World Today

①China and the US are entering a fresh round of trade talks in Stockholm. What can we expect? (00:39) ②China has proposed the creation of a global AI cooperation organization. What's behind the initiative? (11:16) ③The US and EU have agreed to a trade deal with a 15% US tariff on most EU goods. Who are the winners and losers? (24:14) ④China's tax and fee revenue during 14th Five-Year Plan is expect to top 155 trillion yuan. (34:26) ⑤Houthis vow to step up shipping attacks to press Israel on Gaza. (43:32)

China and the European Union have pledged to promote cooperation on trade and investment at the 25th China-EU summit. The two sides have also issued a joint declaration, reaffirming policy continuity to step up efforts in tackling climate change. Meeting EU leaders in Beijing, President Xi Jinping called for providing more certainty for the world through steady China-EU ties. Why does the current international landscape require China and the EU to deepen trust? How can the two sides focus on pragmatic cooperation despite their differences? Host Ding Heng is joined by Dr. Zhou Mi, Senior Research Fellow of Chinese Academy of International Trade and Economic Cooperation; Dr. George Tzogopoulos, Director of EU-China Program at CIFE, a European research organization; Sultan Hali, a Chinese foreign policy analyst and retired Air Force officer in Pakistan.

① How might the latest China–EU talks shape their future ties? (00:48) ② What to watch for in the China–U.S. next trade talks in Sweden? (10:30) ③ Why is the U.S. redeploying nuclear weapons to the U.K. after 17 years? (24:21) ④ Why Russia and Ukraine agree to a prisoner swap but fail to reach a ceasefire in their latest talks? (32:35)

① What does the launch of island-wide independent customs operations in Hainan Free Trade Port this December mean for China’s opening-up? (00:47) ② What was discussed during the video meeting between China’s commerce minister and the EU trade commissioner ahead of the China–EU summit? (13:18) ③ Being America’s friend in 2025—what does it take? U.S. President Donald Trump announces trade deals with Japan, Indonesia and the Philippines. (24:30) ④ Japanese PM Ishiba denies talks of his imminent resignation. (35:03) ⑤ Why is the U.S. pulling out of UNESCO again—for the third time? (43:55)

① China-Croatia Ties: Foreign ministers hold talks in Beijing to enhance bilateral ties. (00:48) ② What’s driving China’s better-than-expected job growth, with nearly 7 million new urban jobs added in H1? (14:30) ③ 28 countries and EU urging Israel to lift its siege on Gaza — Will it make a difference? (24:44) ④ What does Brazil’s new tax office in China mean for the future of their economic partnership? (34:46) ⑤ What does Unitree Robotics’ IPO signal for China’s growing robotics industry? (42:53)

① How will EU leaders' visit to China and the 25th China-EU Summit reshape bilateral ties? (00:49) ② Japan faces political uncertainty as ruling coalition loses control of both houses: What’s next for its political future? (13:03) ③ China adds 10,000 km of high-speed railways during 2021-2024. (24:05) ④ New Development Bank at 10: A Decade of South-South Cooperation. (33:59) ⑤ Why are international banks raising China’s GDP forecasts? (44:43)

The 2025 International Congress of Basic Science is now underway in Beijing. The event draws over a thousand scholars from China and abroad, including Nobel Laureates, Fields Medalists, and Turing award winners. But in a world increasingly driven by fast results and commercial returns, why does basic science still matter? What happens when artificial intelligence begins solving problems that once took humans years or even decades? And can science still be a shared human endeavor in an era of rising geopolitical tension? Host Zhao Ying is joined by Zhang Fan, Associate Professor of Astronomy Department of Beijing Normal University; Quentin Parker, Director of Laboratory for Space Research, University of Hong Kong; Andy Mok, Tech Analyst and Senior Research Fellow at the Center for China and Globalization

① China has rejected NATO chief Mark Rutte’s warning that Brazil, China and India could be hit by secondary US sanctions if they maintain trade with Russia. Why is Rutte’s remark unhelpful to ending the Ukraine crisis? (00:55) ② China has established partnerships with over 80 countries and regions in intellectual property cooperation over the past five years. We take a look at what China has achieved in IPR protection during its 14th five-year plan. (13:27) ③ We speak to Benjamin Wong, Head of Transport & Logistics and Industrials at InvestHK, on how Hong Kong is positioning itself as a global supply chain hub. (24:59) ④ Israel has launched heavy airstrikes on Syria, claiming to defend Druze minorities. What could happen next? (34:03) ⑤ What has prompted the Trump administration to revoke federal funding for California’s high-speed rail project? Do high-speed railways fit America’s economic conditions? (42:12)

① The third China International Supply Chain Expo has opened in Beijing. How much does the willingness of the business community matter when it comes to safeguarding the stability of global supply chains? (00:57) ② China has announced that it will host the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit from August 31 to September 1. How can SCO stay true to its original aspiration and carry forward the Shanghai Spirit? (13:20) ③ A conversation with David Jonathan Gross, a Nobel Laureate and preeminent figure in theoretical physics. (25:12) ④ China is slamming Japan’s new defense white paper over allegations of the so-called China threat. Does it make sense to describe China as Tokyo’s “greatest strategic challenge”? (34:22) ⑤ The Trump administration is launching a probe into Brazil’s trade practices. Does Brazil deserve such a treatment? (43:19)

① We take a look at China’s recent Central Urban Work Conference and how it plans to build modern Chinese cities that are innovative, livable, beautiful, resilient and smart. (00:51) ② Meeting Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese in Beijing, President Xi Jinping said China is willing to work with Australia to further advance bilateral relations. What benefits have been brought to the two sides after bilateral ties achieved a turnaround? (14:32) ③ China’s economy grew at an annual rate of 5.3% in the first half of 2025. We explore the driving force of the steady growth. (24:48) ④ Nvidia will soon resume H20 AI chip sales to China following US government assurances. What does it mean to the US tech giant? (34:01) ⑤ On the 10th anniversary of World Youth Skills Day, we explore what skills young people really need for the future? (44:36)