Advertise on podcast: The Point with Liu Xin

Empty suitcases in, packed suitcases out. "China Haul" is the latest buzzword following "China Travel" and "Chinamaxxing," as international visitors shop for Chinese drones, cameras, sneakers, bags and beauty products. What's behind the trend? Why are more "China" hashtags gaining traction, and what are travelers discovering about China beyond the usual tourist experience?

China-US ties have reached "another historical juncture." During his state visit to Washington, Chinese President Xi Jinping stressed that while China-US cooperation may not solve every problem in the world, but without it, it would be hard to solve many of the world's problems. The visit also featured a high-profile welcome from US President Donald Trump, underscoring the importance both sides attach to the relationship. How significant is this latest Xi-Trump meeting? What does it mean for the future of China-US relations, and for the wider world?

For decades, Chinese and American filmmakers have connected audiences through television and cinema. Now, a new generation of storytellers is taking that exchange to a much smaller screen. Chinese micro dramas and short-form series are finding audiences in the United States. The trend is opening up new possibilities for creators to share ideas, talent, and expertise across borders. What's driving this new wave of creative exchange? Is the rise of micro dramas simply a short-lived trend, or the beginning of something much bigger?

China and the U.S. are competing fiercely in artificial intelligence. But when it comes to AI safety and governance, can the world's two largest economies find common ground? With both sides maintaining dialogue on AI governance, questions remain: What risks do they share? Where do their perspectives differ? And how can they cooperate on AI safety while competing in the global AI race?

At the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi, Chinese President Xi Jinping called on BRICS countries to become "pioneers of the times," highlighting four areas: innovation, security, culture and governance. With BRICS representing around half of the world's population and playing an increasingly significant role in global economic growth, what does China envision for the future of the grouping and the wider Global South? What are the economic and geopolitical implications, and what could BRICS' evolution mean for the world and for you?

China is known around the world for "Made in China." But a new story is emerging: "Serviced by China." The 2026 China International Fair for Trade in Services (CIFTIS) is underway in Beijing, bringing together over 1,800 exhibitors from around 90 countries, regions and international organizations. China's trade in services also grew by 8% in the first seven months of 2026, continuing an upward trajectory. What's driving the rapid growth of Chinese services? Why are Chinese services increasingly in demand around the world? And can this momentum continue?

The world map we grew up with may be changing. The UN General Assembly voted 164-1 to adopt the Equal Earth map projection, which more accurately represents the relative size of countries and continents. Africa appears much larger, while Europe and North America are considerably smaller. But how did a grassroots campaign turn into an almost unanimous global vote? And why was the United States the only country to vote against it? In this episode, we explore the politics, history and ideas behind the map that could change how we see the world.

What is the real situation after a devastating mudslide hit Gyirong Port on the China-Nepal border in southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region? As of Saturday evening, 43 people are confirmed dead, with another 519 unaccounted for on the Chinese side. In Nepal, more than 1,300 people are reportedly dead and some 5,000 others still missing. Rescue efforts continue on both sides. It is a devastating time for both countries, especially for those affected by the disaster. Yet rather than objectively reporting the facts, some in the Western media are using the tragedy as an opportunity to smear and attack China. How are they using this disaster to push their own agendas? What is the true story?

China and Egypt are strengthening their partnership, with both sides calling for a greater voice for the Global South in global political and economic decision-making. What new agreements have the two countries reached? What could they mean for the future of China-Egypt relations? And how can Beijing and Cairo work together to make the Global South's voice heard on the world stage?

Chinese President Xi Jinping's visit to Egypt has brought new momentum to the partnership. During his visit to Egypt, President Xi held talks with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, as the two countries witnessed the signing of new cooperation documents covering the Belt and Road, artificial intelligence, trade, and industrial and supply chains. Ten years after Xi's last visit to Egypt, what has changed in China-Egypt relations, and where is the partnership headed next?

The Shanghai Cooperation organisation (SCO) turns 25 as leaders gather in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, for this year's summit. What began in 2001 with six founding members has grown into a platform bringing together 10 member states and 17 SCO partners. Over the past 25 years, its cooperation has expanded well beyond regional security to trade, energy, technology, culture and more. How has the SCO evolved? What does it hope to achieve at this year's summit? And what could its growing role mean for the region and beyond?

For 70 years, China and Egypt have built a remarkable partnership rooted in two ancient civilizations, and their economic ties have grown some 1,700-fold. As momentum continues to build, what opportunities lie ahead? And what could this partnership mean for the wider Arab world, the Middle East and Africa?

After nearly six months of war, Washington is turning to what it calls its "single greatest financial offensive ever." Under Operation Economic Outcast, the US is targeting Iran's economic lifelines, and warning its trading partners they could face sanctions too. Will sanctions force Tehran to back down? Or will they push Iran's trading partners to resist Washington's pressure? And what does this economic offensive reveal about where the war is heading?

America's national debt has surpassed $40 trillion, more than double what it was just a decade ago. The debt is still climbing rapidly, while interest payments are adding to the burden every minute. What is driving America's soaring debt? Is the U.S. heading toward a debt crisis? And what could it mean for the rest of the world?

How close are we to seeing intelligent humanoid robots become part of everyday life? Unitree Robotics, a Chinese maker of humanoid robots, surged more than fourfold on its debut on the Shanghai Stock Exchange, a landmark moment for China's humanoid robot industry. With the IPO coinciding with the World Robot Conference and World Humanoid Robot Games in Beijing, what does it tell us about China's position on embodied intelligence? What's behind this landmark IPO? And what does it mean for you?