World Today

In the grand commemorative events at Tian’anmen Square to mark the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War, China made a strong voice on cherishing and defending peace.

A little earlier, peace was also a key theme at the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit held in the northern Chinese city of Tianjin, with President Xi Jinping saying the SCO now bears a greater responsibility for safeguarding regional peace and stability.

Why is China determined to be a force for peace? In what ways is China contributing to international peace? Host Ding Heng is joined by Ben Norton, political economist and editor of the Geopolitical Economy Report; Warwick Powell, Senior Fellow of Taihe Institute and Adjunct Professor at Queensland University of Technology; Professor Qu Qiang, Fellow of the Belt and Road Research Center, Minzu University of China.

① Why is the Global Governance Initiative needed in today’s world? (00:51)

② How BYD Beat Tesla as Top-Selling EV Brand in Europe? (18:32)

③ Repercussions of China’s V-Day commemoration ripple across the globe. (28:30)

China has held a grand gathering in Beijing marking the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War. Our reporter Xu Yawen who covered the event on site and a few commentators join the show to give their perspectives on why this commemoration matters.

Chinese President Xi Jinping called for deeper regional cooperation and true multilateralism when addressing leaders and representatives from 26 participating countries at the 2025 Shanghai Cooperation Organization Summit in Tianjin.

With Laos joining as a new dialogue partner, and leaders issuing the Tianjin Declaration and approving a 10-year development strategy, what’s next for the world’s largest regional organization?

The sit-in host Xu Yawen joins Rong Ying, Chair Professor at the School of International Studies at Sichuan University, and Zoon Ahmed Khan, Research Fellow at the Center for China and Globalization, to discuss the summit’s key outcomes and explore what they mean for the organization's growing influence across the region.

The UK, France and Germany have begun the process of reimposing UN sanctions on Iran over its nuclear program.

The move will trigger a so-called snapback mechanism under the 2015 nuclear deal.

The three European powers took the step in a letter to the UN Security Council on Thursday. The Council now has 30 days to decide whether to continue sanctions relief or let it expire.

Is time running out for diplomacy? What would a potential snapback of UN sanctions mean for Iran and its nuclear decisions? And what impact could a collapse in talks have on an already fragile Middle East?

Host Zhao Ying is joined by Kamal Makili-Aliyev, Associate Professor at the School of Global Studies, University of Gothenburg; Zhang Chuchu, Deputy Director of the Center for Middle Eastern Studies, Fudan University.

1. China urges Israel to end military action as UN confirms famine for first time in Gaza

2. US 50-percent tariff on goods from India takes effect as Indian PM calls for self-reliance

3. China's trade with other SCO members hits new high amid global uncertainties

4. China doubles down on biotech

1. Lee Jae-myung: S. Korea can’t sustain “security with the U.S., economy with China” approach (00:47)

2. 25 countries suspend US-bound packages over tariffs, UN body says (13:12)

3. China to showcase advanced military equipment to commemorate 80 years since WWII(25'59)

4. China’s Summer Spending Surges (43'53)

The recent talks between Russia and the United States in Alaska, followed closely by the U.S.–Ukraine–Europe meeting in Washington, may have concluded, but their impact continues to unfold. Where does the Russia–Ukraine conflict go from here? After the Alaska meeting, what kind of new diplomatic contest will unfold among the U.S., Europe, Russia, and Ukraine?

Host Ge Anna joins Josef Mahoney, Professor of Politics and International Relations at East China Normal University; Li Yaqi, Research Assistant, S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore; George Tzogopoulos, Director of EU-China Programmes and Senior Research Fellow, at European Institute of Nice.

①China holds grand gathering to celebrate Xizang Autonomous Region's 60th founding anniversary. (00:41)

②Foreign ministers of China, Pakistan and Afghanistan have met in Kabul to strengthen security and economic cooperation. (13:43)

③Russia says talks on Ukraine's security without Moscow are a "road to nowhere." (24:27)

④Israel advances plan to sieve Gaza City. (34:36)

⑤Adaptations of Chinese mini-dramas go viral in the US. (43:35)

①Narendra Modi and Wang Yi have discussed China-India ties in New Delhi meeting. What's been achieved? (00:34)

②China has unveiled highlights of the V-Day military parade. What new weapons and equipment will be on display? (13:51)

③Trump expands 50% steel and aluminum tariffs to include 407 additional product types. (24:59)

④US national debt surpasses $37 trillion. (33:19)

⑤Europe's wildfires have burned the most land in nearly 20 years. (43:46)