Chat Lounge
China Plus
0
Chat Lounge is a casual talk show from China Plus, the English-language radio service of China Media Group (CGTN Radio). Each episode unpacks reactions to major events and hot issues from around the world in a relaxed, conversational setting. Rather than formal analysis, the hosts and their guests share personal takes and everyday perspectives on current affairs, culture and trending topics. The programme is produced in Beijing for an international English-speaking audience, and its tone is informal and easy to follow.
Avsnitt
-
Can young Chinese and Americans rewrite the China-US story? 25.09.2026 54minThe China-US relationship is often discussed in terms of trade, technology and geopolitics. But what does it look like through the eyes of young people? Host Tu Yun is joined by Americans Drew Ruchim, Founder and CMO of the US-based market research company Aditt, and Saor Mahoney, a student from the Communication University of China, as well as Chinese guests Zhang Hongmou, Assistant Professor, School of Government, Peking University, and Yang Sheng, an international relations researcher and social media influencer, former chief reporter of the Global Times to talk about how they see each other, what really matters to their generation, and whether young people can help build a different future for China-US relations. -
Why German firms ramp up China investment despite Berlin's tougher line 18.09.2026 54minGerman companies ramped up their China investment by roughly one-third in the first half of 2026, even as Berlin draws up tougher economic measures toward China. Why are German firms stepping up investment in China amid growing political pressure? And what lies ahead for Europe's economic ties with Beijing? Host Xu Yawen is joined by Dr. Yao Shujie, Cheung Kong Professor of Economics, Chongqing University; Prof. Hans-Peter Burghof, Professor and Chair of the Banking and Finance Department at the University of Hohenheim, Germany; and Prof. Muhammad Ali Nasir, Visiting Fellow at University of Cambridge, Visiting Professor at Peking University, and Professor of Economics at the University of Leeds, to make sense of this tension. -
Can BRICS reduce financial risk for developing countries? 11.09.2026 54minAs BRICS countries look to make greater use of local currencies, the New Development Bank is playing a growing role in this effort. It is helping developing countries finance projects and move money across borders. What's driving the change? How does local-currency lending actually work in practice? And to what extent can it help countries reduce financing and currency risk? Song Ruixin is joined by Dr. Zhou Mi, Senior Research Fellow with the Chinese Academy of International Trade and Economic Cooperation, Prof. Warwick Powell, Adjunct Professor at Queensland University of Technology, and Prof. Muhammad Ali Nasir, Professor of Economics at the University of Leeds, to look at what the NDB is doing, the challenges it faces, and whether BRICS can build a more resilient financial framework beyond reliance on the US dollar. -
What China's Earth-Moon laser breakthrough means for space exploration 04.09.2026 54minChina has successfully demonstrated a two-way laser communication link across more than 400,000 kilometers between Earth and the Moon. How significant is this breakthrough? Why do we need it, and what could it mean for humanity as we begin to explore, work and perhaps one day live beyond Earth? Host Xu Yawen is joined by Zhang Fan, Associate Professor, Department of Astronomy, Beijing Normal University; Xu Yansong, the Director-General of the Asia Pacific Space Cooperation Organization; and Dr. Jon Clarke, President, the Mars Society of Australia, and an associate member of the Australian Centre for Astrobiology at the University of New South Wales, to explore how this technology could reshape the way we communicate in deep space. -
Where does China's economy go from here? 28.08.2026 54minChina's economy is facing pressure at home and abroad. Growth has slowed, while property, local government debt and weak demand remain challenges. Yet exports and manufacturing continue to show resilience. So, is China's economy really in serious trouble? And with Washington eyeing new tariffs and Brussels tightening scrutiny of Chinese companies, where does Beijing go from here? Host TU Yun joins Dr. Yan Liang, Professor of Economics, Willamette University, the United States, Dr. Liu Baocheng, the Director of the Center for International Business Ethics, University of International Business and Economics in Beijing, and Dr. Zhou Mi, a senior research fellow at the Chinese Academy of International Trade and Economic Cooperation to look at the fiscal policy options, the room for further stimulus, and the bigger question: what will drive China's next phase of growth? -
The Ice Silk Road: A new route linking China and Europe 21.08.2026 54minThe Arctic is opening a new frontier for global shipping. China has launched a seasonal weekly container service linking its eastern port city Ningbo with Europe through the Northeast Passage, cutting shipment times between Asia and Europe by nearly half. But can the Arctic route move beyond a seasonal shortcut to become a major global shipping corridor? And what will it take to overcome the challenges of ice, infrastructure, geopolitics and environmental protection? Host TU Yun joins LIU Dan, a professor at the Law School, Tong Ji University, Halldór Jóhannsson, the Director of Arctic Portal, an Iceland-based non-profit organization supporting sustainable development in the Arctic, and LIANG Linlin, a Brussels-based commentator on China-EU economic and trade relations to explore the opportunities and challenges of the emerging Ice Silk Road. -
Living with risk: What Typhoon Dolphin teaches us about future city resilience 14.08.2026 54minTyphoon Dolphin has brought record-breaking rainfall to parts of eastern and central China, triggering mass evacuations, transport disruptions, and flooding risks. But its impact raises bigger questions about the future of urban resilience. As China advances efforts to build a global framework for smart city data use, the future of urban resilience is increasingly tied to how cities harness data and technology. Can artificial intelligence and drones transform disaster response from reaction to prediction? How can fast-growing coastal cities adapt to rising climate risks? And what can Typhoon Dolphin reveal about building stronger, more resilient cities? Host Xu Yawen joins Wu Changhua, President of the Global Climate Academy and Chair of the Governing Council at the Asia Pacific Water Forum, Dr. Yao Shujie, Cheung Kong Professor of Economics, Chongqing University, and Yasiru Ranaraja, Founding Director of Belt & Road Initiative Sri Lanka, to explore the future of city resilience. -
Can the U.S. win the AI race by containing China? 07.08.2026 54minOpenAI, Google, and Anthropic are all cutting prices. Coincidence? Or a sign that Chinese AI is changing the game? As Washington weighs tougher restrictions on Chinese AI models, Silicon Valley is sending a very different message, with Nvidia, Microsoft, and others embracing open-weight AI. So can the U.S. still contain China's AI rise? Or has the race already shifted from stopping China to competing with it? Host TU Yun joins Andy Mok of Beijing Foreign Studies University, who's also the author of the newly released title The Innovation Machine: How China Creates and Adopts Technology Through Governance, Dr. Warwick Powell, Adjunct Professor, Queensland University of Technology, and Chen Jiahe, the Chief Investment Officer of the Beijing-based Novem Arcae Technologies to unpack the next chapter in the global AI battle. -
Will Louis Vuitton pay a higher price in China? 31.07.2026 54minFrench luxury brand Louis Vuitton won in court, but is it losing China? A trademark lawsuit against the Chinese tea brand Molly Tea has sparked a nationwide debate over trademark rights, cultural heritage, and brand perception. Was this simply a legal battle, or a costly strategic misstep? As Chinese consumers become more confident and culturally conscious, is the playbook for international luxury brands changing? And could this case reshape the French luxury brand's future in China? Host Tu Yun joins Jia Yuxuan, a research assistant at the Center for China and Globalization, John Gong, Professor of Economics, University of International Business and Economics, and Subramania Bhatt, the Founder and CEO of the Singapore-based marketing technology company China Trading Desk for a close look at the dispute. -
The cost of British Steel nationalization: What comes next? 24.07.2026 54minA Chinese company stepped in to save British Steel when few others would. Six years later, the UK government has stripped it of control. Was this a commercial decision, or another sign that geopolitics is rewriting the rules of global investment? What comes next? Who ultimately stands to pay the biggest price? And what lessons does this case hold for Chinese companies investing overseas? More importantly, could it reshape how China and the rest of the world view cross-border investment amid rising geopolitical tensions? Host Tu Yun joins John Gong, Professor of Economics, University of International Business and Economics in Beijing, Mike Bastin, a China observer and senior lecturer at the University of Southampton, and Bai Xianyue, Partner, Grandall Law Firm Tianjin Office for an in-depth discussion of the British Steel nationalization saga. -
From island pilot to national blueprint? Hainan's fossil fuel car phase-out explained 17.07.2026 54minChina's southern island province of Hainan is racing toward a bold milestone: ending the sale of new fossil fuel-powered vehicles by 2030. Why is Hainan leading the way? How close is it to reaching its goal? And could its experience become a blueprint for the rest of the country? Host TU Yun joins Professor Andy Mok of Beijing Foreign Studies University, who's also the author of the newly released title The Innovation Machine: How China Creates and Adopts Technology Through Governance, Mike Bastin, a China observer and senior lecturer at the University of Southampton, and Chen Jiahe, the Chief Investment Officer of the Beijing-based Novem Arcae Technologies to examine the opportunities and challenges behind China's most ambitious clean mobility experiment and to ask whether it marks not just a shift in transportation but a broader transformation in energy, industry, and city planning. -
The next phase of Hong Kong's financial evolution 10.07.2026 54minBeijing has unveiled a sweeping new package of measures to strengthen Hong Kong's role as the world's leading offshore renminbi hub and an international financial center. But why now? From expanding Bond Connect and offshore RMB liquidity to developing gold trading and new risk-management tools, are these measures simply deepening Hong Kong's financial markets or redefining its role in the global financial system? Host TU Yun joins Dr. Sean Chang, Academic Assessor, HKU SPACE, the University of Hong Kong, Dr. Zhou Mi, a senior research fellow at the Chinese Academy of International Trade and Economic Cooperation, and Dr. Warwick Powell, Adjunct Professor, Queensland University of Technology to unpack what's new, why it matters, and whether Hong Kong is on track to become a global pricing center for RMB-denominated assets. -
Working beyond retirement: What does China's new framework for over-age workers mean? 03.07.2026 54minRetirement, is it really the end of the road? China doesn't seem to think so. The country has unveiled its first nationwide rules to protect over-age workers, including eligible foreign employees. Why now? Will the new protections encourage people to work longer, or make employers think twice? And how does China's approach compare with other aging societies? Host TU Yun joins Dr. Lauren Johnston, Senior Research Fellow, AustChina Institute (Melbourne), Mr. Bai Xianyue, Partner, Grandall Law Firm Tianjin Office, and Dr. Li Lun, Assistant Professor of Economics, Peking University to explore what these landmark rules could mean for the future of work in China and beyond. -
China’s new FDI playbook goes beyond market access 26.06.2026 54minChina has unveiled a new action plan to stabilize and upgrade foreign investment. Is this just another policy update, or does it signal a deeper shift in China's approach to opening up? Why is the focus moving from market access to helping foreign companies thrive after they enter? Which sectors stand to benefit most? And amid global uncertainty and fierce competition for capital, can China remain one of the world's top investment destinations? Host TU Yun joins Dr. Zhou Mi, Deputy Director, Institute of American and Oceania Studies, Chinese Academy of International Trade & Economic Cooperation, and Dr. Yao Shujie, Chueng Kong Professor of Economics, Chongqing University to unpack China's latest foreign investment playbook. -
What could a Chery-Nissan partnership in the UK mean for the global auto industry? 19.06.2026 54minA Chinese carmaker. A Japanese factory. A British production line. Could this be the future of the global auto industry? As Chery considers building vehicles at Nissan's Sunderland plant, we examine whether this is simply a business deal or a sign of a new phase in China's automotive globalization? Why are Chinese carmakers shifting from exporting vehicles to building overseas production networks? How likely is this partnership to move beyond an MoU? And amid political, regulatory, and market uncertainties, could this become a blueprint for China's global expansion or a cautionary tale? Host Tu Yun joins John Gong, Professor of Economics, University of International Business and Economics, Mike Bastin, a China observer and Senior Lecturer, the University of Southampton, and Hans-Peter Burghof, the Chair of the Banking and Finance Department, University of Hohenheim for a close look. -
A youth triumph that offers hope for Chinese football 12.06.2026 54minThey are champions. They are trailblazers. And they're only 12 years old. A group of Chinese youngsters has stunned Europe, becoming the first Asian team to win Italy's prestigious Sigismondi Cup, often called the "Mini World Cup" of youth football. What did these players get right? Is this simply a remarkable youth football story? What lessons can China's football system learn? And can this generation finally help China return to the World Cup stage? Host TU Yun joins Dr. Liu Tianbiao, Professor at the College of Physical Education and Sports, Beijing Normal University, Mike Bastin, a China observer and senior lecturer at the University of Southampton, England, and Brandon Yates, CGTN Senior Content Editor and Sports Host, to explore the victory, the vision, and the future of Chinese football. -
China expands access to public services for non-Hukou residents 05.06.2026 54minChina has unveiled a landmark reform that could affect hundreds of millions of migrant workers and their families. Supporters say it's a breakthrough for fairness and opportunity. Critics wonder whether cities can afford it and whether implementation will match ambition. Could this unleash new consumer spending and housing demand? Will China's biggest cities become even more attractive? And what happens to smaller cities if talent and people keep flowing away? Host TU Yun joins Dr. Lauren Johnston, Senior Research Fellow, AustChina Institute (Melbourne), Dr. Yao Shujie, Cheung Kong Professor of Economics, Chongqing University, and Dr. Muhammad Ali Nasir, Professor of Economics at University of Leeds and a visiting professor at Peking University to explore whether China is entering the next phase of urbanization and what that means for the country's future. -
China tightens crackdown on illegal cross-border brokerage activities 29.05.2026 54minChina's securities regulator has launched a major crackdown on illegal cross-border securities activities, targeting online brokerages operating outside the country's regulatory framework. Why is Beijing acting now after years of scrutiny? What risks are regulators trying to contain? And does this signal a new era of stronger oversight in China's financial markets? Host Tu Yun joins Professor Hans-Peter Burghof, the Chair of the Banking and Finance Department, University of Hohenheim, Germany, Professor Liu Baocheng, the Director of the Center for International Business Ethics, University of International Business and Economics in Beijing, and Chen Jiahe, the Chief Investment Officer of the Beijing-based Novem Arcae Technologies for a close look. -
Is Europe's de-Sinicization push about security or economic self-harm? 22.05.2026 54minFrom new supply chain rules and punitive tariffs to restrictions on Chinese technology in Europe's green transition, Brussels is taking increasingly aggressive steps to reduce dependence on China. But is the EU strengthening its economic security or undermining its own competitiveness? Can Europe really replace China's industrial ecosystem? Will these measures protect European industries, or will they raise costs for businesses and consumers alike? And as tensions rise, how might Beijing respond? Host Tu Yun joins LIANG Linlin, the Director of Communication and Research at the China Chamber of Commerce to the European Union, Dr. John Glen, Chief Economist at the Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply, who's also a visiting fellow at the Cranfield School of Management, and Dr. John Gong, a professor with the University of International Business and Economics for a close look. -
New start for easing China-U.S. tech tensions or just a brief pause? 16.05.2026 54minAs U.S. President Donald Trump has returned to China, are Beijing and Washington heading toward a tech thaw or merely pausing before tensions further escalate? From chips and AI to EVs, robotics, and space technology, host Tu Yun joins Professor Andy Mok of Beijing Foreign Studies University, who's also a senior research fellow at the Center for China and Globalization, Josef Mahoney, Professor of Politics and International Relations, East China Normal University, and Dr. Haolan Wang, a research associate at the Asia Society Policy Institute's Center for China Analysis to explore the key battlegrounds and the areas of cooperation shaping the future of China-U.S. relations and the global tech order.
Populär i
Den här podcasten finns även i podcastlistor i dessa länder.