World Today

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)

① We take a look at Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s visit to China and how it will shore up trade relations between the two countries. (00:53) ② India’s foreign minister is making his first trip to China in five years. Will the positive trajectory in China-India relations continue? (13:38) ③ China’s exports growth beat expectations in June, driven by robust shipments to non-US markets. How resilient are China’s exports in the face of US tariffs? (24:24) ④ After the US threatened new tariffs of 30% on goods from the EU, Brussels decided to delay its retaliatory tariffs in hopes of reaching a deal with Washington by the end of this month. Will the EU make it? (34:23) ⑤ New Zealand has announced plans to double its international education market by 2034. What is driving New Zealand to pursue this goal? (43:16)

Over 600 guests from around 140 countries and regions have gathered in Beijing for the Global Civilization Dialogue Ministerial Meeting, held under the theme: “Safeguarding the Diversity of Human Civilizations for World Peace and Development.” What does this renewed call for civilization dialogue mean for global governance, cultural innovation, and peacebuilding? Host Ge Anna is joined by Gordon Dumoulin, Consultant and analyst on China perspectives and Entrepreneur in Chinese Medicinal Herbs; Prof Qu Qiang, Fellow of Belt and Road Research Centre at Minzu University of China; Prof Warwick Powell Senior Fellow at Taihe Institute and Adjunct Professor at Queensland University of Technology.

①Chinese Premier Li Qiang calls on China, Egypt to deepen strategic coordination to safeguard common interests. (00:37) ②The 11th Nishan Forum on World Civilizations takes place in China's Shandong province. How does it contribute to mutual understanding in today's polarized world? (12:19) ③Donald Trump says the 50% tariff on copper imports will take effect on August 1. How will it impact US industries and consumers? (24:58) ④Scientists warn that climate change is fueling more extreme weather. (34:46) ⑤An interview with European Central Bank President Christine Lagarde (44:40)

①China's economy expanded at an average annual rate of 5.5 percent from 2021 to 2024. What's driving this strong momentum? (00:47) ②Once known for its rural terrain and underdeveloped economy, how has Guizhou transformed into China's big-data hub? (14:17) ③Emmanuel Macron is on a three-day visit to the UK, as he stresses a special responsibility of the two countries to safeguard European security. (25:06) ④Malaysia's Prime Minister Anwar Ibranhim has urged Southeast Asian countries to enhance trade among each other amid global uncertainty. (34:53) ⑤Donald Trump has stepped up his criticism of Vladimir Putin after restoring arms shipments to Ukraine. What does this mean for the prospects of a negotiated ceasefire? (45:36)

① BRICS leaders call for global cooperation on AI governance and climate action. How are voices from the Global South shaping global conversations? (00:46) ② Donald Trump has announced new tariffs on a growing number of countries. Is this fueling greater uncertainty in global trade? (14:59) ③ Netanyahu meets Trump at White House as Israel, Hamas hold ceasefire talks. (24:59) ④ AI chipmaker Nvidia is on the verge of becoming the most valuable company in the world. (34:24) ⑤ Suriname has elected Jennifer Geerlings-Simons as its first female president. How significant is this moment for the country? (45:06)

①The 17th BRICS Summit takes place in Rio de Janeiro. With its growing influence on the global stage, what role can BRICS play in reforming global governance? (00:46) ②US President Donald Trump has signed his huge tax and spending bill into law. What's in it, and who stands to gain or lose? (13:48) ③Elon Musk says he has formed a new US political party, the "America Party". Can it gain traction and reshape the American political landscape? (24:33) ④South Korea's prosecutors has filed request to detain ex-president Yoon Suk Yeol. (32:22) ⑤Latest round of Israel-Hamas ceasefire talks have ended without breakthrough. (43:30)

It’s been five years since the enactment of a national security law in Hong Kong following the unrest in the city in 2019. The law defines four categories of offenses: secession, subversion, terrorist activities, and collusion with external forces to endanger national security. In a recent signed article, Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee said the Hong Kong society has remained stable and prosperous since the law’s implementation. How has the law safeguarded the practice of “One Country, Two Systems” in Hong Kong? How has the restoration of stability revitalized the city’s development dynamics? Host Ding Heng is joined by Professor Yao Shujie, Deputy Director of the Department of Social Sciences, Chongqing University; Edward Lehman, Managing Director of LEHMAN, LEE & Xu Law Firm; Einar Tangen, Senior Fellow of Taihe Institute and Chairman of Asia Narratives Substack.

① Wang Yi calls on EU to establish objective, rational perception of China. (00:47) ② Lee Jae-myung: opportunity for a China-South Korea reset? (12:58) ③ Former IMF Executive Director urges BRICS summit to deliver financial reform and unified Global South stance. (23:52) ④ Top chip design software developers say U.S. export restrictions to China from May have been lifted. (33:30) ⑤ Is Xiaomi’s wait-and-see EV strategy a missed opportunity—or a calculated move for global success? (42:59)

① Belgium backs push for a greater European autonomy in talks with China’s top diplomat. (00:45) ② Is Hong Kong reclaiming its IPO crown? City set to lead global fundraising in 2025. (14:13) ③ Is Trump’s “One Big Beautiful Bill” bold reform or a risky bet for America’s future? (24:02) ④ Putin and Macron speak for the first time in nearly three years—what’s behind the call, and what does it signal for Europe’s diplomacy? (33:48) ⑤ Why is Malaysia banning U.S. plastic waste—and what does it reveal about global environmental justice? (46:17)