① President Xi Jinping has called for absorbing netizens’ opinions in formulating China’s next five-year plan. How does China integrate seeking advices from the public with its top-level decision-making process? (00:54)

② Several Chinese government bodies have held mid-year meetings to better support economic growth for the rest of the year. We explore their key messages. (13:02)

③ Japan has clinched a $6.5 billion deal to build Australia’s next-generation warships. With a military export ban no longer in place, is Japan moving further away from its postwar pacifism? (24:57)

④ Moscow says it is anticipating talks with US President Donald Trump’s special envoy Steve Witkoff later this week. We explore the ongoing bargain between Russia and the US over the Ukraine war. (34:27)

⑤ The global roller-coaster ride of Donald Trump’s tariffs has entered its latest phase. Is America really winning? (43:10)

Why public advices matter in formulating China’s next five-year plan