World Today

①President Xi Jinping has made new pledges to Africa in vaccine delivery, investment, financial support and trade. How much does this matter to the continent? ②Iran and the world powers party to the 2015 nuclear deal have begun talks to restore the pact. Is there room for optimism? ③Russian leader Vladimir Putin and Belarusian leader Alexander Lukashenko have had a phone call to discuss the migrant crisis along the Belarus-Poland border. Can there be a viable solution to the crisis?

①Countries are racing to contain the Omicron coronavirus variant as new cases are detected across the world. ②Taiwan leader Tsai Ing-wen says Taiwan and Europe must work together to defend against authoritarianism and disinformation. What’s behind here rhetoric? ③EU ministers call for a new agreement with the UK to tackle the surge of migrants trying to cross the English Channel. Is that likely to materialize?

In this episode, we look at the economic and political implications of a US-coordinated move to tap strategic oil reserves to combat high gasoline prices, as well as the global energy crunch that the move is pointing to. Host Ding Heng is joined by Wu Changhua, Executive Director of Professional Association for China's Environment; Professor Zha Daojiong from Peking University's School of International Studies; and Michael Bradshaw, Professor of Global Energy with University of Warwick.

① Three German parties reach coalition deal to end Merkel era.

② Iran, IAEA agree to cooperate on ending nuclear standoff.

③ China opposes U.S. inviting Taiwan region to 'democracy summit'.

④ China rolls out measures to address population aging, boost well-being of elderly.

① Biden authorizes use of strategic oil reserves to combat high US gasoline prices.

② U.S. suffers from 'democratic backsliding': IDEA.

③ WHO warns of 700,000 more COVID deaths in Europe by March.

① Chinese, U.S. paddlers join forces at world table tennis championships.

② Russia rejects U.S. claims of its invasion of Ukraine.

③ Violence continues in the United States: Multiple people killed as car plowed into Christmas parade.

④ The US Misery Index shows weakness in recovery.

① China, ASEAN upgrade ties to comprehensive strategic partnership.

② China downgrades diplomatic relations with Lithuania over Taiwan question.

③ Protests erupt after U.S. teenager acquitted in shooting deaths.

④ Unrest and protests are ripping across Europe over new COVID restrictions.

Chinese President Xi Jinping and U.S. President Joe Biden finally held their first summit. What is the significance of this virtual meeting? How will it affect core issues such as the Taiwan question? Our host Liu Kun is joined by Scott Lucas, Professor of International Politics and American Studies at Birmingham University, Zhang Baohui, Professor of Political Science at Lingnan University in Hong Kong, and Dr. Zhao Hai from Chinese Academy of Social Sciences.

①Premier Li Keqiang says China will expand its opening up process.

②US Commerce Secretary says the Biden administration will not join CPTPP, but pursue specific tie-ups with allies.

③Biden demands probe of "potentially illegal conduct" in oil sector.

④EU lawmakers agree on rules to target Big Tech.

①CPC releases key resolution to embark on another 100 years of endeavors.

②China and the US reach consensus on journalists' visa.

③Pfizer to allow generic versions of its Covid-19 pill in low-and middle-income countries.

④Libya's eastern commander Khalifa Haftar announces candidacy for president.