
World Today
With in-depth panel discussions on domestic and global news and current affairs, World Today gives you the story behind the headlines.
Latest episodes

Mar 7, 2025 • 53min
Panel: Exploring China's messages on foreign policy at its Two Sessions
In this discussion, Warwick Powell, a Senior Fellow at Taihe Institute, Yao Shujie from Chongqing University, and Wang Zhengxu from Zhejiang University analyze China's foreign policy as articulated by Foreign Minister Wang Yi. They explore China's commitment to stability and diplomatic resolutions amid global tensions. The panel delves into the U.S.-China relationship, the impact of trade wars, and the evolving dynamics between China and Europe. Additionally, they discuss China's efforts to engage with the global south, emphasizing mutual benefits and collaboration for a stable world.

Mar 6, 2025 • 52min
Can Arab-led Gaza reconstruction plan become reality?
①Two Sessions: An interview with CPPCC member, former WHO chief Margaret Chan (00:33)②The United States has paused intelligence sharing with Ukraine. (14:28)③France considers protecting European allies with its nuclear arsenal. (24:59)④Arab leaders have approved a 53-billion-US-dollar plan for Gaza's reconstruction. Can the plan become reality? (34:09)⑤Panama president says "Trump is lying" about reclaiming canal. (43:17)

Mar 5, 2025 • 52min
Unpacking China's 2025 government work report: What's backing the 5% growth target?
①China targets economic growth of around 5% in 2025. How achievable is this goal? (00:35)②How can tech innovations help improve senior wellbeing? (25:00)③European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has proposed an 800 billion euro plan to "rearm" Europe. Does this mark a turning point in transatlantic relations? (35:07)④The Mobile World Congress is underway in Barcelona. What trends will shape the future mobile economy? (41:55)

Mar 4, 2025 • 52min
How did Austria's far-right election winner get locked out of power?
Joining the discussion are Ko Gang, an expert in AI from Southwestern University, and You Tianlong, an international trade specialist at Yunnan University, among others. They dive into Austria's unprecedented coalition government formed after a political deadlock, discussing its potential hurdles and implications for social and economic policies. The panel also examines the escalating U.S.-China trade tensions, including retaliatory tariffs and their global impact. Additionally, they explore China's ambitious plans for AI development and data protection.

Mar 3, 2025 • 52min
Will Europe's Ukraine peace plan gain US support?
Dr. George Zugoplus, an expert on EU-China relations, and Colonel Zhoubo, a security strategist, discuss the new Ukraine peace plan being tailored for U.S. support amidst ongoing tensions. They emphasize the importance of international unity and the role of U.S. diplomacy. Meanwhile, Ding Hong analyzes the impact of Israel's aid suspension in Gaza on humanitarian conditions. Dr. Zhou Mi reveals China's manufacturing revival with strong PMIs, while Zhang Fan shares insights into China's upcoming astronaut training for its Tiangong space station.

Feb 28, 2025 • 53min
Panel: Is the transatlantic alliance faced with an unprecedented crisis?
French President Emmanuel Macron and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer have in recent days travelled to the White House with a key message to US President Donald Trump: don’s abandon Europe. Trump’s shift on Ukraine is shaking the transatlantic alliance, causing panic on a continent that has depended on US security assurance for 80 years. Suspicions are deepening that Trump is effectively pulling the plug on decades of US support for Europe.So, are transatlantic relations over? What are the challenges that Europe must overcome if it wants to pursue strategic autonomy? Host Ding Heng is joined by Kathleen Burk, Professor Emeritus of Modern and Contemporary History, University College London; Professor Doug Guthrie from Thunderbird School of Global Management; Christis Tombazos, Associate Professor at Monash University.

Feb 27, 2025 • 55min
New Zealand FM visits China: Strengthen ties amid regional concerns and global shifts
① Chinese FM calls on China, New Zealand to adhere to cooperation, dialogue. (00:49)② Ukraine approved agreement with U.S. on critical minerals. (14:04)③ China slams U.S. military aid to Taiwan. (24:49)④ Apple plans to invest $500 billion in U.S. as tariff era nears. (35:12)⑤ China’s marine economy achieved a landmark in 2024, driving national growth. (44:25)

Feb 26, 2025 • 52min
Trump wants it, EU wants it too: US, EU to divide Ukraine's mineral resources
① Both Trump and the EU set their sights on Ukraine's mineral resources. (00:50)② China continues as an attractive investment destination: AmCham South China. (13:06 )③ Iran and Russia's FMs condemn the unilateral sanctions by the U.S. and the West. (24:17)④ Syria’s interim president calls for unity and the rebuilding of the fractured nation. (34:00)⑤ The German economy contracted in the final quarter of 2024. (42:30)

8 snips
Feb 25, 2025 • 52min
China and Russia’s 'no limits' partnership: What it means in the new era of Trump
Zhou Bo, a senior fellow in international relations, and Jeffrey Sachs, director at Columbia, lead a discussion on the 'no limits' partnership between China and Russia. They explore its strategic implications amid geopolitical tensions. Insights on China's booming tech innovation, especially in Hangzhou, highlight its emerging AI dominance, drawing significant foreign investment. Sachs praises China's economic resilience, dismissing crisis narratives while examining its global influence and challenges in the current landscape.

Feb 24, 2025 • 53min
How China's “NO. 1 Central Document” strengthens rural reforms
① China outlines key tasks to deepen rural reforms, advance rural revitalization. (00:45)② Three years into Ukraine conflict, how Trump’s return has shifted the dynamics. (13:20)③ Conservative CDU/CSU leads German federal election: preliminary results. (26:24)④ Israel delays release of Palestinian prisoners over 'humiliating' hostage handovers. (36:30)⑤ China's trade promotion agency urges US to lift two-way investment curbs. (45:35)