The Hub with Wang Guan

Over the past decade, China and countries across Latin America and the Caribbean have developed a partnership built on growing trust and shared goals, despite the distance between them. With 22 countries in the region now signed on to the Belt and Road Initiative, cooperation is expanding fast. How far have we come in the past ten years? And where is this relationship heading next?

The Hub covers hot-button geopolitical and economic issues, as well as interesting stories and trends in culture, education, technology and lifestyle. It aims to connect people, cultures and societies across the East and the West.

China has set the target for full-year economic growth at around 5 percent for 2025. Is it realistic? The answer is yes, according to high-level Chinese officials. They point out that China has ample leeway to achieve this year's economic and social development goals and tasks despite current uncertainties. How so?

April 2nd, 2025, was the Trump administration's self-proclaimed "Liberation Day." But the question is, liberation from what? Common sense? This whiteboard of tariff math simply fails in the real world where supply chains don't obey MAGA algebra.

Global education is facing headwinds from policies in the US framed as "national security safeguards." For the Educational Testing Service (ETS), the world's largest private educational testing and assessment organization, these are indeed testing times. But it's also creating plenty of opportunities. From reimagining standardized testing to AI-driven innovations, ETS is trying to shape the future of learning worldwide. How is ETS leveraging cutting-edge technology to redefine educational benchmarks? When cross-border collaboration encounters geopolitical friction, can international education forge a third path forward, transcending all these zero-sum paradigms?

It's a race against time as Myanmar reels from the 7.9-magnitude earthquake on March 28. Villages have been flattened, roads severed, and hospitals overwhelmed as the death toll keeps rising and millions have been displaced. Survivors now also have to battle 35°C heat, landslides, and cholera threats. What is the situation on the ground? What humanitarian aid is urgently needed at this point?

The screw tightens as the U.S. doubles down on its tariff measures on April 2, a so-called “Liberation Day", according to President Donald Trump. Sweeping tariffs unveiled a minimum 10 percent tariff on all trading partners, as well as so-called "reciprocal" actions on dozens of countries. Under Trump's plan, the U.S. will add a new 34 percent tariff on Chinese goods, on top of the 20 percent tariff that he has already imposed on Beijing in recent months. Will this plan truly "Make America Wealthy Again"? What's on Trump's mind this time around? How will the global economy bear the pressure?

This year's China Development Forum convenes over 700 government officials, corporate representatives, and thought leaders from around the world. On the sidelines of the event, we caught up with Ms. Joanne Crevoiserat, CEO of Tapestry, the parent company of brands such as Kate Spade and Coach, and discussed how Western luxury brands are adapting to China's rapidly evolving socio-economic and aesthetic shifts.

China Development Forum 2025 convened an unprecedented number of representatives from around the world, including an unprecedented number of corporate leaders from multinational companies. What are their major takeaways from the forum regarding the outlook of the Chinese economy and doing business in China? CGTN host Wang Guan talked with Oliver Zipse, Chairman of the Board of Management of BMW AG, and Marc Horn, Executive Vice President of Merck Group and President of Merck China.

This year's China Development Forum held at Diaoyutai State Guesthouse in Beijing convenes over 700 government officials, corporate representatives, and thought leaders from around the world. On the sidelines of this year's event, CGTN host Wang Guan caught up with Professor Jeffrey Sachs of Columbia University, to discuss his recent speech to the European Parliament, China-Europe, and China-U.S. relations, and the future of the world order, given the disruptions coming from some corners of the world.

In January, the U.S. Department of Commerce finalized a rule banning the import and sale of connected vehicle hardware and software originating from China and Russia, citing national security concerns. This rule took effect in the U.S. on March 17th. Now the day has arrived, will President Trump keep the ban in place or roll it back? Is this really about protecting national security or are there other factors at play? How will this latest protectionist move by the U.S. impact global supply chains?

As China concludes its 14th Five-Year Plan and prepares for the 15th, 2025 ushers in a transformative era focused on green and low-carbon transition, new consumption, and cultivating young talent - all highlighted at this year's Two Sessions. But challenges remain, such as institutional barriers and funding bottlenecks for private enterprises. As green transition and AI take center stage, how can young entrepreneurs reimagine business models to better align with tech innovation and ESG goals? And in the face of emerging consumer trends and global cultural IP expansion, how can young innovators leverage policies to stay competitive?

China is accelerating its efforts in high-quality development, technological innovation, and industrial upgrading. A key highlight from this year's Government Work Report is the push for embodied AI - an emerging field that fuses artificial intelligence with robotics, reshaping industries from manufacturing to healthcare. With intensifying global competition in science and technology, how does China position itself at the forefront of innovation? What message is the report sending to businesses and consumers?

U.S. President Donald Trump has rolled out a series of decisions and executive orders, with a big focus on tariffs. One change flying under the radar is the tweak to the de minimis exemption, a rule that dates back to the 1930s. While it might not grab headlines, it's sparking concerns across industries about its potential ripple effects on global trade. What does this shift mean for businesses and consumers? How will supply chains adjust in response? How do we keep fair and free trade alive amid these challenges?

As the Russia-Ukraine conflict enters its fourth year, U.S. and Russian officials are having their second round of talks following the first round in Riyadh on February 18. Meanwhile, Washington and Kyiv are getting closer to a deal over rare earth resources. President Zelenskyy will go to White House to potentially sign the deal and meet with President Donald Trump. Is Trump trying to "pull a Nixon" in reverse with Russia? How is China navigating its push for a political solution to the Ukraine crisis?

China has unveiled its No.1 Central Document for 2025. As the first policy statement from the central authorities this year, it outlines priorities in the country's agriculture and rural development. It's about further strengthening the supply of key agricultural produce to safeguard grain security, preventing large-scale re-emergence of extreme poverty and supporting the development of smart agriculture. What's the current state of China's agriculture? What new trends have emerged?

On Tuesday, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi delivered a major speech at the United Nations Security Council, urging stronger commitment to multilateralism and the reform of global governance. He also reaffirmed China's dedication to supporting peace efforts in Ukraine and the Middle East, calling for renewed focus on diplomatic solutions. How will the world respond to China's call for a more inclusive and equitable global system? What does this mean for the future of international cooperation, particularly in these uncertain times?

On February 17th, Chinese President Xi Jinping chaired a key meeting with China's leading private entrepreneurs. President Xi said the private sector will remain a cornerstone of China's economic growth and innovation, and pledged unwavering support for the private sector. Will this meeting be a shot in the arm for the Chinese economy? And how will China's private enterprises navigate the current challenges?

In a recent move, U.S. President Donald Trump has once again brandished the tariff stick. The White House has reinstated the full 25% tariff on steel imports and increased levies on aluminum imports to 25%. How have top U.S. businesses reacted to this move? How will consumers and the business community at large be impacted, and who will really foot the bill?

As DeepSeek makes waves on the global stage, showcasing China's rising prominence in the AI race, we take a look at how powerful DeepSeek is, and how we can ensure that AI technology benefits a broader global community.

Ahead of the 9th edition of the Asian Winter Games, to be held in northeastern China's Harbin City in Heilongjiang Province from Feb. 7 through 14, we take a look at how the "gold rush" of ice and snow economy can trickle down to sectors such as tourism, culture, catering, exhibitions, and sports services.

On February 1st, U.S. President Donald Trump said he would impose 25% tariffs on imports from Canada and Mexico and 10% tariffs on China, effective immediately. However, just two days later, the U.S. President announced he would pause the tariffs for 30 days after Mexico and Canada agreed to take steps to tighten border security and drug trafficking. How will Trump's policy flip-flops affect the U.S. economy? What is the real intention behind Trump using tariffs as a bargaining tool?

Nowadays, it is very difficult to overstate the importance of China-ASEAN cooperation. This relationship is marked by robust political and diplomatic engagement over the decades. China-ASEAN trading relations are among the largest in the world. In addition, thanks to shared heritage, history, and cultural bonds, people-to-people exchanges between China and ASEAN countries have been more than robust and dynamic over the years.

Recently, the One Voice Children's Choir from the United States visited Beijing, performing soul-stirring songs at iconic landmarks such as the Temple of Heaven. Their music resonated deeply with the Chinese audience and people from around the world, adding heartfelt melodies to the spirit of international friendship and highlighting the beauty of cultural exchanges during this time of unity and celebration.

Donald Trump has officially returned to the White House as the 47th President of the United States. In just the few days back in office, he wasted no time reigniting his signature "America First" agenda. From renaming the Gulf of Mexico to imposing steep tariffs and reshaping immigration laws, his latest policies are already sending ripples across the globe.

Back in 2016, Klaus Schwab, Founder and Executive Chairman of the World Economic Forum, first introduced the concept of "The Fourth Industrial Revolution," where emerging technologies like artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things and robotics merge with the physical, digital and biological worlds. Now we're already living in it. With AI as a beacon with transformative potential, what opportunities and challenges are the Global South encountering? What's urgently needed to bridge the digital divide between the Global North and Global South for a more inclusive future?

This week, U.S. President Joe Biden blocked Nippon Steel's $14.9 billion bid to acquire U.S. Steel, citing national security concerns. The decision is seen as a major setback for the Japanese steel giant and has sparked heated debates on both sides. What does this decision mean for U.S.-Japan relations and the future of foreign investment in the U.S.? Could this signal a shift toward national security concerns being weaponized in U.S. trade policy against, not just its perceived rivals, but allies and partners too?

This week, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi begins his 2025 visit to Africa, continuing a 35-year tradition of prioritizing Africa in China's diplomatic agenda. As China's top diplomat engages with African leaders, this trip reaffirms Beijing's strong commitment to its long-standing partnership with the continent—one built on mutual respect and shared development goals.

2024 saw deepening economic ties, expanding diplomatic engagements and extensive partnerships for China-Africa relations. For 15 consecutive years, China has remained Africa's largest trading partner, with Uganda standing out as China's third-largest trading partner on the continent. How can both sides build on these achievements? What key strategies can be expected going forward?

The year 2024 saw robust engagements between China and the Arab world. President Xi Jinping hosted several Arab leaders in Beijing, and attended and chaired a ministerial conference of a key China-Arab states forum. What's behind the momentum of China-Arab states engagement? What role have cultural and people-to-people engagements played in all this?

The European Union has decided to levy countervailing duties against Chinese-made electric vehicles. This coincides with the United States' stepping up of its technological containment vis-à-vis China. What will be the future of China-EU relations? Will Europe increasingly follow in the footsteps of the U.S., not just in terms of security, but economically as well?

Macao is marking the 25th anniversary of its return to the motherland. On Golden Lotus Square in Macao, visitors come to see the Golden Lotus bronze sculpture, a gift from the Chinese Central Government in 1999. It symbolizes the prosperity of the SAR. For the past quarter of a century, the sculpture has witnessed new buildings rising, bustling streets, and the blossoming of the city.

As megacities grow and evolve, one of the most pressing challenges for urban governance is how to respond to citizens' concerns, quickly and efficiently, 24/7. In Beijing, the revamped 12345 public complaint hotline, launched in 2019, has become a game changer. Today, we'll dive into how this innovative system works and what it could inspire the rest of the world.

China says it will stick with a more proactive fiscal policy and a moderately loose monetary policy in the year 2025. How will this policy mix impact the Chinese economy in the new year? And will this lead to an eventual stabilization of the property market, the stock market, and a rise in household consumption?

Mr. Bashar al-Assad and his family are reported to have arrived in Russia. The information has been confirmed by the Kremlin, following a swift and decisive offensive that has brought Abu Mohammad al-Jolani, leader of the opposition group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, into the capital. The implications are profound. Will this shift in power plunge Syria deeper into chaos and violence? Could this upheaval trigger a domino effect, destabilizing an already fragile region as foreign and regional powers vie for influence?

Cities are more than the sum of its buildings and bustling streets. They represent the pulse of human ambition, the spaces where dreams meet reality. Yet, as our cities grow, so do their challenges. How can we ensure that rapid expansion doesn't come at the cost of community, livability, or the health of our planet? How can we build cities that nurture us, that breathe with us?

Australia has become the first country to ban children under 16 from accessing social media platforms. The legislation, pushed through parliament in just a week, requires tech companies to take "reasonable steps" to enforce the ban or face fines of up to approximately 50 million Australian dollars. While supporters hail it as a decisive step to safeguard children from dangerous influences online, critics argue it could raise serious concerns about enforceability, privacy, and how to strike the right balance between protection and personal freedom. What led to this sweeping decision, and how might it reshape the digital landscape not only in Australia but worldwide?

China's influence over Latin America has come under scrutiny in recent years. What has China been doing in this part of the world? The Belo Monte project is the longest and largest ultra-high voltage power transmission system in the world. It stretches over 2,500 kilometers and transmits electricity from the hydro-rich northern Brazil to the south where most Brazilians live. It powers 70% of the residents in Rio de Janeiro region. How was this accomplished? How come so far no other country can deliver such an ultra-high voltage project but a Chinese-Brazilian partnership?

China-Latin America relations have come a long way in the past few decades. What's the current state of relations between China and Latin America and Caribbean countries? Where are the relationships headed in the foreseeable future? And how do Latin Americans see the relationships?

Trade between China and ASEAN exceeded 900 billion dollars in the year of 2023. That is more than the trade volume between China and United States, and more than the volume between the European Union and United States. How have China and ASEAN relations evolved in the past three decades? Where will this partnership go in the coming years and decades?

Our guest of this special edition of The Hub is Mr. Grzegorz Kołodko, Former Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister of Poland. What's his view on the recent countervailing duties levied by the European Union against Chinese-made electric vehicles? And how does he see the challenges facing the Chinese economy and the recent stimulus measures?

Chinese President Xi Jinping delivered a keynote speech on Wednesday at the BRICS 2024 Summit in Kazan, Russia, calling for BRICS to embrace broader perspectives and tackle global challenges head-on to advance high-quality development and cooperation. How will BRICS navigate the integration of its new members, and what impact will this have on the evolving global power landscape? Is BRICS the anti-West Leviathan it's portrayed to be?