World Today

As the world closely watches President Xi Jinping’s state visit to Russia and his participation in the events marking the 80th anniversary of the Soviet victory in the Great Patriotic War, deeper questions come into focus: What does this visit reveal about the evolving nature of China-Russia relations? And how have their shared wartime experiences helped forge the emotional and strategic foundations of the political trust we see today?Host Ge Anna is joined by Dr. Yao Shujie, Chueng Kong Professor of Economics, Chongqing University; Dr. Joseph Mahoney, Professor of Politics and International Relations at East China Normal University; And Dr. Timo Kivimäki, Professor of International Relations at University of Bath.

In this discussion, Chen Jiahe, Chief Investment Officer at Norvamaki Technologies, and Zhou Mi, Senior Research Fellow at the Chinese Academy of International Trade, delve into the evolving China-Russia partnership. They explore Xi Jinping's call for cooperation to support developing countries and dive into Colombia's plans to join the Belt and Road Initiative. The conversation also highlights China’s new law promoting its private sector, and how the manufacturing hub of Yiwu continues to defy challenges posed by U.S. tariffs, showcasing resilience in global trade.

①Chinese president Xi Jinping has called for efforts to preserve history and look ahead to development ahead of his state visit in Russia. What to expect from this trip? (00:49)②China and the US will hold talks on economic affairs in Switzerland. (13:30)③China launches broad financial package to stabilize market and shore up economic momentum. (24:25)④India has launched missile strikes on Pakistan two weeks after a deadly militant attack on tourists in Indian-administered Kashmir. Are the two countries on the brink of war? (35:21)⑤Friedrich Merz becomes German chancellor after surviving a historic vote failure. What does this rocky start mean for his leadership moving forward? (44:23)

①Tuesday marks the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and the European Union. How has the relationship evolved over the past five decades? (00:41)②China saw a travel boom during the May Day holiday. What does it reveal about consumer confidence and the country's economic recovery? (12:38)③Six US states invite Canadian provincial leaders to discuss Trump's tariffs. (24:49)④European industry insiders say the latest US tariff hikes have negatively impacted local industries. (33:22)⑤Iran says its stance on nuclear talks with US remains constant. (44:41)

①Chinese President Xi Jinping will pay a state visit to Russia and attend the Great Patriotic War Victory celebrations. What message does it send to the international community? (00:46)②Janet Yellen warns Trump tariffs will have "tremendously adverse" impact. (11:12)③Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has won re-election. To what extent has he benefited from the anti-Trump sentiment in the country? (23:25)④Germany's Intelligence agency labels far-right AfD as extremist. (33:26)⑤Donald Trump orders 100% tariffs on movies made outside the US. What could this mean for Hollywood and the global film industry? (42:15)

China and the European Union will soon reach a milestone: 50 years since the establishment of diplomatic ties. Over the past five decades, trade between the two sides has expanded from $2.4 billion to $780 billion. Two-way investment has increased from almost zero to nearly $260 billion. President Xi Jinping has said that when the world becomes more challenging and complex, China and the EU have more reasons to renew their purpose in establishing diplomatic ties and strengthen strategic communication.Will the two sides have the capacity and wisdom to remain each other’s trustworthy partner despite their differences? Host Ding Heng is joined by Christis Tombazos, Associate Professor at Monash University; George Tzogopoulos, Director of EU-China Program at CIFE, a European research organization; Einar Tangen, Senior Fellow at Taihe Institute.

① BRICS Foreign Ministers’ Meeting: A united front against unilateral bullying. (00:47)② US GDP Takes a Hit: The latest economic numbers show a dip to the lowest level since 2022. (15:36)③ US, Ukraine sign minerals deal. (25:38)④ Report: U.S. firms stay committed to Chinese market despite geopolitical tensions. (36:11)⑤ Contrasting views emerge as Egyptian and Israeli officials near Gaza ceasefire breakthrough. (45:25)

① Xi inspects AI industry in Shanghai—what does it signal about the future of intelligent tech in China? (00:47)② China adopts law dedicated to promoting private sector. (14:43)③ New numbers out of the Taiwan region show public trust in the U.S. is dropping fast. (24:41)④ China's tourism market is gearing up for a major surge during the May Day holiday. (35:23)⑤ The Shenzhou-19 crew is home safe after a half-year mission in space. (45:55)

① Chinese FM Wang Yi: Compromise will only embolden the bully. (00:47)② Tensions rise as Pakistan warns of imminent Indian incursion after Kashmir attack. (11:31)③ Mark Carney: Canada would “never” yield to U.S. (33:56)④ China's service trade sees strong growth in Q1, up 8.7%. (35:57)⑤ Global carmakers flock to Shanghai, eyeing deeper integration in China. (43:35)

① China’s top leaders ramp up preparations for worst-case scenarios as external pressures mount. (00:50)② China’s top economic planner says there is ample room for further policy adjustments to support growth. (14:26)③ Trump meets Zelensky: how close is a Russia-Ukraine deal? (24:59)④ Canada set to vote in election overshadowed by Washington’s tariff policies and annexation threats. (34:14)⑤ China urges Philippines to stop violating its sovereignty in the South China Sea. (45:03)