World Today

On the surface, nonalignment may seem irrelevant today. The Russia-Ukraine conflict has led to a seemingly united Western alliance. Even Finland and Sweden have abandoned neutrality to join NATO. Outside Europe and North America, however, dozens of countries have been unwilling to stand with the West on Ukraine. Nonalignment is a product of the Cold War. It began to emerge in the 1950s, implying a refusal to join the rival blocs led by Washington and Moscow. After the cold war, the movement’s relevance declined. But amid growing signs of a new cold war today, are we seeing a comeback of the nonalignment? Host Ding Heng is joined by Swaran Singh, Professor of Diplomacy and Disarmament at Jawaharlal Nehru University; Reon van der Merwe, Director for Stakeholder Relations at the South African BRICS Youth Association; Professor Shen Dingli from Fudan University. Also, we take a look at the latest phone conversation between the top leaders of China and the United States.

1 Chinese FM to attend SCO Foreign Ministers’ Meeting. How is 'Shanghai Spirit' faring in 2022? (00:52) 2 Another big Fed rate hike to battle inflation. What could it mean for the US economy? (13:16) 3 The ‘unfair’ game: US pushes chip bill. (24:12) 4 VP of French Chamber of Commerce calls for more high-tech cooperation at Hainan Expo. (35:20) 5 2022 Digital News Report: Why are people increasingly losing trust in news in the US? (44:37)

1 China releases white paper on Taiwan question and reunification, outlines irreversible historical process. (01:10) 2 China has no choice but to fight back: Chinese vice FM on Pelosi's visit to Taiwan. (11:41) 3 Biden signs the US CHIPS and Science Act. How will it harm the global chipmaking industry? (24:46) 4 China’s CPI hits a two-year high of 2.7% in July, but PPI edges down. What does the number tell us about China’s consumer inflation and market? (34:28) 5 Tourists stranded by COVID-19 flown off Hainan Island. (44:53)

1Former Kuomintang Party leader Hung Hsiu-chu said Pelosi's visit to Taiwan raised tensions without bringing real benefits to the people in Taiwan.(00:47) 2Foreign Ministers' Meeting of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations has concluded. What are the main achievements? (16:16) 3The Palestinian Islamic Jihad Movement has agreed to a Cairo-mediated ceasefire deal with Israel. Will it hold? (26:00) 4Kenya readies itself to choose a new President. Who are the main contenders in this election? (34:02) 5China's July export beats expectations at 18% year-on-year. (42:30)

1European Council President Charles Michel visits China. We discuss China-EU relations against the backdrop of a turbulent and changing world. (00:46) 2Beijing rejects a US report on so-called China nuclear expansion, urging the US to reflect on its own nuclear policy. (12:49) 3China steps up effort to boost domestic production of semiconductors in fight against US sanctions. (24:33) 4Survey suggests two-thirds of Chinese people believe China and Japan should work together on global issues. (34:28) 5Poll: Attitudes of African and White Americans toward reparations for slavery are far apart. (45:54)