World Today

① The Trump administration has proposed new tariffs on imports from 60 economies, claiming they fail to ban US imports made with forced labor. Is this a legitimate ground to rebuild the administration’s tariff regime following domestic legal setbacks? (00:54) ② The US House of Representatives has passed a resolution to limit Donald Trump’s war powers against Iran. Is the US president increasingly isolated on the Iran war? (15:11) ③ The World Health Organization says efforts to contain the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo are gaining ground. We explore the remaining challenges for the mission. (24:56) ④ China has launched a national digital identity system to give every humanoid robot a personal identification number. How will the platform strengthen industry standards? (34:46) ⑤ Britain has ordered Google to allow news publishers to opt out of AI model fine-tuning for search summaries. How could Google’s AI Overviews deal a blow to publishers? (44:37)

① British Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper has made a three-day China visit. Can China and Britain develop a long-term strategic partnership? (00:54) ② Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee is leading a large delegation on a tour to Central Asia. What is driving Hong Kong to seek closer ties with the region? (15:47) ③ A European Parliament committee has voted to scrap EU import duties on a range of US goods in order to comply with a US-EU trade deal. Why is the EU ready to compromise? (24:53) ④ Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum is urging Washington to keep out of her country's domestic affairs. We look at how tensions grow between the US and Mexico over anti-drug cooperation. (34:14) ⑤ From DeepSeek’s Liang Wenfeng to Unitree Robotics’ Wang Xingxing and AgiBot’s Peng Zhihui, a number of young entrepreneurs are becoming central figures in China’s next wave of tech innovation. What’s driving this new generation of innovators? (43:37)

① Brazil’s foreign minister is on a visit to China. Is China-Brazil partnership becoming globally important? (00:53) ② Driven by soaring demand for semiconductors and AI servers, South Korea’s exports recorded the fastest growth since 1984 in May. We explore how South Korea is benefiting from a global AI boom. (13:38) ③ What is motivating Peter Magyar, Hungary’s new prime minister, to try to remove the country’s president from office? (24:55) ④ Chinese sportswear brand Li-Ning has signed a long-term partnership with NBA star Stephen Curry. How could this partnership help Li-Ning go global? (33:15) ⑤ What is fueling the emergence of companionship economy in China? (44:10)

① Why has the Chinese delegation warned against attempts to revive Japanese militarism at the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore? (00:54) ② China will adopt a new regulation on outbound investment. Can the country strike a balance between fending off risks to national security and encouraging normal outbound investment? (14:39) ③ How concerning is Israel’s military expansion into Lebanon? (25:27) ④ US inflation has surged to its highest level in three years, driven largely by soaring energy prices amid Middle East conflict. What could this mean for the Fed’s first policy meeting under Kevin Warsh? (35:40) ⑤ China’s Innovent Biologics and US pharma giant Pfizer have agreed to a giant licensing and collaboration deal to develop 12 early-stage cancer medicines. Why are global pharmaceutical firms stepping up their search for experimental medicines developed in China? (46:03)

International peacekeeping missions are in peril due to global geopolitical deadlock, funding issues and declining personnel numbers, according to a recent report by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute. Just under 79,000 personnel were deployed in international peacekeeping missions at the end of last year, its lowest level in 25 years. The study says missions managed by the United Nations have been affected most seriously. What could be the consequences of a significant weakening of multilateral conflict management? Can this trend be reversed? Host Ding Heng is joined by Dr. Wen Jing, Research Fellow at Center for International Security and Strategy, Tsinghua University; Professor Kevin Nauen, Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences and International Relations at Pannasastra University of Cambodia; Joseph Siracusa, Professor of Global Futures with Curtin University in Australia.

① Why are Germany's economy and energy minister and business representatives visiting Beijing while the EU is “de-risking” from China? (00:41) ② A global partnership to fight poverty has been launched in Beijing. Why is it important? (13:25) ③ China warns Quad countries against "bloc confrontation." How will the bloc harm regional peace? (26:31) ④ Norway is set to join a nuclear deterrence initiative led by France. Why are NATO countries coming under France's nuclear umbrella? (37:38) ⑤ China releases new measures to curb fatigued driving. How will the new rules affect drivers? (47:19)

① The Chinese FM calls for more international support for the UN Charter. Why is the message important now? (00:44) ② Japanese parliament passes a bill to establish a national intelligence council. What's the danger of it? (14:02) ③ Southern China power demand hits record high ahead of summer peak. How to respond to it? (25:33) ④ Unitree Robotics is gearing up for IPO. What makes the listing important? (34:40) ⑤ NASA unveils Moon Base plan for sustained human presence on lunar surface. What do we need to know about the plan? (43:15)

① China and Serbia pledge deeper strategic cooperation and stronger bilateral ties. What to expect? (00:44) ② China doubles relending for tech innovation and equipment upgrades. How effective are the financial tools? (14:23) ③ China makes an important step for 6G development. How close are we to the 6G era? (25:32) ④ U.S. President Donald Trump pushes the expansion of Abraham Accords alongside Iran talks. Why? (35:36) ⑤ The World Health Organization warns over rapid Ebola spread. How to respond to the outbreak? (43:14)

① Pakistani Prime Minister is in Beijing for an official visit. What's next for China-Pakistan relations? (00:46) ② China's Shenzhou-23 astronauts enter the Tiangong space station. What can we expect from this mission? (13:23) ③ White House says preliminary deal has been reached to end US-Iran conflict. Will tensions really ease this time? (23:59) ④ Warsh takes the Fed's helm as inflation climbs and consumer sentiment dives. Will that mark a shift for the US economy? (31:09) ⑤ Huawei reveals chip design breakthrough. What impact will it bring to the future products? (43:08)

Russian President Vladimir Putin has wrapped up his 25th official visit to China, four days after U.S. President Donald Trump finished his trip to Beijing. What can we expect from China-Russia relations in the years ahead? And what could Beijing’s interactions with Trump and Putin mean for the future of the world? Host Dou Hongyu is joined by Qin Qian with East China University of Political Science and Law, Associate Professor Wang Xinsong at the School of Government of Beijing Normal University, and Adjunct Professor Warwick Powell at the Queensland University of Technology, to answer these questions.

① Xizang targets 7% GDP growth in 2026, well above national average. Which sectors will lead this highland growth?(00:50) ② China wins 90% of global VLCC orders. How does China maintain this shipbuilding edge?(13:30) ③ Cuban president calls US charges against Raul Castro politically motivated. What’s Washington’s real aim?(25:00) ④ Netanyahu says Israel now controls roughly 60% of the Gaza Strip despite truce. What does the future hold for Gaza?(34:10) ⑤ Germany unveils high-tech roadmaps to enhance competitiveness. Can Germany still catch up globally?(44:55)

① Xi calls for higher-quality China-Russia strategic coordination. What does this say about the depth and breadth of ties?(00:45) ② Beijing and Washington reach preliminary trade outcomes. What new signals does this send?(14:45) ③ Taiwan Affairs Office slams Lai Ching-te as "disruptor of peace" and "creator of crises" following May 20 speech(25:10) ④ Local governments in China race to build "token factories." What trend does this reflect?(33:55) ⑤ Tesla abandons plans to build an EV factory in India. Why?(43:30)

① Putin says Russia-China ties have reached a truly unprecedented level. What’s next? (00:55) ② The WHA rejects a proposal concerning Taiwan for the 10th year in a row. What does this reaffirm about the one-China principle? (13:55) ③ Chinese tech firms are driving a new IPO boom on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange. What does this signal for Hong Kong’s new growth cycle? (24:00) ④ Argentina and China discuss currency swap extension despite U.S. pressure. How is Latin America diversifying its financial anchors? (34:30) ⑤ China further optimizes departure tax refund measures. How will this boost inbound consumption momentum? (43:00)

① Xi, Putin mark 10th China-Russia expo ahead of Putin’s China visit. (00:45) ② What does the Trump–Netanyahu call signal about the risk of renewed conflict with Iran? (14:00) ③ China's economy maintains steady growth in first four months. Are Western media warnings about weakening justified? (25:30) ④ China's top market regulator unveils 34 priorities to back up private sector growth. What impact will they have? (33:50) ⑤ China's 2026 box office tops 14.4 billion yuan. What drives the strong growth? (44:00)

U.S. President Donald Trump has paid a state visit to China, the first by an American president in nearly nine years. What are the biggest takeaways from this closely watched visit? How should we understand the new vision for China-U.S. relations? And how could it shape the future of the world order? Host Dou Hongyu is joined by Muhammad Ali Nasir, Professor of Economics at the University of Leeds; Zoon Ahmed Khan, Research Fellow at Center for China and Globalization; Li Lun, Assistant Professor of Economics at Peking University; and Chen Weihua, China Daily Former Chief Washington correspondent, to answer these questions.

① China and the US have agreed to work towards a constructive relationship of strategic stability. Are the two sides opening up a new chapter in bilateral ties? (00:53) ② We talk to a senior official at World Trade Centers Association on China-US commercial ties and globalization. (15:24) ③ What’s at stake in a BRICS foreign ministers’ meeting hosted by India? (24:59) ④ Kevin Warsh has won Senate confirmation as the next Federal Reserve chair. Will he maintain the Fed’s independence? (34:31) ⑤ Why is Nissan failing to make a profit? (44:39)

① Meeting UNESCO’s director-general in Beijing, Xi Jinping says China is ready to work with the UN agency to expand access to the benefits of educational, scientific and cultural development. What has China contributed to UNESCO? (00:56) ② China’s ambassador to the US did an interview with Newsweek ahead of President Donald Trump’s visit to China. We explore the key messages sent by Beijing in this interview. (13:53) ③ We speak to a senior China advisor at the Carter Center in the US on Trump’s China visit and China-US relations. (25:11) ④ Before the arrival of conventional summer period, India is already battling with record-breaking heat waves. What concerns is it raising? (35:24) ⑤ Why did China’s exports in services see remarkable growths in this year’s first quarter? (45:22)

① It’s been three years since President Xi Jinping chaired a forum on advancing the development of Xiongan New Area in the northern Chinese province of Hebei. What does China’s vision for Xiongan tell us about its governance approach? (01:01) ② Tajik President Emomali Rahmon is on a state visit to China. How are closer ties with China benefiting the Central Asian country? (14:37) ③ We talk to a former US ambassador to China ahead of President Donald Trump’s visit to Beijing. (25:27) ④ Why are international financial institutions showing growing confidence in China’s economy? (37:03) ⑤ More than 30 heads of state and government are meeting in Kenya for a France-Africa summit. Does the event represent a paradigm shift in the relationship between the two sides? (47:29)

① China has confirmed an upcoming state visit by US President Donald Trump. What could get accomplished during the visit? (00:50) ② Why has China’s foreign trade maintained strong momentum in April despite the economic and energy shocks from the Middle East crisis? (12:12) ③ Iran has rejected the latest US ceasefire proposal as tantamount to surrender, while Donald Trump has described Tehran’s response as unacceptable. Where is the conflict headed? (24:59) ④ Chinese citizens can now travel to Brazil visa-free. How could it strengthen cultural exchange, tourism cooperation and economic engagement between China and Brazil? (34:40) ⑤ Why has Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s Labor Party suffered huge losses in Britain’s local elections? (44:31)

Japan is witnessing its largest anti-war protests in decades. Since coming into power, Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi has taken major steps away from Japan’s post-war pacifism, lifting restrictions on lethal weapons exports and actively seeking political support for revising the constitution. As a result, a sentiment against remilitarization is gaining momentum in Japan. How worrisome is Japan’s deviation from pacifism under Takaichi? How far will Tokyo go in that direction? Host Ding Heng is joined by Professor Anna Rosario Malindog-Uy, Director and Vice President for External Affairs of Asian Century Philippines Strategic Studies Institute; Lee Pei May, Assistant Professor of Political Science at the International Islamic University Malaysia; Zoon Ahmed Khan, Research Fellow at Center for China and Globalization.

① Uzbekistan's PM is in Beijing on a two-day visit. What should we expect? (00:44) ② A report says the EU cyber plan barring Chinese suppliers will lead to huge cost for the bloc. Will economic costs outweigh the security gains? (13:44) ③ China’s robotics exports posted strong growth in Q1. What has driven this increase? (25:28) ④ What do we need to know about Hantavirus infections on the cruise ship MV Hondius (35:41) ⑤ Samsung ceases sales of home appliances on the Chinese mainland. Why? (45:40)

① Iran’s top diplomat visits Beijing. What’s behind the timing? (00:48) ② A phone call between the Russian Foreign Minister and the U.S. Secretary of State: what direction could it take U.S.–Russia relations? (12:19) ③ Ukraine eyes Japan as a potential weapons source after export rules ease. What threats could this pose? (24:45) ④ What does China's May Day holiday travel reveal about consumer vitality? (35:13) ⑤ Why are more people in China going to the cinema? (45:07)

①China calls for staying on alert over Japan's nuclear move. Why is Japan's nuclear ambition a greater concern now? (00:46) ②The U.S. moves to reopen the Strait of Hormuz by force. How big is the risk of hostilities resuming? (13:53) ③Germany warns the European Union will retaliate if the U.S. raises auto tariffs to 25%. How will the trade disputes affect transatlantic relations? (24:47) ④China's service sector drives growth with AI unlocking new potential. How is AI creating consumption scenarios? (33:04) ⑤A young Chinese Snooker player wins 2026 World Championship in historic victory. How has Chinese snooker produced world champions? (42:42)

① The Chinese president urges Chinese youth to align personal pursuits with national development. How to interpret his message? (00:47) ② Historic protests are held in Japan against PM Takaichi's constitutional revision. How might this affect Takaichi's ability to advance her revision agenda? (14:24) ③ The U.S. military launches effort to guide ships out of Strait of Hormuz. What is the strategic purpose behind the move? (24:46) ④ Pew survey shows Americans' views of China improving. What's behind the change? (32:06) ⑤ Unitree Robotics' first direct-operated store opens in Beijing. How close are affordable home robots? (41:51)

China has unveiled new guidelines to better protect gig workers, such as deliverymen and ride-hailing drivers, a group that now numbers over 84 million people. What real changes will these measures bring? And what could this mean for China's broader labor market? Host Dou Hongyu is joined by Soo Hee Lee, Professor in Organisation Studies with the University of Kent; Mike Bastin, China observer and senior lecturer at the University of Southampton; and Chen Jiahe, Chief Investment Officer at Novem Arcae Technologies, to delve into these questions.

① China to grant zero-tariff access to all African countries with diplomatic ties. How will this boost African exports to China and shared development? （00:55） ② Australia FM visits China. Why now? （13:45） ③ Trump and Putin discuss Iran war and Ukraine ceasefire. What’s really on the table? （23:50） ④ China opens first cross-Bohai drone logistics route. Is low-altitude economy reshaping northern China’s supply chains? （33:00） ⑤ China sees rise in vocational degrees as students prioritize skills over elite universities. Why are graduates “returning” to vocational training? （43:25）

① CPC leadership meeting calls for stronger confidence in economic work. What does this reveal about China's development momentum? (00:45) ② UAE to exit OPEC, OPEC+ from May 1st. What's next for global oil prices and energy markets? (14:10) ③ Japan's push to revise Self-Defense Forces rank titles signals military expansionist motives: Pakistani expert (24:30) ④ Brazilian president enacts Mercosur-EU free trade agreement. What does it mean for Latin American–EU trade relations? (35:10) ⑤ Boom in coffee consumption exemplifies new opportunities for agricultural imports in China. How can the Chinese market drive mutual benefits for foreign agriculture? (44:40)

① China blocks foreign acquisition of Manus project. What signal does this send? (00:46) ② Putin voices support for Iran — impact on U.S.–Iran talks?(11:35) ③ Merz criticizes U.S. strategy in Iran conflict. Where is transatlantic relations heading? (24:00) ④ CATL unveils six-minute EV battery charging. What does this mean for EV industry transformation? (34:20) ⑤ China adds 38 new university majors. What does this reveal about future talent priorities? (43:45)

① China industrial profits surge in Q1. What’s driving the momentum? (00:56) ② Framing China: Inside Western narratives on China’s poverty reduction. (11:44) ③ Japan uses AI-generated videos in China-related disinformation. What are the self-inflicted risks? (27:47) ④ Iran's foreign minister visits Russia for talks with Putin. Will U.S.-Iran negotiations resume, or is escalation continuing? (36:37) ⑤ Shooting at White House Correspondents’ Dinner: why do high-level U.S. security failures keep happening? (47:50)

At a half-marathon in Beijing, humanoid robots stunned spectators by outperforming the fastest human runners and dramatically surpassing last year’s robotic champion. What's behind this rapid progress in humanoid robotics in China? How will they evolve in the near future, and what could that mean to our daily lives? Host Dou Hongyu is joined by John Gong, a professor with the University of International Business and Economics, Muhammad Ali Nasir, Professor of Economics at the University of Leeds, and Liu Shaoshan, Director of Embodied Intelligence, Shenzhen Institute of Artificial Intelligence and Robotics for Society, to explore the breakthroughs behind China’s humanoid robots and examine how they may change the way we live and work.

① China and Cambodia have held their first “2+2” strategic dialogue between foreign and defense ministers. How is China-Cambodia cooperation contributing to regional peace and stability? (00:48) ② China has reported that its agricultural economy maintained steady growth in the first quarter. We explore the main contributing factors behind this resilience. (13:54) ③ China’s WeChat Pay has expanded its cross-border services, allowing users to scan local QR codes in South Korea, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Malaysia, and Singapore. Will this move boost China’s outbound tourist flows to the five countries? (24:48) ④ The world’s biggest iceberg A23a has rapidly broken up after a 40-year life span, as warming ocean water speeds up the melting of Antarctic ice shelf. What can we do about it? (33:32) ⑤ Britain’s parliament has passed a bill to stop people born after 2008 from buying tobacco during their whole lives. Will it become a durable law? (44:36)

① We take a look at Mozambican President Daniel Chapo’s China visit and the outlook of cooperation between the two sides. (00:55) ② Taiwan’s Lai Ching-te has canceled a trip to Eswatini after some countries denied overflight permission for his aircraft. Why are those countries justified to do so? (15:53) ③ Japan’s Sanae Takaichi has sent a ritual offering to the notorious Yasukuni Shrine. Why is this action a provocation against international justice? (24:40) ④ Canada’s Mark Carney has announced a 24-people advisory committee on economic ties with the United States, as Ottawa braces for trade talks with Washington. How does the talks’ prospect look? (33:00) ⑤ We explore how city-based amateur soccer games across China are translating into real economic activities? (40:35)

① In a call with Saudi Arabia’s crown prince, Xi Jinping says normal passage through the Strait of Hormuz should be maintained. What can China and Saudi Arabia do together to de-escalate Middle East tensions? (00:57) ② Japan has announced its biggest defense equipment export rule change in decades. What’s the danger of this move? (13:14) ③ With the development of AI, One-Person Companies (OPC) are seeing explosive growth in China. Can this model become a new growth engine for China? (24:45) ④ Former Bulgarian President Rumen Radev has won the country’s parliamentary election by a landslide. What could it mean for Bulgaria’s ties with the EU and Russia? (35:47) ⑤ India and South Korea have signed new deals in efforts to push their trade to $50 billion by 2030. What is prompting the two sides to seek closer cooperation? (44:31)

① Tens of thousands of people have gathered at the parliament building in Tokyo to protest constitutional revision spearheaded by Japan’s Sanae Takaichi. Why is a remilitarized Japan a threat to regional peace? (00:55) ② Iran says there is no plan for a second round of talks with Washington. How is the US seizure of an Iranian-flagged cargo ship complicating the situation? (15:35) ③ A humanoid robot has won a half-marathon in Beijing, defeating the human world record. So what does this tell us about the pace of humanoid robotics development? (25:20) ④ The Iran war has soured Britain’s relations with the US. How is this situation prompting Britain to look to the EU again? (35:17) ⑤ Despite being a self-proclaimed NGO, the National Endowment for Democracy is widely regarded as aligned with Washington’s foreign policy objectives. How does its track record look like? Why is China a primary focus of its infiltration and subversive activities? (44:58)

The disruption around the Strait of Hormuz has posed a great threat to global energy security. The crisis is once again drawing our attention to renewable energy. According to energy think tank Ember's research, solar power growth in 2025 alone could displace gas-fired electricity equal to all liquified natural gas exported through Hormuz in the same year. Are renewable energy's benefits such as price stability and domestic energy resilience becoming more relevant in a turbulent world? Host Ding Heng is joined by Steven Wright, Director of the Leadership Knowledgebase at the Qatar Leadership Centre; Laury Haytayan, Middle East and North Africa Director at Natural Resource Governance Institute; Christis Tombazos, Associate Professor of Economics at Monash University.

① China's GDP grew by 5% in the first quarter. What's behind the growth? (00:40) ② Hong Kong market ranked first in Q1 IPO fundraising. What unique advantages does the city offer? (13:01) ③ A conversation with the speaker of the New Zealand House of Representatives (25:17) ④ French lawmakers approve a bill to ease the return of looted artworks. What's the significance of it? (33:07) ⑤ Artemis II breaks record for farthest distance traveled from the Earth. What does that mean to the human beings? (41:38)

① Chinese, Vietnamese top leaders hold talks in Beijing. What's the significance of the meeting? (00:42) ② China put forward a four-point proposal on promoting peace and stability in the Middle East. What does it mean to the Middle East situations? (13:07) ③ Israel and Lebanon lay out different expectations in their first direct talks in Washington. What will come next? (25:14) ③ IMF cuts 2026 global growth forecast to 3.1%. What's dragging it down? (31:57) ⑤ A conversation with a senior business consultant about the transformation of Hainan, China's pilot free trade zone (44:03)

① China is witnessing a new wave of high-level visits. We explore the purposes and potential outcomes of the visits. (00:44) ② China's foreign trade recorded strong growth in the first quarter. What's behind the growth? (25:31) ③ A conversation with an official of Uruguay's National Meat Institute about the China market (32:48) ④ China plans to launch an "AI Plus Education" initiative to integrate AI into classrooms. What does it mean to education and future careers? (42:46)

① The Spanish PM is on an official visit to China. What to expect? (00:43) ② Mainland has unveiled a package of policies and measures to boost cooperation across the Taiwan Strait. What does it mean to cross-Strait relations? (12:42) ③ U.S. and Iran have failed to reach an agreement following talks in Pakistan. What will come next? (24:53) ④ China's PPI returned to growth in March. What's behind the rebound? (35:05) ⑤ Hungary's opposition party Tisza has won parliamentary elections. What changes will happen under the new government? (45:36)

A global poll has found that China surpassed the United States in approval ratings of leadership in 2025, and by the largest margin seen in nearly two decades. What's driving this change? How are global attitudes toward these two major powers evolving? And what could this shift mean for policymakers, and for the future of the global order? Host Dou Hongyu is joined by Chen Weihua, former Chief Washington Correspondent of China Daily, Wang Zichen, Deputy Secretary-General at the Center for China and Globalization, and Lee Pei May, Assistant Professor of Political Science at the International Islamic University Malaysia, to delve into these questions.

① The United Nations has condemned Israel’s strikes across Lebanon. Are the strikes posing a grave risk to the fragile US-Iran ceasefire? (00:55) ② Donald Trump has renewed his criticism of NATO after a meeting with the alliance’s secretary general Mark Rutte. What could happen to NATO next? (14:54) ③ Alibaba has cooperated with China Telecom to launch a new data center featuring the tech giant’s own AI chips. We explore Chinese firms’ accelerating efforts to build domestic alternatives to advanced American AI chips. (24:43) ④ We look at how software updates are giving Chinese EV makers a new edge in global competition. (34:10) ⑤ A report indicates China’s small and medium-sized companies are increasingly satisfied with their development environment. How has China improved its business environment for smaller companies? (44:24)

① Xi Jinping has called for demand-driven growth and creating more recognizable brands in China’s services industry. We explore how this sector can strive to break new ground? (00:54) ② China’s premier has held a phone call with his Australian counterpart, calling for expanding two-way trade. Is global turbulence prompting the two sides to further strengthen cooperation? (13:02) ③ The US and Iran have agreed to a provisional ceasefire, with Tehran saying it will reopen the Strait of Hormuz. What uncertainties are lying ahead? (24:57) ④ Initial public offerings on China’s A-share market surged 56% in the first quarter from a year earlier. What has driven this remarkable growth? (35:25) ⑤ For the first time in over five years, a business delegation from India has made a visit to China with an eye on EV cooperation. How could China help India become more competitive in emerging technology sectors? (46:18)

① Why is Iran rejecting a ceasefire and calling for a permanent end to its conflict with the US and Israel? (00:51) ② The White House has proposed boosting defense spending to $1.5 trillion in its 2027 budget, the largest such request in decades. What could be the consequences when the US federal government emphasizes military investments over domestic programs? (13:54) ③ How will China’s new guidelines on e-commerce help advance its real economy? (24:53) ④ Battery giant CATL is looking to bring its electric vehicle success to the high seas, developing battery-powered ships. How does the prospect of this direction look like? (35:01) ⑤ France has sold off its last remaining gold reserves held in New York, and all of its gold reserves are now in Paris. What has prompted its central bank to take this move? (45:12)

① China’s foreign minister has held a call with his Russian counterpart to discuss the Iran war. Can Beijing and Moscow jointly push for a ceasefire and renewed diplomacy? (00:54) ② China has surpassed the US by its largest margin in 20 years in a new Gallup global approval report. Is it surprising? (14:23) ③ China estimates over 840 million passenger trips during its three-day Qingming Festival holiday, up 6% from a year ago. What has driven the growth? (24:54) ④ Volodymyr Zelenskyy is on a Middle East tour. How does Ukraine hope to develop ties with the region amid its own conflict with Russia and the Iran war? (36:07) ⑤ Congo says it will receive some deportees from the US as part of a new deal. What’s controversial about the Trump administration’s third-country program? (45:16)

From RV camping and cruise tourism to low-altitude flights, many Chinese people are not just traveling, they are traveling differently. What is driving this change? Is it simply a rebound in consumer confidence, or does it point to a broader shift in how people choose to spend? And what could it mean for local economies and China’s long-term growth? Host Dou Hongyu is joined by Professor John Gong from the University of International Business and Economics, Assistant Professor of Economics Li Lun with the School of Economics at Peking University, and Mario Cavolo, Founder and CEO of M Communications Group, also a senior fellow at the Center for China & Globalization, to explore these questions.

①Trump addressing nation on Iran war: Is US really "winning big"? (00:45) ② Russia says Japan's missile deployment could be "more than tragic". How neighbors guard against a revival of militarism in Japan? (23:54) ③ China's high-tech industries record robust growth in Q1. What explains its economic resilience amid global uncertainty? (33:39) ④ 210 million worldwide learning Chinese as Education Ministry launches new global language center online. (44:40)

① China and Pakistan unveil joint peace proposal for the Gulf and Middle East. What role can China and Pakistan play? (00:54) ② European Parliament delegation visits China for the first time in eight years. Will this visit help EU lawmakers gain a more objective understanding of China? (21:58) ③ U.S. tech giants cut jobs while doubling down on massive AI investments. What does it mean for the future of jobs in the age of AI? (31:38) ④ World’s largest unmanned cargo drone completes maiden flight in China. How could this breakthrough reshape logistics, and what does it reveal about China’s position in next-generation aviation? (42:11)

① World Data Organization opens in Beijing. What’s next? (00:45) ② China launches countermeasures against Japanese lawmaker for undermining China's sovereignty. How far will Japan’s far-right go in undermining regional stability? (13:35) ③ OECD warns U.S. inflation could hit 4.2% this year. How might this reshape U.S. monetary policy and recession risks? (23:01) ④ Spain closes airspace to US warplanes. Does this reveal growing NATO divisions over U.S.-Israeli unilateral actions? (34:04) ⑤ World reacts to Israel passing death penalty law. Could the law escalate tensions and undermine prospects for peace? (42:27)

① Cheng Li-wun, leader of the Kuomingtang Party, will pay a visit to the Chinese mainland. What role can Taiwan’s main opposition party play in promoting the peaceful development of cross-Strait ties? (00:53) ② Can Pakistan and a few other nations push for a negotiated settlement between the US and Iran? (13:45) ③ Why have China’s industrial profits accelerated at the start of 2026? (25:00) ④ A new report has ranked China at the 9th in the world in innovation capability. We explore the specific fields where China is doing well and the areas where China is still playing catch-up. (34:29) ⑤ WTO members have concluded their meeting in Cameroon. How long will the US and Brazil be deadlocked over e-commerce duties? How does the prospect of broader WTO reforms look like? (44:03)

China's daily AI token calls, a key measure of how intensively AI is being used, have hit an unprecedented level. What's behind the surge? How is China weaving AI into the fabric of factories, hospitals, and even our homes? And as the country's economy goes "smart," what could that mean for the rest of the world? Host Dou Hongyu is joined by Li Lun, Assistant Professor of Economics at Peking University, Andy Mok, Professor at Beijing Foreign Studies University, and Liu Baocheng, Director of the Center for International Business Ethics at the University of International Business and Economics, to unpack the forces driving China's token boom and explore how AI is powering the rise of a new "smart economy."