World Today

①China's economy expanded at an average annual rate of 5.5 percent from 2021 to 2024. What's driving this strong momentum? (00:47)②Once known for its rural terrain and underdeveloped economy, how has Guizhou transformed into China's big-data hub? (14:17)③Emmanuel Macron is on a three-day visit to the UK, as he stresses a special responsibility of the two countries to safeguard European security. (25:06)④Malaysia's Prime Minister Anwar Ibranhim has urged Southeast Asian countries to enhance trade among each other amid global uncertainty. (34:53)⑤Donald Trump has stepped up his criticism of Vladimir Putin after restoring arms shipments to Ukraine. What does this mean for the prospects of a negotiated ceasefire? (45:36)

① BRICS leaders call for global cooperation on AI governance and climate action. How are voices from the Global South shaping global conversations? (00:46)② Donald Trump has announced new tariffs on a growing number of countries. Is this fueling greater uncertainty in global trade? (14:59)③ Netanyahu meets Trump at White House as Israel, Hamas hold ceasefire talks. (24:59)④ AI chipmaker Nvidia is on the verge of becoming the most valuable company in the world. (34:24)⑤ Suriname has elected Jennifer Geerlings-Simons as its first female president. How significant is this moment for the country? (45:06)

①The 17th BRICS Summit takes place in Rio de Janeiro. With its growing influence on the global stage, what role can BRICS play in reforming global governance? (00:46)②US President Donald Trump has signed his huge tax and spending bill into law. What's in it, and who stands to gain or lose? (13:48)③Elon Musk says he has formed a new US political party, the "America Party". Can it gain traction and reshape the American political landscape? (24:33)④South Korea's prosecutors has filed request to detain ex-president Yoon Suk Yeol. (32:22)⑤Latest round of Israel-Hamas ceasefire talks have ended without breakthrough. (43:30)

It’s been five years since the enactment of a national security law in Hong Kong following the unrest in the city in 2019. The law defines four categories of offenses: secession, subversion, terrorist activities, and collusion with external forces to endanger national security. In a recent signed article, Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee said the Hong Kong society has remained stable and prosperous since the law’s implementation.How has the law safeguarded the practice of “One Country, Two Systems” in Hong Kong? How has the restoration of stability revitalized the city’s development dynamics? Host Ding Heng is joined by Professor Yao Shujie, Deputy Director of the Department of Social Sciences, Chongqing University; Edward Lehman, Managing Director of LEHMAN, LEE & Xu Law Firm; Einar Tangen, Senior Fellow of Taihe Institute and Chairman of Asia Narratives Substack.

① Wang Yi calls on EU to establish objective, rational perception of China. (00:47)② Lee Jae-myung: opportunity for a China-South Korea reset? (12:58)③ Former IMF Executive Director urges BRICS summit to deliver financial reform and unified Global South stance. (23:52)④ Top chip design software developers say U.S. export restrictions to China from May have been lifted. (33:30)⑤ Is Xiaomi’s wait-and-see EV strategy a missed opportunity—or a calculated move for global success? (42:59)

① Belgium backs push for a greater European autonomy in talks with China’s top diplomat. (00:45)② Is Hong Kong reclaiming its IPO crown? City set to lead global fundraising in 2025. (14:13)③ Is Trump’s “One Big Beautiful Bill” bold reform or a risky bet for America’s future? (24:02)④ Putin and Macron speak for the first time in nearly three years—what’s behind the call, and what does it signal for Europe’s diplomacy? (33:48)⑤ Why is Malaysia banning U.S. plastic waste—and what does it reveal about global environmental justice? (46:17)

Joining the discussion are Yan Liang, an economics professor from Willamette University, and Yao Shujie, a Changhong Professor at Chongqing University, alongside Zhang Gong and Zhou Mi, both esteemed economists. They delve into Hong Kong's role in China’s national development, exploring its economic transformation since 1997, particularly its integration with the mainland. The conversation also touches on global trade dynamics, evolving travel trends in China, and the rise of stablecoins, illuminating Hong Kong’s significance as an international financial hub.

① Chinese FM Wang Yi begins official visit to Europe, with stops at EU headquarters, Germany, and France. (00:45)② U.S. economy shrinks in first quarter — first contraction in three years. (12:25)③ U.S. Senate begins debate on Trump’s “Big, Beautiful Bill.” (24:07)④ Canada rescinds digital services tax following Washington’s trade threat. (36:27)⑤ Prominent British entrepreneur hails China visit as a catalyst for global trust and dialogue. (46:20)

NATO leaders have agreed to ramp up military spending to 5% of their national GDP by 2035.They made the pledge at a summit in The Hague, following months of pressure from US President Donald Trump.Is NATO bending too far to keep Trump on board, or is this just what modern transatlantic alliance looks like? And does more military spending really make Europe safer, or does it risk triggering a new arms race and provoking more conflicts?Host Zhao Ying is joined by Ruud van Dijk, Professor in History of International Relations, University of Amsterdam; Chen Weihua, China Daily EU Bureau Chief based in Brussels; Kamal Makili-Aliyev, Associate Professor at the School of Global Studies, University of Gothenburg.

① The Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank has held the 10th annual meeting of its board of governors. How should we characterize the bank’s operations since it was founded a decade ago? (00:55)② We talk to Ni Jun, Chief Manufacturing Officer of EV battery giant CATL, on global EV expansion. (15:12)③ We take a look at China’s move to strengthen controls on two chemicals that can be used to make fentanyl. (24:56)④ A recent China-EU seminar on human rights adopted a consensus document calling for countering technological dominance and closing digital gaps to better safeguard human rights. We speak to a keynote speaker at the event. (33:07)⑤ In shock to Democratic politics in the US, socialist Zohran Mamdani has won the New York City mayoral primary. What does this tell us about socialist movement in America? (43:43)