In the field of education, China and New Zealand have established a long-standing partnership — from university exchanges and joint research programs to platforms like the China Education Expo. In this special edition of The Hub, Dr. Shane Reti, New Zealand's Minister of Science, Innovation and Technology, shares his insights on how education, science, and climate actions are shaping our shared future.

The China International Import Expo was held in Shanghai from November 5 to 10. As one of the world's largest trade fairs, it has become a flagship platform for showcasing China's commitment to high-standard and institutional opening-up — a central theme of the country's upcoming 15th Five-Year Plan. Amid global economic headwinds, China is doubling down on openness — turning its vast market into a shared space for cooperation, innovation, and growth.

The recent meeting between Chinese President Xi Jinping and U.S. President Donald Trump in Busan marked a pivotal moment in bilateral relations. Held on the sidelines of APEC South Korea 2025, the meeting carried a clear, forward-looking message: the world's two largest economies, after years of frictions, are positioning themselves as partners rather than perpetual rivals. What deeper political and economic signal does this meeting send? Can we realistically expect a turning point in China–U.S. relations?

In this special roundtable, we are joined by a group of young foreign students who bring a fresh perspective on China and the world. Many of them have studied, worked, and traveled across China, experiencing firsthand the changes shaping daily life and the nation's growth. What is their take on China's next chapter? With the guiding recommendations of the 15th Five-Year Plan already on the table, how do they see China's priorities for the next five years?

As China's 14th Five-Year Plan draws to a successful close, the Fourth Plenary Session of the 20th CPC Central Committee is underway in Beijing from October 20 to 23, a landmark meeting that will set the course for China's upcoming 15th Five-Year Plan and the nation's next phase of modernization. What new signals will this plenary send out about China's policy direction in the years ahead? And how will the 15th Five-Year Plan balance long-term strategy with short-term realities?

China has just concluded an important chapter, the "14th Five-Year Plan," marked by historic strides in technological innovation, a green transition, and high-quality development. As the nation unveils its "15th Five-Year Plan," former Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister of Poland, Professor Grzegorz W. Kołodko shares his assessment of China's economic resilience through the decades. What's his view on the prospects of China-Poland relations and China-EU dynamics amid a complex global landscape and Trump 2.0? What role can China's development model play in shaping inclusive globalization and the future of global governance?

The eight-day National Day and Mid-Autumn Festival holiday has just wrapped up after an extended break that energized the nation with hundreds of millions of trips, bustling scenic spots, and booming consumption across China. As people head back to work on this first workday after the long break, we take a closer look at what this holiday reveals about China's economic vitality. From record tourism revenue to surging spending in retail, dining, and entertainment, what do the numbers tell us about China's current growth momentum and consumer confidence? What challenges and opportunities lie ahead for the world's second-largest economy as it enters the final quarter of the year?

Starting October 1, China will implement its revised regulations on the entry and exit of foreigners. Among the highlights is a newly introduced K visa, designed specifically for young tech talents from around the world. This policy has drawn wide attention in the international community. How should we understand this move in light of China's development needs? How might it inject fresh vitality into its economy, advance further opening-up, and strengthen the country's influence on the global stage?

This year marks the 70th anniversary of the founding of the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. Over the past seven decades, Xinjiang has grown from a remote frontier to a vibrant region with modern cities, thriving industries, and improved living standards for 26 million residents representing dozens of ethnic groups. The region has made historic progress in poverty alleviation, education, and healthcare -- achievements that have transformed everyday life. It is also emerging as a pioneer in clean energy, generating a significant share of China's wind and solar power, and serving as a crucial bridge for the country's westward opening-up and international connectivity.

This year marks the 80th anniversary of the United Nations and the 80th session of the UN General Assembly -- a time to reflect on eight decades of peace, development, and human rights. Yet the world also faces urgent challenges, especially climate change, which calls for stronger global cooperation. At this crossroads, Chinese President Xi Jinping has put forward the Global Governance Initiative, or GGI, urging countries to work together for a fairer and more equitable global governance system. How can the GGI best align with the UN Sustainable Development Goals, and what added value can it bring to global climate action and today's international efforts?

Sports have long been a powerful bond connecting people across cultures and continents. Recently, a group of Latin American guests gathered in Beijing for an exploration ranging from sports exchange to economic growth.

Chinese President Xi Jinping delivered an important address at the BRICS Leaders' Meeting via video link, where leaders held in-depth discussions on a wide range of global challenges, ranging from economic governance to international security and sustainable development. These talks come at a time of heightened geopolitical tensions and deep economic uncertainties. What messages does the summit send to the international community? How is BRICS reshaping its role in global governance, and what path might this grouping pursue in the years ahead?

The message from the September 3 parade at Tian'anmen Square in Beijing is clear: China has a military that is modernizing fast and stands firm against bullying. It has the full capability to defend itself should there be an adversary. Another key message conveyed is that China is a force for peace, development, and global solidarity. It is willing to lead those who are committed to building this Community of Shared Future for Humanity, where there's common development, collective empathy, and a shared love for peace.

This week, China hosted the largest-ever Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit in the city of Tianjin. At the Summit, President Xi Jinping proposed the Global Governance Initiative. As this week marks the 80th anniversary of victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War, SCO leaders also issued a statement to honor that occasion: Never forget the lessons of WWII.

Over the 24 years since its founding, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization has steadily grown under the strategic leadership of its member states, broadening cooperation and increasing its influence on the global stage. With the SCO Summit in the coastal city of Tianjin coming up from August 31 to September 1, what role will the "Shanghai Spirit" play in building trust and cooperation among its members? In this complex international environment, how can SCO members achieve security and development together?

In this special edition of The Hub, CGTN host Wang Guan talked with ambassadors, culture figures and witnesses of China-Pakistan relations at a panel discussion co-hosted by CGTN and the Embassy of Pakistan in China. How has the relationship between China and Pakistan stayed so strong and resilient over the years and decades?

This year marks the 80th anniversary of China's victory in the People's War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression, a hard-fought struggle for China's survival and a key part of the global fight against fascism. Yet this chapter of history has quickly become a "forgotten war" in many parts of the Western world, and for that matter China has been, to borrow the words of then-Oxford, now-Harvard scholar Rana Mitter, a "forgotten ally." What exactly happened eighty years ago in this part of the world? And what crucial lessons must be learned?

Rising global tensions and ideological divides are making the echoes of the 20th century louder. Odd Arne Westad, a leading historian from Yale University, studies these dynamics. In addition to his Bancroft Prize-winning book, The Global Cold War: Third World Interventions and the Making of Our Times, he also specializes in China with works like Restless Empire: China and the World and The Great Transformation: China's Road from Revolution to Reform. His work helps us understand the complex world order by connecting the past and present. As we face these familiar challenges, are we truly learning from history, or are we destined to repeat it?

The 2025 BRICS Summit in Rio de Janeiro has reshaped the tech cooperation landscape with its groundbreaking focus on “AI governance” and “digital sovereignty” for the Global South. Chinese Premier Li Qiang announced at the Summit that China will pioneer the “Digital South” brand under the Global Development Initiative, or the GDI – a commitment to enhance capacity building across developing nations. How can the Global South co-build a more inclusive “Digital South” under the GDI, one that bridges the AI divide and transforms technological potential into shared prosperity?

High-level European leaders are arriving in China this week for a significant round of talks with their Chinese counterparts. The visit comes at a time when both sides are navigating through a complex web of global challenges. With all eyes on Beijing and Brussels, how will the two sides work through their differences? Can they find common ground for the next phase of bilateral engagement?