Get the unmissable news stories of the day.
This is the Beijing Hour.
Examining the events that impact and shake China and the rest of the world.
This is the Beijing Hour.
One hour of news and information brought to you every weekday.
Now here's your host.
Shane Begum Matthew on this Wednesday, February 18th, 2026.
We're listening to a special holiday edition of the Beijing Hour.
Coming to you live from the Chinese capital.
On today's program,
the Chinese president exchanged New Year greetings with his old friends in Iowa as part of the ongoing holiday festivities.
The second day of trilateral talks among Ukraine,
the United States and Russia has concluded in Geneva.
And China's earned a historic medal in a men's speed skating event at the Olympic Winter Games in Italy.
In the second half today,
we turn to Beijing residents and the growing enthusiasm for ice sports and everyday life
since the 2022 Winter Olympics.
Now checking the day's top stories.
Chinese President Xi Jinping has replied to his friends in the US state of Iowa and sent a Chinese New Year card in return.
President Xi recalled his visit to Iowa 41 years ago.