At the Boao Forum for Asia 2026, the pulse of the global economy meets the promise of Asia. From the future of China's growth to deeper regional integration, the conversations here don't just reflect change — they help shape it. How do we bridge the gap between instability and a shared future? And can the multilateral trading system still be salvaged?

Known as the world’s supermarket for small commodities, the eastern Chinese city of Yiwu is sending a striking signal about China’s economic momentum. In the first two months of 2026, its foreign trade surged by nearly 53 percent. At the same time, Yiwu is no longer just about traditional consumer goods. From AI-powered toys to smart home devices, even the smallest products are getting a high-tech upgrade. What’s really driving this surge? What does Yiwu reveal about China’s economic momentum?

March 21 marks World Sleep Day, a time to recognize that sleep is no longer just about rest. In China, growing health awareness and shifting consumer needs are driving a surge in demand for sleep-enhancing products and services.

China's capital markets are drawing renewed attention from global investors. Overseas funds have been increasing their holdings in major Chinese companies such as Alibaba, Tencent, and CATL, signaling strong confidence in the world's second-largest economy. What’s really driving global capital flows into Chinese assets? As China shifts toward an innovation-driven growth model, what opportunities are there for foreign investors?

Host Zhao Yang spoke with Yan Liang, Professor of Economics, Willamette University; Li Lun, Assistant Professor of Economics, Peking Universit; Andy Mok, Senior Research Fellow at the Center for China and Globalization.

China's February economic report card is out! Fresh economic data, fresh insights. CGTN's Zhu Zhu and Aaron Liu, who had covered the Two Sessions, connect with Zhu He of CF40 and Einar Tangen, senior fellow at Center for International Government Innovation, to break down the latest data. What's the state of play in early 2026? And how do today's figures shape tomorrow's 15th Five-Year Plan?

Amid sluggish global economic recovery, China's 2026 GDP target of 4.5-5% reaffirms its commitment to high-level opening-up. What opportunities await foreign investors in industries such as services, green energy, and digital trade?

China is placing artificial intelligence at the heart of its next wave of economic transformation. This year’s government work report calls for creating new forms of “smart economy,” signaling a shift from simply applying AI to individual sectors toward a broader transformation of the economy. At the same time, China has set a target for the digital economy to account for 12.5 percent of GDP by 2030, up from 10.5 percent last year. What do all these tell us about the direction of China’s economic transformation? Could the smart economy become the country’s next major engine of growth — and what new opportunities might come with it?

China's "Two Sessions" have opened as global markets seek clarity on growth, policy support, and reform direction amid economic uncertainty.

China has set its economic growth target for 2026 at around 4.5 to 5 percent. Premier Li Qiang announced the target in the government work report at the opening of this year’s National People's Congress in Beijing. The report outlines a more proactive policy stance, with measures to expand domestic demand, stabilize employment, and strengthen market confidence. It also emphasizes scientific research, high-tech innovation, and industrial upgrading as key drivers of future growth. What’s the thinking behind this growth target? What do these policy signals tell us about the direction of China’s economy?

The United States has begun collecting a temporary 10 percent global import tariff, with the White House signaling it hopes to raise it to 15 percent. The move has added to confusion over U.S. trade policy and comes after the Supreme Court ruling striking down broad tariffs imposed last year.

With legal battles unfolding and lawmakers pushing for potential tariff refunds, businesses and trading partners are questioning the direction of American trade strategy.

What does this mean for U.S. businesses and global markets? Where is American trade policy heading? How will the US tariff impact global trade?