①We take a look at China's Shenzhou-16 mission to space station. (00:54) 
②Multiple foreign business leaders have recently reaffirmed their commitment to the Chinese market. (13:39) 
③Why does South Korea hold its first summit with Pacific islands leaders? (26:38) 
④North Korea has announced plans to launch its first military spy satellite in June, describing space-based reconnaissance as crucial for monitoring the "reckless" US military exercises with South Korea. Does this represent major escalation in tensions? (37:24) 
⑤Singapore's private home prices have surpassed Hong Kong as the most expensive in Asia Pacific in 2023. We explore the factors behind this phenomenon. (45:39)

Why is Singapore now Asia’s most expensive city for private property?

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

News

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)

Xi Jinping's message to Olaf Scholz

① What’s at stake in German Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s China visit? We are joined by Professor Hans-peter Burghof with University of Hohenheim in Germany and Professor Cui Hongjian from Beijing Foreign Studies University. (00:49) 
② UN chief calls for restraint after Iran's attacks on Israel. To what extent has the attack intensified concerns that the Middle East is being pushed into a full-blown conflict? (25:19)
③ China issues new national-level guidelines aimed at addressing stock-market volatility. (36:07)
④ We look at a France-UK dispute over fishing rights in the post-Brexit era. (45:48)

Why is Singapore now Asia’s most expensive city for private property?

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