World Today

① China and the US have agreed to work towards a constructive relationship of strategic stability. Are the two sides opening up a new chapter in bilateral ties? (00:53) ② We talk to a senior official at World Trade Centers Association on China-US commercial ties and globalization. (15:24) ③ What’s at stake in a BRICS foreign ministers’ meeting hosted by India? (24:59) ④ Kevin Warsh has won Senate confirmation as the next Federal Reserve chair. Will he maintain the Fed’s independence? (34:31) ⑤ Why is Nissan failing to make a profit? (44:39)

① Meeting UNESCO’s director-general in Beijing, Xi Jinping says China is ready to work with the UN agency to expand access to the benefits of educational, scientific and cultural development. What has China contributed to UNESCO? (00:56) ② China’s ambassador to the US did an interview with Newsweek ahead of President Donald Trump’s visit to China. We explore the key messages sent by Beijing in this interview. (13:53) ③ We speak to a senior China advisor at the Carter Center in the US on Trump’s China visit and China-US relations. (25:11) ④ Before the arrival of conventional summer period, India is already battling with record-breaking heat waves. What concerns is it raising? (35:24) ⑤ Why did China’s exports in services see remarkable growths in this year’s first quarter? (45:22)

① It’s been three years since President Xi Jinping chaired a forum on advancing the development of Xiongan New Area in the northern Chinese province of Hebei. What does China’s vision for Xiongan tell us about its governance approach? (01:01) ② Tajik President Emomali Rahmon is on a state visit to China. How are closer ties with China benefiting the Central Asian country? (14:37) ③ We talk to a former US ambassador to China ahead of President Donald Trump’s visit to Beijing. (25:27) ④ Why are international financial institutions showing growing confidence in China’s economy? (37:03) ⑤ More than 30 heads of state and government are meeting in Kenya for a France-Africa summit. Does the event represent a paradigm shift in the relationship between the two sides? (47:29)

① China has confirmed an upcoming state visit by US President Donald Trump. What could get accomplished during the visit? (00:50) ② Why has China’s foreign trade maintained strong momentum in April despite the economic and energy shocks from the Middle East crisis? (12:12) ③ Iran has rejected the latest US ceasefire proposal as tantamount to surrender, while Donald Trump has described Tehran’s response as unacceptable. Where is the conflict headed? (24:59) ④ Chinese citizens can now travel to Brazil visa-free. How could it strengthen cultural exchange, tourism cooperation and economic engagement between China and Brazil? (34:40) ⑤ Why has Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s Labor Party suffered huge losses in Britain’s local elections? (44:31)

Japan is witnessing its largest anti-war protests in decades. Since coming into power, Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi has taken major steps away from Japan’s post-war pacifism, lifting restrictions on lethal weapons exports and actively seeking political support for revising the constitution. As a result, a sentiment against remilitarization is gaining momentum in Japan. How worrisome is Japan’s deviation from pacifism under Takaichi? How far will Tokyo go in that direction? Host Ding Heng is joined by Professor Anna Rosario Malindog-Uy, Director and Vice President for External Affairs of Asian Century Philippines Strategic Studies Institute; Lee Pei May, Assistant Professor of Political Science at the International Islamic University Malaysia; Zoon Ahmed Khan, Research Fellow at Center for China and Globalization.

① Uzbekistan's PM is in Beijing on a two-day visit. What should we expect? (00:44) ② A report says the EU cyber plan barring Chinese suppliers will lead to huge cost for the bloc. Will economic costs outweigh the security gains? (13:44) ③ China’s robotics exports posted strong growth in Q1. What has driven this increase? (25:28) ④ What do we need to know about Hantavirus infections on the cruise ship MV Hondius (35:41) ⑤ Samsung ceases sales of home appliances on the Chinese mainland. Why? (45:40)

① Iran’s top diplomat visits Beijing. What’s behind the timing? (00:48) ② A phone call between the Russian Foreign Minister and the U.S. Secretary of State: what direction could it take U.S.–Russia relations? (12:19) ③ Ukraine eyes Japan as a potential weapons source after export rules ease. What threats could this pose? (24:45) ④ What does China's May Day holiday travel reveal about consumer vitality? (35:13) ⑤ Why are more people in China going to the cinema? (45:07)

①China calls for staying on alert over Japan's nuclear move. Why is Japan's nuclear ambition a greater concern now? (00:46) ②The U.S. moves to reopen the Strait of Hormuz by force. How big is the risk of hostilities resuming? (13:53) ③Germany warns the European Union will retaliate if the U.S. raises auto tariffs to 25%. How will the trade disputes affect transatlantic relations? (24:47) ④China's service sector drives growth with AI unlocking new potential. How is AI creating consumption scenarios? (33:04) ⑤A young Chinese Snooker player wins 2026 World Championship in historic victory. How has Chinese snooker produced world champions? (42:42)

① The Chinese president urges Chinese youth to align personal pursuits with national development. How to interpret his message? (00:47) ② Historic protests are held in Japan against PM Takaichi's constitutional revision. How might this affect Takaichi's ability to advance her revision agenda? (14:24) ③ The U.S. military launches effort to guide ships out of Strait of Hormuz. What is the strategic purpose behind the move? (24:46) ④ Pew survey shows Americans' views of China improving. What's behind the change? (32:06) ⑤ Unitree Robotics' first direct-operated store opens in Beijing. How close are affordable home robots? (41:51)

China has unveiled new guidelines to better protect gig workers, such as deliverymen and ride-hailing drivers, a group that now numbers over 84 million people. What real changes will these measures bring? And what could this mean for China's broader labor market? Host Dou Hongyu is joined by Soo Hee Lee, Professor in Organisation Studies with the University of Kent; Mike Bastin, China observer and senior lecturer at the University of Southampton; and Chen Jiahe, Chief Investment Officer at Novem Arcae Technologies, to delve into these questions.

① China to grant zero-tariff access to all African countries with diplomatic ties. How will this boost African exports to China and shared development? （00:55） ② Australia FM visits China. Why now? （13:45） ③ Trump and Putin discuss Iran war and Ukraine ceasefire. What’s really on the table? （23:50） ④ China opens first cross-Bohai drone logistics route. Is low-altitude economy reshaping northern China’s supply chains? （33:00） ⑤ China sees rise in vocational degrees as students prioritize skills over elite universities. Why are graduates “returning” to vocational training? （43:25）

① CPC leadership meeting calls for stronger confidence in economic work. What does this reveal about China's development momentum? (00:45) ② UAE to exit OPEC, OPEC+ from May 1st. What's next for global oil prices and energy markets? (14:10) ③ Japan's push to revise Self-Defense Forces rank titles signals military expansionist motives: Pakistani expert (24:30) ④ Brazilian president enacts Mercosur-EU free trade agreement. What does it mean for Latin American–EU trade relations? (35:10) ⑤ Boom in coffee consumption exemplifies new opportunities for agricultural imports in China. How can the Chinese market drive mutual benefits for foreign agriculture? (44:40)

① China blocks foreign acquisition of Manus project. What signal does this send? (00:46) ② Putin voices support for Iran — impact on U.S.–Iran talks?(11:35) ③ Merz criticizes U.S. strategy in Iran conflict. Where is transatlantic relations heading? (24:00) ④ CATL unveils six-minute EV battery charging. What does this mean for EV industry transformation? (34:20) ⑤ China adds 38 new university majors. What does this reveal about future talent priorities? (43:45)

① China industrial profits surge in Q1. What’s driving the momentum? (00:56) ② Framing China: Inside Western narratives on China’s poverty reduction. (11:44) ③ Japan uses AI-generated videos in China-related disinformation. What are the self-inflicted risks? (27:47) ④ Iran's foreign minister visits Russia for talks with Putin. Will U.S.-Iran negotiations resume, or is escalation continuing? (36:37) ⑤ Shooting at White House Correspondents’ Dinner: why do high-level U.S. security failures keep happening? (47:50)

At a half-marathon in Beijing, humanoid robots stunned spectators by outperforming the fastest human runners and dramatically surpassing last year’s robotic champion. What's behind this rapid progress in humanoid robotics in China? How will they evolve in the near future, and what could that mean to our daily lives? Host Dou Hongyu is joined by John Gong, a professor with the University of International Business and Economics, Muhammad Ali Nasir, Professor of Economics at the University of Leeds, and Liu Shaoshan, Director of Embodied Intelligence, Shenzhen Institute of Artificial Intelligence and Robotics for Society, to explore the breakthroughs behind China’s humanoid robots and examine how they may change the way we live and work.

① China and Cambodia have held their first “2+2” strategic dialogue between foreign and defense ministers. How is China-Cambodia cooperation contributing to regional peace and stability? (00:48) ② China has reported that its agricultural economy maintained steady growth in the first quarter. We explore the main contributing factors behind this resilience. (13:54) ③ China’s WeChat Pay has expanded its cross-border services, allowing users to scan local QR codes in South Korea, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Malaysia, and Singapore. Will this move boost China’s outbound tourist flows to the five countries? (24:48) ④ The world’s biggest iceberg A23a has rapidly broken up after a 40-year life span, as warming ocean water speeds up the melting of Antarctic ice shelf. What can we do about it? (33:32) ⑤ Britain’s parliament has passed a bill to stop people born after 2008 from buying tobacco during their whole lives. Will it become a durable law? (44:36)

① We take a look at Mozambican President Daniel Chapo’s China visit and the outlook of cooperation between the two sides. (00:55) ② Taiwan’s Lai Ching-te has canceled a trip to Eswatini after some countries denied overflight permission for his aircraft. Why are those countries justified to do so? (15:53) ③ Japan’s Sanae Takaichi has sent a ritual offering to the notorious Yasukuni Shrine. Why is this action a provocation against international justice? (24:40) ④ Canada’s Mark Carney has announced a 24-people advisory committee on economic ties with the United States, as Ottawa braces for trade talks with Washington. How does the talks’ prospect look? (33:00) ⑤ We explore how city-based amateur soccer games across China are translating into real economic activities? (40:35)

① In a call with Saudi Arabia’s crown prince, Xi Jinping says normal passage through the Strait of Hormuz should be maintained. What can China and Saudi Arabia do together to de-escalate Middle East tensions? (00:57) ② Japan has announced its biggest defense equipment export rule change in decades. What’s the danger of this move? (13:14) ③ With the development of AI, One-Person Companies (OPC) are seeing explosive growth in China. Can this model become a new growth engine for China? (24:45) ④ Former Bulgarian President Rumen Radev has won the country’s parliamentary election by a landslide. What could it mean for Bulgaria’s ties with the EU and Russia? (35:47) ⑤ India and South Korea have signed new deals in efforts to push their trade to $50 billion by 2030. What is prompting the two sides to seek closer cooperation? (44:31)

① Tens of thousands of people have gathered at the parliament building in Tokyo to protest constitutional revision spearheaded by Japan’s Sanae Takaichi. Why is a remilitarized Japan a threat to regional peace? (00:55) ② Iran says there is no plan for a second round of talks with Washington. How is the US seizure of an Iranian-flagged cargo ship complicating the situation? (15:35) ③ A humanoid robot has won a half-marathon in Beijing, defeating the human world record. So what does this tell us about the pace of humanoid robotics development? (25:20) ④ The Iran war has soured Britain’s relations with the US. How is this situation prompting Britain to look to the EU again? (35:17) ⑤ Despite being a self-proclaimed NGO, the National Endowment for Democracy is widely regarded as aligned with Washington’s foreign policy objectives. How does its track record look like? Why is China a primary focus of its infiltration and subversive activities? (44:58)

The disruption around the Strait of Hormuz has posed a great threat to global energy security. The crisis is once again drawing our attention to renewable energy. According to energy think tank Ember's research, solar power growth in 2025 alone could displace gas-fired electricity equal to all liquified natural gas exported through Hormuz in the same year. Are renewable energy's benefits such as price stability and domestic energy resilience becoming more relevant in a turbulent world? Host Ding Heng is joined by Steven Wright, Director of the Leadership Knowledgebase at the Qatar Leadership Centre; Laury Haytayan, Middle East and North Africa Director at Natural Resource Governance Institute; Christis Tombazos, Associate Professor of Economics at Monash University.

① China's GDP grew by 5% in the first quarter. What's behind the growth? (00:40) ② Hong Kong market ranked first in Q1 IPO fundraising. What unique advantages does the city offer? (13:01) ③ A conversation with the speaker of the New Zealand House of Representatives (25:17) ④ French lawmakers approve a bill to ease the return of looted artworks. What's the significance of it? (33:07) ⑤ Artemis II breaks record for farthest distance traveled from the Earth. What does that mean to the human beings? (41:38)

① Chinese, Vietnamese top leaders hold talks in Beijing. What's the significance of the meeting? (00:42) ② China put forward a four-point proposal on promoting peace and stability in the Middle East. What does it mean to the Middle East situations? (13:07) ③ Israel and Lebanon lay out different expectations in their first direct talks in Washington. What will come next? (25:14) ③ IMF cuts 2026 global growth forecast to 3.1%. What's dragging it down? (31:57) ⑤ A conversation with a senior business consultant about the transformation of Hainan, China's pilot free trade zone (44:03)

① China is witnessing a new wave of high-level visits. We explore the purposes and potential outcomes of the visits. (00:44) ② China's foreign trade recorded strong growth in the first quarter. What's behind the growth? (25:31) ③ A conversation with an official of Uruguay's National Meat Institute about the China market (32:48) ④ China plans to launch an "AI Plus Education" initiative to integrate AI into classrooms. What does it mean to education and future careers? (42:46)

① The Spanish PM is on an official visit to China. What to expect? (00:43) ② Mainland has unveiled a package of policies and measures to boost cooperation across the Taiwan Strait. What does it mean to cross-Strait relations? (12:42) ③ U.S. and Iran have failed to reach an agreement following talks in Pakistan. What will come next? (24:53) ④ China's PPI returned to growth in March. What's behind the rebound? (35:05) ⑤ Hungary's opposition party Tisza has won parliamentary elections. What changes will happen under the new government? (45:36)

A global poll has found that China surpassed the United States in approval ratings of leadership in 2025, and by the largest margin seen in nearly two decades. What's driving this change? How are global attitudes toward these two major powers evolving? And what could this shift mean for policymakers, and for the future of the global order? Host Dou Hongyu is joined by Chen Weihua, former Chief Washington Correspondent of China Daily, Wang Zichen, Deputy Secretary-General at the Center for China and Globalization, and Lee Pei May, Assistant Professor of Political Science at the International Islamic University Malaysia, to delve into these questions.

① The United Nations has condemned Israel’s strikes across Lebanon. Are the strikes posing a grave risk to the fragile US-Iran ceasefire? (00:55) ② Donald Trump has renewed his criticism of NATO after a meeting with the alliance’s secretary general Mark Rutte. What could happen to NATO next? (14:54) ③ Alibaba has cooperated with China Telecom to launch a new data center featuring the tech giant’s own AI chips. We explore Chinese firms’ accelerating efforts to build domestic alternatives to advanced American AI chips. (24:43) ④ We look at how software updates are giving Chinese EV makers a new edge in global competition. (34:10) ⑤ A report indicates China’s small and medium-sized companies are increasingly satisfied with their development environment. How has China improved its business environment for smaller companies? (44:24)

① Xi Jinping has called for demand-driven growth and creating more recognizable brands in China’s services industry. We explore how this sector can strive to break new ground? (00:54) ② China’s premier has held a phone call with his Australian counterpart, calling for expanding two-way trade. Is global turbulence prompting the two sides to further strengthen cooperation? (13:02) ③ The US and Iran have agreed to a provisional ceasefire, with Tehran saying it will reopen the Strait of Hormuz. What uncertainties are lying ahead? (24:57) ④ Initial public offerings on China’s A-share market surged 56% in the first quarter from a year earlier. What has driven this remarkable growth? (35:25) ⑤ For the first time in over five years, a business delegation from India has made a visit to China with an eye on EV cooperation. How could China help India become more competitive in emerging technology sectors? (46:18)

① Why is Iran rejecting a ceasefire and calling for a permanent end to its conflict with the US and Israel? (00:51) ② The White House has proposed boosting defense spending to $1.5 trillion in its 2027 budget, the largest such request in decades. What could be the consequences when the US federal government emphasizes military investments over domestic programs? (13:54) ③ How will China’s new guidelines on e-commerce help advance its real economy? (24:53) ④ Battery giant CATL is looking to bring its electric vehicle success to the high seas, developing battery-powered ships. How does the prospect of this direction look like? (35:01) ⑤ France has sold off its last remaining gold reserves held in New York, and all of its gold reserves are now in Paris. What has prompted its central bank to take this move? (45:12)

① China’s foreign minister has held a call with his Russian counterpart to discuss the Iran war. Can Beijing and Moscow jointly push for a ceasefire and renewed diplomacy? (00:54) ② China has surpassed the US by its largest margin in 20 years in a new Gallup global approval report. Is it surprising? (14:23) ③ China estimates over 840 million passenger trips during its three-day Qingming Festival holiday, up 6% from a year ago. What has driven the growth? (24:54) ④ Volodymyr Zelenskyy is on a Middle East tour. How does Ukraine hope to develop ties with the region amid its own conflict with Russia and the Iran war? (36:07) ⑤ Congo says it will receive some deportees from the US as part of a new deal. What’s controversial about the Trump administration’s third-country program? (45:16)

From RV camping and cruise tourism to low-altitude flights, many Chinese people are not just traveling, they are traveling differently. What is driving this change? Is it simply a rebound in consumer confidence, or does it point to a broader shift in how people choose to spend? And what could it mean for local economies and China’s long-term growth? Host Dou Hongyu is joined by Professor John Gong from the University of International Business and Economics, Assistant Professor of Economics Li Lun with the School of Economics at Peking University, and Mario Cavolo, Founder and CEO of M Communications Group, also a senior fellow at the Center for China & Globalization, to explore these questions.

①Trump addressing nation on Iran war: Is US really "winning big"? (00:45) ② Russia says Japan's missile deployment could be "more than tragic". How neighbors guard against a revival of militarism in Japan? (23:54) ③ China's high-tech industries record robust growth in Q1. What explains its economic resilience amid global uncertainty? (33:39) ④ 210 million worldwide learning Chinese as Education Ministry launches new global language center online. (44:40)

① China and Pakistan unveil joint peace proposal for the Gulf and Middle East. What role can China and Pakistan play? (00:54) ② European Parliament delegation visits China for the first time in eight years. Will this visit help EU lawmakers gain a more objective understanding of China? (21:58) ③ U.S. tech giants cut jobs while doubling down on massive AI investments. What does it mean for the future of jobs in the age of AI? (31:38) ④ World’s largest unmanned cargo drone completes maiden flight in China. How could this breakthrough reshape logistics, and what does it reveal about China’s position in next-generation aviation? (42:11)

① World Data Organization opens in Beijing. What’s next? (00:45) ② China launches countermeasures against Japanese lawmaker for undermining China's sovereignty. How far will Japan’s far-right go in undermining regional stability? (13:35) ③ OECD warns U.S. inflation could hit 4.2% this year. How might this reshape U.S. monetary policy and recession risks? (23:01) ④ Spain closes airspace to US warplanes. Does this reveal growing NATO divisions over U.S.-Israeli unilateral actions? (34:04) ⑤ World reacts to Israel passing death penalty law. Could the law escalate tensions and undermine prospects for peace? (42:27)

① Cheng Li-wun, leader of the Kuomingtang Party, will pay a visit to the Chinese mainland. What role can Taiwan’s main opposition party play in promoting the peaceful development of cross-Strait ties? (00:53) ② Can Pakistan and a few other nations push for a negotiated settlement between the US and Iran? (13:45) ③ Why have China’s industrial profits accelerated at the start of 2026? (25:00) ④ A new report has ranked China at the 9th in the world in innovation capability. We explore the specific fields where China is doing well and the areas where China is still playing catch-up. (34:29) ⑤ WTO members have concluded their meeting in Cameroon. How long will the US and Brazil be deadlocked over e-commerce duties? How does the prospect of broader WTO reforms look like? (44:03)

China's daily AI token calls, a key measure of how intensively AI is being used, have hit an unprecedented level. What's behind the surge? How is China weaving AI into the fabric of factories, hospitals, and even our homes? And as the country's economy goes "smart," what could that mean for the rest of the world? Host Dou Hongyu is joined by Li Lun, Assistant Professor of Economics at Peking University, Andy Mok, Professor at Beijing Foreign Studies University, and Liu Baocheng, Director of the Center for International Business Ethics at the University of International Business and Economics, to unpack the forces driving China's token boom and explore how AI is powering the rise of a new "smart economy."

① A conversation with Armida Salsiah Alisjahbana, a senior UN official, on Boao Forum for Asia and regional economic integration. (00:56) ② China has issued a set of guidelines to accelerate the establishment of a nationwide long-term care insurance system. How will this move help alleviate the country’s aging challenges? (12:43) ③ Why have Chinese-developed AI models led global weekly token usage for a second straight week and overtaken their US counterparts? (25:00) ④ We talk to a senior manager of a leading Chinese enterprise software builder about the future of intelligent systems. (35:31) ⑤ Trade ministers are in Cameroon for discussions on reforming the World Trade Organization. How does the prospect of the talks look like? (45:04)

① China has released a list of its ten major scientific breakthroughs in 2025. What do they tell us about the focus of the country’s scientific research? (00:56) ② A conversation with Jonathan Choi Koon-shum, Chairman of the Chinese General Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong, on cooperation between Hong Kong and Hainan. (14:18) ③ China has lodged a protest with Japan after a Japanese Self-Defense Force officer broke into the Chinese Embassy in Tokyo. To what extent is the intrusion related to the current trajectory of China-Japan relations? (24:57) ④ Ghana’s president has criticized the US government for normalizing the erasure of Black history, warning such policies could have ripple effects elsewhere. Does he have a point? (33:56) ⑤ Humanoid robot maker Unitree has filed for an IPO application on the Shanghai Stock Exchange, looking to raise over $610 million. How could capital markets help China’s humanoid robotics industry to develop? (42:36)

① Xi Jinping has called for efforts to build China’s Xiongan New Area into an innovation hub and a model of high-quality development. How can China nurture an innovative business environment in Xiongan? (00:56) ② A conversation with Eduardo Pedrosa, Executive Director of the APEC Secretariat. (12:17) ③ Why did China’s Yiwu, a hub for small commodities, see a more than 50% increase in trade in this year’s first two months? (24:57) ④ Iran has denied having negotiations with the US, reversing Donald Trump’s earlier claim that Washington had reached major points of agreement with Tehran. Is Tehran willing to engage in serious talks with Washington any time soon? (34:48) ⑤ Australia and the European Union have finalized a free trade agreement following years of negotiations. What has enabled the two sides to make the breakthrough? (44:29)

① It’s time for the annual China Development Forum. Amid global turbulence, will China serve as a cornerstone of certainty for the world? (00:50) ② Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng has met a delegation of the US-China Business Council. What opportunities will China’s 15th Five Year Plan offer to American companies? (13:46) ③ Iran has warned that power plants in countries hosting US bases would be considered legitimate targets if the US attacks Iran’s power facilities. What stage is the war entering? (25:27) ④ The Community of Latin American and Caribbean States has adopted a declaration calling for an end to the economic blockade against Cuba. Is it realistic to have a dialogue between Cuba and the US on the basis of mutual respect? (33:17) ⑤ A new report of the World Meteorological Organization says the climate of the Earth is now more out of balance than at any point in recorded history. Is it coincidence that humanity has just endured the hottest decade on record? (43:21)

China says it will turn aerospace into a pillar industry that improves lives and promotes industrial development. What are included in this goal? How close are these ambitions to reality, and what could they mean for you and me? Host Dou Hongyu is joined by Quentin Parker, Director of Laboratory for Space Research, University of Hong Kong; Zhang Fan, Associate Professor of Astronomy with Beijing Normal University; Zhou Mi, Senior Research Fellow with Chinese Academy of International Trade and Economic Cooperation, to unfold China's space roadmap.

① Turkmenistan’s national leader Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov is on a visit to China. How can the two sides align their development strategies and promote multilateralism? (00:54) ② Tehran is intensifying attacks on the Gulf region’s energy facilities after Israel hit Iran’s gas field. Does this mark a further escalation in hostilities? (13:24) ③ We explore the Chinese mainland’s plans to facilitate cross-Strait exchange and cooperation during its 15th Five-Year-Plan period. (25:00) ④ AstraZeneca says it will build a cell therapy base and an innovation center in Shanghai. As biomedicine becomes an emerging pillar industry in China, how could rising foreign investment help accelerate the sector’s development? (36:08) ⑤ Is eastern Congo closer to peace after a Washington meeting between the Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda? (45:50)

① China has launched a Party-wide campaign to reshape how officials correctly view governance performance. (00:44) ② JP Morgan and UBS boost Chinese asset holdings. What’s attracting global capital to China? (14:02) ③ Top U.S. security official resigns over Iran threat assessment. Does this expose cracks in Washington’s war logic? (24:19) ④ Takaichi’s U.S. gamble: Can Japan afford Trump’s price? (30:46) ⑤ Nvidia resumes high-performance chip production for China. But does China still need them? (41:43)

① China–U.S. trade talks are constructive. What does this signal for future economic cooperation and global market stability? (00:46) ② China and Vietnam launch 3+3 strategic dialogue. How could this mechanism boost regional stability and bilateral coordination? (14:52) ③ Iran refuses a ceasefire, vows to keep fighting. What impact might this have on Middle East security and U.S. strategy? (24:00) ④ AI toys and robots boom in Yiwu. What does this reveal about China’s consumer tech surge and global market potential? (33:17) ⑤ The Spanish king acknowledges colonial abuses. How could this influence Spain–Latin America relations today? (43:43)

① China US hold trade talks in Paris. What to expect? (00:47) ② China's industrial output up 6.3 pct in first two months. What does this tell us about China’s economic momentum and structural strengths as growth pressures persist globally? (13:44) ③ Key allies have been holding back after Washington urged help to secure the Strait of Hormuz. What do these reactions tell us about the bigger picture of U.S. influence over its allies? (24:16) ④ How does the war on Iran impact the US economy? (34:50) ⑤ China has become the first country in the world to approve a brain‑computer implant for commercial use. What does this milestone mean for the future of neurotechnology? (44:26)

China has adopted three major pieces of legislation — the Ecological and Environmental Code, the Ethnic Unity and Progress Promotion Law, and the National Development Planning Law — at the closing meeting of the fourth session of the National People's Congress. The passage of these landmark laws has drawn widespread attention. Why move forward with them at the very start of China’s 15th Five-Year Plan period? Host Ge Anna is joined by Muhammad Ali Nasir, Professor of Economics, the University of Leeds, currently a visiting professor at Peking University; Einar Tangen, Senior Fellow, Center for International Governance Innovation (CIGI), a Canadian Think Tank; Dr. Zhou Mi, Senior Research Fellow, Chinese Academy of International Trade and Economic Cooperation.

① China’s annual government work report has named embodied AI as one of the emerging industries that the country will nurture. What mechanism should be put in place for this effort? What could be the ultimate value of embodied AI? (00:52) ② Iran’s president has outlined three conditions to end the war with the US and Israel. What do they tell us about Tehran’s current mindset on the war? (15:19) ③ The International Energy Agency has announced a historic release of 400 million barrels of emergency oil. To what extent can it ease supply shocks from the disruptions at the Strait of Hormuz? (24:56) ④ Jose Antonio Kast has been sworn in as Chile’s new president. What challenges will he face? (35:09) ⑤ In China, both supportive policies and risk warnings have emerged in response to the release of OpenClaw. How might the open source AI agent reshape China’s AI eco-system? (42:36)

① What has enabled China’s exports to sharply beat expectations in this year’s first two months? (00:55) ② China has set a target to increase average life expectancy to 80 years by 2030. What will it take to achieve this goal? (12:42) ③ Opposition has outweighed support in the US public opinion about Washington’s military action against Iran, according to polls conducted since the war began. Why is the war unpopular from the beginning? (23:51) ④ Speaking at the second Nuclear Energy Summit in Paris, a Chinese vice premier says China stands ready to work with countries on a more inclusive nuclear governance. What can China contribute to promoting solutions for the safe and sustainable development of civil nuclear power? (31:29) ⑤ The UK has introduced a new advisory definition of anti-Muslim hostility. What is behind a record surge in reported hate crimes against Muslims in the country? (42:10)

① China has set a target of boosting the digital economy to account for 12.5% of its GDP by 2030, which would be a significant increase from the 10.5% share achieved in 2025. What does it take to achieve this goal? (00:53) ② A conversation with Dr. Henry Tan, a political adviser from Hong Kong and CEO of Luen Thai Group. (15:03) ③ Why did China’s consumer inflation hit a three-year high in February? (24:58) ④ More than a week after the US-Israel war with Iran began, how has the conflict affected global energy supply? (35:09) ⑤ European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has called on Europe to adopt a more realistic and interest-driven foreign policy. What does it tell us about the EU’s view on world order? (44:59)

① China’s top court and top prosecutor have delivered their respective work report at the annual session of the national legislature. How is the rule of law enhancing China’s high-quality development? (00:59) ② China’s minister of human resources and social security says the government is looking to harness artificial intelligence to create new jobs while also empowering traditional ones. How does the prospect in this regard look like? (14:13) ③ A conversation with Zhou Hanmin, a Chinese national political adviser and President of Shanghai Public Diplomacy Association, on promotion of green consumption. (24:59) ④ Mojtaba Khamenei has been selected as Iran’s new supreme leader. What might it mean to the war in the Middle East? (37:32) ⑤ Donald Trump has hosted about a dozen right-wing Latin American leaders to form a coalition against drug cartels. Why is the US president citing drugs as a primary reason for ramping up his administration’s involvement in Latin America? (45:36)

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi held his annual press conference on the sidelines of the National People's Congress in Beijing. What key signals does this press conference send about China’s diplomatic priorities at a time of profound global uncertainty? Host Ge Anna is joined by Zha Daojiong, Professor of international political economy at the School of International Studies at Peking University; Andy Mok, Professor at Beijing Foreign Studies University.