The Hub with Wang Guan

Back in 2016, Klaus Schwab, Founder and Executive Chairman of the World Economic Forum, first introduced the concept of "The Fourth Industrial Revolution," where emerging technologies like artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things and robotics merge with the physical, digital and biological worlds. Now we're already living in it. With AI as a beacon with transformative potential, what opportunities and challenges are the Global South encountering? What's urgently needed to bridge the digital divide between the Global North and Global South for a more inclusive future?

This week, U.S. President Joe Biden blocked Nippon Steel's $14.9 billion bid to acquire U.S. Steel, citing national security concerns. The decision is seen as a major setback for the Japanese steel giant and has sparked heated debates on both sides. What does this decision mean for U.S.-Japan relations and the future of foreign investment in the U.S.? Could this signal a shift toward national security concerns being weaponized in U.S. trade policy against, not just its perceived rivals, but allies and partners too?

This week, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi begins his 2025 visit to Africa, continuing a 35-year tradition of prioritizing Africa in China's diplomatic agenda. As China's top diplomat engages with African leaders, this trip reaffirms Beijing's strong commitment to its long-standing partnership with the continent—one built on mutual respect and shared development goals.

2024 saw deepening economic ties, expanding diplomatic engagements and extensive partnerships for China-Africa relations. For 15 consecutive years, China has remained Africa's largest trading partner, with Uganda standing out as China's third-largest trading partner on the continent. How can both sides build on these achievements? What key strategies can be expected going forward?

The year 2024 saw robust engagements between China and the Arab world. President Xi Jinping hosted several Arab leaders in Beijing, and attended and chaired a ministerial conference of a key China-Arab states forum. What's behind the momentum of China-Arab states engagement? What role have cultural and people-to-people engagements played in all this?

The European Union has decided to levy countervailing duties against Chinese-made electric vehicles. This coincides with the United States' stepping up of its technological containment vis-à-vis China. What will be the future of China-EU relations? Will Europe increasingly follow in the footsteps of the U.S., not just in terms of security, but economically as well?

Macao is marking the 25th anniversary of its return to the motherland. On Golden Lotus Square in Macao, visitors come to see the Golden Lotus bronze sculpture, a gift from the Chinese Central Government in 1999. It symbolizes the prosperity of the SAR. For the past quarter of a century, the sculpture has witnessed new buildings rising, bustling streets, and the blossoming of the city.

As megacities grow and evolve, one of the most pressing challenges for urban governance is how to respond to citizens' concerns, quickly and efficiently, 24/7. In Beijing, the revamped 12345 public complaint hotline, launched in 2019, has become a game changer. Today, we'll dive into how this innovative system works and what it could inspire the rest of the world.

China says it will stick with a more proactive fiscal policy and a moderately loose monetary policy in the year 2025. How will this policy mix impact the Chinese economy in the new year? And will this lead to an eventual stabilization of the property market, the stock market, and a rise in household consumption?

Mr. Bashar al-Assad and his family are reported to have arrived in Russia. The information has been confirmed by the Kremlin, following a swift and decisive offensive that has brought Abu Mohammad al-Jolani, leader of the opposition group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, into the capital. The implications are profound. Will this shift in power plunge Syria deeper into chaos and violence? Could this upheaval trigger a domino effect, destabilizing an already fragile region as foreign and regional powers vie for influence?