Yang Xi Yu, a Senior research fellow specializing in China-Japan relations, and Wang Jin, an associate professor with insights into Lebanon's politics, discuss significant geopolitical developments. They examine how the ruling parties of China and Japan are committing to ongoing dialogue amid tensions. The conversation shifts to China's auto industry, celebrating a record-breaking year with production and sales surpassing 31 million units, highlighting the rise of new energy vehicles. Lastly, they explore Lebanon's political changes with the election of President Joseph Aoun and Prime Minister Nawaf Salam.
China and Japan's ruling parties are committed to enhancing mutual trust through dialogue to manage historical tensions diplomatically.
In 2024, China's auto industry achieved production and sales milestones exceeding 31 million units, highlighting the dominance in new energy vehicles.
Deep dives
China-Japan Ruling Parties Collaboration
China and Japan's ruling parties have committed to maintaining dialogue and communication despite challenges in their bilateral relations. During a significant meeting in Beijing, representatives of the Communist Party of China and Japan's Liberal Democratic Party and Comito Party discussed enhancing mutual trust and expanding cultural exchanges. This gathering followed a lengthy hiatus of over six years, marking a renewed effort to address historical tensions and stabilize their diplomatic interactions. Both parties emphasized their intent to adhere to established political principles and work towards improving cooperation across various sectors.
Milestone Achievements in China’s Auto Industry
China's auto sector reached remarkable milestones in 2024, with production and sales each surpassing 31 million units, including a notable rise in new energy vehicles (NEVs). The country has firmly established itself as the world leader in NEVs for a decade, with over 12 million units produced and sold in the past year alone. This growth is attributed to a well-developed industrial chain and the Chinese government's long-standing commitment to promoting electric vehicles since the late 1990s. The shift in consumer preferences towards NEVs signifies the changing dynamics of the automobile market in China, where the technology and user experience are increasingly prioritized.
Political Turmoil in South Korea
South Korea is experiencing a significant political crisis following the arrest of President Yong So-Yu, marking the first instance of a sitting president being detained in the country. The anti-corruption agency's execution of an arrest warrant comes amid allegations of insurrection and abuse of power against Yong, further complicating South Korea's political landscape. His previous attempts to resist arrest highlight the intense political divisions within the government and society. The current situation poses both challenges and opportunities for national stability, as the outcome of this investigation and any subsequent hearings will be pivotal for South Korea's political future.
Lebanon's New Presidential Leadership
Lebanon has elected Army Chief Joseph Onn as its president, a historic shift given the two-year vacancy of the presidential office, which reflects changing dynamics among the nation's sectarian factions. Onn's election is seen as a response to the need for stability and order amid Lebanon's economic and political challenges. In his inaugural address, he pledged to rebuild the country, indicating a focus on restoring confidence and addressing deep-seated divisions among various groups. However, securing political stability will be a formidable task, given the existing challenges posed by internal discord and external pressures.
①The ruling parties of China and Japan have agreed to maintain close dialogue and communication no matter what situation the countries face. What are the details? (00:50) ②China's auto sector hit a new milestone in 2024, with production and sales each exceeding 31 million units. How can we assess the overall performance of the sector? (13:45) ③South Korea's anti-corruption agency has arrested President Yoon Suk-yeol.(25:30) ④Lebanon's newly elected President, Army Chief Joseph Aoun, has appointed Nawaf Salam as prime minister and tasked him with forming a government. (36:00) ⑤U.S. President-elect Donald Trump said he wanted to create an "External Revenue Service" to collect tariffs and other revenue from foreign countries.(45:30)
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