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British PM Keir Starmer's first official China visit in eight years had a clear goal: boosting economic opportunities for UK firms. Accompanied by over 50 business leaders, the trip sought to revive the UK economy through China's market. What results did it achieve, and what lies ahead?

China is accelerating its push to become a global innovation powerhouse. There are three international technological innovation centers at the heart of the strategy: Beijing, Shanghai, and the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area. At the same time, China is doubling down on “industries of the future” -- from humanoid robots and quantum computing to brain-computer interfaces and 6G. Why is China prioritizing these frontier technologies as new engines of growth? How do China’s three innovation hubs differ in function and strategy? And how do they work together to help China move up the global innovation value chain? Biz Talk host Zhao Yang talked with Yan Liang, Professor of Economics, Willamette University; Qu Qiang, Fellow of Belt and Road Research Center at Minzu University of China; Andy Mok, Professor at Beijing Foreign Studies University.

After an 8-year gap, the British Prime Minister has arrived in China, seeking a more pragmatic relationship. Leading a major business delegation, the visit aims to unlock trade and investment opportunities at a time of global instability. How will this long-awaited trip reshape the future of China-UK relations?

China’s commercial space sector is taking off as a new engine of growth. Once dominated by state-led programs, China's space sector is undergoing rapid commercialization. Private companies are expanding into new areas such as satellites, launch vehicles, and space services, reshaping the industry's scale, speed, and structure. Why is the commercial space sector becoming such a strategic focus in China? What does this mean for industry players and investors?

The World Economic Forum Annual Meeting 2026 has come at a pivotal moment for the global economy, as uncertainty, rapid technological change, and rising geopolitical risks continue to reshape the world. Against this backdrop, participants are asking a critical question: how can the international community preserve cooperation and build greater resilience in an increasingly complex and challenging environment?

The World Economic Forum’s annual meeting has wrapped up in Davos against a backdrop of rising geopolitical tensions and global economic uncertainty. This year’s theme, “A Spirit of Dialogue,” underscores a growing recognition that cooperation is no longer optional, it’s essential. China has been firmly in focus. From meeting its 5 percent growth target in 2025 to its expanding role in advanced manufacturing, green technologies and artificial intelligence, China is being discussed as both a stabilizer of global growth and a driver of future innovation. With China’s GDP surpassing 140 trillion yuan for the first time, what do these signals really tell us about the Chinese economy? What does China’s presence at Davos mean for the global economy, investors, and international cooperation?

As the World Economic Forum prepares for Davos 2026, we look behind the scenes. How is its influential agenda set? How does the forum turn annual dialogue into lasting impact for the future?

China's foreign trade hit a new record high in 2025. Total imports and exports rose 3.8 percent to 45.5 trillion yuan, or 6.5 trillion U.S. dollars, marking the ninth year of growth. Exports rose 6.1 percent, while imports increased 0.5 percent to a record 18.5 trillion yuan, as China maintained its position as the world’s second-largest import market for the 17th year. Trade ties also became broader and more diversified, with China trading with more than 240 countries and regions, including its Belt and Road partners, which accounted for over half of total trade. So, what is driving this resilience—and what does it signal for China's role in global trade? What does it mean for China's economy?

The geopolitical struggle between the U.S. and Venezuela has once again placed energy and economics at center stage. How is this conflict reshaping world supply chains, market expectations, and the international economic order?

China’s equity markets have kicked off 2026 with a bang, with the Shanghai Composite Index climbing to a 10-year high. The rally builds on strong momentum from last year, when an AI-driven surge pushed the A-share market to its best annual performance in six years. As major global investment banks turn increasingly bullish on Chinese equities, we ask a key question: what is driving this market surge? What’s the situation of China’s economy at the start of 2026? Host Zhao Yang talked with Yan Liang, Professor of Economics, Willamette University;Dr. Zhou Mi, Senior Research Fellow with Chinese Academy of International Trade and Economic Cooperation;Qu Qiang, professor from Minzu University of China.

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.