World Today

As our planet gets hotter, and disasters strike harder, world leaders gather for COP30 in Brazil’s Belém. Can they turn promises into action? What’s at stake this year, and how is China taking the lead in the global fight against climate change? Host Xu Yawen is joined by Wu Changhua, President of the Global Climate Academy and Chair of the Governing Council at the Asia Pacific Water Forum; Yasmin Scali, independent journalist from Brazil, specializing in international relations; David Fishman, Principal at the Lantau Group.

① Meeting top executives of the National Committee on US-China Relations, China’s vice premier called for efforts to promote the stable development of China-US economic ties. Can economic ties continue to serve as the ballast and propeller of China-US relations? (00:47) ② US President Donald Trump has signed a funding package, ending the longest government shutdown in the country’s history. What does the shutdown tell us about the political division in Washington? (14:22) ③ Thai King Maha Vajiralongkorn is on a state visit to China. What is bringing China and Thailand closer? (25:18) ④ What has made United Nations officials sound the alarm over South Sudan’s peace process? (34:44) ⑤ In Australia, the first treaty between Indigenous people and a government has been signed into law in the state of Victoria. In terms of giving Indigenous people political representation, how does the outlook across the rest of Australia look like? (45:46)

① Spain’s King Felipe VI is on a state visit to China. How can China and Spain build a more stable and dynamic strategic partnership? (00:53) ② In a phone call with his Canadian counterpart, China’s foreign minister called for healthy, stable and sustainable China-Canada ties. Are we seeing the return of the ties to the right track after years of twists and turns? (14:12) ③ China has introduced new measures to boost private investment in key sectors like railways and nuclear power. What opportunities does this create for private capital? (24:47) ④ Britain has suspended its intelligence-sharing with the US regarding suspected drug trafficking vessels in the Caribbean. We explore the rising skepticism concerning the legality of the US military’s campaign in the region. (34:50) ⑤ Google will invest $6.4 billion in Germany in the coming years in a push to expand its data center capacity in the country. Is Europe able to catch up in the artificial intelligence race? (45:10)

① China has lodged representations with Japan over its prime minister’s remarks concerning Taiwan. Why is it problematic and dangerous to suggest that a military conflict over Taiwan could be a survival-threatening situation for Japan? (00:54) ② US President Donald Trump has vowed to do everything he can to help Syria, after hosting the country’s interim president for a White House meeting. What’s at stake in Trump’s engagement with Ahmad al-Sharaa’s government? (13:33) ③ China’s robotics and AI industries are moving at full speed, with two major events this month putting this transformation in the spotlight. How far and fast can the country’s robotics revolution go? (24:58) ④ Health officials in Gaza say more than 69,000 Palestinians have been killed in the Israel-Hamas war. We explore the continued uncertainties facing the peace plan for Gaza. (36:31) ⑤ Why has Brazil designated its port city of Belem as capital during COP30? (43:28)

① China has suspended port fees for US-linked ships and some critical mineral export curbs to the US. We explore China’s strong commitment to implementing the consensus reached during the China-US trade talks in Malaysia. (00:51) ② What is behind the resilience of China’s foreign trade in the first ten months of 2025? (12:38) ③ We take a look at a new white paper highlighting China’s achievements in pursuing peak carbon and carbon neutrality. What is fundamentally driving China’s green transitions? (24:59) ④ The US Senate has passed a deal aimed at ending the government shutdown. As it will need to clear several more hurdles, how does its prospect look like? (36:23) ⑤ How is the CIIE helping Hong Kong strengthen its role as a “super connector”? Kevin Chan from the Hong Kong Trade Development Council gives his insights. (43:29)

Chinese President Xi Jinping has visited South Korea for the first time in 11 years. He sat down with South Korean President Lee Jae-myung on the sidelines of the APEC summit in Gyeongiu. This came after years of tension after Seoul decided to host the US THAAD missile defense system in 2016. Are we witnessing a reset in China-South Korea relations? What is driving this shift, and could South Korea’s approach offer a model for other U.S. allies navigating relations with China? Host Zhao Ying is joined by Rong Ying, Chair Professor at the School of International Studies at Sichuan University; Lee Pei May, Assistant Professor of Political Science at the International Islamic University Malaysia; Digby James Wren, External Relations Advisor to the Royal Academy of Cambodia.

① China expands visa-free access, how will it reshape international travel and trade ties? (00:45) ② China delays Shenzhou-20’s return after suspected space debris impact. What to know about the mission? (15:12) ③ Peruvian Trade Official: Peru’s Growing Exports and China’s Technology Are Creating a New Model of Global South Partnership. (25:54) ④ Breathing easier: How China's clean-air drive opens doors for global innovators. (35:43) ⑤ EU may expand by 2030, but blocks Ukraine over corruption concerns. (43:57)

① CIIE sets a new record in scale: How can global businesses tap into these opportunities while co-creating value with China? (00:47) ② High-speed deliveries, high demand: China’s ‘Double 11’ off to a strong start. (26:57) ③ China and the UN Promote Dialogue Among Civilizations: Insights from Ambassador Fu Cong. (31:15) ④ U.S. military pressure on Venezuela intensifies. What fallout will the region face from this escalation? (47:44)

① Russian Prime Minister visits Beijing. Which areas of China-Russia cooperation will go deeper from here? (00:49) ② Germany’s foreign minister called China, reaffirming the one-China principle. How can Berlin avoid “microphone diplomacy” while engaging with Beijing? (13:41) ③ Turkiye urges Israel to respect Gaza’s ceasefire. Will Ankara’s diplomatic push help stabilize the region? (25:43) ④ Peru breaks diplomatic relations with Mexico over asylum claim of former prime minister. What’s next? (35:18) ⑤ U.S. tech giants are slashing tens of thousands of jobs—even as profits rise and AI booms. What’s really driving this wave of layoffs? (41:54)

① Chinese FM highlights outcomes of President Xi's visit. What insights does it reveal about China’s role in future global engagement? (00:50) ② China’s non-manufacturing PMI at 50.1 in October, manufacturing PMI at 49. What do these numbers signal for the country’s economic recovery? (14:04) ③ Russia and U.S. aren’t rushing a summit, while Ukraine receives Germany’s promised Patriot systems. How will these moves shape the next phase of the Russia-Ukraine conflict? (24:56) ④ Despite the ceasefire in Gaza, violence continues. How will tensions affect the fragile truce and the prospects for lasting peace? (35:28) ⑤ Louvre heist: What to know about the suspects. (45:17)