High-quality development

The US is intensifying pressure on Iran, launching Task Force Iron Gate to restrict the movement of weapons and sanctioned goods across Iranian borders, adding to its ongoing naval blockade. Meanwhile, Qatar is stepping up diplomatic efforts to bring Washington and Tehran closer to an agreement. With Democrats set to take control of the US Congress and Israel facing political uncertainty following inconclusive elections, could the shifting political landscape change the course of the conflict? What are the hurdles standing in the way of a negotiated settlement?

A wave of protests is sweeping across Europe. From France and Germany to Italy, Spain and Portugal, people have taken to the streets over rising living costs, public spending cuts and growing anxiety about their future. What began as peaceful demonstrations in some places escalated into violence, with some protesters looting shops and clashing with police. What is driving this growing discontent? What is behind the unrest? Can European governments address the grievances of a generation increasingly uncertain about their future?

Ten years after the Paris Agreement came into force, the world is still struggling to meet its climate goals. Clean energy is expanding rapidly, but current policies could put the planet on course for nearly three degrees Celsius of warming this century. With COP31 approaching, can the green transition also drive economic global growth? And how can developing countries secure the financing they need? What insights can China's renewable energy transition offer the rest of the world?

The fifth plenary session of the 20th CPC Central Committee concluded in Beijing on October 29th, adopting a resolution on advancing full and rigorous Party self-governance. The move shows the Party's continued emphasis on strengthening internal governance and tackling corruption. Why does China's leadership place such importance on strict Party discipline and self-governance? What lessons can other ruling parties around the world draw from China's approach?

China's economy is showing signs of renewed momentum, driven by strong growth in high-tech manufacturing and emerging industries. But with external pressures mounting and domestic demand remaining weak, can that momentum be sustained? How effective are China's economic policies? Where will the next wave of growth come from? And what does all this mean for global investors and trading partners?

Ninety years ago, the Chinese Red Army completed one of the most remarkable journeys in modern history, crossing snow-capped mountains and treacherous marshlands in a desperate struggle for survival. What began as a military retreat became an historic turning point and a testament to extraordinary endurance, conviction, and determination. Today, China is on a very different journey, pursuing modernization while facing new challenges and uncertainties. Can the spirit of the Long March still inspire generations who never experienced it? And what lessons can its story offer the wider world? Ninety years on, what does the Long March mean today?

A wave of protests and social unrest is sweeping across Europe. In France, hundreds of thousands have taken to the streets, with some demonstrations erupting into violent clashes with police, looting and attacks on buildings. Italy, Portugal and Belgium have also witnessed widespread protests amid growing frustration over living costs, housing and public services. What's driving this growing wave of public anger? Could France's turmoil be a warning of deeper economic and political strains across Europe? And how might the unrest intensify political divisions, particularly over immigration and national identity?

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's latest offering to Yasukuni Shrine has once again stirred controversy across East Asia. Against the backdrop of longstanding historical disputes and ongoing debates over Japan's defense policy and national identity, questions are mounting over the direction of the country's political leadership. What does the Yasukuni controversy reveal about Japan's approach to its wartime past? How could growing conservative influence shape the country's future security policy? How might Takaichi's leadership affect Japan's relations with China and other neighboring countries?

EU leaders are meeting in Brussels for a two-day summit with trade imbalances, European competitiveness and economic security high on the agenda. China and the EU have recently stepped up dialogue to manage their differences. So is Europe moving toward greater protectionism? Can China and the EU find common ground without further escalating their trade disputes?

Amid rising geopolitical tensions, economic uncertainty and growing global divisions, the world faces mounting challenges to peace, cooperation and shared prosperity. As global power dynamics shift, how can countries manage strategic competition and prevent regional conflicts from escalating? What role can China play in shaping a more stable international order and addressing the challenges facing the Global South?