World Today

This year’s World Economic Forum in Davos unfolds against what an official release describes as the most complex geopolitical environment in decades. As 2026 begins under growing strain, what economic risks lie ahead—and what constructive role can China play?

Host Ge Anna is joined by Yan Liang, Professor of Economics, Willamette University; Peter Chang, Former Deputy Director, Institute of China Studies, University of Malaya; and Li Lun, Assistant Professor of Economics at Peking University.

① We take a look at the progress made in China’s agricultural modernization and rural revitalization in 2025. (00:54)

② The US withdrawal from the World Health Organization has taken effect. How could it affect global health governance? (14:12)

③ Against the backdrop of US pressure over Greenland, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen says the EU is at a crossroads towards more independence. How determined is Europe? (24:55)

④ Japan has halted the restart of the world’s largest nuclear power plant after safety alarms were triggered. We explore the restart’s potential risks. (34:42)

⑤ The British government has approved China’s plan for constructing a new embassy in London. The plan had stalled for years due to a so-called security concern. Why is the concern illegitimate? (45:18)

① China’s vice premier has delivered a message of free trade, multilateralism, cooperation and dialogue at the World Economic Forum. We explore China’s determination to be a stabilizing force amid global turbulence. (00:56)

② China’s R&D spending intensity surpassed OECD economies for the first time in 2025. What does it tell about China’s economic transformation? (13:56)

③ EU lawmakers have reportedly agreed to hold off on ratifying a key trade deal with the US following President Donald Trump’s tariff threats over Greenland. What is the EU’s message to the White House? (24:56)

④ US and Russian officials have held what they call constructive closed-door talks on the Ukraine conflict at the World Economic Forum. Is it time for optimism about the peace process? (33:58)

⑤ At the U23 Asian Cup, China has entered the final for the first time. Does it provide any guiding spirit for China’s future football development? (44:09)

① China has unveiled a special guarantee program to support private investment, and a new plan is underway to spur consumption. We look at China’s strategy of focusing on targeted support for specific areas to bolster its economy. (00:51)

② Why is China being widely discussed as a stabilizer for global growth and a key driver of future innovation at this year’s Davos Forum? (13:33)

③ Germany has reintroduced electric vehicle subsidies in efforts to accelerate the transition to less polluting cars. Will it work? (24:59)

④ Japan’s prime minister has called a snap election three months after she took office. Can she reverse her party’s recent run of poor election results? (34:27)

⑤ What has enabled Chinese universities to overtake Harvard to top a major global research output ranking? (43:14)

① China’s economy grew by 5% last year, meeting the country’s target. We explore a series of factors underpinning China’s growth in 2025. (00:51)

② China’s Shenzhou-20 spacecraft has returned to Earth after spending nine months in orbit. We look at how its experience raises concerns about the danger to space travel posed by space debris? (13:38)

③ Will the US tariff threats over Greenland risk a dangerous downward spiral in transatlantic ties? (24:52)

④ The Pentagon has reportedly placed some 1,500 active-duty soldiers on standby for possible deployment to Minnesota, as protests continue against raids carried out by ICE officials. How far can President Trump push the boundaries of his power in Minnesota? (34:57)

⑤ The Syrian government has announced a ceasefire with the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces. Will it pave the way for renewed dialogue and cooperation towards a unified Syria? (45:49)

US President Donald Trump and his administration appear to be insistent on taking control of Greenland – by force if necessary. Following a recent meeting between senior Trump administration officials and Denmark’s foreign minister, Copenhagen said a fundamental disagreement over the autonomous Danish territory remains.

Is the US threat to annex Greenland generating yet another crisis in transatlantic relations? How can Europe defend Greenland from possible US moves? Host Ding Heng is joined by Timo Kivimaki, Professor of International Relations at the University of Bath; George Tzogopoulos, Senior Research Fellow at CIFE, a France-based research organization; Jin Ling, Director of the Department for European Studies, China Institute of International Studies.

① China–Canada ties: Beyond bilateral relations. What strategic implications do strengthened China–Canada relations have for the wider Pacific region? (00:45)

② China has unveiled national plan to boost green consumption. How might this plan reshape domestic markets and create new opportunities for both local and international businesses? (13:31)

③ Global survey: Majorities expect China's influence to grow over next decade. Which aspects of China's engagement appear more aligned with the needs of the international community? (26:28)

④ Japan's PM to detail snap election plans. Having been in office for less than three months, why is Takaichi moving so urgently to dissolve the lower house? (35:57)

⑤ U.S. freezes immigrant visa processing from 75 countries. What's next? (44:31)

① Canada PM’s China trip: What’s next for bilateral relations? (00:46)

② China's foreign trade is up 3.8% in 2025 with more diverse partners. What does this say about China’s economy amid global uncertainties? (12:30)

③ South Korean President Lee Jae Myung wraps up his two-day visit to Japan, and urges closer trilateral ties with Japan and China. (24:31)

④ Facing a more coercive United States on Greenland, what options do European countries really have? Is NATO still relevant? (34:59)

⑤ China installs world's first 20-megawatt offshore wind turbine. How will this tech milestone accelerate China’s green transition? (44:58)

① Xi calls for sustained anti-corruption drive. How does deepening institutional oversight underpin China’s long-term governance and development goals? (00:49)

② China–EU agree on EV price undertakings. How can dialogue-based solutions ease trade frictions and stabilize the global auto supply chain? (11:06)

③ China tightens rules on government investment funds. How will stronger evaluation mechanisms improve capital efficiency and guide social investment toward national priorities? (24:18)

④ Turkey seeks to join Saudi–Pakistan defense pact. As U.S. intervention in Venezuela fuels global security anxiety, is Ankara hedging beyond NATO? (34:44)

⑤ X’s AI chatbot Grok blocked in Southeast Asia, UK probes platform. Is the world nearing a turning point in AI content regulation and platform accountability? (46:09)

① Chinese Foreign Minister 2026 Africa Tour. At a time when hegemonism is once again on the rise, how can China–Africa cooperation help safeguard the voice of development in global affairs? (00:46)

② Expert insight: China’s CPI rebound points to a potential structural shift. (13:11)

③ Can Iran stabilize its economy amid U.S. and external interference? (34:47)

④ EU, South America reach trade deal after 25 years of talks. What’s at stake? (35:57)

⑤ U.S. Fed chair Powell under investigation: How political is the case? (44:21)