The Hub with Wang Guan

China's economy is showing resilience as new growth drivers reshape its economic landscape. What is powering growth in 2026, and how are technology, trade and consumption shaping what comes next? On The Hub, Wang Guan is joined by Wang Dan, China Director at Eurasia Group; Liu Zhiqin, senior research fellow at Renmin University of China's Chongyang Institute for Financial Studies; and Andy Mok, author of "The Innovation Machine: How China Creates and Adopts Technology Through Governance." They discuss China's economic performance and new sources of growth.

As geopolitical tensions rise, existing institutions face growing pressure to adapt. On The Hub, Wang Guan brings together Alfred de Zayas, former United Nations independent expert and author of "Building a Just World Order" and "The Human Rights Industry"; Linjie Chou Zanadu, associate professor of International Relations at the European Centre for Peace and Development; and Ben Norton, founder and editor-in-chief of the Geopolitical Economy Report. They dive into the future of global governance, the rise of a multipolar world, and what the competing global visions mean for the future.

The China-US relationship is witnessing a new historic moment as the two heads of state meet in Washington. What signals could emerge from the meeting? How can Beijing and Washington manage differences while expanding areas of cooperation? On The Hub, Wang Guan brings together Li Cheng, founding director of the Centre on Contemporary China and the World at the University of Hong Kong; Fred Teng, president of the America China Public Affairs Institute; and Rick Dunham, senior visiting scholar at Tsinghua University's Global Business Journalism program. They explore the significance of the state visit and examine the latest developments in China-US relations.

Where is China-U.S. trade and investment headed as the world's two largest economies navigate competition and cooperation? Can businesses on both sides find new opportunities amid changing global supply chains and market conditions? What could greater dialogue mean for the future of economic ties? On The Hub, Wang Guan speaks with Michael Hart, president of the American Chamber of Commerce in China, and Zha Daojiong, professor of international political economy at Peking University.

The Long March remains a powerful chapter in China's history, 90 years after the victory of the Chinese Red Army in 1936. What can a journey along the Long March route reveal about its history and spirit? How can shared experiences help young people from different countries better understand one another? In this special episode of The Hub, Wang Guan speaks with Zhavier Harris, marketing & communications manager at the Springfield Urban League, who followed in the footsteps of the Long March. Together, they explore his journey through places connected to the Long March, and examine the connections he discovered between people and communities.

BRICS enters its third decade with a larger membership, a broader agenda, and a growing role for the Global South. Can its expansion strengthen cooperation without creating fragmentation? How can BRICS help shape the global economic order? On The Hub, Wang Guan speaks with Alessandro Golombiewski Teixeira, distinguished visiting professor at Tsinghua University and former senior advisor to the president of the New Development Bank. They explore institutional evolution in the BRICS group, local-currency trade and payments, and the future role of the NDB.

BRICS marks its 20th anniversary as the grouping enters a new phase of cooperation. What can BRICS deliver as global economic and political dynamics continue to shift? And how can the expanded bloc turn closer cooperation into greater opportunities for the wider Global South?

As the 16th APEC Energy Ministers' Meeting takes place in Beijing, how can economies across the Asia-Pacific keep energy affordable, reliable and sustainable? Can renewables and AI help build a cleaner and more resilient energy future? On The Hub, Wang Guan discusses these questions with John Pang, senior fellow at the Belt and Road Initiative Caucus for Asia Pacific; Steivan Defilla, assistant president of the APEC Sustainable Energy Center; and John Grimes, CEO of the Renewable Energy Council Asia-Pacific. They examine the challenges of ensuring energy for all, the pace of the green transition, and China's rapidly expanding renewable energy capacity.

The 2026 Bishkek SCO Summit in Kyrgyzstan put the future of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation and the role of Central Asia in the spotlight. What will shape the SCO's next phase?

The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) is marking its 25th anniversary as leaders gather for the 2026 SCO Bishkek Summit. Chinese President Xi Jinping is attending the summit and paying a state visit to Kyrgyzstan. In this special edition of The Hub from Bishkek, Wang Guan sits down with Sohail Khan, deputy secretary general of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation, to discuss the SCO's achievements, its future development strategy and its evolving role in global governance. They explore how SCO members have built trust and understanding, and look into its vision for deeper cooperation among its members and partners.

As the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation marks its 25th anniversary, young people are helping shape its next chapter. What does the SCO mean to a new generation? And how can youth exchanges, entrepreneurship and cultural cooperation strengthen ties across member states?

Global governance and development are evolving as countries across the Global South seek greater representation, cooperation and shared progress. As China's Global Governance Initiative (GGI) turns one and China's Global Development Initiative (GDI) turns five, what have been their achievements so far? How are they contributing to a more inclusive and effective approach to international cooperation?

Six years ago, Chinese President Xi Jinping chaired a landmark symposium in Hefei, the capital city of China's Anhui Province, setting out a bold blueprint for the Yangtze River Delta centered on integration and high-quality development. How has this strategy transformed the region into one of China's most dynamic economic engines? And as China enters its 15th Five-Year Plan, can the Yangtze River Delta turn its technological and industrial strengths into a new phase of high-quality growth?

This year marks the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and Africa. How has China-Africa cooperation evolved over the past seven decades, and what role can the partnership play in advancing Africa's development priorities? Looking ahead, how can China and Africa deepen cooperation in technology, renewable energy, climate change and debt management?

China's economy is showing resilience as innovation and consumption reshape its next stage of growth. What's driving China's economy in 2026, and what could it mean for the rest of the world?

Five years after its launch, how has China's Global Development Initiative evolved from a proposal into a platform for international cooperation? What impact has it had on advancing sustainable development and addressing the priorities of the Global South?

Artificial intelligence is moving faster than the rules meant to govern it. How should society shape the rules to govern this transformative technology?

Japan is launching its biggest intelligence reform since World War II, marking a major shift in how the country coordinates national security. What is driving this overhaul? Could it reshape Japan's security policy and influence the strategic balance in East Asia?

How can refugees become an untapped source of growth? In this edition of The Hub, Wang Guan sits down with UNHCR Assistant High Commissioner for Operations Raouf Mazou to discuss the global displacement crisis, why peace is the only lasting solution, and how giving refugees access to jobs can benefit host communities as a whole. They also explore how AI is reshaping humanitarian work, China's contributions to global development, and what it takes to close the widening humanitarian funding gap.

The South China Sea remains a focal point of regional security concerns, with rising tensions, competing narratives, and shifting alliances shaping the future of the region. Is the latest confrontation another isolated maritime incident, or part of a wider geopolitical contest? Can diplomacy still help manage differences and preserve regional stability?

As the global balance of power shifts away from the West, where does the rest of the world stand? And how can dialogue still bridge growing geopolitical divides? In this episode of The Hub, Wang Guan sits down with Hina Rabbani Khar, former foreign minister of Pakistan, to discuss the changing international landscape and Pakistan's place within it. The conversation also explores the 75-year evolution of China-Pakistan diplomatic relations, and looks at opportunities for expanded bilateral cooperation.

Artificial intelligence is reshaping industries, societies and the way the world approaches innovation and governance. As AI capabilities advance rapidly, how can we ensure that technology develops responsibly? What role can global cooperation play in building a safer and more inclusive AI future?

The next generation of emerging technologies is reshaping science, industry, and the global economy. Which innovations are most likely to transform our lives over the next five years? How can countries harness AI and innovation at scale while strengthening international cooperation?

Once hailed as a "city upon a hill" and a "beacon of democracy," the United States has long been a nation admired, followed, and questioned. The "kill line," the ICE, and the Epstein scandal are three distinct shadows that have clouded the collective American memory in 2026. As the country marks its 250th anniversary, the world's leading power finds itself at a defining crossroads. From economic anxiety and deep identity rifts at home, to fraying alliances and eroding trust abroad, where is the country headed? And how is the world reassessing a changing America?

China's 15th Five-Year Plan sets the course for the country's next stage of economic development, with a stronger focus on domestic demand, innovation, green transition, and high-quality growth. What are China's top priorities over the next five years? How will the new plan shape China's economy and influence the global economic landscape amid rising geopolitical and geoeconomic uncertainty?

The builders of the Qinghai-Xizang Railway endured extreme cold, high altitudes, and immense hardship to complete what is now the world's highest-altitude railway. Two decades later, this engineering landmark has brought communities closer together, expanded access to travel, and reshaped life across Xizang. In this special episode of The Hub, Wang Guan and South African influencer Lara Netherlands travel from Xining to Lhasa aboard the iconic railway as it marks 20 years of operation.

What enables a large organization to remain resilient, adaptable, and effective over the long term? As societies face rapid technological change, economic transformation, and rising governance challenges, what institutional capacities matter most? And can long-term planning and continuous innovation go hand in hand?

What enables a political organization to maintain continuity, adapt to change, and pursue long-term goals across generations? Can long-term planning and leadership development help institutions navigate uncertainty more effectively? What lessons can other organizations draw from China's experience?

China's economy remains a key force in global growth, innovation, and trade. What role will China play in the next phase of the global recovery? How are technological innovation and evolving consumer trends reshaping the world's second-largest economy?

As global power becomes more diffuse and economic growth shifts toward emerging economies, the G7 faces growing questions about its role and relevance. Does this year's summit highlight the resilience of the G7, or expose the limits of its influence? Can the G7 still shape the global agenda in an increasingly multipolar world? Are its members united by a common vision, or simply managing their differences?

More than 80 years after World War II, why did the crimes of Unit 731 remain largely absent from global public awareness for so long? What does preserving historical truth mean for future generations and the international order? In this edition of The Hub, Wang Guan speaks with Emanuel Pastreich, president of The Asia Institute; Alexis Dudden, professor of History at the University of Connecticut, who was interviewed in the documentary; and Liu Baocheng, dean of the Center for International Business Ethics at the University of International Business and Economics. Together, they examine the renewed attention generated by the documentary "Inside Unit 731" and explore why this history continues to resonate today.

As the world confronts inequality, conflict, technological disruption and sustainable development challenges, the relationship between development and human rights is drawing renewed global attention. What does the right to development mean 40 years after the adoption of the UN Declaration on the Right to Development? Can development provide a stronger foundation for advancing human rights in an increasingly complex world?

The latest Shangri-La Dialogue has reignited debate over the future of Asia-Pacific security. Is the region moving toward greater cooperation, or are competing security visions driving deeper divisions? How should countries balance stability, strategic autonomy, and growing geopolitical competition? And what's China's vision for a security framework based on common security rather than alliance blocs?

Chinese President Xi Jinping and Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic hailed the ironclad friendship between the two countries during the Serbian president's first state visit to China, pledging to deepen cooperation in emerging sectors, transportation, and people-to-people exchanges. How will this visit inject new vitality into the China-Serbia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership?

Philippines President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is set to meet Japan's Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi on Thursday as the two sides look to increase defense cooperation during Marcos' four-day state visit. How will this trip impact Japan-Philippines relations? Is Japan on a path toward remilitarization? In this episode of The Hub, Wang Guan asks whether Tokyo is abandoning its post-war commitments and how a remilitarized Japan could impact the region's stability. To unpack this and more, Wang Guan is joined by Jeff Kingston, professor of Asian Studies at Temple University, Tai Wei Lim, professor of Economics at Soka University, and Yang Chan, tenured associate professor at Shanghai Jiao Tong University.

Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin hail a new stage in bilateral ties as they agree to further extend a China-Russia friendship treaty and pledge to work together for a more just and equitable world order. In this episode of The Hub, Wang Guan unpacks the biggest developments from President Putin's two-day state visit to China. What does this "new stage" of relations mean for China-Russia ties? What could it mean for the Global South? How will these developments impact the broader international landscape?

Russian President Vladimir Putin's state visit to China comes as the two countries mark major milestones in bilateral relations: 30 years since the establishment of the China-Russia strategic partnership of coordination, and 25 years since the signing of the Treaty of Good-Neighborliness and Friendly Cooperation. As the 10th China-Russia Expo gets underway in Harbin, the visit highlights not only expanding trade and economic ties, but also deeper cooperation in education, culture, global governance, and regional stability. In this episode of The Hub, Wang Guan speaks with experts from China, Russia and the United States on the priorities of Putin's visit, the resilience of China-Russia relations, and what this partnership means for a rapidly changing world order.

Chinese President Xi Jinping welcomed US President Donald Trump to Beijing on Thursday as the American leader began his state visit to China. Meeting his counterpart at the Great Hall of the People, President Xi said he expects 2026 to be a "historic, landmark year" that opens up a new chapter in China-US relations. Meanwhile, President Trump said the relationship between China and the United States will be "better than ever before." Both leaders have agreed on a new vision of building a constructive China-US relationship of strategic stability. What can we expect from Trump's visit? How can the heads-of-state meeting help steer China-US relations steadily forward?

When China-US relations make headlines, the focus is often on rivalry, confrontation, and strategic differences. But beyond that, cooperation is still taking place in more practical ways. In this segment of The Hub, Wang Guan speaks with Zhao Xiuye, a PhD candidate at Tsinghua University's School of Public Policy and Management and a participant of a youth program between China and the US, about the role of people-to-people exchanges, and the growing importance of sub-national cooperation between Chinese provinces and US states. From AI, climate change and clean energy to education and local-level dialogue, the discussion explores where cooperation remains possible, even when national politics get complicated.

Japan is expanding its security role across the Asia-Pacific, raising new questions about regional stability and strategic balance. Is this a natural response to changing conditions, or a deliberate effort to reshape the regional order? What risks could this shift bring for neighboring countries? In this edition of The Hub, experts explore Japan's recent diplomatic and defense outreach, discuss changes to arms export policies, and examine how regional partners are responding. They delve into the historical context behind today's security dynamics, look into domestic political drivers in Japan, and assess the broader implications for China-Japan relations and the future of peace and stability in the Asia-Pacific.

China and Africa mark 70 years of diplomatic ties with a major step toward deeper trade integration. Starting May 1, China will grant tariff-free access to all 53 African countries with diplomatic ties, alongside faster "green lanes" for exports. What does this new policy mean for African exporters? With protectionism on the rise, can the China-Africa partnership help shape a more open and balanced global trading system? On The Hub, Wang Guan brings together He Wenping, professor and senior research fellow at the Institute of West Asian and African Studies at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, and Lara Netherlands from South Africa, founder and CEO of Tilapia Solutions, a company based in Hainan, China. They explore the shift from scale to quality in China-Africa bilateral trade, discuss the impact of expanded market access, and examine the practical challenges facing exporters on the ground.

Japan's recent policy moves are drawing global concern and raising complex questions about security, history, and regional stability. Is Japan reshaping its strategic identity? What do these developments mean for the balance of power in East Asia and beyond? In this episode of The Hub, host Wang Guan and guests explore Japan's decision to allow the export of lethal weapons for the first time in decades. The discussion examines Japan's logic behind this shift and how it aligns with Tokyo's expanding security objectives. They also explores the political and historical symbolism of Japan's Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's offering to Yasukuni Shrine, and how these parallel moves may signal deeper ideological drift toward neo-militarism.