① President Xi Jinping has called for absorbing netizens’ opinions in formulating China’s next five-year plan. How does China integrate seeking advices from the public with its top-level decision-making process? (00:54)

② Several Chinese government bodies have held mid-year meetings to better support economic growth for the rest of the year. We explore their key messages. (13:02)

③ Japan has clinched a $6.5 billion deal to build Australia’s next-generation warships. With a military export ban no longer in place, is Japan moving further away from its postwar pacifism? (24:57)

④ Moscow says it is anticipating talks with US President Donald Trump’s special envoy Steve Witkoff later this week. We explore the ongoing bargain between Russia and the US over the Ukraine war. (34:27)

⑤ The global roller-coaster ride of Donald Trump’s tariffs has entered its latest phase. Is America really winning? (43:10)

① Hamas says it is prepared to coordinate with the Red Cross to deliver aid to hostages it holds in Gaza, if Israel meets certain conditions. Is Israel likely to accept Hamas’s conditions? (00:54)

② US employment growth was weaker than expected in July. Will the weaker figure put a September interest rate cut by the Federal Reserve back on the table? (13:47)

③ FBI plans to open an office in New Zealand to counter Chinese influence. Why could this move undermine regional peace and stability? (24:53)

④ China’s 2025 summer box office has exceeded 7 billion yuan. What is driving the strong performance? (34:18)

⑤ South Korea has begun removing propaganda loudspeakers along the border with North Korea. Is it possible to reestablish dialogue between the two sides? (44:22)

Fueled by rising consumption and attractive packages offered by tourism authorities, this summer promises to be a bumper season for tourism in China. Railway trips from July to August are projected to exceed 950 million, up 6% year-on-year. Group tour bookings have jumped over 35%, and a national campaign will feature 39,000 cultural events. Meanwhile, outbound travel is also surging — visa applications for countries like Italy, Norway, and Germany are up over 80%. What does this summer’s travel frenzy reveal about the evolving patterns of Chinese consumer behavior?

Host Ge Anna is joined by Mario Cavolo, Founder and CEO of M Communications Group; Chen Jiahe, chief investment officer at Novem Arcae Technologies; Professor Liu Baocheng, Director of the Center for International Business Ethics, University of International Business and Economics.