The 2025 International Congress of Basic Science is now underway in Beijing. The event draws over a thousand scholars from China and abroad, including Nobel Laureates, Fields Medalists, and Turing award winners.

But in a world increasingly driven by fast results and commercial returns, why does basic science still matter? What happens when artificial intelligence begins solving problems that once took humans years or even decades? And can science still be a shared human endeavor in an era of rising geopolitical tension?

Host Zhao Ying is joined by Zhang Fan, Associate Professor of Astronomy Department of Beijing Normal University; Quentin Parker, Director of Laboratory for Space Research, University of Hong Kong; Andy Mok, Tech Analyst and Senior Research Fellow at the Center for China and Globalization

① China has rejected NATO chief Mark Rutte’s warning that Brazil, China and India could be hit by secondary US sanctions if they maintain trade with Russia. Why is Rutte’s remark unhelpful to ending the Ukraine crisis? (00:55)

② China has established partnerships with over 80 countries and regions in intellectual property cooperation over the past five years. We take a look at what China has achieved in IPR protection during its 14th five-year plan. (13:27)

③ We speak to Benjamin Wong, Head of Transport & Logistics and Industrials at InvestHK, on how Hong Kong is positioning itself as a global supply chain hub. (24:59)

④ Israel has launched heavy airstrikes on Syria, claiming to defend Druze minorities. What could happen next? (34:03)

⑤ What has prompted the Trump administration to revoke federal funding for California’s high-speed rail project? Do high-speed railways fit America’s economic conditions? (42:12)

① The third China International Supply Chain Expo has opened in Beijing. How much does the willingness of the business community matter when it comes to safeguarding the stability of global supply chains? (00:57)

② China has announced that it will host the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit from August 31 to September 1. How can SCO stay true to its original aspiration and carry forward the Shanghai Spirit? (13:20)

③ A conversation with David Jonathan Gross, a Nobel Laureate and preeminent figure in theoretical physics. (25:12)

④ China is slamming Japan’s new defense white paper over allegations of the so-called China threat. Does it make sense to describe China as Tokyo’s “greatest strategic challenge”? (34:22)

⑤ The Trump administration is launching a probe into Brazil’s trade practices. Does Brazil deserve such a treatment? (43:19)

① We take a look at China’s recent Central Urban Work Conference and how it plans to build modern Chinese cities that are innovative, livable, beautiful, resilient and smart. (00:51)

② Meeting Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese in Beijing, President Xi Jinping said China is willing to work with Australia to further advance bilateral relations. What benefits have been brought to the two sides after bilateral ties achieved a turnaround? (14:32)

③ China’s economy grew at an annual rate of 5.3% in the first half of 2025. We explore the driving force of the steady growth. (24:48)

④ Nvidia will soon resume H20 AI chip sales to China following US government assurances. What does it mean to the US tech giant? (34:01)

⑤ On the 10th anniversary of World Youth Skills Day, we explore what skills young people really need for the future? (44:36)

① We take a look at Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s visit to China and how it will shore up trade relations between the two countries. (00:53)

② India’s foreign minister is making his first trip to China in five years. Will the positive trajectory in China-India relations continue? (13:38)

③ China’s exports growth beat expectations in June, driven by robust shipments to non-US markets. How resilient are China’s exports in the face of US tariffs? (24:24)

④ After the US threatened new tariffs of 30% on goods from the EU, Brussels decided to delay its retaliatory tariffs in hopes of reaching a deal with Washington by the end of this month. Will the EU make it? (34:23)

⑤ New Zealand has announced plans to double its international education market by 2034. What is driving New Zealand to pursue this goal? (43:16)

Over 600 guests from around 140 countries and regions have gathered in Beijing for the Global Civilization Dialogue Ministerial Meeting, held under the theme: “Safeguarding the Diversity of Human Civilizations for World Peace and Development.” What does this renewed call for civilization dialogue mean for global governance, cultural innovation, and peacebuilding?

Host Ge Anna is joined by Gordon Dumoulin, Consultant and analyst on China perspectives and Entrepreneur in Chinese Medicinal Herbs; Prof Qu Qiang, Fellow of Belt and Road Research Centre at Minzu University of China; Prof Warwick Powell Senior Fellow at Taihe Institute and Adjunct Professor at Queensland University of Technology.

①Chinese Premier Li Qiang calls on China, Egypt to deepen strategic coordination to safeguard common interests. (00:37)

②The 11th Nishan Forum on World Civilizations takes place in China's Shandong province. How does it contribute to mutual understanding in today's polarized world? (12:19)

③Donald Trump says the 50% tariff on copper imports will take effect on August 1. How will it impact US industries and consumers? (24:58)

④Scientists warn that climate change is fueling more extreme weather. (34:46)

⑤An interview with European Central Bank President Christine Lagarde (44:40)

①China's economy expanded at an average annual rate of 5.5 percent from 2021 to 2024. What's driving this strong momentum? (00:47)

②Once known for its rural terrain and underdeveloped economy, how has Guizhou transformed into China's big-data hub? (14:17)

③Emmanuel Macron is on a three-day visit to the UK, as he stresses a special responsibility of the two countries to safeguard European security. (25:06)

④Malaysia's Prime Minister Anwar Ibranhim has urged Southeast Asian countries to enhance trade among each other amid global uncertainty. (34:53)

⑤Donald Trump has stepped up his criticism of Vladimir Putin after restoring arms shipments to Ukraine. What does this mean for the prospects of a negotiated ceasefire? (45:36)