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:
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 :
For feedback or inquiries, follow us on Xinhua News App, Facebook @World Beat Podcast. You can also find World Beat on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and Xiaoyuzhou FM.
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
Besides Spotify, you can also listen to World Beat on Xinhua News App, Apple Podcasts, and Xiaoyuzhou FM. Find us on Facebook @World Beat Podcast for more.
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 Apple Podcasts and XiaoyuzhouFM.
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:
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
Episode Summary
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?
From navigating unequal information flows to building cross-border projects, guests offer a grounded look at cooperation within the SCO—and what it means for the media future of the Global South.
Timeline & Highlights
[01:08] Western-Dominated Media Landscape
“We lack resources and we lack information… They are sipping our mind.”
“They dominate the platforms, the channels, and the media mechanisms…”
[02:26] Building Soft Power and Cultural Bridges
“The most powerful is soft power—small stories, features about culture, education, art.”
“Translation between Arabic and Chinese is key… we must send out the messages we believe in—not just be affected by others.”
[04:12] Inside SCO Media Collaboration
“We have extensive collaboration with Chinese media. With Xinhua, for instance, we share each other’s content across our news terminals, in languages like Spanish and Arabic.… cooperation has room to grow.”
“We fight lies, not people… we co-founded the Global Fact-Checking Network to resist media wars.”
“Co-producing with major Chinese outlets has been financially and creatively beneficial.”
[08:18] A Platform for the Global South
“The Global South can help create a new, more just world order through dialogue and communication.”
“Media should build bridges, share stories in local languages—this is the need of our time.”
“The Global South must be heard… We need to lead, not follow. And we’re ready.”
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 Apple Podcasts and Xiaoyuzhou FM.
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:
Zongnan sweats through Beijing’s sticky summer while Aiwei returns from a cooler Canada.
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.
Julien Nicolas explains Europe’s double heatwaves and the role of Mediterranean sea temperatures and high-pressure “heat domes.”
We’ve already crossed the Paris Agreement’s 1.5°C warming target. Julien explains how long-term climate trends are driving extreme events.
ACs are lifesavers—but also carbon emitters. Europe’s low AC adoption comes down to cost, culture, and design. But can that last?
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:
🌍 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
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
03:41 – Is it constitutional to federalize the Guard like this?
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
06:03 – Military pushback
“The military’s ultimate loyalty is to our Constitution, not to a particular leader.”
Coincidence?
07:20 – Revenge mode?
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?
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This week on World Beat, we’re sipping on a story that blends global diplomacy with a strong caffeine kick.
Chinese Premier Li Qiang recently visited Indonesia and Malaysia, attending high-level talks and a major summit in Kuala Lumpur. But alongside the handshakes and speeches, another connection is brewing -- coffee.
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.
We have a great show for you today.
US President Donald Trump is to bring the glory days of manufacturing back to America.
We're going to look at the “Talent Gap” in US that might stiffle his ambitions.
We'll hear from Alex, an engineer at a hi-tech company in US for his views on the challenges facing US manufacturing and what exactly a factory job entails.
Buckle up!
Timeline:
1:19 Tim Cook: Cheap & Low-skilled labor is the popular misconception of manufacturing.
2:25 Aiwei: What Cook said 8 years ago still applicable today.
4:32 Zongnan: 80% of Americans support bring manufacturing back, but only 20% want to work in a factory.
The Interview:
Alex:
4:55 It’s been a trend Americans like to buy things made in USA.
6:27 If the manufacturing was low-skilled, then any country could do this very quickly.
6:49 From what I see across China, the majority of people working in the facotry are not doing manual labor.
7:18 There are not a lot of manufacturing jobs in US.
8:23 Why I support US increasing manufacturing: long-term vision, sustainable economy.
11:57 Zongnan: will AI replace manual labor or skilled labor?
12:41 Aiwei’s suggestions to Trump administration.
Teaser for next episode:
13:36
beyond the “talent gap,”what kind of education system can support this shift?
Is the Trump administration’s restructuring of the education department helping, or hurting?
And is America’s current economic structure even ready to welcome manufacturing back?
Catch us next week in “ReMade In USA (II)”
Elon Musk recently told Fox News that all life on Earth will eventually be wiped out by the sun. His solution? Colonize Mars.
From Tesla to DOGE, from buying Twitter to building a city, what's behind Musk's big projects? What is his big dream and what's driving his big personality? Let's find out.
Timeline:
00:31 Elon Musk: "make life multi-planetary."
01:42 So, can we really live on Mars?
02:20 The transportation cost is 9% of the global economy.
03:18 Bloomberg called SpaceX the most "prodigious" launcher.
05:11 Humans are so young, only 300,000 years old.
05:35 212 vs 6 to form a city "Starbase, Texas."
06:46 Musk thinks big, but did those dreams land?
08:22 Tesla investors are paying for it...
By the time this episode drops, Trump will have hit his 100-day mark in office.
But his approval rating is at 39% -- the lowest for any president in 80 years.
It is a good moment to take stock: 100 days in, what’s been done, and what’s still just talk, especially when it comes to the pledges he made to voters.
Let’s dive into his domestic moves in this episode.
Timeline:
00:50 Trump's promises to bring back economy
03:41 Trump's promises to solve illegal immigration
06:02 Trump's promises to have the best schools
Trump said in his victory speech that his motto is Promises made, promises kept. Nearly 100 days passed, lots of words of his promises seem to fade into thin air.
We are gonna spend 2 episodes unpacking how Trump talked the talk, but didn't walk the walk, both at home and abroad.
Let's start today with his moves abroad.
Timeline:
00:32 Intro
01:27 Promise to broker a Russia-Ukraine peace deal
04:28 Promise to take over Canada, Greenland and Panama Canal
06:48 Promise to settle war in Gaza
08:39 Promise to bring back economy by slapping tariffs
We always hear that flying is the safest way to travel. But it feels like there’s been a lot of air crashes happening recently. Is flying really getting riskier? Or is it all a matter of perception? We help you understand with statistics.
Timeline:
Today, we're back on the Trump train. Tariffs on penguins, economic formulas, a market meltdown, and protests from Alaska to Amsterdam... some of the latest developments seem hard to believe. We will break down for you this hectic tariff story.