World Today

①China has warned the EU against pursuing a reported Section 301-style trade tool targeting China. Is a China-EU trade war still preventable? (00:53) ②How provocative is a new Philippine maritime chart covering islands and reefs in China's Nansha Qundao? (15:36) ③China's Ministry of Science and Technology says the country has become one of the world's fastest-rising innovators. What's the secret behind China's advance? (24:33) ④The US has officially ended its military mission in Iraq. What could be its implication for the Middle East? (35:34) ⑤OpenAI has apologized for the hacking of an Australian government website by a rogue AI agent. What lessons can we learn from this incident? (44:39)

①Meeting president of the Japanese Association for the Promotion of International Trade, China's Wang Yi urged Japan to correct the erroneous words and deeds of its leaders on the Taiwan question. We explore why Japan needs to improve its relationship with China from its current low. (00:52) ②Why has the profit growth of China's high-tech manufacturing enterprises far outpaced its overall industrial profit rise so far this year? (15:45) ③EU foreign and defense ministers have met in Brussels to discuss military support for Ukraine and wider security issues. Why has the meeting failed to see major breakthroughs or agreements? (24:55) ④Israel's Benjamin Netanyahu has made a secret visit to the United Arab Emirates. What's at stake for the two sides? (34:08) ⑤The US has finalized sharply lower vehicle fuel economy standards. What could be its short-term effects and long-term impacts? (41:59)

① The Global Development Initiative is marking its 5th anniversary. What has it delivered to the world since its launch? (00:53) ② China and the US have reached positive consensus on multiple economic and trade issues during their latest round of consultations. How much space does it create to stabilize their trade ties? (12:42) ③ The Chinese Embassy in Manila has hit out at Gilberto Teodoro Jr. after the Philippine Defense Secretary attacked China at a forum. Is Teodoro trying to foster a culture of Sinophobia in the Philippines? (24:01) ④ Why have Swiss voters rejected a proposal to tighten neutrality rules? (31:47) ⑤ China has seen strong travel demand during its Mid-Autumn Festival holiday. We explore a broader shift taking shape in the country's consumer economy. (41:31)

China and the United States have reached consensus on eight outcomes following a widely watched summit between Xi Jinping and Donald Trump in Washington. It touches on the key principles for a new vision for the bilateral relationship, mutual support in hosting international summits, Iran, trade consultation, AI dialogue, etc. What strategic guidance does the consensus provide for China-US ties? In what ways does it matter to the rest of the world? What is the key to implementing the consensus? Host Ding Heng is joined by Wang Haolan, Research Associate at Center for China Analysis, Asia Society Policy Institute; Professor Yao Shujie, Deputy Director of the Department of Social Sciences, Chongqing University.

President Xi Jinping's state visit to the United States has provided fresh guidance for bilateral ties. The Chinese leader says he and President Donald Trump have reached common understanding on many issues during their talks in Washington, adding both nations stand to gain from cooperation and lose from confrontation. How can China and the US translate their new vision of a "constructive China-US relationship of strategic stability" into action? Host Ding Heng is joined by Wang Haolan, Research Associate at Center for China Analysis, Asia Society Policy Institute; Dr. Shao Yuqun, Senior Fellow of the Center for American Studies, Shanghai Institutes for International Studies; Andy Mok, Author of the book "The Innovation Machine" and Professor with Beijing Foreign Studies University.

①Xi arrives in US to personal Trump welcome: China and the U.S. should be partners, not rivals. (00:53) ②We talk with four young people from China and the United States, exploring: Can a new generation build a healthier China-US relationship? (16:27) ③Takaichi provocatively challenges the UN Charter's "enemy state clauses". Is Japan edging back toward militarism? (26:10) ④China leads global tourism as both a source and destination. What's driving its growing role? (35:44) ⑤Italy is bringing nuclear power back after nearly four decades. What's behind the shift, and what does it mean for Europe's energy security? (45:29)

①Xi and Trump are set to meet again in Washington, less than six months after their last meeting in Beijing. What kind of China-U.S. relationship is taking shape? ②2026 World Manufacturing Convention opens in Anhui, China. How far has China's industrial upgrading come? ③U.S. and Iranian officials hold three-hour talks in New York. Is there a real opening for diplomacy? ④Washington, Tokyo and Seoul step up economic-security coordination. Cooperation or bloc politics?

①Chinese FM rejects protectionism and urges China and Germany to boost cooperation, uphold free trade.(00:48) ②Ambassador Fu Cong on President Xi's state visit to the United States, and where China-US relations stand.(14:05) ③China unveils a new five-year plan for agricultural and rural development. What does it mean for China's food security?(24:47) ④Peruvian entrepreneur: Get involved, AI is a driver not the end.(35:40) ⑤Macron, Trump discuss Ukraine-Russia energy truce, while Russia and Ukraine continue to trade attacks. Where does the conflict go from here?(44:51)

①The annual China-ASEAN Expo highlights growing trade ties. How integrated are China-ASEAN industries? ②China sets a goal of becoming a global bio-medicine powerhouse by 2030. What does this mean for China's pharma sector? ③Malaysian government official: APEC's quick win is sharing best practices. ④German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has called his party's state election results a "disaster." Where is German politics heading? ⑤Tehran and Washington are sending mixed signals - fight or negotiate? What's behind the conflicting messages?

Hong Kong's first Five-Year Plan is here. But it has also prompted a very different narrative in some Western media coverage. Is it really a move toward a planned economy or "mainlandization"? Or does their portrayal miss what the plan is actually about? From governance and economic planning to innovation, housing and alignment with the National 15th Five-Year Plan, let's look beyond the narrative and examine what this plan really means for Hong Kong. Host Ge Anna is joined by Dr. Josef Mahoney, Professor of Politics and International Relations, East China Normal University; Dr. ZHOU Mi, Senior Research Fellow, Chinese Academy of International Trade and Economic Cooperation; ZHANG Chi, Senior Researcher, Centre on Contemporary China and the World, the University of Hong Kong.

①Iran's foreign minister has made a trip to Beijing. What support can China give for restarting negotiations over the Iran conflict? (00:55) ②The US Federal Reserve has raised interest rates for the first time in more than three years in a renewed fight against inflation. We explore the uncertainties on long-term US inflation. (15:27) ③How has the recent BRICS summit injected fresh momentum into Global South cooperation? (24:00) ④We talk to a senior APEC official on how APEC economies can support young entrepreneurs. (33:27) ⑤What is fundamentally causing the Middle East war to extend into Yemen? (43:10)

①Hong Kong has unveiled its first five-year plan for economic and social development. Why is planning important for the city? (00:54) ②China has opened a major new canal, giving its landlocked southwest a shortcut to the coast and overseas markets, especially those in Southeast Asian nations. How much economic boost will the canal bring about? (14:37) ③How should China and India recalibrate their ties following the meeting between Xi Jinping and Narendra Modi in New Delhi? (24:43) ④We explore China's efforts to turn the home into a new engine for consumer spending. (34:29) ⑤Argentina is stepping up its legal campaign against companies exploring for oil near the Malvinas Islands. Why has President Javier Milei resurrected Argentina's long-standing claim to the islands? (44:47)

①In a phone call with his French counterpart, China's foreign minister urged dialogue over China-EU trade friction. What could be the ultimate solution to the challenges in China-EU economic ties? (00:53) ②A recent essay published by a few US tech leaders called for slowing the pace of AI development and claimed that China's AI development poses a threat to US national security. What is wrong with this argument? (14:21) ③An analysis of China's economic performance in August. (24:51) ④Hundreds of global investors are gathering in Toronto for the Canada Investment Summit. What has prompted Mark Carney to move to attract more foreign investments to Canada? (35:37) ⑤How could climate change add to food price inflation? (47:07)

①In what ways has Xi Jinping's attendance of the BRICS summit in India helped charts course for greater BRICS cooperation? (00:56) ②A study by the German Economic Institute shows German companies increased investment in China by a third in the first half of 2026, while their investment in the US fell by nearly two-thirds. Is this part of a long-term trend for Germany's international economic engagement? (16:27) ③We explore why risks remain high for the global economy. (24:56) ④Can there be an associate EU membership for Canada? (35:41) ⑤The conflict in Yemen has intensified. What could be its implications? (44:54)

Chinese President Xi Jinping has attended the BRICS Summit and met with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi. Beyond the headlines, what bigger message is Xi sending to the world? For this BRICS special edition, host Ge Anna is joined by Dr. Josef Mahoney, Professor of Politics and International Relations at East China Normal University, and Dr. Yao Shujie, Cheung Kong Professor of Economics at Chongqing University.

China and India are two economic heavyweights of BRICS. One is the host of this year's BRICS Summit, while the other is set to take over the BRICS presidency next year. Over the past few years, the relationship between the two has been warming. How is the BRICS mechanism adding momentum to the further improvement of China-India ties? How can greater China-India cooperation benefit BRICS in return? Host Ding Heng is joined by Professor Madhav Das Nalapat, Director of Geopolitics and International Relations and UNESCO Peace Chair at Manipal University in India; Zhou Bo, Senior Fellow of the Center for International Security and Strategy at Tsinghua University; Peter Chang, Former Deputy Director of Institute of China Studies at University of Malaya.

①Global governance in a changing world: How can BRICS address the world's challenges? (00:42) ②What does China's services trade fair tell us about the value of openness as protectionism rises? (10:38) ③The health of the world's EV industry (25:07) ④Russia first puts "sovereign AI models" into law. What does it mean for Russia's AI capacity-building? (32:03) ⑤What does "pet-friendly campus" reveal China's pet consumption booms? (43:22)

①What's needed to restore China-UK relations to their "historic high?" (00:46) ②We explore how the expanded BRICS fosters economic growth of its members. (14:21) ③U.S. President Donald Trump wants a swift end to the war in Ukraine. How far away is a final peace deal? (25:12) ④How will China build the infrastructure of the future with its "six networks?" (34:29) ⑤China has the world's largest number of "top-100 innovation clusters." What's the key to its leading innovation capacity? (45:57)

①What to expect from a "next golden decade" for China-Qatar ties? (00:41) ②China says it supports Mexico in maintaining its independence and autonomy. How can the two countries minimize the impact of U.S. pressure? (13:15) ③We explore the factors driving China's foreign trade growth in the first eight months. (25:20) ④Canada's retaliatory tariffs on U.S. goods take effect. How is the spiraling tariff war hurting industries in both countries? (35:36) ⑤What do European countries worry about far-right Alternative for Germany's victory in the state election? (44:44)

①How will a major capital injection into financial institutions serve China's real economy? (00:43) ②Why is the world lining up to see China's factories? (15:13) ③U.S. envoys hope for a new round of Russia-Ukraine peace talks. What are the obstacles to getting them to the table? (27:51) ④The European Commission President's visit to Greenland amid Trump pressure: what signal is the EU sending? (36:52) ⑤Why does the world need a map that more accurately reflects the size of continents? (46:19)

Over the course of five days and four nights, President Xi Jinping took part in more than 20 activities - from bilateral meetings with Kyrgyzstan to the SCO Summit and then his state visit to Egypt. At a time when variables such as Washington's "America First" policy are adding to global uncertainty, what clear signals did this intensive diplomatic tour send? Host Ge Anna is joined by Dr. He Wenping, Senior Research Fellow at Chinese Academy of Social Sciences; Prof. Hi-sham Abu bakr Metwally Mohamed, First Economist Researcher at Egyptian Ministry of Foreign Trade and Industry; Dr. Mher Sahakyan, Director and Senior Researcher, "China-Eurasia" Council for Political and Strategic Research, Armenia.

①81 years after the victory of the World Anti-Fascist War, why do the "Enemy State Clauses" still matter? (00:44) ②The U.S. steps up pressure on Japan to strengthen the yen. How likely is a Bank of Japan rate hike this month? (15:19) ③German finance minister sees Iran war and U.S. tariffs as major source of uncertainty. Are U.S.-Europe divisions getting wider? (24:01) ④Glaciers are melting faster, raising disaster risks. What can we do to mitigate the risks? (35:19) ⑤Tech giants are urging the G20 to prioritize artificial intelligence. How can the G20 create more opportunities for entrepreneurs? (44:54)

①Chinese President Xi Jinping is on a state visit to Egypt. We explore what's next for bilateral ties. (00:42) ②A conversation with a Former Egyptian PM about how China-Egypt ties can inspire the Global South. (12:10) ③With road access to mudslide-hit border port restored in Xizang, what are the new chances in search and rescue work? (25:24) ④New poll shows Quad citizens question U.S. partnerships as views of China shift. (32:50) ⑤Bloodshed at an Iranian wedding: How to reduce civilian casualties amid U.S.-Iran conflict? (43:09)

①President Xi Jinping calls for efforts to support higher-quality SCO development. What is its evolving role in global governance? (00:44) ②The U.S. calls for G20 partners to consider more trade barriers on Beijing. How will it harm G20 mechanism? (12:42) ③We explore how China's semiconductor profits soar amid AI driven computing demand. (25:23) ④Russia's updated automotive strategy to produce 2.8 million cars a year by 2035: Can it become a major global player? (36:46) ⑤Why are young Koreans more interested in marriage than young Japanese? (43:36)

①China and Kyrgyzstan sign a treaty on permanent good-neighborliness, friendship and cooperation. What does it mean for bilateral ties? (00:46) ②How is China-Kyrgyzstan cooperation reshaping lives and connecting Central Asia? (12:51) ③Rescue efforts intensify after a devastating mudslide hit the border port of Gyirong in southwest China. What lessons does the disaster offer humans? (25:31) ④Key takeaways from Chairman Kevin Warsh's Jackson Hole speech (35:26) ⑤What is the danger of hyping up the Taiwan-related issues for Pacific island countries? (46:11)

Discussions in some Western media and policy circles have promoted the idea of a so-called "China squeeze," arguing that China's manufacturing strength is limiting industrialization opportunities for developing economies. Is the "China squeeze" a recycled version of the "China threat?" Does the West really worry about the Global South, or is this another zero-sum approach aimed at containing China's rise? Host Dou Hongyu is joined by Warwick Powell, Adjunct Professor at Queensland University of Technology, Professor John Gong of the University of International Business and Economics, and Li Lun, Assistant Professor of Economics at Peking University, to explore the questions.

①Xi Jinping will attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit in Bishkek and pay state visits to Kyrgyzstan and Egypt. What can we expect of the trip? (01:03) ②China's foreign minister has met with US Ambassador to China David Perduey. We explore the meeting's key messages. (13:46) ③China and India have reached an eight-point consensus on their border issue. How will the consensus help build mutual trust between the two sides? (24:58) ④Qatar's prime minister is on a visit to Tehran for talks on de-escalating tensions and reviving dialogue between the US and Iran. What's behind Doha's faith in the diplomatic path? (35:14) ⑤For the first time in over two decades, a majority of South Koreans have an unfavorable view of the US. What has led to the decline in South Koreans' confidence in the US? (44:28)

①China and the US have held their third semi-official Track 1.5 Dialogue. Is the dialogue mechanism enhancing mutual trust between the two sides? (00:59) ②Growth of G7 economies slowed in the second quarter. What could this mean for the global economy? (14:21) ③Iran and Oman have discussed joint shipping route and mine clearing mission in the Strait of Hormuz. What would a temporary joint shipping route actually look like? (24:59) ④The Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces have dissolved after merging with the Syrian army. How far has Syria's peace process advanced? (34:19) ⑤China has set a dedicated chapter on autonomous vehicles in draft revision to its road traffic safety law. Is it a key step towards clearing regulatory hurdles to wider commercialization of autonomous driving systems? (44:16)

①Jordan's king is on his ninth visit to China since his accession to the throne. Why are ties between China and Jordan getting closer? (00:57) ②China's vice president met India's national security adviser ahead of a new round of talks on the China-India boundary question. How can China and India enhance mutual trust? (14:13) ③China and Switzerland have completed their negotiations over free trade agreement upgrade. What will an updated FTA bring to the two sides? (24:47) ④The US has announced a major expansion of economic sanctions against Iran. Will Tehran withstand the pressure? (35:37) ⑤China has proposed formulating at least 100 key standards for the humanoid robot industry by 2028. We explore the proposal's possible implications. (45:17)

①China and Indonesia agree to deepen cooperation in energy, mineral resources, AI and maritime affairs, and begin formulating a five-year action plan for 2027 to 2031. What's the significance of it? (00:53) ②Is China's trade strength really creating a so-called "squeeze" on other economies? (13:59) ③Canada has announced retaliatory tariffs on the US after Washington imposed a 50% levy on $20 billion worth of Canadian goods. How many cards does Canada hold in fighting a trade war with the US? (25:00) ④Why has India's purchase of Russian oil reached a record high despite tighter Western sanctions? (35:30) ⑤What has prompted US President Donald Trump to tout an economic D-Day against Iran? (45:17)

An annual joint military exercise between the US and South Korea have been cut in half at Washington's request. Before the Ulchi Freedom Shield exercise began, US President Donald Trump called for its reduction, citing his good relationship with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, as well as Seoul's lack of assistance with the Iran war. South Korea has been a US ally for more than 70 years. The two nations have a mutual defense treaty. Is Washington's decision dealing a blow to American alliance credibility? Host Ding Heng is joined by Peter Kuznick, Professor of History with American University; Keechang Kim, Professor of Law at Korea University; Professor Chen Yun with Fudan University, who is now a visiting scholar at Seoul National University.

①Wang Yi visits South Korea and Indonesia. What's topping his agenda? (00:51) ②Pentagon targets 30 U.S. universities over Chinese research ties. A new "Cold War" in science? (11:45) ③China, Australia expand currency swap agreement. Is Australia hedging against its dependence on the U.S. dollar? (24:09) ④U.S. national debt tops $40 trillion for the first time. How much longer can America sustain its debt-driven economy? (34:40) ⑤China's film industry chain tops 60 billion USD this year. What's driving the growth beyond the box office? (44:09)

①Chinese, Ecuadorian leaders discuss Belt and Road cooperation and investment. What's driving Latin American nations to deepen ties with China? (00:55) ②Macao unveils its next 5-year development plan. How can Macao move beyond gaming and tap into mainland's growth? (12:50) ③China recovers rocket stage on land for first time after earlier recovery at sea. How close is China to achieving routine rocket recovery and reuse? (24:51) ④World Robot Conference opens in Beijing, showcasing real-world uses. Where does China stand in the global race to develop humanoid robots? (33:55) ⑤29 U.S. states take Meta to court over allegations that Facebook and Instagram are hooking kids. Is Big Tech finally being held accountable for social media addiction? (44:12)

①Taiwan's defense budget tops NT$1 trillion. More military spending, less for livelihoods - and is Taiwan any safer? (00:53) ②China-Europe Arctic shipping route enters regular weekly operation. What does a faster route mean for global supply chain resilience? (14:50) ③China is rapidly emerging as a major force in global drug innovation. What's behind the rise? (25:00) ④Frustration with Washington grows among US Gulf allies. Can diplomacy still work in the Iran conflict? (34:00) ⑤DRC Ebola outbreak declared the deadliest in the country's history. How serious is the threat? (43:34)

①China says allegations by Philippine defense secretary are unfounded. Why is Teodoro so determined to push China and the Philippines toward confrontation? (00:58) ②South Korean president to revive pro-Japanese asset investigation committee after a 16-year hiatus. Can normal relations with neighbors be maintained if Japan still refuses to confront its wartime history? (10:00) ③China briefs media on Jan-July economic performance. What policy support will China roll out to keep the growth momentum going? (23:37) ④DJI scores a key procedural victory in lawsuit against the US Department of Defense. Could this ruling open the door for DJI to fight its way off the Pentagon's blacklist? (34:23) ⑤German companies cut US investment to a three-year low. Even as the EU pledges more investment in the US, why are German businesses reluctant to bet on America - and what are they worried about? (44:58)

On August 15, 1945, Japan announced its unconditional surrender. For the countries and peoples across Asia who suffered under Japanese militarist aggression, August 15th has never been an ordinary day. It represents the triumph of justice over aggression. It also marks the end of a war that brought immense suffering and profound devastation to Asia. 81 years after Japan's surrender, has Japan truly learned from its past - or is history repeating itself? Host Ge Anna is joined by Einar Tangen, Senior Fellow at the Center for International Governance Innovation, a Canadian Think Tank, and Chairman of Asia Narratives; Dr. Lee Pei May, Assistant Professor of Political Science at the International Islamic University Malaysia; Dr. Liu Kuangyu, Researcher at the Institute of Taiwan Studies, Chinese Academy of Social Sciences.

①U.S. leads in missile tests, yet criticizes China: double standards, strategic anxiety, or both? (00:44) ②A China-led international standard on smart city data utilization is released. How will it shape future human urban life? (12:49) ③Putin makes his first visit to an island disputed with Japan. What messages is he sending to Japan? (24:01) ④China's homegrown C919 jet makes international debut. How big a moment is it for global aviation? (33:10) ⑤A culinary anti-war blockbuster gains traction globally. We speak with its translator about China's anti-war storytelling.

①China surpasses the U.S. in R&D spending. What does it mean for the global tech landscape? (00:41) ②Elon Musk encourages people to visit China. We explore what is attracting international tourists to the country. (14:19) ③Pakistan says the U.S. and Iran are close to some arrangement on peace. How close are they to reaching a real agreement? (25:32) ④Turkish parliament passes landmark legal framework for PKK disarmament. How might it reshape Türkiye's ties with Iraq and Syria? (35:47) ⑤How is China preparing for above-average typhoon activity? (45:40)

①China rejects illegally established "Arunachal Pradesh" by India. What's behind India's unilateral attempt to redraw administrative boundaries and alter facts on the ground? (00:41) ②Japan's defense ministry will request a record-high budget for fiscal 2027. How serious are the regional implications? (14:00) ③China's central bank names Deutsche Bank as clearing bank for the renminbi. What does it mean for China-Europe economic relations? (25:08) ④China takes 97% of H1 global humanoid robot shipments. What explains this dramatic lead? (34:52) ⑤Meta launches an open-weight AI model. Where does it put Meta in the global AI race? (44:36)

①China and Argentina renew currency swap agreement. Can RMB help Argentina hedge against the risks of USD dependence? (00:38) ②China's foreign trade expanded over 19% last month. We explore the drivers behind the growth. (12:50) ③Saudi Arabia, Turkiye and Pakistan sign a joint defense agreement. What does it mean for regional security? (24:43) ④Why are countries tightening controls on critical minerals? (35:37) ⑤Syria and Russia reach an MoU on the future of Russian military bases. What does it tell us about Syria-Russia relationship now? (44:26)

As the world prepares to mark the 81st anniversary of the end of World War II, Japan, a defeated country in that war, is rolling out a series of security and military initiatives. Why is Japan accelerating its military buildup after decades of maintaining an exclusively defensive posture? What kind of military power is it seeking to become? And should Asia be worried? Host Dou Hongyu is joined by Sultan Hali, a retired air force officer and author from Pakistan, Dr. Lee Pei May, Assistant Professor of Political Science at the International Islamic University Malaysia, and Dr. Liu Kuangyu, a researcher at the Institute of Taiwan Studies, Chinese Academy of Social Sciences.

①China's Ministry of Finance has raised 15 billion yuan (over $2.2 billion) through a sovereign bond auction in Hong Kong. We explore the reasons for the sale's good performance. (00:54) ②The EU says it has collected 1.4 billion euros in revenue from frozen Russian assets and will channel the proceeds to Ukraine. Is the windfall profit mechanism actually helping Ukraine? (15:11) ③The Trump administration has refunded about $100 billion of the tariff revenue collected before the US president's "liberation day" duties were struck down by the Supreme Court. What does it mean for US importers? (24:52) ④Iran is close to reaching an agreement with Oman on new shipping arrangements for the Strait of Hormuz. Is it a window of opportunity for the waterway's reopening? (36:18) ⑤A SpaceX rocket piece has smashed into the moon at high speed. What's unusual about it? (46:32)