World Today

All eyes are on Beijing as Chinese Premier Li Qiang delivers the 2026 Government Work Report during the Two Sessions. What does the new economic growth target reveal about China’s priorities? And as China deepens its commitment to opening up, what opportunities lie ahead for global businesses and trading partners?

Host Xu Yawen is joined by Andy Mok, a professor at Beijing Foreign Studies University; Liu Baocheng, director of the Center for International Business Ethics at the University of International Business and Economics; and Dr. Lee Pei May, an assistant professor of political science at the International Islamic University Malaysia, to unpack China’s Government Work Report and its new five-year plan.

① How does China’s annual government work report chart the course of the country for this year and the next five years? (00:52)

② China’s foreign minister says Beijing will send its special Middle East envoy to regional countries to mediate in the Iran conflict. What has prompted China to make the decision? (24:59)

③ The US Court of International Trade has ordered the US Customs and Border Protection to process refunds on illegal tariffs imposed by President Donald Trump. Is it realistic to expect the Trump administration to do that? (36:27)

④ The European Commission has proposed a controversial industrial act to prioritize “Made in EU” goods in public support and procurement. Why is the proposed act criticized as a misguided and protectionist approach? (46:58)

① Why will economic growth and domestic demand top the agenda of China’s national legislature at its annual session? (00:54)

② A conversation with Lu Ming, a Chinese national political adviser and a professor at Shanghai Jiaotong University, on how China can boost its service consumption. (12:51)

③ China has rolled out 20 measures to boost sci-tech insurance. How is this sector offsetting the high costs and inherent risks associated with tech innovation? (24:52)

④ Donald Trump has lashed out at Britain over its limited support for US-Israeli strikes on Iran. Has Britain learned a lesson from its involvement in 2003 invasion of Iraq? (34:19)

⑤ The United Nations has expressed deep concern following a mass killing in South Sudan. Why has the country been beset by civil war, ethnic violence, poverty since it was formed in 2011? (45:25)

① The annual session of China’s top political advisory body is set to open. In what ways are consultative politics enhancing China’s democracy? (00:52)

② China has released its first national standard system covering the industrial chain and full life cycle of humanoid robots. How will the new standards support high-quality growth across the sector? (13:15)

③ Emmanuel Macron has ordered to increase the number of France’s nuclear warheads. What has prompted him to make the decision? (24:57)

④ The US and Israel’s war against Iran has spilled over into the Strait of Hormuz. What could be the conflict’s impact on global trade and economy if it continues in the foreseeable future? (34:21)

① A top meeting in China has described the next five years as a critical period for socialist modernization. How will China focus on economic development during its 15th Five Year Plan? (00:46)

② Why is Canada putting aside the frictions over the killing of a Sikh activist and seeking to re-engage with India? (10:24)

③ Iran has vowed to use all its strength to make its enemies pay a heavy price following the death of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in US-Israeli strikes. To what extent could the conflict widen? (24:58)

It's Friedrich Merz's first official visit to China as German chancellor. What results will he bring back to Berlin? Merz is the fifth European state leader Beijing has received in less than three months amid rising economic and geopolitical uncertainty. What implications does it carry for the future of China-EU relations?

Host Tu Yun joins Dr. Hans-Peter Burghof, a professor and the Chair of the Banking and Finance Department at the University of Hohenheim, Germany, Dr. JIN Ling, a senior research fellow leading the Department for European Studies, China Institute of International Studies, and Dr. George Tzogopoulos, the Director of EU-China Programmes and a senior research fellow at the European Institute of Nice to break down the signals, the substance, and what this moment really means.

① Meeting Germany’s Friedrich Merz in Beijing, Xi Jinping calls on China and Germany to be reliable, innovative, and cultural partners. What momentum has the German leader’s China visit injected into bilateral ties? (00:52)

② US-Iran nuclear talks resume in Geneva. Is the US military threat pressuring Iran to make concessions in negotiations? (15:13)

③ India’s Narendra Modi is on a two-day trip to Israel to strengthen security and economic cooperation between the two countries. Is his visit likely to give Israel a boost of international support? (25:14)

④ The IMF is urging the US to rein in its growing fiscal deficit, warning that public debt could climb to 140% of its GDP by 2031. What risks will this trend pose to the US and global economy? (34:37)

⑤ The French government has survived two no-confidence motions in parliament that were filed after a new energy law was adopted by decree. Why are French politics divided on energy issues? (45:14)

① German Chancellor Friedrich Merz is on a trip to China for talks on trade and other issues. What can China and Germany do together to counterbalance global uncertainties? (00:53)

② Donald Trump has touted his economic record during the State of the Union address, saying he has ushered in what he calls a golden age. What’s at stake for Trump in the address? (13:07)

③ Panamanian authorities have seized two ports on the Panama Canal from Hong Kong-based CK Hutchison. Will this case have a negative impact on China’s confidence to invest in Latin America? (24:35)

④ Gold prices are surging again as global uncertainty takes center stage. Is the rally sustainable? (34:23)

⑤ James Zimmerman, Chairman of AmCham China, gives his take on the importance of the Chinese market. (44:00)

① China’s Spring Festival holiday has delivered striking economic signals. Are we witnessing a structural shift toward experience-driven, service-led consumption in the country? (00:59)

② China has announced export control measures against 20 Japanese entities involved in boosting Japan’s military capabilities. Why is China’s concern about Japan’s remilitarization and nuclear ambitions legitimate? (11:52)

③ New Zealand’s prime minister gives his take on multilateralism and free trade. (24:07)

④ The EU has failed to approve additional sanctions on Moscow and a key loan for Kyiv. As the war in Ukraine marks its 4th anniversary, what’s its outlook? (32:35)

⑤ Cuba is grappling with fuel shortages as the US moves to choke off the country’s oil supplies, but Canada says it plans to provide assistance to Cuba. Is this generating another rift between Washington and Ottawa? (43:23)

① After the US Supreme Court declared the Trump administration’s unilateral tariffs illegal, China has called on the US to lift its tariffs. How can China safeguard its legitimate interests when Washington’s trade policy faces domestic political setbacks and uncertainties? (00:43)

② India and Brazil have signed a mining pact, and they are targeting $20 billion in two-way trade in five years. What are the two sides’ strategic calculations in deepening their trade? (12:05)

③ China has issued draft rules that would target the potential psychological and emotional risks of AI-powered chatbots. Why is China seriously paying attention to this field? (25:00)