China's central government has just introduced a slew of new policies to support childbirth. Measures include strengthened maternity leave and subsidies. Local governments are urged to budget for childcare facilities and levy preferential taxes and fees for such facilities. The central government also called for efforts to build a culture which respects childbearing, marriages at the right age, and shared parental responsibility to raise children.What demographic challenges does China face? How effective will the central government's new measures be in terms of addressing these challenges? Host Liu Kun is joined by Han Hua, Co-founder and Secretary General of Beijing Club for International Dialogue; Liu Yunyun, Deputy Executive Editor of the Beijing Review; Dr. Lauren Johnston, Associate Professor at China Studies Center, University of Sydney.

① A key manufacturing index in China turned positive in October after several months of contraction. Is this a sign that China’s recent stimulus measures are working? (00:52)② China’s BYD overtakes Tesla in revenue for the first time. What does it tell us about the shift in the electric vehicle market? (15:19)③ Lebanon’s caretaker prime minister has expressed hope that a ceasefire deal with Israel would be announced within days. This came after Israeli media published a draft agreement providing for an initial 60-day truce. Is such a deal likely to materialize? (24:57)④ Argentine President Javier Milei has replaced foreign minister Diana Mondino after she voted in favor of lifting the US embargo against Cuba at the United Nations. We explore the direction of Milei’s foreign policy. (38:22)

① Finnish President Alexander Stubb is on a visit to China. We explore the potentials for cooperation between China and Finland in green energy and beyond. (00:50)② China has successfully launched a new three-person crew to its orbiting Tiangong space station. We take a look at what’s at stake in this space mission. (13:18)③ After concluding its anti-subsidy investigation, the EU has decided to increase tariffs on Chinese EVs to as much as over 45%. Why is this decision unacceptable to China? (25:01)④ The Canadian government has alleged that Indian Minister of Home Affairs Amit Shah, a close ally of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, was behind the plots to target Sikh activists on Canadian soil. Will this allegation trigger further escalation of the row between Delhi and Ottawa? (36:01)⑤ We take a look at French President Emmanuel Macrons’ trip to Morocco amid tensions over Western Sahara. (43:07)

① China has unveiled steps to improve family planning and parenting measures. How can China build a birth-friendly society? (00:54)② Volkswagen plans to shut at least three German plants and cut tens of thousands of jobs. How does this decision relate to the broader challenges facing the auto industry? (15:31)③ The Israeli parliament has voted to ban the United Nations Relief and Works Agency from operating in Israel. How could this impact the agency’s activities in the West Bank and Gaza? (24:59)④ The US has finalized rules to ban investments in China’s high-tech field over national security. What could be the consequences of the US move? (34:51)⑤ We analyze China’s industrial profits through this year’s first nine months. (43:51)

① China and the EU have agreed to hold further talks over EV tariffs, determining that price commitments will continue to be used as a solution for the case. How far can the two sides go in resolving differences through dialogue? (00:50)② Japan’s ruling coalition has lost its parliamentary majority, driving the country into a period of political instability. How long might this period last? (15:30)③ Will Israel’s latest attack on Iran further escalate regional tensions? (24:55)④ We take a look at Georgia’s divisive election and how it reflects the political climate in this country. (33:02)⑤ German business sentiment rose more than expected in October, but the overall picture for Germany’s economy remains somewhat bleak. (43:05)

This year’s BRICS summit has concluded in the Russian city of Kazan. The message from the three-day event is clear: the global reality is changing, and the developing world wants to have adequate representation.Following more than a decade of development, the BRICS has come to a stage where its international influence must be taken seriously. Its member countries are home to 45 percent of the global population, and they account for more than a third of the global economy.In this edition of program, we explore how the BRICS is working to turn its visions into reality. Host Ding Heng is joined by Professor Wang Zhengxu from the School of Public Administration, Zhejiang University; Warwick Powell, Senior Fellow with Taihe Institute and Adjunct Professor with Queensland University of Technology; Emmanuel Matambo, Research Director of the Center for Africa-China Studies, University of Johannesburg.

①Chinese President Xi Jinping says the rise of the Global South is a clear sign of great changes in our time. What are the details? (00:46) ②Boeing factory workers have voted to reject a contract offer and continue a strike that is more than five-weeks old. What are the consequences? (25:30) ③U.S. chipmaker Wolfspeed has shelved plans to build a semiconductor factory in Germany.(36:00) ④We have an exclusive interview with Zhang Han, the political instructor with Immigration Inspection Team Five at the Beijing General Station of Immigration Inspection, on China's recent visa waiver policy for international travelers.(44:06)

Dr. Wang Huiyao leads a discussion on China's vision for BRICS, focusing on peace and green development. Andy Mock elaborates on Huawei's new Harmony OS, showcasing its impact on global tech. Gao Xirui reveals recent progress in China-India relations concerning border disputes. Dr. Wang Jin highlights the complexities of ongoing Middle East conflicts, while Professor Qüqiang analyzes the IMF's growth forecasts amid rising global economic challenges. Together, they provide insights into the evolving dynamics of international relations and economics.

Professor Qüqiang discusses China's latest cut in benchmark lending rates, aimed at revitalizing the economy and boosting consumer confidence. Dr. Yao Shujie emphasizes the importance of developing a skilled industrial workforce for high-quality growth. Meanwhile, Greg Barton examines concerns surrounding leaked documents on Israel's military plans, impacting US-Israel relations. Hans-Peter Berghoff reassures that German automakers can compete with China, and Chen Xi reflects on the divided reception of King Charles III's visit to Australia amid ongoing debates about the monarchy.

Dr. Zhou Mi, a senior research fellow on BRICS, emphasizes the summit's focus on economic collaboration among over 30 nations, particularly highlighting China's role. Dr. Zhang Chu Chu discusses Israel's recent airstrikes in Lebanon amidst escalating regional tensions. Kamal Markili-Aliev shares insights on Moldova's critical presidential runoff and its socio-political complexities. Professor Yan Liang explores China's strides in intellectual property as essential for innovation, while Dr. George Zugoplus reflects on evolving EU-China relations amid global challenges.