World Today

① Japan’s parliament has elected Shigeru Ishiba as the country’s new prime minister, and Chinese President Xi Jinping has congratulated Ishiba. We take a look at Ishiba’s perceived emphasis on defense and security policies, as well as how Japan’s relations with China will look like under Ishiba. (00:48)

② China has filed an appeal to the World Trade Organization to rule on Canada's tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles as well as steel and aluminum products. China will also conduct an anti-discriminatory probe into Canada’s restrictive measures. How could these legal tools help China defend its legitimate rights in trade? (15:35)

① China has granted citizens of Portugal, Greece, Cyprus, and Slovenia visa waivers, bringing the total number of European countries up to 17. Why is China looking to attract European tourists? How could China and Europe deepen cooperation in tourism? (00:43)

② Israel has launched a ground operation in southern Lebanon, marking an escalation in its continuing offensive against Hezbollah. Will the operation, as Israel claims, be “limited, localized, and targeted”? (13:51)

① Major Chinese cities including Guangzhou, Shanghai, and Shenzhen have released a slew of measures to ease local homebuying rules. We explore the timing of these moves and how much they could boost local property markets. (00:44)

② In Austria, far-right Freedom Party has topped national elections in a historic victory. What could happen next? (13:15)

The 79th session of the UN General Assembly has convened in New York City. Facing a fragmented world of conflicts and crises, leaders have gathered together to discuss issues that matter to our planet. The session has adopted a "Pact for the Future" with the purpose of linking nations in tackling challenges ranging from climate change and artificial intelligence to escalating conflicts and increasing inequality and poverty. Yet the gathering fell short of reaching consensus on the Ukraine crisis or the Gaza conflict, two of the most pressing issues of our time.

What are the notable achievements at this year's UNGA? What are China's positions on critical issues such as AI? Host Liu Kun is joined by Dr. Lee Pei May, Assistant Professor of Political Science at the International Islamic University Malaysia; Warwick Powell, Senior Fellow at Taihe Institute and Adjunct Professor at Queensland University of Technology; Dr. Wang Huiyao, President of the Center for China and Globalization.

①Top policymakers in China are urging more measures to boost the housing market, private businesses, spending, and employment. (00:52)

②China's Commerce Ministry has expressed firm opposition to the proposed US ban on Chinese software and hardware in connected vehicles. How valid are the US's "security concerns"? (14:06)

③The United States and some of its allies have called for a 21-day ceasefire across Lebanon-Israel border. But can the proposal realistically work?

(24:02)

④Will Brazil join the BRI? (32:43)

⑤An interview with the vice president of the French Chamber of Commerce in China (40:39)

①China's special Middle East Envoy has met with Iranian officials in Tehran. How significant is this visit amid ongoing conflicts in the region? (00:37)

②Euro zone business activity contracted sharply in September.(14:17)

③Lunar Samples collected from China's Chang'e-6 mission have provided new understanding of the far side of the moon. (24:59)

④An interview with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres (37:53)

⑤China offers flexible jobs for women after childbirth. (46:38)

①China will cut banks' reserve requirement ratio by 50 basis points. How will this move, along with other stimulus measures, impact the economy? (00:47)

②At the UN Summit of the Future, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi has called on major countries to serve as propellers for world solidarity and anchors for peace. How does that align with China's role on global stage? (14:03)

③China-ASEAN Expo is underway in Nanning. What are the major highlights of this year's event? (24:04)

④China and Switzerland start talks on FTA upgrade for mutual benefit. What signal does it send out amid rising global protectionism and economic uncertainty? (32:47)

⑤Argentina and Venezuela have issued warrants for the arrests of each other's presidents. What's behind the deepening rifts between the two countries? (41:56)

①Israel and Hezbollah have both vowed to step up attacks. Will the renewed conflict escalate into all-out war? (00:44)

②Joe Biden hosts his final Quad summit at his Delaware home. What legacy is he trying to cement with the Quad? (13:37)

③China's State Council has called for more funding support for technology start-ups. (24:04)

④Anura Kumara Dissanayake sworn in as Sri Lanka's new president. What changes will he bring to the country? (34:37)

⑤Elon Musk has backed down in his fight with the Brazilian judiciary. What does it tell us about the power balance between big tech companies and national governments? (42:58)

Chinese Premier Li Qiang has called for the steady and orderly implementation of the reform on raising statutory retirement age. Li emphasizes adhering to the principle of voluntary participation and flexibility in implementing the policy.

China recently passed legislation to gradually raise the statutory retirement age over a course of 15 years. There will also be a requirement for more years of contributions to the pension system in order to access pension benefits.

To what extent can the new policy help China handle an aging population? Host Ding Heng is joined by Professor Ronald Lee from the Graduate School in Demography and Economics with the University of California, Berkeley; Dr. Zhou Sili, Associate Professor in Finance with University of Macau; Professor Liu Baocheng, Director of the Center for International Business Ethics with University of International Business and Economics.

①US Federal Reserve has cut interest rates by half a percentage point. What does it mean for America and the global economy? (00:40)

②Valmont Industries GM highlights China's supportive business environment. (14:03)

③Another wave of blasts hits Lebanon as hand-held radios explode. Will it trigger a wider conflict in the Middle East? (24:02)

④The Netherlands is seeking an opt-out from EU migration rules. What challenges does it face? (34:58)

⑤Can Canadian PM Justin Trudeau survive a confidence vote next week? (42:42)