World Today

①President Xi Jinping has chaired a meeting marking the 30th anniversary of the diplomatic ties between China and five Central Asian nations. How to characterize the ties today? ②The US has placed 8,500 troops on standby for possible deployment to Central and Eastern Europe. Is this a sign of further escalation of tensions over Ukraine? ③What’s waiting for Burkina Faso following a military coup? ④Houthi missiles are targeting UAE and Saudi Arabia. What does this tell about Yemen's war?

①The US orders family members of its embassy staff to leave Ukraine. Is this a signal that Russia will soon attack Ukraine? ②WHO says Europe could be headed for pandemic 'endgame'. Can we start to consider a Covid-19 endemic? ③Kay-Achim Schönbach, who has resigned as German Navy chief, said China has a "hidden agenda" in dealings with countries. Is his mindset representative of German politicians' views about China? ④Taliban begin talks with Western officials in Norway. What can be expected?

As most countries willingly or unwillingly accept Covid as part of everyday life, China is living in a different scenario.

China’s zero-tolerance strategy deserves credit for saving lives, but how long can this policy continue? Is there a cost-versus-benefit issue here?

Host Ding Heng is joined by Dr. John Cai, Chairman of Academy of China Healthcare Innovation Platform; David Moser at Capital Normal University; Dr. Timothy Kerswell at Chinese University of Hong Kong.

1 year in, what major challenges does Biden continue to face? Survey shows public trust in the Chinese government has surged to 91%. Why do Chinese people trust their government? How will the DPRK beef up its defences in the face of a possible "protracted conflict" with the US? And we look at how western "China experts" are filled with disinformation.

Lavrov, Blinken discuss security guarantees, Ukraine over the phone, another fruitless talk? What to expect from the meeting between Putin and Raisi in Moscow? China refutes reports of security flaws in the Winter Olympics app. Tech analyst Andy Mok: It is a problem of politics, not security. Meanwhile, China reviews the economic performance of central SOEs in 2021. China is on the right track of high-quality economic development, says Yao Shujie, Chueng Kong Professor of Economics.

China delivers disaster-relief supplies to Tonga, what more can the global community do? US President Joe Biden will mark one year in office. How's he doing? What does the German FM hope to accomplish when she visits Ukraine and Russia amid rising tensions? And we review history and look into the future. Why is Deng Xiaoping’s 1992 southern tour still relevant today?

Xi calls for int'l solidarity, cooperation at WEF 2022. How urgent is it for the world to tackle global crises together? 1st local Omicron case detected in Beijing. How can China guarantee the Olympic Games' success and secure the general public's safety? US to end case against MIT scientist accused of hiding ties to China, Harvey Dzodin says it’s time for the US to stop the "witch hunt."

In response to the country's low level of fertility rate, China's government is trying to encourage more births. Why are Chinese families less willing to raise kids? What child-friendly policies does China need? Is "jiwa parenting," or aggressive helicopter parenting uniquely Chinese?

Host Liu Kun is joined by Dr. Lauren Johnston of University of Adelaide, Dr. Wang Dan, Chief Economist at Hang Seng Bank China, and Professor Doug Guthrie at Thunderbird School of Global Management.

Syria joins China's Belt and Road Initiative. What does that say about China's role in the Middle East? Joe Biden imposes sanctions over North Korea weapons program after missile tests. We look at why US diplomacy in North Korea has not worked. And why do Lithuanians overwhelmingly oppose Vilnius' policy on China?

WHO warns that over half of Europe could be infected with coronavirus soon. What makes Omicron so dangerous? Russia-led forces are preparing to leave Kazakhstan. What does the future hold for the central Asian country? Joe Biden calls for filibuster reform to pass voting rights laws. We look at how the filibuster works and why the calls to change it. Kurt Campbell says the Pacific faces "strategic surprise". An Australian scholar shares his view on Campbell's judgement.