World Today

Japan’s ongoing military expansion has once again set off alarms as China marks the annual Victory of War of Resistance Against Japan Day.

Japan, a major component of the fascist group during the Second World War, by far the worst tragedy in human history, has once again surpassed the record for its planned defense budget, which begs the question of whether there has been enough to reflect on the war. Is Tokyo's propensity for militarism increasing?

Host Ge Anna is joined by:

Prof. Rick Dunham, former White House reporter of Businessweek, and Co-director of Global Business Journalism Program at Tsinghua University;

Prof. Wang Yiwei, Jean Monnet Chair Professor at the School of International Relations, Renmin University of China;

Dr. Rong Ying, Vice President and Senior Research Fellow at the China Institute of International Studies.

①China has blasted a UN report on the human rights situation in Xinjiang. Why is the report problematic in its conclusions? (00:54)

②Sri Lanka and the IMF reach a preliminary deal on $2.9 billion loan. Will the loan be disbursed smoothly? (15:26)

③We spoke to charge d'affaires for Sri Lanka Mr. K.K. Yoganaadan on his country’s economic challenges and the role China plays in its recovery process. (24:29)

④US chip makers are troubled by a new rule on sales to China. (35:03)

⑤The EU has agreed to suspend a visa deal with Moscow. Does it hold ground for EU states bordering Russia to see Russian travelers as a security risk? (43:57)

①China vows new measures to expand market access to foreign investment. (00:53)

②We talk to a Senior Director of Tesla Infrastructure at the annual China International Fair for Trade in Service. (11:56)

③Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida has apologized for his own party members' ties with the controversial Unification Church. We look at the public soul-searching in Japan on what kind of role religion should have in politics (23:37)

④More than 74% of the Chinese population now have internet access, according to new official data. We are joined by a China-based video blogger on some related issues. (34:06)

⑤Texas has reported what may be the first death from monkeypox in the US. Why is the US battling the largest monkeypox outbreak in the world right now? (41:50)

①German Chancellor Olaf Scholz calls for a European air defense system. We look at his EU visions. (00:58)

②The IMF has approved $1.1 billion bailout package for Pakistan. We discuss the loan’s economic and political ramifications. (13:30)

③In Iraq, deadly protests have erupted in Baghdad after an influential Shia cleric announced plans to withdraw from politics. What’s fundamentally wrong the country’s US-built political system? (24:18)

④Markets in the US, Asia and Europe dropped and the US dollar rallied after Federal Reserve chairman Jerome Powell warned of more interest rate hikes to fight inflation. (33:46)

⑤Fuel leak and engine problem leads NASA to scrub the launch of a new mighty moon rocket. We discuss why NASA plans to go back to the Moon. (43:10)

①The US has sent two warships through the Taiwan Strait in one more provocative move after the Pelosi visit. (00:57) ②International Atomic Energy Agency inspectors will visit the Russian-held Zaporizhzhia power plant later this week. How important is this trip to protecting the safety and security of the power plant? (13:34) ③The power grid operators of Denmark, Finland and Sweden criticize Norway's plan to curb electricity exports as a dangerous and selfish act. Is it underlining how the energy crisis in Europe could raise tensions among allies? (24:38) ④Venezuela and Colombia restore diplomatic ties after 3 years. (32:30) ⑤Profits of China's major industrial enterprises fell by 1.1 percent year on year in the first seven months. (40:06)

On July 2, 1997, Thailand decided to drop the peg of the country’s currency to the US dollar.

What seemed like an isolated event marked the beginning of the Asian Financial Crisis, in which a combination of corporate, financial, and economic problems led to a huge loss of confidence and capital outflows from the region’s emerging economies.

We take a retrospective look at the crisis 25 years ago with some questions on mind: Have we learned the lessons? Is Asia better prepared today to face financial turmoil?

Host Ding Heng is joined by Professor Qu Qiang, Assistant Director of the International Monetary Institute, Renmin University of China; Keith Pilbeam, Professor of International Economics and Finance at City, University of London; Ilaf Elard, Assistant Professor of Practice in Economics at the New York University Shanghai.

① U.S. reveals largest weapons aid to Ukraine as conflict with Russia hits six months. Where is the way out of the crisis? (00:55)

② China takes more steps to tackle economic challenges. (13:39)

③ Heatwaves and severe droughts cause Europe searing pain. (25:02)

④ A former Afghan President says his people have also been victims since the 9/11 terrorist attacks. (34:48)

⑤ Nearly 3/4 of voters say America is heading in the wrong direction: Poll. (44:24)

① SK exports to China soared 160 folds in the past 30 years. Will Seoul make a shift under pressure from the U.S.? (00:49)

② China’s investment supports African supply chain development: report. (14:18)

③ U.S. military carries out strike in Syria. What is the true motivation of its military presence in the region? (23:20)

④ How will Huawei change its business strategy to keep profit growth? (33:44)

⑤ Anti-China propaganda drives Australians to believe that China will pose a military threat to their country. (43:59)

① China chairs open UNSC debate on global security and stability. What’s China’s vision on global security and stability? (00:52)

② Slavery Remembrance Day 2022: Delving into modern slavery in America. (11:45)

③ EU top diplomat and the commission president won’t visit Taiwan. Is the block willing to be dragged deeper into crisis by the US? (23:54)

④ China cuts benchmark lending rate. What does it mean to property market? (33:06)

⑤ What is "Chinism"? Former Polish PM will explain. (42:00)

① Extreme heat continues to break records in China. What are the impacts? (00:54)

② Russia agrees UN inspectors to visit Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant. Can a nuclear disaster be averted? (14:55)

③ China-Europe freight train trips hit the 10,000 mark, faster than in 2021. How does it shore up the economic lifeline amid COVID headwinds? (25:30)

④ Singapore's PM says global geopolitical tensions affect security in Asia-Pacific. Who is stirring up regional instability? (36:24)

⑤ Walkouts continue in the UK as inflation surges. Will there be a major supply disruption? (45:25)