Inside the SCO Tianjin Summit

China’s economy grew 5.2 percent in the first three quarters, exceeding 100 trillion yuan, or about 14.3 trillion U.S. dollars. The National Bureau of Statistics says this performance shows resilience amid global headwinds. Industrial output increased by 6.2 percent from January to September, with value-added output of the equipment and high-tech manufacturing industries rising by nearly 10%. Retail sales of consumer goods rose 4.5 percent during the period, reaching over five trillion U.S. dollars. What do all these numbers tell us about China’s economy--its strengths, pressures, and future directions?

China is wrapping up its 14th Five-Year plan, which is marked by a series of achievements, including a resilient economy and technological breakthroughs. China's economic growth is projected to exceed 35 trillion yuan, or nearly $4.9 trillion, in the five-year period, contributing about 30 percent of annual global growth. In what ways did China's 14th Five-Year Plan drive the country’s development? (00:45) Gold has hit a dazzling new milestone—rising above 4,000 dollars per ounce for the first time in history. The surge comes amid the U.S. government shutdown and tariffs, as investors worldwide scramble for safe havens. From Wall Street to Main Street, the question is the same: what’s driving this gold rush — and how long can it last? (16:57)

China has released a nationwide policy guideline to promote the development and application of artificial Intelligence. The guideline aims to integrate and commercialize AI across six key areas: technology, industry, consumer upgrades, public welfare, governance, and international cooperation. According to the plan, the adoption rate of AI technology in smart devices is expected to reach 70% by 2027 and 90% by 2030. What does China’s AI Plus initiative really mean? How does it tie into China’s national strategy? What does it mean for schools, jobs, and global competition?

China is making a big push in future industries. Beijing has plans to accelerate everything from the biotech industry and quantum technology to commercial space, 6G, and the low-altitude economy. In this edition, we’ll look at some strategic emerging industries: biotech and the low-altitude economy.

Chinese and U.S. delegations have held candid, in-depth, and constructive trade talks in Madrid. Discussions on Sunday and Monday included matters related to TikTok. The two sides say the talks were guided by the important consensus reached previously by the two heads of state. Chinese vice premier He Lifeng reaffirmed China's determination to safeguard its legitimate rights and interests. Both sides have reached a framework consensus on resolving issues related to TikTok through cooperation and reducing investment barriers. What is the significance of the trade talks between China and the U.S. in Madrid? What are the key outcomes of the negotiations? What’s next for China-U.S. trade?

China has been the world's largest manufacturer for 15 years. What does this say about the resilience of China’s industrial base despite global headwinds? (00:44) Gold prices have reached record highs recently. The rally has been remarkable: up 9 percent in just three weeks and more than 35 percent since the start of the year. What has been driving this gold rush? (18:31)

The Shanghai Cooperation Organization has held its 25th meeting of the Council of Heads of State in Tianjin. Chinese President Xi Jinping has unveiled a new proposal, the Global Governance Initiative, to create a more inclusive international order. (00:45) Europe's July car sales have risen by the most since April last year, with BYD ahead of Tesla. How has BYD overtaken Tesla in the European market? What does it say about the global auto landscape? (22:20)

China unveils a national policy to accelerate the development and application of artificial Intelligence. How will it reshape the economy, people’s lives, and the global landscape of innovation (00:45)? China is doubling down on the biotech industry. In the first half of the year, Chinese drug developers signed over 140 deals with foreign pharmaceutical companies, accounting for one-third of all global agreements. Why is biotech an emerging strategic industry in China? Will China become a biotech powerhouse (17:46)?

China’s stock market hit a historic milestone this week. The Shanghai Composite Index climbed to its highest level in a decade. At the same time, the total market capitalization of A-shares broke through the 100 trillion-yuan mark, or nearly 14 trillion U.S. dollars, for the first time. What are the main factors driving this rally? Compared with previous bull runs, what feels different this time? And what does this mean for China’s economy and financial market (00:46)? The U.S. national debt surpasses 37 trillion US dollars as President Trump calls on Fed Chair Jerome Powell to lower interest rates (14:34).

Regarding China’s new subsidies on personal consumer loans, how big of a boost will this be for the economy? (00:45) What does OpenAI’s release of ChatGPT-5 signal for the future of the AI industry?(18:00)