Dialogue

US forces have launched new strikes on Iranian targets near the Strait of Hormuz, with Washington describing the operation as “self-defense” after Iranian vessels were reportedly involved in mine-laying activities and missile threats against US assets. The latest escalation comes at a highly fragile moment as negotiations are reportedly continuing over a possible ceasefire framework. But major disagreements remain over sanctions relief, uranium enrichment, Israel's attacks on Lebanon, and freedom of navigation through one of the world’s most critical energy chokepoints. Are we seeing the first steps of a possible diplomatic settlement, or simply a temporary pause before another round of confrontation? Can Washington prevent the Strait of Hormuz from becoming the center of a much wider regional conflict? And how vulnerable is the global economy to another major shock in the Gulf?

Saturday marks the 75th anniversary of the peaceful liberation of Xizang Autonomous Region. Over the past seven and a half decades, Xizang has undergone profound transformations in its economy, infrastructure, public services, and living standards. Its GDP has grown from just 327 million yuan in 1965 to more than 300 billion yuan in 2025, and the region is now targeting economic growth of over 7 percent in 2026. How has Xizang changed over the past 75 years? What does its development reveal about China’s approach to human rights — particularly the right to development? And as the region enters a new stage of high-quality growth, what kind of Xizang will the world see in the years ahead?

Beijing has strongly rejected Taiwan leader Lai Ching-te's latest remarks on cross-Strait relations, accusing him of repackaging "Taiwan independence" in the language of peace and democracy. The comments come as Lai faces mounting political pressure on the island, after Taiwan's legislature voted on an impeachment motion against him. Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump has warned against Taiwan independence and calls Taiwan a "problem." Where does the Taiwan question stand amid these developments? Why is Washington's opposition to Taiwan independence a positive step toward peace and stability in the region? And what's the message sent by Washington if arms sales continue?

Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin have issued a joint statement on further strengthening strategic coordination and deepening friendship and cooperation between the two countries. The two sides also signed a series of cooperation agreements across a wide range of sectors. What is this visit all about? How have China and Russia managed to build such a stable and resilient relationship? Amid rising global uncertainty and geopolitical tensions, what does a deepening and steady China-Russia partnership mean for the world as well as for themselves?

Russian President Vladimir Putin's state visit to China comes as the two countries mark 30 years of a strategic partnership and 25 years of a good neighborliness. What is the current state of China-Russia economic and trade cooperation? Where are the new opportunities for growth? How could closer China-Russia ties give fresh momentum to BRICS and broader Global South cooperation?

The recent meetings between Chinese President Xi Jinping and his U.S. counterpart Donald Trump has put the world's most consequential bilateral relationship back at the center of global attention. As the two sides set a new tone of building a relationship of constructive and strategic stability, how will they expand cooperation and manage their differences to stabilize their ties? What challenges and opportunities lie ahead?

China and the United States appear poised to open a new chapter in their relationship following in-depth exchanges between Chinese President Xi Jinping and his US counterpart Donald Trump. A new vision is emerging: building a relationship based on constructive strategic stability. What’s the significance of such a new framework? How can the two powers expand cooperation while setting boundaries for their competition? And how will they handle sensitive issues such as trade, technology, Taiwan, and global security?

Chinese President Xi Jinping and visiting U.S. President Donald Trump have agreed on a new vision of building a constructive China-U.S. relationship of strategic stability. What does that mean in practical terms? How could this important concept shape what is arguably the world's most consequential bilateral relationship? And what challenges could stand in the way of achieving "constructive strategic stability" between the two largest economies?

The Taiwan legislature has approved a record high 24-billion-U.S.-dollar arms procurement bill, sparking intense debate across the island. Critics are questioning the scale of spending and the lack of transparency. Who will benefit from such massive spending? Can these weapons truly make Taiwan safer? Where is the Taiwan question heading next?

China and the U.S., the world's two most consequential powers, are moving in very different directions. China is doubling down on self-reliance, while the U.S. continues to preserve global dominance. But despite mounting tensions, the two sides also appear to be managing competition carefully and perhaps uneasily. Can this uneasy balance last? How can Beijing and Washington avoid confrontation? Can people-to-people exchanges succeed while official diplomacy struggles? Is peaceful coexistence a realistic outcome or just wishful thinking?

The 48th ASEAN summit has focused heavily on three urgent issues, oil, food and migrant workers. Regional anxieties have deepened following the U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iran alongside sweeping tariffs imposed by the Trump administration on ASEAN economies, such as Singapore, Indonesia, Malaysia and Thailand. How serious is the energy crisis in the ASEAN region? What do these converging issues mean for its member states? And what solutions might be available to address these growing challenges?

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi has held talks with visiting Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi in Beijing. The meeting came one day after the U.S. suspended its efforts to guide ships through the Strait of Hormuz. What can China's diplomacy achieve at this moment? Is Washington moving toward a deal with Tehran, or simply changing tactics after military operations have paused? And can the region achieve a more durable peace?

As China continues to develop, a growing number of Western scholars and policy makers are calling for a reassessment of how the country is understood, urging a move beyond long held stereotypes and ideological bias. At the same time, we are seeing a steady stream of Western leaders visiting China. What's driving this shift? Is the West beginning to rethink its approach to China? How resilient is China's economic model in an increasingly fragmented global landscape?

The Japanese government has convened the first meeting of an expert panel to begin revising three of its most important security documents - the National Security Strategy, the National Defense Strategy, and the Defense Buildup Program. The move marks the latest step in Japan’s accelerating defense shift, following months of rising military spending, expanded security cooperation, and changes to its arms export policies. What is driving the revision of these key strategies? Is Japan laying the groundwork for a further military buildup? Could its long-standing “no introduction” principle on nuclear weapons come under review?

Europe is finding itself in a growing strategic bind: still reliant on the US for security, yet struggling to manage its economic relationship with China amid mounting transatlantic pressure. From Washington's "good versus bad" NATO framing, to Brussels' sanctioning Chinese entities and Beijing's swift response, these are not isolated developments, but signs of deeper structural tensions. Has Europe, in effect, created its own strategic dilemma in navigating ties with Washington, Beijing, and Moscow? Can it move toward genuine autonomy in security and foreign policy? What is holding it back from improving relations with China?

In recent talks with leaders from Saudi Arabia and the UAE, Chinese President Xi Jinping warned against a return to a "law of the jungle," where the strong dominate the weak. He emphasized that the rule of law must not be "applied selectively" based on convenience. This raises important questions: Are we still operating within a law-based international system, or are we drifting toward a "law of the jungle"? What would be the consequences if "might makes right" becomes the norm, and what alternative visions of global order could offer a path forward?

For the first time in nearly a decade, a senior U.S. delegation has visited Havana—reviving direct contact between two long-time adversaries at a moment of deep crisis for Cuba. The island is grappling with widespread power outages, fuel shortages, and a contracting economy, amid the long-standing U.S. embargo and its recent tightening grip on Cuba's energy lifeline. What is driving this renewed engagement? Is it the start of a breakthrough—or simply a different form of pressure? And as tensions rise, is Washington going to launch another unprovoked war on a sovereign nation?

Japan has approved a sweeping legal overhaul, lifting a decades-old ban on exporting lethal weapons. The move comes as Tokyo accelerates its military buildup, with changes that many see as eroding the constraints of its postwar pacifist constitution and raising concerns about the regional security order in Asia. Meanwhile, 126 Japanese lawmakers have visited the Yasukuni Shrine, which honors Class-A war criminals - another development that has drawn strong reactions from neighboring countries. What’s driving Japan’s rapid military shift? Why are its neighbors and other Asian nations increasingly concerned about Japan becoming a more assertive military power? And what could this mean for stability in the Asia-Pacific?

With the two-week ceasefire about to expire, all eyes are on whether the U.S. and Iran will return to the negotiating table—or drift further apart. Washington has announced a team led by Vice President JD Vance, but Tehran has yet to confirm its participation, and no U.S. delegation has departed. President Donald Trump has said the ceasefire will end "Wednesday evening, Washington time." At the same time, Iran is calling for the release of a cargo vessel seized by the U.S. Navy, along with its sailors, crew, and their families. Where does diplomacy stand now? Are both sides still preparing to talk—or bracing for the ceasefire to collapse? With pressure mounting on all fronts, are we heading toward a last-minute breakthrough—or a return to open conflict?

Beijing has hosted a remarkable series of high-level visitors from Thailand, Spain, the UAE, Vietnam and Russia. These visits come as global energy shock is intensifying, geopolitical tensions remain high, supply chains are under strain, and many countries are searching for more stable partners and broader diplomatic options. What do these visits reveal about China’s role in an increasingly unsettled world? Are countries simply responding to immediate crises, or are they repositioning themselves for a deeper, longer-term shift in the global order?

The International Monetary Fund has downgraded its global growth outlook, warning that the U.S. and Israeli war on Iran threatens to hike inflation with the possibility of a global recession. For many developing economies, especially across the Global South, the situation is even more urgent with higher energy costs, weaker currencies, and less room to respond to the crisis. How deep is the economic fallout from the conflict? Are we looking at a temporary shock or the beginning of a more structural shift in the global economy? And what does that mean to our daily lives?

The Chinese mainland has unveiled a new package of 10 measures to boost cross-Strait exchange, such as expanding direct flights, allowing more Taiwan TV dramas into the mainland market, and facilitating the sale of agricultural products from Taiwan. These policies were announced immediately after a high-level visit to the mainland by Kuomintang Chair Cheng Li-wun, the first such engagement in a decade. What do these 10 policies really aim to achieve? Why now? Could this mark a turning point in cross-Strait relations, or simply a limited step forward?

For the first time in 10 years, leaders of the Communist Party of China and the Chinese Kuomintang Party, or KMT, have met in Beijing. Xi Jinping, general secretary of the CPC Central Committee, said the meeting is of great significance for developing relations between the two parties and across the Taiwan Strait. Cheng Li-wun, Chairwoman of the KMT, presented the dialogue as a historical responsibility to avoid war and to ensure cross-Strait peace. So what's behind the historical meeting between the two parties? How will it contribute to peace and stability in the region? And what does this visit really signal - for cross-Strait relations, for Taiwan's internal politics, and for the future of exchanges across the Strait?

Japan has approved its largest-ever budget for 2026, with defense spending surpassing 60 billion U.S. dollars and reaching the 2% of GDP threshold ahead of schedule. Tokyo has revised its key security policies, and is moving to lift long-standing restrictions on lethal weapons exports. Given Japan's history, such shifts are closely watched. What is the long-term objective behind Japan's evolving military strategy? Has it departed from its postwar commitment to a purely defensive posture? And could these changes signal a more assertive – and potentially destabilizing – role in regional security?

Just hours before a U.S. deadline for major strikes on Iran’s civilian infrastructure, Washington and Tehran have agreed to a two-week ceasefire brokered by Pakistan. Under the deal, Iran will reopen the Strait of Hormuz, while the U.S. and Israel will suspend military operations. Both sides will halt attacks for two weeks as negotiations move forward. U.S. President Trump has described the move as a step toward a broader agreement, while Iran insists it is only a temporary pause—not the end of the conflict. What more do we know about this ceasefire? What are the bottom lines for each side? And can this two-week window pave the way for lasting peace, or is it merely a tactical pause before a wider war?

A new deadline is fast approaching in the Iran war as U.S. President Donald Trump warns Tehran it must reopen the Strait of Hormuz by April 7 at 8 pm Washington time or face sweeping military strikes. At the same time, Tehran has delivered a 10-point response to an earlier proposal signaling little willingness for a temporary ceasefire and instead calling for a broader, more comprehensive deal to end the war. What makes this ultimatum different? How should we understand the U.S. threats against civilian infrastructure in Iran? Are we heading toward a breakthrough or a dangerous turning point?

The war on Iran is sending shockwaves through the global economy, but nowhere are the effects more immediate and severe than in Asia. Governments across the region are scrambling to secure supplies, while businesses and households face rising costs. In some countries, shortages have already sparked panic buying and even social unrest. This is not just a temporary crisis—it could reshape growth, inflation, and long-term energy strategies across Asia. How vulnerable are Asian economies to this shock? Which countries will be hit hardest, and who might adapt? Could this crisis accelerate a deeper transformation in Asia's economic model?

U.S. President Donald Trump has delivered his first national address on the war against Iran, claiming major victories but also raising more questions than answers. He claimed that the war is near completion, but warned of intensifying strikes in the coming weeks. While saying the U.S. doesn't need Iran's oil, he has previously floated the idea of "taking it." Trump has even suggested that countries reliant on the Strait of Hormuz should "just take it" themselves. What exactly is Washington's strategy? Are these contradictions part of a strategy, or signs of a deeper lack of clarity? Can the two sides reach any deal any time soon?

China's 2026 "Two Sessions" have emphasized steady growth, deeper opening up, and a focus on innovation-driven development. From continued capital inflows into Hong Kong to the expansion of a New Quality Productive Forces, China is positioning itself as a stabilizing force and a driver of global growth. What lies behind China's economic resilience? Can higher standard opening up succeed in today's volatile international environment? What signals do the top political meetings send to foreign investors in China? As China evolves from a major recipient of a foreign investment to a significant outbound investor, what could it bring to global supply chains?

U.S. President Donald Trump has told aides he is willing to end the war on Iran even if the Strait of Hormuz remains closed. He has also warned that Iranian energy infrastructure, including desalination plants, could be targeted if a deal is not reached soon. Foreign ministers of Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Turkiye, and Egypt have met in Islamabad, pledging support for renewed peace efforts. What is Washington's next move? Is the U.S. preparing to exit, regardless of the consequences? Or is it keeping military options open, as more troops arrive in the region? And can diplomatic efforts from other countries help ease tensions?

Military power has long been central to U.S. global dominance, but the war on Iran is testing its limits. This is more than just another conflict; it marks a potential turning point. Critics argue that Washington's reliance on force over diplomacy and unilateral actions instead of multilateral cooperation signal a shift toward coercion, accelerating the very decline the U.S. seeks to avoid. Is this a moment of American dominance or reckoning? Is the U.S. reinforcing its global primacy or hastening a shift toward a more fragmented, post-American world?

Military power has long underpinned the United States’ global hegemony, but the war in Iran is now putting that foundation to the test. What is unfolding is not just another conflict, but a potential turning point. Critics argue that Washington’s reliance on force over diplomacy and unilateral action over multilateral cooperation signals a shift toward coercion that may be accelerating the very decline it seeks to prevent. The question remains whether this moment reinforces U.S. primacy or marks a broader shift toward a more fragmented, post–United States world.

Despite global headwinds, Asia remains resilient, continuing to drive global growth and trade. That's the clear message from the Boao Forum for Asia, now underway in Hainan. What is underpinning Asia's resilience? As the global energy supply faces growing disruption, how can the region navigate these challenges—while advancing integration and sustaining its growth momentum?

The war on Iran is sending shockwaves through global energy markets. Industry insiders say they "have not seen anything like this."According to the International Energy Agency, more than 40 energy assets across the Middle East have been "severely" or "very severely" damaged. This comes in addition to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, through which around 20% of global oil flows. At the same time, the impact of energy shortages is being felt in a growing number of countries worldwide. How serious is this moment for global energy security? What are the short- and long-term consequences? And could this crisis trigger a deeper shift in how the global energy system operates?

For decades, the U.S. has built one of the most extensive alliance systems in modern history. However, that foundation is under growing strain. From a series of America First unilateral policy moves to the U.S. war on Iran, Washington’s actions are leaving many of its allies uneasy and even outright unwilling to follow.

The U.S. and Israel's war on Iran is entering a more dangerous and economically consequential phase. After Israel struck Iran's South Pars gas field, Iran retaliated by hitting energy targets across the Gulf, including Qatar's gas hub, sending energy prices sharply higher. Where is the conflict heading? And could the battle over energy infrastructure reshape the strategic calculations of the entire region?

China's tech sector is accelerating rapidly. From AI and semiconductors to humanoid robots and advanced materials, breakthroughs are emerging on multiple fronts. Some are even calling this a "harvest season" for innovation. What's driving this momentum? How sustainable is it? And as China moves toward its 15th Five-Year Plan, where are the next major breakthroughs likely to come from?

China and the United States have wrapped up trade talks in Paris. Both sides say they value a stable trade relationship and they have agreed to promote trade and investment between the world's two largest economies. What did this latest round of talks achieve? What might the long-term economic relationship between China and the U.S. look like?

China has posted a robust start in foreign trade with exports surging more than 21% and imports nearly 20% in the first two months of the year. Consumption recorded its biggest jump in more than three years. The latest numbers arrive just as China wrapped up its annual Two Sessions where lawmakers approved this year's government work report and new five year plan. What do the figures tell us about the Chinese economy, which policy priorities are likely to shape China's economy and society in the coming years, and what do they mean for improving the lives of the Chinese people?

At least three ships have come under attack in the Strait of Hormuz, rattling global energy markets. Despite Washington's claim that the war is complete, Iran has ramped up missile strikes on Israel and U.S. assets across the region. At the same time, the United States appears eager to find a way out but without a clear plan for what comes next. Is this war really nearing its conclusion, or is it entering a more dangerous phase?

A professor from the University of Chicago explains the impact of U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iran. The scholar shares his opinions on issues such as the purpose of the attacks on Iran, potential next steps from the United States, Israel's role in driving the escalation and the conflict’s impacts on Gulf countries.

As China's political sessions continue, attention has turned to the annual work reports from the country's top legal bodies, outlining priorities for judicial reform and the development of the rule of law. Meanwhile, lawmakers are reviewing several pieces of legislation, including draft laws on environmental protection, national development planning and the promotion of ethnic unity and progress. What do these latest work reports tell us about the evolution of China's legal system? What do the new legislative proposals aim to achieve?

China expects its GDP increase for 2026 to exceed 6 trillion yuan, a boost officials say will help stabilize employment, improve livelihoods, and manage economic risks. The government also plans to deepen its “AI+” initiative, with AI-related industries expected to exceed 10 trillion yuan in scale by 2030. Meanwhile, six emerging pillar industries — including biomedicine, the low-altitude economy and smart robotics — are set to double their output within five years. Where does the Chinese economy stand today? What signals are coming from top policymakers? And what priorities will shape its future?

China has set its economic growth target for 2026 at 4.5 to 5 percent. China will continue to prioritize scientific research and high-tech innovation, while also making stronger efforts to boost its consumer market. What's the thinking behind this policy choice? What challenges could China face in reaching its growth target? And how will policymakers navigate those challenges while laying the groundwork for sustainable growth?

China's top political advisory body is holding its annual session in Beijing. What will the meetings primarily focus on this year?

The US and Israel have attacked Iran for a third day. Israel is expanding operations to include Hezbollah in Lebanon, while Iran has targeted U.S. military facilities across the Gulf region. How long might this war continue? What is Washington's strategy once the bombing stops? And how will war reshape Iran and the entire Middle East region?

The casualty number in the Ukraine conflict has risen into the hundreds of thousands. Entire cities and critical infrastructure have been devastated. Where does the conflict stand today? What has changed over the past four years, and as it moves into a 5th year, what realistic paths remain toward resolution?

The U.S. Supreme Court ruling against President Donald Trump's so-called liberation day tariffs has sent shockwaves through financial markets and foreign capitals. Despite the decision, the U.S. administration appears prepared to draw on a broad range of legal tools to re-impose tariffs. What might come next from President Trump and how will this development affect trade between the United States and its global partners?

In this edition, we talk about the current international landscape amid all kinds of uncertainties. How can the world seek greater understanding and cooperation?

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz will make his first trip to China since taking office. How will Beijing and Berlin manage cooperation and competition, especially in industrial manufacturing?