World Insight with Tian Wei

In this special episode, we talk about how sport exchanges between China and the United States have impacted people-to-people exchanges between the two countries.

China's office responsible for foreign investment security review has issued a decision to prohibit foreign investment in the Manus acquisition project and it has ordered the parties involved to revoke the acquisition deal. What are the reasons behind the decision? How will it impact the cooperation and competition between China and the United States?

The Trump administration seeks a 1.5-trillion-dollar defense budget for 2027. That's a 44-percent rise in Pentagon spending, the largest such request in decades. It reflects the U.S. government's military investment priority over domestic programs, even before the U.S.-led war against Iran. How worrisome is a sharp rise in U.S. defense spending? As new drone, missile and artificial intelligence technologies change modern warfare, what can 1.5 trillion dollars buy in military hardware? How does a way higher U.S. military budget affect the global security architecture?

As the world undergoes unprecedented changes, there is growing emphasis on cultivating future global leaders. Stephen A. Schwarzman, founding trustee of Schwarzman Scholars, highlights this mission as the program marks its 10th anniversary. The initiative aims to prepare leaders with a strong understanding of China's role in the global economy and international affairs.

In this episode, we spoke with students and teachers at Tianjin Juilliard School.

As tensions in the Middle East persist, the humanitarian situation has worsened, particularly in Iran, Lebanon, Syria, and Palestine. Among the most vulnerable are children, who are facing displacement, disrupted education, and limited access to basic necessities. A senior UNICEF official explains the need to advocate for the protection of children’s rights and to help meet their basic needs, especially in dire situations.

Against the backdrop of Middle East tensions, the Norwegian minister of international development calls for a ceasefire and urges everyone to follow international law. He discusses issues such as the need to face a new reality of war, conflict, and the climate crisis with partners like China, the importance of following international law amid Middle East conflicts, and efforts to reach out to partners in the Gulf region.

The Strait of Hormuz remains gripped by tensions, as Tehran denounces American threats and the seizure of an Iranian cargo ship. Iranian state broadcaster IRIB reports that Iran has not sent a delegation to the talks with the United States. That heightens uncertainties before a shaky pause on Iran-U.S. hostilities ends on Wednesday. Does the Iran-U.S. deadline still matter? Do they even care about it? Analysts from Iran, the U.S., Pakistan and China share their perspectives on the evolving situation.

France's National Assembly has opened a door that has been closed for more than a century. A joint committee will work to align the positions of senators and deputies on a bill concerning cultural artifacts. The legislation aims to promote the return of looted colonial-era cultural artifacts and artworks, particularly those taken between 1815 and 1972. The move raises the question of whether it could trigger a broader shift across Europe.

Artificial intelligence has been pushing the envelope in how movies are being made. AI tools have proven to be a huge help from writing screenplays, unique special effects to the cutting room. China is definitely surfing on this cutting-edge wave of film-making. We had a discussion with a panel of movie industry insiders.