The Point with Liu Xin

Over the last few days, the economic and trade agreements reached between China and the U.S. in Kuala Lumpur last month have started to take effect. The U.S. has removed the 10% so-called Fentanyl tariff and suspended, for one year, the 24% reciprocal tariffs on Chinese goods, and China has reciprocated by adjusting its tariff countermeasures. Both sides have also suspended port fees against each other for one year. Will the truce hold? Do we need to manage our expectations? How to keep things on the right track?

The UN Climate Change Conference, COP30, kicks off on Monday in Belém, Brazil. This milestone event marks three decades of United Nations climate negotiations and the 10th anniversary of the Paris Agreement, highlighting a pivotal moment for global climate action. At this critical juncture, China released a white paper to share its approaches, actions, and experience in addressing climate change. Yet, with the U.S. government absent from the conference and Europe's resolve showing signs of wavering, the road ahead remains full of challenges. Ten years on, how well have the goals of the Paris Agreement been implemented? What obstacles and bottlenecks does global climate governance still face? What are China's key positions and actions in the global fight against climate change?

This year marks the 80th anniversary of the United Nations and the system built around it, and yet, this international order has been undergoing tremendous pressure tests. Against this backdrop, the international community has been looking for consensus and finding ways to deal with the growing uncertainties. And China, most recently, proposed the Global Governance Initiative. The Initiative emphasizes sovereign equality, international rule of law, multilateralism, people-centered development, and focuses on real results and pragmatism. What role can the media play? Can the media help in filling the deficit in global governance? In what ways can we achieve more with united effort?

The China International Import Expo returns to Shanghai for its eighth installment. Taking place from November 5 to 10, the annual expo has generated a total of tentative revenues of 500 billion USD, and this year is set to be the biggest one ever. How has this relatively young expo become one of the major highlights on the international business calendar? Why does it continue to gain influence each year, and what does this reveal about China's commitment to expanding high-level opening up, and what is its impact on global trade?

Promoting a universally beneficial and inclusive economic globalization and building an Asia-Pacific community: That's the message Chinese President Xi Jinping sent to the world on Friday during a speech at the first session of the 32nd APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting in Gyeongju, South Korea. What specifically did President Xi say during the informal leaders' meeting? What exactly was achieved during the meeting between President Xi and President Trump? How will all this impact the region and the wider global economy?

Connect, Innovate, Prosper. This is the theme of the upcoming APEC summit later this week in Gyeongju, the Republic of Korea. Chinese President Xi Jinping and U.S. President Donald Trump will both attend and deliver keynote speeches to the 21-member economies that make up half of the world's trade and 60 percent of the world's GDP. What is expected to come out of the 32nd APEC Leaders' Meeting? With much speculation about what will happen on the sidelines between China and the United States, could APEC become a platform for facilitating strategic diplomacy among the world's largest powers?

As the Fourth Plenary Session of the 20th CPC Central Committee concluded on Thursday, the curtain over China's 15th Five-Year Plan is gradually being lifted. Serving as a critical link between the past and the future, this five-year period aims to reinforce foundational strengths and advance China toward basically achieving socialist modernization by 2035. What signals did the plenary session send? What might the next five years hold for China and the world?

The 20th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China is convening its fourth plenary session to set the country's 15th Five-Year Plan, the national blueprint through to 2030. Although details are yet to be released, signals have been sent that fostering "new quality productive forces" will be the strategic focus. Ahead of the meeting, the Central Commission for Financial and Economic Affairs published 8 articles in China's leading newspaper, the People's Daily, with "technological innovation" being a keyword. Why such emphasis on technological innovation? And how will this impact China's economy and beyond?

As China approaches the end of the 14th Five-Year Plan, all eyes are on the new blueprint that's being drawn up to guide the nation's next five years. From the first edition to the upcoming 15th cycle, these documents have informed China's socio-economic development for more than seventy years. How did it all start? How has the system not only survived but thrived in China? What can the next five-year plan mean for you?

"Don't worry about China, it will all be fine." This is U.S. President Donald Trump's latest message after his threat of imposing 100% tariffs on China on Friday sent markets into meltdown. In response to Trump's tariff threat, China has said it "does not want a trade war but is not afraid of one," vowing to take resolute countermeasures if the tariff hikes go ahead. What fueled these latest escalations by the U.S.? How to understand China's firm responses, which China calls passive or legitimate defense? How could things play out ahead of next month's APEC summit in South Korea?

On Oct. 3, the United States released detailed payment guidelines for hiked port fees on vessels linked to China, which are set to take effect next week. This is the result of a so-called 301 Investigation and report by the Office of the United States Trade Representative, which accuses China of "unreasonable" targeting for dominance in the maritime, logistics, and shipbuilding sectors. What specific charges will be imposed on Chinese-made ships? Are these moves really about boosting U.S. competitiveness? What impact might these measures have on the global shipping industry and trade?

On September 23, U.S. President Donald Trump delivered a lengthy speech to the UN General Assembly, during which he blasted the UN as a failure. His remarks were a stark contrast from those delivered by Chinese Premier Li Qiang. Li hailed the UN as the world's "most universal, representative, and authoritative intergovernmental organization and plays an irreplaceable, key role in global governance." Given the sea of differences between the two major countries in their views and visions, how can we move forward in an inclusive and cooperative manner? What can members do to revitalize the UN to make sure it can still fulfill its purpose 80 years after its founding?

An ancient city of stones and bricks has revitalized through openness and connectivity in the heart of the Eurasian continent. Western headlines would have you believe that the region is reeling under surveillance and suppression, and people are unhappy. But what's conveniently missing from those narratives are real stories from people on the ground, those with firsthand experiences. In 2024, Xinjiang welcomed nearly 300 million arrivals, with 5 million from overseas, marking a 55% increase compared with the previous year. What exactly is attracting all these visitors? What is Xinjiang really like today? And where is it headed going forward?

An ancient city of stones and bricks has revitalized through openness and connectivity in the heart of the Eurasian continent. Western headlines would have you believe that the region is reeling under surveillance and suppression, and people are unhappy. But what's conveniently missing from those narratives are real stories from people on the ground, those with firsthand experiences. In 2024, Xinjiang welcomed nearly 300 million arrivals, with 5 million from overseas, marking a 55% increase compared with the previous year. What exactly is attracting all these visitors? What is Xinjiang really like today? And where is it headed going forward?

Accused of doing the Chinese government's bidding after publishing research that challenged dominant Western media narratives, Georg Gesk, a German law professor who has studied China for nearly four decades, continues to speak openly about his findings in Xinjiang. What did his research uncover?

"If you want to drown your dog, accuse it of having rabies." This French proverb has been used by American scholar Barry Sautman to describe the West's smear campaign against northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. Professor Sautman first visited Xinjiang in 1999 and has returned frequently ever since. Over the years, he has seen the development and changes in the region up close. In an academic study, he compared various quality-of-life indicators between the Uygur population in Xinjiang and people in the West. What exactly did he find? How does life in Xinjiang compare to life in other parts of the world, including Western developed countries?

Have you noticed that the name "Xinjiang" has largely disappeared from the Western news cycle these days? With Xinjiang freely accessible and the world seeing the true picture for themselves, stories of repression, human rights violation regarding Xinjiang seem to have suddenly disappeared. Another reason why few dare to continue spreading disinformation about Xinjiang is thanks to the rigorous work of academics like Jaq James. Drawing on her background in law, she has completely debunked some of the most atrocious claims and narratives about Xinjiang.

Donald Trump reportedly asked the EU to slap tariffs of up to 100% on China and India, as part of a joint effort to make Russia stop its military operations in Ukraine. Using tariffs as a bargaining chip for foreign policy is nothing new for Washington, but this latest proposal, if true, leaves Europe in a precarious position, as China is the EU's second largest trading partner, and vice versa. If the EU bows to this pressure, what could this mean for the bloc's economy, not to mention its sovereignty? What's behind the latest push by the White House?

The 12th China International Fair for Trade in Services opens on Wednesday in Beijing. Since its inception in 2012, the fair has grown into a global stage for showcasing new trends and technologies in the service sector. It now stands as a microcosm of China's push for openness and high-quality growth, and a window into how China's trade in services is gaining momentum. What can we expect during this year's fair? What does the focus on the service sector reveal about the direction of China's economy? What impact might this have on China and its trading partners?

On September 3, the V-Day parade took place in the center of Beijing. The event commemorated the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War. What did the parade say about China's position in the world? What messages did China manage to convey? Why is it still important now to remember the hard-won victory and sacrifices made during the Second World War?

On August 31 and September 1, leaders from over 20 countries and 10 international organizations will attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit. Chinese President Xi Jinping will chair the Meeting of the Council of Heads of State and the "SCO Plus" Meeting. The summit will issue a Tianjin Declaration, mapping out the future of the world's largest regional organization. But it's more than just politics. On the grassroots level, people from SCO member countries are forging closer ties with one another. Why do these kinds of exchanges matter? How can members better leverage the opportunities arising therefrom, and especially for young people?

Eighty years ago, over 100 million people were killed or wounded in the World Anti-Fascist War. In the summer of 1945, 50 countries came together in San Francisco and agreed on an international treaty known as the UN Charter, which paved the way for the establishment of the United Nations later that year. This formed the political basis of a new international order, one that intended to enshrine the equal rights of all people and maintain peace. How has this order shaped the world we live in today? How are these ambitious goals faring now? And what might be undermining this hard-won order?

This year marks the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People's War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression, and the end of the Second World War. While the history of the European and American theaters of World War II is generally well understood, the Asian theater receives much less attention. Why is there an apparent blind-spot in people's collective consciousness? Exactly what happened in this part of the world? Why does it matter to revisit this episode in history now?

August 15 marks the 80th anniversary of Japan's announcement of its unconditional surrender in World War II. Yet many in Taiwan remain unaware of the war's true history. Three decades of curriculum changes have aimed to weaken ties with the Chinese mainland, but voices like that of veteran Chinese teacher Ou Kuei-chih are speaking out.

Zhang Bo, chair person and founder of Xizang Chuangbo Aviation Technology Co., Ltd, has decided to relocate to Xizang. Drawn by the region's unique geographical conditions that are ideal for advancing drone and unmanned aerial vehicle research, Zhang had to make the difficult decision of leaving his family behind. Yet, upon arriving, he found a welcoming new community that made him part of the local family.

What comes to mind when you hear the word "Rinpoche"? Perhaps a respected monk quietly reading sutras—but that's just a stereotype. Balog Rinpoche breaks the mold. A true multi-hyphenate, he founded a band that blends the Songs of Milarepa — a form of national intangible cultural heritage—with contemporary, secular music. He's also a Thangka painter and fluent in Tibetan, Mandarin, and English. He is also a living Buddha—a recognized reincarnation in Tibetan Buddhism. What sets the modern-day living Buddha apart? How is Buddhism being preserved in China's Xizang Autonomous Region? How can ancient wisdom help us find balance in today's fast-paced world?

Norbu Dramdu is the Founder of Dreamer Education, a private institute for kids from kindergarten to high school in Lhasa. Being a passionate dreamer himself, he's been devoted to helping children in the region realize their dreams. What is his story? What fuels his passion? And what do his students say about him?

First rare earths, now energy imports from Russia? The U.S. seems to be sending mixed signals about its sincerity in trade talks with China. On July 29, 2025, the two sides wrapped up their two-day talks in Stockholm, Sweden, before the U.S. talked of imposing potential punitive tariffs of up to 500% on those who import energy from Russia. What's really going on? What progress have the latest Stockholm talks achieved in bilateral trade and for the world? What are we to expect next?

China's first-ever International Advanced Air Mobility Expo is taking place in Shanghai, showcasing the latest advancements in the industry from home and abroad. Why is China placing such importance on this emerging sector? What changes will the low-altitude economy bring to our daily lives? Will this sector be the next competing ground for major powers such as China, the US and European countries?

On July 15, US President Donald Trump announced plans to impose over 10% tariffs on smaller countries, including many in Africa and the Caribbean. In sharp contrast, China reiterated just days ago that it will expand zero-tariff treatment to all African countries that have diplomatic ties with China. This is on top of the list of 43 least-developed countries that already enjoy this policy with China. What can we learn from the two very different approaches towards trade with African countries? What impact can we expect from China's zero-tariff policy for African countries?

This week, figures of economic growth for the first half of the year were released and the strength of China's economy beat expectations. GDP grew by 5.3%, foreign trade in goods increased by 2.7%, hitting a record high, while exports soared by over 7%. But Reuters reports a slowing economy instead. Why is Reuters painting black as white? Why has China not suffered from the second trade war launched by the U.S.? What's behind China's impressive growth picture?

A recent report by the UN Population Fund reveals that the real fertility crisis facing the world is not underpopulation, but a crisis of reproductive agency. The report finds that one in five people around the world are unable to have the number of children they would want. This isn't due to a lack of desire for parenthood, but rather to the soaring costs of raising children, job insecurity, housing challenges, concerns over the state of the world, and the lack of a suitable partner. Why are so many young people unable to fulfill their family goals? How to empower young people to make informed, responsible decisions about the number, timing, and spacing of their children?

The 17th BRICS Summit is taking place in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Chinese Premier Li Qiang is attending the summit. This is the first summit after Indonesia joined as the 11th member in January, and Vietnam joined the cooperation mechanism as the tenth partner nation in June. How significant is this year's summit? How committed is China to the BRICS? What does the group's growing attraction mean for the long-underrepresented Global South?

The number of foreign visitors coming into China is skyrocketing: During the first half of the year, Beijing saw a year-on-year increase of 37%. Shanghai's Pudong International Airport alone saw a surge of 46% in foreign visits. What's fueling this rush in traveling to China? What can we expect going forward? What remain to be done to make China more accessible?

Last October, Hong Kong was once again ranked the world's freest economy. In June, the city's global competitiveness rose to the third place — the first time since 2019, according to international rankings. In the face of persistent narratives predicting Hong Kong's decline, what has the National Security Law actually brought to the city? What role has the law played in safeguarding "One Country, Two Systems"? What are the future challenges regarding the city's governance?

Are Chinese students still welcome in the United States? And what about vice versa? What is the situation like for foreign exchange students on both sides of the Pacific? How are the political ups and downs impacting wider people-to-people exchanges? Will things ever return to the way they once were?

The World Economic Forum's Annual Meeting of the New Champions, often called Summer Davos, is taking place in Tianjin, a major coastal city in northern China. Chinese Premier Li Qiang attended the Opening Plenary and delivered an address. The President of Ecuador, Prime Ministers of Singapore, Kyrgyzstan, Senegal, and Vietnam are attending, together with 1,700 representatives from over 90 countries and regions. As China contributes around 30% of global growth annually, what opportunities will deeper global engagement with its market and innovation ecosystem bring? Why has AI become the buzzword throughout the meeting?

The U.S. launched air strikes on Iran's key nuclear facilities over the weekend. What triggered President Trump to give the go-ahead? How will Iran respond? In what ways would the potential closure of the Strait of Hormuz affect the world?

Have you noticed there has been more talk about a certain United Nations resolution numbered 2758? In the Taiwan press, it felt relentless. Resolution 2758 was passed at the 26th session of the UN General Assembly on Oct. 25, 1971. The resolution set the foundation of the UN position concerning Taiwan. What triggered this latest wave of media attention? What's their argument?

From Monday to Wednesday, Chinese President Xi Jinping will attend the second China-Central Asia Summit in Astana, Kazakhstan, at the invitation of the country's President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev. In the land of the Great Steppe, President Xi and his counterparts of five Central Asian countries are expected to further cement China-Central Asia cooperation. Exchanges between China and Central Asia date back at least two thousand years, to the days of the Ancient Silk Road. And with the Belt and Road Initiative, political trust has been enhanced and trade volume has skyrocketed. What does the summit mean for China-Central Asia ties? What results can we expect this time? What do stable China-Central Asia relations mean for the world?

Bilateral trade between China and the EU last year reached US$786 billion with investment rising to US$260 billion. Yet friction remains as the EU has moved to curb the access of Chinese medical device makers to public procurement contracts and imposed high tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles. This comes after the EU designated China as "a partner for cooperation, an economic competitor, and a systemic rival". How well will this approach play out? What are the expectations for China-EU trade relations going forward? How are U.S. protectionist policies impacting China-EU relations?

A framework was reached in principle for implementing the consensus reached between the two presidents over a recent phone call and the trade deal reached last month in Geneva. That appears to be the outcome of the latest round of talks between the world's two largest economies in London. Earlier, Chinese President Xi Jinping used the metaphor of "recalibrating the direction of the giant ship of China-U.S. relations", saying that the two sides should take the helm of the ship, set the right course, and steer clear of disturbances and disruptions as it sails forward. China is sincere and principled. Is the U.S. prepared to do the same?