International audiences on Sunday applauded a documentary on Beijing's Swift Response to Public Complaints (SRPC) system for urban governance, noting that the documentary resonated strongly with them, and that the SRPC model could be replicated elsewhere around the world.
The Sunday special screening of the new documentary sequel "Hotline Beijing II" was an important activity for the 2026 Beijing Forum on Swift Response to Public Complaints, which is scheduled for Monday and Tuesday in the Chinese capital.
The documentary offers an up-close look at how the innovative SRPC mechanism responds to public needs, including the city's "12345" citizen service hotline, which was launched back in 2019 and which has handled some 200 million public requests, with both resolution and satisfaction rates exceeding 97 percent.
Produced by the China Media Group (CMG), the new film presents several authentic urban governance stories through a series of on-site footage and interviews. Highlighted cases include the extension of medical insurance coverage for rare diseases and the renovation of Beijing's Fourth Ring Road, a key highway encircling the city.
"The hotline, I thought it was fantastic in its ability to bring experts together to solve the problems, even if they were complex or long problems," said Charlotte Villiers, a professor of Law at the University of Bristol.
"I think it was very difficult to see those mothers in tears. And to see how the system essentially allowed to challenge insurance companies and to find a negotiation in order for those children to have access to those medicines which will allow them to grow," said Lauren Andres, Pro-Vice-Provost for University College London's Grand Challenge of Inequalities.
The new documentary serves as a follow-up to the award-winning original which was released in 2024.
"This time it was about you settle the dispute, but you look at the broader implications for other people and for avoiding disputes in the future," said Tony Prosser, professor of Public Law at the University of Bristol.
From access to essential medicine to resolving everyday disputes, these are challenges faced by cities around the world.
"I think the Swift Response to Public Complaints system offers a window into China's approach to urban governance. It also gives international audiences a chance to see how the city works, and perhaps reflect on how similar approaches might work in their own cities," said the film's chief director Xu Jieqin.
"We can adopt lessons very easily I think from this model, because it is very impressive," said Prosser.
Documentary on public complaints system draws international audiences
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky voiced support Monday for the "energy ceasefire" initiative announced by U.S. President Donald Trump, saying that the proposal creates a viable path toward halting attacks on energy infrastructure.
Trump announced an immediate "energy ceasefire" between Russia and Ukraine on Sunday.
"Effective immediately," Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform, adding that "both parties have agreed."
The declaration came just two days after Trump unveiled a diesel supply deal with Russia.
"If Russia does not agree to an energy ceasefire, we will respond," Zelensky said on Monday.
As part of a reciprocal exchange, Zelensky said, Ukraine would be willing to halt strikes on Russian diesel infrastructure if Ukrainian energy facilities receive security guarantees and are spared from Russian attacks.
On the same day, Ukraine's state-run energy company Naftogaz said that Russian forces launched a drone strike early Monday morning against natural gas production facilities in the Kharkiv region.
The airstrike damaged critical equipment, sparked a fire, and disrupted the normal operations of the facility. Emergency crews were dispatched to the site to carry out repairs, restore damaged systems, and handle the aftermath of the blaze, according to Naftogaz.
Russian authorities have not yet responded to the incident.
On Saturday, Trump said Russia was willing to reach a deal to end the conflict in Ukraine but accused Zelensky of resisting a negotiated settlement. He also called on Ukraine to hold an election and choose a new leader who could make a deal with Moscow.
In response to Trump's remarks, Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on Sunday that it is vital for Moscow to see political will within the Kiev regime to accept reality and advance a peaceful settlement to the conflict.
Zelensky responded on Sunday that he would call a vote if Russian President Vladimir Putin agreed to a 60-day ceasefire, and that it was "up to Ukrainians" to choose their leader. Presidential elections, originally due in 2024, have been postponed under martial law.
The dispute over the ceasefire comes as rising energy prices have become a growing political concern for Trump ahead of the U.S. midterm elections.
On Friday, Trump announced a deal with Putin under which Russia would supply diesel fuel to the United States and global markets. Trump described it as a necessary step to bring down soaring diesel prices, which he attributed largely to Ukrainian strikes on Russian energy infrastructure.
Zelensky rejected the suggestion that he was responsible for rising energy prices, saying that "everybody in the world" knew that the war in the Middle East was a bigger factor.
Ukraine says it backs U.S. 'energy ceasefire' initiative
Ukraine says it backs U.S. 'energy ceasefire' initiative
