Dialogue

EU leaders are meeting in Brussels for a two-day summit with trade imbalances, European competitiveness and economic security high on the agenda. China and the EU have recently stepped up dialogue to manage their differences. So is Europe moving toward greater protectionism? Can China and the EU find common ground without further escalating their trade disputes?

Amid rising geopolitical tensions, economic uncertainty and growing global divisions, the world faces mounting challenges to peace, cooperation and shared prosperity. As global power dynamics shift, how can countries manage strategic competition and prevent regional conflicts from escalating? What role can China play in shaping a more stable international order and addressing the challenges facing the Global South?

From solar panels and new energy vehicles to robots and artificial intelligence, China is expanding its lead across a growing range of advanced manufacturing sectors. In the 15th Five-Year Plan period, the focus is on making manufacturing smarter, greener and more integrated. There is also intensifying tech rivalry with the United States, EU anti-subsidy measures and the global retreat toward protectionism. What's driving China's manufacturing upgrade and what does it mean for the world? How can China's emerging industries weather these shocks and where do foreign investors fit into this upgrade?

The Chinese economy continued to improve in the third quarter, with new growth drivers gaining momentum. As China enters its 15th Five-Year Plan period, what are the core economic issues ahead? Where will new growth come from? How can economies manage differences and expand cooperation in a world of rising protectionism and supply chain uncertainty?

Beijing's Swift Response to Public Complaint System built around the 12345 citizen hotline offers a window into China's evolving approach to urban governance. It turns everyday public concern into action and puts citizens' needs at the center of government decision-making. Seven years on, what lessons can other cities learn from Beijing's experience? How can governments become more responsive and efficient? How can big data and AI help them identify and address problems before they escalate?