World Today

① China and Singapore have exchanged congratulations on the 35th anniversary of their diplomatic ties. Why have the two sides been able to build a close, deepening partnership? (00:38) ② Speaking at a forum in Sochi, Russian President Vladimir Putin praised Donald Trump’s efforts to help negotiate peace in Ukraine, but warned that supplies of US long-range missiles to Kyiv would seriously hurt ties between Moscow and Washington. We explore Putin’s key messages. (14:22)

① European leaders have held a summit in Copenhagen to discuss building an EU-wide “drone wall”. Is it something feasible for the EU? (00:40) ② The operation of the first direct cargo flight route from China’s Hainan to Africa has begun. What could be Hainan’s role in future China-Africa trade? (12:32)

① The US government has shut down much of its operations as Congress and the White House failed to reach a funding deal. Is there a clear path out of the impasse? (00:37) ② China has officially launched its K-visa program aimed at attracting global young professionals. What is the role of global talents in China’s path towards high-quality development and high-level opening? (13:19)

① US President Donald Trump says Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has agreed to a 20-point plan to put an end to the conflict in Gaza. Is it a turning point in the peace process? (00:54) ② South Korean President Lee Jae Myung has held talks with outgoing Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba in Busan. What’s at stake in the meeting? (14:03) ③ China’s Ministry of Water Resource says the country has built the world’s largest water infrastructure system during its 14th Five-Year Plan period. We take a look at the efforts behind this achievement. (24:34) ④ A conversation with UN Under-Secretary-General Haoliang Xu. (34:53) ⑤ What does Moldova’s future look like after its governing pro-EU party won parliamentary elections? (44:01)

① We take a look at North Korean Foreign Minister Choe Son Hui’s trip to China and why consolidating ties with North Korea is a strategic decision of China. (00:48) ② Iran is weighing confrontation or diplomacy after UN sanctions are re-imposed against it over nuclear issues. How could Iran respond? (14:44) ③ Why are Russia and Ukraine intensifying drone and missile attacks on each other? (24:47) ④ China is bracing for a travel surge during the upcoming National Day holiday. What does it reveal about the health of China’s economy? (35:02) ⑤ Nigeria is eyeing certification of China’s C919 jet for local airlines. How much business potential does the Africa nation boast for C919? (46:03)

World leaders are gathering in New York for the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly. As the organization marks its 80th anniversary, the mood is anything but celebratory. With wars raging in Gaza and Ukraine, the world body is struggling to promote peace as its founders envisioned eight decades ago. At the same time, the organization faces deep funding cuts, largely from the United States, and mounting doubts about its relevance. So today we ask: Eighty years on, has the United Nations lived up to its founding vision? Is it still essential in today's world? And what must it do to stay relevant and rebuild confidence in multilateralism? Host Zhao Ying is joined by Han Hua, Co-founder and Secretary General of Beijing Club for International Dialogue; Qin Qian, Casual Academic, UNSW Sydney; Digby James Wren, External Relations Advisor to the Royal Academy of Cambodia.

① China has celebrated the 70th founding anniversary of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. We take a look at how Xinjiang is maintaining stability and achieving prosperity. (00:48) ② China has made a landmark pledge to cut its climate emissions. Is China in effect taking on a global leadership role in tackling climate change? (13:03) ③ A conversation with Alfred Moi Jamiru, Sierra Leone’s Deputy Minister of Local Government and Community Affairs, on China’s Global Governance Initiative. (25:17) ④ China’s tech giants are ramping up efforts in artificial intelligence. Is China’s AI push shifting from pure tech competition to creating real-world value for industries? (36:22) ⑤ Hong Kong, Sri Lanka, Chile and Bangladesh are seeking to join the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership. What could they potentially bring to the trade bloc? (46:58)

① Xi Jinping is in Urumqi to attend events marking 70 years of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. How is China building a beautiful Xinjiang? (00:51) ② At the UN General Assembly, China’s premier says the country will not seek any new special treatment in the World Trade Organization negotiations. He also announced a few plans to contribute to global development over the next five years. How does China’s gesture matter? (13:40) ③ A conversation with Tsepang Ts'ita-Mosena, Deputy Speaker of the Lesotho Parliament, on China’s Global Governance Initiative. (24:46) ④ NATO has issued a warning to Russia against what it calls violations of its member states’ airspace, but Moscow has denied the allegations. Is there possibility for the eruption of a major aerial military clash between NATO and Russia? (36:14) ⑤ Why is South Korea’s new president offering a perceived olive branch to North Korea? (44:00)

① Ahead of the annual Chinese farmers’ harvest festival, Xi Jinping called for multiple measures to improve farmers’ life and advance all-round rural vitalization. Why is modernizing the agricultural sector and rural area a key part of China’s modernization? (00:57) ② We take a look at how China’s financial sector has performed during the country’s 14th Five-Year Plan from 2021 to 2025. (13:09) ③ A conversation with Angola’s ambassador to the United Nations on China’s contribution to the UN’s work. (24:55) ④ Russian leader Vladimir Putin has declared his readiness to adhere to nuclear arms limits for one more year under the last remaining nuclear pact with the United States. Why has he made this offer? (34:15) ⑤ Japan’s ruling Liberal Democratic Party has launched its leadership election campaign. Will whoever become the next LDP leader save the party from its crisis? (43:14)

① After a call between Xi Jinping and Donald Trump, a US congressional delegation visited China and met China’s premier. Is there an opportunity to improve China-US relations? (00:50) ② Britain, Portugal, Australia, and Canada have officially recognized the State of Palestine. How much do their actions matter in terms of piling pressure on Israel? (13:32) ③ Venezuela has shared a letter from its leader Nicolas Maduro to US President Donald Trump that offered direct talks after a US strike on an alleged drug boat. Are Washington’s recent actions in the Caribbean really about intercepting narcotics? (24:55) ④ How could Donald Trump’s H-1B visa crackdown rattle prospects of foreign professionals seeking to work in the US? (34:45) ⑤ A conversation with a German professor who has been attacked in his country for publishing his findings about Xinjiang. (43:51)