World Today

China's domestic consumption has expanded at robust pace, setting several records during the just concluded Spring Festival holiday. What do these trends indicate about the country's economy in 2025?Host Ge Anna is joined by Mario Cavolo, Founder and CEO of M Communications Group; Subramania Bhatt, Founder and CEO of China Trading Desk; And Dr. Yao Shujie, Chueng Kong Professor of Economics, Chongqing University.

Yang Xinyu, a Senior Research Fellow focusing on international relations, discusses the cultural and economic boost the Asian Winter Games will bring to Harbin. Professor Wang Zhengxu shares insights on tourism opportunities linked to the event. You Tianlong analyzes lessons from the US-China trade war, reflecting on the dynamics of tariffs and global manufacturing. Zhao Ying examines the implications of Trump's maximum pressure campaign on Iran, highlighting its humanitarian effects and the need for a diplomatic approach.

Joining the discussion are Zoom Ahmed Khan, a research fellow specializing in China-Kyrgyzstan relations; Zhao Ying, who analyzes Trump’s proposal for the Gaza Strip; Hans-Peter Berkhoff, an expert on US-EU trade conflicts; and Chen Jiahe, who delves into China's Spring Festival economic trends. They explore the implications of Trump's provocative Gaza plan, potential trade wars between the US and EU, and the revival of consumer spending in China, particularly during holidays, shedding light on regional cooperation and its challenges.

Liu Zhiqing, a Senior Fellow at Renmin University, sheds light on China's countermeasures to US tariffs, including new tariffs and export controls. Kamal Makili Aliev examines why EU nations are ramping up defense spending amid geopolitical tensions. Gao Shirei discusses the significance of Pakistan's cooperation with China during President Zardari's state visit, focusing on economic ties and counterterrorism. Yang Liang highlights the Eurozone's stagnation, detailing economic contractions in Germany and France and the need for strategic investment.

① China, Canada and Mexico have vowed swift responses to US President Donald Trump's new tariffs on them. What could be the implications of Trump’s trade war with the three countries? (00:51)② China’s trade in services exceeded $1 trillion for the first time last year. We explore the growth potentials of China’s services trade. (14:16)③ US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has threatened that Washington will take measures if Panama does not take immediate steps to end what President Donald Trump calls Chinese influence over the Panama Canal. Is the Trump administration bullying Panama? (25:27)④ Qatar has called on Israel and Hamas to start work on the second phase the Gaza ceasefire agreement. Is there commitment from both Israel and Hamas to engaging in good faith? (35:09)⑤ We take a look at some basic facts about the escalating conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo. (44:24)

① Foreign visits to China surge over 200% as tourists seek Chinese New Year festivities. (00:44)② Microsoft CEO says DeepSeek has "real innovation" and is "good news". (11:45)③ How are Chinese EVs reshaping global auto industry? (26:15)

① EU summons auto industry leaders as Tesla, BMW join Chinese firms in court battle over EV tariffs. (00:51)② Poll: 85% of Greenlanders do not want to be part of the U.S. (16:20)③ How attractive is China to wholly foreign-funded hospitals? (25:00)

① Japanese PM Ishiba vows to strengthen communication with China. (00:39)② CMG Spring Festival Gala sets new records. (14:52)③ The future of China’s low-altitude economy. (25:00)

① President Xi lauds China's solid progress despite challenges in Year of Dragon. (00:50)② China's Spring Festival box office soars with thriving domestic demand. (14:07)③ China's visa-free policy: see beyond stereotypes, experience real China. (25:00)

① Meeting with India's Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi called on China and India to work in the same direction and commit to mutual understanding. Why are relations between the two countries warming? (00:53)② US President Donald Trump had threatened tariffs and sanctions to punish Colombia for earlier refusing to accept US military aircraft carrying deported migrants. What could be the implications of Trump’s threat? (13:44)③ Why has China’s DeepSeek AI app surpassed ChatGPT and topped the Apple App Store’s free downloads in the US and China? (25:28)④ We take a look at a three-way partnership between a Chinese private aerospace company, Zhejiang University and Turkiye’s Middle East Technical University in preparing to launch two AI-controlled lunar exploration robots alongside the Chang’e-8 mission in 2028. (35:07)⑤ Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko has won another term in office. What challenges might he face in his next term? (44:38)