World Today

The U.S. forcible seizure of Venezuela’s President Maduro has sent shockwaves across the world. Is this abuse of unilateral power becoming a go-to tool for the United States? Are we witnessing the return of a “might makes right” logic in international affairs? And what kind of world order may emerge from this?

Host Ge Anna is joined by Anna Rosario Malindog-Uy, Director and Vice President for External Affairs, Asian Century Philippines Strategic Studies Institute; Cao Ting, Director of the Center for Latin American Studies of Fudan University; and Josef Mahoney, Professor of Politics and International Relations at East China Normal University.

① China’s public security minister and Pakistan’s interior minister have met in Beijing, vowing to intensify cooperation in fighting terrorism. We explore how efforts in this regard could lead to better development of the China Pakistan Economic Corridor. (00:51)

② The EU has launched its carbon border tax despite opposition from major trading partners. Is this policy protectionism cloaked in environmental rhetoric? (15:38)

③ The Trump administration has announced US withdrawal from dozens of international organizations. What could be the consequences when the US further retreats from global cooperation? (24:53)

④ As more and more international patients take medical trips to China, will the country become a global hub for medical tourism? (35:36)

⑤ What is causing the escalation of clashes between government forces and Kurdish fighters in Syria’s Aleppo? (44:41)

① China’s foreign minister has embarked on a trip to four countries in Africa, continuing with a 36-year diplomatic tradition. Will China-Africa ties remain steadfast despite global turbulences? (00:53)

② China has strengthened its export control on dual-use items to Japan. Why is Beijing justified to take this move? (15:28)

③ European allies have agreed to key security provisions for Ukraine. We explore how security guarantees for Ukraine might look like. (24:50)

④ Precious metals are trading near their record highs. We look at how geopolitical flashpoints including tensions over the US seizure of Venezuela’s president are fueling the demand for safe-haven assets. (35:37)

⑤ Why are Chinese tech firms drawing crowds at the annual Consumer Electronics Show? (43:57)

① South Korean President Lee Jae Myung continues with his visit to China. How can China and South Korea strengthen cooperation while jointly defending results of the victory in World War II? (00:57)

② Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro has pleaded not guilty to all drug-related charges during his first court appearance in New York. We explore the legal issues that could arise in this case, including those concerning the legality of his forcible seizure. (14:23)

③ Donald Trump has set sights on Greenland after the US attack on Venezuela. Should Denmark be worried about any US move targeting the self-governing territory? (24:50)

④ Why has Eurasia Group, a well-known political risk consultancy, named the US political revolution as the world’s top risk in 2026? (35:25)

⑤ According to new official figures, China’s low-altitude equipment sector has grown fast over the past five years. We explore the factors behind its growth. (42:23)

① President Xi Jinping has held talks with his visiting South Korean counterpart Lee Jae Myung in Beijing. Are China-South Korea ties entering a phase of gradual recovery? (00:51)

② Irish Prime Minister Michael Martin is on a visit to China. How can Ireland strengthen cooperation with Beijing and advance China-EU ties? (14:23)

③ Will Donald Trump order a second US military strike on Venezuela? (24:31)

④ What has enabled China to kick off 2026 with a strong surge in travel and tourism? (33:42)

⑤ Why are Saudi-backed government forces clashing with UAE-backed fighters in Yemen’s civil conflict? (44:11)

Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife have been sent to a detention center in New York after they were captured in a large-scale US military strike. A UN spokesperson says UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres is deeply alarmed by the escalation in Venezuela, emphasizing the importance of full respect of international law, including the UN Charter.

What aspects of international law has the US action violated? Will the US capture of Maduro necessarily lead to government change in Venezuela? Host Ding Heng is joined by Cao Ting, Director of Center for Latin American Studies at Fudan University and Professor Wang Jin from Northwest University in Xi'an, China.

China has issued draft rules that would tighten regulation of artificial intelligence services designed to simulate human personalities and engage users in emotional interaction. The draft lays out a regulatory approach that would require providers to warn users against excessive use and to intervene when users show signs of addiction or extreme emotions. In other words, it is targeting the potential psychological and emotional risks of AI-powered chatbots.

Why is China seriously paying attention to this field? What does the move tell us about China’s mentality in AI governance? Host Ding Heng is joined by Li Lun, Assistant Professor of Economics at Peking University; Andy Mok, Professor at Beijing Foreign Studies University; Professor Yao Shujie, Deputy Director of the Department of Social Sciences, Chongqing University.

① FM Wang Yi says China values and welcomes the South Korean president’s visit. What should we watch for? (00:51)

② Dozens of countries voice support for China over its countermeasures and military drills around Taiwan. What does this say about the broader international consensus on the Taiwan question? (15:44)

③ Exclusive with Dominican President Sylvanie Burton. (27:20)

④ China ratifies the UN High Seas Treaty. What role will it play in protecting marine life beyond national borders? (34:15)

⑤ Türkiye grants visa-free entry to Chinese tourists. How will this boost tourism and people-to-people ties? (45:03)

① President Xi Jinping delivers New Year speech. What messages stand out for the year ahead? (00:45)

② Year-end special: How will the Global Governance Initiative shape cooperation and redefine international engagement? (26:15)

① China holds central rural work conference. How will China’s next five-year plan advance agricultural modernization and rural prosperity? (00:48)

② The PLA carried out live-fire drills north and south of Taiwan, continuing its military exercises around the island. What do the PLA’s recent drills signal about China’s commitment to regional security and readiness? (15:05)

③ Year-end special: What does China–Latin America cooperation tell us about the future of South-South collaboration? (25:31)