World Today

As President Xi Jinping lays out a five-point vision for a more open, connected, and inclusive Asia-Pacific at APEC, how will his vision shape the region's economic cooperation and drive new growth in the coming years? Host Ge Anna joins Einar Tangen, Senior Fellow of the Center for International Governance Innovation (CIGI), a Canadian think tank & Chair of the Asia Narratives 15th-5-Year Initiative; Dr. Yao Shujie, Chueng Kong Professor of Economics, Chongqing University; and Professor Qu Qiang, Fellow of the Belt and Road Research Center at Minzu University of China.

① President Xi Jinping and President Donald Trump have agreed to strengthen China-US cooperation during their meeting in South Korea. Does the meeting present an opportunity for the two sides to move beyond an era of adversarial competition towards a more normal relationship? (00:48) ② Chinese Vice President Han Zheng has met with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in Riyadh, with the two sides pledging to further promote cooperation. How is Beijing and Riyadh benefiting from their closer ties? (24:07) ③ China has announced plans to launch the Shenzhou-21 crewed mission to its space station. What's at stake in the mission? (34:20) ④ The US Federal Reserve has cut interest rates for a second time this year. What does it tell us about the uncertainty the US economy faces? (43:49)

① In a phone call with his Japanese counterpart, China's foreign minister called for jointly advancing the strategic relationship of mutual benefit and building constructive bilateral ties. With Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi in office, what is the outlook of China-Japan ties? (00:52) ② US President Donald Trump has met with South Korean President Lee Jae Myung as part of the final leg of his trip across Asia. What is Trump gaining from South Korea? (15:03) ③ How can China accelerate green transition during its next five-year plan? (24:45) ④ The Shanghai Stock Exchange has unveiled the first batch of enterprises listed on its newly created sci-tech growth tier. We take a look at how China's capital market is nurturing tech innovation (33:54) ⑤ Why has the peace talks between Afghanistan and Pakistan in Istanbul ended without a deal? (43:13)

① China and ASEAN have upgraded their free trade agreement. How will the deal's 3.0 version benefit the two sides? (00:55) ② We explore the key messages from a phone call between China's foreign minister and his US counterpart. (14:24) ③ Why does China plan to place more emphasis on investing in human resources during its next five-year plan? (24:35) ④ US President Donald Trump has held a meeting with Japan's new Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi. How might the meeting reshape relations between the US and Japan? (34:22) ⑤ We take a look at how money is pouring into China's robotics industry amid accelerating commercialization. (43:44)

① At a summit involving ASEAN, China, Japan and South Korea, Chinese Premier Li Qiang called for joint efforts to achieve new successes for the development of East Asia. How can we make the region's economic miracles continue into the future? (00:47) ② How can China achieve greater self-reliance in science and technology during its next five-year plan? (13:03) ③ China's industrial profits soared 21.6% in September from a year ago, the biggest gain since November 2023. Is the rebound a sign that China's manufacturing sector has weathered uncertainties in external and internal environment? (24:54) ④ Direct flights between China and India have resumed after a five-year suspension. How will it benefit the two countries? (35:03) ⑤ Argentinian President Javier Milei has led his party to a landslide victory in the country's midterm elections. What does the election result tell us about Milei's economic reform? (44:27)

Top Chinese leaders have adopted recommendations for the country's 15th Five-Year Plan during the fourth plenary session of the 20th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China. The plan will guide China's economic and social development from 2026 to 2030. According to the session's communique, the blueprint will emphasize high-quality growth, innovation, green development, modern industry, national security, and better education and healthcare. In this episode, we look at how China envisions its development for the next five years. Host Ding Heng is joined by Li Lun, Assistant Professor of Economics at Peking University; Dylan Loh, Associate Professor from Public Policy and Global Affairs Program, Nanyang Technological University; Yao Shujie, Chueng Kong Professor of Economics and Deputy Director of the Department of Social Sciences, Chongqing University.

① Overseas banks raise China's 2025 GDP forecasts— What's fueling the optimism? (00:49) ② A ceremony will be held to mark 80 years since Taiwan's restoration—what lessons does this hold for cross-strait unity today? (13:18) ③ China overtakes U.S. as Germany's top trading partner—what's driving this shift in global trade? (23:53) ④ U.S. debt surpasses $38 trillion as government shutdown drags on—how deep is the fiscal strain? (42:37)

① China leads the world in wind power for 15 straight years, what's next for its clean energy push under the upcoming Five-Year Plan? (00:51) ② China's consumption grows steadily in the first three quarters of 2025 — what does this indicate about the resilience and future trajectory of its domestic market? (10:32) ③ Zelenskyy is ready for a ceasefire, yet with the US-Russia summit on hold. Where does this leave the Ukraine peace process? (32:57) ④ U.S. federal shutdown continues — what's behind Washington's recurring “shutdown-restart” cycle? (35:57) ⑤ Japan warns Vietnam over motorbike ban: How could it hinder Hanoi's zero-emission push? (43:09)

① From the 14th to the 15th Five-Year Plan—What drives China's steady hand in governance? (00:51) ② China's NEV boom accelerates: production and sales surge 35%, while exports jump 90% in the first 9 months. (14:16) ③ Japan makes history with its first female prime minister, as it faces political and economic headwinds—what challenges loom over Tokyo? (24:43) ④ Israel hits Gaza, blames Hamas. Can the fragile truce hold? (35:17) ⑤ Bolivia elects centrist Rodrigo Paz, ending decades of socialist rule. What direction will Bolivia take next? (43:37)

① As China charts its next Five-Year Plan, what direction will its development take? (00:51) ② Xi congratulates Cheng Li-wun on election as KMT chairperson. (25:00) ③ What's driving the buzz around robots and AI at the 138th Canton Fair? (34:18) ④ Inside the Afghanistan–Pakistan Talks in Doha: What's Next? (44:17)

2025 marks the final year of China's 14th Five-Year Plan (2021-2025), with preparations for the 15th Five-Year Plan (2026–2030) already underway. How have China's economic resilience and technological innovation set the stage for its next strategic leap? Host Ge Anna joins Dr. Warwick Powell, Adjunct Professor, Queensland University, and Dr. Qu Qiang, a Fellow of the Belt and Road Research Center at Minzu University of China.

① China and France have held a strategic dialogue in Hangzhou. How can the two sides deepen mutual trust and promote all-round cooperation? (00:52) ② South Korea has appointed Ro Jae-hun, the eldest son of former President Roh Tae-woo, as its new ambassador to China. What does this appointment tell about President Lee Jae Myung and his administration's China policy? (14:03) ③ Russian President Vladimir Putin has met Syrian interim leader Ahmed al-Sharaa in Moscow. We take a look at al-Sharaa's efforts to restore and redefine ties with Russia? (24:37) ④ A conversation with Professor Grzegorz Kolodko, former Finance Minister of Poland, on China's economy and China-EU dynamics. (34:46) ⑤ US President Donald Trump has confirmed a report that he authorized the CIA to conduct covert operations in Venezuela. What's his intention? (44:53)

① Spanish Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares Bueno has concluded a two-day visit to China. What does the visit signify regarding Madrid's China policy? (00:52) ② The IMF's latest economic forecast: the global economy has shown resilience amid US tariff turmoil, but the outlook remains dim. (13:47) ③ Apple CEO Tim Cook has met China's minister of industry and information technology in Beijing. Amid renewed China-US trade tensions, what message does China hope to send to the US business community through this meeting? (24:53) ④ The president of a professional robotics organization says China is driving the automation of the manufacturing sector globally. Why is China's robotics industry developing at an unprecedented pace? (34:53) ⑤ In Madagascar, the military says it has seized power. We explore the deeper issues behind the recent protests in the country that led to the downfall of its president. (44:59)

① China has hit back on US port fees with retaliatory levies. We explore why Washington seeks to weaken China's commercial shipping power and reignites the broader trade tensions with China. (1:00) ② China's express delivery volume has surpassed 150 billion parcels this year, reaching a milestone more than a month ahead of schedule. What does it tell about the resilience of China's consumer market and the larger economy? (24:59) ③ Leaders from over 20 countries have witnessed the signing of a Gaza ceasefire deal after Israel and Hamas completed a hostage-prisoner swap. We explore the remaining hurdles for securing lasting peace for Israelis and Palestinians. (35:01) ④ French President Emmanuel Macron has rejected calls to resign as two no-confidence motions threaten to bring down his latest government. Is there a way out of France's worst political crisis in decades? (44:10)

① Addressing the Global Leaders' Meeting on Women in Beijing, Xi Jinping called for truly internalizing gender equality in society. We take a look at China's achievements in empowering women and its contributions to global efforts for women's development. (00:49) ② China has reported strong export and import figures for September against the backdrop of new trade tensions with the US. What's behind the resilience of China's foreign trade? (12:57) ③ Leaders from more than 20 countries have gathered in the Egyptian city of Sharm el-Sheikh for a Gaza peace summit. What are the main uncertainties for a Gaza ceasefire? (24:38) ④ A conversation with Jeffrey Sachs, an economics professor at Columbia University, on why he is optimistic about China's development. (32:01) ⑤ The IMF says the global economy is holding up better than feared but worse than we need. Why is uncertainty the new normal in the world economy? (41:15)

China has wrapped up its National Day and Mid-Autumn Festival holidays with impressive numbers. During the eight-day holiday break, 888 million trips were made, marking a 16% increase compared to the previous year. Domestic tourism revenue reached over 800 billion yuan, approximately $113 billion, a 15% year-on-year growth. What do these figures reveal about China's booming holiday economy? And how are technology, culture, and policy working together to drive tourism and consumer spending? The sit-in host Xu Yawen is joined by John Gong, Professor at the University of International Business and Economics; Subramania Bhatt, Founder and CEO of China Trading Desk (CTD); and Dai Li, Associate Professor in Development Economics at Hunan University.

① China and Italy reaffirm strong ties — what opportunities lie ahead? (00:47) ② World Bank lifts China's 2025 growth forecast to 4.8% — what does this mean for global economic momentum? (15:12) ③ Israel and Hamas reach agreement on the first phase of a peace plan — could this be a real turning point for Gaza? (26:38) ④ China's box office exceeds 2024 total, boosted by “super golden week” holiday. (37:19)

① South Korea says it will “spare no effort” to strengthen ties with China — where are Beijing- Seoul relations headed next? (00:49) ② For the first time ever, renewable power has overtaken coal — and China is leading the charge. What does this mean for the global energy future? (13:50) ③ How will China's low-altitude economy take shape and unfold in the coming years? (25:01)

① Israel and Hamas open indirect talks in Egypt — but how likely is a Gaza ceasefire? (00:45) ② France sees third PM exit since last December — does this political turmoil pose risks to Europe? (14:46) ③ China set to test asteroid defense system — how could this mission reshape China's growing space economy and global role? (24:45)

① China's holiday rush is rewriting records — more than a billion trips in just half a week! What does this travel fever say about China's booming consumer power? (00:44) ② China's top diplomat Wang Yi is heading to Europe — with stops in Italy and Switzerland for high-level talks. (13:25) ③ Pharma giants eye China: What makes it a strategic hub for global drug development? (25:01)

① China and Singapore have exchanged congratulations on the 35th anniversary of their diplomatic ties. Why have the two sides been able to build a close, deepening partnership? (00:38) ② Speaking at a forum in Sochi, Russian President Vladimir Putin praised Donald Trump's efforts to help negotiate peace in Ukraine, but warned that supplies of US long-range missiles to Kyiv would seriously hurt ties between Moscow and Washington. We explore Putin's key messages. (14:22)

① European leaders have held a summit in Copenhagen to discuss building an EU-wide “drone wall”. Is it something feasible for the EU? (00:40) ② The operation of the first direct cargo flight route from China's Hainan to Africa has begun. What could be Hainan's role in future China-Africa trade? (12:32)

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)