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Because your time matters, "The Top Story" will focus on the biggest news stories of the day that no one can miss. You'll hear the why and the how for a stronger understanding of all the top events that occur in China and around the world. Subscribe to gain a competitive advantage in preparing yourself for the news events that shape our lives and our future.

China Plus


    • Jun 16, 2025 LATEST EPISODE
    • weekdays NEW EPISODES
    • 13m AVG DURATION
    • 1,058 EPISODES


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    Latest episodes from The Top Story

    Iran-Israel conflict enters day four with new attacks

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 16, 2025 18:10


    Iran launches a new wave of strikes on Israel as the conflict enters its fourth day. Protests erupt across the United States as demonstrators respond to the Trump administration's crackdown on immigration. Chinese President Xi Jinping is in Kazakhstan to attend the second China-Central Asia Summit.

    Iran vows retaliation after Israeli attacks kill senior officials

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 13, 2025 12:23


    Tehran launches drones towards Israel in response to earlier attacks that killed senior Iranian officials. Experts are working to determine the cause of the fatal passenger jet crash in northwestern India. The China-Africa Economic and Trade Expo is underway, drawing over 30,000 participants.

    Curfew extended as immigration protests grip LA

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 12, 2025 19:06


    Downtown Los Angeles remains under a nightly curfew as demonstrations persist in response to the Trump administration's immigration policies. The Pentagon has begun a formal review of the AUKUS defense agreement, signed in 2021 by then-U.S. President Joe Biden alongside leaders from the U.K. and Australia. Authorities in Austria continue to search for clues after the deadliest mass shooting in the nation's recent history.

    Los Angeles imposes curfew after five days of clashes

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 11, 2025 19:15


    Clashes between protesters and law enforcement over immigration raids continue in Los Angeles. Austria has declared three days of national mourning following a school shooting in Graz. The Russian Defense Ministry says its air defense systems have intercepted and destroyed more than 100 Ukrainian drones.

    Los Angeles sees fourth consecutive day of protest violence

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 10, 2025 14:52


    Clashes continue for a fourth day between law enforcement and protesters in Los Angeles. The UN Ocean Conference calls for a ban on bottom trawling and stronger marine protections. Chinese technology shows early success in tackling algae blooms in Malaysia.

    Protesters clash with National Guard in Los Angeles as Trump pledges "law and order"

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 9, 2025 14:54


    U.S. President Donald Trump has deployed California National Guard troops to Los Angeles to respond to immigration protests. Israeli fire kills at least 12 near aid distribution centers in Gaza. China is implementing a visa-free policy for ordinary passport holders from four more countries from the Gulf Cooperation Council.

    Russia slams NATO's defense spending hike

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 6, 2025 16:48


    Chinese President Xi Jinping underscores dialogue and cooperation to be the only correct choice for China and the U.S. Russia blasts NATO's defense spending boost as adding fuel to the fire in its conflict with Ukraine. Political tensions are flaring in the Democratic Republic of the Congo as former President Joseph Kabila faces accusations of aiding the M23 rebel group.

    Putin and Trump discuss Ukraine conflict over phone

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 5, 2025 14:15


    The presidents of Russia and the U.S. discuss the latest developments of the Ukraine conflict by phone. Donald Trump signs a travel ban on a number of countries citing national security concerns. Many European countries are racing to secure their drinking water supply as climate change intensifies.

    Aid distribution centers in Gaza temporarily close amid chaos

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 4, 2025 15:47


    Lee Jae-myung takes office as South Korea's new president, ushering in the nation's first liberal government since 2022. Aid distribution centers in Gaza temporarily close for reorganization following recent chaos. The U.S. doubles tariffs on foreign steel and aluminum imports to 50%.

    Humanitarian lifeline becomes deadly gamble in Gaza

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 3, 2025 16:39


    Russia and Ukraine make no breakthrough in peace talks in Istanbul. Palestinians are risking their lives to access humanitarian aid amid continued Israeli attacks. South Koreans head to the polls in a snap presidential election.

    Russia, Ukraine hold fresh peace talks amid escalating conflict

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 2, 2025 14:20


    Russian and Ukrainian delegations meet in Istanbul for a new round of peace talks following intensified attacks on one another over the weekend. The Gaza Health Ministry reports that over 30 Palestinians were killed near a food distribution site. U.S. authorities take a suspect into custody and conduct terrorism-related investigations after an attack injured multiple people in Boulder, Colorado.

    Federal appeals court temporarily reinstates Trump's tariffs

    Play Episode Listen Later May 30, 2025 16:14


    A U.S. federal appeals court temporarily reinstates President Donald Trump's tariffs, which were blocked by a lower court a day earlier. Israel approves the largest expansion of Jewish settlement in the West Bank in decades. The South China Sea is in the spotlight as defense leaders and experts gather in Singapore for the Shangri-La Dialogue.

    China slams U.S. decision to revoke Chinese student visas as discriminatory

    Play Episode Listen Later May 29, 2025 14:14


    Beijing says the U.S. decision to revoke visas for Chinese students is discriminatory and against its claims of freedom and openness. The United Nations says the two-state solution to end fighting in Gaza is "on life support". China's Tianwen-2 probe begins a 10-year mission to bring asteroid samples back to Earth.

    US halts student visa appointments and plans expanded social media vetting

    Play Episode Listen Later May 28, 2025 13:21


    The United States suspends new student visa interviews as it readies tougher guidelines to vet foreign applicants' social media accounts. German leaders and families of Israeli hostages criticize Tel Aviv over its deadly air strikes and blockade on Gaza. China and 11 Pacific Island nations seek to bolster ties during their two-day meeting in east China.

    ASEAN summit explores ways to deepen trade ties under tariff threat

    Play Episode Listen Later May 27, 2025 15:38


    ASEAN leaders gather in Malaysia to explore ways to deepen trade ties amid global trade tensions. Gaza rescuers say Israeli strikes have killed 52 people, including 33 in a school. More than a dozen African countries confirm Mpox outbreaks.

    Russia, Ukraine conclude prisoner swap while continuing aerial attacks

    Play Episode Listen Later May 26, 2025 18:15


    Russia and Ukraine swap hundreds more prisoners to conclude a major exchange amid the largest missile and drone attack on Ukraine. The director of the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation resigns, citing difficulties in implementing the group's aid plans. Chinese Premier Li Qiang is in Malaysia to attend the first summit among ASEAN, China and Gulf countries.

    Suspect in Washington killing of Israeli embassy staffers charged with murder

    Play Episode Listen Later May 23, 2025 15:12


    U.S. authorities charge the man accused of killing two Israeli embassy staffers with murder. The Trump administration revokes Harvard's authority to enroll international students. Scientists in Australia say the Great Barrier Reef isn't getting enough time to recover from the increasing impacts of climate change.

    Israeli warning shots at diplomats in West Bank draw wide condemnation

    Play Episode Listen Later May 22, 2025 16:06


    The EU and UK condemn a gunfire incident targeting diplomats in the West Bank. A gunman kills two Israeli embassy staff members in Washington. U.S. President Donald Trump confronts his South African counterpart with false claims about land seizures and white genocide in the African country.

    UK, EU re-evaluate relations with Israel, pause FTA talks

    Play Episode Listen Later May 21, 2025 15:55


    The UK is suspending free trade talks with Israel amid criticism of its military actions in Gaza. Beijing condemns a proposed U.S. ban on Chinese chips, calling it unilateral bullying and protectionism. WHO member states agree on steps to boost global pandemic preparedness.

    UK and EU reset ties five years after Brexit

    Play Episode Listen Later May 20, 2025 17:34


    US President Donald Trump says Russia and Ukraine will immediately begin truce talks, but Moscow does not commit to a timeline. Britain agrees to remove some trade barriers and collaborate with the European Union on defense as London tries to reset ties with the bloc five years after Brexit. China pledges continued support for the World Health Organization.

    Israel to allow limited aid into Gaza after announcing expanded operations

    Play Episode Listen Later May 19, 2025 14:50


    Israel says it will let limited amounts of food into Gaza, after the military announced extensive ground operations in the territory. Bucharest mayor Nicusor Dan wins the presidential election in Romania. New York City Mayor Eric Adams says there is no significant damage to the Brooklyn Bridge following a collision involving a Mexican navy ship.

    Russia, Ukraine hold first direct talks since March 2022

    Play Episode Listen Later May 16, 2025 14:54


    Russia and Ukraine have held their first direct talks since March 2022, following a three-way meeting among the U.S., Ukraine and Turkiye in Istanbul. China and France highlight the protection of free trade. Hamas sets out conditions for releasing the remaining hostages while Israel reports no progress in ceasefire talks in Doha.

    Russia-Ukraine: Putin not attending peace talks in Turkiye

    Play Episode Listen Later May 15, 2025 15:47


    Russian President Vladimir Putin will not join a delegation set to meet Ukraine in Istanbul in the first direct peace talks since March 2022. Syria's interim leader welcomes the lifting of US sanctions on the country. Trade chiefs from 21 member economies of the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation forum gather in South Korea to discuss challenges to free trade.

    Trump tours Middle East in first major foreign trip since taking office

    Play Episode Listen Later May 14, 2025 15:14


    U.S. President Donald Trump is on a three-nation visit to the Middle East, the first major overseas tour of his second term. Reports indicate that Israel targeted Hamas leader Mohammad Sinwar in a strike. China and Colombia sign a cooperation plan on the Belt and Road Initiative.

    Hamas releases Israeli-American hostage

    Play Episode Listen Later May 13, 2025 17:08


    Hamas releases an Israeli-American hostage held in Gaza, as Israel resumes its attacks on the devastated enclave. U.S. President Donald Trump welcomes the progress in trade talks with China. Beijing hosts the fourth ministerial meeting of the China-CELAC Forum to strengthen ties with Latin America and the Caribbean.

    India and Pakistan accuse each other of ceasefire violations

    Play Episode Listen Later May 12, 2025 16:39


    China and the United States agree to remove most of tariffs following high-level talks in Geneva. A ceasefire between India and Pakistan is underway, though the two countries accuse each other of violations. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy says his country is ready to resume direct talks with Russia if it agrees to a Kyiv-proposed ceasefire.

    U.S., UK strike trade deal to partially roll back tariffs

    Play Episode Listen Later May 9, 2025 16:38


    Chinese President Xi Jinping has attended a massive parade in Moscow marking the 80th anniversary of the Soviet Union's victory in the Great Patriotic War. India accuses Pakistan of drone and missile attacks, while Pakistan says Indian strikes have targeted vital infrastructure. The U.S. and Britain have reached a trade deal that slashes tariffs on British cars, steel and aluminum.

    Yemen's Houthi group launches fresh drone attacks on Israel

    Play Episode Listen Later May 8, 2025 15:59


    Pakistan vows retaliation to avenge the deaths caused by India's air strikes, while India conducts nationwide civil defense drills. The Houthis in Yemen say they've launched fresh drone attacks against Israel. Chinese President Xi Jinping holds talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin during his state visit in Moscow.

    India strikes Pakistan over tourist killings, Pakistan says Indian jets downed

    Play Episode Listen Later May 7, 2025 11:26


    India strikes Pakistan-controlled Kashmir and Pakistan shoots down Indian fighter jets in a major escalation between the two neighbors. The Israeli military carries out an airstrike on Yemen's main aviation hub in Sanaa, following a Houthi attack near an airport in central Israel. New German Chancellor Friedrich Merz presides over his first cabinet meeting after taking office.

    Trump proposes 100% tariff on movies made outside the U.S.

    Play Episode Listen Later May 6, 2025 16:10


    The Israeli military is mulling a powerful operation in Gaza after the cabinet approved plans to seize the territory. Shares of US media and entertainment companies slide after President Donald Trump proposed a 100-percent tariff on films made overseas. China and the EU mark 50 years of diplomatic relations, seeking to engage with each other more actively.

    Israel vows forceful response after Houthi missile strikes near Ben Gurion airport

    Play Episode Listen Later May 5, 2025 18:52


    Israel vows a forceful response after a Houthi missile attack near Ben Gurion Airport, marking a dangerous escalation in the regional conflict. Japan slams new U.S. auto tariffs as "extremely regrettable," warning of serious fallout for its car industry and economy. Pakistan rushes food aid to border areas amid fears of Indian retaliation over a deadly attack in a tourist hotspot.

    Trump removes his national security advisor after "Signalgate"

    Play Episode Listen Later May 2, 2025 16:49


    U.S. President Donald Trump removes national security advisor Mike Waltz who has been facing criticism since the Signal group chat leak. Ukraine's president hails the minerals deal with the U.S. as an equal and fair agreement. Colombian President Gustavo Petro calls on millions to mobilize for a proposed labor reform.

    Ukraine signs minerals deal with U.S.

    Play Episode Listen Later May 1, 2025 16:13


    Ukraine and the U.S. finally sign a minerals deal to share profits from the future sales of Ukraine's mineral reserves. The U.S. quarterly GDP shrinks to its lowest rate in three years amid concerns about sweeping tariffs. South Korea's Supreme Court overturns the presidential front-runner's not-guilty verdict in his election law violation case.

    Trump marks 100 days in office amid falling American confidence in economy

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 30, 2025 16:40


    U.S. President Donald Trump marks the 100th day of his second term in office, boasting what he calls a series of "major economic wins." China's Shenzhou-19 crew returns home after a six-month mission on the Tiangong Space Station. Foreign ministers of the BRICS nations unite against trade protectionism as they wrap up a meeting in Brazil.

    Canada votes for Mark Carney as prime minister

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 29, 2025 15:54


    Mark Carney's Liberal Party is projected to win Canada's election and form the next government. U.S. President Donald Trump faces a growing backlash over his policies. Top diplomats from BRICS countries meet in Rio, with the Chinese foreign minister stressing multilateralism as the cornerstone of the international order.

    Iran in mourning after port blast kills 40

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 28, 2025 14:05


    Iran declares Monday a day of national mourning for the victims of the weekend port explosion and fire. Security forces from India and Pakistan exchange fire along the border following last week's attack on tourists in Indian-controlled Kashmir. Campaigning ahead of the federal election, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney says U.S. President Donald Trump's tariff policies have betrayed Canada.

    Pakistan-India tension heats up following tourist killings

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 25, 2025 18:59


    Pakistan is set to adopt countermeasures against India's move following the killing of tourists in Indian-controlled Kashmir. The IMF predicts that economic growth in the Asia-Pacific will slow to 3.9 percent in 2025. The Shenzhou-20 astronauts enter China's space station.

    EU hits Apple, Meta with $800 million in antitrust fines

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 24, 2025 16:59


    The EU announces fines of nearly 800 million U.S. dollars against American tech giants Apple and Meta for violating digital competition laws. India announces measures to downgrade ties with Pakistan following an attack on tourists. China's ambassador to the UN calls for equality, justice and unity at a Security Council meeting.

    IMF slashes global growth forecast to 2.8 percent in 2025

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 23, 2025 18:35


    The IMF slashes its global growth forecast to 2.8 percent in 2025. China prepares to launch a new crewed mission to the country's space station. Somalia continues to face challenges including the expansion of the Al-Shabaab militant group.

    Russia, Ukraine resume fighting but signal readiness at talks

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 22, 2025 15:55


    Russia and Ukraine resume attacks after a 30-hour Easter truce. The International Monetary Fund and the World Bank focus their spring meetings in Washington on tariffs. Egypt inaugurates the headquarters of the African Space Agency.

    Ousted South Korean president appears at second court hearing in criminal trial

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 21, 2025 18:09


    Ousted South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol appears in court for the second hearing of his criminal trial. China and Indonesia discuss bilateral ties, political security and defense cooperation at their first "2+2" dialogue. Egg smuggling is on the rise along the U.S.-Mexico border amid a bird flu outbreak and global tariffs.

    Trump, Meloni confident of trade deal

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 18, 2025 14:51


    Chinese President Xi Jinping wraps up a three-nation tour of Southeast Asia. U.S. President Donald Trump says there will be a trade deal with Europe. The European Central Bank cuts interest rates for the seventh time since June last year.

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