The Point with Liu Xin

What happens when firsthand experience challenges long-held perceptions? On his first visit to China, Australian geopolitical analyst Barry Healy was moved by the sacrifices of the Long March and struck by the transformation of once-impoverished villages, gaining a new perspective on China's history and development. On this episode of The Point, Healy reflects on how his visit reshaped his understanding of China and discusses China-Australia relations, the AUKUS submarine deal, and rising military tensions. Can firsthand experience bridge the gap between perception and reality?

"An odyssey unequaled in modern times." Ninety years ago, the Long March became one of the most extraordinary journeys in modern history. Over two years and more than 12,000 kilometers, Red Army soldiers endured immense hardships and uncertainty. What kept them going? How did they make critical decisions along the way? And what lessons can young people today draw from this defining chapter of Chinese history?

From France to Italy and Albania, protests are sweeping across Europe, with clashes between demonstrators and police raising questions about the roots of public discontent. What are protesters demanding? Why are grievances over issues ranging from climate change to other social concerns not necessarily translating into meaningful reforms? And what does the wave of demonstrations reveal about the challenges facing European governments? On this episode of The Point, experts examine the forces behind the unrest and what it means for Europe's political and social landscape.

Is China-EU trade heading for a breakthrough, or another confrontation? China and the EU have reached broad understandings on a range of trade issues, including market access for Chinese-made hybrid cars. Yet the EU is also considering a so-called "kill switch" designed to restrict access to the European market in response to developments deemed harmful to the bloc's economic interests. What is driving these seemingly contradictory moves? Is the relationship taking one step forward and two steps back?

What makes a city a better place to live? Beijing and New York may be thousands of miles apart, but both face a common challenge: How to build cities that are cleaner, safer, and more livable for millions of residents. With Beijing's 2016-35 Master Plan and New York City's OneNYC 2050 strategy outlining their visions for the years ahead, Urban October, a month dedicated by UN-Habitat to reflecting on the future of our cities, offers a timely opportunity to explore how the two cities approach urban planning and governance. What challenges do they share? Where do their approaches differ? And what can each city learn from the other?

What happens when ten content creators from nine Arab countries land in Beijing, not as tourists, but with cameras, curiosity, and a lot of questions? In this special edition of The Point, Liu Xin hosts a conversation at the BAIC ARCFOX Technology Park in Beijing with three Arab voices: Eman Sobhy, Egypt's top knowledge-based creator and founder of the What If series; Ayoub Bechrouri, Moroccan journalist with China Arab TV; and Yasmeen Ayari, Tunisian creator and entrepreneur. They walked the Great Wall and a hutong market. They stood on an electric-car assembly line where a car rolls off every minute. They met a robot that folds laundry, a robot that feeds the cat, and a robot dog that high-fives. And they talked about what all of it means for young people back home. When the trip ends and the cameras are packed away, what story do they actually take home, and will it be the one you expected?

Empty suitcases in, packed suitcases out. "China Haul" is the latest buzzword following "China Travel" and "Chinamaxxing," as international visitors shop for Chinese drones, cameras, sneakers, bags and beauty products. What's behind the trend? Why are more "China" hashtags gaining traction, and what are travelers discovering about China beyond the usual tourist experience?

China-US ties have reached "another historical juncture." During his state visit to Washington, Chinese President Xi Jinping stressed that while China-US cooperation may not solve every problem in the world, but without it, it would be hard to solve many of the world's problems. The visit also featured a high-profile welcome from US President Donald Trump, underscoring the importance both sides attach to the relationship. How significant is this latest Xi-Trump meeting? What does it mean for the future of China-US relations, and for the wider world?

For decades, Chinese and American filmmakers have connected audiences through television and cinema. Now, a new generation of storytellers is taking that exchange to a much smaller screen. Chinese micro dramas and short-form series are finding audiences in the United States. The trend is opening up new possibilities for creators to share ideas, talent, and expertise across borders. What's driving this new wave of creative exchange? Is the rise of micro dramas simply a short-lived trend, or the beginning of something much bigger?

China and the U.S. are competing fiercely in artificial intelligence. But when it comes to AI safety and governance, can the world's two largest economies find common ground? With both sides maintaining dialogue on AI governance, questions remain: What risks do they share? Where do their perspectives differ? And how can they cooperate on AI safety while competing in the global AI race?