World Today
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With in-depth panel discussions on domestic and global news and current affairs, World Today gives you the story behind the headlines.
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UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer is the latest leader of a US ally to visit China in pursuit of renewed ties. He says it is vital to build a more sophisticated relationship with China. Apart from Starmer, China has hosted leaders of South Korea, Canada, Finland, and Ireland since the start of 2026. All these countries have been hit by Washington’s so-called reciprocal trade tariffs over the past year, and a few have found themselves at odds with US President Donald Trump over his desire to take control of Greenland.
Why are some of Washington’s closest allies looking to China for reliable relations? Host Ding Heng is joined by Muhammad Ali Nasir, Professor of Economics at the University of Leeds in Britain; Liang Linlin, Director of Communication and Research with China Chamber of Commerce to the European Union; Professor Cui Hongjian from Beijing Foreign Studies University’s Academy of Regional and Global Governance.
① President Xi meets with British PM Starmer: What signals does it send for China-UK ties? (00:47)
② China's expanding trillion-yuan GDP club highlights economic resilience: expert. (17:07)
③ Iran rejects Washington’s threats, saying it is ready to respond to any US attack. What comes next for regional stability? (27:33)
④ US consumer confidence drops to lowest level since 2014. What’s weighing on the U.S. economy? (36:58)
⑤ Canadian business leader: New China-Canada deal to fuel EV and farm growth. (46:04)
① UK PM leads major business delegation to China. how vital is China for Britain’s economy? (00:47)
② Chinese EV makers set sights on UK market as Beijing and London move to strengthen economic ties. How can Chinese NEVs seize growth opportunities in the UK? (15:33)
③ China urges Japan to correct fallacies in Takaichi’s remarks on Taiwan. How might Japan’s repeated provocative statements affect regional stability and Tokyo’s strategic calculations? (25:00)
④ China's retail sales hit 50-trillion-yuan (about $7.2 trillion) mark. What sectors are driving this unprecedented consumption growth? (33:27)
⑤ India, EU sign several pacts after 20 years. How will this landmark deal influence U.S. leverage over its traditional partners? (44:07)
① Xi calls on China and Finland to deepen cooperation across sectors. Where can China–Finland collaboration create the most impact for businesses and communities? (00:50)
② China leads in AI patents as IP-intensive industries grow. What does this mean for China’s tech competitiveness? (12:41)
③ US exit from key UN climate treaty draws UN criticism. Where will this hurt America most economically and strategically? (24:40)
④ U.S. immigration policy faces backlash after fatal shooting of another citizen. Where is enforcement turning into violence on American streets? (34:37)
⑤ Chinese university opens School of Space Exploration to train future talent. How might it power China’s next leap in deep space? (44:52)
① Finland seeks closer business ties with China through PM’s visit. How could this reshape Finland’s role in EU-Asia trade? (00:46)
② Beijing’s commercial space expo highlights rapid growth in industry. What new opportunities does China’s space boom create? (12:16)
③ US defense plan focuses on homeland, limits help to allies. What's behind the recent shift in US defence strategy? (24:59)
④ Russia, Ukraine, and US peace talks conclude without a deal. Does this signal a prolonged stalemate? (33:59)
⑤ France to ban social media for children under 15 by September. Can it curb online risks for minors? (43:15)
This year’s World Economic Forum in Davos unfolds against what an official release describes as the most complex geopolitical environment in decades. As 2026 begins under growing strain, what economic risks lie ahead—and what constructive role can China play?
Host Ge Anna is joined by Yan Liang, Professor of Economics, Willamette University; Peter Chang, Former Deputy Director, Institute of China Studies, University of Malaya; and Li Lun, Assistant Professor of Economics at Peking University.
① We take a look at the progress made in China’s agricultural modernization and rural revitalization in 2025. (00:54)
② The US withdrawal from the World Health Organization has taken effect. How could it affect global health governance? (14:12)
③ Against the backdrop of US pressure over Greenland, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen says the EU is at a crossroads towards more independence. How determined is Europe? (24:55)
④ Japan has halted the restart of the world’s largest nuclear power plant after safety alarms were triggered. We explore the restart’s potential risks. (34:42)
⑤ The British government has approved China’s plan for constructing a new embassy in London. The plan had stalled for years due to a so-called security concern. Why is the concern illegitimate? (45:18)
① China’s vice premier has delivered a message of free trade, multilateralism, cooperation and dialogue at the World Economic Forum. We explore China’s determination to be a stabilizing force amid global turbulence. (00:56)
② China’s R&D spending intensity surpassed OECD economies for the first time in 2025. What does it tell about China’s economic transformation? (13:56)
③ EU lawmakers have reportedly agreed to hold off on ratifying a key trade deal with the US following President Donald Trump’s tariff threats over Greenland. What is the EU’s message to the White House? (24:56)
④ US and Russian officials have held what they call constructive closed-door talks on the Ukraine conflict at the World Economic Forum. Is it time for optimism about the peace process? (33:58)
⑤ At the U23 Asian Cup, China has entered the final for the first time. Does it provide any guiding spirit for China’s future football development? (44:09)
① China has unveiled a special guarantee program to support private investment, and a new plan is underway to spur consumption. We look at China’s strategy of focusing on targeted support for specific areas to bolster its economy. (00:51)
② Why is China being widely discussed as a stabilizer for global growth and a key driver of future innovation at this year’s Davos Forum? (13:33)
③ Germany has reintroduced electric vehicle subsidies in efforts to accelerate the transition to less polluting cars. Will it work? (24:59)
④ Japan’s prime minister has called a snap election three months after she took office. Can she reverse her party’s recent run of poor election results? (34:27)
⑤ What has enabled Chinese universities to overtake Harvard to top a major global research output ranking? (43:14)
① China’s economy grew by 5% last year, meeting the country’s target. We explore a series of factors underpinning China’s growth in 2025. (00:51)
② China’s Shenzhou-20 spacecraft has returned to Earth after spending nine months in orbit. We look at how its experience raises concerns about the danger to space travel posed by space debris? (13:38)
③ Will the US tariff threats over Greenland risk a dangerous downward spiral in transatlantic ties? (24:52)
④ The Pentagon has reportedly placed some 1,500 active-duty soldiers on standby for possible deployment to Minnesota, as protests continue against raids carried out by ICE officials. How far can President Trump push the boundaries of his power in Minnesota? (34:57)
⑤ The Syrian government has announced a ceasefire with the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces. Will it pave the way for renewed dialogue and cooperation towards a unified Syria? (45:49)
US President Donald Trump and his administration appear to be insistent on taking control of Greenland – by force if necessary. Following a recent meeting between senior Trump administration officials and Denmark’s foreign minister, Copenhagen said a fundamental disagreement over the autonomous Danish territory remains.
Is the US threat to annex Greenland generating yet another crisis in transatlantic relations? How can Europe defend Greenland from possible US moves? Host Ding Heng is joined by Timo Kivimaki, Professor of International Relations at the University of Bath; George Tzogopoulos, Senior Research Fellow at CIFE, a France-based research organization; Jin Ling, Director of the Department for European Studies, China Institute of International Studies.
① China–Canada ties: Beyond bilateral relations. What strategic implications do strengthened China–Canada relations have for the wider Pacific region? (00:45)
② China has unveiled national plan to boost green consumption. How might this plan reshape domestic markets and create new opportunities for both local and international businesses? (13:31)
③ Global survey: Majorities expect China's influence to grow over next decade. Which aspects of China's engagement appear more aligned with the needs of the international community? (26:28)
④ Japan's PM to detail snap election plans. Having been in office for less than three months, why is Takaichi moving so urgently to dissolve the lower house? (35:57)
⑤ U.S. freezes immigrant visa processing from 75 countries. What's next? (44:31)
① Canada PM’s China trip: What’s next for bilateral relations? (00:46)
② China's foreign trade is up 3.8% in 2025 with more diverse partners. What does this say about China’s economy amid global uncertainties? (12:30)
③ South Korean President Lee Jae Myung wraps up his two-day visit to Japan, and urges closer trilateral ties with Japan and China. (24:31)
④ Facing a more coercive United States on Greenland, what options do European countries really have? Is NATO still relevant? (34:59)
⑤ China installs world's first 20-megawatt offshore wind turbine. How will this tech milestone accelerate China’s green transition? (44:58)
① Xi calls for sustained anti-corruption drive. How does deepening institutional oversight underpin China’s long-term governance and development goals? (00:49)
② China–EU agree on EV price undertakings. How can dialogue-based solutions ease trade frictions and stabilize the global auto supply chain? (11:06)
③ China tightens rules on government investment funds. How will stronger evaluation mechanisms improve capital efficiency and guide social investment toward national priorities? (24:18)
④ Turkey seeks to join Saudi–Pakistan defense pact. As U.S. intervention in Venezuela fuels global security anxiety, is Ankara hedging beyond NATO? (34:44)
⑤ X’s AI chatbot Grok blocked in Southeast Asia, UK probes platform. Is the world nearing a turning point in AI content regulation and platform accountability? (46:09)
① Chinese Foreign Minister 2026 Africa Tour. At a time when hegemonism is once again on the rise, how can China–Africa cooperation help safeguard the voice of development in global affairs? (00:46)
② Expert insight: China’s CPI rebound points to a potential structural shift. (13:11)
③ Can Iran stabilize its economy amid U.S. and external interference? (34:47)
④ EU, South America reach trade deal after 25 years of talks. What’s at stake? (35:57)
⑤ U.S. Fed chair Powell under investigation: How political is the case? (44:21)
The U.S. forcible seizure of Venezuela’s President Maduro has sent shockwaves across the world. Is this abuse of unilateral power becoming a go-to tool for the United States? Are we witnessing the return of a “might makes right” logic in international affairs? And what kind of world order may emerge from this?
Host Ge Anna is joined by Anna Rosario Malindog-Uy, Director and Vice President for External Affairs, Asian Century Philippines Strategic Studies Institute; Cao Ting, Director of the Center for Latin American Studies of Fudan University; and Josef Mahoney, Professor of Politics and International Relations at East China Normal University.
① China’s public security minister and Pakistan’s interior minister have met in Beijing, vowing to intensify cooperation in fighting terrorism. We explore how efforts in this regard could lead to better development of the China Pakistan Economic Corridor. (00:51)
② The EU has launched its carbon border tax despite opposition from major trading partners. Is this policy protectionism cloaked in environmental rhetoric? (15:38)
③ The Trump administration has announced US withdrawal from dozens of international organizations. What could be the consequences when the US further retreats from global cooperation? (24:53)
④ As more and more international patients take medical trips to China, will the country become a global hub for medical tourism? (35:36)
⑤ What is causing the escalation of clashes between government forces and Kurdish fighters in Syria’s Aleppo? (44:41)
① China’s foreign minister has embarked on a trip to four countries in Africa, continuing with a 36-year diplomatic tradition. Will China-Africa ties remain steadfast despite global turbulences? (00:53)
② China has strengthened its export control on dual-use items to Japan. Why is Beijing justified to take this move? (15:28)
③ European allies have agreed to key security provisions for Ukraine. We explore how security guarantees for Ukraine might look like. (24:50)
④ Precious metals are trading near their record highs. We look at how geopolitical flashpoints including tensions over the US seizure of Venezuela’s president are fueling the demand for safe-haven assets. (35:37)
⑤ Why are Chinese tech firms drawing crowds at the annual Consumer Electronics Show? (43:57)
① South Korean President Lee Jae Myung continues with his visit to China. How can China and South Korea strengthen cooperation while jointly defending results of the victory in World War II? (00:57)
② Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro has pleaded not guilty to all drug-related charges during his first court appearance in New York. We explore the legal issues that could arise in this case, including those concerning the legality of his forcible seizure. (14:23)
③ Donald Trump has set sights on Greenland after the US attack on Venezuela. Should Denmark be worried about any US move targeting the self-governing territory? (24:50)
④ Why has Eurasia Group, a well-known political risk consultancy, named the US political revolution as the world’s top risk in 2026? (35:25)
⑤ According to new official figures, China’s low-altitude equipment sector has grown fast over the past five years. We explore the factors behind its growth. (42:23)
① President Xi Jinping has held talks with his visiting South Korean counterpart Lee Jae Myung in Beijing. Are China-South Korea ties entering a phase of gradual recovery? (00:51)
② Irish Prime Minister Michael Martin is on a visit to China. How can Ireland strengthen cooperation with Beijing and advance China-EU ties? (14:23)
③ Will Donald Trump order a second US military strike on Venezuela? (24:31)
④ What has enabled China to kick off 2026 with a strong surge in travel and tourism? (33:42)
⑤ Why are Saudi-backed government forces clashing with UAE-backed fighters in Yemen’s civil conflict? (44:11)
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