2026-03-20
59 分钟Get the unmissable news stories of the day.
This is the Beijing Hour.
Examining the events that impact and shape 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.
Tianlu with you on this Friday, March 20, 2026.
You're listening to the Beijing Hour, coming to you live from the Chinese capital.
On today's program, the World Trade Organization warns that the Middle East tensions could threaten global trade and growth.
U.S. President Donald Trump has hosted the Japanese Prime Minister at the White House
as Washington pushes its allies for more support to secure the Strait of Hormuz.
And China's second large cruise ship has undocked in Shanghai as the country expands its cruise tourism sector.
In business, China's loan prime rates remain unchanged.
In sports, new Asian records at the China Open Swimming Championships.
In culture and entertainment, China recognizes a new national historical and cultural city in the southwest.
Now checking today's top stories.
The World Trade Organization warns that prolonged high oil and gas prices will further slow trade growth.
In the report, the WTO says trade growth in goods would drop
to 1.9% this year, compared to 4.6% in 2025.
The report also says global GDP growth will dip slightly
from 2.9% last year to 2.8% in 2026 and the year after.