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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Softer rhetoric on China, but an intensified drive for economic and technological supremacy. A renewed Monroe Doctrine and a Western Hemisphere that tops America national priorities—is the 2025 U.S. National Security Strategy a real shift in American foreign policy, or just old wine in new bottles?
In this episode, we explore how America’s new National Security Strategy affects China-U.S. relations and what it means for Global South countries and the broader world order. Host Xu Yawen is joined by Zhao Hai, Director of International Political Studies at the National Institute for Global Strategy, Chinese Academy of Social Sciences; Wang Haolan, Research Assistant at the Asia Society Policy Institute’s Center for China Analysis; Clifford Kiracofe, Washington-based author and former Senior Professional Staff Member of the U.S. Senate Committee on Foreign Relations; and George Tzogopoulos, Director of EU-China Programmes and Senior Research Fellow at the European Institute of Nice.
① The U.S. Federal Reserve has cut interest rates for a third time this year, though the decision came with a divided vote. How should the Fed balance its goals of taming inflation and supporting employment? (00:57)
② Venezuela has condemned the latest US seizure of an oil tanker as a “grave international crime.” Why is Washington escalating pressure on Caracas? (14:37)
③ China has held its annual Central Economic Work Conference to set its economic priorities for 2026. We bring you a few quick takeaways from the meeting. (24:59)
④ A conversation with Rebecca Grynspan, Secretary-General of the UN Conference on Trade and Development, on how the Global South can turn trade into financial clout. (38:42)
⑤ Mexico has approved tariffs of up to 50% on countries that don’t have a free trade deal with it. What has prompted this move, especially while Mexico is negotiating with the U.S. over tariffs? (45:03)
① In a “1+10” dialogue with leaders of major international economic organizations, China’s premier stressed that openness and cooperation remain the most effective way to spur growth and drive innovation. What role is China playing in rejecting rising protectionism? (00:50)
② Iran and Saudi Arabia have reaffirmed their commitment to implementing a China-brokered deal to resume bilateral diplomatic ties. As the peace process for Gaza faces continued uncertainties, what’s the significance of this commitment for the Middle East? (15:18)
③ Volodymyr Zelenskyy says Ukraine will be ready to hold elections if the United States and Europe guarantee security for the vote. Is that feasible? (24:57)
④ We explore why China’s consumer inflation picked up while factory-gate deflation persisted in November. (33:04)
⑤ Australia has become the first nation to ban social media for kids. We explore the strong emotions that the move has stirred across the country. (43:43)
① China’s top leaders have highlighted eight areas of focus for the country’s economic work in 2026. How can China’s economy maintain stability while pursuing progress next year? (00:55)
② German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul has paid a visit to China. We explore how China and Germany can expand their trade partnership and how Germany should position itself on the Taiwan question. (12:51)
③ In the first 11 months of this year, China's exports increased by 6.2% from a year earlier. How has China managed to navigate the headwinds and uncertainties in global trade? (25:22)
④ What has reignited fighting between Thailand and Cambodia along their border? (36:18)
⑤ Why has Nigeria deployed fighter jets to neighboring Benin to thwart a coup attempt in the country? (46:15)
① Hong Kong has completed its election of the eighth-term Legislative Council. As the city is in a difficult period after a deadly apartment fire, what’s the significance of the election? (00:54)
② The Trump administration says it aims to prevent conflict with China over the Taiwan question in a new National Security Strategy document. Is this a sign that the current US administration is more realistic in its China policy? (14:43)
③ Why are Japan’s repeated moves to interfere with China’s naval exercises in the East China Sea dangerous? (24:49)
④ What has made the OECD raise its 2025 forecast for China’s economic growth? (35:47)
⑤ Why have downloads of Xiaohongshu surged in Taiwan after the island’s DPP authorities announced restriction of the social networking app? (46:17)
China and France have agreed to strengthen political trust, support each other on core interests and expand cooperation. French President Emmanuel Macron’s three-day visit to China has seen Beijing and Paris pledge to work towards greater cooperation in aerospace, aeronautics, nuclear energy, and emerging areas such as green industries and AI. China and France also pledged closer collaboration on global governance, upholding the UN-centered system and promoting a more equitable global order.
In this episode, we explore the dynamics of China-Europe cooperation and how the two sides should manage their ties. Host Ding Heng is joined by Professor Hans-peter Burghof, Chair of the Banking and Finance Department at the University of Hohenheim in Germany; 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.
① Xi, Macron meet and pledge cooperation on global crises and trade. How might this deepened China-France engagement influence broader China-EU relations and global multilateral coordination? (00:45)
② Japan drops out of the top 10 destinations for Chinese travelers after PM Takaichi’s radical moves. What does this “Takaichi Fallout” reveal about the economic costs of political missteps in Japan? (13:31)
③Putin visits India amid Ukraine peace push. What’s on the agenda? (26:28)
④ EU to launch antitrust probe into Meta over use of AI in WhatsApp. What impact will it have for tech companies? (35:57)
⑤ China Eastern launches world's longest flight route from Shanghai to Argentina. What does this milestone say about China-Latin America ties? (44:31)
① French President Emmanuel Macron is in Beijing with a large delegation of ministers and top executives: What opportunities are Paris and Beijing looking to unlock? (00:50)
② China and Russia have vowed to defend WWII outcomes and prevent a revival of fascism or Japanese militarism. What does this pledge signal about Japan’s rising militarist ambitions? (10:21)
③ Russia-U.S. talks on Ukraine end without a breakthrough: What’s blocking progress, and how could the deadlock shape the conflict? (24:28)
④ Chinese researchers lead in key scientific and tech breakthroughs: How can China and U.S. co-exist and collaborate to drive global science forward? (34:50)
⑤ UN warns AI could widen global inequality: What strategies are needed to prevent AI from deepening the gap? (44:51)
① Russia grants visa-free entry to Chinese citizens: What does this move reveal about the deepening China-Russia partnership? (00:45)
② Chinese envoy writes to the UN chief rejecting Japan’s erroneous claims on Taiwan: What does this reveal about the rising tendency of right-wing militarism in Japan? (12:31)
③ Chinese carmakers dominate São Paulo International Car Show: What does this signal about China-Brazil industrial cooperation? (23:52)
④ Does Canada’s entry into the EU defense fund indicate a strategic shift away from reliance on the United States? (35:25)
⑤ What does “Zootopia 2” breaking box office records in China reveal about the potential for US-China film industry cooperation? (45:24)
① Japan is ramping up military expenditure — how serious are the regional implications? (00:45)
② Russia-Ukraine “peace plan”: What’s the latest following Washington-Kyiv talks? (13:31)
③ China’s high-tech manufacturing sector reported strong profit growth from Jan–Oct — what’s driving this momentum? (26:28)
④ As tensions rise between the U.S. and Venezuela, is Washington’s posture — seen by Caracas as “colonialism” — pushing the conflict toward a military showdown? (35:57)
⑤ Airbus A320 software issue: How a ‘solar attack’ forced 6,000 planes to stay grounded? (44:31)
China’s space sector marked a landmark week—executing its first emergency crewed launch and unveiling plans for four deep-space science satellites—while its commercial space market soars toward 10 trillion yuan (about 1.4 trillion USD). What capabilities underpin this surge, and will AI-driven aerospace define the next phase of space competition?
Host Ge Anna is joined by Andy Mok, Professor at Beijing Foreign Studies University; Quentin Parker, Director of Laboratory for Space Research, University of Hong Kong;
Zhang Fan, Associate Professor of Astronomy Department of Beijing Normal University.
① We take a look at a new white paper on China’s arms control and how it tells us about China’s commitment to safeguarding world peace and security. (00:54)
② Japan’s Sanae Takaichi says that, under the so-called “San Francisco Peace Treaty”, Japan is not in a position to determine or recognize the legal status of Taiwan. Why is this remark erroneous? (15:22)
③ Donald Trump has signed an executive order launching a sweeping plan to supercharge America’s artificial intelligence development. We explore the ambitions and prospects of the plan. (25:47)
④ China has lodged protests with the US over its move that restricts visas for Central American officials with ties to Beijing. Should visas be turned into political leverage? (36:37)
⑤ Soldiers in Guinea-Bissau announce that they have seized power after a contested presidential election. What are the key factors behind the country’s long history of political turmoil? (46:53)
① Ahead of the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People, President Xi Jinping says China firmly supports the Palestinian people. How can the international society better deliver fairness and justice to the Palestinian people? (00:55)
② China has vowed to unite compatriots on both sides of the Taiwan Strait to oppose Taiwan independence activities. What is the danger when Taiwan independence forces are emboldened by Japan’s recent rhetoric and actions? (12:56)
③ China’s CATL has begun building the largest battery factory in Spain. Will this project achieve a multiple-win result for different parties involved? (24:45)
④ China’s ice and snow economy is likely to surpass 1 trillion yuan (about $140 billion) in 2025. What is driving the sector's growth boom? (33:43)
⑤ Argentina has unveiled a new migration office that features a police structure similar to the United States’ Border Patrol. Why is President Javier Milei moving to tighten rules on immigration? (44:14)
① President Xi Jinping has outlined China’s principled position on the Taiwan question in a telephone call with his US counterpart Donald Trump. Why is Taiwan’s return to China an integral part of the post-war international order? Why should China and the US jointly safeguard the victory of World War II? (00:52)
② We take a look at Shenzhou-22, China’s first emergency mission to its Tiangong space station. (24:59)
③ What has prompted Goldman Sachs to forecast that China’s economy will grow faster than expected in 2026? (34:19)
④ Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces have announced what appears to be unilateral humanitarian truce in the country’s civil war. Where is the conflict headed? (46:02)
① We explore the key proposals made by China at the G20 Summit in South Africa and how G20 could strengthen development empowerment for the Global South. (00:54)
② China says it will never permit external forces to meddle in the Taiwan region nor allow Japanese militarism to stage a comeback. Why does upholding the one-China principle and safeguarding the outcomes of World War II matter? (15:15)
③ The US and Ukraine promise to create a refined peace framework to end the conflict with Russia after an original US-backed plan faced criticism for being pro-Russian. How much progress can we expect in this regard? (25:19)
④ The US added 119,000 jobs in September in a report delayed by federal shutdown, but its unemployment rate rose. We look at the continued uncertainties facing the US economy. (34:16)
⑤ India has reopened tourist visa services for Chinese nationals across its embassies and consulates worldwide. How could this move help restore exchanges between the two countries? (44:24)
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)
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