Dialogue

China's economy is showing signs of renewed momentum, driven by strong growth in high-tech manufacturing and emerging industries. But with external pressures mounting and domestic demand remaining weak, can that momentum be sustained? How effective are China's economic policies? Where will the next wave of growth come from? And what does all this mean for global investors and trading partners?

Ninety years ago, the Chinese Red Army completed one of the most remarkable journeys in modern history, crossing snow-capped mountains and treacherous marshlands in a desperate struggle for survival. What began as a military retreat became an historic turning point and a testament to extraordinary endurance, conviction, and determination. Today, China is on a very different journey, pursuing modernization while facing new challenges and uncertainties. Can the spirit of the Long March still inspire generations who never experienced it? And what lessons can its story offer the wider world? Ninety years on, what does the Long March mean today?

A wave of protests and social unrest is sweeping across Europe. In France, hundreds of thousands have taken to the streets, with some demonstrations erupting into violent clashes with police, looting and attacks on buildings. Italy, Portugal and Belgium have also witnessed widespread protests amid growing frustration over living costs, housing and public services. What's driving this growing wave of public anger? Could France's turmoil be a warning of deeper economic and political strains across Europe? And how might the unrest intensify political divisions, particularly over immigration and national identity?

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's latest offering to Yasukuni Shrine has once again stirred controversy across East Asia. Against the backdrop of longstanding historical disputes and ongoing debates over Japan's defense policy and national identity, questions are mounting over the direction of the country's political leadership. What does the Yasukuni controversy reveal about Japan's approach to its wartime past? How could growing conservative influence shape the country's future security policy? How might Takaichi's leadership affect Japan's relations with China and other neighboring countries?

EU leaders are meeting in Brussels for a two-day summit with trade imbalances, European competitiveness and economic security high on the agenda. China and the EU have recently stepped up dialogue to manage their differences. So is Europe moving toward greater protectionism? Can China and the EU find common ground without further escalating their trade disputes?

Amid rising geopolitical tensions, economic uncertainty and growing global divisions, the world faces mounting challenges to peace, cooperation and shared prosperity. As global power dynamics shift, how can countries manage strategic competition and prevent regional conflicts from escalating? What role can China play in shaping a more stable international order and addressing the challenges facing the Global South?

From solar panels and new energy vehicles to robots and artificial intelligence, China is expanding its lead across a growing range of advanced manufacturing sectors. In the 15th Five-Year Plan period, the focus is on making manufacturing smarter, greener and more integrated. There is also intensifying tech rivalry with the United States, EU anti-subsidy measures and the global retreat toward protectionism. What's driving China's manufacturing upgrade and what does it mean for the world? How can China's emerging industries weather these shocks and where do foreign investors fit into this upgrade?

The Chinese economy continued to improve in the third quarter, with new growth drivers gaining momentum. As China enters its 15th Five-Year Plan period, what are the core economic issues ahead? Where will new growth come from? How can economies manage differences and expand cooperation in a world of rising protectionism and supply chain uncertainty?

Beijing's Swift Response to Public Complaint System built around the 12345 citizen hotline offers a window into China's evolving approach to urban governance. It turns everyday public concern into action and puts citizens' needs at the center of government decision-making. Seven years on, what lessons can other cities learn from Beijing's experience? How can governments become more responsive and efficient? How can big data and AI help them identify and address problems before they escalate?

The EU trade commissioner is in Beijing for the second China-EU trade and investment consultations. Meantime, the EU is considering a new trade tool modeled on the US section 301 system. China has called the plan unilateral and protectionist, and opened a new anti-dumping probe into European imports. Could this spark broader China-EU trade tensions? Can these ongoing talks ease the risks?