Producer: Liu Chang Hosts: Wang Zongnan & Aiwei This week on World Beat, we break down the top global headlines, from Ukraine’s high-stakes peace talks to the UK’s sugar tax expansion, stay tuned for more. * Trump’s Ukraine Ultimatum -- Zelensky to meet Trump on NATO and army limits: peace deal or political theater? * Gaza Ceasefire Fragility -- UN calls for justice as the ceasefire struggles to hold. * UK Sugar Tax Expansion -- Milkshakes and lattes to be taxed starting 2028. * Trump EPA Rollback -- Biden-era soot and power-plant rules scrapped. * U.S. Consumer Confidence Drops -- Jobs, inflation, tariffs and shutdown fears weigh on Americans. * China’s Tiangong Rescue Mission -- Three taikonauts safely rescued. For feedback or inquiries, follow us on ⁠⁠Xinhua News App⁠⁠, Facebook ⁠⁠@World Beat Podcast⁠⁠. You can also find World Beat on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.

Producer: Liu Chang Hosts: Wang Zongnan & Aiwei The U.S. government shutdown is stretching dangerously close to a new record. In this episode, we’ll unpack what’s going on and what makes this crisis different from before. Highlights: * The current shutdown has lasted 34 days—just one day short of breaking the record by the time this episode is released. We’ll see if it does. * The impact is spreading: federal workers snapping under stress, endless lines for free meals, airport security grinding, and public spaces closing down. * And we’ll ask a bigger question: why does this one feel so directionless? In past shutdowns, someone was at least trying to end it—but not this time. For feedback or inquiries, follow us on ⁠Xinhua News App⁠, Facebook ⁠@World Beat Podcast⁠. You can also find World Beat on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.

Producer: Liu Chang Hosts: Wang Zongnan & Aiwei At the UN General Assembly, Donald Trump called climate change “the greatest con job ever perpetrated on the world.” But why does this message — mocking renewables, defending fossil fuels, dismissing science — still resonate with so many Americans? In this episode, we ask: * Why is Trump so hostile to climate action? * How do economy, business interests, and party politics shape his stance? * Why does rejecting science feel like loyalty in U.S. politics? * And what does the rest of the world make of it — especially as China pushes ahead on green energy? For feedback or inquiries, follow us on Xinhua News App, Facebook @World Beat Podcast. You can also find World Beat on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.

Producer: Liu Chang Hosts: Wang Zongnan & Aiwei Britain, France, Canada, Australia, and more — Western capitals are suddenly lining up to recognize Palestine. Today, over 80 percent of UN members now do. But what’s driving this wave, and why is Washington still holding back? In this episode of World Beat : * The humanitarian disaster in Gaza and the stories moving public opinion. * Domestic politics across the West, from collapsing poll numbers to street protests. * Geopolitics, from Macron’s U-turn to Britain’s balancing act. * The U.S. divide — from evangelical prophecy to a growing generational split. * And why, for now, recognition remains more symbol than solution. For feedback or inquiries, follow us on Xinhua News App, Facebook @World Beat Podcast. You can also find World Beat on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.

| Producer: Liu Chang | Hosts: Wang Zongnan & Aiwei Conservative activist Charlie Kirk — Trump ally and leader of Turning Point USA — was shot and killed on stage in Utah on Sept. 10. The suspect faces the death penalty. His death has triggered grief, anger, and political finger-pointing, while also reviving a debate about America’s divisions. In this episode, Zongnan and Aiwei look at who Kirk was, why his death matters, and what it says about political violence in today’s America. Timeline · 00:50 The Incident – How prosecutors built the case, the suspect’s alleged confession, and Trump blaming the “radical left.” · 01:44 Who Was Charlie Kirk? – From launching a conservative youth group at 18, to multimillion-dollar fundraising, viral campus debates, and controversial clips that resurfaced after his death. · 03:59 Youth Politics – Why more young Americans are shifting right, with one researcher calling it a “fatal miscalculation” by Democrats. · 05:17 Reactions – Divided media coverage, late-night satire, and Secretary of State Rubio saying visas are being denied to those celebrating the killing. · 07:10 Political Violence – Other recent attacks, rising polarization, and the idea that perception can turn into reality when mistrust grows. For feedback or inquiries, follow us on Xinhua News App, Facebook @World Beat Podcast. You can also find World Beat on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.

Producer: Liu Chang Hosts: Wang Zongnan & Aiwei China has launched one of the most ambitious hydropower projects in history: the Medog Hydropower Project on the Yarlung Tsangpo River in Tibet. Supporters say it will deliver clean energy, fuel development, and help China reach its carbon goals. Critics warn of environmental damage and regional tensions with India and Bangladesh. In this episode, we unpack the scale, controversies, and global implications of the world’s next mega-dam. Timestamps • 00:00 – Opening: The Medog Hydropower Project explained • 01:31 – Why it’s controversial: downstream worries, ecological risks • 02:45 – China’s past experience with Mekong cooperation • 04:00 – Benefits: clean energy, carbon cuts, local development, economic potential: “green-powered AI” and more • 06:44 – Ending: balancing act between development and ecology For feedback or inquiries, follow us on Xinhua News App, Facebook @World Beat Podcast. You can also find World Beat on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.

Hosts: Zongnan & Aiwei Producer: Liu Chang Trump’s at it again — slapping steep new tariffs on dozens of countries, even his closest trade partners. He says it’s about fairness and national security. Critics say it’s politics and power plays. We dig into: * Canada in the crosshairs — why Trump’s blaming fentanyl and Palestine policy, and how Ottawa is reacting. * Winners and losers — small Canadian firms feeling the squeeze, U.S. farmers and whiskey makers caught in the crossfire. * The global picture — why the world economy hasn’t cracked yet, and why China’s trade game is still strong. * The sticky truth — once tariffs go up, they’re hard to take down. Future presidents might not have an easy way out. Timeline: 00:31 – What’s behind Trump’s latest tariff hike 01:12 – Canada’s case: trade deals, politics, and pushback 04:34 – The broader impact on U.S., Canada, and beyond 05:08 – Is Trump “winning” the trade war? 06:54 – Closing thoughts For feedback or inquiries, follow us on Facebook @World Beat Podcast. You can also find World Beat on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.

Host: Wang Zongnan Producer: Liu Chang Interviewers: Wang Zongnan, Ma Zheng, Wang Dier, Zhao Zhiqing Guest Liaison: Liu Bowei, Li Xinrui, Zheng Siyuan, Tang Jingyao, Cai Yang Recorded on the sidelines of the SCO Media and Think Tank Summit in Zhengzhou, Henan Province, this episode of World Beat brings together voices from across the Shanghai Cooperation Organization to discuss one timely question: How can media in the Global South claim more agency in a landscape long dominated by Western narratives? Timeline 01:08 Western-Dominated Media Landscape 02:26 Building Soft Power and Cultural Bridges 04:12 Inside SCO Media Collaboration 08:18 A Platform for the Global South World Beat is where voices from the Global South meet the global conversation. For feedback or inquiries, follow us on Facebook @World Beat Podcast. You can also find World Beat on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.

Hosts: Zongnan & Aiwei Producer: Liu Chang Guest Voice: Julien Nicolas, European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts / Copernicus Climate Change Service Interview Reported by: Ma Zhiyi, Zhang Zhaoqing & Ding Yinghua 🌡️ Episode Summary: As heatwaves hit harder and earlier than ever -- we ask: where is it still livable? 🧭 Timeline & Highlights: * 00:00 | Opening Catch-up Zongnan sweats through Beijing’s sticky summer while Aiwei returns from a cooler Canada. * 00:56 | News Brief: It’s Not Just Hot—It’s Historic 2025 could become the hottest year ever. Europe just saw its third-hottest June. In Phoenix, it’s hot enough to fry eggs on sidewalks. But this isn’t just heat—it’s climate change. * 2:21 | Why the Heat Came Early Julien Nicolas explains Europe’s double heatwaves and the role of Mediterranean sea temperatures and high-pressure “heat domes.” * 3:23 | Big Picture: Climate Change Is Here We’ve already crossed the Paris Agreement’s 1.5°C warming target. Julien explains how long-term climate trends are driving extreme events. * 5:06 | The Air Conditioning Dilemma ACs are lifesavers—but also carbon emitters. Europe’s low AC adoption comes down to cost, culture, and design. But can that last? * 7:36 | Weather-Only Livable Cities If we judged cities by climate alone, Santa Barbara and Kunming might top the list. Harbin also gets an honorable mention—for being a rare cool spot in China’s record heat. 🌍 Follow World Beat for global news, smart insights, and a breezy 5–10 minute listen each week.

Hosts: Zongnan & Jialin Producer: Liu Chang As Japan bids farewell to a beloved panda family returning to China, we unpack the global obsession with pandas — and the story behind their soft fur and soft power. From economic impact and zoo booms to conservation science and cultural symbolism, pandas are more than cute: they’re international players. 🕒Timestamps: 00:00 – News story Japan says goodbye to Liang Bang and her cubs. Why do people cry over pandas? 00:44 – Panda Fever Pandas drive massive crowds — in Tokyo, Qatar, Finland, and beyond. 02:38 – Pop Culture Pandas From Olympic mascots to Kung Fu Panda, how pandas became icons. 03:02 – How did these all start Gifts and then cooperation 03:48 – When the Pandas Go Home What happens to zoos (and the bears) after pandas leave? 04:26 – Why Pandas Their appeal, fragility, and emotional pull — why no other animal compares. 05:46 – Soft Power & Symbolism Pandas as peace icons, yin-yang symbols, and “friendship ambassadors.” 06:40 – Bigger Than Bamboo The money, the criticism, and the future of panda conservation. 📌 Mentioned in this episode: * Panda Farewell Clip: YouTube Short * Finnish Choir Mid-Autumn Performance: YouTube 🌍 World Beat is your quick, sharp, global news fix — with heart.

Hosts: Zongnan & Jialin Producer: Liu Chang 🔔 Episode Summary: The 12-day war between Israel and Iran may be over — at least on paper — but questions remain: Why is Trump taking credit? And who actually bore the brunt of the fighting? In this fast-paced episode, Zongnan and Jialin unpack the ceasefire announcement, explore U.S. involvement, and shine a light on the civilian toll — especially the stories we don’t hear from Iran. With sharp insights and global context, this episode asks: Is this a turning point, or just a temporary pause? 🕰️ Timeline: 00:00 — Breaking news briefing Trump declares the war over via social media — before Israel or Iran even confirm. 01:15 — How the war started From Israel’s first strike to Iran’s retaliation and the U.S. bombing campaign. 01:51 — Why is Trump claiming the peace deal? Zongnan breaks down Trump’s ego & political branding. 02:54 — U.S. history of intervention Jialin traces the long pattern of U.S. military involvement in the Middle East. 04:13 — Toll on civilians: Israel vs. Iran Zongnan compares casualties, infrastructure damage, and media coverage on both sides — and challenges the narrative imbalance. 05:49 — Did the U.S. strikes work? Is the war truly over? Jialin questions whether nuclear fears are really resolved — or just delayed. 📪 Quote of the Episode: “Too often, we focus only on the grief we’re shown — not the grief we don’t see.”

Duration: 8 min Hosts: Zongnan & Aiwei Producer: Liu Chang 📍 Los Angeles is on edge, again. After aggressive ICE raids sparked citywide protests, President Trump deployed the National Guard without state approval. Protesters threw bricks. Marines were put on standby. And Governor Gavin Newsom fired back. In this episode, Zongnan and Aiwei unpack a dramatic standoff between federal force and local resistance, and what it tells us about Trump’s strategy, America’s immigration wars, and the military’s role in civil unrest. 🕒 Highlights 00:00 – Intro: What makes this LA protest different? This is the first time the National Guard has been activated without a governor’s request since 1965… 00:29 – The protest turns violent * ICE launched mass raids across Los Angeles starting June 6 * Protesters blocked highways and clashed with police * Governor Newsom and Mayor Bass condemned the raids * Fireworks, concrete, and tear gas exchanged in the streets * Trump deploys 2,000 National Guard troops on June 7, then 2,000 more on June 9 01:49 – Trump’s quote on using the Insurrection Act: “Dependent on whether or not this is an insurrection… but you have violent people, and we are not letting them get away with it.” 02:11 – ICE and Trump’s immigration agenda * 3,000 daily arrest goal * Workplace raids and legal status rollbacks * YouTube comments cheer: “Fly the Mexico flag in Mexico.” 03:41 – Is it constitutional to federalize the Guard like this? * National Guard is normally under governor control * Newsom calls Trump’s move illegal and immoral Quote: Gov. Gavin Newsom “Resend the order. It’s illegal and unconstitutional… You’re putting real people’s lives at risk. It’s time for you to be a commander of the United States of America.” 05:13 – Is this part of Trump’s political playbook? “The cycle of protest, violence and repression often benefits the right.” – The Economist * Crackdowns provoke protests, which justify military response * A way to assert dominance over Democratic-led cities 06:03 – Military pushback * Former U.S. Army North Commander Jeffrey Buchanan: “The military’s ultimate loyalty is to our Constitution, not to a particular leader.” * A $45 million military parade is scheduled for June 14 -- Trump’s 79th birthday Coincidence? 07:20 – Revenge mode? * Trump lost LA County, now sends troops in * Pardoned Jan. 6 rioters, now cracks down on protestors 07:45 – Will tensions cool? Not yet. Not while the streets still smoke and political flames are fanned from above.

Runtime: ~9 min | Hosts: Zongnan & Aiwei | Producer: Liu Chang Elon Musk is out after around 130 wild days leading Trump’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). Layoffs, fake savings, political clashes -- was it genius or chaos? Highlights: ⏱️ 00:45 – Market Reaction: Praise, Punches, and Plummets Quote: “Elon gave an incredible service. Nobody like him… he’s an incredible patriot.” – Trump Trump praises Musk on his exit, even as Musk shows up with a bruised eye and a bruised portfolio. Tesla stock fell over 14% in 2025, with April seeing a massive 50% drop from January. The market seemed far less grateful. ⏱️ 01:42 – What Is DOGE, and What Did It Do? DOGE (Department of Government Efficiency) had nothing to do with crypto, despite the name. Musk oversaw mass layoffs—about 260,000 federal workers—and shut down over 40 programs. The “Are You Alive?” project drew headlines for flagging 3 million+ benefit recipients supposedly over age 120. ⏱️ 03:08 – Promises Kept? Or Just Paper Savings? While Musk touted eye-popping savings, critics argue that losses in productivity, lawsuits, and rehiring costs painted a different picture. Of the $2 trillion in promised cuts, only a fraction materialized—and many canceled contracts were quietly reinstated. ⏱️ 04:15 – Public & Political Blowback Quote: “I had my best review in January… but I got fired.” – Jennifer Piggott Despite support from Trump’s inner circle, the public sentiment on Musk was mixed. An NBC poll shows 51% view him negatively. Meanwhile, Trump voters like Jennifer Piggott who lost her job under DOGE’s downsizing are starting to question the mission. ⏱️ 05:21 – Musk vs. Trump? Tensions Behind the Smiles Quote: “I was disappointed to see the massive spending bill, frankly.” – Elon Musk Though Musk and Trump appeared close—sharing stages and even a “golden key”—policy clashes were brewing. Musk criticized tariffs and Trump’s spending bill. Let’s not forget: Musk voted for Hillary in 2016 and Biden in 2020. ⏱️ 06:21 – Will There Be Another Elon Musk? As Musk departs, critics warn of blurred lines between executive power and democratic process. Will DOGE become a permanent fixture of Trump’s administration? With Russ Vought stepping in, and congressional Republicans on board, the post-Musk DOGE era begins. As the dust settles on the DOGE experiment, one question lingers: Was this a blip in American governance—or the new normal? 👉 Follow us & leave a review!

This week on World Beat, we’re sipping on a story that blends global diplomacy with a strong caffeine kick. From bean exports and booming cafe culture to surprising flavor fusions, coffee is becoming an unexpected bridge between China and Southeast Asia. Timeline: 00:44 – China’s growing coffee trade with Indonesia and Malaysia 01:51 – Coffee brands crossing borders: Luckin, Kopi Kenangan, and more 03:22 – What’s driving the surge? China’s booming coffee market 04:18 – Flavor innovation: Luckin x Kweichow Moutai’s viral latte 05:23 – Aiwei’s trip to Yunnan and a chat with a coffee farmer in Pu’er 07:04 – Changing tastes: The rise of coffee culture in China 08:29 – Yunnan coffee goes global -- now exported to nearly 30 countries

Last week, we explored Trump’s push to bring manufacturing back to America, and how the talent gap is more than just a bump in the road. This week, we dig deeper: Are Trump’s education cuts helping or hurting his goal? And is the U.S. economy now built to support a manufacturing revival? Join us as we connect the dots between classrooms, factory floors, and the structural challenges of America’s service-first economy. Timeline 01:12 – U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick says: “The world is taking our factories away.” 01:54 – Why Asia is leading in high-end manufacturing. 02:31 – China now produces twice as many STEM PhDs as the U.S. 03:26 – Trump’s proposed budget slashes funding for research, STEM, and technical education. 05:16 – A service-driven economy and high labor costs, why this combo blocks a manufacturing rebound. 07:31 – Why the U.S. needs more than slogans, it needs a coordinated education and industrial strategy.