Dialogue

As the Israel-Iran conflict continues, civilian deaths are mounting and the threat of wider war is growing. With Washington weighing its next move – and Europe, China and the Arab world all speaking out – is the region sliding toward a full-blown crisis? And who, if anyone, can stop it?

China and the five Central Asian countries have signed a landmark permanent friendship pact during the second summit in Astana, Kazakhstan. Chinese President Xi Jinping hailed the agreement as a "milestone" in relations among the six nations, saying it represented "an innovative endeavor in China's neighbourhood diplomacy – a contribution for our time that benefits generations to come." What does the pact mean to the region and China? How has the summit opened new paths for deeper China–Central Asia cooperation? And how does this partnership stand out in a world stricken with conflict?

The second China-Central Asia Summit in Kazakhstan is opening a new chapter in building closer collaboration in the region. How important is the platform in maintaining regional peace and economic development? What is the potential for future development?

Chinese President Xi Jinping is attending the second China-Central Asia Summit in Astana, Kazakhstan. The summit is an opportunity for China and the five Central Asian countries to deepen strategic trust, enhance cooperation and jointly contribute stability and positive momentum to a world fraught with uncertainty. What are the common concerns and challenges for countries in Central Asia? And what outcomes might we expect to see this year?

The Israeli Defense Ministry has confirmed multiple airstrikes on Iranian military and nuclear targets on Friday, June 13. Top Iranian military commanders, nuclear scientists and civilians have reportedly been killed. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirmed Israel had notified the U.S. prior to the attacks but acted independently without U.S. involvement. What triggered the strikes on Iran? How might Iran retaliate? And could this lead to a wide-ranging escalation of tensions in the region?

After two days of intensive negotiation in London, China and the U.S. have agreed on a framework to implement the consensus reached in Geneva in May. While the agreement still needs final approval, the two sides are back on the right track to resolve trade disputes through dialogue and cooperation. What more do we know about the talks? How important is the framework? And what does it mean for the world if the two largest economies can finalize this agreement?

This is the first year that the UN has recognized June 10th as the International Day for Dialogue among Civilizations. The UN resolution, proposed by China and adopted by the UN General Assembly last year, was established to recognize the importance of dialogue in eliminating discrimination and prejudice, enhancing understanding and trust, promoting people-to-people connectivity, and strengthening solidarity and cooperation. Why does promoting dialogue among civilizations seem more urgent than ever? And most importantly, what does the initiative mean for a world that is grappling with so many crises with so few answers?

U.S. President Donald Trump has deployed 2,000 National Guard troops to handle escalating protests against immigration enforcement raids in the Los Angeles area. What sparked the protests in the first place? Major financial institutions such as Goldman Sachs and JPMorgan Chase recently raised expectations for China's economic growth in 2025. What are the reasons behind the improved outlook?

The Organization for Economic Cooperation and development, or OECD, has lowered its forecast for global economic growth from 3.4% in 2024 to 2.9% in both 2025 and 2026, partly due to tensions and uncertainties caused by recent U.S. tariffs. Meanwhile, the group expects U.S. growth will slow to just 1.6%this year. What are the key drivers behind the slowdown, and what do these tell us about the global future economic outlook? And what can countries do to navigate the growing uncertainty and maintain economic resilience?

For centuries, humanity has depended on the sea not only as a primary food source for billions of people, but also as a vast ecosystem that enables economic growth through fisheries, shipping and a fleet of other industries. As the oceans face mounting pressure from climate change and pollution, marine resources and the blue economy are high on the international agenda. What urgency do we face in developing sustainable oceans, and how can the world benefit from investing in ocean conservation?