The Point with Liu Xin

Empty suitcases in, packed suitcases out. "China Haul" is the latest buzzword following "China Travel" and "Chinamaxxing," as international visitors shop for Chinese drones, cameras, sneakers, bags and beauty products. What's behind the trend? Why are more "China" hashtags gaining traction, and what are travelers discovering about China beyond the usual tourist experience?

China-US ties have reached "another historical juncture." During his state visit to Washington, Chinese President Xi Jinping stressed that while China-US cooperation may not solve every problem in the world, but without it, it would be hard to solve many of the world's problems. The visit also featured a high-profile welcome from US President Donald Trump, underscoring the importance both sides attach to the relationship. How significant is this latest Xi-Trump meeting? What does it mean for the future of China-US relations, and for the wider world?

For decades, Chinese and American filmmakers have connected audiences through television and cinema. Now, a new generation of storytellers is taking that exchange to a much smaller screen. Chinese micro dramas and short-form series are finding audiences in the United States. The trend is opening up new possibilities for creators to share ideas, talent, and expertise across borders. What's driving this new wave of creative exchange? Is the rise of micro dramas simply a short-lived trend, or the beginning of something much bigger?

China and the U.S. are competing fiercely in artificial intelligence. But when it comes to AI safety and governance, can the world's two largest economies find common ground? With both sides maintaining dialogue on AI governance, questions remain: What risks do they share? Where do their perspectives differ? And how can they cooperate on AI safety while competing in the global AI race?

At the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi, Chinese President Xi Jinping called on BRICS countries to become "pioneers of the times," highlighting four areas: innovation, security, culture and governance. With BRICS representing around half of the world's population and playing an increasingly significant role in global economic growth, what does China envision for the future of the grouping and the wider Global South? What are the economic and geopolitical implications, and what could BRICS' evolution mean for the world and for you?

China is known around the world for "Made in China." But a new story is emerging: "Serviced by China." The 2026 China International Fair for Trade in Services (CIFTIS) is underway in Beijing, bringing together over 1,800 exhibitors from around 90 countries, regions and international organizations. China's trade in services also grew by 8% in the first seven months of 2026, continuing an upward trajectory. What's driving the rapid growth of Chinese services? Why are Chinese services increasingly in demand around the world? And can this momentum continue?

The world map we grew up with may be changing. The UN General Assembly voted 164-1 to adopt the Equal Earth map projection, which more accurately represents the relative size of countries and continents. Africa appears much larger, while Europe and North America are considerably smaller. But how did a grassroots campaign turn into an almost unanimous global vote? And why was the United States the only country to vote against it? In this episode, we explore the politics, history and ideas behind the map that could change how we see the world.

What is the real situation after a devastating mudslide hit Gyirong Port on the China-Nepal border in southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region? As of Saturday evening, 43 people are confirmed dead, with another 519 unaccounted for on the Chinese side. In Nepal, more than 1,300 people are reportedly dead and some 5,000 others still missing. Rescue efforts continue on both sides. It is a devastating time for both countries, especially for those affected by the disaster. Yet rather than objectively reporting the facts, some in the Western media are using the tragedy as an opportunity to smear and attack China. How are they using this disaster to push their own agendas? What is the true story?

China and Egypt are strengthening their partnership, with both sides calling for a greater voice for the Global South in global political and economic decision-making. What new agreements have the two countries reached? What could they mean for the future of China-Egypt relations? And how can Beijing and Cairo work together to make the Global South's voice heard on the world stage?

Chinese President Xi Jinping's visit to Egypt has brought new momentum to the partnership. During his visit to Egypt, President Xi held talks with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, as the two countries witnessed the signing of new cooperation documents covering the Belt and Road, artificial intelligence, trade, and industrial and supply chains. Ten years after Xi's last visit to Egypt, what has changed in China-Egypt relations, and where is the partnership headed next?

The Shanghai Cooperation organisation (SCO) turns 25 as leaders gather in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, for this year's summit. What began in 2001 with six founding members has grown into a platform bringing together 10 member states and 17 SCO partners. Over the past 25 years, its cooperation has expanded well beyond regional security to trade, energy, technology, culture and more. How has the SCO evolved? What does it hope to achieve at this year's summit? And what could its growing role mean for the region and beyond?

For 70 years, China and Egypt have built a remarkable partnership rooted in two ancient civilizations, and their economic ties have grown some 1,700-fold. As momentum continues to build, what opportunities lie ahead? And what could this partnership mean for the wider Arab world, the Middle East and Africa?

After nearly six months of war, Washington is turning to what it calls its "single greatest financial offensive ever." Under Operation Economic Outcast, the US is targeting Iran's economic lifelines, and warning its trading partners they could face sanctions too. Will sanctions force Tehran to back down? Or will they push Iran's trading partners to resist Washington's pressure? And what does this economic offensive reveal about where the war is heading?

America's national debt has surpassed $40 trillion, more than double what it was just a decade ago. The debt is still climbing rapidly, while interest payments are adding to the burden every minute. What is driving America's soaring debt? Is the U.S. heading toward a debt crisis? And what could it mean for the rest of the world?

How close are we to seeing intelligent humanoid robots become part of everyday life? Unitree Robotics, a Chinese maker of humanoid robots, surged more than fourfold on its debut on the Shanghai Stock Exchange, a landmark moment for China's humanoid robot industry. With the IPO coinciding with the World Robot Conference and World Humanoid Robot Games in Beijing, what does it tell us about China's position on embodied intelligence? What's behind this landmark IPO? And what does it mean for you?

Thousands of years after Homer's epic was first told, The Odyssey returns to the big screen in a bold new vision from Oscar-winning director Christopher Nolan. Shot entirely with IMAX cameras, the film brings Odysseus' legendary journey to life on an unprecedented scale. But is The Odyssey really just a story about a man trying to get home? What if Odysseus doesn't actually want to go back? And why does this ancient story still resonate today? Join us as we look beyond the epic journey and explore what this timeless story might really be about.

What connects a village in Southeast Asia, a railway crossing Europe and a factory in Africa? The Belt and Road Initiative. More than 13 years after its launch, the BRI has expanded to over 150 countries. But beyond the numbers, what has the BRI actually changed on the ground? How is it built to last? And how might it be impacting your life?

What if the front line of disaster response could take to the skies? China is harnessing autonomous drones, satellite monitoring, and artificial intelligence to transform natural disaster detection and management. Among these new tools are drones nicknamed "Pterodactyls," designed to operate in challenging environments. With floods and geological disasters accounting for a major share of disaster losses, how are these technologies helping detect risks earlier, respond faster, and save lives? And how is China sharing these solutions with other countries facing similar challenges?

Once a small fishing village, Shenzhen has transformed into one of the world's leading innovation hubs. Home to tech giants like Huawei, Tencent, DJI, and BYD, the city has grown from China's first special economic zone into a global center for advanced manufacturing, technology, and ideas. As Shenzhen prepares to host APEC 2026, visitors from across the Asia-Pacific are arriving in record numbers. What makes this city so attractive? How did Shenzhen build its innovation ecosystem? And what does its rise mean for the future of global cooperation?

Japan has launched its biggest intelligence restructuring since World War II, creating a new centralized system built around the National Intelligence Council and the National Intelligence Bureau. For decades, Japan has relied heavily on US intelligence capabilities. Now, Tokyo appears to be strengthening its own intelligence infrastructure. What is driving this major shift? Does it signal a transformation of Japan's postwar security approach? And what could it mean for regional stability?

China's growth playbook just changed. "Made in China" once meant cheap clothing and appliances, then EVs, batteries and solar panels. Now, Beijing is betting big on what it calls the new "new three": AI, robotics, and innovative pharmaceuticals, and the shift could reshape the global economy. In this episode, experts explore why these industries are becoming new growth drivers, how they could transform productivity, and what they may mean for the future of work, business and society.

The US has imposed new tariffs on dozens of economies, accusing them of failing to tackle forced labor. But the same administration has acknowledged that forced labor exists within the United States. As Washington points fingers abroad, questions remain: Are these tariffs really about protecting workers, or are they another tool in a broader trade dispute? What's behind the latest tariff move?

As record-breaking heat sweeps across the Northern Hemisphere, keeping cities cool has become a global challenge. On July 10, China's peak electricity demand reached an all-time high of 1.5 billion kilowatts, reflecting the enormous pressure on the country's power system as millions of homes and businesses relied on cooling. How does China keep electricity flowing for a population of 1.4 billion during extreme heat?

Silicon Valley gave us OpenAI. But is China taking AI in a different direction? As the 2026 World Artificial Intelligence Conference (WAIC) and High-Level Meeting on Global AI Governance opens in Shanghai, more than 1,100 companies are showcasing over 3,000 AI innovations, including 300+ world premieres. What is China's vision for AI? Can AI become more open, accessible and beneficial to more countries? And how could that reshape the future of global technology, and your everyday life?

They're still stuck in 2016. The South China Sea isn't. On July 12, the US, the Philippines, Japan and 11 other countries issued a joint statement ten years after the release of the so-called "South China Sea arbitration award". China's position, however, remains unchanged: The so-called "award" is illegal, null and void, and has no binding force. Yet beyond the political rhetoric lies another story. Traveling through Malaysia and Indonesia, CGTN's Liu Xin hears from the people whose lives are shaped by these waters every day. One arbitration does not define the South China Sea, nor will it define its future.

Beyond the headlines lies another story. Join CGTN's Liu Xin as she travels through Malaysia and Indonesia, uncovering how cooperation is changing lives. Featuring exclusive interviews with a leading expert and an influential local figure, this documentary explores a side of the South China Sea that rarely makes the news.

For many in the West, the word "communism" carries decades of Cold War associations. But does that label explain today's China? In this special edition of The Point, Australian sinologist Roland Boer and former Carter administration legal adviser Harvey Dzodin explore why the Communist Party of China has thrived for more than a century, and the role of governance and modernization. What has kept the CPC relevant for over 100 years? Listen to the full conversation and draw your own conclusions.

The latest World Bank income classification is out, and China has reached another important milestone. China's Gross National Income per capita has risen to US$14,230, just US$150 short of the threshold for high-income economies. While China remains an upper-middle-income economy in 2025, the gap has become smaller than ever. Why is China so close to joining the high-income economy group? And what do these numbers mean for China's economy, global markets, and ordinary people?

With more than 101 million members, the Communist Party of China is one of the world's largest political organizations. More than 40% of its members are under 45, and millions more have applied to join. As China marks the Party's 105th anniversary, one question stands out: Why are so many young Chinese choosing this path?

What makes a good public official? In China, it's increasingly not about flashy projects or impressive GDP figures, but whether people's lives genuinely improve. This idea, known as the "correct understanding of governance performance", is at the heart of a campaign launched by the Communist Party of China earlier this year. What does it mean in practice? How does it shape the way officials are evaluated? And are there any comparable mechanisms within Western political systems?

Confidence in the United States is declining across much of the world, while international perceptions of China continue to improve, according to multiple global opinion surveys. From Gallup and Pew Research to Australia's Lowy Institute, a common trend is emerging: More people around the world are viewing China more favorably. But why is this happening? What makes a country trustworthy in today's world? In this episode, we examine the latest polling data and explore the factors driving one of the most significant shifts in global public opinion.

After negotiations in Switzerland, mediators Qatar and Pakistan announced that the United States and Iran have agreed on a roadmap aimed at reaching a final deal within 60 days. But major challenges remain. Can Washington and Tehran resolve the complex nuclear issue in just two months? Can tensions over the Strait of Hormuz be eased? And is this the beginning of a lasting breakthrough, or simply another pause before tensions resurface?

When most English-speaking readers knew little about contemporary Chinese literature, one British publisher set out to change that. In this episode, we sit down with veteran publisher and translator Martin Savery, whose decades-long career has helped bring contemporary Chinese literature to English-speaking readers around the world. In an era dominated by short videos, social media, and shrinking attention spans, why does he still believe in books? And what can stories reveal about China that headlines cannot?

China has released a new white paper titled "More Just and Equitable Global Governance: China's Principles, Proposals and Actions," offering its latest vision for improving global governance. The document expands on the Global Governance Initiative, proposed by Chinese President Xi Jinping, and outlines China's ideas for creating a fairer, more inclusive international system. Why is Beijing releasing this white paper now? What are its key proposals? How does it connect with China's broader vision for the future of global governance?

The United States and Iran have announced an agreement set to take effect on June 19, including the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and the removal of US naval restrictions. President Donald Trump hailed the development as a "big, beautiful peace," while Iranian officials confirmed that a peace framework has been finalized and is expected to be signed in Switzerland. Is this truly the end of the crisis, or the beginning of a new phase of negotiations? Does this represent a diplomatic victory for President Trump? What challenges could still derail a final agreement?

In an era of rapid technological change, geopolitical uncertainty, and cultural transformation, why are scholars from around the world gathering to revisit ancient wisdom? The Second World Conference of Classics, held in Athens, Greece, brings together leading experts to explore the enduring relevance of humanity's intellectual heritage. What messages do the organizers hope to share with the world? Why is dialogue between civilizations more important than ever? How can ideas from ancient Greece, China, and other classical traditions help us better understand the challenges of today?

A recent poll reveals a striking divide in how Americans view China. While many older Republican-leaning voters see China as an enemy, most Democratic-leaning voters view China as a competitor. Even more surprisingly, younger Democrats are increasingly likely to see China as a partner rather than an adversary. What explains these sharply different perspectives? How much do Americans really know about China? And what can be done to bridge the gap in understanding between the world's two largest economies?

What happens if Vladimir Solovyov meets Sun Tzu? China and Russia both have long, rich histories in the arts and culture, but how much do the two peoples know about each other? As the two sides continue to cement their political ties, we discuss what is considered an important driving force of this relationship: people.

As China and Pakistan mark 75 years of diplomatic relations, climate cooperation is becoming a new focus of the partnership. How can the two countries work together to confront the climate emergency? How are green development and technology transforming everyday life? And what could China-Pakistan cooperation mean for the broader Global South? In this exclusive interview, CGTN host Liu Xin speaks with Shezra Mansab Ali Khan Kharal, Pakistan's Minister of State for Climate Change and Environmental Coordination, about sustainability, clean energy, climate resilience, and the future of green development.

Russian President Vladimir Putin is on a state visit to China from May 19 to 20, his 25th trip to the country. Why is Beijing becoming the world's diplomatic crossroads? What does this say about the shifting global power landscape? And how will this visit further deepen China-Russia ties?

US President Donald Trump's China visit has concluded, a trip that drew global attention and dominated headlines in both China and the United States. During the visit, Chinese President Xi Jinping announced a new vision for bilateral ties: Building a "constructive China-US relationship of strategic stability." What exactly does this new framework mean for the future of China-US relations? And how could this reshape global stability, trade, and geopolitics in the years ahead?

US President Donald Trump's visit to Beijing comes at a moment of deep global uncertainty and shifting power dynamics. Leading executives from major US tech companies have also been invited to join the trip. What defines the current state of ties between the world's two largest economies? What still binds them together? And can this visit help stabilize a turbulent world and reshape the future of China-US relations?