Episodes

  • Behind Labor Party’s big losses in Britain’s local elections

    Behind Labor Party’s big losses in Britain’s local elections
    May 11 2026
    ① China has confirmed an upcoming state visit by US President Donald Trump. What could get accomplished during the visit? (00:50) ② Why has China’s foreign trade maintained strong momentum in April despite the economic and energy shocks from the Middle East crisis? (12:12) ③ Iran has rejected the latest US ceasefire proposal as tantamount to surrender, while Donald Trump has described Tehran’s response as unacceptable. Where is the conflict headed? (24:59) ④ Chinese citizens can now travel to Brazil visa-free. How could it strengthen cultural exchange, tourism cooperation and economic engagement between China and Brazil? (34:40) ⑤ Why has Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s Labor Party suffered huge losses in Britain’s local elections? (44:31)
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    53 mins
  • Panel: Has Japan’s postwar pacifism ended?

    Panel: Has Japan’s postwar pacifism ended?
    May 8 2026
    Japan is witnessing its largest anti-war protests in decades. Since coming into power, Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi has taken major steps away from Japan’s post-war pacifism, lifting restrictions on lethal weapons exports and actively seeking political support for revising the constitution. As a result, a sentiment against remilitarization is gaining momentum in Japan. How worrisome is Japan’s deviation from pacifism under Takaichi? How far will Tokyo go in that direction? Host Ding Heng is joined by Professor Anna Rosario Malindog-Uy, Director and Vice President for External Affairs of Asian Century Philippines Strategic Studies Institute; Lee Pei May, Assistant Professor of Political Science at the International Islamic University Malaysia; Zoon Ahmed Khan, Research Fellow at Center for China and Globalization.
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    54 mins
  • MV Hondius outbreak: What we know about hantavirus

    MV Hondius outbreak: What we know about hantavirus
    May 7 2026
    ① Uzbekistan's PM is in Beijing on a two-day visit. What should we expect? (00:44) ② A report says the EU cyber plan barring Chinese suppliers will lead to huge cost for the bloc. Will economic costs outweigh the security gains? (13:44) ③ China’s robotics exports posted strong growth in Q1. What has driven this increase? (25:28) ④ What do we need to know about Hantavirus infections on the cruise ship MV Hondius (35:41) ⑤ Samsung ceases sales of home appliances on the Chinese mainland. Why? (45:40)
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    53 mins
  • Iranian FM’s Beijing trip — why now?

    Iranian FM’s Beijing trip — why now?
    May 6 2026
    ① Iran’s top diplomat visits Beijing. What’s behind the timing? (00:48) ② A phone call between the Russian Foreign Minister and the U.S. Secretary of State: what direction could it take U.S.–Russia relations? (12:19) ③ Ukraine eyes Japan as a potential weapons source after export rules ease. What threats could this pose? (24:45) ④ What does China's May Day holiday travel reveal about consumer vitality? (35:13) ⑤ Why are more people in China going to the cinema? (45:07)
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    53 mins
  • U.S. moves to reopen the Strait of Hormuz by force. Will it reignite wider conflict?

    U.S. moves to reopen the Strait of Hormuz by force. Will it reignite wider conflict?
    May 5 2026
    ①China calls for staying on alert over Japan's nuclear move. Why is Japan's nuclear ambition a greater concern now? (00:46) ②The U.S. moves to reopen the Strait of Hormuz by force. How big is the risk of hostilities resuming? (13:53) ③Germany warns the European Union will retaliate if the U.S. raises auto tariffs to 25%. How will the trade disputes affect transatlantic relations? (24:47) ④China's service sector drives growth with AI unlocking new potential. How is AI creating consumption scenarios? (33:04) ⑤A young Chinese Snooker player wins 2026 World Championship in historic victory. How has Chinese snooker produced world champions? (42:42)
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    53 mins
  • Unitree Robotics' first direct-operated store opens in Beijing. How close are home robots?

    Unitree Robotics' first direct-operated store opens in Beijing. How close are home robots?
    May 4 2026
    ① The Chinese president urges Chinese youth to align personal pursuits with national development. How to interpret his message? (00:47) ② Historic protests are held in Japan against PM Takaichi's constitutional revision. How might this affect Takaichi's ability to advance her revision agenda? (14:24) ③ The U.S. military launches effort to guide ships out of Strait of Hormuz. What is the strategic purpose behind the move? (24:46) ④ Pew survey shows Americans' views of China improving. What's behind the change? (32:06) ⑤ Unitree Robotics' first direct-operated store opens in Beijing. How close are affordable home robots? (41:51)
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    53 mins
  • Can China's new rules improve the future of gig workers?

    Can China's new rules improve the future of gig workers?
    May 1 2026
    China has unveiled new guidelines to better protect gig workers, such as deliverymen and ride-hailing drivers, a group that now numbers over 84 million people. What real changes will these measures bring? And what could this mean for China's broader labor market? Host Dou Hongyu is joined by Soo Hee Lee, Professor in Organisation Studies with the University of Kent; Mike Bastin, China observer and senior lecturer at the University of Southampton; and Chen Jiahe, Chief Investment Officer at Novem Arcae Technologies, to delve into these questions.
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    54 mins
  • China's zero‑tariff policy for Africa: How will it boost African economies?

    China's zero‑tariff policy for Africa: How will it boost African economies?
    Apr 30 2026
    ① China to grant zero-tariff access to all African countries with diplomatic ties. How will this boost African exports to China and shared development? （00:55） ② Australia FM visits China. Why now? （13:45） ③ Trump and Putin discuss Iran war and Ukraine ceasefire. What’s really on the table? （23:50） ④ China opens first cross-Bohai drone logistics route. Is low-altitude economy reshaping northern China’s supply chains? （33:00） ⑤ China sees rise in vocational degrees as students prioritize skills over elite universities. Why are graduates “returning” to vocational training? （43:25）
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    53 mins