The Hub with Wang Guan

The world is undergoing a profound transformation. Can the international system become more democratic and equitable? What role can China and Europe play in shaping a more inclusive global order? On The Hub, Wang Guan speaks with George Katrougalos, independent expert of the United Nations Human Rights Council on the promotion of a democratic and equitable international order, and former Foreign Minister of Greece. The interview moves from the reshaping global order and the Global South's rise in a multipolar world, to China-Europe relations and European political integration, and on to UN reform and China's Global Governance Initiative.

How can openness and connectivity drive shared growth? What can cities learn from each other? In this exclusive interview on The Hub, Wang Guan speaks with Wayne Brown, mayor of Auckland, New Zealand, on the sidelines of the 2026 Global Mayors Dialogue in Ningbo. Brown explores New Zealand-China cooperation, from Auckland learning from Ningbo's port efficiency to city-to-city exchanges, tech innovation and cross-sector collaboration.

As Shanghai hosts the 9th China International Import Expo from November 5 to 10, what opportunities will China's evolving market offer to multinational companies? As China enters a new phase of high-quality development, how are global companies positioning themselves for the opportunities ahead? On The Hub, Wang Guan speaks with Rogier Janssens, president of Merck China and managing director of Merck Life Science China. He looks at Merck's long-term investment strategy in China, its engagement with the country's innovation ecosystem, and the growing role of AI in biotechnology and cancer treatment.

Ninety years after the Long March, how does its spirit continue to shape China's development? In this special edition of The Hub, Wang Guan explores how the spirit of this event has transformed Yan'an in northwest China. Also joining the discussion is Vladimir Norov, former secretary-general of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization and chairman of the Central Asian Association for AI. He discusses the enduring relevance of the Long March spirit and how it helps societies overcome challenges and pursue long-term development.

How can cities use AI and digital technology to respond more effectively to people's needs? And how can governments move beyond resolving individual complaints to preventing problems before they arise? On The Hub, Wang Guan speaks with Vladimir Imamovich Norov, former secretary-general of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization and chairman of the Central Asian Association for AI, at the 2026 Beijing Forum on Swift Response to Public Complaints. They explore how Beijing's 12345 citizen service hotline connects public feedback with government action, enabling faster responses, stronger coordination across departments, and a shift from reactive problem-solving to proactive governance. They also examine how AI can improve public services while preserving human judgment, empathy and accountability.

China's extended National Day holiday is highlighting changing patterns of consumption, travel, and cultural exchange, across China and around the world. What does the holiday reveal about China's evolving consumer economy? As Chinese tourists travel overseas and international visitors explore deeper into China, is the holiday economy becoming increasingly global? On this episode of The Hub, Wang Guan examines the latest trends with John Gong, professor at the University of International Business and Economics; Clare Pearson, international development director for Asia at DLA Piper; and Daryl Guppy, CEO of Guppy Traders.

China-Arab relations are entering a new phase, with deeper cooperation in politics, trade, investment, technology, and sustainable development. How can China and the Arab world further strengthen their Comprehensive Strategic Partnership? What lessons can their cooperation offer to the wider Global South? On The Hub, Wang Guan speaks with Ahmed Mustafa Fahmy Hafez, head of the League of Arab States Mission to China. They explore the evolution of China-Arab relations, examine the significance of strategic trust and mutual support, and discuss how cooperation can contribute to regional and global prosperity.

China's economy is showing resilience as new growth drivers reshape its economic landscape. What is powering growth in 2026, and how are technology, trade and consumption shaping what comes next? On The Hub, Wang Guan is joined by Wang Dan, China Director at Eurasia Group; Liu Zhiqin, senior research fellow at Renmin University of China's Chongyang Institute for Financial Studies; and Andy Mok, author of "The Innovation Machine: How China Creates and Adopts Technology Through Governance." They discuss China's economic performance and new sources of growth.

As geopolitical tensions rise, existing institutions face growing pressure to adapt. On The Hub, Wang Guan brings together Alfred de Zayas, former United Nations independent expert and author of "Building a Just World Order" and "The Human Rights Industry"; Linjie Chou Zanadu, associate professor of International Relations at the European Centre for Peace and Development; and Ben Norton, founder and editor-in-chief of the Geopolitical Economy Report. They dive into the future of global governance, the rise of a multipolar world, and what the competing global visions mean for the future.

The China-US relationship is witnessing a new historic moment as the two heads of state meet in Washington. What signals could emerge from the meeting? How can Beijing and Washington manage differences while expanding areas of cooperation? On The Hub, Wang Guan brings together Li Cheng, founding director of the Centre on Contemporary China and the World at the University of Hong Kong; Fred Teng, president of the America China Public Affairs Institute; and Rick Dunham, senior visiting scholar at Tsinghua University's Global Business Journalism program. They explore the significance of the state visit and examine the latest developments in China-US relations.