The Point with Liu Xin

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?

What makes a world-renowned designer behind icons like the Bugatti Veyron leave Europe's automotive elite and move to China? In this exclusive episode of The Point, CGTN host Liu Xin speaks with Jozef Kabaň, Vice President of Design at SAIC Motor, about the dramatic transformation reshaping the global auto industry.

France has passed a landmark bill to facilitate the return of artifacts looted during the colonial era. Could this reshape the global debate on cultural restitution and open the door for Chinese treasures taken during the Opium Wars to finally return home?

Japan's recent diplomatic tour across Vietnam and Australia has sparked debate over symbolism, strategy, and selective historical memory. High-profile gestures in Canberra and silence on wartime history in Southeast Asia raise questions about consistency, intent, and messaging in Japan's foreign policy. Liu Xin examines Japan's evolving Indo-Pacific strategy, its "Free and Open Indo-Pacific" vision, and the growing debate over whether China is being structurally excluded from regional frameworks. Is Japan advancing a more coordinated geopolitical agenda under the rhetoric of openness and cooperation? And why does it maintain different attitudes toward Western and Asian nations over wartime historical issues?

China is often called the "world's factory." But that's changing fast, and you can see it in the way everyday services are being rebuilt from the ground up. In this episode, Liu Xin steps inside one of China's leading mapping apps to explore how it's moving beyond navigation.

A working paper from China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs warns that Japan's recent remarks and policy signals could challenge the nuclear non-proliferation regime and the post-war international order. At the same time, Japan appears to be revisiting its long-standing non-nuclear principles, raising questions about where its security policy is heading. So what's driving this shift and why does it matter far beyond the region?

Engines at the ready! The Beijing Auto Show is in full swing, showcasing over 180 global debuts, from cutting-edge EVs to flying cars. With global giants and rising Chinese innovators sharing the stage, are Chinese carmakers reshaping the global automotive landscape? And what does this mean for consumers worldwide?

Chaos erupted at the White House Correspondents' Dinner after an armed suspect breached security in an apparent attempt to reach US President Donald Trump. The incident has raised urgent questions, not only about presidential security, but about the deeper forces driving political violence in the United States. Who is the suspect, Cole Tomas Allen? What were his intentions? And why does this incident feel like part of a growing pattern? Tune in as we unpack the roots of polarization, gun culture, and rising social tensions, and what this could mean for America and the world.

This year marks the 80th anniversary of the beginning of the Tokyo Trials, a historic moment that exposed the crimes of Japanese militarism and delivered justice to the world. But today, new developments are raising serious questions. In just a matter of days, Japan has signed a $7 billion warship deal with Australia, sent its largest-ever military contingent to US-led war games in the Philippines, and eased arms export restrictions, signaling a major policy shift. What do they reveal about Japan's strategic ambitions? Is this a return to militarism, or something more complex? And why is the region and the world watching closely?

US President Donald Trump has extended the two-week US-Iran ceasefire which is set to expire on April 22, saying it will last until Tehran submits a proposal to end the conflict. But at the same time, Washington is maintaining its blockade on Iranian ports, keeping pressure firmly in place. Iran has pushed back hard, calling the blockade an "act of war" and a violation of the ceasefire itself. Meanwhile, talks remain uncertain, with both sides signaling deep mistrust. So what does this truce really mean? Is this a step toward peace, or a pause before the next escalation?

The global economy is facing uncertainty as tensions in the Middle East escalate. The International Monetary Fund has cut its global growth forecast to 3.1%, warning that the outlook has "abruptly darkened" following the outbreak of war involving Iran. At the same time, China reported a steady 5% GDP growth in the first quarter, raising key questions about resilience and shifting economic dynamics. How did China sustain its growth? How is the Iran war impacting the global economy? And what does it mean for the world, and for you?

During his latest 5-day official visit, Pedro Sanchez returned to China for the fourth time in just four years, signaling deepening ties between Spain and China. Invited by Chinese Premier Li Qiang, the Spanish prime minister held high-level talks with President Xi Jinping and visited key institutions, including tech giant Xiaomi. Following previous high-profile exchanges, including visits by King Felipe VI of Spain, what's driving this growing momentum between Madrid and Beijing? In a world facing rising uncertainty and shifting geopolitics, what message is Spain sending, especially with its stance on the Iran conflict?

A rare high-level meeting has taken place. Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, met with Cheng Li-wun, chairwoman of the Chinese Kuomintang party, in Beijing during her visit to the Chinese mainland, the first of its kind in 10 years. From Jiangsu to Shanghai, Cheng's trip blends history, future vision, and even a touch of everyday life. What does this visit signify? A symbolic gesture, or the start of something bigger?

A dramatic last-minute breakthrough: Iran and the United States have agreed to a two-week ceasefire mediated by Pakistan, less than two hours before a critical deadline set by US President Donald Trump. With tensions at a tipping point and threats looming over the Strait of Hormuz, both sides are now heading to the negotiating table in response to a 10-point proposal from Iran. What triggered this sudden shift? What's inside the proposal? And will this fragile pause hold?

Amid rising geopolitical tensions, a rare moment of engagement is emerging across the Taiwan Strait. At a time when global flashpoints are multiplying, any sign of dialogue carries added weight. For the first time in nearly a decade, the leader of the Kuomintang party has been invited to visit the mainland. How might this reshape the trajectory of cross-Strait relations? And what signals does it send, not only to both sides, but to an increasingly uncertain world?

As the US-Israeli war against Iran enters its second month, US President Donald Trump claims victory, insisting that Iran is "begging to make a deal." But is that the full story? On the ground, Iranian strikes have hit multiple US military bases across the region, raising serious questions about Washington's long-standing "security guarantee." What does that mean for US allies and for the global balance of power?

Despite global headwinds, Asia's economy remains resilient and forward-looking. According to the Boao Forum for Asia, the region is projected to grow by 4.5% in 2026, accounting for nearly half of global GDP on a PPP basis. How has Asia become the world's primary growth engine? What new forces are shaping its future? And how will it navigate rising global uncertainty?

"Isolation is a death sentence for universities." That's how Harvard professor William Kirby describes the risks of cutting off academic ties between China and the United States. In this special episode, he explains to CGTN host Liu Xin why re-engagement is not just desirable, but necessary. As geopolitical tensions rise and cooperation becomes more complicated, the future of the relationship may depend less on politics and more on people: students, researchers and institutions still willing to work together. So, in 2026, are China and the US drifting further apart or finding a way back? How can both sides further tap into the potential of a steady relationship?

As the US-Israel war against Iran intensifies with no clear end in sight, a critical question remains: Is this war legal? On March 10, the United States submitted a letter to the United Nations Security Council, justifying its strikes - carried out alongside Israel - as "necessary and proportionate" self-defense under Article 51 of the UN Charter. But does this argument truly meet the legal threshold for self-defense? What rules of international law apply as this conflict escalates?

According to the China Association of Automobile Manufacturers, China exported over 1.35 million vehicles in just the first two months of the year, up nearly 50% year-on-year. That's almost 1,000 cars every hour leaving the country. Even more striking: New Energy Vehicles now make up over 40% of China's auto exports, with over 300 NEVs and hybrids shipped globally every hour. What's behind this explosive growth? And why are more countries saying "yes" to Chinese cars?

After an Israeli missile strike killed Iran's Security Chief Ali Larijani, Tehran is vowing revenge. Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump is calling for international backup to force open the Strait of Hormuz, but allies are, so far, avoiding being drawn into the war. In a notable development, a Pakistani-flagged tanker is reported to be the first non-Iranian vessel to officially transit the strait, offering hope that more ships may soon be granted safe passage. Is the Strait of Hormuz beginning to open or does it risk turning into a new flashpoint? What does Europe's refusal to answer Trump's call for help reveal about transatlantic relations?

As China's Two Sessions, the country's biggest political event of the year, concluded, Beijing has unveiled major development goals stretching toward 2030. Western media have long scrutinized signals from China, often through a skeptical lens. But amid global uncertainty, some coverage appears to be taking on a more nuanced tone. Are the narratives around China shifting? What's behind this subtle move?

As Hong Kong approaches the 30th anniversary of its return to China, Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu has revealed that the city is exploring the development of its first-ever Five-Year Plan. The initiative is expected to focus on economic growth, improving livelihoods, and strengthening the city's global competitiveness, before undergoing public consultation. Why is Hong Kong considering a Five-Year Plan now? How would such a framework work in a city long known for its market-driven governance?

According to Iranian state media, Mojtaba Khamenei, the son of the late Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has been appointed to succeed his father as the Islamic Republic's top authority. Just hours before the confirmation, US President Donald Trump claimed Iran's new supreme leader would not last long without his approval. As geopolitical tensions rise, global markets are reacting. Who is Mojtaba Khamenei? Why does Trump believe he can influence Iran's leadership? And what could this leadership transition mean for Iran, the region, and global energy markets?

In an increasingly uncertain global environment, what role can China play in stabilizing growth and boosting confidence? At China's most important annual political gathering, the Two Sessions, Premier Li Qiang delivered the government work report and announced the country's GDP growth target for 2026. The meeting also sent signals that market access would be further expanded and that more sectors, particularly in services, would be further opened to global investors. What are China's priorities for the year ahead through 2030? And what could China's development goals mean for the world economy?

China's "Two Sessions" is currently underway as policymakers map out the country's next stage of development amid global uncertainty. Deputies to the National People's Congress and members of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference will review the government's work report and 2026 budget, while also formulating the blueprint that will shape the 15th Five-Year Plan through 2030. How will this impact the world's second-largest economy and the wider international landscape?

The Middle East faces a historic turning point after Iran confirmed that its Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei, was killed in U.S.–Israeli strikes. Tehran has formed an interim leadership council as it prepares to select the next Supreme Leader. U.S. President Donald Trump warned Iran against retaliation, saying American forces would respond with force "never seen before." Reactions worldwide are sharply divided. What strategic endgame are the United States and Israel pursuing in the region? And how far could the shockwaves spread?

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has just concluded his first official visit to China since taking office in May 2025. In Beijing, he expressed his commitment to deepening Germany's comprehensive strategic partnership with China. At the same time, Chinese President Xi Jinping outlined three key areas for strengthening ties. This visit is about more than bilateral relations. It comes amid rising uncertainty over the U.S. trade and economic policies. So what are the real takeaways from Merz's trip? What signals does it send for China and Germany? And how might it reshape Europe and the wider international landscape?

Pure tariff chaos. On February 20, the Supreme Court of the United States ruled that President Donald Trump overstepped his authority when he imposed tariffs last April under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act, better known as IEEPA. Trump called the ruling "ridiculous." He struck back, announcing a new 10% global tariff, this time under a different law and warning it could rise to 15%. But here's the twist: These new tariffs can only stay in place for 150 days without congressional approval. So what is going on with U.S. trade policy? And what does this rollercoaster reveal about America's political system?

Spring Festival in Beijing is no longer just about temple fairs and red lanterns. This year, the celebrations also feature VR experiences, humanoid robots, and AI-generated performances. In this edition of our Year of the Horse special, we look at how emerging technologies are becoming part of the holiday atmosphere. We discuss what this integration of tech means for cultural expression, creativity, and public confidence. Is AI simply a tool, or is it reshaping how traditions are experienced?

In Beijing's 600-year-old Longfusi, a neighborhood recently visited by Chinese President Xi Jinping, tradition meets creativity as the city welcomes the Year of the Horse. From bustling festival fairs to red 'Fu' decorations, we explore what the horse symbolizes today: strength, vitality, and forward momentum—and how young people, longtime residents, and international visitors are celebrating.

The post-war international order is under unprecedented strain. At the 2026 Munich Security Conference, a stark warning has emerged: The United States is "taking an axe" to decades of established global norms. As the conference opens in Munich, Europe finds itself struggling to adapt to a rapidly shifting strategic reality, while global economic uncertainty continues to mount. What does this mean for transatlantic ties, international institutions, and the rules-based order built after World War II? How will Europe navigate this new normal, and how is China viewing the changes underway?

Over the past year, a massive release of documents tied to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein has pulled back the curtain on one of the most disturbing scandals of our time. Following a law passed by the U.S. Congress in November demanding full transparency, the Department of Justice has published more than 3 million pages of material, including over 2,000 videos and 180,000 images. These files implicate a web of powerful figures: business tycoons, government officials, and royalty. How did the system allow this to happen? Where did accountability fail? And how transparent or functional are Western political and social systems when power and privilege are involved?

Jimmy Lai, founder of the now-defunct Apple Daily, has been sentenced to 20 years in prison for conspiracy to publish seditious materials and collusion with external forces to endanger national security. The Hong Kong SAR government welcomed the verdict, saying the conviction demonstrates that righteousness is upheld by the law. Is the 20-year sentence justified? How did the court arrive at this decision? And what does the case signal for Hong Kong going forward?

Are you also living through a "very Chinese" phase of your life? From cooking Chinese food and using Chinese apps to declaring "I'm becoming Chinese," a viral trend is sweeping social media worldwide. At the same time, China is opening its doors wider than ever. In 2025, China welcomed 41 million inbound travelers, following the extension of its visa-free transit policy to 10 days, marking a 27% year-on-year increase. Transit visa arrivals alone surged by 60% compared with pre-policy levels. So what's behind this sudden wave of China enthusiasm? Why is China so cool right now? Is this just an internet fad, or the beginning of a deeper global shift in how China is perceived?

A growing number of world leaders have been traveling to China recently. From Spain's King Felipe VI to leaders from France, Ireland, the Republic of Korea, Canada, Finland and the UK, a wave of high-level visits to Beijing is well underway. What's driving this surge?