Round Table China

You queue for tickets—gone before "Buy" loads. You try booking dinner, a tee time, a campsite visit… same result. Scalping has gone digital, parasitic, and global—hijacking every system where demand outstrips supply. This isn't just inconvenience; it's systemic exclusion. So who's gatekeeping access now? And how do we take it back (16:26)? / Motivational Monday!

We are living longer than ever, a cause for celebration. However, as societies age at an unprecedented rate, we have to wonder how the growing demand for elder care will be met. The increasing integration of robotic assistance is a prominent trend. Will these automated solutions become commonplace? On the show: Heyang, Steve Hatherly & Yushan

The curved pavilion is designed to evoke an unrolled ancient scroll, its form embracing visitors in warm bamboo hues. Poetry, etched in scripts evolved over millennia, adorns the walls. Around the bend, a lunar rock from the far side of the Moon is displayed. In Osaka, China's story unfolds as a seamless fusion of history, innovation, and a commitment to a greener future. We delve deeper into the captivating China Pavilion at Expo 2025. / Round Table's Happy Place (15:47)! On the show: Niu Honglin, Steve Hatherly & Yushun

Once, "forgot homework" meant a left-behind textbook. Now, in China's digital classrooms, it's a syncing error, a password expiry, or an AI glitch. But what happens when educational technology overreaches – harvesting data without permission, monetizing parental stress, or substituting learning with automation? How can we establish better oversight for these digital learning environments? On the show: Niu Honglin, Steve Hatherly & Yushun

Probiotics are all the rage, promising a happy gut and a host of other health perks. But with so many yogurts, pills, and potions boasting these live cultures, it does make us wonder if the miracle workers are all they're made out to be. / The link between marriage and weight gain (19:06). On the show: Steve Hatherly, Niu Honglin & Yushan

China boasts over 400 million e-bikes, yet surprisingly few are insured, leaving owners vulnerable after accidents. How can e-bike safety improve? And will new national standards change this picture? On the show: Steve Hatherly, Niu Honglin & Yushan

That familiar headphone knot, the unexpected slice of paper – and bam! Out comes that satisfying, slightly naughty word. But scientists are saying that moment of swearing isn't just blowing off steam. It's a release, a show of resilience, maybe even a bit of self-care. Time to rethink what swear words do for us? Could it actually be… beneficial? / The never-ending titles of online novels (18:12). On the show: Heyang, Steve Hatherly & Yushan

This spring, a trend is captivating nature, photography, and travel enthusiasts across China: birdwatching. It's about capturing the perfect shot of avian life in the wild. Celebrities are participating, tourism boards are launching bird maps, and online communities are buzzing about Great Crested Grebes. But what's fueling this fascination? Is it the allure of the gear, the prestige of the sighting, or a more profound connection to nature? On the show: Heyang, Steve Hatherly & Yushan

The passive-aggressive often mask their displeasure with phrases like "I'm fine," yet their underlying resentment is palpable. We explore the complexities of passive aggression, where concealed emotions manifest through pointed tone and behavior. / What can cause a snack to cost more than a car (19:05)? On the show: Heyang, Steve Hatherly & Yushun

Buckle up! The future of transportation is soaring as autonomous passenger drones are officially cleared for takeoff in China. City walks might be the go-to low-budget way to soak in the sights on foot, but in the near future, how about a "city fly" for a whole new view from above? We discuss the latest slice of low-altitude economy. On the show: Heyang, Steve Hatherly & Yushun