World Today

Join Joseph Siracusa, a professor of Global Futures specializing in American history, and Andy Mok, a senior research fellow focused on US-China relations, as they dive into the escalating immigration conflict in California. They discuss the impact of federal raids on immigrant families and the controversial deployment of the National Guard in Los Angeles. The conversation highlights ideological divides reminiscent of historical conflicts, the fallout on political relationships, and the implications for upcoming elections. It's a compelling look at the current state of immigration politics.

① China to offer zero-tariff access to 53 African countries. (00:46)② China unveils guidelines to deepen reforms in Shenzhen. (24:38)③ Pentagon launches review of US-UK-Australia Aukus security alliance. (34:17)④ From China to the world – how Pop Mart turned Labubu into a $150,000USD sensation. (44:04)

① China and U.S. agree on a framework to implement leaders' consensus, says China's trade representative. (00:46)② Chinese Vice President: China is ready to work with the UN to practice genuine multilateralism. (13:33)③ Los Angeles Mayor announces curfew in downtown amid protests. (24:39)④ China's NEV exports continue to surge, with an 80.9% increase in May. (34:39)⑤ China marks Population Day with a focus on elderly care and healthy aging. (44:02)

① President Xi holds phone talks with South Korean President Lee. (00:46)② First China-U.S. economic, trade consultation mechanism meeting underway in London. (12:17)③ About 700 U.S. Marines being mobilized in response to protests in Los Angeles. (25:25)④ Top Chinese tech firms unveil innovative approaches to boost AI talent training and hiring. (35:54)⑤ Iran says it's sending a counter-proposal to the U.S. after rejecting Washington's latest offer as “unacceptable.” (45:54)

① What’s driving China’s 2.5% rise in foreign trade over the first five months? (00:48)② UNESCO expert emphasizes global cooperation, China's leadership in ocean governance. (13:42)③ What’s fueling the unrest in Los Angeles—and where is it headed next? (23:39)④ The ECB lowers rates for the eighth time as trade tensions threaten growth. (34:07)⑤ China’s tourism industry could hit one trillion yuan by 2026: Citi. (45:05)

South Korea has elected a new leader after six months of political turmoil.New President Lee Jae-myung began his term on Wednesday.He pledged to raise the country from what he described as the near destruction caused by a martial law crisis and revive an economy facing global protectionism.Lee also emphasized a pragmatic and national-interest-centered approach in diplomacy.How will President Lee unite a divided country and revive a slumping economy? Could we see a reorientation in South Korea's foreign policy?Host Zhao Ying is joined by Rong Ying, Chair Professor with the School of International Studies, Sichuan University; Josef Gregory Mahoney, Professor of Politics and International Relations at East China Normal University; Einar Tangen, Senior Fellow at Taihe Institute and Chairman of Asia Narratives Substack.

① Belarussian President Alexander Lukashenko has paid a three-day visit to China. Why does China view its ties with Belarus from a strategic and long-term perspective? (00:52)② US defense chief Pete Hegseth has skipped a meeting of 50 defense ministers at NATO headquarters that was aimed at coordinating military aid for Ukraine. What does his absence indicate? (13:34)③ The US has vetoed a UN Security Council resolution demanding an immediate and permanent ceasefire in Gaza. Does Washing have a legitimate concern that the resolution would embolden Hamas? (24:09)④ Thursday marks the World Environment Day. We take a look at how environmental protection and ecological restoration are advancing in China and beyond. (34:11)⑤ We explore the vitality of China’s inbound tourism. (42:42)

① South Korea’s new president Lee Jae-myung has vowed to raise the country from the turmoil of a martial law crisis and revive the economy. How will he tackle the challenges awaiting his presidency? (00:47)② The US is facing international criticism after President Donald Trump signed an order to double tariffs on steel and aluminum imports to 50%. What’s fundamentally wrong with the logic of the tariffs? (13:23)③ Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi has called on the new US ambassador to China to serve as a promoter of bilateral cooperation. How can Washington work toward equality and respect in its relationship with Beijing? (24:14)④ DeepSeek has released its upgraded R1 AI model. How will the revised model help the Chinese AI startup ramp up competition with OpenAI? (32:56)⑤ We take a look at the Netherlands’ government collapse trigged by the withdrawal of far-right leader Geert Wilders from the governing coalition. (43:14)

① It’s estimated that China saw 119 million passenger trips during its three-day Dragon Boat Festival, a year-on-year increase of 5.7%. What does it tell us about the consumer confidence in China? (00:52)② We take a look at how, thanks to a trade-in program, China saw strong growth in retail sales for consumer products in this year’s first five months. (14:39)③ What’s behind the chaos of an Israeli-backed initiative to establish aid distribution sites in Gaza? (24:58)④ Iranian diplomatic sources say Tehran is poised to dismiss a US nuclear proposal. What’s the calculus of Tehran? (36:31)⑤ Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has described her country’s unprecedented judicial elections as a complete success. Will Mexico’s ongoing judicial reform reduce corruption and impunity in the judicial system? (45:24)

① US seriously undermines consensus reached during talks in Geneva: China's commerce ministry. (00:42)② Travel surges across China during the Dragon Boat Festival. (14:53)③ Russia, Ukraine step up attacks ahead of peace talks. (24:48)④ Polish independent candidate Karol Nawrocki wins tightly contested presidential election. (36:47)⑤ Bridge Builder: The Joker, interview with Jimmy O. Yang. (44:01)