Chat Lounge

Chinese company Landbridge is fighting to hold on to Darwin Port after Australia said it may reclaim the lease. Landbridge has launched arbitration at the International Center for Settlement of Investment Disputes, potentially the first investor–state case the Australian government will face at the World Bank body. Host Tu Yun joins Dr. Warwick Powell, Adjunct Professor, Queensland University of Technology, Dr. Zhou Mi, Deputy Director, Institute of American and Oceania Study, Chinese Academy of International Trade & Economic Cooperation, and Dr. Edward Lehman, Founder & Managing Director, Lehman, Lee & Xu to break down how a routine commercial deal turned into a national security flashpoint, who's likely to win, and what this case means for China-Australia ties, investor confidence, and the future of global investment rules.

China's DeepSeek AI startup has unveiled its latest model, reportedly at just a fraction of the cost of comparable U.S. systems. Could that price edge help it win over users? Reports say the launch was delayed to align with Chinese-made chips, marking a shift toward domestic hardware. Is that trade-off worth it? And after a stark warning from Nvidia's CEO and fresh pressure from Washington, what does this moment mean for DeepSeek's global presence? Host TU Yun joins Thorsten Jelinek, a research fellow at the Hertie School's Center for Digital Governance, Berlin, Germany. He is currently a visiting professor at the Aerospace Information Research Institute of the Chinese Academy of Sciences; Dr. Zhou Mi, a senior research fellow at the Chinese Academy of International Trade and Economic Cooperation; and Josef Mahoney, a professor of politics and international relations at the East China Normal University to break down what DeepSeek V4 signals for the AI race beyond compute.

As the Beijing International Film Festival takes over the city, films are no longer just something we watch in cinemas. They’re connecting tourism, retail, entertainment, and even cutting-edge tech. What does this “film plus” experience look like for audiences today? And as AI reshapes the film industry, what opportunities and challenges lie ahead? Host Xu Yawen spoke with Li Lun, assistant professor of economics at Peking University; Geng Ling, film producer and CEO of China Film Assist Company; and Teng Jimeng, associate professor of American studies at Beijing Foreign Studies University, to delve into these questions.

From AI-powered glasses to flying cars and next generation of humanoid robots, companies from home and abroad have gathered in China’s Hainan province for the 6th China International Consumer Products Expo (CICPE), also known as the Hainan Expo. What groundbreaking innovations are featured at the expo? Are these cutting-edge technologies just gimmicks, or will they truly become part of our future lives? And how can the deep integration of AI technology into daily life serve as a new engine for China’s consumption upgrade? Host Xu Yawen is joined by Chen Jiahe, Chief Investment Officer of Novem Arcae Technologies; Dr. John Gong, Professor at the University of International Business and Economics; and Dr. Zhou Mi, Senior Research Fellow at the Chinese Academy of International Trade and Economic Cooperation, to find out the answers.

SMILE, a joint China–Europe satellite, is about to capture something we've never seen before: Earth's magnetic shield in action. What is it trying to do? Why does it matter, and how could it affect your phone, your flight, or even the power grid? And in a divided world, what does this rare space partnership really reveal? Host Tu Yun joins Professor Quentin Parker, the Director of the Lab for Space Research, University of Hong Kong, Dr. Zhang Fan, an Associate Professor of Astronomy, Beijing Normal University, and Professor Andy Mok of Beijing Foreign Studies University, who's also a Senior Research Fellow at the Center for China and Globalization to break down the science, the stakes, and the geopolitics behind the SMILE mission.

Since elevating the goal of becoming a "maritime power" in 2012, China has made significant progress. What are the most eye-catching achievements? As the focus shifts from speed to quality, how could China's AI and digital tech edge help reshape the country's traditional maritime sectors? And in a system where a few countries still hold technological and narrative dominance, how can China gain a greater voice in rule-setting through global cooperation? Host TU Yun joins Yan Yan, a senior research fellow with the National Institute for South China Sea Studies, Qu Qiang, a professor and fellow of the Belt and Road Research Center at Minzu University of China, and Warwick Powell, an adjunct professor at Queensland University of Technology, to navigate the opportunities, challenges, and what lies beneath the surface.

China's consumer spending has shown a noticeable rebound in the first two months of the year. What are the key drivers? Though the performance beat expectations, it remains the weakest start to a year since 2000, excluding the pandemic slump. How much of a concern is this against the backdrop of still-fragile consumer confidence and broader economic headwinds? And as the rise of the "emotional economy" comes into focus, what should policymakers, investors and businesses do to adapt to these new trends? Host Tu Yun joins John Gong, Professor of Economics, University of International Business and Economics, Subramania Bhatt, the Founder and CEO of the Singapore-based marketing technology company China Trading Desk, and Chen Jiahe, the Chief Investment Officer of the Beijing-based Novem Arcae Technologies to find out the answers.

Apple is lowering its App Store commission in China, a move believed to be a major concession in one of its most important markets. What's driving the change? How may it affect developers, consumers, and Apple's business model in the country? And could this signal a broader shift in the balance of power between regulators and Big Tech? Host TU Yun joins Professor Doug Guthrie, the Director of China Initiatives at the Thunderbird School of Global Management, Professor Liu Baocheng, the Director of the Center for International Business Ethics, University of International Business and Economics, and Professor Warwick Powell, Adjunct Professor, the Queensland University of Technology for a close look.

Global financial giant UBS has downgraded U.S. stocks, as markets stumble into one of their worst starts in decades. Is this a routine reset or a warning shot? Where is capital moving now? Are emerging markets the real story? And with geopolitics heating up and the Fed in play, is this a short-term wobble or the start of a structural shift in global capital? Host Tu Yun joins Warwick Powell, Adjunct Professor, Queensland University of Technology, Australia, Li Lun, Assistant Professor of Economics, Peking University, and Chen Jiahe, the Chief Investment Officer of the Beijing-based Novem Arcae Technologies for a close look.

China will set up a national-level mergers and acquisitions fund to help venture capital investors find an exit. How urgent is the need? And with cumulative dividends and share buybacks hitting a record high, what does that signal about the reshaping of China’s securities market? Host TU Yun joins Yao Shujie, Chueng Kong Professor of Economics, Chongqing University, John Gong, Professor of Economics, University of International Business and Economics, and Einar Tangen, a senior fellow of the Canadian think tank, the Center for International Governance Innovation, and the Chairman at Asia Narratives for a close look.

For the first time, the Global Governance Initiative, a framework for reforming international relations, is set to feature in the recommendations for China’s new Five-Year Plan. This comes as national lawmakers and political advisors prepare to gather in Beijing for the annual “Two Sessions” in the coming days. GGI emphasizes sovereign equality, international law, and multilateralism. It prioritizes the Global South, focusing on true multilateralism, a people-centered approach, and tangible results. What does “people-centered” actually mean for communities in the Global South? Host Xu Yawen is joined by Özgür Altınbaş, Chief of the Foreign News Service at Aydinlik in Türkiye, and Muhammad Zamir Assadi, Director at the China Desk of Lord Media Network in Pakistan, to explore how these ideas translate into everyday impact around the world.

Chicago-based financial services company CME Group is reportedly working on a plan to launch the world's first rare earth futures contract. Can the U.S. reshape pricing power without controlling production? What countermove may Beijing take? Will China's dominance in price-setting be diluted? And are we expecting a bifurcated system in the global mineral sector? Host Tu Yun joins Professor Andy Mok of Beijing Foreign Studies University, who's also a Senior Research Fellow at the Center for China and Globalization, Professor Warwick Powell, Adjunct Professor, Queensland University of Technology, Australia, and John Gong, Professor of Economics, at the University of International Business and Economics to unpack the high-stakes battle over minerals, markets, and geopolitical leverage.

This Spring Festival, China isn't just welcoming the Year of the Horse. It's welcoming the world. Foreign flight bookings are up more than 400 percent, with visitors flooding in from Russia, Europe, and even Argentina. Why now? What's driving this surge? Visas, social media, or something deeper? And as more foreigners come to China to experience the holiday, is Spring Festival becoming a global cultural event. Host Tu Yun joins Helen Han, Co-founder and Secretary General, the Beijing Club for International Dialogue, Dr. Zhou Mi, Senior Research Fellow, the Chinese Academy of International Trade and Economic Cooperation, and Mike Bastin, China observer and Senior Lecturer, the University of Southampton to break down the boom and what it means for China and for travelers from around the world.

Sleek, flush, futuristic--hidden door handles once symbolized the EV era. Now, they're being flagged as safety risks. China is set to ban them, becoming the first country in the world to do so. What triggered the move? How will it affect automakers? Will the impact stop at car design, or ripple into global standards? Host Tu Yun is joined by Professor Yan Liang, Professor of Economics, Willamette University, the United States, Professor Andy Mok of Beijing Foreign Studies University, who's also a Senior Research Fellow at the Center for China and Globalization, and Professor Warwick Powell, Adjunct Professor, Queensland University of Technology, Australia for a chat.

The world seems to be experiencing a split. While Europe and the U.S. work to bring inflation down, China is grappling with a different problem, persistently weak prices. What's going on? Why do low prices worry Beijing? How are policymakers aiming for a "reasonable" rebound? And can the goal be achieved without creating new risks at home or abroad? Host Tu Yun is joined by Professor Liu Baocheng, the Director of the Center for International Business Ethics, University of International Business and Economics, Dr Sean Chang, Associate Professor of Practice in Finance, the University of Hong Kong, and Professor Doug Guthrie, the Director of China Initiatives at the Thunderbird School of Global Management for a close look.

What does it mean to "become Chinese," and why are people saying it online? From TikTok to X, the phrase is going viral. Is it cultural admiration, social commentary, or a search for alternatives? Host Tu Yun is joined by Dr. Qu Qiang, a professor and fellow of the Belt and Road Research Center at Minzu University of China, Dr. Warwick Powell, an adjunct professor of the Queensland University of Technology, Australia, and Harvey Dzodin, a Senior Fellow at the Center for China and Globalization to explore the forces behind this unexpected trend and what it reveals about a changing world.

A fatal shooting in Minnesota has reopened some of America's deepest wounds. Renee Good, a poet, a mother, a guitarist, was killed during a federal immigration operation, just blocks from where George Floyd died. The fallout has sparked nationwide protests, fierce political debate, and new questions about ICE, accountability, and power. What happened and where could this moment take the United States next? Host TU Yun joins Dr. Yan Liang, Professor of Economics, Willamette University, Dr. Edward Lehman, Founder and Managing Director of the China-based law firm Lehman, Lee & Xu, and Dr. Josef Mahoney, Professor of Politics and International Relations, East China Normal University for a chat.

Recently, the term “U.S. death line” has been trending across Chinese social media. Originally a term from the gaming world, it’s now being used to describe the financial fragility haunting everyday Americans. Why are so many people in the U.S. just one crisis away from poverty? What does it tell us about the deep-seated institutional gaps in the country’s social safety net? Host Xu Yawen joins Prof. Li Lun, Assistant Professor of Economics at Peking University, and Prof. Josef Gregory Mahoney, Professor of Politics and International Relations at East China Normal University, for a chat.

With rapid advancements in technology, what challenges and opportunities lie ahead for global semiconductor companies operating in China? As China steps up its efforts to boost quality consumption, how are global consumer brands adapting to this shift in demand? In this special edition, host Xu Yawen speaks with Marcus Kneifel, Senior Vice President of Systems Engineering at onsemi, and Willie Tan, CEO of Skechers China, South Korea and Southeast Asia, a global leader in lifestyle footwear and apparel. Together, the two industry leaders explore the strategies their companies are adopting in response to China’s quality consumption upgrades and technological transformation, positioning themselves for a competitive edge in the market.

As China shifts to a greener development mode, how may a multinational company adapt to the ever-changing market? As healthy living rises on China’s agenda, what new business opportunities are taking shape? In this special edition, host TU Yun talk to Frank Hammes, Global CEO of IQAir, the Swiss multinational known for its cutting-edge air purification and monitoring technology, and Roger Chen, the Managing Director-China of CLP Holdings, one of the oldest and largest power companies in the Asia-Pacific region and check out how they align with the country’s greener and healthier future for better business prospects.

Washington has just reversed course again. It is now allowing Nvidia to sell its advanced H200 AI chips to China, with a hefty 25% revenue cut flowing straight to the U.S. government. Is this a strategic concession, a commercial calculation, or the start of a new conditional export model? Will Chinese tech giants rush to buy the H200? Can Washington achieve its intended goals with the policy shift? And will this prompt other governments or companies to reconsider their own restrictions on tech exports to China? Host Tu Yun joins Andy Mok, a professor of Beijing Foreign Studies University and a senior research fellow at the Center for China and Globalization, Dr. Zhou Mi, the Deputy Director of the Institute of American and Oceania Study, Chinese Academy of International Trade and Economic Cooperation, and Dr. Warwick Powell, an adjunct professor of the Queensland University of Technology for a chat.

China's new rule to seal public-security violation records is being hailed as historic, yet nothing has stirred more controversy than the plan to seal drug-use records. Why this issue? How justified are the public's concerns? And with millions speaking out online, could public pressure reshape how the rule is ultimately implemented? Or, if not, what can be done to reduce potential risks? Host TU Yun joins Mr. Bai Xianyue, Partner of Grandall Law Firm Tianjn Office, Professor Josef Mahoney, Professor of Politics and International Relations, East China Normal University and Professor Qu Qiang, Fellow, Belt and Road Research Center, Minzu University of China for a chat.

India has fully restored global visa services for Chinese travelers. What's behind the policy change? Can they realistically expect a quick rebound in Chinese tourist numbers? What are the biggest factors holding Chinese travelers back? And could this full restoration of visas become a genuine turning point in China–India relations? Host TU Yun joins Professor Zhang Wenjuan of Jindal Global Law School, India, Subramania Bhatt, Founder and CEO, China Trading Desk, and Gao Xirui, a Political Science PhD candidate, Department of Politics and Public Administration, University of Hong Kong for a chat.

Tesla is accelerating its shift away from components made in China. It's pushing suppliers to eliminate China-made auto parts for cars built in the United States within the next year or two. Is this strategy due to political pressure from Washington, or is it preparation for a more aggressive trade environment? Is the change even possible? How could this reshape Tesla's business in China, where the company has long enjoyed policy support and unmatched efficiency? And how may this push for de-Sinicization affect U.S. automakers' global edge? Host TU Yun joins Yan Liang, Professor of Economics, Willamette University, Warwick Powell, Adjunct Professor, Queensland University of Technology, and Joseph Siracusa, Professor of Global Futures, Curtin University for a closer look.

Berlin is setting up a committee to re-examine its security-related trade policies towards Beijing. This comes as China just overtook the United States to become Germany's No. 1 trading partner. What's driving this sudden rethink? Is it politics, pressure, or protectionism? How will Germany's biggest companies, from autos to chemicals, react as the rules of engagement shift? And where will a possible new phase of Sino-German relations lead, and what might it mean for Europe and the world? Host TU Yun joins Professor Klaus Larres, the Richard M. Krasno Distinguished Professor at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Professor Josef Gregory Mahoney, Professor of Politics and International Relations, East China Normal University, and Dr. Zhou Mi, the Deputy Director of the Institute of American and Oceania Study, Chinese Academy of International Trade and Economic Cooperation for a close look.

China's massive import fair is back, and it's bigger than ever. Over 4,100 companies from 155 countries and regions have set up shops at this year's China International Import Expo, where opportunity meets open markets. What's fueling the CIIE's magnetic pull? And how is China's open-door approach reshaping global trade? Host Xu Yawen is joined by Dr. Zhou Mi, Senior Research Fellow at the Chinese Academy of International Trade and Economic Cooperation; Prof. Josef Gregory Mahoney, Professor of Politics and International Relations at East China Normal University; and Prof. George Tzogopoulos, Director of EU-China Programs and Senior Research Fellow at the European Institute of Nice.

European carmakers are facing the risk of production stoppage as a result of the Dutch government's abrupt seizure of chip company Nexperia from its Chinese owner. What's behind the Nexperia drama? Has the Netherlands overplayed its hand? Who ultimately stands to lose the most? And what does it mean for Europe's industries? Host TU Yun joins Dr. Zhou Mi, the Deputy Director of the Institute of American and Oceania Study, Chinese Academy of International Trade and Economic Cooperation, Andy Mok, a professor at Beijing Foreign Studies University, and Dr. Eric Harwit, a professor of Asian Studies at the University of Hawaiito for a close look.

The annual APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting is just days away. This year, all eyes are on Gyeongju, South Korea, where leaders will gather under the theme "Building a Sustainable Tomorrow: Connect, Innovate, Prosper." What's the mood heading into this year's APEC? Can innovation and AI really drive shared prosperity? And in an era of shifting alliances and rising protectionism, can APEC still connect a divided world? Host TU Yun joins Mela Lesmoras, a TV reporter from PTV News, the Philippines, Ben Norton, the Editor of the Geopolitical Economy Report, from the United States, Warwick Powell, an Adjunct Professor of the Queensland University of Technology and active figure on X and Substack, and Dr. Sanjay Kumar, a journalist at The Korea Herald to unpack what's at stake.

To buy or not to buy — that's the question. China is easing property restrictions and loosening cross-border financing rules to draw more foreign buyers. Is this a last resort to boost its sluggish housing market? How much appetite does foreign capital have for Chinese real estate? Which cities are likely to stand out for overseas investors? And what further reforms are needed to bring in capital without tipping the balance? Host TU Yun joins Professor Qu Qiang, Fellow, Belt and Road Research Center, Minzu University of China, Professor Kwan Ok Lee, Deputy Head, Department of Real Estate, National University of Singapore, and Chen Jiahe, Chief Investment Officer, Novem Arcae Technologies to break down the changes that may reshape China's property market.

Top U.S. business leaders are quietly fuming. They say Washington's policies hurt innovation, raise costs, and undermine competitiveness. But why won't they say so openly? What risks do they fear? Under what conditions could the White House reverse course? Host TU Yun joins Harvey Dzodin, Senior Fellow, Center for China and Globalization, David Blair, Senior Economist, Alliance of Global Talent Organizations, and Alex Sili Zhou, Associate Professor of Economics and Finance, University of Macau to dig into the closed-door frustrations of American CEOs, explore the global ripple effects, and ask what it all means for U.S.–China business ties.

The U.S.–China chip rivalry is heating up. Beijing has launched two new probes—one on analog chip dumping, the other on U.S. trade restrictions. What's behind China's move? And how could they reshape China's chip market, the trajectory of the chip conflict, or even the broader tech rivalry between the two countries? Host TU Yun joins Yan Liang, Professor of Economics, Willamette University, Dr. Zhou Mi, Deputy Director, Institute of American and Oceania Study, Chinese Academy of International Trade and Economic Cooperation, and Warwick Powell, Adjunct Professor, Queensland University of Technology for a close look.

China is preparing for its first-ever planetary defense mission. It will send a spacecraft to crash into an asteroid and nudge it off course, becoming the second nation after the United States to do so. Why does this matter? What risks and opportunities does it bring? And beyond science, how could this mission reshape China’s growing space economy and global role? Host TU Yun joins Dr. Zhang Fan, Associate Professor of Astronomy, Beijing Normal University, Professor Quentin Parker, Director, Lab for Space Research, University of Hong Kong, and Xu Yansong, Director-General, Asia Pacific Space Cooperation Organization to break down the mission, the science, the stakes, and the money behind it.

Beijing has welcomed U.S. President Donald Trump's decision to issue 600,000 Chinese student visas. But questions remain: Is the U.S. president's move a genuine shift, or just political maneuvering? Can the promises be trusted when Chinese students still face interrogations and deportations at U.S. airports? Host TU Yun joins Jonathan Aronson, Professor of International Communication and International Relations, School of Communication and Journalism, University of Southern California, Warwick Powell, Adjunct Professor, Queensland University of Technology, and Li Lun, Assistant Professor of Economics, Peking University to explore the backlash, the stakes for American universities, and what it means for the future of education exchanges.

2025 marks the 80th anniversary of China’s victory in the War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War. As the primary battleground in the East during WWII, China’s immense sacrifice—over 30 million military and civilian casualties—played a crucial role in holding off the Japanese forces, giving the Allies the strategic advantage they needed to turn the tide in Europe and the Pacific. In this episode of Chat Lounge, we take a step back and reflect on how these pivotal moments in history have shaped our present, the lessons we can draw from them, and how we can all play a part in building a more peaceful world moving forward. Joining Host Xu Yawen are Dou Hongyu, a CGTN Radio reporter; Wes Cabangon, an Operations Advisor and journalist at Business Mirror in the Philippines; and Garland Nixon, a Radio Talk Show Host and Political Analyst from the U.S.

China's A-share stock market has hit a decade-high, crossing a historic 100 trillion yuan value. What's behind this surge? Does the rally have the makings of a durable bull run, or are we looking at the makings of another bubble? And what does it mean for global investors? Host Tu Yun breaks it down with Chen Jiahe, the Chief Investment Officer of the Beijing-based Novem Arcae Technologies, Professor Hans-Peter Burghof, the Chair of the Banking and Finance Department, University of Hohenheim in Germany, and Frank Liu, an Associate Professor of Finance of the Business School, University of Western Australia.

The 2025 SCO Summit will be held in Tianjin, China, on August 31 and September 1. The summit will mark the largest gathering in the Shanghai Cooperation Organization's history, with leaders from over 20 countries and heads of 10 international organizations coming together to discuss pressing regional and global issues. How will the "Shanghai Spirit" be brought to life at the SCO Tianjin Summit? What key role does media play in fostering SCO cooperation? Where is it heading in the future, and what is its significance for global cooperation? Host Xu Yawen joins Wang Mengjie, CGTN Reporter, Özgür Altınbaş, Chief of the Foreign News Service at Aydinlik, Muhammad Zamir Assadi, editor at the China Desk of Internews Pakistan, and Henry Kuvin, a contributor at The Times of Central Asia, to take a closer look.

Beijing is demanding answers from Nvidia just weeks after Washington lifted the export ban on its AI chips. China's cyberspace regulator has summoned the U.S. company, raising concerns that its H20 chips contain backdoors. What exactly is a hardware backdoor? Are China's worries about chip security justified? How difficult is it to prove a chip is truly secure? And if backdoor functions are validated, what could this mean for Nvidia's business in the world's second-largest market? Host Tu Yun joins Prof. Toby Walsh, the Chief Scientist of the AI Institute, University of New South Wales, Australia, Andy Mok, a senior research fellow at the Center for China and Globalization, and Professor Qu Qiang, a fellow of the Belt and Road Research Center, Minzu University of China to take a close look.

Despite "constructive" talks, no deal was reached between China and the U.S. on extending the 90-day tariff truce, and the August 12 deadline is fast approaching. What's holding both sides back? What are the hidden costs for consumers if tariffs snap back into place? How might the outcome of the China-U.S. trade talks influence Washington's negotiations with other economies? And could this diplomatic dance set the stage for a summit between the two state leaders later this year? Host Tu Yun joins Harvey Dzodin, Senior Fellow, Center for China and Globalization, Dr. Zhou Mi, Deputy Director, Institute of American and Oceania Study, Chinese Academy of International Trade and Economic Cooperation, Prof. Qu Bo, Director, Institute of International Relations, China Foreign Affairs University, and Warwick Powell, Adjunct Professor, Queensland University of Technology, Australia for a close look.

China has broken ground on the world's largest hydropower station high on the Qinghai-Xizang/Tibet Plateau, a new engine for green energy. But beyond clean power, what will the massive project on the Yarlung Zangbo River mean for China's vast west and its South Asian neighbors? What challenges lie ahead, and could it reshape regional cooperation? Host Tu Yun joins Dr. Qu Qiang, a fellow of the Belt and Road Research Center at Minzu University, Zoon Ahmed Khan, a research fellow, Center for China & Globalization, and Gao Xirui, a Political Science PhD candidate, Department of Politics and Public Administration, University of Hong Kong for a close look at the facts, the controversy, and the high-stakes engineering behind this mega project.

Global sovereign wealth funds are warming to China again, just as the country posts another quarter of better-than-expected growth. What's fueling the optimism? Which sectors are showing resilience amid global uncertainty? While second-quarter growth outpaced annual targets, it slowed from the first quarter. Is this a sign of fading stimulus or just a natural rebalancing? And looking ahead, does China have what it takes to sustain momentum through the rest of the year? Host Tu Yun joins Dr. Yan Liang, a Professor of Economics, Willamette University in the United States, Dr. Li Lun, an Assistant Professor of Economics, Peking University in China, Professor Hans-Peter Burghof, Chair of the Banking and Finance Department, University of Hohenheim in Germany for a close look.

TikTok has denied reports that it's developing a separate app for the U.S. market. So how can the company resolve its prolonged standoff with Washington? Washington says a deal with Beijing is nearly done. But Beijing isn't exactly on the same page. Is this really just a business move or a high-stakes political gamble? What's the likely endgame? And what could it mean for the future of global tech? Host Tu Yun joins Dr. Zhou Mi, the Deputy Director of the Institute of American and Oceania Study, Chinese Academy of International Trade and Economic Cooperation; Edward Lehman, Founder and Managing Director of China-based law firm Lehman, Lee & Xu; and Warwick Powell, an Adjunct Professor at Queensland University of Technology in Australia for a close look.

From nickel-rich rainforests to battery plants on the rise, Indonesia is teaming up with China to chase the EV prize. A massive battery project in the Southeast Asian country promises new jobs, growth, and green power. But there are also doubts and questions. Is it a clean-energy leap, or a high voltage gamble? With big hopes, how could this shape Asia's green future? Host Tu Yun joins Andy Mok, a Senior Research Fellow at the Center for China and Globalization, Putra Adhiguna, the Managing Director of the Indonesia-based non-profit thinktank, Energy Shift Institute, and Kevin Nauen, a Senior Research Fellow at the Asian Vision Institute for a close look.

The newly launched Payment Connect scheme between China's mainland and Hong Kong is set to transform cross-border payments, making transfers faster, cheaper, and as simple as using a phone number. How may it reshape trade, tourism, and convenience across the Greater Bay Area? Will it pave the way for broader use of the digital Chinese currency and future breakthroughs in global finance? And how does the digital yuan fit into a bigger picture of monetary innovation and strategic competition? Host Tu Yun joins Dr. Kwan Ok Lee, Professor and Dean's Chair, Business School, National University of Singapore, Joseph Chan, Associate Professor of Practice and Associate Director, Centre for Innovation and Entrepreneurship, Hong Kong University, and Chen Jiahe, Chief Investment Officer, Novem Arcae Technologies for a close look.

China's biopharma boom is on, and foreign investors are flooding in. As we dive into the billion-dollar wave of foreign investment reshaping China's biotech landscape, check out Why pharma giants like Roche and AstraZeneca are expanding their footprint here. What strategic edge does China offer in global drug development? And can the country become a global biopharma innovation powerhouse by 2030? Host Tu Yun joins Dr. Zhou Mi, the Deputy Director of the Institute of American and Oceania Study, Chinese Academy of International Trade and Economic Cooperation, Warwick Powell, an Adjunct Professor at Queensland University of Technology in Australia, and Chen Jiahe, the Chief Investment Officer of Beijing-based Novem Arcae Technologies for a close look.

As we look ahead to the upcoming second China-Central Asia Summit, we take this opportunity to explore the critical role of media in shaping and supporting regional cooperation. How can media in China and Central Asian countries serve as a bridge for understanding and trust? What can we do to promote a more balanced and objective global discourse about our region? How do we make sure the voices of China and Central Asia are effectively heard on the international stage? Host Xu Yawen is joined by Zhanna Shayakhmetova, Editor-in-Chief with The Astana Times, in Kazakhstan; Utkir Alimov, Deputy Editor-in-Chief of the International Relations Department at the Uzbekistan National News Agency; Henry Kuvin, contributor for The Times of Central Asia; and Xu Xinchen, reporter with CGTN, to delve deeper into these questions.

In a world increasingly divided, can diplomacy speak with a new voice? From Hong Kong, a bold new initiative is taking shape: the International Organization for Mediation, or IOMed, promises to settle disputes not with judges and rulings but with conversation and consensus. Is this a fresh, flexible alternative to the courtroom or a so-called challenge to the existing global legal order? What's the future of peaceful dispute resolution? Host Tu Yun joins Helen Han, Co-founder and Secretary General of the Beijing Club for International Dialogue, Edward Lehman, Founder and Managing Director of China-based law firm Lehman, Lee & Xu, and Bai Xianyue, Partner of Grandall Law Firm Tianjn Office to take a close look on this week's Chat Lounge.

China is strengthening its ties with Pacific Island nations following the conclusion of a major diplomatic event – the Third China-Pacific Island Countries Foreign Ministers’ Meeting, held in Xiamen. The meeting, chaired by Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, brought together senior diplomats from 11 Pacific nations with formal ties to Beijing. What were the key takeaways from the meeting? How is China’s growing partnership with Pacific Island nations shaping sustainable regional development? As China’s role expands, is there opportunity for traditional and emerging partners to collaborate on Pacific-led priorities? Host Xu Yawen joins Chen Xi, Assistant to the Director at the New Zealand Studies Center at East China Normal University; Professor Sandra Tarte, Associate Professor in the School of Law and Social Sciences at the University of the South Pacific; and Professor Warwick Powell, Adjunct Professor at Queensland University of Technology, to decode the meeting at the Chat Lounge.

Washington is tightening its containment of China's tech industry, launching a global crackdown on AI chips from Chinese firms, with Huawei squarely in the crosshairs. What's fueling this escalation? And how might it reshape the global semiconductor landscape? Host Tu Yun joins Andy Mok, a Senior Research Fellow at the Center for China and Globalization, Dr. Warwick Powell, an Adjunct Professor at Queensland University of Technology in Australia, and Dr. Qu Qiang, a Fellow of the Belt and Road Research Center at Minzu University to break down the power plays, potential blowback, and China's next move in this high-stakes silicon showdown.

It's a deal, but not a done deal. The temporary tariff agreement reached between China and the United States has brought a glimmer of positivity to a world shrouded in Washington's tariff war. What immediate impact will the deal have on the course of two-way trade? Does the agreement have any implications for other countries currently in talks with the U.S.? How may Beijing respond if Washington backtracks? And what may we expect after the three-month pause expires? Host Tu Yun joins Dr. Zhou Mi, the Deputy Director of the Institute of American and Oceania Study, Chinese Academy of International Trade and Economic Cooperation, William Lee, the Chief Economist with the U.S.-based Milken Institute, and Dr. Warwick Powell, Adjunct Professor at Queensland University of Technology in Australia for a close look at the Chat Lounge.

Chinese President Xi Jinping has had a state visit to Russia. The visit coincides with Russia's Victory Day celebrations on May 9, marking the 80th anniversary of the defeat of Nazi Germany in 1945, which brought an end to the Second World War in Europe. This year also marks the 80th anniversary of victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression, signifying the complete triumph of the global fight in the World Anti-Fascist War. How will President Xi's visit to Russia further deepen bilateral strategic ties? Why are stable China-Russia relations crucial for regional and global stability? And will the world draw lessons from 80 years ago to preserve peace, or are we heading toward a more turbulent future? CGTN Radio host Xu Yawen speaks with Chen Weihua, the EU bureau chief of China Daily, Evgenii Pavlov, a journalist with Sputnik, Beijing, and Angelo Giuliano, a Swiss-Italian political analyst based in Hong Kong, to delve into these topics.