World Today

①We take a look at China's efforts to strengthen its international communication. (00:53)

②What’s at stake in Tesla boss Elon Musk’s high-profile China trip? (14:49)

③The world's largest EV maker BYD has taken a step towards building its second assembly plant in Southeast Asia. (26:42)

④Brazil has hosted a South American leaders' summit, with an eye on regional integration. Is it easy to overcome ideological differences and join efforts towards integration? (36:42)

⑤Biden administration's recent Indo-Pacific supply chain deal clashes with American industry groups. (47:26)

①We take a look at China's Shenzhou-16 mission to space station. (00:54)

②Multiple foreign business leaders have recently reaffirmed their commitment to the Chinese market. (13:39)

③Why does South Korea hold its first summit with Pacific islands leaders? (26:38)

④North Korea has announced plans to launch its first military spy satellite in June, describing space-based reconnaissance as crucial for monitoring the "reckless" US military exercises with South Korea. Does this represent major escalation in tensions? (37:24)

⑤Singapore's private home prices have surpassed Hong Kong as the most expensive in Asia Pacific in 2023. We explore the factors behind this phenomenon. (45:39)

①China plans to realize manned lunar landing by 2030. What are the details that have been revealed? (00:46) ②China's first domestically produced large jetliner has completed its maiden commercial flight from Shanghai to Beijing. How big a progress does this mark for China's aviation industry? (14:30) ③Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has won another five-year term in office. What will be his immediate tasks? (25:30) ④U.S. President Joe Biden has struck a deal with Republican House Speaker Kevin McCarthy to try to avert a looming debt default. (35:46) ⑤Media report shows Shanghai-based lender, the BRICS New Development Bank, is in talks with Saudi Arabia on admitting the country as its member. (45:35)

Fentanyl, a synthetic opioid fifty times more potent than heroin, is fueling the worst drug crisis in the US. Preliminary CDC data shows over 109,000 Americans died from fentanyl overdose in 2022, a new record. That’s equivalent to one person dying every five minutes.

The skyrocketing death rate and the $1.5 trillion annual cost to the economy are driving a national debate on how to solve the crisis. This week, the House of Representatives passed a bill looking to make permanent harsh criminal penalties on fentanyl-related drugs. However, many health experts don’t support this approach, suggesting it will only make things worse.

Host Ding Heng is joined by Professor Joseph Siracusa, Dean of Global Futures with Curtin University; Rick Dunham, former White House reporter of Businessweek, and Co-director of Global Business Journalism Program at Tsinghua University; Harvey Dzodin, Former Vice President of ABC TV network, and Senior Fellow of the Center for China and Globalization.

① Chinese President Xi Jinping calls for advancement of all-round cooperation with Russia. (00:52)

② China, Saudi Arabia among others refuse to join a G20 meeting held by India in disputed Kashmir. (12:56)

③ Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis declares his 2024 presidential candidacy in Twitter Space. (24:30)

④ Fitch puts US rating on negative watch as debt deadline looms. (33:06)

① China's new ambassador to the U.S. urges bilateral relations to be on the right track. (00:59)

② Australian expert: Traditional culture of ethnic minorities in Xizang is alive and flourishing. (15:13)

③ China’s digital economy surges by 10% to rank 2nd largest globally in 2022. (25:43)

④ A SK team conducts inspection tour of Japan's Fukushima nuclear power plant ahead of wastewater release. (35:47)

⑤ West Australian Deputy Premier: Prosperity rests on “mature” China relationship. (45:50)

① Russian PM arrives in China for a business forum. What's on the agenda? (00:42)

② Australian scholar: People's democratic rights have been implemented amid Xizang's development. (15:36)

③ World Health Assembly once again rejects Taiwan-related proposals. (26:57)

④ Papua New Guinea signs a controversial security pact with the U.S. amidst protests. (45:35)

① China summons Japan's ambassador over the hype surrounding China-related issues during the G7 gathering. (00:48)

② China-Europe freight train services expand in the first four months. (25:14)

③ The Arab League holds a summit with the return of the Syrian President. (34:35)

④ China issues guidance to build a basic elderly care system by 2025. (44:30)

The inaugural China-Central Asia summit has just been held in China's ancient city of Xi'an. Leaders from China, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan all attended the summit to discuss ways of leveling up partnership among the six nations.

At the summit, Chinese President Xi Jinping laid out his vision for a stable, prosperous, harmonious and interconnected Central Asia.

How should we understand the strategic significance of Central Asia amid moves by global powers like the U.S., Japan to set up "Central Asia 5+1" mechanisms? What do Central Asian countries look for when working with global powers?

Host Liu Kun is joined by Professor Doug Guthrie, Director of China Initiatives at Thunderbird School of Global Management; Naseem khan Achakzai, Advisor to Speaker Balochistan Assembly (Parliament) from Pakistan; Rong Ying, Vice President and Senior Research Fellow, at the China Institute of International Studies.

①President Xi Jinping calls on northwest China's Shaanxi Province to write a new chapter in advancing Chinese modernization. (01:00)

②China's trade with five Central Asian countries hits a record-breaking 50 billion yuan in April. What factors contributed to this impressive surge in trade volume? (13:36)

③Chinese envoy visits Ukraine for political settlement of the Ukraine crisis. How is China playing an active role in promoting peace talks? (24:24)

④What are the key points of disagreement between the White House and Republicans regarding the debt ceiling negotiations in the US? (33:01)

⑤UK seeks to partner with Japan on defense and technology. (41:03)