Middle power diplomacy edged closer towards center stage for world geopolitics in 2023. On global issues, like the war raging in Gaza, the Russia-Ukraine conflict, a still recovering global economy, and the rise of the global south, middle powers carefully hedged between great powers that need their support and expanded their influence on the global stage.
 
After examining the positions of national governments on critical issues, their willingness to engage others in difficult conditions, and the degree of leadership they show in regional and global affairs, we selected Indonesia, India, Saudi Arabia and Brazil as examples of these middle powers that have played proactive roles in 2023.
 
To discuss the impact of these middle powers, host Liu Kun is joined by Zha Daojiong, Professor of International Political Economy at Peking University; Rick Dunham, Co-director, Global Business Journalism Program, Tsinghua University; Zhang Baohui, Professor at Lingnan University, Hong Kong.

Panel: How have middle powers shaped global issues in 2023?

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

News

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)

What's the significance of Vladimir Putin's state visit to China?

①The Chinese government will start issuing its first ultra-long treasury bonds on Friday. What's the background? (00:48) ②Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar is visiting China this week. (13:12) ③Data shows top-tier sovereign wealth funds from the Middle East significantly increased their holdings in China's A-share listed companies in the first quarter of this year. What are the details? (25:20) ④OpenAI has unveiled its latest artificial intelligence large language model. (36:00) ⑤The third Global Trade and Investment Promotion Summit has launched the Beijing Initiative, calling for an open, transparent, multilateral trading system.(45:20)

Why is the Chinese government issuing ultra-long treasury bonds?

①China says U.S. deployment of medium-range ballistic missiles in the Philippines undermines regional peace and stability. What are the details?(00:45) ②China's consumer price index, a main inflation gauge, was up 0.3 percent in April.(14:22) ③South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Tae-yul visits Beijing. What are the issues that top his agenda? (26:00) ④Israel has sent tanks into northern Gaza after heavy aerial and ground bombardments.(34:45) ⑤The seven-week general election in India has entered its fourth phase.(45:00)

Panel: How have middle powers shaped global issues in 2023?

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