Episodes
China's economy shows sustained recovery and improvement in the first quarter, with GDP growth hitting 5.3%. Data shows that increased retail sales, investment growth, and increasing imports and exports all indicate the steady recovery of the country's economy. We’ll also hear about the latest consumption trends from the China International Consumer Products Expo in Hainan (00:53). The IMF has lifted its global economic outlook for this year to 3.2 percent. What are the challenges and...
Published 04/19/24
Published 04/19/24
U.S. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen wrapped up her visit to China. What are the highlights of the visit (00:46)? The U.S. consumer price index rose 3.5% in March. What does the latest figure mean for the Federal Reserve’s future interest rate cuts (14:36)?
Published 04/12/24
China's manufacturing sector experienced its most rapid expansion in over a year in March. The official PMI rose from 49.1 in February to 50.8 in March. What does it mean for China's economy (00:37)? A survey conducted by Japan's central bank reveals that business sentiment among major non-manufacturing companies in the country has reached a three-decade high in the first quarter of 2024. What's the current state of Japan's economy, and what is the key that will allow the central bank to...
Published 04/05/24
The Boao Forum for Asia was held this week in Hainan province. Global security, the world economy, science and technology innovation, and the impact of artificial intelligence topped the agenda. The forum has released its annual report on Asia's economic prospects, calling for growth of 4.5% this year, supported mainly by solid consumption. What are the driving forces for Asia’s economy? What are the potential challenges? What advantages do Asian economies have when it comes to disruptive...
Published 03/29/24
China's industrial output grew 7% in the year's first two months, beating expectations and marking a solid start for China's economy in 2024. Meanwhile, China has issued a broad plan to attract foreign investment further. What are the new opportunities in China (00:40)? US tech giant NVIDIA unveils its new super-chip as it drives closer cooperation with Chinese EV maker BYD (17:27).
Published 03/22/24
China's auto exports jumped over 30 percent in the first two months of this year. What were the main factors (00:43)? Japan's economy has narrowly avoided recession after revising its official economic growth figures. However, Tokyo's stock market has been riding high since the beginning of the year despite economic stagnation. How does that happen? Is Japan's economy at a turning point (17:50)?
Published 03/15/24
Economic issues are a focal point for China's national legislators and political advisors during this year's Two Sessions. China has set an economic growth target of around 5% for 2024. What messages have been sent from this year's Two Sessions? How will they shape China's economic future?
Published 03/08/24
Trade ministers worldwide have gathered in Abu Dhabi for a World Trade Organization meeting to set new global commerce rules. "Don't take economic resilience for granted" -- that's the message from WTO chief Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala. What are the most significant challenges for global trade? What does it mean for the global economy? What is China's role in international trade and economic growth?
Published 03/01/24
China’s central bank has cut its benchmark five-year mortgage rate by 25 basis points. What does it mean for the property sector? And what does it mean for the economy this year (00:38)? OpenAI has revealed a new Artificial Intelligence tool called “Sora.” What does the latest leap in AI mean for different industries? How should people prepare for it (17:57)?
Published 02/23/24
Chinese consumers have flexed their spending power during this year’s Spring Festival holiday (00:40). China's digital finance has gone global, enabling tourists to travel abroad with "one wallet.”So, what are the main drivers for China's digital finance and digital economy? What does this growth say about China’s economic policy (15:20)?
Published 02/15/24
Across China, vibrant Spring Festival celebrations are underway as the nation reaches the pinnacle of its most important holiday season. The Chinese Lunar New Year is about homecomings. This year, Chunyun, or the Spring Festival travel rush, is expected to set a new record of nine billion passenger trips during the 40-day travel peak. Meanwhile, China's leading online shopping platforms also capitalize on the traditional high-spending season. So, what are some of the new trends in China’s...
Published 02/09/24
The International Monetary Fund has revised its outlook for the global economy this year. It now predicts global growth will hit 3.1 % in 2024. What’s the current situation of the global economy? What are some of the main challenges lying ahead? Can the international economy avoid a “hard landing"?(00:43) China urges breakthroughs in GPUs, robotics, and quantum computing to drive “future industries".(20:12)
Published 02/02/24
Global shipping rates are rising as Houthi forces continue to attack ships in the Red Sea. Data shows that the cost of shipping from Asia to Northern Europe has surged 460% compared to mid-October. The IMF says maritime traffic through the Suez Canal is down 37% this year. What is the impact of the Red Sea crisis on global logistics and the economy (00:40)? The World Tourism Organization says global tourism will fully recover from the pandemic in 2024. What’s the driving force behind the...
Published 01/26/24
Chinese Premier Li Qiang has addressed the World Economic Forum, highlighting China's contribution to global economic growth (00:45). China's 2023 economic performance exceeded expectations, with GDP increasing 5.2%. What does this figure reveal about the overall economic landscape in China, and can we infer any specific trends or opportunities from this growth rate (17:58)?
Published 01/19/24
China's "ice and snow city" Harbin is seeing an unprecedented influx of tourists. Many people from warmer parts of the country flock to the frosty North. What is behind this tourism miracle in Harbin? Is it part of a new driving force for the revival of China's Northeast region (00:39)? China plans to facilitate common prosperity through the digital economy (15:50).
Published 01/12/24
China’s Caixin manufacturing PMI rose to 50.8 in December from 50.7 in November. Meanwhile, China's official PMI, which includes both manufacturing and non-manufacturing activities, came in at 50.3 in December. How is Caixin manufacturing PMI different from the official PMI? What can it tell about China's manufacturing sector? And what’s the current situation of China’s economy (00:44)? The first home-built cruise ship in China sets sail on its maiden voyage (19:55).
Published 01/05/24
The world economy has weathered a lot of challenges this year. Many international institutions expect global growth to slow in 2024 due to elevated interest rates, higher energy prices, and geopolitical uncertainties. What has been happening for the global economy in 2023? What are the challenges expected ahead? Can technological advancements deliver new drivers for the global economy?
Published 12/29/23
This year marks the 45th anniversary of China's reform and opening up. It's also been ten years since China decided to deepen reforms. China is now the world's second-largest economy and the largest manufacturer. What does it mean when we talk about reform and opening-up? How has China's economy developed over the past 45 years(00:43)? We'll also look at ChatGPT. Nature magazine has included it among the top 10 most influential researchers of the year (16:43).
Published 12/22/23
China held its annual Central Economic Work Conference this week as Chinese leaders decided on the priorities for next year's economic work. How does China plan to navigate through headwinds and boost its economic recovery in 2024? What favorable factors will continue to support China as a significant contributor to the global economy?
Published 12/15/23
Chinese President Xi Jinping has called on Shanghai to deepen reform and opening up. What is Shanghai’s role in China’s high-quality development (00:44)? We’ll also take a look at how China’s car makers managed to get ahead in the EV era (11:15).
Published 12/08/23
The first China International Supply Chain Expo was held in Beijing this week. It aimed to provide a platform for enterprises to expand trade and investment cooperation. It covered many areas, including smart vehicles, green agriculture, clean energy, and digital technology. What must be done to stabilize and build more trust in the global supply chain (00:44)? Germany's GDP fell by 0.1 points in the third quarter compared with Q2. Is Germany’s economy headed for a recession (18:23)?
Published 12/01/23
The artificial intelligence sector has faced high drama recently, partly because of OpenAI and its CEO, Sam Altman. Altman is back as CEO after OpenAI’s board fired him a few days ago, and staff nearly revolted. Meanwhile, AI is already transforming the workplace. How will the development of AI change our work and life? What should be done to regulate it (00:41)? China and Saudi Arabia have signed a local currency swap agreement. What does it mean for the two countries (21:30)?
Published 11/24/23
Leaders of the 21 economies around the Asia Pacific region have gathered in San Francisco to discuss economic growth and other issues. The summit between Chinese President Xi Jinping and US President Joe Biden has attracted global attention. What are the highlights of this year’s APEC meeting, and what has the group achieved (00:43)? China recorded strong retail sales and industrial activity in October (20:21).
Published 11/17/23
Global executives and officials have been attending the sixth International Import Expo in Shanghai. What does it tell us about China’s economic outlook (00:39)? China pledges to expand financial openness at the Financial Street Forum in Beijing (12:26). Elon Musk launches new A.I. chatbot “Grok” (18:04).
Published 11/10/23