东谈西论

世界四大会计事务所之一、总部设在英国的普华永道（PricewaterhouseCoopers, PwC），因替中国房地产巨头恒大集团出具虚假审计报告，被中国财政部罚款人民币4.41亿元（8070万新元），并处以停业六个月的处罚，同时撤销了普华永道广州分所的执业资格。

普华永道因对恒大集团的虚假账目“睁一只眼、闭一只眼” 而陷入危机。而在香港上市的恒大集团今年1月已被下令清盘，留下超过3000亿美元的债务、上百万套烂尾楼，以及数十亿美元的财富管理产品违约。

恒大账目造假，普华永道作为审计机构应承担多少责任？这背后是否存在利益输送？

这期的早报播客《东谈西论》，听主持人韩咏红和新加坡管理大学李光前商学院副教授傅方剑解析这个事件暴露了上市公司与会计行业之间哪些深层次问题？

延伸阅读：

• 中国财政部点名瑞幸恒大：财务造假成本过低 新会计法大幅提高处罚力度
• 普华永道被香港监管机构调查

Chinese regulators hit the auditing unit of PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) in mainland China with a six-month business suspension and a record fine of 441 million yuan (S$81 million) over the firm’s audit of troubled property developer China Evergrande Group, which was ordered to liquidate earlier this year.

The Big Four accounting firm is accused of failing to uncover accounting irregularities at the real estate giant, raising serious questions about auditing practices in China.

In this episode of Global Heartbeat podcast, join host Han Yong Hong and Associate Professor of Finance from the Singapore Management University’s Lee Kong Chian School of Business, Fu Fangjian, as they delve into the broader implications of this incident for the auditing industry, financial accountability, and corporate governance in China. 

Hosted by Lianhe Zaobao’s Associate Editor, Han Yong Hong, Global Heartbeat is a Mandarin weekly news and current affairs podcast that is updated every Tuesday, 7.00 PM SGT. It is available on zaobao.sg, Apple Podcast, Spotify and other podcast platforms.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

中国国家男子足球队上周四在客场对阵日本，以0比7惨败。这场比赛不仅创下了国足在国际正式比赛中的最大比分差距，还刷新了世界杯预选赛的历史分差纪录。虽然过去26年里，中国队从未战胜过日本队，但这次的惨败尤其让球迷倍感震惊。

中国拥有14亿人口，还有庞大的足球迷群体，但男子足球的表现为何屡屡让人失望？网络上的嘲讽与调侃层出不穷。赢不了球的中国男足，难道真的成了大众的笑柄？

更有意思的是，中央电视台并未转播这场比赛。这背后究竟是单纯的经济原因、认为版权费太高，还是另有其他政治考量？

这期的早报播客《东谈西论》，听主持人韩咏红与《联合早报》驻北京的记者于泽远详细解析这场比赛背后的舆论风波。

延伸阅读：

• 于泽远：中国国足输出了喜感
• 张田勘：0比7是一个苦涩的参照数字

Chinese football fans are reeling after their national team suffered a record-breaking 7-0 defeat against arch-rivals Japan in a crucial World Cup qualifier. The match was China’s worst defeat in the team’s history as well as the biggest goal difference in World Cup qualifying history. It has sparked outrage and despair across the nation. This crushing defeat goes beyond a sporting disappointment; it touches upon national pride and reignites long-standing frustrations regarding China's struggle to establish itself as a football powerhouse. What does this loss mean for the future of Chinese football? 

In this episode of Global Heartbeat, host Han Yonghong and Lianhe Zaobao’s China News Copy Editor Yu Zeyuan examine the state of Chinese men's football.

Hosted by Lianhe Zaobao’s Associate Editor, Han Yong Hong, Global Heartbeat is a Mandarin weekly news and current affairs podcast that is updated every Tuesday, 7.00 PM SGT. It is available on zaobao.sg, Apple Podcast, Spotify and other podcast platforms.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

8月31日，台湾政坛第三势力领袖、民众党主席柯文哲被戴上手铐，并被指涉嫌收贿图利罪，震惊四方。经过两天的讯问后，柯文哲被台北市地方法院裁定无须支付保证金就能直接回家。

柯文哲形容自己 “在这两天当中，可以说是极尽压迫和凌虐”。

法院认为京华城获得容积奖励确实违法，但没有证据证明柯文哲“犯罪嫌疑重大”或者明知而违法，因此裁定他无保请回。

柯文哲平安落地了吗？台北市检察署认定柯文哲涉嫌收贿和图利，这次是否会被打脸？民众党是否成功逃过一劫？这期的早报播客《东谈西论》，听主持人韩咏红和台湾文化大学广告系教授钮则勋深入解析柯文哲的政治危机。

延伸阅读：

• 韩咏红：柯文哲案对两岸关系的影响
• 【视频】柯文哲无保请回 法院：检方无法明确举证犯罪嫌疑重大

After a marathon interrogation in a graft probe, Taiwan People's Party (TPP) leader Ko Wen-je, was released without bail, vehemently denying any wrongdoing in the case, which involves approvals given for the Jinghua City project during his time as Taipei mayor from 2014 to 2022. Upon his release, Ko addressed supporters, claiming he was subjected to extreme oppression and bullying. While the court determined that the changes to the Jinghua City project were unlawful, prosecutors failed to present sufficient evidence to prove Ko's direct involvement in illegal activities.

In this episode of Global Heartbeat podcast, host Han Yong Hong speaks with Niu Tse-hsun, professor and chair of the Chinese Culture University's advertising department to explore whether TPP has dodged a bullet or if a larger storm is brewing. 

Hosted by Lianhe Zaobao’s Associate Editor, Han Yong Hong, Global Heartbeat is a Mandarin weekly news and current affairs podcast that is updated every Tuesday, 7.00 PM SGT. It is available on zaobao.sg, Apple Podcast, Spotify and other podcast platforms.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

美国民主党一连四天的全国代表大会在当地时间8月22日落下帷幕。美国副总统哈里斯在五万名现场观众的欢呼声中，正式接受民主党提名，竞选美国总统。

在7月21日美国总统拜登宣布退选之前，哈里斯原本被认为是表现不佳的副总统。但她却在短短一个月内声势大涨，不但筹得创纪录的5亿4000万美元（约7亿新元）资金，她的民调支持率也迅速追平特朗普，重新点燃了民主党胜选的希望。

如果当选，哈里斯将成为美国历史上首位女性总统和首位有亚裔血统的总统。她的选举路上将会面临哪些挑战？她有机会打败特朗普吗？她是否有能力治国？

这期的早报播客《东谈西论》，听主持人韩咏红和上海东亚研究所副所长包承柯解析哈里斯在竞选美国总统路上可能面临的挑战。

延伸阅读：

• 韩咏红：与谣言共舞的时代
• 伟达：美国大选走向与政治设计

The recent Democratic National Convention marked a significant milestone for Vice President Kamala Harris as she accepted the nomination to run for President of the United States. This historic moment was met with enthusiasm, setting the stage for a potentially transformative election. 

 

Harris, once perceived as an underperforming Vice President, has seen a remarkable turnaround in just one month. She has raised an unprecedented US$540 million (S$702.2 million) in campaign funds, signalling a strong wave of support and rekindling the Democratic Party's hopes for victory.

If elected, Harris would break multiple barriers as the first female President and the first President of Asian descent. Her candidacy brings forth numerous questions about the challenges she will face and the policies she intends to implement. The path to the presidency is fraught with obstacles, and her ability to govern effectively will be under intense scrutiny.

In this episode of Global Heartbeat podcast, host Han Yong Hong invites Bao Chengke, assistant director at the Institute for East Asian Studies in Shanghai to examine Harris‘ challenges ahead, and unpack what a Harris presidency could mean for the United States and the world. 

Hosted by Lianhe Zaobao’s Associate Editor, Han Yong Hong, Global Heartbeat is a Mandarin weekly news and current affairs podcast that is updated every Tuesday, 7.00 PM SGT. It is available on zaobao.sg, Apple Podcast, Spotify and other podcast platforms.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

台湾民众党主席、前台北市长柯文哲近期陷入从政以来最大的危机。

此前，柯文哲因台北市长任内涉及的京华城案和北士科案被列为被告。如今，他在去年竞选总统时的竞选总部又爆出一系列假账丑闻，其中包括漏报 2,000万新台币的政治献金以及96万元新台币的素食便当费用。

柯文哲的竞选总部大楼内有一家名为“木可”的公关公司，董事长是柯文哲竞选总部财务长、他的高中同学李文宗的妹妹。这引发外界质疑，木可公司是否充当了一个秘密的小金库。

政治分析人士认为，柯文哲不仅面临牢狱之灾，甚至民众党也有可能因此走向灭亡。柯文哲为何会陷入如此困境？他真的会被判刑吗？白色力量的危机又将如何影响台湾整体的政治版图？

这期的早报播客《东谈西论》，听主持人韩咏红和台湾政治的文化大学广告系教授钮则勋深入解析柯文哲的政治危机。

延伸阅读：

• 民众党称政治献金假账是因会计师漏报
• 新闻人间：四面楚歌柯文哲

Ko Wen-je, chairman of the Taiwan People's Party (TPP), is facing the biggest political crisis of his career, grappling with serious allegations of corruption and financial impropriety. These accusations stem from his time as Mayor of Taipei and his recent unsuccessful presidential bid, casting a shadow over his political future and potentially impacting Taiwan’s "white force" (also known as “third force”) movement - a political force seeking an alternative to the entrenched dominance of the two main parties.  

In this episode of Global Heartbeat podcast, host Han Yong Hong invites Niu Tse-hsun, professor and chair of the Chinese Culture University's advertising department to dissect this unfolding scandal as well as what it means for Ko and the future of the “white force”.

Hosted by Lianhe Zaobao’s Associate Editor, Han Yong Hong, Global Heartbeat is a Mandarin weekly news and current affairs podcast that is updated every Tuesday, 7.00 PM SGT. It is available on zaobao.sg, Apple Podcast, Spotify and other podcast platforms.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

经历了一番纷纷扰扰，2024年巴黎奥运在当地时间星期天落下帷幕。

全球运动员齐聚法国，一同经历了16天的拼搏、激情、欢笑与泪水。最终，金牌榜上出现了一个史无前例的成绩——中国和美国各自摘下40枚金牌，并列金牌榜第一名。

提出修昔底德陷阱的美国哈佛大学教授艾莉森上星期撰文指出，奥运会反映了中国作为美国最重要的地缘政治对手的几乎全方位的崛起。

巴黎奥运是当前全球地缘政治的折射吗？中美在巴黎奥运期间争议不休的禁药问题到底谁是谁非？这些争议会不会延续到2028年的洛杉矶奥运会？

这期的早报播客《东谈西论》，听主持人韩咏红和《联合早报》驻北京的记者于泽远详细解析。

延伸阅读：

• 【奥运会】中美金牌数持平 中国多点开花美国游泳优势削弱
• 杨丹旭：政治阴云笼罩巴黎奥运

The 2024 Paris Olympics concluded amid a whirlwind of excitement and controversy. Athletes worldwide gathered in France for 16 days of intense competition. 

In an unprecedented outcome, both China and the United States tied for the most gold medals, each winning 40. However, the United States led the overall medal count with 126, far ahead of China’s 91.

Harvard University’s Professor Graham Allison, who is the author of “Destined for War: Can America and China Escape Thucydides’s Trap”, noted that China's rise to become the leading rival of the United States in the Olympics mirrors its broader geopolitical ascent. 

In this episode of Global Heartbeat, host Han Yong Hong and Lianhe Zaobao’s China News Copy Editor Yu Zeyuan explore the implications of the Paris Olympics on global geopolitics, the doping disputes, and what to expect as the world turns its attention to the next Olympic Games in Los Angeles.

Hosted by Lianhe Zaobao’s Associate Editor, Han Yong Hong, Global Heartbeat is a Mandarin weekly news and current affairs podcast that is updated every Tuesday, 7.00 PM SGT. It is available on zaobao.sg, Apple Podcast, Spotify and other podcast platforms.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

中国今年第二季度的经济增长只有4.7%，不但低于预期，也是五个季度以来的最低水平。

为了稳住经济，中共政治局7月30日召开会议，部署下半年经济工作要求、提振内需、培育壮大新兴产业和未来产业。会议上还出现了一个罕见要求，就是“强化行业自律，防止‘内卷式’恶性竞争”。

中国的企业现在有多“卷”？

这期的早报播客《东谈西论》，听主持人韩咏红和辽宁大学特聘研究员陈波深入解析什么是“内卷式”恶性竞争？政治局一纸命令真的能有效防止“内卷”？

延伸阅读：

• 陈婧：政治局会议也谈“防内卷”
• 中国出台20条促消费 分析：电商、游戏、教培重获重视

China’s economic growth slowed to a mere 4.7% in the second quarter of 2024, falling short of projections and marking the weakest performance in five consecutive quarters. To stabilise the economy,  the Chinese Communist Party’s Politburo convened on July 30 to formulate economic strategies for the second half of the year. The meeting underscored the importance of stimulating domestic demand and nurturing the expansion of emerging and future industries.

Interestingly, the meeting  also issued an uncommon directive, urging for greater industry self-discipline to curb what is termed as “involution-style” vicious competition.   

"Involution," in this context, describes a pattern of excessive, often unproductive competition that traps businesses in a cycle of diminishing returns. This can manifest as a culture of extreme work with minimal gains in productivity and innovation.

How prevalent is this issue among Chinese enterprises, and can a top-down directive from the Politburo effectively mitigate this behaviour?  

In this episode of Global Heartbeat podcast, host Han Yong Hong is joined by Chen Bo, a prominent researcher and Adjunct Professor of Economics at Liaoning University to analyse the effectiveness of the Politburo’s directive. 

Hosted by Lianhe Zaobao’s Associate Editor, Han Yong Hong, Global Heartbeat is a Mandarin weekly news and current affairs podcast that is updated every Tuesday, 7.00 PM SGT. It is available on zaobao.sg, Apple Podcast, Spotify and other podcast platforms.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

中国与俄罗斯的四架战略轰炸机，7月25日在美国阿拉斯加附近的白令海进行联合空中战略巡航。这是中国轰炸机首次飞抵阿拉斯加附近。美国和加拿大紧急出动战斗机，对中俄轰炸机进行跟踪、监视和拦截。

美国国防部长奥斯汀隔天在五角大楼的新闻发布会上说，中俄战机并没有进入美国领空，最靠近时距离美国海岸大约200英里。他也说这四架轰炸机并没有对美国和加拿大构成威胁。

北京和莫斯科从2019年开始组织战略轰炸机联合巡逻，这次是第八次，也是第一次抵近阿拉斯加。在美国总统拜登宣布退选后，美国提前进入看守政府状态，中国是否利用这个时机采取激进的战略行动？

这期的早报播客《东谈西论》，听主持人韩咏红和联合早报驻北京的记者于泽远解析中俄战略轰炸机联合巡逻是要发出什么信号？

延伸阅读：

• 于泽远：中国轰炸机抵近阿拉斯加
• 王毅与俄外长会面 称中俄要坚定相互支持

Last Wednesday, four Chinese and Russian bombers conducted a joint strategic air patrol over the Bering Sea, near Alaska. While Russian bombers frequently operate in this region, it was the first time Chinese bombers entered the Alaskan Air Defense Identification Zone. The bombers were promptly tracked and intercepted by US and Canadian fighter jets.

The following day at a Pentagon press conference, US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin confirmed that the aircraft did not enter US airspace, maintaining a distance of about 200 miles (320 kilometres) from the US coast. He emphasised that these flights were not perceived as a threat.

Since 2019, Beijing and Moscow have been conducting joint strategic air patrols, and this was their eighth such mission. The significance of these joint drills raises several questions: What message are China and Russia attempting to convey? 

With US President Biden's recent announcement that he will not seek re-election, is China capitalising on the perceived vulnerability of the US administration and seizing this opportunity to engage in more aggressive strategic manoeuvres?

Tune in to this episode of Global Heartbeat podcast as host Han Yong Hong and Lianhe Zaobao’s China News Copy Editor Yu Zeyuan delve into the implications of this incident and explore the broader geopolitical context.

Hosted by Lianhe Zaobao’s Associate Editor, Han Yong Hong, Global Heartbeat is a Mandarin weekly news and current affairs podcast that is updated every Tuesday, 7.00 PM SGT. It is available on zaobao.sg, Apple Podcast, Spotify and other podcast platforms.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

越南共产党总书记阮富仲7月19日下午在河内因病去世，享年八十岁。阮富仲三次当选越共总书记，在位13年，是在位时间第三长的越共最高领导人。2018年至2021年的三年间，他同时兼任越南国家主席。

在阮富仲的领导下，越南的人均GDP增长超过一倍。2013年他发起大规模熔炉反腐败运动，成千上万的政府官员、高层干部、企业高管被起诉、判刑或被迫辞职。在对外关系上，阮富仲领导越南与不同意识形态的国家发展或升级了伙伴关系。

阮富仲被称为真正的马克思列宁主义者。在他去世后，越共还有理论家吗？这期的早报播客《东谈西论》，听主持人韩咏红和新加坡尤索夫伊萨东南亚研究院访问研究员阮清江评价阮富仲对越南的贡献及探讨他的逝世会对越南政局带来什么变化。

延伸阅读：

• 阮富仲去世留权力真空 分析指国家主席苏林最可能接班
• 越南政治“四大支柱”之首——阮富仲生平

General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Nguyen Phu Trong passed away last Friday (July 19) at the age of 80, after holding the country's most powerful position for 13 years. 

In 2021, Trong was reelected as party chief for an unprecedented third term, cementing his status as one of the most powerful leaders in Vietnam’s history. 

Under his leadership, Vietnam experienced significant economic growth, with its GDP per capita more than doubling. His "bamboo diplomacy" skillfully balanced Vietnam's relationships with global superpowers while promoting a foreign policy of independence and diversification.

Trong joined the editorial team of the Communist Review magazine at the age of 23, eventually becoming its editor-in-chief. A Marxist-Leninist ideologue, he studied Russian and earned a doctorate in party building. His ascent in the party ranks was steady: joining the Central Committee in 1994, the Politburo in 1999, and assuming the role of General Secretary in 2011. From 2018 to 2021, he also concurrently held the position of Vietnam's President.

Trong's passing raises critical questions about succession and the future of Vietnamese politics. In this episode of the Global Heartbeat podcast, host Han Yong Hong is joined by Nguyen Thanh Giang, a Visiting Senior Fellow at the ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute in Singapore. Together, they explore Nguyen Phu Trong's life and legacy and discuss the implications of his death for Vietnam's future.

Hosted by Lianhe Zaobao’s Associate Editor, Han Yong Hong, Global Heartbeat is a Mandarin weekly news and current affairs podcast that is updated every Tuesday, 7.00 PM SGT. It is available on zaobao.sg, Apple Podcast, Spotify and other podcast platforms.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

美国前总统特朗普上星期六在宾夕法尼亚州进行竞选集会时，被飞来的子弹击中右耳上沿，惊险逃过鬼门关。当特朗普在特勤人员的护送下离开时，他坚持先停下来，举起拳头，对观众喊了三声“战斗”！这个经典的画面传遍世界。

特朗普为美国而战的硬汉形象震撼全美，从他脸颊滑过的一枪把他塑造成了英雄，还仿佛净化了他身上的诸多争议。还有宗教人士认为，这就是上帝的旨意，更证明特朗普就是天选之人。现任总统拜登的选情也因此更加岌岌可危。

不过，并非所有人都像特朗普般幸运。在星期六的集会上，一名他的支持者中弹身亡，两人重伤。

特朗普已经提前赢得美国大选了吗？这次的枪击事件揭露了美国社会的哪些问题，又会带来什么变化？

这期的早报播客《东谈西论》，听主持人韩咏红和台湾国科会科技、民主与社会研究中心研究员兼执行长刘奇峰解析特朗普政治暗杀未遂如何帮他净化争议。

延伸阅读：

• 分析：美国政治撕裂 特朗普因枪击事件获益
• 潘政麟：特朗普堪称乱世之枭雄

Former US President Donald Trump narrowly escaped an assassination attempt during a recent campaign rally. A stray bullet grazed his right ear, but Trump's response was quintessentially defiant. Amidst the chaos, he raised his fist and thrice shouted "Fight!" to the crowd, a moment that instantly went viral and cemented his image as an indomitable force in American politics. Some religious commentators have even interpreted the event as a sign of divine intervention.

In this episode of Global Heartbeat podcast, host Han Yong Hong, delves into the far-reaching implications of this incident with Roger Chifeng Liu, CEO and senior researcher at the Research Institute for Democracy, Society and Emerging Technology. They dissect how this near-fatal event could reshape Trump's controversial legacy and the broader political landscape as the nation heads towards a crucial election. They also explore the challenges it poses to President Biden's re-election campaign as well as the deeper societal issues this event has brought to the forefront.

Hosted by Lianhe Zaobao’s Associate Editor, Han Yong Hong, Global Heartbeat is a Mandarin weekly news and current affairs podcast that is updated every Tuesday, 7.00 PM SGT. It is available on zaobao.sg, Apple Podcast, Google Podcasts, Spotify and other podcast platforms.

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