After an intense round of secret negotiations facilitated by Chinese mediation, Saudi Arabia and Iran announced in mid-March that they would resume diplomatic relations following seven years of regional antagonism. Following this sign of peace, diplomatic progress has been made in the region between previously estranged players. Saudi Arabia has been negotiating with the Houthis in Yemen for a long-term ceasefire and Arab nations have been debating about a possible return of Syria to the Arab League.

How influential is the Saudi-Iran detente for the region? How is this related to today's power politics between the U.S, Russia, and China? Will it last? For these questions and more, Host Liu Kun is joined by Dr. Wang Jin, Associate Professor at Northwest University in Xi'an, China; Dr. Tim Anderson, Director of Center for Counter Hegemonic Studies, a Sydney-based think tank; and Dr. Josef Mahoney, Professor of Politics and International Relations at East China Normal University.

Panel: How long will recent détente diplomacy among Middle Eastern countries last?

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

News

①TikTok says it will challenge the U.S. ban signed into law by President Joe Biden and expects an ultimate win.(00:53) ②Our exclusive interview with renowned Chinese economist Professor Wen Tiejun of Renmin University of China on so-called "overcapacity" in China's green industries.(15:00) ③The UN human rights body has expressed horror at the discovery of hundreds of bodies from mass graves in Gaza and called for an investigation.(25:30) ④China says EU investigation into China's medical device market shows the bloc is moving towards protectionism.(35:00) ⑤An industrial expert says China will become a major producer, consumer, and exporter of hydrogen technologies, which would help reduce costs globally.(44:03)

What are the ramifications of TikTok ban by U.S. government?

①Chinese President Xi Jinping calls for Chongqing to further deepen reforms and opening up across the board and to constantly write its own chapter in advancing Chinese modernization. (00:48) ②Police have arrested students in several top U.S. universities amid wide-spread pro-Palestinian protests. (12:00) ③China's State Council stresses the need to improve the function of capital markets in the country's modernization drive. (25:30) ④The UK government's effort to send migrants to Rwanda has won approval in Parliament. (35:55) ⑤China targets Thursday evening to launch its Shenzhou-18 manned mission to the Tiangong Space Station. (44:48)

Pro-Palestinian protests sweep across U.S. universities

①China says it welcomes U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken's visit and will focus on five key missions in the bilateral talks.(00:53) ②Nearly 200 navy representatives from dozens of countries gather this week in eastern China to attend the Western Pacific Naval Symposium in Qingdao.(14:10) ③China's general public budget revenue sustained recovery momentum during the first quarter of this year.(25:01) ④The main ruling party in the Maldives, the People's National Congress, has won the country's parliamentary election.(34:38) ⑤The World Anti-Doping Agency has defended its decision to clear 23 Chinese swimmers who tested positive for a banned heart medication ahead of the 2021 Tokyo Olympics.(43:56)

What can we expect from U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken's China trip?

①Visiting Phnom Penh, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi says China is ready to work with Cambodia to strengthen cooperation in building the bilateral community with a shared future. What's the latest? (00:53) ②The U.S. House of Representatives has passed a 95 billion dollar legislative package providing security assistance to Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan. What are the details? (12:48) ③China responds to western accusations of new industry overcapacity.(25:20) ④The International Monetary Fund has warned that huge U.S. fiscal deficits pose "significant risk" to the global economy.(37:42) ⑤Indians go to the poll for the country's general election.(44:20)

What's in the 95 billion dollar foreign aid package just approved by U.S. House?

The 4th China International Consumer Products Expo has just concluded in Hainan.

Themed on sharing opportunities and creating a better life, the expo attracted over 4000 brands from 71 countries and regions.

How does the event reflect China's latest consumption trends and market landscape? What are the prospects for China’s consumption growth, and how will it impact businesses both domestically and internationally?

Host Zhao Ying is joined by Subramania Bhatt, Founder and CEO of China Trading Desk; Dr. Zhou Mi, Senior Research Fellow with Chinese Academy of International Trade and Economic Cooperation; Dr. Digby James Wren, Senior Special Advisor and Director of the Mekong Research Center at the International Relations Institute, Royal Academy of Cambodia.

Panel: How long will recent détente diplomacy among Middle Eastern countries last?

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