
The Hub with Wang Guan
The Hub covers hot-button geopolitical and economic issues, as well as interesting stories and trends in culture, education, technology and lifestyle. It aims to connect people, cultures and societies across the East and the West.
Latest episodes

Mar 6, 2025 • 27min
Chinese high-quality modernization
China is accelerating its efforts in high-quality development, technological innovation, and industrial upgrading. A key highlight from this year's Government Work Report is the push for embodied AI - an emerging field that fuses artificial intelligence with robotics, reshaping industries from manufacturing to healthcare. With intensifying global competition in science and technology, how does China position itself at the forefront of innovation? What message is the report sending to businesses and consumers?

Mar 4, 2025 • 27min
Trump's tariffs onslaught
U.S. President Donald Trump has rolled out a series of decisions and executive orders, with a big focus on tariffs. One change flying under the radar is the tweak to the de minimis exemption, a rule that dates back to the 1930s. While it might not grab headlines, it's sparking concerns across industries about its potential ripple effects on global trade. What does this shift mean for businesses and consumers? How will supply chains adjust in response? How do we keep fair and free trade alive amid these challenges?

Feb 27, 2025 • 27min
Russia-Ukraine conflict: Russian, U.S. delegations meet in Istanbul
As the Russia-Ukraine conflict enters its fourth year, U.S. and Russian officials are having their second round of talks following the first round in Riyadh on February 18. Meanwhile, Washington and Kyiv are getting closer to a deal over rare earth resources. President Zelenskyy will go to White House to potentially sign the deal and meet with President Donald Trump. Is Trump trying to "pull a Nixon" in reverse with Russia? How is China navigating its push for a political solution to the Ukraine crisis?

Feb 25, 2025 • 27min
China's agriculture and new farmers
China has unveiled its No.1 Central Document for 2025. As the first policy statement from the central authorities this year, it outlines priorities in the country's agriculture and rural development. It's about further strengthening the supply of key agricultural produce to safeguard grain security, preventing large-scale re-emergence of extreme poverty and supporting the development of smart agriculture. What's the current state of China's agriculture? What new trends have emerged?

Feb 20, 2025 • 27min
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi chairs UN debate
On Tuesday, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi delivered a major speech at the United Nations Security Council, urging stronger commitment to multilateralism and the reform of global governance. He also reaffirmed China's dedication to supporting peace efforts in Ukraine and the Middle East, calling for renewed focus on diplomatic solutions. How will the world respond to China's call for a more inclusive and equitable global system? What does this mean for the future of international cooperation, particularly in these uncertain times?

Feb 18, 2025 • 27min
Symposium on private sector
On February 17th, Chinese President Xi Jinping chaired a key meeting with China's leading private entrepreneurs. President Xi said the private sector will remain a cornerstone of China's economic growth and innovation, and pledged unwavering support for the private sector. Will this meeting be a shot in the arm for the Chinese economy? And how will China's private enterprises navigate the current challenges?

Feb 13, 2025 • 27min
U.S. tariff hike: Business and consumer impact
In a recent move, U.S. President Donald Trump has once again brandished the tariff stick. The White House has reinstated the full 25% tariff on steel imports and increased levies on aluminum imports to 25%. How have top U.S. businesses reacted to this move? How will consumers and the business community at large be impacted, and who will really foot the bill?

Feb 11, 2025 • 27min
DeepSeek shakes the world
As DeepSeek makes waves on the global stage, showcasing China's rising prominence in the AI race, we take a look at how powerful DeepSeek is, and how we can ensure that AI technology benefits a broader global community.

Feb 6, 2025 • 27min
Roundtable discussion on 2025 Asian Winter Games
Ahead of the 9th edition of the Asian Winter Games, to be held in northeastern China's Harbin City in Heilongjiang Province from Feb. 7 through 14, we take a look at how the "gold rush" of ice and snow economy can trickle down to sectors such as tourism, culture, catering, exhibitions, and sports services.

Feb 4, 2025 • 27min
Trump's tariff threats
On February 1st, U.S. President Donald Trump said he would impose 25% tariffs on imports from Canada and Mexico and 10% tariffs on China, effective immediately. However, just two days later, the U.S. President announced he would pause the tariffs for 30 days after Mexico and Canada agreed to take steps to tighten border security and drug trafficking. How will Trump's policy flip-flops affect the U.S. economy? What is the real intention behind Trump using tariffs as a bargaining tool?