World Today

China and the European Union will soon reach a milestone: 50 years since the establishment of diplomatic ties. Over the past five decades, trade between the two sides has expanded from $2.4 billion to $780 billion. Two-way investment has increased from almost zero to nearly $260 billion. President Xi Jinping has said that when the world becomes more challenging and complex, China and the EU have more reasons to renew their purpose in establishing diplomatic ties and strengthen strategic communication.Will the two sides have the capacity and wisdom to remain each other’s trustworthy partner despite their differences? Host Ding Heng is joined by Christis Tombazos, Associate Professor at Monash University; George Tzogopoulos, Director of EU-China Program at CIFE, a European research organization; Einar Tangen, Senior Fellow at Taihe Institute.

① BRICS Foreign Ministers’ Meeting: A united front against unilateral bullying. (00:47)② US GDP Takes a Hit: The latest economic numbers show a dip to the lowest level since 2022. (15:36)③ US, Ukraine sign minerals deal. (25:38)④ Report: U.S. firms stay committed to Chinese market despite geopolitical tensions. (36:11)⑤ Contrasting views emerge as Egyptian and Israeli officials near Gaza ceasefire breakthrough. (45:25)

① Xi inspects AI industry in Shanghai—what does it signal about the future of intelligent tech in China? (00:47)② China adopts law dedicated to promoting private sector. (14:43)③ New numbers out of the Taiwan region show public trust in the U.S. is dropping fast. (24:41)④ China's tourism market is gearing up for a major surge during the May Day holiday. (35:23)⑤ The Shenzhou-19 crew is home safe after a half-year mission in space. (45:55)

① Chinese FM Wang Yi: Compromise will only embolden the bully. (00:47)② Tensions rise as Pakistan warns of imminent Indian incursion after Kashmir attack. (11:31)③ Mark Carney: Canada would “never” yield to U.S. (33:56)④ China's service trade sees strong growth in Q1, up 8.7%. (35:57)⑤ Global carmakers flock to Shanghai, eyeing deeper integration in China. (43:35)

① China’s top leaders ramp up preparations for worst-case scenarios as external pressures mount. (00:50)② China’s top economic planner says there is ample room for further policy adjustments to support growth. (14:26)③ Trump meets Zelensky: how close is a Russia-Ukraine deal? (24:59)④ Canada set to vote in election overshadowed by Washington’s tariff policies and annexation threats. (34:14)⑤ China urges Philippines to stop violating its sovereignty in the South China Sea. (45:03)

Harvard University has sued the Trump administration to halt the freezing of federal grants worth billions of dollars. Does the lawsuit signal a major escalation in the growing conflict between higher education and the Trump administration, and what could be the possible outcomes? Host Zhao Ying is joined by Wang Haolan, Research Assistant at the Asia Society Policy Institute's Center for China Analysis; Edward Lehman, Managing Director LEHMAN, LEE & Xu Law Firm; Joseph Siracusa, Professor of Global Futures, Curtin University.

① China and Kenya have upgraded their ties to a new level. Why is Kenyan President William Ruto’s ongoing visit to China important to both sides? (00:54)② In a meeting with his Iranian counterpart, China’s foreign minister said Beijing supports Tehran holding nuclear talks with Washington. We explore China’s message on the Iran nuclear issue at a time when Iranian and US diplomats start talking to each other indirectly. (15:28)③ China has announced the successful launch its Shenzhou-20 mission. What role does this mission play in China’s manned space program? (24:51)④ We take a look at a Federal Reserve report that points to growing signs of a slowdown in the US economy due to Washington’s tariff policy. (35:11)⑤ How should Southeast Asia react to US tariffs of up to 3,500% on solar panels from the region? (43:51)

① Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev is on a visit to China. How can Beijing and Baku enhance cooperation? (00:52)② After US President Donald Trump signaled a potential U-turn on his trade war with China, Beijing urged Washington to cease coercive practices and talk to China based on equality and mutual respect. What could have prompted Trump to suggest that tariffs on Chinese goods will go down? (13:19)③ We explore how Trump’s tariffs have forced the IMF to slash global growth outlook. (24:46)④ US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has unveiled a sweeping plan to overhaul the State Department. How does this move tell us about the direction of US foreign policy under “America First”? (36:31)⑤ JD.com, which recently entered China’s on-demand food delivery sector, has alleged that other platforms are coercing riders not to work with JD Takeaway. How competitive is this market space? (44:34)

① China and Indonesia have held the first meeting of a Joint Foreign and Defense Ministerial Dialogue. How can the two sides push bilateral ties to higher level? (00:54)② China rolls out guidelines on upgrading its pilot free trade zones. What does it tell us about the country’s move to further open up itself? (12:50)③ Dozens of leading US economists have signed a public declaration warning that President Donald Trump’s use of tariffs could trigger a self-inflicted recession. We take a look at some of the letter’s key points and why economists are worried. (25:13)④ In the US, Harvard University is suing the Trump administration in order to prevent the federal government from freezing over $2 billion in grants. Is the autonomy that the Supreme Court has long granted American universities under threat? (36:20)⑤ We explore why China has added 29 new majors to the country’s undergraduate university education system. (46:23)

① In response to reports that Washington plans to put pressure on other countries to restrict trade with China in exchange for exemptions to US tariffs, China has called on countries not to appease the US. What could be the consequences of appeasing the Trump administration in trade? (00:53)② US Vice President JD Vance is in India for a four-day visit. We explore whether India can reach a trade deal with the Trump administration and more in bilateral relations. (13:34)③ Russia and Ukraine are blaming each other for breaking an Easter ceasefire. How realistic is the prospect of a peace agreement in the near future? (24:49)④ Iran has called its latest talks with the US on a potential nuclear deal useful. How likely will the two sides reach a deal? (33:55)⑤ What has enabled China to host the world’s first humanoid robot half-marathon? (41:49)