World Beat

Producer: Liu Chang  Host: Wang Zongnan Trump once defined China as U.S. rival. But during his latest Beijing visit, the tone changed dramatically. In this episode, World Beat breaks down the Xi-Trump summit: the symbolism, the strategy, and what it means for Taiwan, trade and the future of China-U.S. relations. Key Takeaways Trump’s China rhetoric has softened sharply. The summit focused on stabi...

Producer: Liu Chang Host: Wang Zongnan Correspondents: Shadati, Chen Xiao VO: Lyu Yanhao, Zeng Yan As a fragile ceasefire holds in the US–Iran conflict, tensions are rising again in the Strait of Hormuz. But beyond blockades and political statements, what does this war actually feel like for people living through it in Tehran? In this episode, we step away from the headlines and bring you voices f...

Producer: Liu Chang Hosts: Wang Zongnan & Aiwei In Part 2 of our year-end special, World Beat continues revisiting the stories that defined 2025 — and what came after the headlines. This episode covers: U.S. prices: Inflation cools to 2.7 percent, but energy costs stay high and many Americans feel the squeeze Trump’s tariffs: From threats to reality — how tariffs reshaped prices, jobs and fact...

Producer: Liu Chang Hosts: Wang Zongnan & Aiwei As 2025 draws to a close, World Beat looks back at the stories that shaped the year — and what happened after the headlines faded. In Part 1 of our year-end special, we revisit four defining themes, from U.S. politics to global diplomacy. In this episode: The Epstein Files — Promised transparency, mass redactions, and a political firestorm as Con...

Producer: Liu Chang Hosts: Zongnan & Aiwei This week on World Beat , we break down the biggest global stories — from Nvidia’s latest opening in China to Trump’s headline-grabbing FIFA “peace prize,” renewed border fighting in Southeast Asia, and more. Topics we cover: Nvidia’s China comeback after Trump approves H200 chip sales. Thai–Cambodia border clashes displacing hundreds of thousands and...

Producer:  Liu Chang Hosts:  Wang Zongnan & Aiwei This week on  World Beat , we break down the top global headlines, from Ukraine’s high-stakes peace talks to the UK’s sugar tax expansion, stay tuned for more. Trump’s Ukraine Ultimatum  -- Zelensky to meet Trump on NATO and army limits: peace deal or political theater? Gaza Ceasefire Fragility  -- UN calls for justice as the ceasefire struggle...

Producer: Liu Chang Hosts: Wang Zongnan & Aiwei This week on World Beat, we break down six major global stories in a fast, sharp roundup. • Epstein Files Released – Both chambers of the U.S. Congress pass a bill forcing the release of the Jeffrey Epstein documents. What’s actually in the files, and who might be embarrassed? • China–Japan Fallout – A fresh diplomatic clash escalates after remar...

Producer: Liu Chang Hosts: Wang Zongnan & Aiwei This week on  World Beat , we’re turning up the speed dial -- six global stories, one rapid-fire ride. From Washington’s just-lifted shutdown to Trump's talk of punishing "disloyal" Americans, we unpack the headlines that had the world double-taking. Plus: A lawsuit threat against the BBC -- bias or lies? Japan’s new PM pokes China...

Producer: Liu Chang Hosts: Wang Zongnan & Aiwei The U.S. government shutdown is stretching dangerously close to a new record. In this episode, we’ll unpack what’s going on and what makes this crisis different from before. Highlights: The current shutdown has lasted 34 days —just one day short of breaking the record by the time this episode is released. We’ll see if it does. The impact is sprea...

Producer: Liu Chang Hosts: Wang Zongnan & Aiwei At the UN General Assembly, Donald Trump called climate change “the greatest con job ever perpetrated on the world.” But why does this message — mocking renewables, defending fossil fuels, dismissing science — still resonate with so many Americans? In this episode, we ask: Why is Trump so hostile to climate action? How do economy, business intere...

Producer: Liu Chang Hosts: Wang Zongnan & Aiwei Britain, France, Canada, Australia, and more — Western capitals are suddenly lining up to recognize Palestine. Today, over 80 percent of UN members now do. But what’s driving this wave, and why is Washington still holding back? In this episode of World Beat : The humanitarian disaster in Gaza and the stories moving public opinion. Domestic politi...

Producer: Liu Chang Hosts: Wang Zongnan & Aiwei Conservative activist Charlie Kirk — Trump ally and leader of Turning Point USA — was shot and killed on stage in Utah on Sept. 10. The suspect faces the death penalty. His death has triggered grief, anger, and political finger-pointing, while also reviving a debate about America’s divisions. In this episode, Zongnan and Aiwei look at who Kirk wa...

Producer: Liu Chang Hosts: Wang Zongnan & Aiwei China has launched one of the most ambitious hydropower projects in history: the Medog Hydropower Project on the Yarlung Tsangpo River in Tibet. Supporters say it will deliver clean energy, fuel development, and help China reach its carbon goals. Critics warn of environmental damage and regional tensions with India and Bangladesh. In this episode...

Hosts: Zongnan & Aiwei Producer: Liu Chang   Trump’s at it again — slapping steep new tariffs on dozens of countries, even his closest trade partners. He says it’s about fairness and national security. Critics say it’s politics and power plays. We dig into: Canada in the crosshairs — why Trump’s blaming fentanyl and Palestine policy, and how Ottawa is reacting. Winners and losers — small Canad...

Host: Wang Zongnan Producer: Liu Chang Interviewers: Wang Zongnan, Ma Zheng, Wang Dier, Zhao Zhiqing Guest Liaison: Liu Bowei, Li Xinrui, Zheng Siyuan, Tang Jingyao, Cai Yang Episode Summary Recorded on the sidelines of the SCO Media and Think Tank Summit in Zhengzhou, Henan Province , this episode of World Beat brings together voices from across the Shanghai Cooperation Organization to discuss on...

Hosts: Zongnan & Aiwei Producer: Liu Chang Guest Voice: Julien Nicolas , European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts / Copernicus Climate Change Service Interview Reported by: Ma Zhiyi , Zhang Zhaoqing & Ding Yinghua Episode Summary: As heatwaves hit harder and earlier than ever -- we ask: where is it still livable? 🧭 Timeline & Highlights: • 00:00 | Opening Catch-up Zongnan sw...

Hosts: Zongnan & Jialin Producer: Liu Chang As Japan bids farewell to a beloved panda family returning to China, we unpack the global obsession with pandas — and the story behind their soft fur and soft power. From economic impact and zoo booms to conservation science and cultural symbolism, pandas are more than cute: they’re international players. 🕒 Timestamps: 00:00 – News story Japan says...

Hosts: Zongnan & Jialin Producer: Liu Chang 🔔 Episode Summary: The 12-day war between Israel and Iran may be over — at least on paper — but questions remain: Why is Trump taking credit? And who actually bore the brunt of the fighting? In this fast-paced episode, Zongnan and Jialin unpack the ceasefire announcement, explore U.S. involvement, and shine a light on the civilian toll — especially...

Duration: 8 min Hosts: Zongnan & Aiwei Producer: Liu Chang 📍 Los Angeles is on edge, again. After aggressive ICE raids sparked citywide protests, President Trump deployed the National Guard without state approval. Protesters threw bricks. Marines were put on standby. And Governor Gavin Newsom fired back. In this episode, Zongnan and Aiwei unpack a dramatic standoff between federal force and l...

Runtime: ~9 min | Hosts: Zongnan & Aiwei | Producer : Liu Chang Elon Musk is out after around 130 wild days leading Trump’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). Layoffs, fake savings, political clashes -- was it genius or chaos? Highlights: ⏱️ 00:45 – Market Reaction: Praise, Punches, and Plummets Quote: “ Elon gave an incredible service. Nobody like him… he’s an incredible patriot. ” –...

This week on World Beat , we’re sipping on a story that blends global diplomacy with a strong caffeine kick. Chinese Premier Li Qiang recently visited Indonesia and Malaysia, attending high-level talks and a major summit in Kuala Lumpur. But alongside the handshakes and speeches, another connection is brewing -- coffee. From bean exports and booming cafe culture to surprising flavor fusions, coffe...

Last week, we explored Trump’s push to bring manufacturing back to America, and how the talent gap is more than just a bump in the road.   This week, we dig deeper: Are Trump’s education cuts helping or hurting his goal? And is the U.S. economy now built to support a manufacturing revival?   Join us as we connect the dots between classrooms, factory floors, and the structural challenges of America...

We have a great show for you today. US President Donald Trump is to bring the glory days of manufacturing back to America.  We're going to look at the “Talent Gap” in US that might stiffle his ambitions. We'll hear from Alex, an engineer at a hi-tech company in US for his views on the challenges facing US manufacturing and what exactly a factory job entails. Buckle up! Timeline: 1:19 Tim C...

Elon Musk recently told Fox News that all life on Earth will eventually be wiped out by the sun. His solution? Colonize Mars. From Tesla to DOGE, from buying Twitter to building a city, what's behind Musk's big projects? What is his big dream and what's driving his big personality? Let's find out. Timeline: 00:31 Elon Musk: "make life multi-planetary." 01:42 So, can we re...

By the time this episode drops, Trump will have hit his 100-day mark in office. But his approval rating is at 39% -- the lowest for any president in 80 years. It is a good moment to take stock: 100 days in, what’s been done, and what’s still just talk, especially when it comes to the pledges he made to voters. Let’s dive into his domestic moves in this episode. Timeline: 00:50 Trump's promises...