Round Table China

We've all seen it—a friend raves about a hotpot spot, an influencer hypes a 'must-have' product, or a vlogger casually drops a gadget recommendation. But when does a personal post become a hidden ad? Should WeChat Moments or livestream plugs count as commercial advertising? The real challenge: where should regulators draw the line? / Motivational Monday (20:44)! On the show: Heyang, Steve Hatherly & Yushan

This summer isn't just hot—it's hottest. While some blast the AC and call it survival, others are floating their way to victory with 'loser rafting': no skill, no speed, just a lazy river and a determination to do absolutely nothing. Turns out, in a scorching season, the smartest way to win is to not even try. Tune in for a refreshing take on how a nation learns to live, adapt, and float through extreme summer. On the show: Heyang, Steve Hatherly & Yushan

To all the hardworking professionals out there - you've earned that vacation time, fair and square. Yet when the moment comes, do you take it without guilt? In the U.S., where hustle culture runs deep, vacation guilt is all too common. So why does taking time off evoke a sense of guilt? / Little dots on smartphone outsmart motion sickness (24:50) / Round Table's Happy Place (30:11)! On the show: Heyang, Steve Hatherly & Gao Junya

International Moon Day, established by the UN in 2021, honors humanity's collective lunar exploration—from early spacefaring nations to China's historic far-side missions. How will today's moonshots shape the future of science, technology，and maybe even life beyond Earth? On the show: Heyang, Steve Hatherly & Gao Junya

Fast, fun, and space-smart—ping pong is winning over a new wave of casual players, especially busy urban professionals. From after-work classes to quick matches between meetings, table tennis is becoming the workout of choice for city dwellers across China. / Is "F" the best seat on a high-speed train (18:28)? On the show: Heyang, Steve Hatherly & Guo Yan

What does it take to turn equations into breakthroughs? The journey begins with basic science—quiet, patient, and often overlooked for decades. It starts even earlier, in the classroom. As the 2025 International Congress of Basic Science (ICBS) convenes in Beijing, the world is watching: How does China transform fundamental research into real-world innovation? And more critically—how is it cultivating the next generation of STEM leaders to push boundaries further? On the show: Heyang, Steve Hatherly & Guo Yan

Let's be real—when do you actually bench-press in daily life? Across China, functional fitness is gaining momentum as people shift from isolated lifts to practical strength. It focuses on compound movements—lifting, twisting, pushing—building real-world ability that lasts. Just how functional is your fitness? / Throning: Dating for status (15:19). On the show: Steve Hatherly, Yushun & Yushan

Could trains soon outpace planes? China just shattered speed barriers with a groundbreaking 650 km/h maglev test, bringing us closer to a transportation revolution. While infrastructure and cost challenges remain, this leap could redefine regional travel, turning hour-long flights into obsolete relics of the past. On the show: Steve Hatherly, Yushun & Yushan

Unlike human broadcasters, AI presenters never tire, stumble, or miss their cues—and they're already appearing on Chinese news programs. But can a digital persona truly replicate the empathy, intuition, and authenticity of a living host? As synthetic anchors gain traction, media education faces a pivotal choice: adapt curricula for the AI era, or risk irrelevance. / Meeting migrant children's needs for quality play (30:55). On the show: Heyang, Steve Hatherly & Yushun

In today's job market, mastery of skills is what truly matters. On World Youth Skills Day, we explore how China is equipping its youth with expertise in high-demand fields—from precision machining and robotics to world-class hospitality. On the show: Heyang, Steve Hatherly & Yushun