World Insight with Tian Wei

Former Kyrgyz Prime Minister Djoomart Otorbaev shares his perspectives on issues such as Belt and Road cooperation between China and Kyrgyzstan, the role of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization and harmonious relationship with healthy competition.

From America to China and back, the unusual journey of writer J.R. Thornton, the author of acclaimed book "Beautiful Country" in which he wrote about his experiences in China. We got a chance to catch up about his soft spot for China when he was recently back in Beijing. And we had a unique interview with the Yale Alley Cats, a renowned singing group from the U.S. who performed in China.

Beijing rolled out the red carpet for the 10th ministerial meeting of the China-Arab States Cooperation Forum on Thursday. Foreign ministers, Arab states representatives and the secretary general of the League of Arab States attended the meeting. On the 20th anniversary of the Forum, China says it’s ready to work with Arab states to carry on with cordial relations, and contribute to the building of a community with a shared future for humanity. What can we learn from the long history of China-Arab ties?

The Chinese economy grew a higher-than-expected 5.3 percent in the first quarter of 2024, marking a robust start for the year. Despite external and domestic challenges, it remains a driver of world economic growth and a popular destination for foreign investment. Gita Gopinath, Deputy Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund, shares her insights.

Leaders of China, Japan and South Korea met in Seoul for a summit this week, the first time since 2019. Chinese Premier Li Qiang said the trilateral meeting should stay committed to the original aim for cooperation toward regional prosperity and stability. As major economies in Asia, the trio accounted for 20 percent of the global population and more than 23 percent of the world's GDP. What’s the significance of the meeting for Asia and the rest of the world?

China is working on sustainable development with key state holders. Over the years, the country has been keen on developing green technologies and making them affordable and scalable. Kanni Wignaraja, UN Assistant Secretary-General and the UNDP Regional Director for Asia and the Pacific, hails the traditional Chinese lifestyle, saying it is rooted in sustainable development.

The path to economic growth amid inflation and uncertainties. What's the best way forward? A global financial outlook from Agustín Carstens, the General Manager of the Bank for International Settlements.

The Eastern Theater Command of the Chinese People's Liberation Army has begun joint military drills around Taiwan Island. An army spokesperson says they serve as punishment for the separatist acts of "Taiwan independence" forces, and a stern warning against the interference and provocation by external forces.

Iran is observing five days of mourning over the death of President Ebrahim Raisi after a helicopter crash.

According to the official news agency IRNA, the country is set to hold its next presidential election on June 28. Who is likely to come out on top of the upcoming poll? How will the new president manage tensions in the region?

As the global net zero agenda and new technologies develop, there is increasing demand worldwide for mineral resources. The mining industry, however, has yet to address the supply deficits efficiently. What are the reasons behind it? How are global mining companies articulating their challenges and opportunities today?