The Hub with Wang Guan

As tensions rise and costs mount, questions are growing over whether the US can truly claim victory in its conflict with Iran. Can a war be ended by declaration alone? Are Americans beginning to feel the real price of prolonged conflict at home? In this edition of The Hub, host Wang Guan speaks with guests to explore what US President Trump implies in his Wednesday night's primetime address on the war with Iran. They discuss rising energy prices, shifting public opinion, and the strategic uncertainty surrounding the Strait of Hormuz.

Is the world entering a new era of great power rivalry that echoes the years before World War I? What lessons from history can help today's leaders avoid a larger global conflict? In this episode of The Hub, Wang Guan speaks with renowned historian, Professor Odd Arne Westad, Elihu Professor of History and Global Affairs at Yale University. They explore how today's geopolitical tensions compare with the unstable decades before World War I. The conversation examines the risks posed by unresolved regional conflicts, rising great power competition, and a weakening role for international institutions. They discuss the importance of the United Nations, the growing complexity of nuclear deterrence, and why arms control remains essential in a multipolar world.

China's new development roadmap is shaping global opportunities in a time of uncertainty. What does China's next phase of growth mean for the world economy? And how can international partners engage in these emerging opportunities? In "China's Development Opportunities for the World," the special roundtable of The Hub, CGTN host Wang Guan sits down with Zhou Xing, head of Public Affairs at PwC China; Zhou Mi, senior research fellow at the Chinese Academy of International Trade and Economic Cooperation; Zha Daojiong, professor at Institute of South-South Cooperation and Development, at Peking University's School of International Studies; and John Milligan-Whyte, chairman of the America-China Partnership Foundation, to examine the global economic landscape as China advances its 15th Five-Year Plan, focusing on high-quality growth, stronger domestic demand, and the rise of new quality productive forces.

Tensions in the Strait of Hormuz are rising fast as ultimatums, counter-threats, and military moves reshape the global energy and security landscape. Is this a calculated show of strength or a sign of strategic strain? And can escalation still be controlled before it spirals further?

Tensions in the Strait of Hormuz are testing global stability and the strength of US alliances. Are we witnessing the early stages of a broader geopolitical realignment? How will key allies respond as the conflict escalates? In this episode of The Hub, Wang Guan brings together leading experts to examine the rapidly evolving crisis. The panel explores the risks of a wider regional conflict following US and Israeli strikes on Iran and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz. They discuss the growing strain between Washington and its allies, and examine the potential impact on global energy markets and security dynamics. The conversation also looks into Japan's strategic dilemma as Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi prepares for talks in Washington, balancing domestic pressure, economic vulnerability, and alliance commitments.

China and the United States have just wrapped up trade consultations in Paris at a time of global economic uncertainty. Can renewed dialogue help stabilize one of the world's most important economic relationships? And how much does the global economy depend on steady engagement between these two major powers?

China's Two Sessions spotlight the policies and priorities shaping the country's future. How will China build a greener society while supporting a rapidly aging population? And how can the country ensure food security for 1.4 billion people in the years ahead? In this edition of The Hub, our Gen-Z reporters Wang Naiqian and Liu Mengling were at the scene, exploring several major issues discussed during the 2026 Two Sessions. As China pushes for greener development and examines how legislative efforts are strengthening the country's environmental commitments, it also looks at the rise of the silver economy and discusses how longer life expectancy is transforming lifestyles, opportunities, and services for older adults. Regarding agriculture and food security, they also see how China continues to feed its large population while expanding the diversity and quality of food choices.

China's Two Sessions are outlining the country's economic priorities for the year ahead and offering signals about the next phase of development. What does the 2026 Government Work Report reveal about China's growth strategy? And how might these policy directions shape China's role in the global economy? In this episode of The Hub, Wang Guan talks to experts to explore China's 2026 GDP growth target, the role of innovation-driven growth as China increases investment in R&D and accelerates the development of new quality productive forces, and discuss how policymakers are balancing stability with high-quality development.

Escalating clashes among the United States, Israel, and Iran are redefining security in the Middle East. Is the conflict heading toward containment or regional escalation? Can diplomacy still influence events on the ground? In this edition of The Hub, the panel explores battlefield developments, the impact of strikes involving Hezbollah and the targeting of senior Iranian figures，and whether the current escalation could reshape the Middle East order.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz is visiting China with a high-level business delegation at a time of global economic uncertainty. Can this visit bring new momentum to China–Germany relations? And how can the two sides expand cooperation while strengthening long-term stability?