The Point with Liu Xin

Episoder

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  Why is Washington using forced labor claims to hit global trade? 27.07.2026 26min

  The US has imposed new tariffs on dozens of economies, accusing them of failing to tackle forced labor. But the same administration has acknowledged that forced labor exists within the United States. As Washington points fingers abroad, questions remain: Are these tariffs really about protecting workers, or are they another tool in a broader trade dispute? What's behind the latest tariff move?
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  How does China keep 1.4 billion people cool during extreme heat? 20.07.2026 26min

  As record-breaking heat sweeps across the Northern Hemisphere, keeping cities cool has become a global challenge. On July 10, China's peak electricity demand reached an all-time high of 1.5 billion kilowatts, reflecting the enormous pressure on the country's power system as millions of homes and businesses relied on cooling. How does China keep electricity flowing for a population of 1.4 billion during extreme heat?
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  OpenAI changed AI. Is China changing who gets access? 17.07.2026 26min

  Silicon Valley gave us OpenAI. But is China taking AI in a different direction? As the 2026 World Artificial Intelligence Conference (WAIC) and High-Level Meeting on Global AI Governance opens in Shanghai, more than 1,100 companies are showcasing over 3,000 AI innovations, including 300+ world premieres. What is China's vision for AI? Can AI become more open, accessible and beneficial to more countries? And how could that reshape the future of global technology, and your everyday life?
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  South China Sea: The other side 13.07.2026 26min

  They're still stuck in 2016. The South China Sea isn't. On July 12, the US, the Philippines, Japan and 11 other countries issued a joint statement ten years after the release of the so-called "South China Sea arbitration award". China's position, however, remains unchanged: The so-called "award" is illegal, null and void, and has no binding force. Yet beyond the political rhetoric lies another story. Traveling through Malaysia and Indonesia, CGTN's Liu Xin hears from the people whose lives are shaped by these waters every day. One arbitration does not define the South China Sea, nor will it define its future.
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  What's really happening in the South China Sea? 10.07.2026 26min

  Beyond the headlines lies another story. Join CGTN's Liu Xin as she travels through Malaysia and Indonesia, uncovering how cooperation is changing lives. Featuring exclusive interviews with a leading expert and an influential local figure, this documentary explores a side of the South China Sea that rarely makes the news.
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  Still going strong 08.07.2026 26min

  For many in the West, the word "communism" carries decades of Cold War associations. But does that label explain today's China? In this special edition of The Point, Australian sinologist Roland Boer and former Carter administration legal adviser Harvey Dzodin explore why the Communist Party of China has thrived for more than a century, and the role of governance and modernization. What has kept the CPC relevant for over 100 years? Listen to the full conversation and draw your own conclusions.
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  Switching gears 06.07.2026 26min

  The latest World Bank income classification is out, and China has reached another important milestone. China's Gross National Income per capita has risen to US$14,230, just US$150 short of the threshold for high-income economies. While China remains an upper-middle-income economy in 2025, the gap has become smaller than ever. Why is China so close to joining the high-income economy group? And what do these numbers mean for China's economy, global markets, and ordinary people?
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  The choice millions of young Chinese are making 01.07.2026 26min

  With more than 101 million members, the Communist Party of China is one of the world's largest political organizations. More than 40% of its members are under 45, and millions more have applied to join. As China marks the Party's 105th anniversary, one question stands out: Why are so many young Chinese choosing this path?
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  The governance philosophy behind the CPC's new campaign 29.06.2026 26min

  What makes a good public official? In China, it's increasingly not about flashy projects or impressive GDP figures, but whether people's lives genuinely improve. This idea, known as the "correct understanding of governance performance", is at the heart of a campaign launched by the Communist Party of China earlier this year. What does it mean in practice? How does it shape the way officials are evaluated? And are there any comparable mechanisms within Western political systems?
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  Why are more people around the world backing China? 26.06.2026 26min

  Confidence in the United States is declining across much of the world, while international perceptions of China continue to improve, according to multiple global opinion surveys. From Gallup and Pew Research to Australia's Lowy Institute, a common trend is emerging: More people around the world are viewing China more favorably. But why is this happening? What makes a country trustworthy in today's world? In this episode, we examine the latest polling data and explore the factors driving one of the most significant shifts in global public opinion.
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  US-Iran talks 22.06.2026 26min

  After negotiations in Switzerland, mediators Qatar and Pakistan announced that the United States and Iran have agreed on a roadmap aimed at reaching a final deal within 60 days. But major challenges remain. Can Washington and Tehran resolve the complex nuclear issue in just two months? Can tensions over the Strait of Hormuz be eased? And is this the beginning of a lasting breakthrough, or simply another pause before tensions resurface?
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  Why one British publisher dedicated his life to translating Chinese literature 20.06.2026 26min

  When most English-speaking readers knew little about contemporary Chinese literature, one British publisher set out to change that. In this episode, we sit down with veteran publisher and translator Martin Savery, whose decades-long career has helped bring contemporary Chinese literature to English-speaking readers around the world. In an era dominated by short videos, social media, and shrinking attention spans, why does he still believe in books? And what can stories reveal about China that headlines cannot?
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  Inside Beijing's latest white paper on global governance 17.06.2026 26min

  China has released a new white paper titled "More Just and Equitable Global Governance: China's Principles, Proposals and Actions," offering its latest vision for improving global governance. The document expands on the Global Governance Initiative, proposed by Chinese President Xi Jinping, and outlines China's ideas for creating a fairer, more inclusive international system. Why is Beijing releasing this white paper now? What are its key proposals? How does it connect with China's broader vision for the future of global governance?
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  US-Iran Agreement 15.06.2026 26min

  The United States and Iran have announced an agreement set to take effect on June 19, including the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and the removal of US naval restrictions. President Donald Trump hailed the development as a "big, beautiful peace," while Iranian officials confirmed that a peace framework has been finalized and is expected to be signed in Switzerland. Is this truly the end of the crisis, or the beginning of a new phase of negotiations? Does this represent a diplomatic victory for President Trump? What challenges could still derail a final agreement?
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  Why do classics still matter today? 10.06.2026 26min

  In an era of rapid technological change, geopolitical uncertainty, and cultural transformation, why are scholars from around the world gathering to revisit ancient wisdom? The Second World Conference of Classics, held in Athens, Greece, brings together leading experts to explore the enduring relevance of humanity's intellectual heritage. What messages do the organizers hope to share with the world? Why is dialogue between civilizations more important than ever? How can ideas from ancient Greece, China, and other classical traditions help us better understand the challenges of today?
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  Why Gen-Z Americans view China differently 03.06.2026 25min

  A recent poll reveals a striking divide in how Americans view China. While many older Republican-leaning voters see China as an enemy, most Democratic-leaning voters view China as a competitor. Even more surprisingly, younger Democrats are increasingly likely to see China as a partner rather than an adversary. What explains these sharply different perspectives? How much do Americans really know about China? And what can be done to bridge the gap in understanding between the world's two largest economies?
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  Exploring China-Russia cultural ties 27.05.2026 26min

  What happens if Vladimir Solovyov meets Sun Tzu? China and Russia both have long, rich histories in the arts and culture, but how much do the two peoples know about each other? As the two sides continue to cement their political ties, we discuss what is considered an important driving force of this relationship: people.
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  China & Pakistan at 75: Can the two nations lead green development in the Global South? 25.05.2026 26min

  As China and Pakistan mark 75 years of diplomatic relations, climate cooperation is becoming a new focus of the partnership. How can the two countries work together to confront the climate emergency? How are green development and technology transforming everyday life? And what could China-Pakistan cooperation mean for the broader Global South? In this exclusive interview, CGTN host Liu Xin speaks with Shezra Mansab Ali Khan Kharal, Pakistan's Minister of State for Climate Change and Environmental Coordination, about sustainability, clean energy, climate resilience, and the future of green development.
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  Why has Beijing become a major hub of global diplomacy? 20.05.2026 26min

  Russian President Vladimir Putin is on a state visit to China from May 19 to 20, his 25th trip to the country. Why is Beijing becoming the world's diplomatic crossroads? What does this say about the shifting global power landscape? And how will this visit further deepen China-Russia ties?
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  Constructive strategic stability: What does it mean for China-US relations? 15.05.2026 26min

  US President Donald Trump's China visit has concluded, a trip that drew global attention and dominated headlines in both China and the United States. During the visit, Chinese President Xi Jinping announced a new vision for bilateral ties: Building a "constructive China-US relationship of strategic stability." What exactly does this new framework mean for the future of China-US relations? And how could this reshape global stability, trade, and geopolitics in the years ahead?