World Today

① The US government has shut down much of its operations as Congress and the White House failed to reach a funding deal. Is there a clear path out of the impasse? (00:37) ② China has officially launched its K-visa program aimed at attracting global young professionals. What is the role of global talents in China's path towards high-quality development and high-level opening? (13:19)

① US President Donald Trump says Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has agreed to a 20-point plan to put an end to the conflict in Gaza. Is it a turning point in the peace process? (00:54) ② South Korean President Lee Jae Myung has held talks with outgoing Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba in Busan. What's at stake in the meeting? (14:03) ③ China's Ministry of Water Resource says the country has built the world's largest water infrastructure system during its 14th Five-Year Plan period. We take a look at the efforts behind this achievement. (24:34) ④ A conversation with UN Under-Secretary-General Haoliang Xu. (34:53) ⑤ What does Moldova's future look like after its governing pro-EU party won parliamentary elections? (44:01)

① We take a look at North Korean Foreign Minister Choe Son Hui's trip to China and why consolidating ties with North Korea is a strategic decision of China. (00:48) ② Iran is weighing confrontation or diplomacy after UN sanctions are re-imposed against it over nuclear issues. How could Iran respond? (14:44) ③ Why are Russia and Ukraine intensifying drone and missile attacks on each other? (24:47) ④ China is bracing for a travel surge during the upcoming National Day holiday. What does it reveal about the health of China's economy? (35:02) ⑤ Nigeria is eyeing certification of China's C919 jet for local airlines. How much business potential does the Africa nation boast for C919? (46:03)

World leaders are gathering in New York for the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly. As the organization marks its 80th anniversary, the mood is anything but celebratory. With wars raging in Gaza and Ukraine, the world body is struggling to promote peace as its founders envisioned eight decades ago. At the same time, the organization faces deep funding cuts, largely from the United States, and mounting doubts about its relevance. So today we ask: Eighty years on, has the United Nations lived up to its founding vision? Is it still essential in today's world? And what must it do to stay relevant and rebuild confidence in multilateralism? Host Zhao Ying is joined by Han Hua, Co-founder and Secretary General of Beijing Club for International Dialogue; Qin Qian, Casual Academic, UNSW Sydney; Digby James Wren, External Relations Advisor to the Royal Academy of Cambodia.

① China has celebrated the 70th founding anniversary of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. We take a look at how Xinjiang is maintaining stability and achieving prosperity. (00:48) ② China has made a landmark pledge to cut its climate emissions. Is China in effect taking on a global leadership role in tackling climate change? (13:03) ③ A conversation with Alfred Moi Jamiru, Sierra Leone's Deputy Minister of Local Government and Community Affairs, on China's Global Governance Initiative. (25:17) ④ China's tech giants are ramping up efforts in artificial intelligence. Is China's AI push shifting from pure tech competition to creating real-world value for industries? (36:22) ⑤ Hong Kong, Sri Lanka, Chile and Bangladesh are seeking to join the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership. What could they potentially bring to the trade bloc? (46:58)

① Xi Jinping is in Urumqi to attend events marking 70 years of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. How is China building a beautiful Xinjiang? (00:51) ② At the UN General Assembly, China's premier says the country will not seek any new special treatment in the World Trade Organization negotiations. He also announced a few plans to contribute to global development over the next five years. How does China's gesture matter? (13:40) ③ A conversation with Tsepang Ts'ita-Mosena, Deputy Speaker of the Lesotho Parliament, on China's Global Governance Initiative. (24:46) ④ NATO has issued a warning to Russia against what it calls violations of its member states' airspace, but Moscow has denied the allegations. Is there possibility for the eruption of a major aerial military clash between NATO and Russia? (36:14) ⑤ Why is South Korea's new president offering a perceived olive branch to North Korea? (44:00)

① Ahead of the annual Chinese farmers' harvest festival, Xi Jinping called for multiple measures to improve farmers' life and advance all-round rural vitalization. Why is modernizing the agricultural sector and rural area a key part of China's modernization? (00:57) ② We take a look at how China's financial sector has performed during the country's 14th Five-Year Plan from 2021 to 2025. (13:09) ③ A conversation with Angola's ambassador to the United Nations on China's contribution to the UN's work. (24:55) ④ Russian leader Vladimir Putin has declared his readiness to adhere to nuclear arms limits for one more year under the last remaining nuclear pact with the United States. Why has he made this offer? (34:15) ⑤ Japan's ruling Liberal Democratic Party has launched its leadership election campaign. Will whoever become the next LDP leader save the party from its crisis? (43:14)

① After a call between Xi Jinping and Donald Trump, a US congressional delegation visited China and met China's premier. Is there an opportunity to improve China-US relations? (00:50) ② Britain, Portugal, Australia, and Canada have officially recognized the State of Palestine. How much do their actions matter in terms of piling pressure on Israel? (13:32) ③ Venezuela has shared a letter from its leader Nicolas Maduro to US President Donald Trump that offered direct talks after a US strike on an alleged drug boat. Are Washington's recent actions in the Caribbean really about intercepting narcotics? (24:55) ④ How could Donald Trump's H-1B visa crackdown rattle prospects of foreign professionals seeking to work in the US? (34:45) ⑤ A conversation with a German professor who has been attacked in his country for publishing his findings about Xinjiang. (43:51)

A key aspect of Xi Jinping's Global Governance Initiative is practicing multilateralism. As the United Nations marks its 80th anniversary, the multilateral global governance system is nevertheless faced with deepening challenges. The UN finds itself increasingly unable to play a decisive role in ending international conflicts. The current US tariff policy has disrupted decades of broad consensus on international trade rules. Foreign aid to the world's poorest countries is shrinking, and there is no increased global momentum on tackling the looming climate crisis.What can be done to protect the multilateral system? Host Ding Heng is joined by Ramesh Thakur, a former UN assistant secretary-general and Emeritus Professor at the Crawford School of Public Policy, Australian National University; George Tzogopoulos, Senior Research Fellow of CIFE, a France-based European research organization; Professor Qu Qiang, Fellow of Belt and Road Research Center at Minzu University of China.

①The 22nd China-ASEAN Expo is underway in Nanning. What are the highlights of this year's event? (00:37)②The US Federal Reserve has cut interest rates for the first time this year. What does it mean for the US and global economy? (12:44)③Saudi Arabia and Pakistan have signed a mutual defense pact. What's behind the decision? (24:33)④Kazakhstan expert highlights regional cooperation under Xi's Global Governance Initiative. (33:26)⑤Xinjiang's development in the eyes of an American scholar (42:55)

①Israel has launched ground offensive in Gaza City. How far will it go, and who can stop it? (00:39)②The US and Britain have agreed to a major technology pact during Trump's visit. How significant is it for bilateral ties? (12:20)③China's top 500 enterprises report steady growth in R&D input. (24:30)④Australia has failed to secure a defense treaty with Papua New Guinea. What concerns might the island nation have? (33:34)⑤Chinese movie on Japan's notorious Unit 731 to screen in multiple countries (42:52)

①China and the US have reached a framework consensus on TikTok after two days of talks in Madrid. How significant is this breakthrough? (00:33)②Chinese President Xi Jinping has called for efforts to build a unified national market. What does this mean, and why does it matter? (24:57)③Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi called for China and Europe to stand together to oppose arbitrary tariffs. (34:10)④China's private investment remains well-supported in 2025, though facing some challenges. (43:28)

①China's economic performance held steady in August despite headwinds and uncertainties. (00:40)②China launches anti-dumping probe into US analog chips. (13:56)③US Secretary of State Marco Rubio is visiting Israel in the wake of the Qatar attack. (24:35)④More than 100,000 people have marched through central London to protest against immigration. (33:40)⑤European Central Bank leaves rates unchanged as tariff fallout lingers. (41:08)

As global tensions rise and multilateralism faces new tests, China proposes a new framework: the Global Governance Initiative, a new vision grounded in sovereign equality, abiding by the international rule of law, multilateralism, people-centered approaches, and taking real actions.What does this initiative mean in practical terms? How is the world responding? And how can it reshape the architecture of global governance for the better?Host Xu Yawen is joined by Dr. Lee Pei May, an assistant professor of political science at the International Islamic University Malaysia, Prof. Zha Daojiong, a professor of international political economy at the School of International Studies at Peking University, and Prof. Josef Gregory Mahoney, a professor of politics and international relations at East China Normal University.

① China's foreign and defense ministers have held calls with their US counterparts. Why is it important to reaffirm a few key principles guiding China-US bilateral ties now? (00:56)② Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi is scheduled to visit Austria, Slovenia, and Poland in a five-day trip. What's at stake in his trip? (16:07)③ The Chinese government has approved a plan to set up a national nature reserve on the island of Huangyan Dao in the South China Sea. Why is it a necessary step? (25:13)④ We take a look at the highlights of the ongoing 2025 China International Fair for Trade in Services. (34:17)⑤ What could be the political ramifications of the death of American conservative activist Charlie Kirk? (43:38)

① Portuguese Prime Minister Luis Montenegro has concluded a three-day visit to China, the first China trip by a Portuguese head of government in nearly a decade. How can Lisbon and Beijing enhance cooperation? (00:52)② What has made Israel carry out a strike targeting Hamas leaders in Qatar? (13:30)③ We explore the progress of China's manufacturing sector during the country's 14th Five-Year Plan. (27:00)④ We take a look at a CGTN poll showing strong recognition of Taiwan's return to China after World War II and why seeking “Taiwan independence” is a subversion of the post-war international order. (38:44)⑤ Basketball legend LeBron James has called basketball “a bridge” that connects the US and China. Does he have a point? (45:15)

① Addressing a virtual summit with other BRICS leaders, Xi Jinping made a three-point proposal for the group to uphold multilateralism, openness and solidarity. Is BRICS becoming a leading force against hegemonism and protectionism? (00:52)② French Prime Minister Francois Bayrou has lost a confidence vote in Parliament. We take a look at the deepening political paralysis in the country. (24:58)③ South Korea plans to send a chartered plane to the US to bring back its workers detained by US authorities at a Hyundai manufacturing plant in Georgia. We explore the clash between the Trump administration's immigration crackdown and its push to attract foreign investment? (34:40)④ How is CATL betting on tailor-made batteries to win in European EV market? (43:34)

① US President Donald Trump says the White House is ready to move to the second phase of sanctions against Russia. How realistic is it for the US to impose secondary tariffs on countries trading with Russia? (00:55)② Japan is now facing a month-long process to select its next prime minister following Shigeru Ishiba's resignation as leader of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party. Is the LDP facing the worst crisis since its founding? (12:38)③ Why has China's foreign trade in the first 8 months shown resilience? (24:19)④ We explore why the US trade deficit widened more than expected in July. (33:40)⑤ China has criticized Canadian and Australian warships transiting the Taiwan Strait as a provocation. Could Western warships' actions trigger a military clash? (45:22)

In the grand commemorative events at Tian'anmen Square 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, China made a strong voice on cherishing and defending peace.A little earlier, peace was also a key theme at the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit held in the northern Chinese city of Tianjin, with President Xi Jinping saying the SCO now bears a greater responsibility for safeguarding regional peace and stability.Why is China determined to be a force for peace? In what ways is China contributing to international peace? Host Ding Heng is joined by Ben Norton, political economist and editor of the Geopolitical Economy Report; Warwick Powell, Senior Fellow of Taihe Institute and Adjunct Professor at Queensland University of Technology; Professor Qu Qiang, Fellow of the Belt and Road Research Center, Minzu University of China.

① Why is the Global Governance Initiative needed in today's world? (00:51)② How BYD Beat Tesla as Top-Selling EV Brand in Europe? (18:32)③ Repercussions of China's V-Day commemoration ripple across the globe. (28:30)

China has held a grand gathering in Beijing marking the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War. Our reporter Xu Yawen who covered the event on site and a few commentators join the show to give their perspectives on why this commemoration matters.

Chinese President Xi Jinping called for deeper regional cooperation and true multilateralism when addressing leaders and representatives from 26 participating countries at the 2025 Shanghai Cooperation Organization Summit in Tianjin.With Laos joining as a new dialogue partner, and leaders issuing the Tianjin Declaration and approving a 10-year development strategy, what's next for the world's largest regional organization?Host Xu Yawen joins Rong Ying, Chair Professor at the School of International Studies at Sichuan University, and Zoon Ahmed Khan, Research Fellow at the Center for China and Globalization, to discuss the summit's key outcomes and explore what they mean for the organization's growing influence across the region.

The UK, France and Germany have begun the process of reimposing UN sanctions on Iran over its nuclear program. The move will trigger a so-called snapback mechanism under the 2015 nuclear deal.The three European powers took the step in a letter to the UN Security Council on Thursday. The Council now has 30 days to decide whether to continue sanctions relief or let it expire. Is time running out for diplomacy? What would a potential snapback of UN sanctions mean for Iran and its nuclear decisions? And what impact could a collapse in talks have on an already fragile Middle East? Host Zhao Ying is joined by Kamal Makili-Aliyev, Associate Professor at the School of Global Studies, University of Gothenburg; Zhang Chuchu, Deputy Director of the Center for Middle Eastern Studies, Fudan University.

1. China urges Israel to end military action as UN confirms famine for first time in Gaza2. US 50-percent tariff on goods from India takes effect as Indian PM calls for self-reliance3. China's trade with other SCO members hits new high amid global uncertainties4. China doubles down on biotech

1. Lee Jae-myung: S. Korea can't sustain “security with the U.S., economy with China” approach (00:47)2. 25 countries suspend US-bound packages over tariffs, UN body says (13:12)3. China to showcase advanced military equipment to commemorate 80 years since WWII(25'59)4. China's Summer Spending Surges (43'53)

The recent talks between Russia and the United States in Alaska, followed closely by the U.S.–Ukraine–Europe meeting in Washington, may have concluded, but their impact continues to unfold. Where does the Russia–Ukraine conflict go from here? After the Alaska meeting, what kind of new diplomatic contest will unfold among the U.S., Europe, Russia, and Ukraine?Host Ge Anna joins Josef Mahoney, Professor of Politics and International Relations at East China Normal University; Li Yaqi, Research Assistant, S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore; George Tzogopoulos, Director of EU-China Programmes and Senior Research Fellow, at European Institute of Nice.

①China holds grand gathering to celebrate Xizang Autonomous Region's 60th founding anniversary. (00:41)②Foreign ministers of China, Pakistan and Afghanistan have met in Kabul to strengthen security and economic cooperation. (13:43)③Russia says talks on Ukraine's security without Moscow are a "road to nowhere." (24:27)④Israel advances plan to sieve Gaza City. (34:36)⑤Adaptations of Chinese mini-dramas go viral in the US. (43:35)

①Narendra Modi and Wang Yi have discussed China-India ties in New Delhi meeting. What's been achieved? (00:34)②China has unveiled highlights of the V-Day military parade. What new weapons and equipment will be on display? (13:51)③Trump expands 50% steel and aluminum tariffs to include 407 additional product types. (24:59)④US national debt surpasses $37 trillion. (33:19)⑤Europe's wildfires have burned the most land in nearly 20 years. (43:46)

①Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi has met with his Indian counterpart Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, in New Delhi. What's driving the momentum of a warmer China-India relationship? (00:39)②US President Donald Trump has pledged to arrange a face-to-face meeting between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. How likely is that to happen? (13:15)③China's A-share market surges past 100 trillion yuan milestone. (24:33)④Hamas has accepted the latest Gaza ceasefire proposal. (35:18)⑤An interview with Andrei Okounkov, Fields Medalist and foreign member of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (42:58)

①Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi is on a trip to India, with the border issue high on the agenda. What can we expect? (00:35)②Trump has reversed calls for a ceasefire and promised a peace agreement after his summit with Putin. How should we interpret this shift? (11:36)③China releases report on human rights violations in the US in 2024. (24:34)④German foreign minister criticizes what he calls "aggressive" China ahead of trip to Japan. (33:26)⑤China's economy maintained steady growth in July. (41:57)

Commemorative activities have been held across China to mark the 80th anniversary of Japan's unconditional surrender in World War II. When China first faced the onslaught of Japanese militarism in 1931, it was ten years earlier than the Pearl Harbor attack. Between 1931 and 1945, China's War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression resulted in more than 35 million Chinese military and civilian casualties.How did the war shape contemporary China? What was China's contribution to the Allied Powers' defeat of Japanese militarism? Why does commemorating that part of history matter? Host Ding Heng is joined by Peter Kuznick, Professor of History at American University; Warwick Powell, Senior Fellow of Taihe Institute and Adjunct Professor at Queensland University of Technology; Wang Zhengxu, Professor of Political Science with Zhejiang University.

① “Lucid waters and lush mountains are invaluable assets”: How China turns its green into gold. (00:47)② What's on the agenda as China's top diplomat chairs the 10th Lancang-Mekong Cooperation Foreign Ministers' Meeting? (11:30)③ How have China's advances in digital infrastructure over the past five years reshaped its economy and society? (24:38)④ With Israel ruling out a partial hostage deal, what prospects exist for a Gaza truce as Hamas and Egypt hold talks? (36:17)⑤ Amid Europe's record heatwaves, France bickers about air-conditioning. (45:50)

① Can Europe salvage its influence at the Trump–Putin talks? (00:47)② Chinese navy expels U.S. destroyer intruding territorial waters around Huangyan Dao. (12:48)③ What impact could China's new interest subsidy on personal consumption loans have on spending and economic momentum? (25:30)④ How are NEVs fueling the nearly 23% surge in China's car exports in July? (34:27)⑤ We'll take a look at the cutting-edge AI, and What's next? (44:54)

① What are the implications of China and Brazil's call for self-reliance in the Global South? (00:43)② What does another 90-day extension of the Beijing-Washington tariff truce mean for China-US trade relations? (14:34)③ What does President Trump's deployment of the National Guard in Washington, D.C. signal about the current political climate? (26:50)④ Can the newly signed peace deal between Azerbaijan and Armenia lead to lasting diplomatic relations? (35:33)⑤ What key takeaways emerged from the recently concluded World Robot Conference? (46:21)

What key issues will Trump and Putin face at their meeting in Alaska?① The UN Security Council holds an emergency session over concerns that Israel's Gaza takeover could worsen the humanitarian crisis. (00:44)② What key issues will Trump and Putin face at their meeting in Alaska this Friday? (15:36)③ What's driving China's core CPI to grow for the third month in a row? (28:02)④ Why is Hong Kong seeing record business registrations? (38:55)⑤ Memories of WWII: 'Dead to Rights'—from Nanjing to the world (47:07)

Russia has announced it will stop abiding by the now-defunct INF treaty with the United States.The announcement came just days after Trump ordered the repositioning of two nuclear submarines in response to what he called "threatening comments" from former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev, now deputy chair of Russia's security council.Is this the beginning of a new nuclear arms race? What happens when nuclear posturing, once considered a taboo topic, plays out over social media between world leaders? And eighty years after Hiroshima and Nagasaki, have we forgotten the reality of nuclear war and the moral restraint that once held it at bay?Host Zhao Ying is joined by Kamal Makili-Aliyev, Associate Professor at the School of Global Studies, University of Gothenburg, Joseph Siracusa, Professor of Global Futures, Curtin University in Australia, Zhang Xin, Deputy Director of the Center for Russian Studies at East China Normal University.

① China's July exports sharply topped market expectations and imports recorded the biggest jump in a year. How strongly has foreign trade supported China's economy so far this year? (00:53)② US President Donald Trump is threatening to impose a 100% tariff on foreign semiconductors. Can the US restore its past chip manufacturing capacity through tariffs or other means? (14:23)③ Why is “Dead to Rights”, a film about the Nanjing Massacre, dominating China's summer box office? (24:37)④ A conversation with Jim Rogers, an investor and author, on China's attractiveness to foreign investors over the next five years. (34:52)⑤ Italy has given its final approval for a landmark bridge linking Sicily to the mainland. Why has Italy waited for almost six decades for its approval? (43:21)

① The UN has warned against possible full Israeli military takeover of Gaza. Why is Israel's capability to sustain a long-term occupation of Gaza questionable? (00:54)② Will Poland face years of political deadlock under its new president Karol Nawrocki? (14:23)③ We take a look at a robots-focused shopping festival in Beijing, and the industry behind it. (25:02)④ A conversation with the executive director of the United Nations Office for Project Services on global climate governance. (36:15)⑤ The mayor of Japan's Nagoya is seeking to resume exchanges with China's Nanjing after a years-long suspension over his predecessor's denial of Nanjing Massacre. What efforts should be made to achieve this goal? (45:12)

① President Xi Jinping has called for absorbing netizens' opinions in formulating China's next five-year plan. How does China integrate seeking advices from the public with its top-level decision-making process? (00:54)② Several Chinese government bodies have held mid-year meetings to better support economic growth for the rest of the year. We explore their key messages. (13:02)③ Japan has clinched a $6.5 billion deal to build Australia's next-generation warships. With a military export ban no longer in place, is Japan moving further away from its postwar pacifism? (24:57)④ Moscow says it is anticipating talks with US President Donald Trump's special envoy Steve Witkoff later this week. We explore the ongoing bargain between Russia and the US over the Ukraine war. (34:27)⑤ The global roller-coaster ride of Donald Trump's tariffs has entered its latest phase. Is America really winning? (43:10)

① Hamas says it is prepared to coordinate with the Red Cross to deliver aid to hostages it holds in Gaza, if Israel meets certain conditions. Is Israel likely to accept Hamas's conditions? (00:54)② US employment growth was weaker than expected in July. Will the weaker figure put a September interest rate cut by the Federal Reserve back on the table? (13:47)③ FBI plans to open an office in New Zealand to counter Chinese influence. Why could this move undermine regional peace and stability? (24:53)④ China's 2025 summer box office has exceeded 7 billion yuan. What is driving the strong performance? (34:18)⑤ South Korea has begun removing propaganda loudspeakers along the border with North Korea. Is it possible to reestablish dialogue between the two sides? (44:22)

Fueled by rising consumption and attractive packages offered by tourism authorities, this summer promises to be a bumper season for tourism in China. Railway trips from July to August are projected to exceed 950 million, up 6% year-on-year. Group tour bookings have jumped over 35%, and a national campaign will feature 39,000 cultural events. Meanwhile, outbound travel is also surging — visa applications for countries like Italy, Norway, and Germany are up over 80%. What does this summer's travel frenzy reveal about the evolving patterns of Chinese consumer behavior?Host Ge Anna is joined by Mario Cavolo, Founder and CEO of M Communications Group; Chen Jiahe, chief investment officer at Novem Arcae Technologies; Professor Liu Baocheng, Director of the Center for International Business Ethics, University of International Business and Economics.

①China has announced a key meeting in October to set economic and social goals for the next five years. What to expect? (00:39)②Added value of China's "three new" economy accounted for 18% of GDP in 2024. (13:55)③The US hits brazil with 50% tariffs and sanctions. (24:14)④Canada has joined France and Britain in announcing plans to recognize a Palestinian state. (33:20)⑤An interview with Siddharth Chatterjee, United Nations Resident Coordinator in China (42:22)