World Today

NATO leaders have agreed to ramp up military spending to 5% of their national GDP by 2035.They made the pledge at a summit in The Hague, following months of pressure from US President Donald Trump.Is NATO bending too far to keep Trump on board, or is this just what modern transatlantic alliance looks like? And does more military spending really make Europe safer, or does it risk triggering a new arms race and provoking more conflicts?Host Zhao Ying is joined by Ruud van Dijk, Professor in History of International Relations, University of Amsterdam; Chen Weihua, China Daily EU Bureau Chief based in Brussels; Kamal Makili-Aliyev, Associate Professor at the School of Global Studies, University of Gothenburg.

① The Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank has held the 10th annual meeting of its board of governors. How should we characterize the bank’s operations since it was founded a decade ago? (00:55)② We talk to Ni Jun, Chief Manufacturing Officer of EV battery giant CATL, on global EV expansion. (15:12)③ We take a look at China’s move to strengthen controls on two chemicals that can be used to make fentanyl. (24:56)④ A recent China-EU seminar on human rights adopted a consensus document calling for countering technological dominance and closing digital gaps to better safeguard human rights. We speak to a keynote speaker at the event. (33:07)⑤ In shock to Democratic politics in the US, socialist Zohran Mamdani has won the New York City mayoral primary. What does this tell us about socialist movement in America? (43:43)

① At the Summer Davos Forum, China’s premier calls on countries to collaborate on trade despite rising barriers. Why is China determined to be a guardian of free trade and multilateralism? (00:54)② We talk to Battushig Myanganbayar, an AI strategy advisor to a former prime minister of Mongolia, on how to make artificial intelligence safer and more inclusive for the developing world. (14:36)③ China’s foreign minister says Beijing calls for genuine de-escalation in the Middle East. What conditions can lead to a genuine ceasefire between Israel and Iran? (24:56)④ Mainland slams recent remarks made by Taiwan leader Lai Ching-te on cross-strait relations as a monologue advocating “Taiwan independence”. What is driving Lai to continuously make provocative remarks? (33:39)⑤ How could China’s move to revise its aviation law help boost its low-altitude economy? (42:25)

① Singaporean Prime Minister Lawrence Wong is on a five-day trip to China, his first to a non-ASEAN country since assuming office. Is China-Singapore relationship more important than before in times of global turbulence? (00:50)② China says it is closely following developments in the Middle East and doesn’t hope to see escalations of tensions. We explore the uncertainties shrouding possible ceasefire between Iran and Israel. (14:40)③ We speak to James Zhan, Chairman of the World Investment Conference’s Executive Board, on whether China will remain a key destination for foreign direct investment. (24:26)④ Morgan Stanley predicts that China’s robotics market will double in four years. What’s driving the surge? (34:54)⑤ On the eve of a NATO summit, the European Union and Canada signed a wide-ranging defense pact. Is US President Donald Trump the biggest factor prompting the two sides to do so? (46:25)

① Israel and Iran have continued to trade strikes after the United States attacked three Iranian nuclear sites. Have the US attacks added coal to the fire? (00:51)② NATO allies have reached a deal on setting a new defense spending target of 5% of GDP, but Spain will be exempted from the commitment to meeting the new target. Has Spain set a precedent that might prompt other countries to follow suit in the future? (25:01)③ We explore why, according to official data, China's appeal to global investors remained strong in this year’s first five months. (35:52)④ The Chinese mainland and Hong Kong have launched a new cross-border payment system. How will the system benefit residents on both sides? (45:03)

The 2nd China–Central Asia Summit marked a milestone in regional diplomacy, with President Xi Jinping introducing the “China–Central Asia Spirit” of mutual respect, trust, benefit, and assistance. Other key outcomes include the signing of the Treaty of Permanent Good-Neighborliness and Friendly Cooperation; the delivery of over 110 initiatives. Cooperation will focus on six priority areas: trade, connectivity, green minerals, agriculture, investment, and people-to-people ties — with expansion into AI and satellite navigation. What do these developments mean for the region and beyond?Host Ge Anna is joined by Zoon Ahmed Khan, Research Fellow at Center for China and Globalization; Dr. Wang Jin, Associate Professor at Northwest University in Xi'an, China; Dr. Zhou Mi, Senior Research Fellow with Chinese Academy of International Trade and Economic Cooperation.

①Israel and Iran have intensified attacks as Trump says he "may or may not" strike Iran. How close is the US in entering the war? (00:39)②New Zealand's prime minister is on a visit to China. What's on his agenda? (12:25)③The Federal Reserve cuts outlook for US economy but holds interest rates steady. What's behind this decision? (24:31)④US states are sending delegates to EU for advice on green policy. (32:05)⑤An interview with Renat Bekturov, Governor of the Astana International Financial Centre (42:17)

This discussion features Zhang Xin, a deputy director specializing in Russian studies, Liu Baocheng, an expert in international business, Yan Liang, a professor of economics, and Joseph Syracuse, a global futures authority. They explore China’s ambitious measures to open its financial market, aiming for greater transparency and regulatory oversight. The conversation also highlights China's leading position in the electric vehicle sector, driven by innovation and government support, while emphasizing the importance of collaboration in shaping future markets.

①President Xi says China is ready to work with Kazakhstan to contribute to regional and world peace and development. (00:45)②21 Arab and Muslim countries have issued a joint statement calling for de-escalation in the Israel-Iran conflict. Does diplomacy still have a chance? (13:43)③The US and UK have agreed to move ahead with the AUKUS pact despite a Pentagon review. Does this fully settle the uncertainty around Washington's commitment to the deal? (24:36)④Gold has surpassed the euro to become the world's second-most important reserve asset held by central banks. (33:13)⑤US chip giant Nvidia will attend a major supply-chain expo in China for the first time. (44:03)

①President Xi has arrived in Kazakhstan to attend the second China-Central Asia Summit. What to expect? (00:41)②Israel vows Iran will "pay the price" as both countries intensify cross-border strikes. How might the situation further escalate? (14:56)③As G7 leaders gather in Canada, is the divide within the alliance deepening with a more unilateral United States? (24:34)④China's economy registered steady growth in May. (33:31)⑤China showcases some of its top aviation products at the Paris Air Show. (43:42)