“Taking a high-speed train to Zibo for barbecue” has been a trendy topic on Chinese social media platforms for nearly two months. Zibo is a medium-sized industrial city in the eastern province of Shandong. Until its recent virality, the city was rarely on the travel map of any tourist. Amid the hype generated by its delicious and affordable barbecue, the city is now witnessing a huge influx of tourists.

What does this phenomenon tell us about the Chinese economy and society in the post-pandemic era? Can other smaller cities draw inspirations on tourism development from this case?

Host Ding Heng is joined by Mike Bastin, a China observer and Senior Lecturer at the University of Southampton; Zhou Mi, Senior Research Fellow with the Chinese Academy of International Trade and Economic Cooperation; Professor Doug Guthrie, Director of China Initiatives at Thunderbird School of Global Management.

Panel: What do we tell from a small Chinese city’s barbecue going viral?

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

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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: Hainan Expo: Can consumption fuel China's economic growth?

① China says it firmly opposes a US investigation into China’s policies in shipbuilding and maritime logistics industries. We take a look at the politics behind the probe as well as Biden’s call for tripling tariffs on Chinese steel. (00:59)
② What’s at stake in Chinese foreign minister’s six-day trip to Indonesia, Cambodia and Papua New Guinea? (15:29)
③ The US and the Philippines have announced plans to carry out their first-ever joint military exercises outside the Philippines’ territorial waters. We explore the possible danger that could be associated with the drill. (24:41)
④ China recorded a robust rebound in inbound and outbound trips in the first quarter of 2024. What has driven it? (34:51)
⑤ The US has returned dozens of ancient cultural artifacts to China. We take a look at artifact repatriation cooperation between the two countries. (43:36)

Is US probe into China's shipbuilding sector a “mistake on top of a mistake”?

① China and the US have held the first dialogue between the two countries’ top defense officials in nearly 17 months. Is it a key step in keeping lines of communication open between the two military powers? (00:53)
② IMF upgrades 2024 global growth forecast to 3.2%. We take a look at the world economy’s potential challenges. (11:45)
③ The US says it will impose new sanctions against Iran in the wake of Tehran’s attack on Israel. Will its tactic of punishing Iran while urging Israel to exercise restraint work? (24:53)
④ Australia has pledged to increase its military spending by some $32 billion over the next decade as part of a new defense strategy. We delve into the contents in the strategy that deserve our attention. (34:11)
⑤ In Belgium, police has shut down a gathering of far-right European politicians and supporters, citing concerns about public order. However, it has ignited protests due to concerns about curbs on free speech. (44:41)

US is to sanction Iran after its strike on Israel. Is there double standard?

Twenty-one mayors and government officials from 18 countries, including China, the U.S., Germany, Italy, Brazil, and Zambia, gathered to delve into how towns and cities can stimulate local vitality and grasp opportunities for cooperation. CGTN brings you this special program, "Conversation with Global Mayors."

Shared Future, Shared Opportunities – Conversation with Global Mayors

① Meeting Olaf Scholz in Beijing, Xi Jinping called for developing China-Germany bilateral ties in an all-round way from a long-term, strategic perspective. We take a look at Xi’s main messages to Germany. (00:51)
② China’s economy showed good performance in the first quarter of 2024, growing by 5.3% year on year. We delve into what drove the growth. (13:19)
③ China’s foreign minister has held phone calls with his Iranian and Saudi counterparts in efforts to help reduce tensions in the Middle East. We explore China’s position on Iran-Israel tensions. (25:01)
④ Singaporean Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong said he will step down on May 15th. What’s Lee’s legacy? And what can we expect of his successor Lawrence Wong? (34:58)
⑤ We take a look at a historic criminal trial in the US that for the first time involves a former president of the country. (45:46)

Panel: What do we tell from a small Chinese city’s barbecue going viral?

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