World Today

① UK PM leads major business delegation to China. how vital is China for Britain’s economy? (00:47)
 ② Chinese EV makers set sights on UK market as Beijing and London move to strengthen economic ties. How can Chinese NEVs seize growth opportunities in the UK? (15:33)
 ③ China urges Japan to correct fallacies in Takaichi’s remarks on Taiwan. How might Japan’s repeated provocative statements affect regional stability and Tokyo’s strategic calculations? (25:00)
 ④ China's retail sales hit 50-trillion-yuan (about $7.2 trillion) mark. What sectors are driving this unprecedented consumption growth? (33:27)
 ⑤ India, EU sign several pacts after 20 years. How will this landmark deal influence U.S. leverage over its traditional partners? (44:07)

① Xi calls on China and Finland to deepen cooperation across sectors. Where can China–Finland collaboration create the most impact for businesses and communities? (00:50)
 ② China leads in AI patents as IP-intensive industries grow. What does this mean for China’s tech competitiveness? (12:41)
 ③ US exit from key UN climate treaty draws UN criticism. Where will this hurt America most economically and strategically? (24:40)
 ④ U.S. immigration policy faces backlash after fatal shooting of another citizen. Where is enforcement turning into violence on American streets? (34:37)
 ⑤ Chinese university opens School of Space Exploration to train future talent. How might it power China’s next leap in deep space? (44:52)

① Finland seeks closer business ties with China through PM’s visit. How could this reshape Finland’s role in EU-Asia trade? (00:46)
 ② Beijing’s commercial space expo highlights rapid growth in industry. What new opportunities does China’s space boom create? (12:16)
 ③ US defense plan focuses on homeland, limits help to allies. What's behind the recent shift in US defence strategy? (24:59)
 ④ Russia, Ukraine, and US peace talks conclude without a deal. Does this signal a prolonged stalemate? (33:59)
 ⑤ France to ban social media for children under 15 by September. Can it curb online risks for minors? (43:15)

This year’s World Economic Forum in Davos unfolds against what an official release describes as the most complex geopolitical environment in decades. As 2026 begins under growing strain, what economic risks lie ahead—and what constructive role can China play? 
 Host Ge Anna is joined by Yan Liang, Professor of Economics, Willamette University; Peter Chang, Former Deputy Director, Institute of China Studies, University of Malaya; and Li Lun, Assistant Professor of Economics at Peking University.

① We take a look at the progress made in China’s agricultural modernization and rural revitalization in 2025. (00:54)
 ② The US withdrawal from the World Health Organization has taken effect. How could it affect global health governance? (14:12)
 ③ Against the backdrop of US pressure over Greenland, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen says the EU is at a crossroads towards more independence. How determined is Europe? (24:55)
 ④ Japan has halted the restart of the world’s largest nuclear power plant after safety alarms were triggered. We explore the restart’s potential risks. (34:42)
 ⑤ The British government has approved China’s plan for constructing a new embassy in London. The plan had stalled for years due to a so-called security concern. Why is the concern illegitimate? (45:18)

① China’s vice premier has delivered a message of free trade, multilateralism, cooperation and dialogue at the World Economic Forum. We explore China’s determination to be a stabilizing force amid global turbulence. (00:56)
 ② China’s R&D spending intensity surpassed OECD economies for the first time in 2025. What does it tell about China’s economic transformation? (13:56)
 ③ EU lawmakers have reportedly agreed to hold off on ratifying a key trade deal with the US following President Donald Trump’s tariff threats over Greenland. What is the EU’s message to the White House? (24:56)
 ④ US and Russian officials have held what they call constructive closed-door talks on the Ukraine conflict at the World Economic Forum. Is it time for optimism about the peace process? (33:58)
 ⑤ At the U23 Asian Cup, China has entered the final for the first time. Does it provide any guiding spirit for China’s future football development? (44:09)

① China has unveiled a special guarantee program to support private investment, and a new plan is underway to spur consumption. We look at China’s strategy of focusing on targeted support for specific areas to bolster its economy. (00:51)
 ② Why is China being widely discussed as a stabilizer for global growth and a key driver of future innovation at this year’s Davos Forum? (13:33)
 ③ Germany has reintroduced electric vehicle subsidies in efforts to accelerate the transition to less polluting cars. Will it work? (24:59)
 ④ Japan’s prime minister has called a snap election three months after she took office. Can she reverse her party’s recent run of poor election results? (34:27)
 ⑤ What has enabled Chinese universities to overtake Harvard to top a major global research output ranking? (43:14)

① China’s economy grew by 5% last year, meeting the country’s target. We explore a series of factors underpinning China’s growth in 2025. (00:51)
 ② China’s Shenzhou-20 spacecraft has returned to Earth after spending nine months in orbit. We look at how its experience raises concerns about the danger to space travel posed by space debris? (13:38)
 ③ Will the US tariff threats over Greenland risk a dangerous downward spiral in transatlantic ties? (24:52)
 ④ The Pentagon has reportedly placed some 1,500 active-duty soldiers on standby for possible deployment to Minnesota, as protests continue against raids carried out by ICE officials. How far can President Trump push the boundaries of his power in Minnesota? (34:57)
 ⑤ The Syrian government has announced a ceasefire with the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces. Will it pave the way for renewed dialogue and cooperation towards a unified Syria? (45:49)

US President Donald Trump and his administration appear to be insistent on taking control of Greenland – by force if necessary. Following a recent meeting between senior Trump administration officials and Denmark’s foreign minister, Copenhagen said a fundamental disagreement over the autonomous Danish territory remains.
 
 Is the US threat to annex Greenland generating yet another crisis in transatlantic relations? How can Europe defend Greenland from possible US moves? Host Ding Heng is joined by Timo Kivimaki, Professor of International Relations at the University of Bath; George Tzogopoulos, Senior Research Fellow at CIFE, a France-based research organization; Jin Ling, Director of the Department for European Studies, China Institute of International Studies.

① China–Canada ties: Beyond bilateral relations. What strategic implications do strengthened China–Canada relations have for the wider Pacific region? (00:45)
 ② China has unveiled national plan to boost green consumption. How might this plan reshape domestic markets and create new opportunities for both local and international businesses? (13:31)
 ③ Global survey: Majorities expect China's influence to grow over next decade. Which aspects of China's engagement appear more aligned with the needs of the international community? (26:28)
 ④ Japan's PM to detail snap election plans. Having been in office for less than three months, why is Takaichi moving so urgently to dissolve the lower house? (35:57)
 ⑤ U.S. freezes immigrant visa processing from 75 countries. What's next? (44:31)

① Canada PM’s China trip: What’s next for bilateral relations? (00:46)
 ② China's foreign trade is up 3.8% in 2025 with more diverse partners. What does this say about China’s economy amid global uncertainties? (12:30)
 ③ South Korean President Lee Jae Myung wraps up his two-day visit to Japan, and urges closer trilateral ties with Japan and China. (24:31)
 ④ Facing a more coercive United States on Greenland, what options do European countries really have? Is NATO still relevant? (34:59)
 ⑤ China installs world's first 20-megawatt offshore wind turbine. How will this tech milestone accelerate China’s green transition? (44:58)

① Xi calls for sustained anti-corruption drive. How does deepening institutional oversight underpin China’s long-term governance and development goals? (00:49)
 ② China–EU agree on EV price undertakings. How can dialogue-based solutions ease trade frictions and stabilize the global auto supply chain? (11:06)
 ③ China tightens rules on government investment funds. How will stronger evaluation mechanisms improve capital efficiency and guide social investment toward national priorities? (24:18)
 ④ Turkey seeks to join Saudi–Pakistan defense pact. As U.S. intervention in Venezuela fuels global security anxiety, is Ankara hedging beyond NATO? (34:44)
 ⑤ X’s AI chatbot Grok blocked in Southeast Asia, UK probes platform. Is the world nearing a turning point in AI content regulation and platform accountability? (46:09)

① Chinese Foreign Minister 2026 Africa Tour. At a time when hegemonism is once again on the rise, how can China–Africa cooperation help safeguard the voice of development in global affairs? (00:46)
 ② Expert insight: China’s CPI rebound points to a potential structural shift. (13:11)
 ③ Can Iran stabilize its economy amid U.S. and external interference? (34:47)
 ④ EU, South America reach trade deal after 25 years of talks. What’s at stake? (35:57)
 ⑤ U.S. Fed chair Powell under investigation: How political is the case? (44:21)

The U.S. forcible seizure of Venezuela’s President Maduro has sent shockwaves across the world. Is this abuse of unilateral power becoming a go-to tool for the United States? Are we witnessing the return of a “might makes right” logic in international affairs? And what kind of world order may emerge from this?
 
 Host Ge Anna is joined by Anna Rosario Malindog-Uy, Director and Vice President for External Affairs, Asian Century Philippines Strategic Studies Institute; Cao Ting, Director of the Center for Latin American Studies of Fudan University; and Josef Mahoney, Professor of Politics and International Relations at East China Normal University.

① China’s public security minister and Pakistan’s interior minister have met in Beijing, vowing to intensify cooperation in fighting terrorism. We explore how efforts in this regard could lead to better development of the China Pakistan Economic Corridor. (00:51)
 ② The EU has launched its carbon border tax despite opposition from major trading partners. Is this policy protectionism cloaked in environmental rhetoric? (15:38)
 ③ The Trump administration has announced US withdrawal from dozens of international organizations. What could be the consequences when the US further retreats from global cooperation? (24:53)
 ④ As more and more international patients take medical trips to China, will the country become a global hub for medical tourism? (35:36)
 ⑤ What is causing the escalation of clashes between government forces and Kurdish fighters in Syria’s Aleppo? (44:41)

① China’s foreign minister has embarked on a trip to four countries in Africa, continuing with a 36-year diplomatic tradition. Will China-Africa ties remain steadfast despite global turbulences? (00:53)
 ② China has strengthened its export control on dual-use items to Japan. Why is Beijing justified to take this move? (15:28)
 ③ European allies have agreed to key security provisions for Ukraine. We explore how security guarantees for Ukraine might look like. (24:50)
 ④ Precious metals are trading near their record highs. We look at how geopolitical flashpoints including tensions over the US seizure of Venezuela’s president are fueling the demand for safe-haven assets. (35:37)
 ⑤ Why are Chinese tech firms drawing crowds at the annual Consumer Electronics Show? (43:57)

① South Korean President Lee Jae Myung continues with his visit to China. How can China and South Korea strengthen cooperation while jointly defending results of the victory in World War II? (00:57)
 ② Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro has pleaded not guilty to all drug-related charges during his first court appearance in New York. We explore the legal issues that could arise in this case, including those concerning the legality of his forcible seizure. (14:23)
 ③ Donald Trump has set sights on Greenland after the US attack on Venezuela. Should Denmark be worried about any US move targeting the self-governing territory? (24:50)
 ④ Why has Eurasia Group, a well-known political risk consultancy, named the US political revolution as the world’s top risk in 2026? (35:25)
 ⑤ According to new official figures, China’s low-altitude equipment sector has grown fast over the past five years. We explore the factors behind its growth. (42:23)

① President Xi Jinping has held talks with his visiting South Korean counterpart Lee Jae Myung in Beijing. Are China-South Korea ties entering a phase of gradual recovery? (00:51)
 ② Irish Prime Minister Michael Martin is on a visit to China. How can Ireland strengthen cooperation with Beijing and advance China-EU ties? (14:23)
 ③ Will Donald Trump order a second US military strike on Venezuela? (24:31)
 ④ What has enabled China to kick off 2026 with a strong surge in travel and tourism? (33:42)
 ⑤ Why are Saudi-backed government forces clashing with UAE-backed fighters in Yemen’s civil conflict? (44:11)

Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife have been sent to a detention center in New York after they were captured in a large-scale US military strike. A UN spokesperson says UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres is deeply alarmed by the escalation in Venezuela, emphasizing the importance of full respect of international law, including the UN Charter.
 
 What aspects of international law has the US action violated? Will the US capture of Maduro necessarily lead to government change in Venezuela? Host Ding Heng is joined by Cao Ting, Director of Center for Latin American Studies at Fudan University and Professor Wang Jin from Northwest University in Xi'an, China.

China has issued draft rules that would tighten regulation of artificial intelligence services designed to simulate human personalities and engage users in emotional interaction. The draft lays out a regulatory approach that would require providers to warn users against excessive use and to intervene when users show signs of addiction or extreme emotions. In other words, it is targeting the potential psychological and emotional risks of AI-powered chatbots.
 
 Why is China seriously paying attention to this field? What does the move tell us about China’s mentality in AI governance? Host Ding Heng is joined by Li Lun, Assistant Professor of Economics at Peking University; Andy Mok, Professor at Beijing Foreign Studies University; Professor Yao Shujie, Deputy Director of the Department of Social Sciences, Chongqing University.

① FM Wang Yi says China values and welcomes the South Korean president’s visit. What should we watch for? (00:51)
 ② Dozens of countries voice support for China over its countermeasures and military drills around Taiwan. What does this say about the broader international consensus on the Taiwan question? (15:44)
 ③ Exclusive with Dominican President Sylvanie Burton. (27:20)
 ④ China ratifies the UN High Seas Treaty. What role will it play in protecting marine life beyond national borders? (34:15)
 ⑤ Türkiye grants visa-free entry to Chinese tourists. How will this boost tourism and people-to-people ties? (45:03)

① President Xi Jinping delivers New Year speech. What messages stand out for the year ahead? (00:45)
 ② Year-end special: How will the Global Governance Initiative shape cooperation and redefine international engagement? (26:15)

① China holds central rural work conference. How will China’s next five-year plan advance agricultural modernization and rural prosperity? (00:48)
 ② The PLA carried out live-fire drills north and south of Taiwan, continuing its military exercises around the island. What do the PLA’s recent drills signal about China’s commitment to regional security and readiness? (15:05)
 ③ Year-end special: What does China–Latin America cooperation tell us about the future of South-South collaboration? (25:31)

① PLA holds drills around Taiwan: how is China drawing a clear line against external interference? (00:45)
 ② Chinese FM says China will continue to make efforts to rebuild peace between Thailand and Cambodia. Why does regional stability matter so much for Asia’s future? (14:09)
 ③ Year-end special: How should we read the signals from Beijing and Washington — and where are China–U.S. relations really heading? (26:48)

From feeling no regret for wartime atrocities to nuclear rhetoric and military expansion, how far will Japan’s prime minister push a bellicist mindset—and who will bear the consequences? 
 Host Ge Anna is joined by Sultan Hali, a retired Air Force officer and author in Pakistan; Liu Kuangyu, a researcher at the Institute of Taiwan Studies, Chinese Academy of Social Sciences; and Josef Mahoney, a professor of politics and international relations at East China Normal University.

① China is urging the US to immediately stop arming Taiwan after Washington approved the sale of $11 billion of weapons to the island. What does the weapons package reveal about Washington’s mindset on Taiwan-related issues? (00:55)
 ② The US has imposed a visa ban on five European individuals who have been at the heart of a campaign to introduce laws regulating American tech companies. What does it tell us about the cultural and political clash between the US and Europe? (14:48)
 ③ Ukraine has unveiled the key points of a draft US-backed proposal aimed at resolving its war with Russia. Is the proposal likely to be accepted by Moscow? (24:50)
 ④ A conversation with Grzegorz Kołodko, a former deputy prime minister of Poland. (35:04)
 ⑤ A report shows that China’s Gen Zs are pursuing a free, sincere and interesting life in their own way. We take a look at some of its interesting findings. (43:07)

① China has condemned the US action to add all foreign-made drones and key components to a list of untrusted suppliers. Can protectionism help the US boost its own drone technologies’ competitiveness? (00:56)
 ② Japan is preparing to restart a major nuclear power plant that has been closed since the 2011 Fukushima nuclear disaster. We take a look at the safety concerns raised by this move. (13:56)
 ③ Israel’s defense minister is engulfed in controversy after saying Israel will never fully withdraw from Gaza. What could be the consequences of a scenario like that? (24:34)
 ④ European countries are voicing strong support for Denmark and Greenland in the wake of renewed threat from Donald Trump to take over the autonomous territory. Why is Europe firmly rejecting any suggestion of selling the island? (33:04)
 ⑤ Humanoid robots have begun working at scale on CATL’s factory floors. We explore how China’s EV battery giants are taking automation to the next level. (42:21)

① The yearly transaction volume in China’s A-share market has exceeded 400 trillion yuan ($56.9 trillion) for the first time in 2025. We explore the factors that have contributed to this milestone. (00:52)
 ② What has prompted China to impose temporary anti-subsidy measures on certain dairy products imported from the European Union? (12:35)
 ③ Donald Trump has issued a new warning to his Venezuelan counterpart, saying it would be smart for Nicolas Maduro to leave power. What could be the ultimate goal of Washington’s pressure campaign against Caracas? (25:07)
 ④ We take a look at the perceived divergences between the recently unveiled U.S. National Defense Authorization Act and the U.S. National Security Strategy. (34:44)
 ⑤ China has begun reviewing a draft law on Antarctic activities and environmental protection. How would the proposed legislation regulate Antarctic activities that China is involved in? (45:39)

① Southeast Asian foreign ministers have gathered in Malaysia for a special meeting to discuss the border conflict between Thailand and Cambodia. What steps can be taken to de-escalate tensions and end the fighting? (00:58)
 ② China has issued a serious warning to Japan over a senior Japanese official’s remarks that Japan should have nuclear weapons. We explore why Japan should not be allowed to obtain nuclear weapons. (13:13)
 ③ EU leaders have struck a deal to loan 90 billion euros to Ukraine, but failed to agree on using frozen Russian assets. What’s the calculation of the bloc? (25:07)
 ④ China has released a new batch of public data application models to accelerate the use of government data in key sectors. How will this initiative improve digital governance in the country? (33:14)
 ⑤ A new generation of Chinese beverage brands is tapping into the US market. Do they stand a chance to succeed? (43:46)

① Hainan Free Trade Port begins special customs operations. What does this signal for China’s further opening-up? (00:48)
 ② Russia vows peaceful solutions while asserting military initiative in Ukraine—what does this mean for the prospects of peace talks? (24:40)
 ③ The unemployment rate in the U.S. rose in November to a four-year high—what does this reveal about the economic struggles behind everyday Americans’ livelihoods? (36:27)
 ④ CATL discusses Chinese battery innovation—how will it reshape the future of energy and mobility? (45:08)

① Jimmy Lai convicted—would Western states tolerate similar crimes to their own political systems? (00:45)
 ② From cold resources to hot growth—how did China build a booming ice-and-snow economy? (14:55)
 ③ Ghana’s president: China is a true friend of Africa. (24:33)
 ④ Washington orders blockade of sanctioned oil tankers entering and leaving Venezuela—what is it aiming for? (34:16)
 ⑤ Arctic sees warmest year on record since 1900: report. (42:57)

① Saudi Arabia strongly reaffirms the one-China principle during Wang Yi’s Middle East visit. What message does it send? (00:45)
 ② China denounces Japan for hyping up its regular military training. What’s behind Tokyo’s provocation? (11:55)
 ③ IMF official on China’s economic outlook: what forces will shape the country’s future? (27:05)
 ④ Far-right candidate Kast wins Chile’s presidential election. What does it mean for the country and the region? (36:41)
 ⑤ China grants the first Level 3 autonomous driving vehicle permits. What's next? (45:08)

① Chinese economy keeps steady growth momentum in November — What does this indicate about the trajectory set out by the Central Economic Work Conference? (00:44)
 ② Newly declassified archives add evidence to Japan's wartime crimes against China — How do these records, showing Unit 731’s systematic, state-organized crimes, reshape Japan’s historical accountability? (12:12)
 ③ Australian PM flags stricter gun laws after Bondi Beach shooting — Will proposed reforms close existing loopholes? (30:27)
 ④ Zelenskyy offers to drop NATO bid for security guarantees but rejects US push to cede territory — What does this mean for the prospects of a negotiated settlement? (42:59)
 ⑤ Climate pressure on food: a growing global emergency — How urgent is the threat to global food security, and what strategies can governments and international bodies realistically implement to mitigate it? (51:04)

Softer rhetoric on China, but an intensified drive for economic and technological supremacy. A renewed Monroe Doctrine and a Western Hemisphere that tops America national priorities—is the 2025 U.S. National Security Strategy a real shift in American foreign policy, or just old wine in new bottles?
 
 In this episode, we explore how America’s new National Security Strategy affects China-U.S. relations and what it means for Global South countries and the broader world order. Host Xu Yawen is joined by Zhao Hai, Director of International Political Studies at the National Institute for Global Strategy, Chinese Academy of Social Sciences; Wang Haolan, Research Assistant at the Asia Society Policy Institute’s Center for China Analysis; Clifford Kiracofe, Washington-based author and former Senior Professional Staff Member of the U.S. Senate Committee on Foreign Relations; and George Tzogopoulos, Director of EU-China Programmes and Senior Research Fellow at the European Institute of Nice.

① The U.S. Federal Reserve has cut interest rates for a third time this year, though the decision came with a divided vote. How should the Fed balance its goals of taming inflation and supporting employment? (00:57)
 ② Venezuela has condemned the latest US seizure of an oil tanker as a “grave international crime.” Why is Washington escalating pressure on Caracas? (14:37)
 ③ China has held its annual Central Economic Work Conference to set its economic priorities for 2026. We bring you a few quick takeaways from the meeting. (24:59)
 ④ A conversation with Rebecca Grynspan, Secretary-General of the UN Conference on Trade and Development, on how the Global South can turn trade into financial clout. (38:42)
 ⑤ Mexico has approved tariffs of up to 50% on countries that don’t have a free trade deal with it. What has prompted this move, especially while Mexico is negotiating with the U.S. over tariffs? (45:03)

① In a “1+10” dialogue with leaders of major international economic organizations, China’s premier stressed that openness and cooperation remain the most effective way to spur growth and drive innovation. What role is China playing in rejecting rising protectionism? (00:50)
 ② Iran and Saudi Arabia have reaffirmed their commitment to implementing a China-brokered deal to resume bilateral diplomatic ties. As the peace process for Gaza faces continued uncertainties, what’s the significance of this commitment for the Middle East? (15:18)
 ③ Volodymyr Zelenskyy says Ukraine will be ready to hold elections if the United States and Europe guarantee security for the vote. Is that feasible? (24:57)
 ④ We explore why China’s consumer inflation picked up while factory-gate deflation persisted in November. (33:04)
 ⑤ Australia has become the first nation to ban social media for kids. We explore the strong emotions that the move has stirred across the country. (43:43)

① China’s top leaders have highlighted eight areas of focus for the country’s economic work in 2026. How can China’s economy maintain stability while pursuing progress next year? (00:55)
 ② German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul has paid a visit to China. We explore how China and Germany can expand their trade partnership and how Germany should position itself on the Taiwan question. (12:51)
 ③ In the first 11 months of this year, China's exports increased by 6.2% from a year earlier. How has China managed to navigate the headwinds and uncertainties in global trade? (25:22)
 ④ What has reignited fighting between Thailand and Cambodia along their border? (36:18)
 ⑤ Why has Nigeria deployed fighter jets to neighboring Benin to thwart a coup attempt in the country? (46:15)

① Hong Kong has completed its election of the eighth-term Legislative Council. As the city is in a difficult period after a deadly apartment fire, what’s the significance of the election? (00:54)
 ② The Trump administration says it aims to prevent conflict with China over the Taiwan question in a new National Security Strategy document. Is this a sign that the current US administration is more realistic in its China policy? (14:43)
 ③ Why are Japan’s repeated moves to interfere with China’s naval exercises in the East China Sea dangerous? (24:49)
 ④ What has made the OECD raise its 2025 forecast for China’s economic growth? (35:47)
 ⑤ Why have downloads of Xiaohongshu surged in Taiwan after the island’s DPP authorities announced restriction of the social networking app? (46:17)

China and France have agreed to strengthen political trust, support each other on core interests and expand cooperation. French President Emmanuel Macron’s three-day visit to China has seen Beijing and Paris pledge to work towards greater cooperation in aerospace, aeronautics, nuclear energy, and emerging areas such as green industries and AI. China and France also pledged closer collaboration on global governance, upholding the UN-centered system and promoting a more equitable global order.
 
 In this episode, we explore the dynamics of China-Europe cooperation and how the two sides should manage their ties. Host Ding Heng is joined by Professor Hans-peter Burghof, Chair of the Banking and Finance Department at the University of Hohenheim in Germany; Muhammad Ali Nasir, Professor of Economics at the University of Leeds in Britain; Liang Linlin, Director of Communication and Research with China Chamber of Commerce to the European Union.

① Xi, Macron meet and pledge cooperation on global crises and trade. How might this deepened China-France engagement influence broader China-EU relations and global multilateral coordination? (00:45)
 ② Japan drops out of the top 10 destinations for Chinese travelers after PM Takaichi’s radical moves. What does this “Takaichi Fallout” reveal about the economic costs of political missteps in Japan? (13:31)
 ③Putin visits India amid Ukraine peace push. What’s on the agenda? (26:28)
 ④ EU to launch antitrust probe into Meta over use of AI in WhatsApp. What impact will it have for tech companies? (35:57)
 ⑤ China Eastern launches world's longest flight route from Shanghai to Argentina. What does this milestone say about China-Latin America ties? (44:31)

① French President Emmanuel Macron is in Beijing with a large delegation of ministers and top executives: What opportunities are Paris and Beijing looking to unlock? (00:50)
 ② China and Russia have vowed to defend WWII outcomes and prevent a revival of fascism or Japanese militarism. What does this pledge signal about Japan’s rising militarist ambitions? (10:21)
 ③ Russia-U.S. talks on Ukraine end without a breakthrough: What’s blocking progress, and how could the deadlock shape the conflict? (24:28)
 ④ Chinese researchers lead in key scientific and tech breakthroughs: How can China and U.S. co-exist and collaborate to drive global science forward? (34:50)
 ⑤ UN warns AI could widen global inequality: What strategies are needed to prevent AI from deepening the gap? (44:51)

① Russia grants visa-free entry to Chinese citizens: What does this move reveal about the deepening China-Russia partnership? (00:45)
 ② Chinese envoy writes to the UN chief rejecting Japan’s erroneous claims on Taiwan: What does this reveal about the rising tendency of right-wing militarism in Japan? (12:31)
 ③ Chinese carmakers dominate São Paulo International Car Show: What does this signal about China-Brazil industrial cooperation? (23:52)
 ④ Does Canada’s entry into the EU defense fund indicate a strategic shift away from reliance on the United States? (35:25)
 ⑤ What does “Zootopia 2” breaking box office records in China reveal about the potential for US-China film industry cooperation? (45:24)

① Japan is ramping up military expenditure — how serious are the regional implications? (00:45)
 ② Russia-Ukraine “peace plan”: What’s the latest following Washington-Kyiv talks? (13:31)
 ③ China’s high-tech manufacturing sector reported strong profit growth from Jan–Oct — what’s driving this momentum? (26:28)
 ④ As tensions rise between the U.S. and Venezuela, is Washington’s posture — seen by Caracas as “colonialism” — pushing the conflict toward a military showdown? (35:57)
 ⑤ Airbus A320 software issue: How a ‘solar attack’ forced 6,000 planes to stay grounded? (44:31)

China’s space sector marked a landmark week—executing its first emergency crewed launch and unveiling plans for four deep-space science satellites—while its commercial space market soars toward 10 trillion yuan (about 1.4 trillion USD). What capabilities underpin this surge, and will AI-driven aerospace define the next phase of space competition?
 
 Host Ge Anna is joined by Andy Mok, Professor at Beijing Foreign Studies University; Quentin Parker, Director of Laboratory for Space Research, University of Hong Kong;
 Zhang Fan, Associate Professor of Astronomy Department of Beijing Normal University.

① We take a look at a new white paper on China’s arms control and how it tells us about China’s commitment to safeguarding world peace and security. (00:54)
 ② Japan’s Sanae Takaichi says that, under the so-called “San Francisco Peace Treaty”, Japan is not in a position to determine or recognize the legal status of Taiwan. Why is this remark erroneous? (15:22)
 ③ Donald Trump has signed an executive order launching a sweeping plan to supercharge America’s artificial intelligence development. We explore the ambitions and prospects of the plan. (25:47)
 ④ China has lodged protests with the US over its move that restricts visas for Central American officials with ties to Beijing. Should visas be turned into political leverage? (36:37)
 ⑤ Soldiers in Guinea-Bissau announce that they have seized power after a contested presidential election. What are the key factors behind the country’s long history of political turmoil? (46:53)

① Ahead of the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People, President Xi Jinping says China firmly supports the Palestinian people. How can the international society better deliver fairness and justice to the Palestinian people? (00:55)
 ② China has vowed to unite compatriots on both sides of the Taiwan Strait to oppose Taiwan independence activities. What is the danger when Taiwan independence forces are emboldened by Japan’s recent rhetoric and actions? (12:56)
 ③ China’s CATL has begun building the largest battery factory in Spain. Will this project achieve a multiple-win result for different parties involved? (24:45)
 ④ China’s ice and snow economy is likely to surpass 1 trillion yuan (about $140 billion) in 2025. What is driving the sector's growth boom? (33:43)
 ⑤ Argentina has unveiled a new migration office that features a police structure similar to the United States’ Border Patrol. Why is President Javier Milei moving to tighten rules on immigration? (44:14)

① President Xi Jinping has outlined China’s principled position on the Taiwan question in a telephone call with his US counterpart Donald Trump. Why is Taiwan’s return to China an integral part of the post-war international order? Why should China and the US jointly safeguard the victory of World War II? (00:52)
 ② We take a look at Shenzhou-22, China’s first emergency mission to its Tiangong space station. (24:59)
 ③ What has prompted Goldman Sachs to forecast that China’s economy will grow faster than expected in 2026? (34:19)
 ④ Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces have announced what appears to be unilateral humanitarian truce in the country’s civil war. Where is the conflict headed? (46:02)

① We explore the key proposals made by China at the G20 Summit in South Africa and how G20 could strengthen development empowerment for the Global South. (00:54)
 ② China says it will never permit external forces to meddle in the Taiwan region nor allow Japanese militarism to stage a comeback. Why does upholding the one-China principle and safeguarding the outcomes of World War II matter? (15:15)
 ③ The US and Ukraine promise to create a refined peace framework to end the conflict with Russia after an original US-backed plan faced criticism for being pro-Russian. How much progress can we expect in this regard? (25:19)
 ④ The US added 119,000 jobs in September in a report delayed by federal shutdown, but its unemployment rate rose. We look at the continued uncertainties facing the US economy. (34:16)
 ⑤ India has reopened tourist visa services for Chinese nationals across its embassies and consulates worldwide. How could this move help restore exchanges between the two countries? (44:24)

China is lodging serious protests with Japan over Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s remarks on the Taiwan question. Over the past two weeks, the remarks describing a Taiwan contingency as a survival-threatening situation for Japan have triggered strong outrage and condemnation from China and beyond. In the words of Russia’s foreign ministry, Japan has not yet acknowledged its mistakes 80 years after World War II.
 
 What is fundamentally erroneous and dangerous regarding Takaichi’s remarks? Host Ding Heng is joined by Professor Chen Yun from Fudan University’s School of International Relations & Public Affairs; Warwick Powell, Adjunct Professor at Queensland University of Technology; Sultan Hali, a China observer and retired air force officer in Pakistan.

① Chinese premier arrives in Zambia for a landmark visit. What might their ties say about future collaboration across the Global South? (00:55)
 ② Japan’s neighbors are raising serious concerns over Takaichi’s provocations on Taiwan and territorial claims. How far could these missteps push East Asian tensions? (13:40)
 ③ China welcomes the Netherlands’ decision to suspend its intervention at Nexperia. What’s next? (23:52)
 ④ How will the G20 summit unfold as South Africa moves forward without U.S. participation? (34:14)
 ⑤ What’s driving Germany to roll out its first national space security strategy? (44:08)