This winter, ice and snow tourism has emerged as a "phenomenon-level internet sensation" in China. From Harbin to Changbai Mountain, Shenyang to Hulun Buir, a significant influx of Chinese tourists is heading to the north, enthusiastically exploring the enchanting winter landscapes.

What has led to the sudden popularity of ice and snow tourism in China? Can this internet sensation transform into an enduring trend?

Host Ge Anna is joined by Prof. Qu Qiang, Research Fellow, Beijing Foreign Studies University; Mario Cavolo, Founder and CEO of M Communications Group and Senior Fellow, Center for China & Globalization; Mike Bastin, China Observer and Senior Lecturer, University of Southampton in the UK.

Panel: Can China's ice & snow tourism boom sustain its phenomenal rise?

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

News

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)

What did Xi Jinping and Vladimir Putin discuss in their talks in Beijing?

①Russian President Vladimir Putin will begin the first state visit of his fifth presidential term in China this week. What's the significance? (00:50) ②China says the U.S. decision to impose additional tariffs on Chinese imports is politicizing trade and economic issues. What are the details? (14:40) ③Chinese and American officials held a meeting in Geneva to exchange ideas on the risks and management of artificial intelligence.(25:30) ④U.S. has warned of possible sanctions for countries having business deals with Iran, hours after India had inked a 10-year port contract with Tehran.(34:30) ⑤The European Union has given the final green light to an overhaul of its migration and asylum policies.(44:36)

Panel: Can China's ice & snow tourism boom sustain its phenomenal rise?

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