Recently, China has made global headlines with groundbreaking achievements. From DeepSeek's strides in artificial intelligence to Ne Zha 2's cultural success, the country is shaping the future in both technology and entertainment. What does the success of Ne Zha 2 reflect about China's growing cultural confidence and its ability to tell its own stories? And as Africa also boasts rich and diverse cultures, what can be done to transform local African stories into successful productions with universal appeal?

Chinese startup DeepSeek has made a major leap in AI technology with the launch of its R1 chatbot, offering high performance at a low cost. By using pure deep learning methods, the R1 model enables AI to develop reasoning capabilities on its own. This advancement not only reshapes the global tech landscape but also opens up exciting new opportunities for technological growth in China and Africa. Victor Gao and Alhassan Bala share more on the impact of DeepSeek's innovation.

Wetlands are vital ecosystems that sustain biodiversity, protect against climate change, and support communities worldwide. Yet, they are disappearing at an alarming rate. As we reflect on World Wetlands Day 2025, the urgency to protect these natural treasures has never been greater. Ma Jun and Ali-Said Matano explore why wetlands matter, the threats they face, and how global collaboration can secure their future.

Rumbidzo Herbert Marembo and Shamiso Fungura, two Zimbabwean entrepreneurs based in Shanghai, are connecting China and Africa through their e-commerce platform, KOKI Delivery. By combining logistics, international shipping, and doorstep delivery, their venture links China's manufacturing power with Africa's growing market.

Hans Seesaghur, a Mauritian with deep ties to China, spent nearly 20 years experiencing Chinese New Year traditions across regions like Liaoning, Fujian, and Chengdu. Each celebration revealed unique customs, deepening his love for Chinese culture. Back in Mauritius, where Chinese New Year is a public holiday, the festive spirit extends beyond the Chinese community, uniting people in joy and celebration. For Hans, the festival symbolizes cultural connection and shared prosperity.

The Chinese New Year, also known as the Spring Festival, is a cornerstone of Chinese culture, centered around family reunions, festive traditions, and an unparalleled travel rush. This year's celebration holds even greater significance, as it marks the first Spring Festival since UNESCO recognized the festival as an Intangible Cultural Heritage. The global recognition highlights the cultural richness of this ancient tradition, which has become a bridge connecting communities far beyond China's borders.

Chinese private enterprises have seen remarkable growth in Africa, playing a pivotal role in shaping the continent's economic and social landscape. In this episode, we evaluate the growing presence of China's private business sector in Africa, exploring their impacts and contributions to Africa's development.

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi is visiting Namibia, the Republic of the Congo, Chad and Nigeria from January 5 to 11, continuing a 35-year tradition that the Chinese foreign minister visits Africa on the first overseas trip of the year. The visit sees the beginning of the implementation the FOCAC Beijing Action Plan 2025-2027 and reinforces China-Africa ties, now elevated to an all-weather community with a shared future for the new era. Three experts share more insights on the significance of Wang Yi's Africa tour.

As 2025 unfolds, it marks a pivotal year for the implementing the outcomes of the 2024 Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation. The year, China-Africa cooperation is set to reach new heights, driven by renewed momentum and shared goals. Three experts provide key insights into the future of this evolving partnership.

2024 will be remembered as a year of stability and remarkable progress in China-Africa relations, with ties between the two sides seen at its best in history. The 2024 Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation held in Beijing made a milestone. In our annual year-in-review episode, three experts discuss key events and trends that shaped China Africa relations in 2024. They also share their personal gains and experiences owing to this growing partnership.