Dialogue

A party-wide study campaign has been actively underway in China, researching a correct understanding of governance performance. In other words, how officials should define success and what kind of achievements should count. The campaign comes as the 15th Five-Year Plan gets underway and reflects a broader effort to judge officials not only by economic growth but also by people's livelihoods, ecological protection, long-term development and ability to solve difficult problems. So what does a correct understanding of governance performance mean in China's system of governance? Why is GDP alone no longer enough to measure the work of officials? And how does China's understanding of governance performance differ from political accountability and the election promises in the West?

Europe's economic relationship with China has entered a more complex and contested phase. In recent years, European economies have been grappling with soaring energy costs following the Ukraine crisis, weak productivity growth, and a decline in industrial competitiveness. European policymakers have increasingly raised concerns over what they call Chinese overcapacity, industrial subsidies, and growing competition from Chinese manufacturers. But is China the main driver of Europe's economic challenges — or are deeper structural issues at the heart of the problem? And what will it take for Europe to restore economic dynamism in an increasingly competitive global economy?

Britain has entered another moment of political upheaval. Keir Starmer, who led Labour to a landslide victory less than two years ago, has announced he will step down after losing support inside his own party. His successor could become Britain’s seventh prime minister in just ten years, raising a larger question: is this simply the fall of one leader, or a sign of deeper problems in British politics? What factors led to his resignation? How should his time in office be assessed? And can a new Labour leader restore stability at a time of economic pressure, voter anger and growing political fragmentation?

Peace talks between Iran and the United States in Switzerland have been postponed following Israeli strikes in southern Lebanon. Under the memorandum of understanding reached earlier this week, Washington and Tehran have committed to an "immediate and permanent cessation" of hostilities, including in Lebanon. However, repeated Israeli attacks on Beirut have threatened to derail the diplomatic process, fueling tensions between Washington and Tel Aviv. Will the United States and Iran be able to resume negotiations soon? More importantly, can the two sides reach a lasting and peaceful settlement of their differences? Even if an agreement is achieved, will it be durable enough to withstand the region's deep-seated tensions and recurring crises?

The summit between the Chinese and US presidents in Beijing has sent important signals about the future of bilateral relations. Both sides have expressed a desire to manage competition and reduce the risk of conflict. How should we read these developments? As the global landscape grows more complex, can China and the United States avoid the so-called Thucydides Trap and build a more stable framework for major-power relations? To help us explore these questions, we are joined by Daniel Russell, vice president for international security and diplomacy at the Asia Society Policy Institute.

China says the current international system should be reformed and improved—not replaced—to better reflect the realities of today's world and deliver more effective results. The message comes in a newly released white paper outlining China's vision and proposals for reforming and improving global governance. Why has global governance reform become increasingly urgent? How can the international community build a more just and equitable system, in which the voices of the Global South are better represented? And can new approaches help address the growing deficits in peace, development, security, and governance?

The European Union is reportedly set to join Pax Silica, a US-led initiative aimed at coordinating export controls, investment policies and supply chains in advanced semiconductor technologies. The initiative is widely seen as part of Washington's broad effort to maintain its tech edge and slow China's rise in strategic sectors, particularly artificial intelligence. The US says Pax Silica is designed to build a more secure and resilient tech ecosystem among partner countries. However, critics argue that it represents an attempt to reorganize global tech networks along geopolitical lines, limit China's role in key industries, and consolidate US leadership in the technologies that will shape the future. What exactly is Pax Silica as the EU moves closer to joining the initiative? Will Washington be able to achieve its objective of slowing China's technological advancement? Or will such efforts instead accelerate China's drive for innovation and self-reliance?

As global conflicts multiply and geopolitical tensions rise, millions of people worldwide are being stripped of their most fundamental human rights. In an increasingly divided world, what does the future hold for human rights? Are they still a universal pursuit shared by all nations? And how can developing countries make their voices heard to shape a more just, inclusive global governance system? To discuss these critical issues, we are joined by the former President of Iraq, Abdul Latif Rashid.

More than 400 guests from nearly 100 countries, along with representatives from the UN and other international and regional organizations, are gathering in Beijing for the 2026 Forum on Global Human Rights Governance. This year marks the 40th anniversary of the adoption of the UN Declaration on the Right to Development. Four decades on, how can the international community better advance human rights through development and turn the vision of the Declaration into reality? And as countries of the Global South call for a greater voice in international affairs, what should a more inclusive, equitable, and representative system of global human rights governance look like?

Chinese President Xi Jinping has said that relations between China and the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, or the DPRK, stand at a new historical starting point. He made the remarks while attending a welcome banquet hosted by DPRK leader Kim Jong Un. Kim noted that the two sides have reached consensus on advancing bilateral relations amid evolving circumstances. The visit comes at a significant moment in China-DPRK relations. This year marks the 65th anniversary of the signing of the Treaty of Friendship, Cooperation and Mutual Assistance between the two countries. Beijing and Pyongyang have described the visit as an opportunity to strengthen strategic communication, deepen cooperation, and chart the future course of bilateral ties. What does this visit tell us about the current state of China-DPRK relations? What do phrases such as "a new historical starting point" mean for the future of the relationship? And how might the two countries expand cooperation in the years ahead?