World Today

① Portuguese Prime Minister Luis Montenegro has concluded a three-day visit to China, the first China trip by a Portuguese head of government in nearly a decade. How can Lisbon and Beijing enhance cooperation? (00:52) ② What has made Israel carry out a strike targeting Hamas leaders in Qatar? (13:30) ③ We explore the progress of China's manufacturing sector during the country's 14th Five-Year Plan. (27:00) ④ We take a look at a CGTN poll showing strong recognition of Taiwan’s return to China after World War II and why seeking “Taiwan independence” is a subversion of the post-war international order. (38:44) ⑤ Basketball legend LeBron James has called basketball “a bridge” that connects the US and China. Does he have a point? (45:15)

① Addressing a virtual summit with other BRICS leaders, Xi Jinping made a three-point proposal for the group to uphold multilateralism, openness and solidarity. Is BRICS becoming a leading force against hegemonism and protectionism? (00:52) ② French Prime Minister Francois Bayrou has lost a confidence vote in Parliament. We take a look at the deepening political paralysis in the country. (24:58) ③ South Korea plans to send a chartered plane to the US to bring back its workers detained by US authorities at a Hyundai manufacturing plant in Georgia. We explore the clash between the Trump administration’s immigration crackdown and its push to attract foreign investment? (34:40) ④ How is CATL betting on tailor-made batteries to win in European EV market? (43:34)

① US President Donald Trump says the White House is ready to move to the second phase of sanctions against Russia. How realistic is it for the US to impose secondary tariffs on countries trading with Russia? (00:55) ② Japan is now facing a month-long process to select its next prime minister following Shigeru Ishiba’s resignation as leader of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party. Is the LDP facing the worst crisis since its founding? (12:38) ③ Why has China’s foreign trade in the first 8 months shown resilience? (24:19) ④ We explore why the US trade deficit widened more than expected in July. (33:40) ⑤ China has criticized Canadian and Australian warships transiting the Taiwan Strait as a provocation. Could Western warships’ actions trigger a military clash? (45:22)

In the grand commemorative events at Tian’anmen Square to mark the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War, China made a strong voice on cherishing and defending peace. A little earlier, peace was also a key theme at the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit held in the northern Chinese city of Tianjin, with President Xi Jinping saying the SCO now bears a greater responsibility for safeguarding regional peace and stability. Why is China determined to be a force for peace? In what ways is China contributing to international peace? Host Ding Heng is joined by Ben Norton, political economist and editor of the Geopolitical Economy Report; Warwick Powell, Senior Fellow of Taihe Institute and Adjunct Professor at Queensland University of Technology; Professor Qu Qiang, Fellow of the Belt and Road Research Center, Minzu University of China.

① Why is the Global Governance Initiative needed in today’s world? (00:51) ② How BYD Beat Tesla as Top-Selling EV Brand in Europe? (18:32) ③ Repercussions of China’s V-Day commemoration ripple across the globe. (28:30)

China has held a grand gathering in Beijing marking the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War. Our reporter Xu Yawen who covered the event on site and a few commentators join the show to give their perspectives on why this commemoration matters.

Chinese President Xi Jinping called for deeper regional cooperation and true multilateralism when addressing leaders and representatives from 26 participating countries at the 2025 Shanghai Cooperation Organization Summit in Tianjin. With Laos joining as a new dialogue partner, and leaders issuing the Tianjin Declaration and approving a 10-year development strategy, what’s next for the world’s largest regional organization? The sit-in host Xu Yawen joins Rong Ying, Chair Professor at the School of International Studies at Sichuan University, and Zoon Ahmed Khan, Research Fellow at the Center for China and Globalization, to discuss the summit’s key outcomes and explore what they mean for the organization's growing influence across the region.

The UK, France and Germany have begun the process of reimposing UN sanctions on Iran over its nuclear program. The move will trigger a so-called snapback mechanism under the 2015 nuclear deal. The three European powers took the step in a letter to the UN Security Council on Thursday. The Council now has 30 days to decide whether to continue sanctions relief or let it expire. Is time running out for diplomacy? What would a potential snapback of UN sanctions mean for Iran and its nuclear decisions? And what impact could a collapse in talks have on an already fragile Middle East? Host Zhao Ying is joined by Kamal Makili-Aliyev, Associate Professor at the School of Global Studies, University of Gothenburg; Zhang Chuchu, Deputy Director of the Center for Middle Eastern Studies, Fudan University.

1. China urges Israel to end military action as UN confirms famine for first time in Gaza 2. US 50-percent tariff on goods from India takes effect as Indian PM calls for self-reliance 3. China's trade with other SCO members hits new high amid global uncertainties 4. China doubles down on biotech

1. Lee Jae-myung: S. Korea can’t sustain “security with the U.S., economy with China” approach (00:47) 2. 25 countries suspend US-bound packages over tariffs, UN body says (13:12) 3. China to showcase advanced military equipment to commemorate 80 years since WWII(25'59) 4. China’s Summer Spending Surges (43'53)