World Today

As President Xi Jinping lays out a five-point vision for a more open, connected, and inclusive Asia-Pacific at APEC, how will his vision shape the region's economic cooperation and drive new growth in the coming years? Host Ge Anna joins Einar Tangen, Senior Fellow of the Center for International Governance Innovation (CIGI), a Canadian think tank & Chair of the Asia Narratives 15th-5-Year Initiative; Dr. Yao Shujie, Chueng Kong Professor of Economics, Chongqing University; and Professor Qu Qiang, Fellow of the Belt and Road Research Center at Minzu University of China.

① President Xi Jinping and President Donald Trump have agreed to strengthen China-US cooperation during their meeting in South Korea. Does the meeting present an opportunity for the two sides to move beyond an era of adversarial competition towards a more normal relationship? (00:48) ② Chinese Vice President Han Zheng has met with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in Riyadh, with the two sides pledging to further promote cooperation. How is Beijing and Riyadh benefiting from their closer ties? (24:07) ③ China has announced plans to launch the Shenzhou-21 crewed mission to its space station. What’s at stake in the mission? (34:20) ④ The US Federal Reserve has cut interest rates for a second time this year. What does it tell us about the uncertainty the US economy faces? (43:49)

① In a phone call with his Japanese counterpart, China’s foreign minister called for jointly advancing the strategic relationship of mutual benefit and building constructive bilateral ties. With Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi in office, what is the outlook of China-Japan ties? (00:52) ② US President Donald Trump has met with South Korean President Lee Jae Myung as part of the final leg of his trip across Asia. What is Trump gaining from South Korea? (15:03) ③ How can China accelerate green transition during its next five-year plan? (24:45) ④ The Shanghai Stock Exchange has unveiled the first batch of enterprises listed on its newly created sci-tech growth tier. We take a look at how China’s capital market is nurturing tech innovation (33:54) ⑤ Why has the peace talks between Afghanistan and Pakistan in Istanbul ended without a deal? (43:13)

① China and ASEAN have upgraded their free trade agreement. How will the deal’s 3.0 version benefit the two sides? (00:55) ② We explore the key messages from a phone call between China’s foreign minister and his US counterpart. (14:24) ③ Why does China plan to place more emphasis on investing in human resources during its next five-year plan? (24:35) ④ US President Donald Trump has held a meeting with Japan’s new Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi. How might the meeting reshape relations between the US and Japan? (34:22) ⑤ We take a look at how money is pouring into China’s robotics industry amid accelerating commercialization. (43:44)

① At a summit involving ASEAN, China, Japan and South Korea, Chinese Premier Li Qiang called for joint efforts to achieve new successes for the development of East Asia. How can we make the region’s economic miracles continue into the future? (00:47) ② How can China achieve greater self-reliance in science and technology during its next five-year plan? (13:03) ③ China’s industrial profits soared 21.6% in September from a year ago, the biggest gain since November 2023. Is the rebound a sign that China’s manufacturing sector has weathered uncertainties in external and internal environment? (24:54) ④ Direct flights between China and India have resumed after a five-year suspension. How will it benefit the two countries? (35:03) ⑤ Argentinian President Javier Milei has led his party to a landslide victory in the country’s midterm elections. What does the election result tell us about Milei’s economic reform? (44:27)

Top Chinese leaders have adopted recommendations for the country’s 15th Five-Year Plan during the fourth plenary session of the 20th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China. The plan will guide China’s economic and social development from 2026 to 2030. According to the session’s communique, the blueprint will emphasize high-quality growth, innovation, green development, modern industry, national security, and better education and healthcare. In this episode, we look at how China envisions its development for the next five years. Host Ding Heng is joined by Li Lun, Assistant Professor of Economics at Peking University; Dylan Loh, Associate Professor from Public Policy and Global Affairs Program, Nanyang Technological University; Yao Shujie, Chueng Kong Professor of Economics and Deputy Director of the Department of Social Sciences, Chongqing University.

① Overseas banks raise China’s 2025 GDP forecasts— What’s fueling the optimism? (00:49) ② A ceremony will be held to mark 80 years since Taiwan’s restoration—what lessons does this hold for cross-strait unity today? (13:18) ③ China overtakes U.S. as Germany’s top trading partner—what’s driving this shift in global trade? (23:53) ④ U.S. debt surpasses $38 trillion as government shutdown drags on—how deep is the fiscal strain? (42:37)

① China leads the world in wind power for 15 straight years, what’s next for its clean energy push under the upcoming Five-Year Plan? (00:51) ② China's consumption grows steadily in the first three quarters of 2025 — what does this indicate about the resilience and future trajectory of its domestic market? (10:32) ③ Zelenskyy is ready for a ceasefire, yet with the US-Russia summit on hold. Where does this leave the Ukraine peace process? (32:57) ④ U.S. federal shutdown continues — what’s behind Washington’s recurring “shutdown-restart” cycle? (35:57) ⑤ Japan warns Vietnam over motorbike ban: How could it hinder Hanoi’s zero-emission push? (43:09)

① From the 14th to the 15th Five-Year Plan—What drives China’s steady hand in governance? (00:51) ② China’s NEV boom accelerates: production and sales surge 35%, while exports jump 90% in the first 9 months. (14:16) ③ Japan makes history with its first female prime minister, as it faces political and economic headwinds—what challenges loom over Tokyo? (24:43) ④ Israel hits Gaza, blames Hamas. Can the fragile truce hold? (35:17) ⑤ Bolivia elects centrist Rodrigo Paz, ending decades of socialist rule. What direction will Bolivia take next? (43:37)

① As China charts its next Five-Year Plan, what direction will its development take? (00:51) ② Xi congratulates Cheng Li-wun on election as KMT chairperson. (25:00) ③ What’s driving the buzz around robots and AI at the 138th Canton Fair? (34:18) ④ Inside the Afghanistan–Pakistan Talks in Doha: What’s Next? (44:17)