NBC Nightly News Full Episode - May 14

[0:00] Tonight, we're live again in Beijing, just steps from the Forbidden City. [0:05] Day two of the Superpower Summit, set to begin within hours, just beyond those walls. [0:10] And tonight, we take you inside the room between the two leaders from the Secretary of State himself. [0:16] The high-stakes summit kicking off in maximum style. [0:23] The elaborate welcome ceremony next to Tiananmen Square. [0:27] The handshake between the two leaders. [0:30] And the lavish state dinner, packed with American CEOs. [0:34] Amazing people, and they're all with me. [0:36] The two leaders meeting for hours, face-to-face. [0:39] We had extremely positive and productive conversations. [0:42] Tonight, we have new details of what happened inside that room. [0:46] Chinese aren't going to like it. [0:47] As I go one-on-one with Secretary of State Marco Rubio. [0:51] Do you think China wants to invade Taiwan? [0:53] Did President Trump get China's promise to help with Iran? [0:57] Did President Trump raise the issue of Iran with China? [0:59] He did. [1:00] As the president is criticized for comments seeming to brush off American economic concerns. [1:06] Doesn't that sound out of touch, though? [1:07] Breaking news back home. [1:09] A plane crashing into a home, engulfing it into flames, at least two dead. [1:14] More hantavirus exposure. [1:17] The three Americans now in the hospital in Kansas, isolating after high-risk contact. [1:23] Protests erupting in Cuba as the nation has plunged into darkness. [1:28] And our new reporting, why was the CIA director there today? [1:32] Exclusive never-before-seen images of the Coast Guard seizing Brian Hooker's boat weeks after his wife vanished in the Bahamas. [1:40] What do investigators want with it? [1:42] Plane crash survivor speaks her message after that stunning rescue at sea, thinking she was going to die lost in the ocean. [1:51] Back here in China, we'll bring you here, where they're on the cutting edge of humanoid robots. [2:00] You'll see the assembly line up close. [2:03] The robots march into the future. [2:05] Should it be seen as something that is going to be maybe part of your military one day? [2:09] Is this the worker of tomorrow, or just a fad? [2:13] And what happened when we rented our own robot for the day? [2:17] Plus, we take you a thousand miles away from Beijing. [2:21] They're this way. [2:21] To meet the giant pandas. [2:23] Getting ready to move to the U.S. [2:26] And the caretakers preparing to say goodbye. [2:30] So you've known her since she was a baby? [2:32] Yeah, yeah. [2:32] As our coverage of day two of this history-making summit starts right now. [2:37] This is a special edition of NBC Nightly News. [2:42] President Trump in China. [2:44] Reporting tonight from Beijing, here is Tom Yames. [2:50] And good evening from Beijing. [2:52] We are live as the sun comes up here in China, as these two world leaders prepare for round two. [2:58] We are standing right now on the steps of the Imperial Ancestral Temple, [3:02] the first live broadcast ever from here, foreign or domestic. [3:06] It's a site celebrating the past. [3:09] And just minutes from here, just over that wall over there, the two superpowers will grapple over the future. [3:15] The images were stunning overnight. [3:17] The two presidents meeting to massive fanfare on Tiananmen Square. [3:21] We're now learning what was discussed and what was agreed upon in the meeting so far. [3:26] President Trump saying China will help his efforts to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and both sides issuing warnings to the other over the contentious issue of Taiwan. [3:36] And we're getting our greatest insights from the man who was there for all of it, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, in his only interview since the summit began. [3:45] He tells me where China now stands on the Iran war and what the U.S. reaction is to China's push on Taiwan and how this summit could benefit the American people. [3:55] Tonight, the superpower summit and that handshake watched around the world. [4:05] China's President Xi welcoming President Trump here to Beijing. [4:09] Rolling out the red carpet for the American president with a stunning and elaborate ceremony, including children cheering for President Trump. [4:22] Those children were amazing and they represent so much and I know they represent so much to you. [4:28] Inside, the meeting kicking off with praise. [4:33] President Xi declaring they should be partners, not rivals. [4:37] And this from President Trump. [4:39] You're a great leader. [4:40] Sometimes people don't like me saying it, but I say it anyway because it's true. [4:44] I only say the truth. [4:45] But tonight, a reminder of tensions looming over these talks. [4:49] A commercial ship was attacked and seized near the Strait of Hormuz and forced to sail towards Iran, according to the British military. [4:58] Let's talk about Iran. [5:00] Minutes after the meeting wrapped, we spoke with Secretary of State Marco Rubio. [5:05] Did President Trump raise the issue of Iran with China? [5:07] He did. [5:07] And it was important because the Chinese side said they are not in favor of militarizing the Straits of Hormuz and they're not in favor of a tolling system. [5:17] And that's our position. [5:18] We don't we will never support an Iranian tolling system in the Straits of Hormuz, nor do we think they have a right to put mines in international waters. [5:25] What exactly did President Trump ask President Xi for when it comes to Iran? [5:30] He didn't ask him for anything. [5:31] I mean, we're not asking for China's help or we don't need their help. [5:33] But he raises the issue. [5:34] We raise the issue to make clear what our position is. [5:36] Iran cannot have a nuclear weapon. [5:38] And that's what they were. [5:39] You know, they were trying. [5:40] They were on the verge of building a conventional capability where they had so many rockets, so many drones that you couldn't do anything against them. [5:47] They would hide behind that conventional shield to do whatever they wanted with their nuclear program in the future. [5:52] That's why the president chose to act. [5:54] In response to that, Iran has decided that they're going to take an international waterway and turn it into theirs and charge tolls for it. [6:01] We're not going to allow that to happen. [6:03] Late today, President Trump saying President Xi offered to assist with Iran. [6:08] China is Iran's biggest ally. [6:10] President Xi would like to see a deal made. [6:12] He'd like to see the Hormuz Strait open. [6:15] He said, if I could be of any help whatsoever, I would like to help. [6:18] And that China pledged not to give weapons to the Iranian regime. [6:22] He said he's not going to give military equipment. [6:24] That's a big statement. [6:26] But at the same time, he said, you know, they buy a lot of their oil there and they'd like to keep doing that. [6:30] Iran has been attacking commercial oil tankers and blocking the Strait of Hormuz, driving up gas prices. [6:36] For our viewers back home in America, every day Americans are spending more and more and they're saving less and less. [6:44] How do you explain to them why is this taking so long in Iran? [6:47] Well, first of all, I would say obviously it may seem like a long time from the perspective of other conflicts that we've seen in the past. [6:52] It's only been weeks, not months, and certainly not years. [6:54] But longer than the president has told the American people to be fair. [6:56] Well, we achieved the missions of Epic Fury. [6:58] We destroyed the... [6:59] There is no Iranian Navy. [7:01] There is no Arabian Navy. [7:02] They have small little speed boats with a machine gun on it, but that's not a Navy. [7:05] I understand, but the Strait is closed. [7:07] There's still uranium. [7:08] Well, the Straits are closed is their reaction to the aftermath of Epic Fury. [7:12] They decided they're going to take the world hostage. [7:14] And what they're doing is illegal. [7:15] It violates every law on the books in terms of international law. [7:19] They are threatening to sink commercial vessels that don't pay them a toll. [7:22] That's unacceptable to the whole world. [7:24] As the president was leaving for China, did he make a mistake when he told a reporter [7:29] that America's financial situation isn't playing, quote, even a little bit of a role in his motivations [7:35] to make a deal with Iran? [7:36] I don't think the American people understand when it's over, you're going to have a massive drop in the price of oil. [7:51] No, I think what the president is claiming is that Iran's not going to use that as leverage against us. [7:55] Doesn't that sound out of touch, though? [7:56] I mean, Americans are spending so much for gas. [7:59] Because I think what the president is making clear is that we're not going to let Iran use that as leverage. [8:03] Remember, there's no free press. [8:04] There is no you in Iran, right? [8:06] There is no press in Iran that can criticize the regime or, say, you know, create any pressure on them. [8:11] And I think what the president is making clear is if the Iranians think that they are going to, you know, use our domestic politics [8:18] to pressure him into a bad deal, that's not going to happen. [8:21] We've taken extraordinary measures to keep gas prices lower than they are in some other parts of the world. [8:26] And they will go down. [8:28] Those straits will be open. [8:29] And we will see those prices go down. [8:31] But I would also say there's a price attached to a nuclear Iran. [8:33] If Iran ever acquires a nuclear weapon, they will immediately, what would stop them from controlling the straits then? [8:40] And then forget about it being a three-month or a six-month problem. [8:42] It could be a permanent one. [8:43] Back at the summit. [8:45] How are your talks, sir? [8:48] It's great. [8:49] Great place. [8:50] Incredible. [8:51] China is beautiful. [8:52] A late-night dinner. [8:53] Achieving the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation and making America great again can go hand-in-hand. [9:01] We had an extremely positive and productive conversation. [9:05] But also a stark warning about the island nation of Taiwan, a self-governing democracy that China's communist government claims as its territory. [9:15] After the meeting, a Chinese spokesperson saying if the issue is, quote, mishandled, [9:20] that countries could collide or even conflict, pushing the relationship into dangerous territory. [9:26] Did President Xi request to President Trump not to sell weapons to Taiwan? [9:30] Well, that topic may have been – has been discussed in the past. [9:34] It did not feature primarily in today's discussion. [9:36] But nothing has changed in the way the U.S. views the relationship with Taiwan. [9:39] It will defend Taiwan, as has been – [9:41] Yeah, U.S. policy on the issue of Taiwan is unchanged as of today and as of the meeting that we had here today. [9:48] It was raised. They always raise it on their side. [9:50] We always make clear our position, and we move on to the other topics. [9:53] Do you think China wants to invade Taiwan? [9:55] Well, I think China's preference is probably to have Taiwan willingly, voluntarily join them. [10:00] We think it would be a terrible mistake to force that through force or anything of that nature. [10:04] It would – there would be repercussions for that globally, not just from the United States. [10:08] And we kind of leave it there. [10:09] And then there's trade – President Trump trying to level the playing field for U.S. companies here in China, [10:15] bringing with him top American CEOs, including Apple's Tim Cook and NVIDIA's Jensen Huang. [10:22] Are you having to sell your chip? [10:23] President Trump, we're in. [10:24] And Elon Musk there, taking selfies at dinner. [10:27] Earlier, President Trump posting he would tell President Xi to open up China to American business. [10:33] Tonight, Chinese state media says China's leader told the American CEOs China's door will only open wider. [10:41] One thing he agreed to today is he's going to order 200 jets. [10:45] That's a big thing, Boeing. [10:46] Boeing. [10:47] 200 big ones. That's a lot of jobs. [10:49] There's going to be some agricultural purchases which are important, and they're important for our growers. [10:53] And on the case of Jimmy Lai, the pro-democracy publisher and critic of China's Communist Party, [10:59] serving a 20-year sentence on a controversial conviction for violating a national security law, [11:05] Chinese officials say he was a principal mastermind of Hong Kong's riots. [11:10] But Lai's daughter told us this week she hoped President Trump could secure his release. [11:15] We are extremely confident that it's this administration that will be the one to bring our father back home to us. [11:21] Did the president bring up the case of Jimmy Lai? [11:24] The president always raises that case, and a couple others. [11:27] And obviously we'll hope to get a positive response from that. [11:30] If China were to release him, could he come to the United States? [11:32] I think we would like to see him released. [11:34] We'd be open to any arrangement that would work for them as long as he's given us freedom. [11:38] And today we know the two presidents will meet again over tea and lunch [11:42] with more meetings before the president heads back to Washington. [11:46] Back at home, we're also following some breaking news out of Ohio we want to show you [11:50] where police in Akron say two people died after a small plane crashed into a home this afternoon. [11:55] You can see it here. [11:56] The video from the scene shows the home totally engulfed in flames. [12:00] Officials say no residents of the home have been reported injured. [12:04] Health officials in Kansas say three people with high-risk exposure to the Honta virus [12:09] have been transferred to a local hospital for monitoring. [12:12] All three had contact with an infected passenger who was on that cruise ship [12:16] but were not on board themselves. [12:18] In total now, 41 Americans are being monitored after potential exposure, [12:22] says the CDC, which adds there are no cases of that deadly Andy strain of Honta virus so far in the U.S. [12:29] We're also monitoring a developing situation out of Cuba tonight. [12:32] Rare protests breaking out in Havana. [12:35] Take a look as the city faces its worst round of rolling blackouts in about a decade. [12:40] Cuba's government says it has run out of oil amid a U.S. blockade. [12:43] And there is this intriguing development. [12:45] CIA director John Ratcliffe was on the island today. [12:49] You will see his plane right there. [12:51] A CIA official telling NBC News Ratcliffe delivered a message from President Trump [12:55] that the U.S. is prepared to engage on economic and security issues [12:59] if Cuba makes, quote, fundamental changes. [13:02] It comes as Cuba's leader said his government will accept $100 million in humanitarian aid from the U.S., [13:09] which Secretary Rubio told me had no strings attached [13:12] but needed to be distributed by non-government agencies, including the Catholic Church. [13:17] When we return in just 60 seconds, the race to be the global leader in robots, [13:22] what we found when we entered one of China's leading factories. [13:26] When we return, live from Beijing. [13:28] And we're back with a look at the streets of Beijing, [13:38] a city of not just 22 million people, but a growing number of humanoid robots. [13:44] China is the world leader in the technology, [13:47] and we went into a factory to see firsthand how they're being built and how they actually work. [13:52] Inside the ex-humanoid plant in Beijing, a new generation of robots is taking shape. [13:59] Step by step, the robots are assembled, tested, and then programmed. [14:04] They're big, bulky, ready to run or crawl through hazardous terrain. [14:12] It looks aggressive. [14:13] It's marching. [14:15] Should it be seen as something that is going to be maybe part of your military one day? [14:19] No. [14:20] Yeah, no. [14:20] Yeah, we don't want the robots to do that. [14:23] Yeah, we want a robot to help people. [14:24] The company says these robots will make living easier by helping humans [14:29] and could even be used in emergency situations. [14:32] So when you talk about helping out in the house, [14:34] just give me some examples, like help watch the children, [14:37] help maybe elderly residents clean dishes. [14:40] I mean, what is it going to do? [14:41] The elderly, maybe, because less and less people want to have kids nowadays. [14:46] It's clear there's still a lot of experimenting going on, [14:49] including this silicone-like face on the humanoid head. [14:53] What is this? [14:54] It's a bionic face, because in the future, [14:56] we want the robot to have more, let's say, like temperature. [15:01] So we want it to also look like human. [15:03] So you're going to put these faces, these heads on the robots? [15:06] Yeah, like in the future. [15:08] Exhumanoid says these robots are still three to five years from hitting the market. [15:13] Most of the functions we saw were controlled by remote, [15:16] but the goal is full autonomy. [15:18] There is a big gap between what they can do physically and what they can do autonomously. [15:24] This is where they need the training data, and they need the improvements in the AI. [15:29] But China is closing that gap with startling speed. [15:32] At a recent half marathon pitting Chinese humanoids besides real-life runners, [15:37] a robot named Lightning won the race, finishing in just 50 minutes and 26 seconds. [15:44] A record-breaking pace, and a huge leap from last year's race, [15:49] where many models could barely maintain their balance. [15:54] Off the track, the technology is already being put to work in major cities. [15:59] China has robots managing traffic at busy intersections. [16:03] It's all part of an all-out sprint for tech dominance. [16:07] Just like with EVs, solar panels, and cell phones, [16:10] China is flooding the zone with more than 150 companies [16:14] trying to outproduce the rest of the world. [16:17] One part of the industry that is already bringing in cash? [16:20] Rent a robot. [16:21] In China, these pint-sized humanoids are delivered straight to your door, [16:25] like this soccer-playing robot we rented. [16:28] A little rusty at first. [16:32] But after a few face plants, [16:35] this little guy finds his footing, [16:38] and he can kick around, [16:39] even scoring some goals. [16:44] He's pretty good with that soccer ball. [16:46] And we're back in a moment with the images just in of the Coast Guard [16:49] seizing the sailboat of an American [16:51] suspected in his wife's disappearance in the Bahamas. [16:54] And from here in China, [16:56] our exclusive access to these pandas [16:58] as they prepare for their journey to America. [17:01] Next. [17:05] And welcome back. [17:06] A survivor of that plane crash off the coast of Florida [17:09] is speaking out. [17:10] A U.S. Air Force team rescued 11 Bahamians [17:13] after their plane went down. [17:15] They survived for five hours in the water, [17:17] hoping that help would arrive. [17:20] They saw us, and they saved us. [17:23] And I keep on telling them, I say, [17:25] Lord, save us, Lord, save us. [17:28] Also tonight, we're learning more about the search for Lynette Hooker, [17:34] the American woman missing in the Bahamas. [17:37] The Coast Guard releasing these new images exclusively to NBC News, [17:41] saying they seized the couple's sailboat 40 miles off of Florida's coast. [17:45] It's the latest development in the criminal investigation into Hooker's disappearance. [17:49] And we got an update on this man filmed throwing a rock at an endangered monk seal in Hawaii. [17:54] You may remember this. [17:56] He has now been federally charged. [17:58] The incident sparked outrage from locals who know the seal as Lonnie. [18:01] The man faces prison time and tens of thousands of dollars in fines if convicted. [18:06] When we come back tonight, our exclusive, the next generation of panda diplomacy, [18:12] our up-close access to the two pandas before they leave for America. [18:16] See them right here next. [18:18] And we're back with the panda obsession here in China and back at home. [18:28] Our Janice Mackey-Frayer has exclusive access to the two pandas getting ready for their journey to America. [18:35] The countdown is on for the return of giant pandas to Zoo Atlanta, [18:41] with a fluffy pair of the iconic bears soon getting ready to roll. [18:46] They're this way. [18:48] We were invited to get a real-life look at Puxuang and Pingping, [18:53] both six years old and U.S.-bound, as part of a new 10-year conservation agreement. [18:58] Panda fans will soon learn that Pingping loves to follow his keepers around. [19:03] That's not your typical panda protocol. [19:06] And that he's also a very dedicated bamboo eater. [19:09] While Fuxuang, which means double happiness, is playful but nervous. [19:14] She likes apples and resting her chin on her paw. [19:17] So you've known her since she was a baby? [19:19] Yeah, yeah, yeah. [19:20] In 2020. [19:21] Very cute and very lovely and very smart. [19:24] Yeah, smart. [19:24] It's all part of a revival in panda diplomacy here. [19:28] That for the U.S. started in 1972 after President Nixon's landmark visit to China. [19:34] Now with President Trump on his own high-stakes trip, [19:37] pandas on the move are seen as an unofficial measure of U.S.-China relations. [19:42] With pairs of the treasured bears already in Washington and San Diego, [19:47] Zoo Atlanta is renovating their panda enclosures to better help them adapt. [19:51] The journey begins here in the panda's hometown of Chengdu at this research base where both of them were born and raised. [19:59] Soon, Fuxuang and Pingping will be moved to another panda base in the lush mountains further south where handlers will get them ready for the nearly 8,000-mile flight, their departure date a closely guarded secret. [20:12] A send-off is always bittersweet for fans here in China where pandas enjoy rock star status. [20:20] What are you going to tell your friends about the pandas? [20:22] I want to tell them about what they look like and what they're doing. [20:27] Fuxuang and Pingping have never met, but will soon head out into the world together, creating pandemonium along the way. [20:36] Janice Mackey for Air, NBC News, Chengdu, China. [20:39] And we can't wait to meet them. [20:42] We thank Janice for that story. [20:44] That's Nightly News for this Thursday. [20:45] I'm Tom Yamas. [20:46] We thank you so much for watching tonight and always. [20:50] We're here for you. [20:51] Good night. [20:51] We thank you for watching and remember, stay updated on breaking news and top stories on the NBC News app or watch live on our YouTube channel.