World Today

In the United States, the conflict between California and the Trump administration over immigration appears to be further intensifying. Federal immigration officials are carrying out enforcement activities in California, especially the Los Angeles area, as part of President Donald Trump's mass deportation policy. The raids have been sharply criticized by local officials who say everything in their daily life is being affected by the activities targeting immigrant families. At the center of the clash is the federal government's decision to order the deployment of National Guard members and Marines to LA after days of protests driven by anger over the raids.What does the clash tell us about the social and political divisions in the United States? Host Ding Heng is joined by Joseph Siracusa, Professor of Global Futures at Curtin University, and Andy Mok, Senior Research Fellow at the Center for China and Globalization.

① China to offer zero-tariff access to 53 African countries. (00:46)② China unveils guidelines to deepen reforms in Shenzhen. (24:38)③ Pentagon launches review of US-UK-Australia Aukus security alliance. (34:17)④ From China to the world – how Pop Mart turned Labubu into a $150,000USD sensation. (44:04)

① China and U.S. agree on a framework to implement leaders' consensus, says China's trade representative. (00:46)② Chinese Vice President: China is ready to work with the UN to practice genuine multilateralism. (13:33)③ Los Angeles Mayor announces curfew in downtown amid protests. (24:39)④ China's NEV exports continue to surge, with an 80.9% increase in May. (34:39)⑤ China marks Population Day with a focus on elderly care and healthy aging. (44:02)

① President Xi holds phone talks with South Korean President Lee. (00:46)② First China-U.S. economic, trade consultation mechanism meeting underway in London. (12:17)③ About 700 U.S. Marines being mobilized in response to protests in Los Angeles. (25:25)④ Top Chinese tech firms unveil innovative approaches to boost AI talent training and hiring. (35:54)⑤ Iran says it's sending a counter-proposal to the U.S. after rejecting Washington's latest offer as “unacceptable.” (45:54)

① What's driving China's 2.5% rise in foreign trade over the first five months? (00:48)② UNESCO expert emphasizes global cooperation, China's leadership in ocean governance. (13:42)③ What's fueling the unrest in Los Angeles—and where is it headed next? (23:39)④ The ECB lowers rates for the eighth time as trade tensions threaten growth. (34:07)⑤ China's tourism industry could hit one trillion yuan by 2026: Citi. (45:05)

South Korea has elected a new leader after six months of political turmoil.New President Lee Jae-myung began his term on Wednesday.He pledged to raise the country from what he described as the near destruction caused by a martial law crisis and revive an economy facing global protectionism.Lee also emphasized a pragmatic and national-interest-centered approach in diplomacy.How will President Lee unite a divided country and revive a slumping economy? Could we see a reorientation in South Korea's foreign policy?Host Zhao Ying is joined by Rong Ying, Chair Professor with the School of International Studies, Sichuan University; Josef Gregory Mahoney, Professor of Politics and International Relations at East China Normal University; Einar Tangen, Senior Fellow at Taihe Institute and Chairman of Asia Narratives Substack.

① Belarussian President Alexander Lukashenko has paid a three-day visit to China. Why does China view its ties with Belarus from a strategic and long-term perspective? (00:52)② US defense chief Pete Hegseth has skipped a meeting of 50 defense ministers at NATO headquarters that was aimed at coordinating military aid for Ukraine. What does his absence indicate? (13:34)③ The US has vetoed a UN Security Council resolution demanding an immediate and permanent ceasefire in Gaza. Does Washing have a legitimate concern that the resolution would embolden Hamas? (24:09)④ Thursday marks the World Environment Day. We take a look at how environmental protection and ecological restoration are advancing in China and beyond. (34:11)⑤ We explore the vitality of China's inbound tourism. (42:42)

① South Korea's new president Lee Jae-myung has vowed to raise the country from the turmoil of a martial law crisis and revive the economy. How will he tackle the challenges awaiting his presidency? (00:47)② The US is facing international criticism after President Donald Trump signed an order to double tariffs on steel and aluminum imports to 50%. What's fundamentally wrong with the logic of the tariffs? (13:23)③ Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi has called on the new US ambassador to China to serve as a promoter of bilateral cooperation. How can Washington work toward equality and respect in its relationship with Beijing? (24:14)④ DeepSeek has released its upgraded R1 AI model. How will the revised model help the Chinese AI startup ramp up competition with OpenAI? (32:56)⑤ We take a look at the Netherlands' government collapse trigged by the withdrawal of far-right leader Geert Wilders from the governing coalition. (43:14)

① It's estimated that China saw 119 million passenger trips during its three-day Dragon Boat Festival, a year-on-year increase of 5.7%. What does it tell us about the consumer confidence in China? (00:52)② We take a look at how, thanks to a trade-in program, China saw strong growth in retail sales for consumer products in this year's first five months. (14:39)③ What's behind the chaos of an Israeli-backed initiative to establish aid distribution sites in Gaza? (24:58)④ Iranian diplomatic sources say Tehran is poised to dismiss a US nuclear proposal. What's the calculus of Tehran? (36:31)⑤ Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has described her country's unprecedented judicial elections as a complete success. Will Mexico's ongoing judicial reform reduce corruption and impunity in the judicial system? (45:24)

① US seriously undermines consensus reached during talks in Geneva: China's commerce ministry. (00:42)② Travel surges across China during the Dragon Boat Festival. (14:53)③ Russia, Ukraine step up attacks ahead of peace talks. (24:48)④ Polish independent candidate Karol Nawrocki wins tightly contested presidential election. (36:47)⑤ Bridge Builder: The Joker, interview with Jimmy O. Yang. (44:01)

Chinese Premier Li Qiang has made a trip to Southeast Asia this week for a historic first summit—where ASEAN, China, and the Gulf states aim to prove that 1+1+1 is greater than 3. Speaking at the talks in Kuala Lumpur, Li said the launch of the new forum marked a major innovation in regional economic cooperation amid complex changes in the international landscape.Host Ge Anna is joined by Dr Lee Pei May, Assistant Professor of Political Science at the International Islamic University Malaysia; Dr Rong Ying, Chair Professor with the School of International Studies, Sichuan University; Dr Zhou Mi, a senior research fellow with the Chinese Academy of International Trade and Economic Cooperation.

①A US court has blocked President Donald Trump's sweeping tariffs. What happens next, and how might it reshape his trade strategy? (00:46)②NATO eyes new 5% spending target (11:36)③Russia has proposed a second round of direct talks with Ukraine in Istanbul. Are we inching closer to a ceasefire? (24:36)④An interview with Dr. Kao Kim Hourn, Secretary-General of ASEAN (31:59)⑤The Trump administration says it will "aggressively" revoke the visas of Chinese students studying in the US. How far will the crackdown go, and who will be affected? (41:17)

①Chinese premier Li Qiang calls for upholding multilateral trading system at the ASEAN-China-GCC Summit. How significant is this message amid rising global protectionism and unilateralism? (00:41)②An interview with Solomon Islands' ambassador to China Barrett Salato (13:11)③China continues fiscal support for scientific and technological innovation. (25:00)④The Trump administration orders a pause on new student visa interviews as it weighs social media vetting. Is the US effectively closing its doors to international students? (34:01)⑤Japan has lost its position as the world's largest creditor nation for the first time in 34 years. (43:00)

①Chinese Premier Li Qiang is in Malaysia to participate in the first ASEAN-GCC-China Summit. What's driving this trilateral momentum? (00:35)②The Chinese Finance Ministry says Moody's decision to affirm China's A1 rating is a positive reflection of the improving prospects for the country's economy. (12:25)③Indonesia has hosted the inaugural Global Business Summit on Belt and Road Infrastructure Investment. (24:30)④The European Union says it remains fully committed to reaching a trade agreement with the US. What's at stake in their negotiations? (34:52)⑤Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif says he's ready to talk peace with India. (43:44)

①The 20th Western China International Fair is underway in Chengdu. What are the highlights of this year's event, and how is it promoting western China's role in the global market? (00:49)②Chinese Premier Li Qiang has visited Indonesia and called for the two countries to uphold the Bandung Spirit. (13:43)③French President Emmanuel Macron is on a six-day visit to Southeast Asia. What's driving France's growing interest in the region? (24:34)④The U.S. House of Representatives has narrowly passed a sweeping tax and spending bill. (33:54)⑤Harvard is fighting Trump in court again. (43:27)

Despite the moderation in the trade war between China and the US, great uncertainties remain. Amid the fallout from the trade conflict, Chinese authorities are implementing a raft of stimulus measures including interest rate cuts and liquidity injection to support the economy. Beijing says the Chinese economy is fully capable of coping with all kinds of challenges.How resilient is China in the face of a trade war? Can China turn the challenges caused by the trade war into an economic opportunity? Host Ding Heng is joined by Warwick Powell, Senior Fellow at Taihe Institute and Adjunct Professor at Queensland University of Technology; Professor John Gong from University of International Business and Economics; Li Lun, Assistant Professor of Economics at Peking University.

① China, ASEAN complete 3.0 FTA negotiations. (00:47)② The 4th China-CEEC Expo gets underway—billions in deals expected. (12:48)③ Chinese, Pakistani, and Afghan FMs meet to enhance cooperation. (24:48)④ Saying Trump exceeded his authority, 12 U.S. states ask court to strike down his sweeping tariffs. (35:47)⑤ South African president denies Trump's claims of genocide during tense Oval Office meeting. (44:38)

① President Xi stresses firm confidence in high-quality development during Henan inspection tour. (00:42)② Beijing criticizes Washington's attempt to ban Chinese chips. (14:21)③ Japan says it's in no rush for a trade deal with the U.S. (24:29)④ US tariffs dampen mood of global exporters, study shows. (35:18)⑤ CATL witnesses the world's biggest IPO listing this year. (44:54)

① Russia prepared to work on a memorandum with Ukraine: Putin. (00:48)② G7 finance leaders seek non-tariff consensus in Canada, may face US pushback. (16:37)③ Israel's plan to take control of the entire Gaza Strip sparks strong pushback from key Western allies. (24:34)④ China's Huawei launches HarmonyOS-powered laptop. (34:58)

① China gears up for its next development blueprint—15th Five-Year Plan—as President Xi calls for high-quality policymaking. (00:45)② The Chinese economy held firm in April, showing resilience amid pressure and maintaining steady growth. (14:32)③ Beijing pushes back against U.S. restrictions, denouncing unjustified curbs on Huawei's AI chip development. (24:21)④ Putin says military op in Ukraine aimed at long-lasting peace after direct talks: media. (35:54)⑤ UK and EU strike post-Brexit reset deal. (43:53)

The Fourth ministerial meeting of the China-Community of Latin American and Caribbean States Forum has just taken place in Beijing.Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, Chilean President Gabriel Boric and Colombian President Gustavo Petro were among those in attendance.Meanwhile, Columbia has formally agreed to join the Belt and Road Initiative.What's driving the closer ties between China and the Latin America and Caribbean nations? And what does this mean for the unity of the Global South?Host Zhao Ying is joined by Cao Ting, Director of Center for Latin American Studies of Fudan University; Pedro Steenhagen, PhD candidate in International Politics at Fudan University and Consultant at the China Desk of Brazil's Daniel Law; Fernando Munoz Bernal, Founder of Media Without Means, a platform aimed at combating misinformation by giving local voices a chance to share their stories.

① Delegations of Russia and Ukraine meet in Istanbul for peace talks. President Vladimir Putin is not on Russia's list of negotiators. What could be the thorny issues on the negotiating table? (00:54)② Iran has signaled willingness to accept far-reaching curbs on its nuclear program in exchange for sanctions relief. What could this message bring to the Iran-US nuclear talks? (12:56)③ Australia's prime minister is in Indonesia as part of his first international visit since re-election. Why is Jakarta one of the priorities of Canberra's foreign policy? (24:28)④ There is a temporary cooling of trade tensions between the US and the EU, but key questions remain. We talk to a German professor on if the two sides could resolve their disputes. (35:53)⑤ We look at China's latest move to cut the portion of deposits commercial banks must hold in reserves and how much fresh liquidity it will inject into markets. (43:20)

① President Xi Jinping and his Brazilian counterpart Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva have reaffirmed their commitment to upholding multilateralism and building a stronger China-Brazil Community with a Shared Future. How should we characterize China-Brazil cooperation? (00:54)② Sri Lankan analyst: the Belt and Road Initiative is a strategic stabilizer amid global trade turbulence. (11:54)③ We explore how medium-to-long-term pressure on the US economy is mounting despite its seemingly low inflation in April. (24:53)④ US President Donald Trump has announced plans to lift sanctions on Syria. Is this a significant win for the Syrian government led by Ahmed al-Sharaa? (36:25)⑤ China has slammed its Taiwan region's leader for calling for a so-called “non-red supply chain” for global semiconductors that excludes the mainland. What could be the consequences if Taiwan's DPP authorities continue to bow to and flatter Washington? (45:38)

① Addressing a China-CELAC Forum in Beijing, President Xi Jinping called on China and Latin America to further align their development strategies and jointly safeguard a multilateral trading system. How can the two sides elevate their cooperation to a new level? (00:50)② We take a look at China's first white paper on national security and why China's national security in the new era promotes high-quality development. (16:12)③ What's behind the robust growth in China's auto sector, especially EV production and sales, in this year's first four months? (24:51)④ US President Donald Trump is in the Middle East to strengthen economic and trade ties with the Gulf States. Will he achieve his goals during this trip? (35:57)⑤ In Turkiye, the Kurdistan Workers Party militant group has announced that it will end its armed struggle. What has prompted the PKK to make this decision? (45:04)

① Following a high-level meeting in Geneva, China and the US announced tariff modification measures to ease their trade tensions. What does this breakthrough mean to the two sides? (00:49)② Earl Bousquet: China's global initiatives appeal to CELAC as a break from US doctrines. (11:23)③ What has driven China's bumper exports in April? (24:50)④ Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan says Ankara is ready to host peace talks between Russia and Ukraine again. If peace talks take place, what should be our expectation of the outcome? (36:09)⑤ We explore what's at stake in the Philippines' midterm elections. (45:06)

As the world closely watches President Xi Jinping's state visit to Russia and his participation in the events marking the 80th anniversary of the Soviet victory in the Great Patriotic War, deeper questions come into focus: What does this visit reveal about the evolving nature of China-Russia relations? And how have their shared wartime experiences helped forge the emotional and strategic foundations of the political trust we see today?Host Ge Anna is joined by Dr. Yao Shujie, Chueng Kong Professor of Economics, Chongqing University; Dr. Joseph Mahoney, Professor of Politics and International Relations at East China Normal University; And Dr. Timo Kivimäki, Professor of International Relations at University of Bath.

①Chinese President Xi Jinping has called on China and Russia to work together for the interests of developing countries. (00:40)②China is introducing a new law to promote the private sector. What does it mean for private enterprises in the country? (11:55)③Columbia is planning to join the Belt and Road Initiative. What's behind this decision? (25:00)④China's export manufacturing hub of Yiwu shows resilience in the face of US tariffs.(34:15)⑤And interview with Russian figure skating stars Evgenia Medvedeva and Elizaveta Tuktamysheva (44:00)

①Chinese president Xi Jinping has called for efforts to preserve history and look ahead to development ahead of his state visit in Russia. What to expect from this trip? (00:49)②China and the US will hold talks on economic affairs in Switzerland. (13:30)③China launches broad financial package to stabilize market and shore up economic momentum. (24:25)④India has launched missile strikes on Pakistan two weeks after a deadly militant attack on tourists in Indian-administered Kashmir. Are the two countries on the brink of war? (35:21)⑤Friedrich Merz becomes German chancellor after surviving a historic vote failure. What does this rocky start mean for his leadership moving forward? (44:23)

①Tuesday marks the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and the European Union. How has the relationship evolved over the past five decades? (00:41)②China saw a travel boom during the May Day holiday. What does it reveal about consumer confidence and the country's economic recovery? (12:38)③Six US states invite Canadian provincial leaders to discuss Trump's tariffs. (24:49)④European industry insiders say the latest US tariff hikes have negatively impacted local industries. (33:22)⑤Iran says its stance on nuclear talks with US remains constant. (44:41)

①Chinese President Xi Jinping will pay a state visit to Russia and attend the Great Patriotic War Victory celebrations. What message does it send to the international community? (00:46)②Janet Yellen warns Trump tariffs will have "tremendously adverse" impact. (11:12)③Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has won re-election. To what extent has he benefited from the anti-Trump sentiment in the country? (23:25)④Germany's Intelligence agency labels far-right AfD as extremist. (33:26)⑤Donald Trump orders 100% tariffs on movies made outside the US. What could this mean for Hollywood and the global film industry? (42:15)

China and the European Union will soon reach a milestone: 50 years since the establishment of diplomatic ties. Over the past five decades, trade between the two sides has expanded from $2.4 billion to $780 billion. Two-way investment has increased from almost zero to nearly $260 billion. President Xi Jinping has said that when the world becomes more challenging and complex, China and the EU have more reasons to renew their purpose in establishing diplomatic ties and strengthen strategic communication.Will the two sides have the capacity and wisdom to remain each other's trustworthy partner despite their differences? Host Ding Heng is joined by Christis Tombazos, Associate Professor at Monash University; George Tzogopoulos, Director of EU-China Program at CIFE, a European research organization; Einar Tangen, Senior Fellow at Taihe Institute.

① BRICS Foreign Ministers' Meeting: A united front against unilateral bullying. (00:47)② US GDP Takes a Hit: The latest economic numbers show a dip to the lowest level since 2022. (15:36)③ US, Ukraine sign minerals deal. (25:38)④ Report: U.S. firms stay committed to Chinese market despite geopolitical tensions. (36:11)⑤ Contrasting views emerge as Egyptian and Israeli officials near Gaza ceasefire breakthrough. (45:25)

① Xi inspects AI industry in Shanghai—what does it signal about the future of intelligent tech in China? (00:47)② China adopts law dedicated to promoting private sector. (14:43)③ New numbers out of the Taiwan region show public trust in the U.S. is dropping fast. (24:41)④ China's tourism market is gearing up for a major surge during the May Day holiday. (35:23)⑤ The Shenzhou-19 crew is home safe after a half-year mission in space. (45:55)

① Chinese FM Wang Yi: Compromise will only embolden the bully. (00:47)② Tensions rise as Pakistan warns of imminent Indian incursion after Kashmir attack. (11:31)③ Mark Carney: Canada would “never” yield to U.S. (33:56)④ China's service trade sees strong growth in Q1, up 8.7%. (35:57)⑤ Global carmakers flock to Shanghai, eyeing deeper integration in China. (43:35)

① China's top leaders ramp up preparations for worst-case scenarios as external pressures mount. (00:50)② China's top economic planner says there is ample room for further policy adjustments to support growth. (14:26)③ Trump meets Zelensky: how close is a Russia-Ukraine deal? (24:59)④ Canada set to vote in election overshadowed by Washington's tariff policies and annexation threats. (34:14)⑤ China urges Philippines to stop violating its sovereignty in the South China Sea. (45:03)

Harvard University has sued the Trump administration to halt the freezing of federal grants worth billions of dollars. Does the lawsuit signal a major escalation in the growing conflict between higher education and the Trump administration, and what could be the possible outcomes? Host Zhao Ying is joined by Wang Haolan, Research Assistant at the Asia Society Policy Institute's Center for China Analysis; Edward Lehman, Managing Director LEHMAN, LEE & Xu Law Firm; Joseph Siracusa, Professor of Global Futures, Curtin University.

① China and Kenya have upgraded their ties to a new level. Why is Kenyan President William Ruto's ongoing visit to China important to both sides? (00:54)② In a meeting with his Iranian counterpart, China's foreign minister said Beijing supports Tehran holding nuclear talks with Washington. We explore China's message on the Iran nuclear issue at a time when Iranian and US diplomats start talking to each other indirectly. (15:28)③ China has announced the successful launch its Shenzhou-20 mission. What role does this mission play in China's manned space program? (24:51)④ We take a look at a Federal Reserve report that points to growing signs of a slowdown in the US economy due to Washington's tariff policy. (35:11)⑤ How should Southeast Asia react to US tariffs of up to 3,500% on solar panels from the region? (43:51)

① Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev is on a visit to China. How can Beijing and Baku enhance cooperation? (00:52)② After US President Donald Trump signaled a potential U-turn on his trade war with China, Beijing urged Washington to cease coercive practices and talk to China based on equality and mutual respect. What could have prompted Trump to suggest that tariffs on Chinese goods will go down? (13:19)③ We explore how Trump's tariffs have forced the IMF to slash global growth outlook. (24:46)④ US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has unveiled a sweeping plan to overhaul the State Department. How does this move tell us about the direction of US foreign policy under “America First”? (36:31)⑤ JD.com, which recently entered China's on-demand food delivery sector, has alleged that other platforms are coercing riders not to work with JD Takeaway. How competitive is this market space? (44:34)

① China and Indonesia have held the first meeting of a Joint Foreign and Defense Ministerial Dialogue. How can the two sides push bilateral ties to higher level? (00:54)② China rolls out guidelines on upgrading its pilot free trade zones. What does it tell us about the country's move to further open up itself? (12:50)③ Dozens of leading US economists have signed a public declaration warning that President Donald Trump's use of tariffs could trigger a self-inflicted recession. We take a look at some of the letter's key points and why economists are worried. (25:13)④ In the US, Harvard University is suing the Trump administration in order to prevent the federal government from freezing over $2 billion in grants. Is the autonomy that the Supreme Court has long granted American universities under threat? (36:20)⑤ We explore why China has added 29 new majors to the country's undergraduate university education system. (46:23)

① In response to reports that Washington plans to put pressure on other countries to restrict trade with China in exchange for exemptions to US tariffs, China has called on countries not to appease the US. What could be the consequences of appeasing the Trump administration in trade? (00:53)② US Vice President JD Vance is in India for a four-day visit. We explore whether India can reach a trade deal with the Trump administration and more in bilateral relations. (13:34)③ Russia and Ukraine are blaming each other for breaking an Easter ceasefire. How realistic is the prospect of a peace agreement in the near future? (24:49)④ Iran has called its latest talks with the US on a potential nuclear deal useful. How likely will the two sides reach a deal? (33:55)⑤ What has enabled China to host the world's first humanoid robot half-marathon? (41:49)

Chinese President Xi Jinping completed a landmark state visit to three key Southeast Asian nations — Vietnam, Malaysia, and Cambodia. The trip came at a time of rising global trade tensions, with Washington's tariff threats casting a shadow over the world economy.What does this trip reveal about China's evolving role in the region? And why is it drawing global attention right now?Host Ge Anna is joined by Dr. Lee Pei May, Assistant Professor of Political Science at the International Islamic University Malaysia; Herman Laurel, Founder of the "Philippine BRICS Strategic Studies" Group, a think tank focusing on the Philippines in global affairs; Prof. Song Qingrun, from the School of Asian Studies at Beijing Foreign Studies University.

① Chinese President Xi Jinping is on a two-day state visit to Cambodia. How significant is the trip? (00:42)② California has become the first US state to sue Donald Trump over tariffs. What could come next? (24:59)③ The 137th China Import and Export Fair is underway in Guangzhou. How is it promoting global trade at a time when multilateralism is under threat? (33:51)④ Irish diplomat: Irish products looking for more opportunities in the Chinese market (41:49)