World Today

China’s space sector marked a landmark week—executing its first emergency crewed launch and unveiling plans for four deep-space science satellites—while its commercial space market soars toward 10 trillion yuan (about 1.4 trillion USD). What capabilities underpin this surge, and will AI-driven aerospace define the next phase of space competition?

Host Ge Anna is joined by Andy Mok, Professor at Beijing Foreign Studies University; Quentin Parker, Director of Laboratory for Space Research, University of Hong Kong;

Zhang Fan, Associate Professor of Astronomy Department of Beijing Normal University.

① We take a look at a new white paper on China’s arms control and how it tells us about China’s commitment to safeguarding world peace and security. (00:54)

② Japan’s Sanae Takaichi says that, under the so-called “San Francisco Peace Treaty”, Japan is not in a position to determine or recognize the legal status of Taiwan. Why is this remark erroneous? (15:22)

③ Donald Trump has signed an executive order launching a sweeping plan to supercharge America’s artificial intelligence development. We explore the ambitions and prospects of the plan. (25:47)

④ China has lodged protests with the US over its move that restricts visas for Central American officials with ties to Beijing. Should visas be turned into political leverage? (36:37)

⑤ Soldiers in Guinea-Bissau announce that they have seized power after a contested presidential election. What are the key factors behind the country’s long history of political turmoil? (46:53)

① Ahead of the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People, President Xi Jinping says China firmly supports the Palestinian people. How can the international society better deliver fairness and justice to the Palestinian people? (00:55)

② China has vowed to unite compatriots on both sides of the Taiwan Strait to oppose Taiwan independence activities. What is the danger when Taiwan independence forces are emboldened by Japan’s recent rhetoric and actions? (12:56)

③ China’s CATL has begun building the largest battery factory in Spain. Will this project achieve a multiple-win result for different parties involved? (24:45)

④ China’s ice and snow economy is likely to surpass 1 trillion yuan (about $140 billion) in 2025. What is driving the sector's growth boom? (33:43)

⑤ Argentina has unveiled a new migration office that features a police structure similar to the United States’ Border Patrol. Why is President Javier Milei moving to tighten rules on immigration? (44:14)

① President Xi Jinping has outlined China’s principled position on the Taiwan question in a telephone call with his US counterpart Donald Trump. Why is Taiwan’s return to China an integral part of the post-war international order? Why should China and the US jointly safeguard the victory of World War II? (00:52)

② We take a look at Shenzhou-22, China’s first emergency mission to its Tiangong space station. (24:59)

③ What has prompted Goldman Sachs to forecast that China’s economy will grow faster than expected in 2026? (34:19)

④ Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces have announced what appears to be unilateral humanitarian truce in the country’s civil war. Where is the conflict headed? (46:02)

① We explore the key proposals made by China at the G20 Summit in South Africa and how G20 could strengthen development empowerment for the Global South. (00:54)

② China says it will never permit external forces to meddle in the Taiwan region nor allow Japanese militarism to stage a comeback. Why does upholding the one-China principle and safeguarding the outcomes of World War II matter? (15:15)

③ The US and Ukraine promise to create a refined peace framework to end the conflict with Russia after an original US-backed plan faced criticism for being pro-Russian. How much progress can we expect in this regard? (25:19)

④ The US added 119,000 jobs in September in a report delayed by federal shutdown, but its unemployment rate rose. We look at the continued uncertainties facing the US economy. (34:16)

⑤ India has reopened tourist visa services for Chinese nationals across its embassies and consulates worldwide. How could this move help restore exchanges between the two countries? (44:24)

China is lodging serious protests with Japan over Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s remarks on the Taiwan question. Over the past two weeks, the remarks describing a Taiwan contingency as a survival-threatening situation for Japan have triggered strong outrage and condemnation from China and beyond. In the words of Russia’s foreign ministry, Japan has not yet acknowledged its mistakes 80 years after World War II.

What is fundamentally erroneous and dangerous regarding Takaichi’s remarks? Host Ding Heng is joined by Professor Chen Yun from Fudan University’s School of International Relations & Public Affairs; Warwick Powell, Adjunct Professor at Queensland University of Technology; Sultan Hali, a China observer and retired air force officer in Pakistan.

① Chinese premier arrives in Zambia for a landmark visit. What might their ties say about future collaboration across the Global South? (00:55)

② Japan’s neighbors are raising serious concerns over Takaichi’s provocations on Taiwan and territorial claims. How far could these missteps push East Asian tensions? (13:40)

③ China welcomes the Netherlands’ decision to suspend its intervention at Nexperia. What’s next? (23:52)

④ How will the G20 summit unfold as South Africa moves forward without U.S. participation? (34:14)

⑤ What’s driving Germany to roll out its first national space security strategy? (44:08)

① Global alarm is rising over Japan's sharp rightward shift and the resurgence of militarist rhetoric. (00:45)

② Foreign investors are stepping up their presence in China’s A-share market and increasing allocations to Chinese assets. What does this tell us about global confidence in China’s economic fundamentals? (12:51)

③ Global debut: UAE aerobatic team fully upgrades to Chinese-made trainer jets. (25:00)

④ Trump elevates Saudi Arabia to ‘major non-NATO ally’ status. How will it reshape U.S.–Middle East dynamics? (33:46)

⑤ Microsoft, NVIDIA and Anthropic announce strategic partnerships. How will this alliance redefine competition in the global AI ecosystem? (42:59)

① Chinese Premier Li Qiang is attending the Shanghai Cooperation Organization meeting in Moscow and deepening China-Russia cooperation—what’s at stake for regional growth? (00:53)

② Japanese diplomat in Beijing as Takaichi’s remarks weigh on economy—how far could the damage go? (13:12)

③ Hainan new course: What to know about the Special Customs Operation? (23:38)

④ The UN backed US’s Gaza peace plan, does it genuinely advance peace, or mainly serve external powers’ interests? (34:03)

⑤ Australian poll shows rising worries over US influence and trade tactics—what’s driving this shift in sentiment? (43:47)

① Does Japan’s recent Taiwan rhetoric reveal a resurgence of far-right militarism? (00:49)

② China and Germany look to boost trade and investment—How will this deepen their cooperation? (24:57)

③ Moody’s: US deglobalization may offset AI’s boost next year. (35:16)

④ New Zealand’s top court rules Uber drivers must be treated as employees, not contractors. (46:14)