World Today

①Can Norway and Finland's rare call with Putin build confidence for peace talks? (00:41) ②Former Gambian Foreign Minister highlights China-Gambia cooperation, calls for fairer global governance and closing digital divide. (14:14) ③Why do 82% of the world's shipbuilding orders go to China? (25:28) ④Canada, UAE sign FTA deal: How middle powers manage risks amid global uncertainty? (36:06) ⑤Can India fulfill its goal to have homegrown mobile brands by 2028? (46:31)

①Seeking dialogue amid trade tensions: What to expect from the German president's China visit. (00:43) ②Former UN official backs China's Global Governance Initiative, calls for a more cooperative multipolar world. (13:09) ③Mecca Pact countries and Iran meet in Tehran. How much diplomatic independence do Middle Eastern countries have amid pressure from major powers? (25:31) ④How Chinese AI models are dominating global usage rankings (37:34) ⑤Volkswagen begins Level 3 autonomous driving road tests in China. What does it mean for the German automaker? (48:11)

①How would US restrictions on outbound investment in China harm businesses? (00:41) ②Exploring China's revised administrative measures for outbound investment (14:21) ③An interview with a former EU official on global governance challenges and next-generation education (25:30) ④What's ahead for Lula in his new term as Brazil's president (37:07) ⑤A Japanese thriller puts Japan's wartime atrocities in Chinese hands. How dangerous is Japan's ideological offensive under the cover of pop culture? (45:49)

China has commemorated the 90th anniversary of the victory of the Long March. From 1934 to 1936, the Red Army led by the Communist Party of China broke through Kuomintang encirclement and marched across some of China's most challenging terrain on a route that covered over 12,000 kilometers. In the present day, China's younger generation is living in a different era, yet they have their own challenges to navigate. What inspirations can China's youth draw from the epic military campaign 90 years ago? Host Ding Heng is joined by Yang Sheng, social media influencer and former Chief Reporter of the Global Times; Han Hua, Co-founder and Secretary General of Beijing Club for International Dialogue; Peter Chang, former Deputy Director of Institute of China Studies, University of Malaya.

①How is the Long March 90 years ago relevant to China's "new Long March" today? (00:51) ②Takeaways from Chinese Premier's visits to Central Asia and Russia (13:13) ③How can the Global Governance Initiative help address the development challenges facing the Global South? Ahead of the Global Governance Forum, we put the question to Dr. Endalkachew Sime, former State Minister at Ethiopia's Ministry of Planning and Development. (25:20) ④What drives Türkiye, Qatar, Pakistan and Indonesia to sign a defense agreement? (35:10) ⑤Britain's public debt surpasses £3 trillion for the first time. What does it tell us about the state of the government's finances? (44:59)

①Exploring China's climate lessons for developing countries (00:42) ②One year in power: How has Sanae Takaichi's public support fallen to a record low? (13:34) ③What is driving more international tourists to China? (24:52) ④Uncovering the shifts in the EU's new Arctic strategy (34:51) ⑤Macron secures more diesel from Gulf countries. Can the deals ease pressure on his government? (43:34)

①Chinese FM's four takeaways from his Eurasia trip (00:45) ②US bans Chinese AI DeepSeek from government agency IT systems. Is security concern an excuse? (14:15) ③US inflation heats up again, putting the Federal Reserve in a difficult position. How concerning is this situation? (24:44) ④Iran's president meets Russian FM amid US strikes. How far can Moscow support Tehran? (34:42) ⑤South Korea renews push to reclaim wartime operational control from the US. How difficult will it be? (43:59)

①Exploring solutions to global financial challenges at major financial forums in Beijing and Shanghai (00:46) ②What is behind China's 4.6% GDP growth in the first three quarters? (11:48) ③What is the danger of rewriting Japan's wartime history? (25:04) ④Uncovering the root causes of massive protests across Europe (34:49) ⑤Vietnam and the European Free Trade Association sign free trade agreement. How does it differ from Vietnam's other trade deals? (44:50)

Seven years into the reform on "swift response to public complaints," how has Beijing changed the way public concerns reach the government and lead to action? How does the system turn problems into a form of oversight? And what lessons can other countries learn from its experience? Host Dou Hongyu is joined by Prof. Ma Liang with the School of Government, Peking University, Mario Cavolo, Founder & CEO of M Communications Group and Senior Fellow at the Center for China & Globalization, and Einar Tangen, Senior Fellow at the Center for International Governance Innovation, a Canadian Think Tank.

①China's Canton Fair is marking its 70th anniversary. We explore the role of the event in the building of an open world economy. (00:57) ②The Chinese mainland has condemned a so-called "Double Ten" speech made by Taiwan's Lai Ching-te. Why is the speech deceptive and two-faced? (15:51) ③Britain has rejected the EU's demand to raise tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles as a condition for closer ties with the bloc. What is London's consideration? (24:36) ④Why did inflation in the US accelerate in September despite the Federal Reserve's recent interest rate hike? (33:59) ⑤What has made the IMF raise its global growth forecast? (43:02)

①Meeting two African leaders in Beijing, Xi Jinping put forward several proposals for China-Africa mining cooperation and settling Africa's hotspot issues. How much do they matter for China-Africa ties? (00:54) ②Xi Jinping has called for efforts to secure decisive progress in the Healthy China Initiative over the next five years. How can China deliver higher-quality health services to its people? (15:35) ③China's consumer and producer price indexes rose at a faster pace in September. What do they tell us about the country's economic dynamics? (24:57) ④Shanghai has won the first World Intellectual Property Organization City of Innovation award, alongside Liverpool in Britain and Charleroi in Belgium. We explore the key factors that entitle Shanghai to the award. (35:17) ⑤Ethiopia's government forces have reportedly advanced to a town on the border with Eritrea. Is it possible to avert war between the two countries at this point? (44:59)

①China and Russia have vowed to expand maritime and Arctic cooperation. How can the two sides jointly develop Arctic shipping routes? (01:01) ②China's central bank has given its approval to Visa to make preparations for a locally registered bank card clearing organization. Why does this development matter? (15:01) ③China's semiconductor industry is witnessing surging orders, rising exports and growing demand from artificial intelligence. What's driving this momentum? (24:47) ④A new poll in Japan is pointing to growing public opposition to military intervention in a potential Taiwan Strait conflict. Will the Japanese government listen to the voices from its people? (35:44) ⑤What's behind South Korea's decision not to apply for CPTPP membership this year? (45:07)

①China has unveiled 19 key measures to accelerate the development of new quality productive forces. What do they tell us about China's vision for high-tech development? (00:56) ②China and the EU have held talks on hybrid and electric vehicle trade. What does the agreement reached during the talks mean to the two sides? (14:15) ③China's central bank says it remains committed to letting market forces play a decisive role in determining the renminbi exchange rate. We explore why China has no need to gain competitive advantages through currency devaluation. (24:55) ④Why is China justified to sanction two officials from Paraguay and Belize over their support for so-called diplomatic ties with the Taiwan region? (35:23) ⑤Yemen's Houthis have launched more strikes on Riyadh's international airport and energy facilities across Saudi Arabia. How far will the war escalate? (45:17)

Over the past month, the conflict in Yemen has dramatically escalated. Houthi forces have surged along Yemen's Red Sea coast and seized key islands in the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, prompting the Yemeni government to launch counteroffensives. The conflict has triggered everything from renewed Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia to the activation of a mutual defense pact between Turkiye, Saudi Arabia and Pakistan, alongside the maneuvering and compromises of major powers. Why did the fragile ceasefire collapse so completely? What must be the first step towards a peace that truly belongs to the Yemeni people? Host Ding Heng is joined by Adel Dashela, Researcher at the Sana'a Center for Strategic Studies and a non-resident fellow at the Finnish Institute in the Middle East; Greg Barton, Professor of Global Islamic Politics at Deakin University; Hussein Askary, Vice-President of the Belt and Road Institute in Sweden.

① The European Parliament takes a tougher line on China as the EU Trade Commissioner is set to visit Beijing. Can Europe really pressure China into making concessions? (00:48) ② A look into new tourism trends revealed during China's National Day holiday (13:28) ③ The US government proposes a $70,000 fee for international students seeking paid work experience in the country. Could it make US education less attractive? (25:12) ④ Why is growing demand for more education funding and better school conditions turning into a nationwide movement in France? (34:16) ⑤ Yemen's Houthi group launches attacks on Saudi Arabia while warning Türkiye and Pakistan not to get involved. Is this the first test for the Mecca Alliance? (43:15)

① China calls on France, Germany to uphold free trade after European countries propose new EU trade tool. How will trade defense tools backfire? (00:54) ② Three years into the Palestine-Israel conflict: What lessons for the world? (13:25) ③ How does China build a smarter, more efficient logistics network? (25:30)

① Beyond scenery and food: Why is China's long holiday drawing foreign tourists? (00:47) ② Pakistan and Türkiye agree to deploy forces in Saudi Arabia amid Yemeni threats. Can the Mecca Alliance deter Houthi attacks? (17:00) ③ China's urban underground pipeline network: Building smarter, safer cities (30:23)

① G20 members put forward different views on multiple trade issues set by the US presidency. Is G20 still able to manage economic disagreements? (00:49) ② US President Donald Trump names National Intelligence Chief Jay Clayton as the new AI czar. What does this tell us about how the US views AI? (14:29) ③ China's six networks strategy：What does China's next-generation telecom network mean for the future of connectivity? (25:30)

①Washington is calling on its European allies to release strategic diesel reserves to help the US address soaring diesel prices. How could Europe respond? (00:42) ②US President Donald Trump has announced a major South Korean investment package, but it has prompted Seoul to clarify that the deal is far from finalized. Will South Korea fulfill its investment commitment for the US? (11:36) ③China's Six Networks strategy: China is stepping up efforts to build a "new power grid". Its plans call for stronger electricity links between regions and upgrades to local networks. What could this investment mean for electricity bills, business decisions and the economic prospects of smaller cities? (25:00)

①2.1 billion trips, one holiday: a closer look at China's Golden Week economy. (00:37) ②China's central bank rolls out targeted financial support: What does it mean for the economy? (13:33) ③China's Six Networks strategy: China is building a major network of water infrastructure, from cross-regional water supply to flood control and inland waterways. What will China's water network change and why does it matter? (26:13)

①China has warned the EU against pursuing a reported Section 301-style trade tool targeting China. Is a China-EU trade war still preventable? (00:53) ②How provocative is a new Philippine maritime chart covering islands and reefs in China's Nansha Qundao? (15:36) ③China's Ministry of Science and Technology says the country has become one of the world's fastest-rising innovators. What's the secret behind China's advance? (24:33) ④The US has officially ended its military mission in Iraq. What could be its implication for the Middle East? (35:34) ⑤OpenAI has apologized for the hacking of an Australian government website by a rogue AI agent. What lessons can we learn from this incident? (44:39)

①Meeting president of the Japanese Association for the Promotion of International Trade, China's Wang Yi urged Japan to correct the erroneous words and deeds of its leaders on the Taiwan question. We explore why Japan needs to improve its relationship with China from its current low. (00:52) ②Why has the profit growth of China's high-tech manufacturing enterprises far outpaced its overall industrial profit rise so far this year? (15:45) ③EU foreign and defense ministers have met in Brussels to discuss military support for Ukraine and wider security issues. Why has the meeting failed to see major breakthroughs or agreements? (24:55) ④Israel's Benjamin Netanyahu has made a secret visit to the United Arab Emirates. What's at stake for the two sides? (34:08) ⑤The US has finalized sharply lower vehicle fuel economy standards. What could be its short-term effects and long-term impacts? (41:59)

① The Global Development Initiative is marking its 5th anniversary. What has it delivered to the world since its launch? (00:53) ② China and the US have reached positive consensus on multiple economic and trade issues during their latest round of consultations. How much space does it create to stabilize their trade ties? (12:42) ③ The Chinese Embassy in Manila has hit out at Gilberto Teodoro Jr. after the Philippine Defense Secretary attacked China at a forum. Is Teodoro trying to foster a culture of Sinophobia in the Philippines? (24:01) ④ Why have Swiss voters rejected a proposal to tighten neutrality rules? (31:47) ⑤ China has seen strong travel demand during its Mid-Autumn Festival holiday. We explore a broader shift taking shape in the country’s consumer economy. (41:31)

China and the United States have reached consensus on eight outcomes following a widely watched summit between Xi Jinping and Donald Trump in Washington. It touches on the key principles for a new vision for the bilateral relationship, mutual support in hosting international summits, Iran, trade consultation, AI dialogue, etc. What strategic guidance does the consensus provide for China-US ties? In what ways does it matter to the rest of the world? What is the key to implementing the consensus? Host Ding Heng is joined by Wang Haolan, Research Associate at Center for China Analysis, Asia Society Policy Institute; Professor Yao Shujie, Deputy Director of the Department of Social Sciences, Chongqing University.

President Xi Jinping's state visit to the United States has provided fresh guidance for bilateral ties. The Chinese leader says he and President Donald Trump have reached common understanding on many issues during their talks in Washington, adding both nations stand to gain from cooperation and lose from confrontation. How can China and the US translate their new vision of a "constructive China-US relationship of strategic stability" into action? Host Ding Heng is joined by Wang Haolan, Research Associate at Center for China Analysis, Asia Society Policy Institute; Dr. Shao Yuqun, Senior Fellow of the Center for American Studies, Shanghai Institutes for International Studies; Andy Mok, Author of the book "The Innovation Machine" and Professor with Beijing Foreign Studies University.

①Xi arrives in US to personal Trump welcome: China and the U.S. should be partners, not rivals. (00:53) ②We talk with four young people from China and the United States, exploring: Can a new generation build a healthier China-US relationship? (16:27) ③Takaichi provocatively challenges the UN Charter's "enemy state clauses". Is Japan edging back toward militarism? (26:10) ④China leads global tourism as both a source and destination. What's driving its growing role? (35:44) ⑤Italy is bringing nuclear power back after nearly four decades. What's behind the shift, and what does it mean for Europe's energy security? (45:29)

①Xi and Trump are set to meet again in Washington, less than six months after their last meeting in Beijing. What kind of China-U.S. relationship is taking shape? ②2026 World Manufacturing Convention opens in Anhui, China. How far has China's industrial upgrading come? ③U.S. and Iranian officials hold three-hour talks in New York. Is there a real opening for diplomacy? ④Washington, Tokyo and Seoul step up economic-security coordination. Cooperation or bloc politics?

①Chinese FM rejects protectionism and urges China and Germany to boost cooperation, uphold free trade.(00:48) ②Ambassador Fu Cong on President Xi's state visit to the United States, and where China-US relations stand.(14:05) ③China unveils a new five-year plan for agricultural and rural development. What does it mean for China’s food security?(24:47) ④Peruvian entrepreneur: Get involved, AI is a driver not the end.(35:40) ⑤Macron, Trump discuss Ukraine-Russia energy truce, while Russia and Ukraine continue to trade attacks. Where does the conflict go from here?(44:51)

①The annual China-ASEAN Expo highlights growing trade ties. How integrated are China-ASEAN industries? ②China sets a goal of becoming a global bio-medicine powerhouse by 2030. What does this mean for China's pharma sector? ③Malaysian government official: APEC's quick win is sharing best practices. ④German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has called his party's state election results a "disaster." Where is German politics heading? ⑤Tehran and Washington are sending mixed signals - fight or negotiate? What's behind the conflicting messages?

Hong Kong's first Five-Year Plan is here. But it has also prompted a very different narrative in some Western media coverage. Is it really a move toward a planned economy or "mainlandization"? Or does their portrayal miss what the plan is actually about? From governance and economic planning to innovation, housing and alignment with the National 15th Five-Year Plan, let's look beyond the narrative and examine what this plan really means for Hong Kong. Host Ge Anna is joined by Dr. Josef Mahoney, Professor of Politics and International Relations, East China Normal University; Dr. ZHOU Mi, Senior Research Fellow, Chinese Academy of International Trade and Economic Cooperation; ZHANG Chi, Senior Researcher, Centre on Contemporary China and the World, the University of Hong Kong.

①Iran's foreign minister has made a trip to Beijing. What support can China give for restarting negotiations over the Iran conflict? (00:55) ②The US Federal Reserve has raised interest rates for the first time in more than three years in a renewed fight against inflation. We explore the uncertainties on long-term US inflation. (15:27) ③How has the recent BRICS summit injected fresh momentum into Global South cooperation? (24:00) ④We talk to a senior APEC official on how APEC economies can support young entrepreneurs. (33:27) ⑤What is fundamentally causing the Middle East war to extend into Yemen? (43:10)

①Hong Kong has unveiled its first five-year plan for economic and social development. Why is planning important for the city? (00:54) ②China has opened a major new canal, giving its landlocked southwest a shortcut to the coast and overseas markets, especially those in Southeast Asian nations. How much economic boost will the canal bring about? (14:37) ③How should China and India recalibrate their ties following the meeting between Xi Jinping and Narendra Modi in New Delhi? (24:43) ④We explore China's efforts to turn the home into a new engine for consumer spending. (34:29) ⑤Argentina is stepping up its legal campaign against companies exploring for oil near the Malvinas Islands. Why has President Javier Milei resurrected Argentina's long-standing claim to the islands? (44:47)

①In a phone call with his French counterpart, China's foreign minister urged dialogue over China-EU trade friction. What could be the ultimate solution to the challenges in China-EU economic ties? (00:53) ②A recent essay published by a few US tech leaders called for slowing the pace of AI development and claimed that China's AI development poses a threat to US national security. What is wrong with this argument? (14:21) ③An analysis of China's economic performance in August. (24:51) ④Hundreds of global investors are gathering in Toronto for the Canada Investment Summit. What has prompted Mark Carney to move to attract more foreign investments to Canada? (35:37) ⑤How could climate change add to food price inflation? (47:07)

①In what ways has Xi Jinping's attendance of the BRICS summit in India helped charts course for greater BRICS cooperation? (00:56) ②A study by the German Economic Institute shows German companies increased investment in China by a third in the first half of 2026, while their investment in the US fell by nearly two-thirds. Is this part of a long-term trend for Germany's international economic engagement? (16:27) ③We explore why risks remain high for the global economy. (24:56) ④Can there be an associate EU membership for Canada? (35:41) ⑤The conflict in Yemen has intensified. What could be its implications? (44:54)

Chinese President Xi Jinping has attended the BRICS Summit and met with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi. Beyond the headlines, what bigger message is Xi sending to the world? For this BRICS special edition, host Ge Anna is joined by Dr. Josef Mahoney, Professor of Politics and International Relations at East China Normal University, and Dr. Yao Shujie, Cheung Kong Professor of Economics at Chongqing University.

China and India are two economic heavyweights of BRICS. One is the host of this year's BRICS Summit, while the other is set to take over the BRICS presidency next year. Over the past few years, the relationship between the two has been warming. How is the BRICS mechanism adding momentum to the further improvement of China-India ties? How can greater China-India cooperation benefit BRICS in return? Host Ding Heng is joined by Professor Madhav Das Nalapat, Director of Geopolitics and International Relations and UNESCO Peace Chair at Manipal University in India; Zhou Bo, Senior Fellow of the Center for International Security and Strategy at Tsinghua University; Peter Chang, Former Deputy Director of Institute of China Studies at University of Malaya.

①Global governance in a changing world: How can BRICS address the world's challenges? (00:42) ②What does China's services trade fair tell us about the value of openness as protectionism rises? (10:38) ③The health of the world's EV industry (25:07) ④Russia first puts "sovereign AI models" into law. What does it mean for Russia's AI capacity-building? (32:03) ⑤What does "pet-friendly campus" reveal China's pet consumption booms? (43:22)

①What's needed to restore China-UK relations to their "historic high?" (00:46) ②We explore how the expanded BRICS fosters economic growth of its members. (14:21) ③U.S. President Donald Trump wants a swift end to the war in Ukraine. How far away is a final peace deal? (25:12) ④How will China build the infrastructure of the future with its "six networks?" (34:29) ⑤China has the world's largest number of "top-100 innovation clusters." What's the key to its leading innovation capacity? (45:57)

①What to expect from a "next golden decade" for China-Qatar ties? (00:41) ②China says it supports Mexico in maintaining its independence and autonomy. How can the two countries minimize the impact of U.S. pressure? (13:15) ③We explore the factors driving China's foreign trade growth in the first eight months. (25:20) ④Canada's retaliatory tariffs on U.S. goods take effect. How is the spiraling tariff war hurting industries in both countries? (35:36) ⑤What do European countries worry about far-right Alternative for Germany's victory in the state election? (44:44)

①How will a major capital injection into financial institutions serve China's real economy? (00:43) ②Why is the world lining up to see China's factories? (15:13) ③U.S. envoys hope for a new round of Russia-Ukraine peace talks. What are the obstacles to getting them to the table? (27:51) ④The European Commission President's visit to Greenland amid Trump pressure: what signal is the EU sending? (36:52) ⑤Why does the world need a map that more accurately reflects the size of continents? (46:19)

Over the course of five days and four nights, President Xi Jinping took part in more than 20 activities - from bilateral meetings with Kyrgyzstan to the SCO Summit and then his state visit to Egypt. At a time when variables such as Washington's "America First" policy are adding to global uncertainty, what clear signals did this intensive diplomatic tour send? Host Ge Anna is joined by Dr. He Wenping, Senior Research Fellow at Chinese Academy of Social Sciences; Prof. Hi-sham Abu bakr Metwally Mohamed, First Economist Researcher at Egyptian Ministry of Foreign Trade and Industry; Dr. Mher Sahakyan, Director and Senior Researcher, "China-Eurasia" Council for Political and Strategic Research, Armenia.

①81 years after the victory of the World Anti-Fascist War, why do the "Enemy State Clauses" still matter? (00:44) ②The U.S. steps up pressure on Japan to strengthen the yen. How likely is a Bank of Japan rate hike this month? (15:19) ③German finance minister sees Iran war and U.S. tariffs as major source of uncertainty. Are U.S.-Europe divisions getting wider? (24:01) ④Glaciers are melting faster, raising disaster risks. What can we do to mitigate the risks? (35:19) ⑤Tech giants are urging the G20 to prioritize artificial intelligence. How can the G20 create more opportunities for entrepreneurs? (44:54)

①Chinese President Xi Jinping is on a state visit to Egypt. We explore what's next for bilateral ties. (00:42) ②A conversation with a Former Egyptian PM about how China-Egypt ties can inspire the Global South. (12:10) ③With road access to mudslide-hit border port restored in Xizang, what are the new chances in search and rescue work? (25:24) ④New poll shows Quad citizens question U.S. partnerships as views of China shift. (32:50) ⑤Bloodshed at an Iranian wedding: How to reduce civilian casualties amid U.S.-Iran conflict? (43:09)

①President Xi Jinping calls for efforts to support higher-quality SCO development. What is its evolving role in global governance? (00:44) ②The U.S. calls for G20 partners to consider more trade barriers on Beijing. How will it harm G20 mechanism? (12:42) ③We explore how China's semiconductor profits soar amid AI driven computing demand. (25:23) ④Russia's updated automotive strategy to produce 2.8 million cars a year by 2035: Can it become a major global player? (36:46) ⑤Why are young Koreans more interested in marriage than young Japanese? (43:36)

①China and Kyrgyzstan sign a treaty on permanent good-neighborliness, friendship and cooperation. What does it mean for bilateral ties? (00:46) ②How is China-Kyrgyzstan cooperation reshaping lives and connecting Central Asia? (12:51) ③Rescue efforts intensify after a devastating mudslide hit the border port of Gyirong in southwest China. What lessons does the disaster offer humans? (25:31) ④Key takeaways from Chairman Kevin Warsh's Jackson Hole speech (35:26) ⑤What is the danger of hyping up the Taiwan-related issues for Pacific island countries? (46:11)