World Today

Chinese President Xi Jinping has attended the BRICS Summit and met with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi. Beyond the headlines, what bigger message is Xi sending to the world? For this BRICS special edition, host Ge Anna is joined by Dr. Josef Mahoney, Professor of Politics and International Relations at East China Normal University, and Dr. Yao Shujie, Cheung Kong Professor of Economics at Chongqing University.

China and India are two economic heavyweights of BRICS. One is the host of this year's BRICS Summit, while the other is set to take over the BRICS presidency next year. Over the past few years, the relationship between the two has been warming. How is the BRICS mechanism adding momentum to the further improvement of China-India ties? How can greater China-India cooperation benefit BRICS in return? Host Ding Heng is joined by Professor Madhav Das Nalapat, Director of Geopolitics and International Relations and UNESCO Peace Chair at Manipal University in India; Zhou Bo, Senior Fellow of the Center for International Security and Strategy at Tsinghua University; Peter Chang, Former Deputy Director of Institute of China Studies at University of Malaya.

①Global governance in a changing world: How can BRICS address the world's challenges? (00:42) ②What does China's services trade fair tell us about the value of openness as protectionism rises? (10:38) ③The health of the world's EV industry (25:07) ④Russia first puts "sovereign AI models" into law. What does it mean for Russia's AI capacity-building? (32:03) ⑤What does "pet-friendly campus" reveal China's pet consumption booms? (43:22)

①What's needed to restore China-UK relations to their "historic high?" (00:46) ②We explore how the expanded BRICS fosters economic growth of its members. (14:21) ③U.S. President Donald Trump wants a swift end to the war in Ukraine. How far away is a final peace deal? (25:12) ④How will China build the infrastructure of the future with its "six networks?" (34:29) ⑤China has the world's largest number of "top-100 innovation clusters." What's the key to its leading innovation capacity? (45:57)

①What to expect from a "next golden decade" for China-Qatar ties? (00:41) ②China says it supports Mexico in maintaining its independence and autonomy. How can the two countries minimize the impact of U.S. pressure? (13:15) ③We explore the factors driving China's foreign trade growth in the first eight months. (25:20) ④Canada's retaliatory tariffs on U.S. goods take effect. How is the spiraling tariff war hurting industries in both countries? (35:36) ⑤What do European countries worry about far-right Alternative for Germany's victory in the state election? (44:44)

①How will a major capital injection into financial institutions serve China's real economy? (00:43) ②Why is the world lining up to see China's factories? (15:13) ③U.S. envoys hope for a new round of Russia-Ukraine peace talks. What are the obstacles to getting them to the table? (27:51) ④The European Commission President's visit to Greenland amid Trump pressure: what signal is the EU sending? (36:52) ⑤Why does the world need a map that more accurately reflects the size of continents? (46:19)

Over the course of five days and four nights, President Xi Jinping took part in more than 20 activities - from bilateral meetings with Kyrgyzstan to the SCO Summit and then his state visit to Egypt. At a time when variables such as Washington's "America First" policy are adding to global uncertainty, what clear signals did this intensive diplomatic tour send? Host Ge Anna is joined by Dr. He Wenping, Senior Research Fellow at Chinese Academy of Social Sciences; Prof. Hi-sham Abu bakr Metwally Mohamed, First Economist Researcher at Egyptian Ministry of Foreign Trade and Industry; Dr. Mher Sahakyan, Director and Senior Researcher, "China-Eurasia" Council for Political and Strategic Research, Armenia.

①81 years after the victory of the World Anti-Fascist War, why do the "Enemy State Clauses" still matter? (00:44) ②The U.S. steps up pressure on Japan to strengthen the yen. How likely is a Bank of Japan rate hike this month? (15:19) ③German finance minister sees Iran war and U.S. tariffs as major source of uncertainty. Are U.S.-Europe divisions getting wider? (24:01) ④Glaciers are melting faster, raising disaster risks. What can we do to mitigate the risks? (35:19) ⑤Tech giants are urging the G20 to prioritize artificial intelligence. How can the G20 create more opportunities for entrepreneurs? (44:54)

①Chinese President Xi Jinping is on a state visit to Egypt. We explore what's next for bilateral ties. (00:42) ②A conversation with a Former Egyptian PM about how China-Egypt ties can inspire the Global South. (12:10) ③With road access to mudslide-hit border port restored in Xizang, what are the new chances in search and rescue work? (25:24) ④New poll shows Quad citizens question U.S. partnerships as views of China shift. (32:50) ⑤Bloodshed at an Iranian wedding: How to reduce civilian casualties amid U.S.-Iran conflict? (43:09)

①President Xi Jinping calls for efforts to support higher-quality SCO development. What is its evolving role in global governance? (00:44) ②The U.S. calls for G20 partners to consider more trade barriers on Beijing. How will it harm G20 mechanism? (12:42) ③We explore how China's semiconductor profits soar amid AI driven computing demand. (25:23) ④Russia's updated automotive strategy to produce 2.8 million cars a year by 2035: Can it become a major global player? (36:46) ⑤Why are young Koreans more interested in marriage than young Japanese? (43:36)

①China and Kyrgyzstan sign a treaty on permanent good-neighborliness, friendship and cooperation. What does it mean for bilateral ties? (00:46) ②How is China-Kyrgyzstan cooperation reshaping lives and connecting Central Asia? (12:51) ③Rescue efforts intensify after a devastating mudslide hit the border port of Gyirong in southwest China. What lessons does the disaster offer humans? (25:31) ④Key takeaways from Chairman Kevin Warsh's Jackson Hole speech (35:26) ⑤What is the danger of hyping up the Taiwan-related issues for Pacific island countries? (46:11)

Discussions in some Western media and policy circles have promoted the idea of a so-called "China squeeze," arguing that China's manufacturing strength is limiting industrialization opportunities for developing economies. Is the "China squeeze" a recycled version of the "China threat?" Does the West really worry about the Global South, or is this another zero-sum approach aimed at containing China's rise? Host Dou Hongyu is joined by Warwick Powell, Adjunct Professor at Queensland University of Technology, Professor John Gong of the University of International Business and Economics, and Li Lun, Assistant Professor of Economics at Peking University, to explore the questions.

①Xi Jinping will attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit in Bishkek and pay state visits to Kyrgyzstan and Egypt. What can we expect of the trip? (01:03) ②China's foreign minister has met with US Ambassador to China David Perduey. We explore the meeting's key messages. (13:46) ③China and India have reached an eight-point consensus on their border issue. How will the consensus help build mutual trust between the two sides? (24:58) ④Qatar's prime minister is on a visit to Tehran for talks on de-escalating tensions and reviving dialogue between the US and Iran. What's behind Doha's faith in the diplomatic path? (35:14) ⑤For the first time in over two decades, a majority of South Koreans have an unfavorable view of the US. What has led to the decline in South Koreans' confidence in the US? (44:28)

①China and the US have held their third semi-official Track 1.5 Dialogue. Is the dialogue mechanism enhancing mutual trust between the two sides? (00:59) ②Growth of G7 economies slowed in the second quarter. What could this mean for the global economy? (14:21) ③Iran and Oman have discussed joint shipping route and mine clearing mission in the Strait of Hormuz. What would a temporary joint shipping route actually look like? (24:59) ④The Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces have dissolved after merging with the Syrian army. How far has Syria's peace process advanced? (34:19) ⑤China has set a dedicated chapter on autonomous vehicles in draft revision to its road traffic safety law. Is it a key step towards clearing regulatory hurdles to wider commercialization of autonomous driving systems? (44:16)

①Jordan's king is on his ninth visit to China since his accession to the throne. Why are ties between China and Jordan getting closer? (00:57) ②China's vice president met India's national security adviser ahead of a new round of talks on the China-India boundary question. How can China and India enhance mutual trust? (14:13) ③China and Switzerland have completed their negotiations over free trade agreement upgrade. What will an updated FTA bring to the two sides? (24:47) ④The US has announced a major expansion of economic sanctions against Iran. Will Tehran withstand the pressure? (35:37) ⑤China has proposed formulating at least 100 key standards for the humanoid robot industry by 2028. We explore the proposal's possible implications. (45:17)

①China and Indonesia agree to deepen cooperation in energy, mineral resources, AI and maritime affairs, and begin formulating a five-year action plan for 2027 to 2031. What's the significance of it? (00:53) ②Is China's trade strength really creating a so-called "squeeze" on other economies? (13:59) ③Canada has announced retaliatory tariffs on the US after Washington imposed a 50% levy on $20 billion worth of Canadian goods. How many cards does Canada hold in fighting a trade war with the US? (25:00) ④Why has India's purchase of Russian oil reached a record high despite tighter Western sanctions? (35:30) ⑤What has prompted US President Donald Trump to tout an economic D-Day against Iran? (45:17)

An annual joint military exercise between the US and South Korea have been cut in half at Washington's request. Before the Ulchi Freedom Shield exercise began, US President Donald Trump called for its reduction, citing his good relationship with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, as well as Seoul's lack of assistance with the Iran war. South Korea has been a US ally for more than 70 years. The two nations have a mutual defense treaty. Is Washington's decision dealing a blow to American alliance credibility? Host Ding Heng is joined by Peter Kuznick, Professor of History with American University; Keechang Kim, Professor of Law at Korea University; Professor Chen Yun with Fudan University, who is now a visiting scholar at Seoul National University.

①Wang Yi visits South Korea and Indonesia. What's topping his agenda? (00:51) ②Pentagon targets 30 U.S. universities over Chinese research ties. A new "Cold War" in science? (11:45) ③China, Australia expand currency swap agreement. Is Australia hedging against its dependence on the U.S. dollar? (24:09) ④U.S. national debt tops $40 trillion for the first time. How much longer can America sustain its debt-driven economy? (34:40) ⑤China's film industry chain tops 60 billion USD this year. What's driving the growth beyond the box office? (44:09)

①Chinese, Ecuadorian leaders discuss Belt and Road cooperation and investment. What's driving Latin American nations to deepen ties with China? (00:55) ②Macao unveils its next 5-year development plan. How can Macao move beyond gaming and tap into mainland's growth? (12:50) ③China recovers rocket stage on land for first time after earlier recovery at sea. How close is China to achieving routine rocket recovery and reuse? (24:51) ④World Robot Conference opens in Beijing, showcasing real-world uses. Where does China stand in the global race to develop humanoid robots? (33:55) ⑤29 U.S. states take Meta to court over allegations that Facebook and Instagram are hooking kids. Is Big Tech finally being held accountable for social media addiction? (44:12)

①Taiwan's defense budget tops NT$1 trillion. More military spending, less for livelihoods - and is Taiwan any safer? (00:53) ②China-Europe Arctic shipping route enters regular weekly operation. What does a faster route mean for global supply chain resilience? (14:50) ③China is rapidly emerging as a major force in global drug innovation. What's behind the rise? (25:00) ④Frustration with Washington grows among US Gulf allies. Can diplomacy still work in the Iran conflict? (34:00) ⑤DRC Ebola outbreak declared the deadliest in the country's history. How serious is the threat? (43:34)

①China says allegations by Philippine defense secretary are unfounded. Why is Teodoro so determined to push China and the Philippines toward confrontation? (00:58) ②South Korean president to revive pro-Japanese asset investigation committee after a 16-year hiatus. Can normal relations with neighbors be maintained if Japan still refuses to confront its wartime history? (10:00) ③China briefs media on Jan-July economic performance. What policy support will China roll out to keep the growth momentum going? (23:37) ④DJI scores a key procedural victory in lawsuit against the US Department of Defense. Could this ruling open the door for DJI to fight its way off the Pentagon's blacklist? (34:23) ⑤German companies cut US investment to a three-year low. Even as the EU pledges more investment in the US, why are German businesses reluctant to bet on America - and what are they worried about? (44:58)

On August 15, 1945, Japan announced its unconditional surrender. For the countries and peoples across Asia who suffered under Japanese militarist aggression, August 15th has never been an ordinary day. It represents the triumph of justice over aggression. It also marks the end of a war that brought immense suffering and profound devastation to Asia. 81 years after Japan's surrender, has Japan truly learned from its past - or is history repeating itself? Host Ge Anna is joined by Einar Tangen, Senior Fellow at the Center for International Governance Innovation, a Canadian Think Tank, and Chairman of Asia Narratives; Dr. Lee Pei May, Assistant Professor of Political Science at the International Islamic University Malaysia; Dr. Liu Kuangyu, Researcher at the Institute of Taiwan Studies, Chinese Academy of Social Sciences.

①U.S. leads in missile tests, yet criticizes China: double standards, strategic anxiety, or both? (00:44) ②A China-led international standard on smart city data utilization is released. How will it shape future human urban life? (12:49) ③Putin makes his first visit to an island disputed with Japan. What messages is he sending to Japan? (24:01) ④China's homegrown C919 jet makes international debut. How big a moment is it for global aviation? (33:10) ⑤A culinary anti-war blockbuster gains traction globally. We speak with its translator about China's anti-war storytelling.

①China surpasses the U.S. in R&D spending. What does it mean for the global tech landscape? (00:41) ②Elon Musk encourages people to visit China. We explore what is attracting international tourists to the country. (14:19) ③Pakistan says the U.S. and Iran are close to some arrangement on peace. How close are they to reaching a real agreement? (25:32) ④Turkish parliament passes landmark legal framework for PKK disarmament. How might it reshape Türkiye's ties with Iraq and Syria? (35:47) ⑤How is China preparing for above-average typhoon activity? (45:40)

①China rejects illegally established "Arunachal Pradesh" by India. What's behind India's unilateral attempt to redraw administrative boundaries and alter facts on the ground? (00:41) ②Japan's defense ministry will request a record-high budget for fiscal 2027. How serious are the regional implications? (14:00) ③China's central bank names Deutsche Bank as clearing bank for the renminbi. What does it mean for China-Europe economic relations? (25:08) ④China takes 97% of H1 global humanoid robot shipments. What explains this dramatic lead? (34:52) ⑤Meta launches an open-weight AI model. Where does it put Meta in the global AI race? (44:36)

①China and Argentina renew currency swap agreement. Can RMB help Argentina hedge against the risks of USD dependence? (00:38) ②China's foreign trade expanded over 19% last month. We explore the drivers behind the growth. (12:50) ③Saudi Arabia, Turkiye and Pakistan sign a joint defense agreement. What does it mean for regional security? (24:43) ④Why are countries tightening controls on critical minerals? (35:37) ⑤Syria and Russia reach an MoU on the future of Russian military bases. What does it tell us about Syria-Russia relationship now? (44:26)

As the world prepares to mark the 81st anniversary of the end of World War II, Japan, a defeated country in that war, is rolling out a series of security and military initiatives. Why is Japan accelerating its military buildup after decades of maintaining an exclusively defensive posture? What kind of military power is it seeking to become? And should Asia be worried? Host Dou Hongyu is joined by Sultan Hali, a retired air force officer and author from Pakistan, Dr. Lee Pei May, Assistant Professor of Political Science at the International Islamic University Malaysia, and Dr. Liu Kuangyu, a researcher at the Institute of Taiwan Studies, Chinese Academy of Social Sciences.

①China's Ministry of Finance has raised 15 billion yuan (over $2.2 billion) through a sovereign bond auction in Hong Kong. We explore the reasons for the sale's good performance. (00:54) ②The EU says it has collected 1.4 billion euros in revenue from frozen Russian assets and will channel the proceeds to Ukraine. Is the windfall profit mechanism actually helping Ukraine? (15:11) ③The Trump administration has refunded about $100 billion of the tariff revenue collected before the US president's "liberation day" duties were struck down by the Supreme Court. What does it mean for US importers? (24:52) ④Iran is close to reaching an agreement with Oman on new shipping arrangements for the Strait of Hormuz. Is it a window of opportunity for the waterway's reopening? (36:18) ⑤A SpaceX rocket piece has smashed into the moon at high speed. What's unusual about it? (46:32)

① China has slammed Japan’s annual defense white paper. What’s motivating Tokyo to hype up the so-called “China threat”? (00:56) ② What’s really going on behind the Philippines’ finger-pointing over China’s ethnic affairs? (15:31) ③ China has announced countermeasures in response to the latest US move to draft a ban on imports of new Chinese datacenter components. What’s driving Washington’s “small yard, high fence” approach to Chinese AI-related products? (25:09) ④ Why did the US economy grow more slowly than expected in the second quarter? (35:29) ⑤ Brazil has downgraded diplomatic ties with Argentina after renewed attacks by Argentine President Javier Milei on his counterpart Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. To what extent is the clash driven by Milei’s ideological alignment with Brazil’s right-wing opposition ahead of October’s election? (45:16)

①Hong Kong Stock Exchange has launched five-year China government bond futures contracts, which serve as the only such contracts available in the offshore market. In what ways will they help bolster fixed income and currency markets in Hong Kong? (00:54) ②25 US states have sued the Trump administration over its latest tariffs. Is Trump administration playing a legal "cat-and-mouse" game regarding tariffs? (12:57) ③Why have the US and Japan taken the rare step of joining forces to support the Japanese yen? (24:46) ④India has eased some trade and investment restrictions on China. What could these policy changes mean for trade and investment between China and India? (35:46) ⑤Myanmar says former State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi has met with the representative of the International Committee of the Red Cross to the country. Is Myanmar returning to normalcy? (41:26)

①Japan launches its centralized intelligence agency. Why is it raising concerns at home and abroad? (00:41) ②Chinese companies unveil a new wave of AI models. Is China's AI industry in a new phase of innovation? (12:33) ③What does the historic Ceuta migrant crisis reveal about the EU's migration policy weaknesses? (26:18) ④U.S. President Donald Trump says negotiations with Iran will begin on Monday. Are diplomatic solutions on the way this time? (36:10) ⑤Pressure on FIFA president increases as UEFA prepares to oppose re-election. Why did FIFA provoke such a strong backlash across Europe? (45:45)

Apparel, furniture and home appliances once served as the iconic "old three" of Chinese exports. Later on, the "new three" – electric vehicles, lithium batteries and solar panels – became the backbone of China's export growth. Now, China says the new "new three" – AI, robotics, innovative drugs – mark another upgrade in its industrial landscape. What is new about the new "new three" compared to the "new three"? How far can China go in its rise as a global tech power? Host Ding Heng is joined by Xiao Qian, Deputy Director of the Center for International Security and Strategy, Tsinghua University; Kashif Sharif, Associate Professor from School of Computer Science & Technology, Beijing Institute of Technology; Andy Mok, Author of the book "The Innovation Machine: How China Creates and Adopts Technology Through Governance."

①Chinese top leaders sets economic priorities for the rest of 2026. How can policy support sustain growth momentum amid global uncertainty? (00:52) ②U.S. looks to boost anti-China spending worldwide, documents say. How is Washington trying to slow China's rise through pressure and propaganda? (24:59) ③Italy and Saudi Arabia reaffirm support for two-state solution. Can renewed diplomacy bring a breakthrough in the Gaza crisis? (35:13) ④FIFA opens disciplinary proceedings against Argentina. What's really at stake? (45:06)

①China opposes U.S. move to sanction Chinese research institutions. Can U.S. coercion slow China's tech rise? (00:52) ②Nearly 4,800 foreign-funded companies expanded investment in China in H1. Why are foreign firms betting big on China? (14:28) ③Netanyahu holds talks with Trump at the White House. Rift or repair? (26:17) ④South Korea's stock market has taken another sharp hit. Short-term shock or deeper trouble? (36:30) ⑤U.S. AI companies are secretly buying and destroying millions of books. AI may be transforming the future, but at what cost? (46:00)

①Xi holds talks with Slovak President Peter Pellegrini. What's driving his first China visit? (00:49) ②China's AI, robotics and innovative medicines emerge as new growth engines. Are China's "New New Three" the next economic powerhouse? (13:44) ③China releases position paper on the so-called excess capacity issue. Is "overcapacity" a real economic concern or just a political manipulation? (26:17) ④EAC central bank governors reaffirm commitment to a single currency by 2031. What does this move reveal about Africa's push for deeper economic integration? (35:15) ⑤Zelensky alleges Iran has taken part in the war against Ukraine. Is the Ukraine conflict becoming a broader confrontation involving multiple regional powers? (45:50)

①Xi and Lula discuss BRICS, Global South cooperation. What are the next frontiers of cooperation? (00:56) ②Lula criticizes new U.S. tariffs as "unfair" and a "strategic mistake". How are countries looking for ways around Washington's trade barriers? (11:28) ③China chipmaker CXMT surges 500% in blockbuster Shanghai debut. What does it signal? (24:21) ④China's industrial profits extend strong growth in first half. AI, manufacturing and old industries - all growing? What's driving China's industrial momentum? (34:30) ⑤Trump paused Iran strikes to make room for talks. A temporary pause, or a real opening for diplomacy? (43:50)

The annual ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Meeting has concluded in Manila, with China, the United States, Russia and other major players all in attendance. Against the backdrop of renewed tensions over Ren'ai Jiao, the meeting was overshadowed by geopolitical maneuvering. But as Manila, Washington and Tokyo continue to raise the stakes, can a handful of countries pull the region toward confrontation when most of Asia wants stability? Host Ge Anna is joined by Prof. Anna Malindog-Uy, Vice President and Director, Asian Century Philippines Strategic Studies Institute; Dr. Peter Chang, Former Deputy Director, Institute of China Studies, Universiti Malaya; Dr. Zhou Mi, Senior Research Fellow, Chinese Academy of International Trade and Economic Cooperation.

①How can China and the U.S. turn the consensus reached by the two heads of states during their Beijing summit into actions? (00:44) ②Does the Saudi-U.S. nuclear deal raise proliferation risks? (13:53) ③As the 2026 International Advanced Air Mobility Expo gets underway in Shanghai, we explore China's fast-growing low-altitude economy. (25:12) ④Chinese animated film 'All Wishes Come True' heads to global cinemas this summer. Can it win over audiences around the world? (36:52) ⑤How will Paramount's acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery reshape the global entertainment industry? (46:30)

①China calls for the early conclusion of consultations on the Code of Conduct in the South China Sea. We explore its importance for regional peace. (00:42) ②Iran warns the U.S. against attacking its nuclear sites, while Yemen declares a naval blockade against Saudi Arabia. Is a wider regional conflict looming? (14:13) ③China is making contactless customs clearance the norm. What does it mean for global businesses? (25:05) ④Europe's heatwaves boost demand for Chinese air conditioners. We explore how Chinese firms adapt to overseas demand. (30:40) ⑤Why is the U.S. planning a 100% tariff on generic drugs from 2028? (43:25)

①A vision for China-Thailand ties in the next 50 years (00:43) ②What's behind the Philippines' repeated infringements in the South China Sea? (13:01) ③China says Japan will pay heavy price for its wrong judgments on nuclear issues. How dangerous is Japan's nuclear ambition? (24:47) ④China firmly opposes the UK nationalization of British Steel. We explore how Britain's decision will harm its own reputation as an investment destination. (32:53) ⑤The U.S. will impose additional 50% tariff on certain Canadian goods, but is it legal or justified? (43:27)

①AI opportunities with China in the eyes of foreign officials and business leaders. (00:42) ②China rejects Trump's election interference accusations. Why do U.S. politicians always hype up China-related issues during domestic elections? (12:47) ③Shanghai's economy showed strong growth in the first half of the year: We explore the key drivers. (25:33) ④Where will Andy Burnham's leadership take Britain? (36:22) ⑤What will be the lasting legacy of the 2026 World Cup? (45:21)

As political leaders, industry pioneers and experts from around the world gather in Shanghai for the 2026 World AI Conference and High-Level Meeting on Global AI Governance, we explore key questions facing global AI governance today: What are the biggest challenges now? How can countries compete while working together on safety and governance? And how can the world ensure that AI narrows, not widens, the global development gap? Host Dou Hongyu is joined by Josef Gregory Mahoney, Professor of Politics and International Relations at East China Normal University, Li Lun, Assistant Professor of Economics at Peking University, and Dr. Liu Shaoshan, Director of Embodied Intelligence at Shenzhen Institute of Artificial Intelligence and Robotics for Society.

①During an inspection tour in Shanghai, Xi Jinping highlighted high-quality urban renewal as a key driver of city modernization. What is China's people-centered approach to urban renewal? (00:56) ②Africa's exports to China have increased significantly since Beijing expanded its zero-tariff policy across the continent in May. What new opportunities is China's policy opening up for African exporters? (14:22) ③We explore why, according to a new Pew study, more people around the world now favor China over the US. (24:49) ④Britain and the European Union have formally signed a treaty on the status of Gibraltar. How could it ease border friction and boost the local economy? (35:34) ⑤According to US media reports, the Trump administration has internally estimated that the war on Iran has cost the US up to $100 billion, over three times higher than its public estimate. What is behind this perceived lack of transparency on war cost? (44:55)

①China's economy grew 4.7% in the first half of 2026. We analyze how the economy has performed so far this year. (00:49) ②Bank cards have become an entry point for users to access AI services, as six Chinese commercial banks have recently launched credit and debit cards bound to AI providers. What could this trend mean to the landscape of China's banking sector? (15:19) ③The Australian government is moving to block the shareholder rights of three China-linked investors in a Perth-based rare-earth miner. Is safeguarding national security legitimate ground for the measure? (24:46) ④Lebanon and Israel have resumed talks to discuss how to implement a US-brokered framework deal aimed at ending the war in Lebanon. Will Israeli troops withdraw from southern Lebanon any time soon? (35:40) ⑤The US House of Representatives has passed a bill to make daylight saving time permanent. Why is there strong support for ending the twice-a-year clock changes used across most of the country? (45:09)

①Xi Jinping will attend an upcoming international AI conference in Shanghai and deliver a keynote speech. Where is China now regarding the development and governance of AI? (00:56) ②What has made China's foreign trade maintain good momentum in the first half of 2026? (13:22) ③China has set a goal of raising total retail sales of consumer goods to about 60 trillion yuan ($8.8 trillion) by 2030. What will it take to sustain the growth of the country's consumer demand? (24:56) ④Why has Andy Burnham emerged as the frontrunner to become Britain's next prime minister? (34:47) ⑤Yemen's Houthi group has fired missiles at Saudi Arabia, accusing the kingdom of bombing an airport under its control. Does it represent a collapse of the peace process between the two sides? (44:34)

①China has rejected a joint statement by several countries marking the 10th anniversary of the so-called South China Sea arbitration ruling. Why is the ruling illegal and invalid? (00:59) ②Ukrainian Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko has stepped down as President Volodymyr Zelensky announced fresh changes to Ukraine's government. What specific strategic shift is Zelensky signaling? (24:58) ③The IMF has downgraded the global growth outlook, but why has it upgraded China's growth forecast? (34:56) ④Hainan has reaffirmed its plan to ban the sale of gasoline-powered vehicles by 2030 and become the first province in China to do so. How ambitious is the goal? (46:52)

The 2026 NATO Summit in Ankara has drawn to a close. For two intense days, attention was locked on the Turkish capital. Beyond the debates over defense spending, burden sharing and hotspot issues, the event highlighted Turkiye's unique role within the alliance. Sitting at the crossroads of Europe, Asia, and the Middle East, Turkiye is no longer just a NATO member following a script. It is writing it. How is Ankara reshaping the transatlantic security architecture? Host Ding Heng is joined by Kamal Makili-Aliyev, Associate Professor at the School of Global Studies, University of Gothenburg; Huseyin Bagci, Professor of International Relations at the Middle East Technical University in Ankara; Dr. Mher Sahakyan, Director of "China-Eurasia" Council for Political and Strategic Research.

① China–Namibia ties: New opportunities under Nandi-Ndaitwah's presidency. (00:49) ② From semiconductors to broader trade cooperation, the Netherlands is seeking a new chapter with China. What does Dutch trade minister's China visit reveal about Europe's evolving approach to Beijing? (14:53) ③ China is testing a new path toward reusable rockets with a sea-based booster recovery system. What can we expect? (26:07) ④ Britain's political revolving door: What comes next? (36:23) ⑤ The U.S. is removing Syria from its terror list. What's driving the shift? (46:51)

① Why do the Philippines' South China Sea claims lack legal basis - and threaten regional stability? (00:49) ② 5% of GDP by 2035: Can NATO members sustain the economic burden? (14:49) ③ What's next after the Iran - U.S. escalation - and is the ceasefire still viable? (25:07) ④ U.S. job growth slowed more than expected in June. Why didn't the World Cup deliver expected boost to U.S. jobs? (35:14) ⑤ Chinese AI models lead OpenRouter's traffic. Why are they winning over global developers? (46:52)

① From trade and green development to innovation and security: What has Wang Yi's Nordic tour achieved? (00:49) ② China's new trading rules: What will they mean for investors? (14:45) ③ Japanese writer urges society to learn from wartime history and avoid returning to the path of militarism. (25:56) ④ China urges respect for Pacific Island nations' sovereignty and rejects bloc confrontation. (35:00) ⑤ Space computing takes off in Beijing with new innovation center. (43:05)