①China and Maldives have elevated bilateral ties to a comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership. Does this development target any third party? (00:49) 
②We explore the things at stake in Belgian Prime Minister Alexander De Croo’s two-day visit to China. (13:48) 
③China announces new initiatives to facilitate foreign visits. (24:53) 
④US Republican primary: Key takeaways from the latest Haley-DeSantis debate. (33:25) 
⑤In Germany, rail strikes and farmers’ protests are causing disruption in the biggest European economy. (42:54)

China and Maldives’ decision to upgrade ties

With in-depth panel discussions on domestic and global news and current affairs, World Today gives you the story behind the headlines.

News

①Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi reiterates that the Taiwan question is at the center of China's core interests. (00:47)
②US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen is urging Europe to join the US in clamping down on China's green-tech exports. Are they building a protectionism alliance in the name of countering overcapacity? (13:10)
③What next for Iran after President Raisi's death? (24:34)
④In a historic move, Ireland, Spain and Norway say they are recognizing a Palestinian state. How significant are the announcements? (32:08)
⑤Low-altitude economy takes off in China. (42:03)

How significant is Ireland, Norway and Spain's recognition of Palestinian state?

①China has urged the United States not to use the Taiwan region as a tool to contain China. (00:44)
②The International Criminal Court seeks arrest warrants for Israeli and Hamas leaders. What does that mean to the conflict? (15:17)
③A British court has ruled that WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange can appeal his extradition to the United States. What happens next? (23:45)
④Japan and ASEAN plan joint strategy on auto production. (32:53)
⑤Deadly clashes in a French Pacific territory raise fears of civil war. (43:02)

What would ICC arrest warrants mean for Israeli and Hamas leaders?

①Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi is in Kazakhstan for a meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization Foreign Ministers Council. (00:42)
②China's economy continued to perform well in April. (13:10)
③A Chinese mainland spokesperson said Lai Ching-te has sent "a dangerous signal" of seeking so called "Taiwan independence". (24:17)
④Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi has died in a helicopter crash. What do we know so far, and what will happen next for the country? (34:34)
⑤US security adviser urges Natanyahu to connect war to "political strategy". (42:57)

What's next for Iran after Raisi's death?

Vladimir Putin’s visit to China has created one more opportunity for China and Russia to celebrate and strengthen their cooperation. Beijing and Moscow have signed more than ten agreements during Putin’s trip. Xi Jinping says the current relationship was not easily gained, so it ought to be cherished by the two sides more than ever before.

Why are China and Russia good friends and partners? What can their partnership bring to the international community?

Host Ding Heng is joined by Professor Alexey Maslov, Director of the Institute of Asian and African Studies, Moscow State University; Mark Sleboda, Moscow-based international relations & security analyst; Dr. Zhang Xin, Deputy Director of the Center for Russian Studies, East China Normal University.

Panel: What can the world gain from a close China-Russia partnership?

①China and Russia have agreed to deepen their comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership in the new era as the two countries mark 75 years of diplomatic ties. What are the details? (00:45) ②China Coast Guard has expelled Philippine vessels that illegally entered Chinese waters in the South China Sea. (14:36) ③Singapore has inaugurated Lawrence Wong as prime minister. What does the future hold for Singaporeans? (25:23) ④Slovakia’s Prime Minister remains in hospital after an attempted assassination. (35:45) ⑤German Chancellor Olaf Scholz has warned against cutting the German economy off from potential markets abroad against the backdrop of U.S. tariff hikes for Chinese products. (43:03)

China and Maldives’ decision to upgrade ties

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