World Today

① China has unveiled a special guarantee program to support private investment, and a new plan is underway to spur consumption. We look at China’s strategy of focusing on targeted support for specific areas to bolster its economy. (00:51) ② Why is China being widely discussed as a stabilizer for global growth and a key driver of future innovation at this year’s Davos Forum? (13:33) ③ Germany has reintroduced electric vehicle subsidies in efforts to accelerate the transition to less polluting cars. Will it work? (24:59) ④ Japan’s prime minister has called a snap election three months after she took office. Can she reverse her party’s recent run of poor election results? (34:27) ⑤ What has enabled Chinese universities to overtake Harvard to top a major global research output ranking? (43:14)

① China’s economy grew by 5% last year, meeting the country’s target. We explore a series of factors underpinning China’s growth in 2025. (00:51) ② China’s Shenzhou-20 spacecraft has returned to Earth after spending nine months in orbit. We look at how its experience raises concerns about the danger to space travel posed by space debris? (13:38) ③ Will the US tariff threats over Greenland risk a dangerous downward spiral in transatlantic ties? (24:52) ④ The Pentagon has reportedly placed some 1,500 active-duty soldiers on standby for possible deployment to Minnesota, as protests continue against raids carried out by ICE officials. How far can President Trump push the boundaries of his power in Minnesota? (34:57) ⑤ The Syrian government has announced a ceasefire with the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces. Will it pave the way for renewed dialogue and cooperation towards a unified Syria? (45:49)

US President Donald Trump and his administration appear to be insistent on taking control of Greenland – by force if necessary. Following a recent meeting between senior Trump administration officials and Denmark’s foreign minister, Copenhagen said a fundamental disagreement over the autonomous Danish territory remains. Is the US threat to annex Greenland generating yet another crisis in transatlantic relations? How can Europe defend Greenland from possible US moves? Host Ding Heng is joined by Timo Kivimaki, Professor of International Relations at the University of Bath; George Tzogopoulos, Senior Research Fellow at CIFE, a France-based research organization; Jin Ling, Director of the Department for European Studies, China Institute of International Studies.

① China–Canada ties: Beyond bilateral relations. What strategic implications do strengthened China–Canada relations have for the wider Pacific region? (00:45) ② China has unveiled national plan to boost green consumption. How might this plan reshape domestic markets and create new opportunities for both local and international businesses? (13:31) ③ Global survey: Majorities expect China's influence to grow over next decade. Which aspects of China's engagement appear more aligned with the needs of the international community? (26:28) ④ Japan's PM to detail snap election plans. Having been in office for less than three months, why is Takaichi moving so urgently to dissolve the lower house? (35:57) ⑤ U.S. freezes immigrant visa processing from 75 countries. What's next? (44:31)

① Canada PM’s China trip: What’s next for bilateral relations? (00:46) ② China's foreign trade is up 3.8% in 2025 with more diverse partners. What does this say about China’s economy amid global uncertainties? (12:30) ③ South Korean President Lee Jae Myung wraps up his two-day visit to Japan, and urges closer trilateral ties with Japan and China. (24:31) ④ Facing a more coercive United States on Greenland, what options do European countries really have? Is NATO still relevant? (34:59) ⑤ China installs world's first 20-megawatt offshore wind turbine. How will this tech milestone accelerate China’s green transition? (44:58)

① Xi calls for sustained anti-corruption drive. How does deepening institutional oversight underpin China’s long-term governance and development goals? (00:49) ② China–EU agree on EV price undertakings. How can dialogue-based solutions ease trade frictions and stabilize the global auto supply chain? (11:06) ③ China tightens rules on government investment funds. How will stronger evaluation mechanisms improve capital efficiency and guide social investment toward national priorities? (24:18) ④ Turkey seeks to join Saudi–Pakistan defense pact. As U.S. intervention in Venezuela fuels global security anxiety, is Ankara hedging beyond NATO? (34:44) ⑤ X’s AI chatbot Grok blocked in Southeast Asia, UK probes platform. Is the world nearing a turning point in AI content regulation and platform accountability? (46:09)

① Chinese Foreign Minister 2026 Africa Tour. At a time when hegemonism is once again on the rise, how can China–Africa cooperation help safeguard the voice of development in global affairs? (00:46) ② Expert insight: China’s CPI rebound points to a potential structural shift. (13:11) ③ Can Iran stabilize its economy amid U.S. and external interference? (34:47) ④ EU, South America reach trade deal after 25 years of talks. What’s at stake? (35:57) ⑤ U.S. Fed chair Powell under investigation: How political is the case? (44:21)

The U.S. forcible seizure of Venezuela’s President Maduro has sent shockwaves across the world. Is this abuse of unilateral power becoming a go-to tool for the United States? Are we witnessing the return of a “might makes right” logic in international affairs? And what kind of world order may emerge from this? Host Ge Anna is joined by Anna Rosario Malindog-Uy, Director and Vice President for External Affairs, Asian Century Philippines Strategic Studies Institute; Cao Ting, Director of the Center for Latin American Studies of Fudan University; and Josef Mahoney, Professor of Politics and International Relations at East China Normal University.

① China’s public security minister and Pakistan’s interior minister have met in Beijing, vowing to intensify cooperation in fighting terrorism. We explore how efforts in this regard could lead to better development of the China Pakistan Economic Corridor. (00:51) ② The EU has launched its carbon border tax despite opposition from major trading partners. Is this policy protectionism cloaked in environmental rhetoric? (15:38) ③ The Trump administration has announced US withdrawal from dozens of international organizations. What could be the consequences when the US further retreats from global cooperation? (24:53) ④ As more and more international patients take medical trips to China, will the country become a global hub for medical tourism? (35:36) ⑤ What is causing the escalation of clashes between government forces and Kurdish fighters in Syria’s Aleppo? (44:41)

① China’s foreign minister has embarked on a trip to four countries in Africa, continuing with a 36-year diplomatic tradition. Will China-Africa ties remain steadfast despite global turbulences? (00:53) ② China has strengthened its export control on dual-use items to Japan. Why is Beijing justified to take this move? (15:28) ③ European allies have agreed to key security provisions for Ukraine. We explore how security guarantees for Ukraine might look like. (24:50) ④ Precious metals are trading near their record highs. We look at how geopolitical flashpoints including tensions over the US seizure of Venezuela’s president are fueling the demand for safe-haven assets. (35:37) ⑤ Why are Chinese tech firms drawing crowds at the annual Consumer Electronics Show? (43:57)