August 15 marks the 80th anniversary of Japan's announcement of its unconditional surrender in World War II. Yet many in Taiwan remain unaware of the war's true history. Three decades of curriculum changes have aimed to weaken ties with the Chinese mainland, but voices like that of veteran Chinese teacher Ou Kuei-chih are speaking out.

Zhang Bo, chair person and founder of Xizang Chuangbo Aviation Technology Co., Ltd, has decided to relocate to Xizang. Drawn by the region's unique geographical conditions that are ideal for advancing drone and unmanned aerial vehicle research, Zhang had to make the difficult decision of leaving his family behind. Yet, upon arriving, he found a welcoming new community that made him part of the local family.

What comes to mind when you hear the word "Rinpoche"? Perhaps a respected monk quietly reading sutras—but that's just a stereotype. Balog Rinpoche breaks the mold. A true multi-hyphenate, he founded a band that blends the Songs of Milarepa — a form of national intangible cultural heritage—with contemporary, secular music. He's also a Thangka painter and fluent in Tibetan, Mandarin, and English. He is also a living Buddha—a recognized reincarnation in Tibetan Buddhism. What sets the modern-day living Buddha apart? How is Buddhism being preserved in China's Xizang Autonomous Region? How can ancient wisdom help us find balance in today's fast-paced world?

Norbu Dramdu is the Founder of Dreamer Education, a private institute for kids from kindergarten to high school in Lhasa. Being a passionate dreamer himself, he's been devoted to helping children in the region realize their dreams. What is his story? What fuels his passion? And what do his students say about him?

First rare earths, now energy imports from Russia? The U.S. seems to be sending mixed signals about its sincerity in trade talks with China. On July 29, 2025, the two sides wrapped up their two-day talks in Stockholm, Sweden, before the U.S. talked of imposing potential punitive tariffs of up to 500% on those who import energy from Russia. What's really going on? What progress have the latest Stockholm talks achieved in bilateral trade and for the world? What are we to expect next?

China's first-ever International Advanced Air Mobility Expo is taking place in Shanghai, showcasing the latest advancements in the industry from home and abroad. Why is China placing such importance on this emerging sector? What changes will the low-altitude economy bring to our daily lives? Will this sector be the next competing ground for major powers such as China, the US and European countries?

On July 15, US President Donald Trump announced plans to impose over 10% tariffs on smaller countries, including many in Africa and the Caribbean. In sharp contrast, China reiterated just days ago that it will expand zero-tariff treatment to all African countries that have diplomatic ties with China. This is on top of the list of 43 least-developed countries that already enjoy this policy with China. What can we learn from the two very different approaches towards trade with African countries? What impact can we expect from China's zero-tariff policy for African countries?

This week, figures of economic growth for the first half of the year were released and the strength of China's economy beat expectations. GDP grew by 5.3%, foreign trade in goods increased by 2.7%, hitting a record high, while exports soared by over 7%. But Reuters reports a slowing economy instead. Why is Reuters painting black as white? Why has China not suffered from the second trade war launched by the U.S.? What's behind China's impressive growth picture?

A recent report by the UN Population Fund reveals that the real fertility crisis facing the world is not underpopulation, but a crisis of reproductive agency. The report finds that one in five people around the world are unable to have the number of children they would want. This isn't due to a lack of desire for parenthood, but rather to the soaring costs of raising children, job insecurity, housing challenges, concerns over the state of the world, and the lack of a suitable partner. Why are so many young people unable to fulfill their family goals? How to empower young people to make informed, responsible decisions about the number, timing, and spacing of their children?

The 17th BRICS Summit is taking place in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Chinese Premier Li Qiang is attending the summit. This is the first summit after Indonesia joined as the 11th member in January, and Vietnam joined the cooperation mechanism as the tenth partner nation in June. How significant is this year's summit? How committed is China to the BRICS? What does the group's growing attraction mean for the long-underrepresented Global South?

The number of foreign visitors coming into China is skyrocketing: During the first half of the year, Beijing saw a year-on-year increase of 37%. Shanghai's Pudong International Airport alone saw a surge of 46% in foreign visits. What's fueling this rush in traveling to China? What can we expect going forward? What remain to be done to make China more accessible?

Last October, Hong Kong was once again ranked the world's freest economy. In June, the city's global competitiveness rose to the third place — the first time since 2019, according to international rankings. In the face of persistent narratives predicting Hong Kong's decline, what has the National Security Law actually brought to the city? What role has the law played in safeguarding "One Country, Two Systems"? What are the future challenges regarding the city's governance?

Are Chinese students still welcome in the United States? And what about vice versa? What is the situation like for foreign exchange students on both sides of the Pacific? How are the political ups and downs impacting wider people-to-people exchanges? Will things ever return to the way they once were?

The World Economic Forum's Annual Meeting of the New Champions, often called Summer Davos, is taking place in Tianjin, a major coastal city in northern China. Chinese Premier Li Qiang attended the Opening Plenary and delivered an address. The President of Ecuador, Prime Ministers of Singapore, Kyrgyzstan, Senegal, and Vietnam are attending, together with 1,700 representatives from over 90 countries and regions. As China contributes around 30% of global growth annually, what opportunities will deeper global engagement with its market and innovation ecosystem bring? Why has AI become the buzzword throughout the meeting?

The U.S. launched air strikes on Iran's key nuclear facilities over the weekend. What triggered President Trump to give the go-ahead? How will Iran respond? In what ways would the potential closure of the Strait of Hormuz affect the world?

Have you noticed there has been more talk about a certain United Nations resolution numbered 2758? In the Taiwan press, it felt relentless. Resolution 2758 was passed at the 26th session of the UN General Assembly on Oct. 25, 1971. The resolution set the foundation of the UN position concerning Taiwan. What triggered this latest wave of media attention? What's their argument?

From Monday to Wednesday, Chinese President Xi Jinping will attend the second China-Central Asia Summit in Astana, Kazakhstan, at the invitation of the country's President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev. In the land of the Great Steppe, President Xi and his counterparts of five Central Asian countries are expected to further cement China-Central Asia cooperation. Exchanges between China and Central Asia date back at least two thousand years, to the days of the Ancient Silk Road. And with the Belt and Road Initiative, political trust has been enhanced and trade volume has skyrocketed. What does the summit mean for China-Central Asia ties? What results can we expect this time? What do stable China-Central Asia relations mean for the world?

Bilateral trade between China and the EU last year reached US$786 billion with investment rising to US$260 billion. Yet friction remains as the EU has moved to curb the access of Chinese medical device makers to public procurement contracts and imposed high tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles. This comes after the EU designated China as "a partner for cooperation, an economic competitor, and a systemic rival". How well will this approach play out? What are the expectations for China-EU trade relations going forward? How are U.S. protectionist policies impacting China-EU relations?

A framework was reached in principle for implementing the consensus reached between the two presidents over a recent phone call and the trade deal reached last month in Geneva. That appears to be the outcome of the latest round of talks between the world's two largest economies in London. Earlier, Chinese President Xi Jinping used the metaphor of "recalibrating the direction of the giant ship of China-U.S. relations", saying that the two sides should take the helm of the ship, set the right course, and steer clear of disturbances and disruptions as it sails forward. China is sincere and principled. Is the U.S. prepared to do the same?

China has been strengthening its maritime legislation framework for decades, building a robust set of domestic laws to provide a legal basis for its rights over relevant waters. How can international and domestic rule of law help bring peace in the South China Sea? Can we expect more cooperation to emerge between the claimant countries involved? As this year marks the 50th anniversary of the establishment of China-Philippines relations, can the two sides seize the opportunity to improve ties?