Explore how a human-centric training approach is advancing robotics, the timeline for real-world applications, and the profound changes intelligent machines could bring to our lives and society.

China’s humanoid robot industry is taking off — from headline-grabbing performances at the World Humanoid Robot Games to rapidly commercializing models from rising companies like Unitree. With China already commanding 40% of the world’s robotics market and its humanoid sector projected to grow more than 60% annually, the country is racing to push robots from factory floors into everyday life. What has been fueling this surge? How does it fit into China’s national strategy, and can China become a global robotics powerhouse?

Analysts share their opinions on China's economic outlook next year and the country’s shift toward innovation-driven development. They also explain how the new trends will impact global markets, investors and China's long-term trajectory.

China’s push for high-quality development is increasingly powered by technological innovation. According to the Nature Index 2025, Chinese cities now account for more than half of the world’s top 10 research hubs, with Beijing remaining the leading global science city. What stands out is that innovation is no longer confined to a handful of major cities. From the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region to the Yangtze River Delta and the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, coordinated regional innovation clusters are emerging as new growth engines. What are the key factors contributing to China’s innovation capability? And what does this mean for China’s economy and global competition?

The Hainan Free Trade Port marks a major milestone in China’s next phase of opening up, with the introduction of special customs operations across the island. Analysts share their views on the international significance of the new arrangements.

Hainan Free Trade Port’s island-wide special customs operations have officially taken effect, marking the island province’s entry into a new phase of trade liberalization and border management reform. Under the new regime, the share of zero-tariff products in the Hainan FTP will jump from around one fifth to three quarters. The number of tariff-free items will expand from around 1,900 to over 6,600, covering nearly all production equipment and raw materials. What do island-wide special customs operations signal? How will the island position itself as a hub connecting domestic and international markets?

Top French business leaders share their views on China's evolving market. The senior executives discuss their strategies for sustainability, high-end manufacturing and consumer trends, revealing a future built on innovation and closer bilateral partnership.

China has wrapped up its annual Central Economic Work Conference, setting the country’s economic priorities for 2026. This year’s roadmap emphasizes boosting domestic demand, driving innovation, deepening reform and opening-up, pushing low-carbon growth, and improving people’s livelihoods—all under the guiding principle of maintaining stability while pursuing progress. The meeting comes at a pivotal moment, as China prepares its 15th Five-Year Plan and navigates an increasingly complex global landscape. So what do these signals mean for growth, for businesses, and for China’s next stage of development? Biz Talk host Zhao Yang spoke with Yan Liang, Professor of Economics, Willamette University; Chen Jiahe, chief investment officer at Novem Arcae Technologies;Li Lun, Assistant Professor of Economics, Peking University

Analysts share their views on how the G20 Summit in South Africa has reinforced the group's role in addressing uneven recovery, climate change and digital disruption to foster inclusive global growth.

China is charting a new course in commercial space, as the National Space Administration sets up a dedicated department to steer one of the country’s fastest-growing high-tech industries. (00:46） And on the consumer front, beyond the Labubu craze, we dive into why spending in China is shifting from goods to services — and what that means for the broader economy. (19:10)

In this episode, our reporter Aaron Liu sits down with experts to assess how AI is reshaping our daily lives.

Global banks are turning increasingly upbeat about China’s economic trajectory. Financial institutions like Goldman Sachs now expect China’s exports to grow 5 to 6 percent annually over the next few years, more than double their earlier forecasts. It has also nudged its forecast for China’s GDP growth this year from 4.9 to 5 percent. Analysts are broadly optimistic, anticipating that continued policy support, structural upgrades, and the unleashing of domestic potential will sustain China's economic momentum. What’s the state of China’s economy? And why have global banks become more optimistic about it?

A sustainable development concept born in Huzhou, Zhejiang Province has blossomed into the core principles now guiding China's bold national journey toward a green transformation.

China accounted for almost 80% of global EV sales growth in 2024. What are the underlying forces behind this growth? (00:45) Moody’s Chief Economist says the U.S. economy is riding an AI high, but it may not last. (15:38)

Global executives at this year's China International Import Expo share why they are betting on continued growth and deepening their roots in the dynamic Chinese economy.

China’s latest economic data paints a picture of a steady recovery. The consumer price index rose in October for the first time since June, up 0.2 percent — the fastest pace so far this year. Meanwhile, the annual Double 11 shopping festival underscored the resilience and innovation of China’s consumer market, with major e-commerce platforms reporting record sales fueled by AI-driven technologies and a growing consumer appetite for quality and diversity. At the same time, China’s foreign trade has remained robust. What do these figures reveal about the strength of domestic demand and export momentum? And what policy moves might we expect in the coming months?

APEC was back in South Korea after 20 years at a critical crossroads. As global tensions rise, can its unique spirit of collaboration steer us toward a future that is genuinely inclusive, sustainable, and dynamic?

The 8th China International Import Expo, or CIIE, is currently held in Shanghai. As a key part of China's commitment to further opening up its economy, the expo aims to transform the country's vast market into shared opportunities for the world. Chinese Premier Li Qiang hailed the CIIE as a bridge connecting the world, and an entrance to the Chinese economy. On the exhibition floor, the spotlight is on the future: humanoid robots doing kung fu, autonomous-driving vehicles making their Asia-Pacific debut, and smart technologies offering new solutions for people’s everyday life. To dive into this, our host Zhao Yang spoke with Dr. Zhou Mi, Senior Research Fellow with Chinese Academy of International Trade and Economic Cooperation; Andy Mok, a tech analyst and professor at Beijing Foreign Studies University; Yan Liang, Professor of Economics, Willamette University.

China and ASEAN have signed a free trade area 3.0 upgrade protocol in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The upgraded FTA will introduce nine new chapters covering areas such as the digital economy, the green economy, and supply chain connectivity. What does the updated FTA mean for businesses, digital trade, and the future of Asia’s economy？(00:43) Beijing has hosted the 2025 Financial Street Forum. We’ll examine the messages coming from this event. (20:46)

In this episode, we spoke to CEO Andrea Casaluci of Italian tire maker Pirelli and Director Roddy Campbell of Partnerships & International Business at Tennis Australia, for their insights into China’s evolving market.