The Hub with Wang Guan

The eight-day National Day and Mid-Autumn Festival holiday has just wrapped up after an extended break that energized the nation with hundreds of millions of trips, bustling scenic spots, and booming consumption across China. As people head back to work on this first workday after the long break, we take a closer look at what this holiday reveals about China's economic vitality. From record tourism revenue to surging spending in retail, dining, and entertainment, what do the numbers tell us about China's current growth momentum and consumer confidence? What challenges and opportunities lie ahead for the world's second-largest economy as it enters the final quarter of the year?

Starting October 1, China will implement its revised regulations on the entry and exit of foreigners. Among the highlights is a newly introduced K visa, designed specifically for young tech talents from around the world. This policy has drawn wide attention in the international community. How should we understand this move in light of China's development needs? How might it inject fresh vitality into its economy, advance further opening-up, and strengthen the country's influence on the global stage?

This year marks the 70th anniversary of the founding of the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. Over the past seven decades, Xinjiang has grown from a remote frontier to a vibrant region with modern cities, thriving industries, and improved living standards for 26 million residents representing dozens of ethnic groups. The region has made historic progress in poverty alleviation, education, and healthcare -- achievements that have transformed everyday life. It is also emerging as a pioneer in clean energy, generating a significant share of China's wind and solar power, and serving as a crucial bridge for the country's westward opening-up and international connectivity.

This year marks the 80th anniversary of the United Nations and the 80th session of the UN General Assembly -- a time to reflect on eight decades of peace, development, and human rights. Yet the world also faces urgent challenges, especially climate change, which calls for stronger global cooperation. At this crossroads, Chinese President Xi Jinping has put forward the Global Governance Initiative, or GGI, urging countries to work together for a fairer and more equitable global governance system. How can the GGI best align with the UN Sustainable Development Goals, and what added value can it bring to global climate action and today's international efforts?

Sports have long been a powerful bond connecting people across cultures and continents. Recently, a group of Latin American guests gathered in Beijing for an exploration ranging from sports exchange to economic growth.

Chinese President Xi Jinping delivered an important address at the BRICS Leaders' Meeting via video link, where leaders held in-depth discussions on a wide range of global challenges, ranging from economic governance to international security and sustainable development. These talks come at a time of heightened geopolitical tensions and deep economic uncertainties. What messages does the summit send to the international community? How is BRICS reshaping its role in global governance, and what path might this grouping pursue in the years ahead?

The message from the September 3 parade at Tian'anmen Square in Beijing is clear: China has a military that is modernizing fast and stands firm against bullying. It has the full capability to defend itself should there be an adversary. Another key message conveyed is that China is a force for peace, development, and global solidarity. It is willing to lead those who are committed to building this Community of Shared Future for Humanity, where there's common development, collective empathy, and a shared love for peace.

This week, China hosted the largest-ever Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit in the city of Tianjin. At the Summit, President Xi Jinping proposed the Global Governance Initiative. As this week marks the 80th anniversary of victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War, SCO leaders also issued a statement to honor that occasion: Never forget the lessons of WWII.

Over the 24 years since its founding, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization has steadily grown under the strategic leadership of its member states, broadening cooperation and increasing its influence on the global stage. With the SCO Summit in the coastal city of Tianjin coming up from August 31 to September 1, what role will the "Shanghai Spirit" play in building trust and cooperation among its members? In this complex international environment, how can SCO members achieve security and development together?

In this special edition of The Hub, CGTN host Wang Guan talked with ambassadors, culture figures and witnesses of China-Pakistan relations at a panel discussion co-hosted by CGTN and the Embassy of Pakistan in China. How has the relationship between China and Pakistan stayed so strong and resilient over the years and decades?