World Today

① Chinese economy keeps steady growth momentum in November — What does this indicate about the trajectory set out by the Central Economic Work Conference? (00:44) ② Newly declassified archives add evidence to Japan's wartime crimes against China — How do these records, showing Unit 731’s systematic, state-organized crimes, reshape Japan’s historical accountability? (12:12) ③ Australian PM flags stricter gun laws after Bondi Beach shooting — Will proposed reforms close existing loopholes? (30:27) ④ Zelenskyy offers to drop NATO bid for security guarantees but rejects US push to cede territory — What does this mean for the prospects of a negotiated settlement? (42:59) ⑤ Climate pressure on food: a growing global emergency — How urgent is the threat to global food security, and what strategies can governments and international bodies realistically implement to mitigate it? (51:04)

Softer rhetoric on China, but an intensified drive for economic and technological supremacy. A renewed Monroe Doctrine and a Western Hemisphere that tops America national priorities—is the 2025 U.S. National Security Strategy a real shift in American foreign policy, or just old wine in new bottles? In this episode, we explore how America’s new National Security Strategy affects China-U.S. relations and what it means for Global South countries and the broader world order. Host Xu Yawen is joined by Zhao Hai, Director of International Political Studies at the National Institute for Global Strategy, Chinese Academy of Social Sciences; Wang Haolan, Research Assistant at the Asia Society Policy Institute’s Center for China Analysis; Clifford Kiracofe, Washington-based author and former Senior Professional Staff Member of the U.S. Senate Committee on Foreign Relations; and George Tzogopoulos, Director of EU-China Programmes and Senior Research Fellow at the European Institute of Nice.

① The U.S. Federal Reserve has cut interest rates for a third time this year, though the decision came with a divided vote. How should the Fed balance its goals of taming inflation and supporting employment? (00:57) ② Venezuela has condemned the latest US seizure of an oil tanker as a “grave international crime.” Why is Washington escalating pressure on Caracas? (14:37) ③ China has held its annual Central Economic Work Conference to set its economic priorities for 2026. We bring you a few quick takeaways from the meeting. (24:59) ④ A conversation with Rebecca Grynspan, Secretary-General of the UN Conference on Trade and Development, on how the Global South can turn trade into financial clout. (38:42) ⑤ Mexico has approved tariffs of up to 50% on countries that don’t have a free trade deal with it. What has prompted this move, especially while Mexico is negotiating with the U.S. over tariffs? (45:03)

① In a “1+10” dialogue with leaders of major international economic organizations, China’s premier stressed that openness and cooperation remain the most effective way to spur growth and drive innovation. What role is China playing in rejecting rising protectionism? (00:50) ② Iran and Saudi Arabia have reaffirmed their commitment to implementing a China-brokered deal to resume bilateral diplomatic ties. As the peace process for Gaza faces continued uncertainties, what’s the significance of this commitment for the Middle East? (15:18) ③ Volodymyr Zelenskyy says Ukraine will be ready to hold elections if the United States and Europe guarantee security for the vote. Is that feasible? (24:57) ④ We explore why China’s consumer inflation picked up while factory-gate deflation persisted in November. (33:04) ⑤ Australia has become the first nation to ban social media for kids. We explore the strong emotions that the move has stirred across the country. (43:43)

① China’s top leaders have highlighted eight areas of focus for the country’s economic work in 2026. How can China’s economy maintain stability while pursuing progress next year? (00:55) ② German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul has paid a visit to China. We explore how China and Germany can expand their trade partnership and how Germany should position itself on the Taiwan question. (12:51) ③ In the first 11 months of this year, China's exports increased by 6.2% from a year earlier. How has China managed to navigate the headwinds and uncertainties in global trade? (25:22) ④ What has reignited fighting between Thailand and Cambodia along their border? (36:18) ⑤ Why has Nigeria deployed fighter jets to neighboring Benin to thwart a coup attempt in the country? (46:15)

In a thought-provoking discussion, guests dive into the recent Hong Kong legislative election aftermath, with Bai Xianyue highlighting the need for systemic reforms following a tragic fire. Shen Ding-li offers insights on U.S.-China relations and the implications of the U.S. National Security Strategy regarding Taiwan. Rong Ying warns of rising tensions in the East China Sea due to Japan's military maneuvers. Yan Liang examines China's robust growth outlook, crediting fiscal policies and a digital economy boost, while unpacking surprising trends like the rise of Xiaohongshu downloads in Taiwan.

China and France have agreed to strengthen political trust, support each other on core interests and expand cooperation. French President Emmanuel Macron’s three-day visit to China has seen Beijing and Paris pledge to work towards greater cooperation in aerospace, aeronautics, nuclear energy, and emerging areas such as green industries and AI. China and France also pledged closer collaboration on global governance, upholding the UN-centered system and promoting a more equitable global order. In this episode, we explore the dynamics of China-Europe cooperation and how the two sides should manage their ties. Host Ding Heng is joined by Professor Hans-peter Burghof, Chair of the Banking and Finance Department at the University of Hohenheim in Germany; 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.

Join Dr. Cui Hongjian, an expert in China-Europe relations, Liu Zhixing, a senior fellow focusing on China-Japan dynamics, Gao Xirei from HKU discussing India-Russia ties, Professor Andy Mok analyzing EU's antitrust regulations, and Zhang Gong on China-Latin America connectivity. They dive into Xi and Macron's pivotal talks on global cooperation, Japan's tourism drop due to political changes, the EU's scrutiny of AI in big tech, and China's new air route to Argentina, highlighting its impact on trade and tourism.

① French President Emmanuel Macron is in Beijing with a large delegation of ministers and top executives: What opportunities are Paris and Beijing looking to unlock? (00:50) ② China and Russia have vowed to defend WWII outcomes and prevent a revival of fascism or Japanese militarism. What does this pledge signal about Japan’s rising militarist ambitions? (10:21) ③ Russia-U.S. talks on Ukraine end without a breakthrough: What’s blocking progress, and how could the deadlock shape the conflict? (24:28) ④ Chinese researchers lead in key scientific and tech breakthroughs: How can China and U.S. co-exist and collaborate to drive global science forward? (34:50) ⑤ UN warns AI could widen global inequality: What strategies are needed to prevent AI from deepening the gap? (44:51)

① Russia grants visa-free entry to Chinese citizens: What does this move reveal about the deepening China-Russia partnership? (00:45) ② Chinese envoy writes to the UN chief rejecting Japan’s erroneous claims on Taiwan: What does this reveal about the rising tendency of right-wing militarism in Japan? (12:31) ③ Chinese carmakers dominate São Paulo International Car Show: What does this signal about China-Brazil industrial cooperation? (23:52) ④ Does Canada’s entry into the EU defense fund indicate a strategic shift away from reliance on the United States? (35:25) ⑤ What does “Zootopia 2” breaking box office records in China reveal about the potential for US-China film industry cooperation? (45:24)