World Today

① During a visit to Dublin, China’s foreign minister said China is ready to enhance cooperation with Ireland. What’s the significance of widening China-Ireland cooperation against the backdrop of the rising tide of unilateralism and protectionism globally? (00:52)

② In an emergency meeting in Paris, European leaders stressed support for Ukraine but disagreed on sending peacekeeping soldiers to Ukraine. We explore the sentiments in Europe on Ukraine and security amid a significant US policy shift. (14:31)

③ The US State Department has dropped a statement from its website stating that Washington does not support Taiwan independence. Does the removal signal a fundamental shift in Washington’s policy on the Taiwan question? (25:17)

④ We explore US President Donald Trump’s move to cut off financial aid to South Africa and even refuse to respond to Pretoria’s request for talks. (34:25)

⑤ Japan’s economy recovered in second half but barely grew in 2024. (42:38)

① At a symposium with prominent private entrepreneurs, President Xi Jinping pledged steady support to advance the healthy and high-quality development of China’s private enterprises. We explore a shift towards renewed top-level support for the private sector signaled by China’s top leadership. (00:50)

② At the Munich Security Conference, China’s foreign minister pledged that China will be a stabilizing force in a multipolar system. What is China’s view on multi-polarization? (14:33)

③ French President Emmanuel Macron is convening an emergency meeting of European leaders in Paris. What is the main source of anxiety and fear for Europe right now? (25:05)

④ The Cook Islands’ prime minister has defended a new agreement with China, saying it aligns with the country's long-term interests. Are third parties justified to scrutinize this agreement? (32:40)

⑤ Apple has picked Alibaba to launch AI features in China. What’s at stake in this partnership? (42:02)

Chinese animated film Ne Zha 2 which has seen a meteoric rise at the box office, hit 10 billion yuan (about 1.4 billion USD) as of Thursday, becoming the first Asian film to break into the top 20 of global box office rankings. What are the key factors behind this remarkable success?

Host Ge Anna is joined by Helen Han (Han Hua), Co-founder and secretary general of Beijing Club for International Dialogue; Mao Keji, Fellow at the Harvard-Yenching Institute, and Professor Qu Qiang, Fellow of Belt and Road Research Center at Minzu University of China.

①The US and Russian leaders have talked over phone and are planning to meet in person. Is an end to the three-year old Russia-Ukraine conflict on the horizon? (00:35)

②A new report by Munich Security Conference says the world is shifting from US leadership toward multi-polarity. What's driving this transformation? (24:57)

③Canada premiers take diplomatic push against tariffs to White House. (34:15)

④Why are gold prices soaring amid US President Donald Trump's tariffs? (43:28)

①China has called for common development and security in the field of AI. (00:39)

②The Bank of England cuts main interest rate to 4.5%, the lowest since June 2023. (13:26)

③World's largest EV battery maker CATL has filed for listing on the Hong Kong stock exchange. (24:04)

④A Chinese mainland spokesperson expressed the wish that "Ne Zha 2" will be screened in Taiwan soon. (33:52)

⑤Romania's President has resigned to preempt an impeachment bid by opposition parties in parliament. (44:00)

①China has unveiled new measures to boost consumer spending and foreign investment. How effective are they in driving economic growth? (00:43)

②Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi will visit Britain and co-chair a strategic dialogue between the two countries. What can we expect? (13:51)

③Hamas is suspending the upcoming hostage release, citing Israel’s violation of the ceasefire agreement. We take a closer look at the volatile situation. (24:36)

④Global investors are increasingly bullish on Chinese stocks after DeepSeek's rise. (33:07)

⑤Tesla's Megafactory in Shanghai officially starts operation. (42:30)

①Chinese President Xi Jinping has called for the full revitalization of Northeast China. How important is the region to China's broader economic vision? (00:47)

②US President Donald Trump has threatened to impose 25-percent tariffs on all steel and aluminum imports. Could these tariffs backfire on the US economy? (12:38)

③Japanese automaker Toyota will build a new factory in Shanghai to produce Lexus EVs. (24:14)

④The Chinese animated blockbuster "Ne Zha 2" has become the first non-Hollywood film to hit 1 billion US dollars at the box office. What's behind its success? (34:08)

⑤China's travel industry saw unprecedented surge during the eight-day Spring Festival holiday. (42:50)

China's domestic consumption has expanded at robust pace, setting several records during the just concluded Spring Festival holiday. What do these trends indicate about the country's economy in 2025?

Host Ge Anna is joined by Mario Cavolo, Founder and CEO of M Communications Group; Subramania Bhatt, Founder and CEO of China Trading Desk; And Dr. Yao Shujie, Chueng Kong Professor of Economics, Chongqing University.

① Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra is in China to deepen ties. We explore the issues topping her agenda. (00:47)

② The 9th Asian Winter Games are ready to open in China’s Harbin. What opportunities can the event bring to the city and beyond? (13:45)

③ What lessons can the US learn from its trade war with China during Donald Trump’s first term? (25:25)

④ US President Donald Trump has restored his ‘maximum pressure’ campaign on Iran. What could be on his mind in taking this move? (35:27)

⑤ ChatGPT search is now available to all users, including those without an account. How might users change their online search habits as new options like ChatGPT search become more widely available? (45:00)

① Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov is on a visit to China. How can China and Kyrgyzstan explore new ways of thinking on Belt and Road cooperation? (00:52)

② US President Donald Trump has proposed taking ownership of the Gaza Strip and redeveloping it. How realistic is it for the US to do so? (14:36)

③ Let’s hear a European perspective on a possible US-EU trade war. (25:22)

④ China’s Spring Festival holiday spending shows strong momentum. (34:25)

⑤ Thailand has cut cross-border electricity supplies to five locations in Myanmar in efforts to stamp out online scam centers. How can regional countries work together to address this problem from the root? (45:29)