World Today

Gold prices are swinging sharply, while the appeal of the U.S. dollar as the world's dominant reserve currency appears to be gradually eroding. Does de-dollarization force the world to rethink safe havens — beyond dollar and gold. And where does the Renminbi stand in this shifting landscape? To explore these questions, host Ge Anna is joined by Yan Liang, Professor of Economics at Willamette University; Sean Chang, Associate Professor of Practice in Finance at the University of Hong Kong; and Chen Jiahe, Chief Investment Officer at Novem Arcae Technologies.

① President Xi Jinping has held a phone call with Donald Trump and a virtual meeting with Vladimir Putin on the same day. Will China maintain a stable relationship with the US while further developing close ties with Russia? (00:55) ② What’s behind the Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s renewed call for constitutional change to recognize the Self‑Defense Forces? (24:57) ③ Are Russia and Ukraine edging closer to peace as they hold US-brokered talks in Abu Dhabi? (35:11) ④ Germany’s Friedrich Merz is on a two-day Gulf tour with a mission to diversity Berlin’s partnerships. To what extent is the trip prompted by the increasingly contentious transatlantic relationship? (44:23)

① We explore how China’s “No.1 central document” plans to advance agricultural modernization and rural revitalization in 2026. (00:53) ② The Trump administration has announced a plan to establish a strategic minerals reserve with an aim to protect US manufacturers from supply chain shocks. What could be the possible obstacles for it? (13:46) ③ China has criticized Panama’s top court after it annulled a contract for Hong Kong-based CK Hutchison to operate two ports on the Panama Canal. When Panama yields to Washington’s pressure by taking this move, what prices may Panama have to pay over the long term? (24:53) ④ What has driven German investment in China to hit a four-year high through last year’s first 11 months? (35:28) ⑤ French authorities have carried out a raid on X’s offices in Paris and summoned Elon Musk for questioning. We take a look at Europe’s tightening scrutiny of US social media companies and how it is becoming a source of US-Europe frictions. (44:52)

① President Xi Jinping has held talks with his visiting Uruguayan counterpart Yamandu Orsi in Beijing. How can China and Uruguay expand cooperation and advance an equal world order? (00:56) ② The United States and Iran will hold nuclear talks in Istanbul. Is the threat of a military confrontation easing? (15:06) ③ The Communist Party of China and the Chinese Kuomintang Party have held a think tank forum in Beijing focusing on cross-Strait cooperation. We explore the significance of this dialogue channel’s revival after a hiatus of nearly a decade. (24:58) ④ China has taken a world-first step in automotive safety. It will ban hidden door handles on cars sold domestically. What could be the ramifications of this step? (32:30) ⑤ Elon Musk’s SpaceX has acquired his artificial intelligence business xAI, with plans underway for space-based AI data centers. Is orbit the only way to scale the massive power and computing needs of advanced AI? (42:31)

① Xi Jinping has published an article, calling for building China into a financial powerhouse. He says China needs to build a strong currency that will reach the status of a global reserve. What remain to be done in expanding the yuan’s global footprint? (00:47) ② What’s at stake in Uruguayan President Yamandu Orsi’s week-long visit to China? (14:21) ③ Donald Trump has nominated Kevin Warsh to be the next chair of the US Federal Reserve. What do we know about Warsh? (24:56) ④ As US-Iran tensions boost oil prices, why has OPEC+ decided to maintain its current oil production levels? (35:36) ⑤ China’s annual Spring Festival travel rush began on Monday. Why is a new record expected for the number of travels during this year’s rush? (45:19)

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer is the latest leader of a US ally to visit China in pursuit of renewed ties. He says it is vital to build a more sophisticated relationship with China. Apart from Starmer, China has hosted leaders of South Korea, Canada, Finland, and Ireland since the start of 2026. All these countries have been hit by Washington’s so-called reciprocal trade tariffs over the past year, and a few have found themselves at odds with US President Donald Trump over his desire to take control of Greenland. Why are some of Washington’s closest allies looking to China for reliable relations? Host Ding Heng is joined by Muhammad Ali Nasir, Professor of Economics at the University of Leeds in Britain; Liang Linlin, Director of Communication and Research with China Chamber of Commerce to the European Union; Professor Cui Hongjian from Beijing Foreign Studies University’s Academy of Regional and Global Governance.

① President Xi meets with British PM Starmer: What signals does it send for China-UK ties? (00:47) ② China's expanding trillion-yuan GDP club highlights economic resilience: expert. (17:07) ③ Iran rejects Washington’s threats, saying it is ready to respond to any US attack. What comes next for regional stability? (27:33) ④ US consumer confidence drops to lowest level since 2014. What’s weighing on the U.S. economy? (36:58) ⑤ Canadian business leader: New China-Canada deal to fuel EV and farm growth. (46:04)

① UK PM leads major business delegation to China. how vital is China for Britain’s economy? (00:47) ② Chinese EV makers set sights on UK market as Beijing and London move to strengthen economic ties. How can Chinese NEVs seize growth opportunities in the UK? (15:33) ③ China urges Japan to correct fallacies in Takaichi’s remarks on Taiwan. How might Japan’s repeated provocative statements affect regional stability and Tokyo’s strategic calculations? (25:00) ④ China's retail sales hit 50-trillion-yuan (about $7.2 trillion) mark. What sectors are driving this unprecedented consumption growth? (33:27) ⑤ India, EU sign several pacts after 20 years. How will this landmark deal influence U.S. leverage over its traditional partners? (44:07)

① Xi calls on China and Finland to deepen cooperation across sectors. Where can China–Finland collaboration create the most impact for businesses and communities? (00:50) ② China leads in AI patents as IP-intensive industries grow. What does this mean for China’s tech competitiveness? (12:41) ③ US exit from key UN climate treaty draws UN criticism. Where will this hurt America most economically and strategically? (24:40) ④ U.S. immigration policy faces backlash after fatal shooting of another citizen. Where is enforcement turning into violence on American streets? (34:37) ⑤ Chinese university opens School of Space Exploration to train future talent. How might it power China’s next leap in deep space? (44:52)

① Finland seeks closer business ties with China through PM’s visit. How could this reshape Finland’s role in EU-Asia trade? (00:46) ② Beijing’s commercial space expo highlights rapid growth in industry. What new opportunities does China’s space boom create? (12:16) ③ US defense plan focuses on homeland, limits help to allies. What's behind the recent shift in US defence strategy? (24:59) ④ Russia, Ukraine, and US peace talks conclude without a deal. Does this signal a prolonged stalemate? (33:59) ⑤ France to ban social media for children under 15 by September. Can it curb online risks for minors? (43:15)