World Today

About half a century ago, with childbirths increasing, experts warned of a "population bomb" which could lead to catastrophic climate change and widespread food and water shortages.

Today, a growing number of demographers are convinced that, far from continuing to expand, human population on this planet will stabilize and then start to decline.

A U.N. report suggests that the world's population is growing at its slowest pace in 70 years, and will reach a peak before the end of this century.

Low fertility rates combined with better healthcare are accelerating the aging of societies.

So, instead of a population bomb, are we now facing the challenge of a population bust? Should we be worried?

Host Zhao Ying is joined by Prof. Francesco Billari from Bocconi University in Italy, Prof. Lauren Johnston at China Studies Center, University of Sydney, and Chris Rowley, Professor Emeritus at Bayes Business School, City, University of London.

①Nord Stream 1 resumes gas supply from Russia to Europe. How have European nations been coping with energy shortages? (00:43) ②Race for British Prime Minister comes down to Foreign Secretary Liz Truss and former Chancellor of the Exchequer Rishi Sunak. (12:40) ③And the race comes as U.K. inflation hits a fresh 40-year high in June. (25:27) ④U.S. and Canada demand trade dispute talks with Mexico over energy policies. Are the complaints from U.S. and Canada fair? (35:50) ⑤Report calls for global action to block AUKUS deal of transfers of weapons-grade nuclear materials. What are the details? (45:00)

①Chinese Premier Li Keqiang says China will unswervingly deepen high-level opening-up in a speech at this year's World Economic Forum.(00:47) ②China and the EU agree to jointly tackle global economic challenges. What are the specifics of the recent high-level dialogue between the two sides? (16:10) ③Sri Lanka's acting President Ranil Wickremesinghe wins parliament vote for new presidency. (25:27) ④Putin is in Tehran for a trilateral meeting with Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. What is the focus of their discussion? (33:20) ⑤US Senate moves ahead with legislation to inject 54 billion US dollars in subsidies and tax credits into the country's semiconductor industry. What is the purpose of this legislation? (43:30)

①South Korean and Japanese foreign ministers meet in Tokyo over historical disputes between the two countries. What has been achieved? (00:47) ②Beijing begins its issuing of coupons to spur catering consumption.(13:27) ③Our exclusive interview with Lu Kang, China's Ambassador to Indonesia, on China-Indonesia bilateral ties. (25:26) ④India steps up restraining measures against Chinese smartphone makers. What are the backgrounds? (35:12) ⑤Former British Prime Minister Tony Blair said the war in Ukraine shows the West's dominance is coming to an end. What does he mean? (45:30)

①Iran says U.S. seeks to cause tension in Mideast by spreading Iranophobia when commenting on Biden's trip to the region. What does that mean and what has Biden achieved on his trip? (00:47) ②People in Italy are asking resigning Premier Mario Draghi to stay. What crisis has been gripping Italian politics? (13:20) ③A report on Uvalde shooting has found "systemic failure" in local law enforcement agencies responding to the attack. What are the details? (23:47) ④Türkiye has rejected suggestion by UK Foreign Secretary Liz Truss of sending unwanted migrants to Türkiye.(33:12) ⑤Twitter is suing Tesla founder Elon Musk for pulling out of a deal to buy it for 44 billion dollars. What's the latest? (43:12)

The U.S. Supreme Court has overturned Roe v. Wade, the legal decision that has enshrined the constitutional right to an abortion in the United States for nearly 50 years. Wide-spread protests erupted in the country after the ruling, calling into question the legitimacy of the Court.

What does the legitimacy of the U.S. Supreme Court mean? Is the Court nearing a legitimacy crisis? How does all this affect international opinion of the American political system?

Host Liu Kun is joined by Howard Schweber, Professor of Political Science and Legal Studies at the University of Wisconsin-Madison; Robert Spitzer, Distinguished Service Professor of Political Science Emeritus, State University of New York Cortland; and Professor John Gong, Vice President of Research and Strategy at the University of International Business and Economics Israel.

As a part of the CGTN series "China from Outside", Pakistani Ambassador to China Moin ul Haque elaborates on how China Pakistan Economic Corridor has accelerated Pakistan’s sustainable development and addresses how the two countries can take on common challenges through joint efforts.

As the US steps up counter-China moves in Southeast Asia, how can regional countries avoid being used as “chess pieces” in major power rivalries? (00:48) Russia and Ukraine make progress on grain talks. Will it help resolve global food crisis? (13:26) U.S. inflation surges to 9.1% in June, hitting record high in 4 decades. (23:44)Interview with Pakistan Ambassador to China Moin Haque (32:54) Dozens of cities in China issue heat wave warnings as temperatures surge. We discuss the impact on power supply and food prices. (40:32)

The US reveals new strategy to prioritize the Pacific Islands in its foreign policy. What's behind this move? (00:40) Euro hits US dollar parity for first time in 20 years. Why it matters? (16:20) China's foreign trade recovery continued in the first half of this year. (23:52) Interview with Pakistani Ambassador to China Moin Haque (33:05) John Bolton says he helped plan foreign coups. (43:07)

Joe Biden will head to the Middle East for the first time since taking office. What to expect? (00:45) Global population growth hits lowest rate since the aftermath of the Second World War. We take a look at its economic implications. (11:22) And who are the possible contenders to replace Boris Johnson as UK prime minister? (24:34) Euro slumps to 20-year low. (30:20) French will nationalize debt-laden electricity giant EDF. (40:44)