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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.

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    • Jul 14, 2025 LATEST EPISODE
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    • 13m AVG DURATION
    • 1,080 EPISODES


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    Latest episodes from The Top Story

    EU delays planned retaliatory tariffs against U.S.

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 14, 2025 15:10


    The EU is pausing its planned retaliatory tariffs against the United States until early August. Negotiations aiming to secure a ceasefire in Gaza have stalled over aid distribution and the scale of a potential Israeli withdrawal. A program in South Africa to develop a new HIV vaccine is facing an uncertain future.

    Lavrov, Rubio meet in Malaysia as Moscow steps up attacks on Kyiv

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 11, 2025 16:23


    The top diplomats of Russia and the U.S. meet in Kuala Lumpur, exchanging views on bilateral relations and Ukraine. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi calls on China, Japan, South Korea and ASEAN members to continue to advance regional integration. The Brazilian president vows retaliation to U.S. tariffs but also keeps diplomacy open.

    Former South Korean President Yoon returns to jail

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 10, 2025 16:04


    Former South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol returns to jail with an approved warrant, accused of obstruction of justice and abuse of power. The European Union remains hopeful of reaching a trade deal with the U.S. before August 1st. Yemen's Houthis attack a ship they say was banned from entering occupied Palestinian ports.

    Trump threatens new tariffs on copper, pharmaceutical imports

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 9, 2025 15:39


    China eyes stronger ties with Egypt and the Arab world as the country's premier visits Cairo. More than 170 people remain missing in Texas where flash floods claimed at least 110 lives. Washington threatens more tariffs on copper imports and pharmaceuticals.

    Renewed talks raise hopes for Gaza ceasefire

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 8, 2025 14:31


    The U.S. president expresses hope for a potential ceasefire between Israel and Hamas. The latest clashes between police and protesters in Kenya leave at least 11 people dead. China, the U.S. and Russia will join an ASEAN gathering this week.

    Texas floods kill over 80 as rescuers search for missing

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 7, 2025 16:44


    The Chinese premier urges BRICS members to safeguard world peace and promote mutual learning among civilizations. Flash floods in Texas have killed more than 80 people, with many still missing. China observes the 88th anniversary of the Lugou Bridge Incident, which marked the start of the entire nation's resistance against Japanese aggression during World War II.

    U.S. House passes Trump's tax-cut package amid opposition from Democrats

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 4, 2025 16:59


    China and Germany hold their Strategic Dialogue on Diplomacy and Security, with both sides agreeing to further promote ties. The U.S. House passes Donald Trump's tax-cut package amid opposition from Democrats. Heavy rainfall hits parts of west, northeast China, forcing thousands to relocate.

    U.S. House Republicans remain deadlocked over Trump's "big, beautiful bill"

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 3, 2025 17:20


    Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi meets EU leaders in Brussels amid global tensions. U.S. House Republicans remain deadlocked over President Donald Trump's massive tax and spending bill. South Korea's president addresses key public concerns in his first briefing since taking office.

    U.S. Senate passes Trump's “Big, Beautiful Bill” after heated debate

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 2, 2025 16:53


    U.S. President Donald Trump urges Hamas to accept a 60-day ceasefire in Gaza. The U.S. Senate passes Trump's tax and spending bill after intense deliberation. Heatwaves are gripping Europe, with Italy, Greece and Switzerland issuing urgent health alerts.

    Thai constitutional court suspends PM from duty after phone scandal

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 1, 2025 16:35


    The international community expresses concern over the U.S.-and-Israel-backed aid agency causing "mass casualties" in Gaza. Thailand's constitutional court suspends the Prime Minister from public office over a leaked phone call. July 1, 2025 marks the Communist Party of China's 104th founding anniversary and the 28th year since Hong Kong's return to China.

    Harsh weather grips swathes of global landmass

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 30, 2025 16:35


    Unusual weather patterns continue to affect the world, with heavy rainfall and scorching heat persisting in parts of China and Europe. Recent conflicts in the Middle East accentuate the vulnerability of global maritime trade. The U.S. Senate begins to vote on President Donald Trump's so-called “One Big Beautiful Bill".

    Iran's supreme leader claims victory over Israel

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 27, 2025 15:22


    The Iranian supreme leader claims victory over Israel in his first public address in days. A Kenyan official calls protests this week terrorism disguised as dissent. Antonio Guterres says the UN Charter is not an a-la-carte menu as the world marks the 80th anniversary of the signing of the historic document.

    Trump: U.S. to hold nuclear talks with Iran next week

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 26, 2025 18:54


    NATO members agree to raise defense spending to 5% of GDP by 2035. President Donald Trump says the U.S. will hold nuclear talks with Iran next week. Kenyan police open fire on protesters across the country, leaving more than 10 dead and hundreds injured.

    Israel lifts emergency measures; Iran moves to suspend IAEA cooperation

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 25, 2025 15:59


    Israel lifts emergency measures following a ceasefire with Iran while the Iranian parliament passes a bill to suspend cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency. Gaza officials say at least 54 Palestinians were killed while waiting for aid. NATO leaders are set to endorse a higher defense funding goal of five percent of GDP at their annual summit.

    Israel accuses Iran of violating ceasefire; Tehran denies

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 24, 2025 19:22


    Israel accuses Iran of violating a ceasefire shortly after agreeing to it; Tehran denies the claim. EU foreign ministers gather to address the urgent need for de-escalation between Iran and the U.S. China is to hold a military parade in Beijing on September 3rd to mark the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War.

    Israel-Iran conflict intensifies with continued exchange of fire

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 23, 2025 22:40


    Israel and Iran exchange fresh attacks following U.S. strikes on three Iranian nuclear facilities. The Sudanese prime minister announces plans to set up a new non-partisan and technocratic government. Singaporean Prime Minister Lawrence Wong begins an official visit to China.

    U.S. strikes Iran's nuclear sites: regional fallout, global alarm

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 22, 2025 24:43


    In this special edition, we break down the escalating crisis after U.S. air strikes targeted three key Iranian nuclear facilities. With global condemnation mounting and the United Nations warning of catastrophic consequences, tensions are soaring in one of the world's most volatile regions. We bring you diplomatic reactions, expert insight and on-the-ground reports from Tehran, Tel Aviv, Washington, and beyond.

    U.S. airstrikes on Iran spark regional tensions

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 22, 2025 17:32


    In this special edition, we examine the fallout from U.S. air strikes on three of Iran's nuclear sites. While President Trump declared their “complete and total obliteration,” Iran denies any radiation risk and vows to continue its nuclear program. Tehran has condemned the strikes, requested a U.N. Security Council meeting, and renewed attacks on Israel — fueling fears of wider conflict. What's next for the region? Tune in for expert analysis and on-the-ground reactions.

    Iran warns U.S. to stay out as Washington debates military action

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 20, 2025 12:01


    Israel and Iran continue striking each other amid rising tensions in the Middle East. Iran has warned against possible U.S. involvement as Washington debates over a direct military confrontation with Tehran. Chinese President Xi Jinping calls for deeper ties with New Zealand as the country's PM is on an official visit.

    Israel attacks Iran's heavy water facility: Iranian state TV

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 19, 2025 16:52


    Iranian state TV says Israel has attacked the country's Arak heavy water facility. The United States has threatened a possible travel ban on 36 countries, citing deficient screening and security concerns. Civilian aircraft, drones and autonomous aerial vehicles are on display at the ongoing Paris Air Show.

    President Xi calls for unity, cooperation and security at second China-Central Asia Summit

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 18, 2025 17:22


    Chinese President Xi Jinping has laid out a vision for cooperation between China and Central Asia, calling for unity, win-win development, and deeper people-to-people ties. He also outlined plans to promote regional prosperity, security, and integration.

    Israeli airstrike hits Iranian state TV during live broadcast

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 17, 2025 15:01


    An Israeli airstrike has struck Iran's state-run television station while it was broadcasting live. Rising tensions between Israel and Iran have led U.S. President Donald Trump to abbreviate his visit to the G7 Summit in Canada. Chinese President Xi Jinping has expressed the country's readiness to work with Kazakhstan to contribute more to regional and world peace and development.

    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.

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