World Today

China is lodging serious protests with Japan over Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's remarks on the Taiwan question. Over the past two weeks, the remarks describing a Taiwan contingency as a survival-threatening situation for Japan have triggered strong outrage and condemnation from China and beyond. In the words of Russia's foreign ministry, Japan has not yet acknowledged its mistakes 80 years after World War II. What is fundamentally erroneous and dangerous regarding Takaichi's remarks? Host Ding Heng is joined by Professor Chen Yun from Fudan University's School of International Relations & Public Affairs; Warwick Powell, Adjunct Professor at Queensland University of Technology; Sultan Hali, a China observer and retired air force officer in Pakistan.

① Chinese premier arrives in Zambia for a landmark visit. What might their ties say about future collaboration across the Global South? (00:55) ② Japan's neighbors are raising serious concerns over Takaichi's provocations on Taiwan and territorial claims. How far could these missteps push East Asian tensions? (13:40) ③ China welcomes the Netherlands' decision to suspend its intervention at Nexperia. What's next? (23:52) ④ How will the G20 summit unfold as South Africa moves forward without U.S. participation? (34:14) ⑤ What's driving Germany to roll out its first national space security strategy? (44:08)

① Global alarm is rising over Japan's sharp rightward shift and the resurgence of militarist rhetoric. (00:45) ② Foreign investors are stepping up their presence in China's A-share market and increasing allocations to Chinese assets. What does this tell us about global confidence in China's economic fundamentals? (12:51) ③ Global debut: UAE aerobatic team fully upgrades to Chinese-made trainer jets. (25:00) ④ Trump elevates Saudi Arabia to ‘major non-NATO ally' status. How will it reshape U.S.–Middle East dynamics? (33:46) ⑤ Microsoft, NVIDIA and Anthropic announce strategic partnerships. How will this alliance redefine competition in the global AI ecosystem? (42:59)

① Chinese Premier Li Qiang is attending the Shanghai Cooperation Organization meeting in Moscow and deepening China-Russia cooperation—what's at stake for regional growth? (00:53) ② Japanese diplomat in Beijing as Takaichi's remarks weigh on economy—how far could the damage go? (13:12) ③ Hainan new course: What to know about the Special Customs Operation? (23:38) ④ The UN backed US's Gaza peace plan, does it genuinely advance peace, or mainly serve external powers' interests? (34:03) ⑤ Australian poll shows rising worries over US influence and trade tactics—what's driving this shift in sentiment? (43:47)

① Does Japan's recent Taiwan rhetoric reveal a resurgence of far-right militarism? (00:49) ② China and Germany look to boost trade and investment—How will this deepen their cooperation? (24:57) ③ Moody's: US deglobalization may offset AI's boost next year. (35:16) ④ New Zealand's top court rules Uber drivers must be treated as employees, not contractors. (46:14)

As our planet gets hotter, and disasters strike harder, world leaders gather for COP30 in Brazil's Belém. Can they turn promises into action? What's at stake this year, and how is China taking the lead in the global fight against climate change? Host Xu Yawen is joined by Wu Changhua, President of the Global Climate Academy and Chair of the Governing Council at the Asia Pacific Water Forum; Yasmin Scali, independent journalist from Brazil, specializing in international relations; David Fishman, Principal at the Lantau Group.

① Meeting top executives of the National Committee on US-China Relations, China's vice premier called for efforts to promote the stable development of China-US economic ties. Can economic ties continue to serve as the ballast and propeller of China-US relations? (00:47) ② US President Donald Trump has signed a funding package, ending the longest government shutdown in the country's history. What does the shutdown tell us about the political division in Washington? (14:22) ③ Thai King Maha Vajiralongkorn is on a state visit to China. What is bringing China and Thailand closer? (25:18) ④ What has made United Nations officials sound the alarm over South Sudan's peace process? (34:44) ⑤ In Australia, the first treaty between Indigenous people and a government has been signed into law in the state of Victoria. In terms of giving Indigenous people political representation, how does the outlook across the rest of Australia look like? (45:46)

① Spain's King Felipe VI is on a state visit to China. How can China and Spain build a more stable and dynamic strategic partnership? (00:53) ② In a phone call with his Canadian counterpart, China's foreign minister called for healthy, stable and sustainable China-Canada ties. Are we seeing the return of the ties to the right track after years of twists and turns? (14:12) ③ China has introduced new measures to boost private investment in key sectors like railways and nuclear power. What opportunities does this create for private capital? (24:47) ④ Britain has suspended its intelligence-sharing with the US regarding suspected drug trafficking vessels in the Caribbean. We explore the rising skepticism concerning the legality of the US military's campaign in the region. (34:50) ⑤ Google will invest $6.4 billion in Germany in the coming years in a push to expand its data center capacity in the country. Is Europe able to catch up in the artificial intelligence race? (45:10)

① China has lodged representations with Japan over its prime minister's remarks concerning Taiwan. Why is it problematic and dangerous to suggest that a military conflict over Taiwan could be a survival-threatening situation for Japan? (00:54) ② US President Donald Trump has vowed to do everything he can to help Syria, after hosting the country's interim president for a White House meeting. What's at stake in Trump's engagement with Ahmad al-Sharaa's government? (13:33) ③ China's robotics and AI industries are moving at full speed, with two major events this month putting this transformation in the spotlight. How far and fast can the country's robotics revolution go? (24:58) ④ Health officials in Gaza say more than 69,000 Palestinians have been killed in the Israel-Hamas war. We explore the continued uncertainties facing the peace plan for Gaza. (36:31) ⑤ Why has Brazil designated its port city of Belem as capital during COP30? (43:28)

① China has suspended port fees for US-linked ships and some critical mineral export curbs to the US. We explore China's strong commitment to implementing the consensus reached during the China-US trade talks in Malaysia. (00:51) ② What is behind the resilience of China's foreign trade in the first ten months of 2025? (12:38) ③ We take a look at a new white paper highlighting China's achievements in pursuing peak carbon and carbon neutrality. What is fundamentally driving China's green transitions? (24:59) ④ The US Senate has passed a deal aimed at ending the government shutdown. As it will need to clear several more hurdles, how does its prospect look like? (36:23) ⑤ How is the CIIE helping Hong Kong strengthen its role as a “super connector”? Kevin Chan from the Hong Kong Trade Development Council gives his insights. (43:29)

Chinese President Xi Jinping has visited South Korea for the first time in 11 years. He sat down with South Korean President Lee Jae-myung on the sidelines of the APEC summit in Gyeongiu. This came after years of tension after Seoul decided to host the US THAAD missile defense system in 2016. Are we witnessing a reset in China-South Korea relations? What is driving this shift, and could South Korea's approach offer a model for other U.S. allies navigating relations with China? Host Zhao Ying is joined by Rong Ying, Chair Professor at the School of International Studies at Sichuan University; Lee Pei May, Assistant Professor of Political Science at the International Islamic University Malaysia; Digby James Wren, External Relations Advisor to the Royal Academy of Cambodia.

① China expands visa-free access, how will it reshape international travel and trade ties? (00:45) ② China delays Shenzhou-20's return after suspected space debris impact. What to know about the mission? (15:12) ③ Peruvian Trade Official: Peru's Growing Exports and China's Technology Are Creating a New Model of Global South Partnership. (25:54) ④ Breathing easier: How China's clean-air drive opens doors for global innovators. (35:43) ⑤ EU may expand by 2030, but blocks Ukraine over corruption concerns. (43:57)

① CIIE sets a new record in scale: How can global businesses tap into these opportunities while co-creating value with China? (00:47) ② High-speed deliveries, high demand: China's ‘Double 11' off to a strong start. (26:57) ③ China and the UN Promote Dialogue Among Civilizations: Insights from Ambassador Fu Cong. (31:15) ④ U.S. military pressure on Venezuela intensifies. What fallout will the region face from this escalation? (47:44)

① Russian Prime Minister visits Beijing. Which areas of China-Russia cooperation will go deeper from here? (00:49) ② Germany's foreign minister called China, reaffirming the one-China principle. How can Berlin avoid “microphone diplomacy” while engaging with Beijing? (13:41) ③ Turkiye urges Israel to respect Gaza's ceasefire. Will Ankara's diplomatic push help stabilize the region? (25:43) ④ Peru breaks diplomatic relations with Mexico over asylum claim of former prime minister. What's next? (35:18) ⑤ U.S. tech giants are slashing tens of thousands of jobs—even as profits rise and AI booms. What's really driving this wave of layoffs? (41:54)

① Chinese FM highlights outcomes of President Xi's visit. What insights does it reveal about China's role in future global engagement? (00:50) ② China's non-manufacturing PMI at 50.1 in October, manufacturing PMI at 49. What do these numbers signal for the country's economic recovery? (14:04) ③ Russia and U.S. aren't rushing a summit, while Ukraine receives Germany's promised Patriot systems. How will these moves shape the next phase of the Russia-Ukraine conflict? (24:56) ④ Despite the ceasefire in Gaza, violence continues. How will tensions affect the fragile truce and the prospects for lasting peace? (35:28) ⑤ Louvre heist: What to know about the suspects. (45:17)

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)