From feeling no regret for wartime atrocities to nuclear rhetoric and military expansion, how far will Japan’s prime minister push a bellicist mindset—and who will bear the consequences? Host Ge Anna is joined by Sultan Hali, a retired Air Force officer and author in Pakistan; Liu Kuangyu, a researcher at the Institute of Taiwan Studies, Chinese Academy of Social Sciences; and Josef Mahoney, a professor of politics and international relations at East China Normal University.
① China is urging the US to immediately stop arming Taiwan after Washington approved the sale of $11 billion of weapons to the island. What does the weapons package reveal about Washington’s mindset on Taiwan-related issues? (00:55) ② The US has imposed a visa ban on five European individuals who have been at the heart of a campaign to introduce laws regulating American tech companies. What does it tell us about the cultural and political clash between the US and Europe? (14:48) ③ Ukraine has unveiled the key points of a draft US-backed proposal aimed at resolving its war with Russia. Is the proposal likely to be accepted by Moscow? (24:50) ④ A conversation with Grzegorz Kołodko, a former deputy prime minister of Poland. (35:04) ⑤ A report shows that China’s Gen Zs are pursuing a free, sincere and interesting life in their own way. We take a look at some of its interesting findings. (43:07)
① China has condemned the US action to add all foreign-made drones and key components to a list of untrusted suppliers. Can protectionism help the US boost its own drone technologies’ competitiveness? (00:56) ② Japan is preparing to restart a major nuclear power plant that has been closed since the 2011 Fukushima nuclear disaster. We take a look at the safety concerns raised by this move. (13:56) ③ Israel’s defense minister is engulfed in controversy after saying Israel will never fully withdraw from Gaza. What could be the consequences of a scenario like that? (24:34) ④ European countries are voicing strong support for Denmark and Greenland in the wake of renewed threat from Donald Trump to take over the autonomous territory. Why is Europe firmly rejecting any suggestion of selling the island? (33:04) ⑤ Humanoid robots have begun working at scale on CATL’s factory floors. We explore how China’s EV battery giants are taking automation to the next level. (42:21)
① The yearly transaction volume in China’s A-share market has exceeded 400 trillion yuan ($56.9 trillion) for the first time in 2025. We explore the factors that have contributed to this milestone. (00:52) ② What has prompted China to impose temporary anti-subsidy measures on certain dairy products imported from the European Union? (12:35) ③ Donald Trump has issued a new warning to his Venezuelan counterpart, saying it would be smart for Nicolas Maduro to leave power. What could be the ultimate goal of Washington’s pressure campaign against Caracas? (25:07) ④ We take a look at the perceived divergences between the recently unveiled U.S. National Defense Authorization Act and the U.S. National Security Strategy. (34:44) ⑤ China has begun reviewing a draft law on Antarctic activities and environmental protection. How would the proposed legislation regulate Antarctic activities that China is involved in? (45:39)
① Southeast Asian foreign ministers have gathered in Malaysia for a special meeting to discuss the border conflict between Thailand and Cambodia. What steps can be taken to de-escalate tensions and end the fighting? (00:58) ② China has issued a serious warning to Japan over a senior Japanese official’s remarks that Japan should have nuclear weapons. We explore why Japan should not be allowed to obtain nuclear weapons. (13:13) ③ EU leaders have struck a deal to loan 90 billion euros to Ukraine, but failed to agree on using frozen Russian assets. What’s the calculation of the bloc? (25:07) ④ China has released a new batch of public data application models to accelerate the use of government data in key sectors. How will this initiative improve digital governance in the country? (33:14) ⑤ A new generation of Chinese beverage brands is tapping into the US market. Do they stand a chance to succeed? (43:46)
① Hainan Free Trade Port begins special customs operations. What does this signal for China’s further opening-up? (00:48) ② Russia vows peaceful solutions while asserting military initiative in Ukraine—what does this mean for the prospects of peace talks? (24:40) ③ The unemployment rate in the U.S. rose in November to a four-year high—what does this reveal about the economic struggles behind everyday Americans’ livelihoods? (36:27) ④ CATL discusses Chinese battery innovation—how will it reshape the future of energy and mobility? (45:08)
① Jimmy Lai convicted—would Western states tolerate similar crimes to their own political systems? (00:45) ② From cold resources to hot growth—how did China build a booming ice-and-snow economy? (14:55) ③ Ghana’s president: China is a true friend of Africa. (24:33) ④ Washington orders blockade of sanctioned oil tankers entering and leaving Venezuela—what is it aiming for? (34:16) ⑤ Arctic sees warmest year on record since 1900: report. (42:57)
① Saudi Arabia strongly reaffirms the one-China principle during Wang Yi’s Middle East visit. What message does it send? (00:45) ② China denounces Japan for hyping up its regular military training. What’s behind Tokyo’s provocation? (11:55) ③ IMF official on China’s economic outlook: what forces will shape the country’s future? (27:05) ④ Far-right candidate Kast wins Chile’s presidential election. What does it mean for the country and the region? (36:41) ⑤ China grants the first Level 3 autonomous driving vehicle permits. What's next? (45:08)
① Chinese economy keeps steady growth momentum in November — What does this indicate about the trajectory set out by the Central Economic Work Conference? (00:44) ② Newly declassified archives add evidence to Japan's wartime crimes against China — How do these records, showing Unit 731’s systematic, state-organized crimes, reshape Japan’s historical accountability? (12:12) ③ Australian PM flags stricter gun laws after Bondi Beach shooting — Will proposed reforms close existing loopholes? (30:27) ④ Zelenskyy offers to drop NATO bid for security guarantees but rejects US push to cede territory — What does this mean for the prospects of a negotiated settlement? (42:59) ⑤ Climate pressure on food: a growing global emergency — How urgent is the threat to global food security, and what strategies can governments and international bodies realistically implement to mitigate it? (51:04)
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.