World Today

China and France have agreed to strengthen political trust, support each other on core interests and expand cooperation. French President Emmanuel Macron’s three-day visit to China has seen Beijing and Paris pledge to work towards greater cooperation in aerospace, aeronautics, nuclear energy, and emerging areas such as green industries and AI. China and France also pledged closer collaboration on global governance, upholding the UN-centered system and promoting a more equitable global order. In this episode, we explore the dynamics of China-Europe cooperation and how the two sides should manage their ties. Host Ding Heng is joined by Professor Hans-peter Burghof, Chair of the Banking and Finance Department at the University of Hohenheim in Germany; Muhammad Ali Nasir, Professor of Economics at the University of Leeds in Britain; Liang Linlin, Director of Communication and Research with China Chamber of Commerce to the European Union.

Join Dr. Cui Hongjian, an expert in China-Europe relations, Liu Zhixing, a senior fellow focusing on China-Japan dynamics, Gao Xirei from HKU discussing India-Russia ties, Professor Andy Mok analyzing EU's antitrust regulations, and Zhang Gong on China-Latin America connectivity. They dive into Xi and Macron's pivotal talks on global cooperation, Japan's tourism drop due to political changes, the EU's scrutiny of AI in big tech, and China's new air route to Argentina, highlighting its impact on trade and tourism.

① French President Emmanuel Macron is in Beijing with a large delegation of ministers and top executives: What opportunities are Paris and Beijing looking to unlock? (00:50) ② China and Russia have vowed to defend WWII outcomes and prevent a revival of fascism or Japanese militarism. What does this pledge signal about Japan’s rising militarist ambitions? (10:21) ③ Russia-U.S. talks on Ukraine end without a breakthrough: What’s blocking progress, and how could the deadlock shape the conflict? (24:28) ④ Chinese researchers lead in key scientific and tech breakthroughs: How can China and U.S. co-exist and collaborate to drive global science forward? (34:50) ⑤ UN warns AI could widen global inequality: What strategies are needed to prevent AI from deepening the gap? (44:51)

① Russia grants visa-free entry to Chinese citizens: What does this move reveal about the deepening China-Russia partnership? (00:45) ② Chinese envoy writes to the UN chief rejecting Japan’s erroneous claims on Taiwan: What does this reveal about the rising tendency of right-wing militarism in Japan? (12:31) ③ Chinese carmakers dominate São Paulo International Car Show: What does this signal about China-Brazil industrial cooperation? (23:52) ④ Does Canada’s entry into the EU defense fund indicate a strategic shift away from reliance on the United States? (35:25) ⑤ What does “Zootopia 2” breaking box office records in China reveal about the potential for US-China film industry cooperation? (45:24)

① Japan is ramping up military expenditure — how serious are the regional implications? (00:45) ② Russia-Ukraine “peace plan”: What’s the latest following Washington-Kyiv talks? (13:31) ③ China’s high-tech manufacturing sector reported strong profit growth from Jan–Oct — what’s driving this momentum? (26:28) ④ As tensions rise between the U.S. and Venezuela, is Washington’s posture — seen by Caracas as “colonialism” — pushing the conflict toward a military showdown? (35:57) ⑤ Airbus A320 software issue: How a ‘solar attack’ forced 6,000 planes to stay grounded? (44:31)

China’s space sector marked a landmark week—executing its first emergency crewed launch and unveiling plans for four deep-space science satellites—while its commercial space market soars toward 10 trillion yuan (about 1.4 trillion USD). What capabilities underpin this surge, and will AI-driven aerospace define the next phase of space competition? Host Ge Anna is joined by Andy Mok, Professor at Beijing Foreign Studies University; Quentin Parker, Director of Laboratory for Space Research, University of Hong Kong; Zhang Fan, Associate Professor of Astronomy Department of Beijing Normal University.

① We take a look at a new white paper on China’s arms control and how it tells us about China’s commitment to safeguarding world peace and security. (00:54) ② Japan’s Sanae Takaichi says that, under the so-called “San Francisco Peace Treaty”, Japan is not in a position to determine or recognize the legal status of Taiwan. Why is this remark erroneous? (15:22) ③ Donald Trump has signed an executive order launching a sweeping plan to supercharge America’s artificial intelligence development. We explore the ambitions and prospects of the plan. (25:47) ④ China has lodged protests with the US over its move that restricts visas for Central American officials with ties to Beijing. Should visas be turned into political leverage? (36:37) ⑤ Soldiers in Guinea-Bissau announce that they have seized power after a contested presidential election. What are the key factors behind the country’s long history of political turmoil? (46:53)

Featuring Dr. Zhang Chuchu, who discusses China's role in supporting Palestinian rights, along with Dr. Liu Kuangyu's insights on Taiwan's independence and Japan's influence in the region. Dr. Zhong Mi sheds light on CATL's massive battery factory in Spain, revealing how it could foster industrial cooperation and technology transfer. Meanwhile, Dr. Li Lun highlights the booming ice and snow economy in China, driven by youth engagement and infrastructure developments. A fascinating dive into global dynamics and regional trends!

① President Xi Jinping has outlined China’s principled position on the Taiwan question in a telephone call with his US counterpart Donald Trump. Why is Taiwan’s return to China an integral part of the post-war international order? Why should China and the US jointly safeguard the victory of World War II? (00:52) ② We take a look at Shenzhou-22, China’s first emergency mission to its Tiangong space station. (24:59) ③ What has prompted Goldman Sachs to forecast that China’s economy will grow faster than expected in 2026? (34:19) ④ Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces have announced what appears to be unilateral humanitarian truce in the country’s civil war. Where is the conflict headed? (46:02)

① We explore the key proposals made by China at the G20 Summit in South Africa and how G20 could strengthen development empowerment for the Global South. (00:54) ② China says it will never permit external forces to meddle in the Taiwan region nor allow Japanese militarism to stage a comeback. Why does upholding the one-China principle and safeguarding the outcomes of World War II matter? (15:15) ③ The US and Ukraine promise to create a refined peace framework to end the conflict with Russia after an original US-backed plan faced criticism for being pro-Russian. How much progress can we expect in this regard? (25:19) ④ The US added 119,000 jobs in September in a report delayed by federal shutdown, but its unemployment rate rose. We look at the continued uncertainties facing the US economy. (34:16) ⑤ India has reopened tourist visa services for Chinese nationals across its embassies and consulates worldwide. How could this move help restore exchanges between the two countries? (44:24)