World Insight with Tian Wei

The Strait of Hormuz remains gripped by tensions, as Tehran denounces American threats and the seizure of an Iranian cargo ship. Iranian state broadcaster IRIB reports that Iran has not sent a delegation to the talks with the United States. That heightens uncertainties before a shaky pause on Iran-U.S. hostilities ends on Wednesday. Does the Iran-U.S. deadline still matter? Do they even care about...

France's National Assembly has opened a door that has been closed for more than a century. A joint committee will work to align the positions of senators and deputies on a bill concerning cultural artifacts. The legislation aims to promote the return of looted colonial-era cultural artifacts and artworks, particularly those taken between 1815 and 1972. The move raises the question of whether it co...

Artificial intelligence has been pushing the envelope in how movies are being made. AI tools have proven to be a huge help from writing screenplays, unique special effects to the cutting room. China is definitely surfing on this cutting-edge wave of film-making. We had a discussion with a panel of movie industry insiders.

It all started with a few ping-pong matches 55 years ago. Today, that small breakthrough has grown into wide-ranging people-to-people exchanges between China and the United States. Some participants in the historic event are now sharing their personal stories and the connections behind them.

At least two tankers headed for the Strait of Hormuz have reportedly turned around soon after the U.S. blockade began. According to the UK Maritime Trade Operations, the blockade has restricted access to the entirety of the Iranian coastline, including ports and energy infrastructure. Iran has responded with threats to all ports in the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman, taking aim at U.S.-allied c...

Tensions around the Strait of Hormuz have escalated following U.S. remarks about blocking vessels linked to Iran. This comes after high-stakes United States-Iran talks in Islamabad wrapped up without a deal on Sunday. Meanwhile, China is urging all parties to adhere to the temporary ceasefire and remain committed to political and diplomatic solutions. Analysts share insights on the evolving situat...

In this episode, we spoke to some members of the Whiffenpoofs, Yale's renowned a cappella group, about their cultural experiences in China.

China's 15th Five-Year Plan pushes AI-driven industries, with AI expected to reach 10 trillion yuan by 2030. Job losses, especially in repetitive roles, are a key concern. Analysts discuss solutions and highlight essential jobs in the future smart economy.

Iran and the United States have agreed to a two-week ceasefire, just two hours before the deadline set by President Donald Trump. The truce includes a temporary reopening of the strategic Strait of Hormuz. Both sides plan to hold negotiations in Pakistan later this week. Leaders across Europe, the Gulf, and Asia have welcomed the move, but questions remain about whether the ceasefire will hold and...

Analysts share insights on the latest developments in the U.S.-Israeli war on Iran, including the U.S. president's ultimatum, Pakistan's proposed two-phase ceasefire framework, and the strategic risks of targeting civilian infrastructure.

The New Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty was signed 16 years ago in April between the U.S. and Russia. It expired this February, with no sign of extension after Washington failed to respond to Russia's proposal to uphold the treaty informally while maintaining its core nuclear limits. Meanwhile, the broader Non-Proliferation Treaty faces potential strain as Iran considers withdrawing amid Israeli a...

Analysts share insights on the outlook for the Middle East conflict and possible solutions to end the crisis. They also discuss the global repercussions of tensions involving the United States, Israel, and Iran.

U.S. President Donald Trump has warned that Iran could be hit “extremely hard over the next two to three weeks” in his first prime-time address since the outbreak of conflict. A professor from Columbia University assesses the impact of the president's remarks on the American public and global markets, as well as the prospects for a resolution to the hostilities.

Media reports say an Iranian parliamentary commission has approved plans to collect tolls on vessels passing through the Strait of Hormuz. Meanwhile, U.S. President Donald Trump has threatened that the United States will “completely” obliterate Iran's oil wells and Kharg Island if the strait is not “immediately” reopened and a peace deal is not reached “soon.” Analysts are sharing insights into th...

China's 15th Five-Year Plan has attracted many tech-savvy companies to focus on China as an innovation hub. Senior business executives share their insights on why China is a leading center of innovation.

At a time of global uncertainty, China's economic fundamentals continue to demonstrate resilience, reinforcing its role as a stabilizing anchor for the world economy. Analysts share perspectives on issues such as China's role in global innovation and the strategic importance of clean energy.

Participants at the Boao Forum for Asia Annual Conference are seeking answers to the same question: how to inject more certainty into an uncertain world? The conference organized a high level dialogue on the same topic, bringing state leaders, heads of international organizations and scholars from Asia.

Innovation is the key, especially in China where consumers are captivated by cutting edge technology and truly intelligent electronic vehicles. That's the view of Ola Kallenius, chairman of the board of management of Mercedes Benz group. He underscored the company's resolve to move forward with courage and boldness and competing and cooperating with Chinese partners while embracing the opportuniti...

The 15Th Five-Year Plan is a top agenda at the China Development Forum over the weekend. The plan's big push for innovation, particularly with digital connectivity, is a welcome development for the Global System for Mobile Communications Association, better known as the GSMA. Director General Vivek Badrinath shares his insight.

Chinese Premier Li Qiang spelled out the nation's top challenges and opportunities at the just concluded China Development Forum. He raised three points: First, markets are now scarcer, but new ones hold big potential. Second, competition may be inevitable, but healthy competition with cooperation can reap mutual benefits. Third, confidence, responsibility and actions combined can lead to a better...

Experts share their opinions on the "AI Plus" Initiative, which has been mentioned in China's annual political sessions for three consecutive years.

Iran stepped up attacks on its Gulf neighbors' energy infrastructure Thursday, setting Qatari liquefied natural gas facilities and a Kuwaiti oil refinery ablaze. This came as Iran hit back after an Israeli attack on its main natural gas field, a major escalation in the Mideast war that has sent global fuel prices soaring. The Pentagon has asked the White House to approve a request of over 200 bill...

OpenClaw has quickly gained ground as a favorite artificial intelligence-driven digital assistant in China. It's a lobster-themed open-source AI agent that can pro-actively do common work - like with emails, meetings and bookings simultaneously - with little effort. It's a far cry from chatbots that need prompts. OpenClaw is so popular that big Chinese tech companies like Tencent and Alibaba are r...

China and the United States have held a fresh round of talks on economic and trade issues in Paris. What's on the agenda? How are these discussions bringing stability to relations?

The annual political season in China has drawn to a close, with a focus on the nation's commitment to innovation and advanced technology. China's national legislature and top political advisory body have doubled down on boosting domestic demand and building a robust market, while stressing homegrown tech innovation. How can the Chinese economy fully benefit from these measures? How can they drive...