 6% increase - as people traveled to honor ancestors or enjoy the spring, boosting consumer spending (01:09). Iran says it will retaliate after U.S. President Donald Trump set a Tuesday deadline to open the Strait of Hormuz or face strikes on Iranian infrastructure (10:13). And Chinese authorities have issued guidelines to encourage AI-powered e-commerce (36:51).

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi has discussed the Middle East situation in separate phone calls with top diplomats from Saudi Arabia, Germany and the EU, urging a halt to hostilities and the protection of civilian targets (01:11). Many in China are going on vacation looking for new experiences during the Qingming Festival holiday this weekend (12:45). And Russia is preparing to send a second oil tanker to Cuba after a vessel delivered the first shipment to the island in months (22:46).