The Hub with Wang Guan

Once hailed as a "city upon a hill" and a "beacon of democracy," the United States has long been a nation admired, followed, and questioned. The "kill line," the ICE, and the Epstein scandal are three distinct shadows that have clouded the collective American memory in 2026. As the country marks its 250th anniversary, the world's leading power finds itself at a defining crossroads. From economic a...

China's 15th Five-Year Plan sets the course for the country's next stage of economic development, with a stronger focus on domestic demand, innovation, green transition, and high-quality growth. What are China's top priorities over the next five years? How will the new plan shape China's economy and influence the global economic landscape amid rising geopolitical and geoeconomic uncertainty?

The builders of the Qinghai-Xizang Railway endured extreme cold, high altitudes, and immense hardship to complete what is now the world's highest-altitude railway. Two decades later, this engineering landmark has brought communities closer together, expanded access to travel, and reshaped life across Xizang. In this special episode of The Hub, Wang Guan and South African influencer Lara Netherland...

What enables a large organization to remain resilient, adaptable, and effective over the long term? As societies face rapid technological change, economic transformation, and rising governance challenges, what institutional capacities matter most? And can long-term planning and continuous innovation go hand in hand?

What enables a political organization to maintain continuity, adapt to change, and pursue long-term goals across generations? Can long-term planning and leadership development help institutions navigate uncertainty more effectively? What lessons can other organizations draw from China's experience?

China's economy remains a key force in global growth, innovation, and trade. What role will China play in the next phase of the global recovery? How are technological innovation and evolving consumer trends reshaping the world's second-largest economy?

As global power becomes more diffuse and economic growth shifts toward emerging economies, the G7 faces growing questions about its role and relevance. Does this year's summit highlight the resilience of the G7, or expose the limits of its influence? Can the G7 still shape the global agenda in an increasingly multipolar world? Are its members united by a common vision, or simply managing their dif...

More than 80 years after World War II, why did the crimes of Unit 731 remain largely absent from global public awareness for so long? What does preserving historical truth mean for future generations and the international order? In this edition of The Hub, Wang Guan speaks with Emanuel Pastreich, president of The Asia Institute; Alexis Dudden, professor of History at the University of Connecticut,...

As the world confronts inequality, conflict, technological disruption and sustainable development challenges, the relationship between development and human rights is drawing renewed global attention. What does the right to development mean 40 years after the adoption of the UN Declaration on the Right to Development? Can development provide a stronger foundation for advancing human rights in an i...

The latest Shangri-La Dialogue has reignited debate over the future of Asia-Pacific security. Is the region moving toward greater cooperation, or are competing security visions driving deeper divisions? How should countries balance stability, strategic autonomy, and growing geopolitical competition? And what's China's vision for a security framework based on common security rather than alliance bl...

Chinese President Xi Jinping and Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic hailed the ironclad friendship between the two countries during the Serbian president's first state visit to China, pledging to deepen cooperation in emerging sectors, transportation, and people-to-people exchanges. How will this visit inject new vitality into the China-Serbia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership?

Philippines President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is set to meet Japan's Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi on Thursday as the two sides look to increase defense cooperation during Marcos' four-day state visit. How will this trip impact Japan-Philippines relations? Is Japan on a path toward remilitarization? In this episode of The Hub, Wang Guan asks whether Tokyo is abandoning its post-war commitments and ho...

Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin hail a new stage in bilateral ties as they agree to further extend a China-Russia friendship treaty and pledge to work together for a more just and equitable world order. In this episode of The Hub, Wang Guan unpacks the biggest developments from President Putin's two-day state visit to China. What does this "new stage" of relations...

Russian President Vladimir Putin's state visit to China comes as the two countries mark major milestones in bilateral relations: 30 years since the establishment of the China-Russia strategic partnership of coordination, and 25 years since the signing of the Treaty of Good-Neighborliness and Friendly Cooperation. As the 10th China-Russia Expo gets underway in Harbin, the visit highlights not only...

Chinese President Xi Jinping welcomed US President Donald Trump to Beijing on Thursday as the American leader began his state visit to China. Meeting his counterpart at the Great Hall of the People, President Xi said he expects 2026 to be a "historic, landmark year" that opens up a new chapter in China-US relations. Meanwhile, President Trump said the relationship between China and the United Stat...

When China-US relations make headlines, the focus is often on rivalry, confrontation, and strategic differences. But beyond that, cooperation is still taking place in more practical ways. In this segment of The Hub, Wang Guan speaks with Zhao Xiuye, a PhD candidate at Tsinghua University's School of Public Policy and Management and a participant of a youth program between China and the US, about t...

Japan is expanding its security role across the Asia-Pacific, raising new questions about regional stability and strategic balance. Is this a natural response to changing conditions, or a deliberate effort to reshape the regional order? What risks could this shift bring for neighboring countries? In this edition of The Hub, experts explore Japan's recent diplomatic and defense outreach, discuss ch...

China and Africa mark 70 years of diplomatic ties with a major step toward deeper trade integration. Starting May 1, China will grant tariff-free access to all 53 African countries with diplomatic ties, alongside faster "green lanes" for exports. What does this new policy mean for African exporters? With protectionism on the rise, can the China-Africa partnership help shape a more open and balance...

Japan's recent policy moves are drawing global concern and raising complex questions about security, history, and regional stability. Is Japan reshaping its strategic identity? What do these developments mean for the balance of power in East Asia and beyond? In this episode of The Hub, host Wang Guan and guests explore Japan's decision to allow the export of lethal weapons for the first time in de...

Global security is undergoing profound change as new risks and shifting power dynamics reshape the international order. As China's Global Security Initiative marks its fourth anniversary, what role has it played so far? Can cooperation replace confrontation in today's world, and can new ideas deliver real stability on the ground? In this edition of The Hub, Wang Guan speaks with Xia Lu, research f...

As global uncertainty rises, how is China sustaining growth and shaping new opportunities? What does deeper international cooperation with China mean for the world economy? In this episode of The Hub, Wang Guan talks to guests to explore IMF's latest outlook for the world economy, China's recent economic data and the drivers behind its strong trade performance, expanding domestic demand, and the r...

China–Spain relations are entering a new phase of high-frequency engagement and strategic depth. What does this consistent diplomatic rhythm reveal about the future of global partnerships? How could Spain serve as a potential bridge between China and the wider European market? In this edition of the Hub, CGTN host Wang Guan is joined by Humberto Alvarez, vice president of the Spanish Chamber of Co...

A fragile ceasefire between the United States and Iran has raised urgent questions about diplomacy and the US-Israel alliance. As the truce appears to be unraveling, is this the start of real de-escalation, or simply a pause before renewed confrontation? And how might this moment reshape the global order? In this edition of The Hub, Wang Guan speaks to Anton Fedyashin, associate professor at the A...

Escalating conflicts across the Middle East are driving mass displacement and straining already fragile humanitarian systems. What happens when millions are forced from their homes faster than aid can reach them? And how can global institutions respond when crises spread across borders and resources fall short? In this edition of The Hub, Wang Guan speaks with Karolina Lindholm Billing, representa...

As tensions rise and costs mount, questions are growing over whether the US can truly claim victory in its conflict with Iran. Can a war be ended by declaration alone? Are Americans beginning to feel the real price of prolonged conflict at home? In this edition of The Hub, host Wang Guan speaks with guests to explore what US President Trump implies in his Wednesday night's primetime address on the...