东谈西论

中国全国人大常委会8月底表决通过新修订的国防动员法，2026年10月1日起施行。  

这是中国《国防动员法》自2010年正式设立以来，首次的大规模修订。修订后的条文从2010年的14章14条，扩大为14章82条。其中明确界定，国防动员是要将和平时期的国家“经济和社会实力转化为国防实力” 。

在修订版10月正式实施前，中国国家发展和改革委员会已设立国防动员综合司（国动司）。 

中国的国防动员法这次大修具体增加了哪些内容，有什么特点？这是否意味着中国在进一步为武统台湾做准备？台湾社会又如何看待北京的这些动向？

这期的早报播客《东谈西论》，听主持人韩咏红与《联合早报》驻台北记者缪宗翰为你深度解析。

In late August, China’s Standing Committee of the National People's Congress passed a major revision to its National Defense Mobilisation Law, set to take effect on October 1, 2026. This marks the first major overhaul of the legislation since its official enactment in 2010.

The revised legal framework significantly expands the law to 14 chapters and 82 articles, explicitly outlining a mechanism to transform the country's peacetime. Underscoring this transition, China’s National Development and Reform Commission has already established a new Comprehensive Department of National Defense Mobilisation ahead of the law's implementation.

Join host Han Yong Hong with Lianhe Zaobao’s Taipei correspondent Zong-Han Miaw as they examine the details of China's defense law overhaul and what this strategic pivot means for Cross-Strait relations.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

横跨尼泊尔、印度、不丹、中国和巴基斯坦的喜马拉雅山脉，是世界海拔最高的山脉，人们称它做“世界屋脊”，也有人形容它是世界第三极，因为它拥有南极与北极之外最大的冰雪储量。

喜马拉雅山区的冰川孕育了长江、黄河、印度河、恒河、雅鲁藏布江等亚洲文明的重要水系，为下游约20亿人口提供淡水资源。

2026年8月26日，尼泊尔境内一条冰川在海拔约5200米处断裂，冰岩体快速坠落至海拔约4000米处，冲刷山体形成巨型泥石流，再冲击22公里后到海拔1800米左右的中国吉隆口岸，将该区域约0.7平方公里的设施被夷为平地。

冰体运动速度约为每秒50米，让人几乎没有反应时间，至今已造成约800人死亡。

中国专家指出，尼泊尔中国西藏这场泥石流灾害是气候变暖长期作用下冰川失稳所致， 亚洲水塔正在摇摇欲坠吗？

这期的早报播客《东谈西论》，听主持人韩咏红与新加坡南洋理工大学国立教育学院人文与社会学科教育学部助理教授兼气候变化研究学者王靖宇，跟我们的听众深入谈这次灾害背后给全球的警示。

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

美国和韩国的联合军事演习上个星期罕见地缩减规模，美国总统特朗普明示要跟朝鲜领导人金正恩举行第四次特金会，加上美国深陷伊朗战争和中期选举临近的背景，“特金会”再次成为国际舆论的关注。

一方是急于在11月中期选举前捞取外交政绩、高调示好的特朗普；一方是手握57至上百枚核弹头筹码的金正恩。

这场交织着大国博弈、美朝心理战的地缘政治大戏，正迎来全新的变局。

这期的早报播客《东谈西论》，听主持人吴汉钧与《联合早报》驻首尔通讯员姜贵瑛，和美国得克萨斯州山姆休士顿州立大学政治系副教授翁履中，跟我们的听众深入分析朝美韩的形势变化，以及跟美国中期选举有什么关系。

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

享年98岁的中国前总理朱镕基，2026年8月12日在北京病逝。朱镕基病逝的日子，还差几天就是中共前总书记、中国国家主席江泽民的100周年诞辰。自从8月中以来，中国就隆重纪念江泽民百年诞辰，央视推出了12集纪录片，最高层星期一上午还在北京人民大会堂举行了纪念大会。

许多人也再次回忆起1990年代的中国改革以及当年的“江朱体制”。中国高层为何高规格纪念江泽民诞辰？他们的去世，是否标志中国改革年代的落幕？

这期的早报播客《东谈西论》，听主持人韩咏红与《联合早报》中国新闻资深高级记者于泽远评价“江朱体制”的政治遗产。

延伸阅读：

Former Chinese premier Zhu Rongji passed away in Beijing on August 12, 2026, at the age of 98, just days before the 100th birth anniversary of former president Jiang Zemin. Amid Beijing's high-profile commemorations for the late leader, public memory has turned back to the transformative "Jiang-Zhu era" of the 1990s. 

In this episode of the Global Heartbeat podcast, Lianhe Zaobao’s China News Copy Editor Yu Zeyuan joins host Han Yong Hong to unpack the political signals behind these commemorations, evaluate the legacy of their economic reforms and ask if their passing marks a definitive end to the reform era they represented.

Hosted by Lianhe Zaobao’s Associate Editor, Han Yong Hong, Global Heartbeat is a Mandarin weekly news and current affairs podcast that is updated every Tuesday, 7.00 PM SGT. It is available on zaobao.sg, Apple Podcast, Spotify and other podcast platforms.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

马来西亚森美兰州8月1日举行州议会选举。国民阵线与国民联盟延续在柔佛州选时的合作气势，联手夺得25席，从希望联盟手中夺回该州执政权，继续推进马来保守政治的“蓝潮”。

首相安华领导的希望联盟仅夺得11席，比上届减少6席，再度受挫。其中交通部长兼民主行动党秘书长陆兆福更在连任13年的真纳区意外落选，遭遇政治生涯首败。

由国阵与国盟联手催出的“蓝潮”会席卷整个西马吗？希盟旗下的公正党与诚信党撑不起马来票， 民行党又陷入危机，安华政府是否已经岌岌可危？

这期的早报播客《东谈西论》，听主持人韩咏红与马来西亚政治观察者、华社研究中心学术董事潘永强博士深入解析。

延伸阅读：

In the Negeri Sembilan state election on Aug 1, the Barisan Nasional (BN) and Perikatan Nasional (PN) alliance won 25 seats, taking control of the state from Pakatan Harapan (PH). PH, led by Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, won only 11 seats. Notably, Transport Minister and secretary-general of the Democratic Action Party (DAP) Anthony Loke lost his Chennah seat, marking his first electoral defeat since entering politics in 2004.

With PH’s component parties struggling to secure Malay votes, how will this rising conservative "blue wave" affect the stability of the federal government?

In this episode of Global Heartbeat podcast, host Han Yonghong discusses these key political developments with Dr. Phoon Wing Keong, political observer and chairperson of the Huayan Policy Institute.

Hosted by Lianhe Zaobao’s Associate Editor, Han Yong Hong, Global Heartbeat is a Mandarin weekly news and current affairs podcast that is updated every Tuesday, 7.00 PM SGT. It is available on zaobao.sg, Apple Podcast, Spotify and other podcast platforms.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

美国总统特朗普多次表明，他认为字典里最美的词就是关税。在去年1月20日宣誓就职美国总统后的游行活动中他甚至直言，字典里最美的三个词，第一是上帝、第二是宗教，第三就是关税。

继去年4月推出、并在今年2月被美国法院裁定违宪的“解放日”关税后，特朗普上个星期再度依据美国《1974年贸易法》第301条，以“强迫劳动”为由，对全球60个贸易伙伴征收10%或12.5%的关税。其中，英国、欧盟、印度尼西亚、马来西亚、台湾等12个美国贸易伙伴被课征10%关税；新加坡、中国、日本、韩国、澳大利亚等多数经济体则被课征12.5%关税。

特朗普以“强迫劳动”加征关税，究竟是不是“欲加之罪，何患无辞”？利用301条款及“强迫劳动”的理由加税，在美国法律上是否会更站得住脚？这12.5%的关税又会对新加坡产生什么影响？

这期的早报播客《东谈西论》，听主持人韩咏红与新加坡管理大学李光前商学院金融学副教授傅方剑深度拆解。

延伸阅读：

A new wave of US tariffs took effect on July 24, imposing 10% to 12.5% duties on 60 trading partners—including Singapore, where a third of domestic exports to the US are affected.

In this episode of Global Heartbeat, host Han Yonghong and Associate Professor of Finance Fu Fangjian from Singapore Management University's Lee Kong Chian School of Business, examine the legal motives behind these Section 301 tariffs and what they mean for Singapore's economy.

Hosted by Lianhe Zaobao’s Associate Editor, Han Yong Hong, Global Heartbeat is a Mandarin weekly news and current affairs podcast that is updated every Tuesday, 7.00 PM SGT. It is available on zaobao.sg, Apple Podcast, Spotify and other podcast platforms.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

2026年世界人工智能大会暨人工智能全球治理高级别会议，上周五在上海拉开序幕。中国国家主席习近平亲自出席开幕式，提出要让人工智能成为促进共同繁荣与安全的重要动力源，呼吁世界各国携手构建公正合理的全球人工智能治理体系。

在这次备受瞩目的人工智能大会上，中国的科技企业展示了什么亮点？中国提出的人工智能全球合作机制，是不是与美国主导的“硅和平”分庭抗礼？一道“AI铁幕”，已经徐徐降下了吗？

这期的早报播客《东谈西论》，听主持人韩咏红联手嘉宾新加坡优势研究咨询公司创始人兼CEO张帆与新加坡国立大学李光耀公共政策学院副教授顾清扬博士深入解析。

延伸阅读：

The 2026 World Artificial Intelligence Conference (WAIC) and High-Level Meeting on Global AI Governance kicked off in Shanghai, China, on 17 July. At the opening ceremony, Chinese President Xi Jinping called for AI to become a driving force for shared prosperity and security, urging the international community to co-create a fair and equitable global AI governance framework.

In this episode of Global Heartbeat, host Han Yonghong is joined by Dr. Gu Qingyang, Associate Professor at the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy, National University of Singapore and Tim Zhang, Founder & CEO of Edge Research Consulting, to dissect the latest technological milestones showcased by Chinese tech giants at WAIC and debate whether Beijing's newly launched World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organisation (WAICO) is designed to rival the US-led 'Silicon Peace' initiative, and whether an 'AI Iron Curtain' is indeed quietly descending upon the world.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

马来西亚柔佛州星期六举行了州议会选举，长期执政柔佛州的国民阵线不出所料获得大胜。在总数56个州议席中，国阵赢得48席，比上届选举中还多八席，再次以超过三分之二绝对优势执政。

在这个华人人口占三成的州，希盟流失10%华人选票。希盟的主要成员党、代表华人选民的民主行动党的议席从上届的10席萎缩到6席。代表伊斯兰势力的伊斯兰党，这次也颗粒无收。

这个选举结果反映了什么？安华政府下来会面对怎样的处境？他是否会被迫提早全国大选？传说中的“绿潮”，被柔佛挡住了吗？

这期的早报播客《东谈西论》，听主持人韩咏红与马来西亚政治观察者、华社研究中心学术董事潘永强博士深入解析。

延伸阅读：

In last Saturday's Johor state election, Barisan Nasional (BN) reclaimed its commanding two-thirds majority, winning 48 of 56 seats. In contrast, Pakatan Harapan (PH) suffered a major blow as a 10% drop in Chinese support shrank DAP's seats from 10 to 6.

While the Islamist party PAS won zero seats, its highly strategic vote-transfer to BN has quietly advanced the conservative "Green Wave" into the south. 

In this episode of Global Heartbeat, host Han Yonghong is joined by Dr. Phoon Wing Keong, political observer and chairperson of the Huayan Policy Institute, to analyse whether these shifting tides will undermine Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim's leadership and pressure his federal government into calling an early national election.

Hosted by Lianhe Zaobao’s Associate Editor, Han Yong Hong, Global Heartbeat is a Mandarin weekly news and current affairs podcast that is updated every Tuesday, 7.00 PM SGT. It is available on zaobao.sg, Apple Podcast, Spotify and other podcast platforms.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

上周五傍晚，北京中央商务区发生一起罕见意外。一架轻型飞机撞上北京市最高建筑——楼高528米的国企中信集团总部大厦（又称“中国尊”）。

涉事飞行器是一架双座、单发轻型运动飞机。该飞机在“中国尊”高层玻璃幕墙上撞出一处明显破洞，导致驾驶员当场死亡，现场造成13人受伤，大块机身残骸及部件坠落至下方街道。

根据社交媒体流传的飞机残骸编号照片显示，该飞机登记于北京东部远郊一家飞行培训机构名下。

值得注意的是，北京城区上空属于禁飞区。今年5月1日，北京市刚出台新规定，将全市划设为无人机管制空域，所有室外飞行活动均需提出申请。

在如此严密的管控下，一架轻型飞机为何能不受阻碍地飞入北京市中心？

这期的早报播客《东谈西论》，听主持人韩咏红与北京香颂资本董事沈萌解析这起事件暴露出哪些低空飞行安全隐患？这又将如何影响中国低空经济的发展？

延伸阅读：

Last week, an aircraft about the size of a car crashed into Beijing’s tallest skyscraper, CITIC Tower, also known as China Zun. Beijing has incredibly strict airspace controls—especially after new regulations on 1 May restricted all outdoor unmanned aerial vehicle flights—so how did this mid-air scare happen right under the radar?

Following the incident, rumours flew across the internet. Some suspected a deliberate terrorist attack, while others speculated it was targeted revenge by someone who suffered heavy stock market losses.

In this episode of Global Heartbeat, host Han Yonghong speaks with Shen Meng, Director of Xiangsong Capital, to unpack the mystery and discuss how this accident exposed the blind spots of Beijing’s air defence radars when dealing with ‘ultra-short distance, low-altitude flying objects’.

Hosted by Lianhe Zaobao’s Associate Editor, Han Yong Hong, Global Heartbeat is a Mandarin weekly news and current affairs podcast that is updated every Tuesday, 7.00 PM SGT. It is available on zaobao.sg, Apple Podcast, Spotify and other podcast platforms.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

马来西亚柔佛州的选举，将在星期六（6月27日）提名。由首相安华领导的希望联盟，星期一晚上在东甲举行造势大会，公布希盟柔佛州选56名候选人的完整名单。

较早前，希盟在柔佛州的最大对手，国民阵线已经宣布，将角逐全部56个州议席，但未公布候选人名单。

希盟与国阵，都是安华领导的中央团结政府的成员党。国阵宣布竞选柔佛州的全部议席，标志着这两个政治阵营全面竞争。

柔佛州选被视为马来西亚全国大选的前哨战、风向标。这次州选的结果，会如何影响团结政府的运作以及存续？马来西亚全国大选会在什么时候举行？由安华的公正党前署理主席拉菲兹的团队接管的同心党等“第三势力”，是否有可能掀起新风潮？

这期的早报播客《东谈西论》，听主持人韩咏红与马来西亚政治观察者、华社研究中心学术董事潘永强博士深入解析。

延伸阅读：

Malaysia's Johor snap election is shaping up as a major stress test for Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim's federal unity government. With nominations set for June 27 and polling on July 11, the southern state has become a critical battleground, as Pakatan Harapan (PH) and Barisan Nasional (BN) are federal partners but direct rivals in Johor, where BN holds power as the incumbent state government.

BN has announced it will contest all 56 state seats, with party leaders framing Johor as a launchpad for a broader national comeback. Perikatan Nasional is also contesting all 56 seats, setting up fierce multi-cornered fights across most constituencies. Adding further disruption is Parti Bersama Malaysia (Bersama), a minor party taken over in May 2026 by former Economy Minister Rafizi Ramli and former minister Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad, which is running independently and contesting a selection of seats.

Widely viewed as a bellwether for the next general election, the result could determine whether BN's aggressive push fractures the unity government and whether local state results accelerate a nationwide vote. In this episode of Global Heartbeat, host Han Yonghong is joined by Dr. Phoon Wing Keong, political observer and chairperson of the Huayan Policy Institute, to unpack the stakes on this episode of Global Heartbeat.

Hosted by Lianhe Zaobao’s Associate Editor, Han Yong Hong, Global Heartbeat is a Mandarin weekly news and current affairs podcast that is updated every Tuesday, 7.00 PM SGT. It is available on zaobao.sg, Apple Podcast, Spotify and other podcast platforms.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

随着百物价格上涨，印尼雅加达的街边小食店据说也出现了变化。有报道称，如今食品分量少了，辣椒也没以前辣。

经济学家将这种现象称之为“缩水式通胀”。《雅加达邮报》早在2024年就曾报道，有半数受访者表示能感觉到商品缩水，其中最明显的是零食。

如今，由于中东局势推高国际能源价格，加上外资撤离，印尼的通胀问题更为严重。2026年第一季度，印尼经济增长达到5.61%，创下自2022年第三季度以来的最高增速，但人民却切身感受不到增长带来的好处。

与此同时，印尼货币持续贬值。今年以来，印尼盾对美元汇率下跌了8%，成为亚洲表现最差的货币。货币贬值与能源价格上涨，让当地中产阶层首当其冲。

印尼货币为何跌跌不休？去年8月，印尼爆发席卷全国的大规模示威并导致10人死亡；最近，学生又再次走上街头，印尼社会是否正重新酝酿动荡的因子？下一步它又会何去何从？

这期的早报播客《东谈西论》，听主持人韩咏红与《联合早报》驻雅加达特派员蓝云舟详细解析。

延伸阅读：

Jakarta’s street food stalls offer a glimpse into broader economic strain. Vendors are quietly reducing portions or even skipping chilli, a sign of “shrinkflation” that many Indonesians say they are already noticing in everyday purchases.

These pressures are tied to wider global and domestic challenges. Rising energy costs, driven in part by geopolitical tensions, have weighed on Indonesia as a net oil importer, while a weakening rupiah has made imports more expensive. In response, Bank Indonesia has tightened monetary policy, and fuel prices for non-subsidised categories have increased, adding to household costs.

Although Indonesia’s economy continues to grow at a steady pace, many in the middle class feel squeezed by higher living costs and currency pressures. Recent student protests over economic issues reflect growing public unease.

This episode of Global Heartbeat explores what is driving these pressures, how policymakers are responding, and what it means for everyday Indonesians, featuring host Han Yong Hong and Lianhe Zaobao’s Indonesia correspondent Nam Yunzhou.

Hosted by Lianhe Zaobao’s Associate Editor, Han Yong Hong, Global Heartbeat is a Mandarin weekly news and current affairs podcast that is updated every Tuesday, 7.00 PM SGT. It is available on zaobao.sg, Apple Podcast, Spotify and other podcast platforms.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

中国潮州电影《给阿嬷的情书》在中国走红。它以1400万人民币的小成本制作，票房却冲破10亿，创下奇迹。

“我上次寄的咸猪肉，你有收到吗？好吃我就再寄些” 。电影播出这一幕时，不少观众破防泪奔。有人说，这句台词注定将成为华语电影史的百年经典。

这部电影为何能跨越语言与地域的隔阂，打动全中国？电影中的“华南性”对海外华人又有什么启示？

这期的早报播客《东谈西论》，听主持人韩咏红与新加坡佛学院副教授、教务主任纪赟为你解析。

延伸阅读：

Set in 1940s China, the surprise box-office hit Dear You is an intimate drama centred on qiaopi — the remittance letters sent by overseas Chinese to their families at home. The film follows Zheng Musheng, who leaves Chaoshan for work in Thailand, and Xie Nanzhi, a woman of Chaoshan descent who keeps sending letters and money to his family in his name for nearly two decades after his death. Made on a budget of just over 14 million yuan and featuring largely unknown actors, this Teochew-dialect indie has become a major success on word of mouth, crossing 1 billion yuan at the box office.

In this episode of Global Heartbeat, host Han Yonghong speaks with Associate Professor Ji Yun, Deputy Dean of Academic Affairs at the Buddhist College of Singapore, about the film’s emotional resonance and the lasting legacy of qiaopi among overseas Chinese. They also discuss the proverb, “When a leopard dies, it leaves its skin,” which is a recognised variant of the saying about leaving one’s name behind.

Hosted by Lianhe Zaobao’s Associate Editor, Han Yong Hong, Global Heartbeat is a Mandarin weekly news and current affairs podcast that is updated every Tuesday, 7.00 PM SGT. It is available on zaobao.sg, Apple Podcast, Spotify and other podcast platforms.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

美国总统特朗普对中国的两天访问在上个星期五落幕。访问结束前，特朗普和中国国家主席习近平在中南海茶叙，并一同在媒体镜头前发言。

特朗普说，他与习近平达成了非常美好的贸易协议；两人也谈了伊朗，都觉得战争必须结束，伊朗不能拥有核武器，霍尔木兹海峡必须打开。中国方面则称，中美双方都赞成将“构建中美建设性战略稳定关系”作为中美关系的新定位。双方都表达了对这次峰会的肯定，但是彼此公布的具体协议其实寥寥可数。

该如何评价这次特朗普访华以及中美元首峰会的成果？中美各自得到了什么？

这期的早报播客《东谈西论》，听主持人韩咏红与中国清华大学战略与安全研究中心副研究员孙成昊详细解析，中美关系的下一步，会走向战略稳定，还是冷和平？

延伸阅读：

US President Donald Trump’s two-day visit to China ended with striking symbolism but few concrete results, leaving analysts divided over what was actually achieved. At Zhongnanhai in Beijing, Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping held a private meeting and exchanged warm remarks, with Xi describing a new vision of a “constructive China-U.S. relationship of strategic stability”. Trump called the visit “very successful” and said the two sides had “signed a number of agreements”, although Chinese readouts gave little detail and some reported deals were still preliminary.

The leaders also discussed Iran, saying it could never obtain a nuclear weapon and that the Strait of Hormuz must remain open. But no public joint plan was released, and the China–US readouts offered no detailed, binding commitments. Meanwhile, tensions over technology, security and Taiwan remain unresolved, with Xi warning that mishandling the Taiwan issue could lead to conflict.

This episode of Global Heartbeat examines what Trump and Xi agreed, what was left unsaid, and how the visit fits into the wider China–US rivalry. Host Han Yonghong is joined by Dr Sun Chenghao, Senior Fellow and head of the US–EU programme at the Centre for International Security and Strategy (CISS), Tsinghua University, for analysis of the summit’s significance.

Hosted by Lianhe Zaobao’s Associate Editor, Han Yong Hong, Global Heartbeat is a Mandarin weekly news and current affairs podcast that is updated every Tuesday, 7.00 PM SGT. It is available on zaobao.sg, Apple Podcast, Spotify and other podcast platforms.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

自从今年2月底美国与以色列对伊朗发动战争以来，国际油价飙升，全球能源供应链陷入动荡。

在高油价压力下，美国放宽了对伊朗石油的部分制裁，并延长对俄罗斯石油的制裁豁免。有观点认为，这一局势有力地推动了人民币成为中东石油的交易货币，为人民币国际化创造了契机。

中东主要产油国阿拉伯联合酋长国（阿联酋）不久前宣布退出欧佩克（OPEC），有关“石油人民币”的话题再次引发热议。

伊朗战争是否正加速人民币国际化的进程？中国政府是在有意识地推动这一议程，还是这仅仅是自媒体博主为吸引流量而炒作的话题？

这期的早报播客《东谈西论》，听主持人韩咏红与新加坡管理大学李光前商学院副教授傅方剑为您深度解析。

延伸阅读：

Global oil markets are at the centre of a deepening geopolitical crisis. The US-Israel military campaign against Iran, which began in late February 2026 and killed Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, prompted Iran to close the Strait of Hormuz, sending oil prices to record levels. Washington issued temporary sanctions waivers for Iranian and Russian oil in March, though these have since expired.

Against this backdrop, debate has revived over whether China's renminbi (RMB) is gaining traction in energy trade. Some oil transactions involving China have been settled in RMB, and Beijing has expanded cross-border payment systems and bilateral currency swap arrangements. Yet the US dollar continues to dominate global reserves, trade invoicing and oil pricing, with wider RMB adoption constrained by capital controls, limited financial market depth and transparency concerns.

This episode of Global Heartbeat examines the reality behind the "petro-renminbi" narrative. Host Han Yonghong speaks with Associate Professor of Finance Fu Fangjian from Singapore Management University's Lee Kong Chian School of Business on how sanctions, great-power rivalry and energy security are reshaping the global monetary system.

Hosted by Lianhe Zaobao’s Associate Editor, Han Yong Hong, Global Heartbeat is a Mandarin weekly news and current affairs podcast that is updated every Tuesday, 7.00 PM SGT. It is available on zaobao.sg, Apple Podcast, Spotify and other podcast platforms.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

经过一番波折，台湾总统赖清德于刚过去的周末（5月2日），在事前未公开行程的情况下，搭乘斯威士兰（Eswatini，台湾称史瓦帝尼）副总理的返国专机，抵达该国进行访问。

斯威士兰是承认“中华民国”国家地位的12个邦交国之一。赖清德原定于4月22日搭乘专机出访，出席斯威士兰国王加冕40周年庆典，但因专机航线必须途经的塞舌尔、模里西斯及马达加斯加临时取消飞行许可，导致行程暂缓。台湾官方表示，上述三国是受到了北京的施压。

赖清德最终抵达目的地并强调“台湾有权利走向世界”。针对此次改变方式的出访，台湾官方将其定调为“外交突破”，而中国大陆方面则批评此举为“偷渡”与“窜访”，大陆评论人胡锡进更形容他是“越狱”。

这次成功出访，算是台湾的一次外交突破，还是预示台湾面临更严峻的国际空间限缩？赖清德的返程路线将面临哪些现实挑战？此事又将如何影响即将登场的中美元首峰会？

这期的早报播客《东谈西论》，听主持人韩咏红与台湾政治大学兼任教授严震生，以及《联合早报》驻台北记者缪宗翰为您深度解析。

延伸阅读：

Taiwan President Lai Ching-te has completed a closely watched visit to Eswatini, the island’s only remaining diplomatic ally in Africa, underscoring Taipei’s shrinking international space amid pressure from Beijing.

The trip, tied to celebrations marking King Mswati III’s 40th year on the throne, also drew sharp criticism from China, which derided it as a “stowaway-style” visit. Travel arrangements were reportedly complicated by airspace constraints, which Taiwan attributed to external pressure by China, though details remain unclear.

During the visit, Lai met King Mswati III, reaffirmed bilateral ties, and witnessed the signing of cooperation agreements. He emphasised Taiwan’s determination to maintain its international presence despite diplomatic isolation.

China reiterated its opposition to any official exchanges with Taiwan, while the United States expressed support for Taiwan’s international engagement. The episode highlights how Taiwan’s limited diplomatic relationships are increasingly shaped by broader geopolitical tensions.

Join host Han Yonghong with Yen Chen-shen, Adjunct Professor at National Chengchi University, and Lianhe Zaobao journalist Zong-Han Miaw as they examine what Lai’s African trip signals for Taiwan’s global standing.

Hosted by Lianhe Zaobao’s Associate Editor, Han Yong Hong, Global Heartbeat is a Mandarin weekly news and current affairs podcast that is updated every Tuesday, 7.00 PM SGT. It is available on zaobao.sg, Apple Podcast, Spotify and other podcast platforms.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

欧洲中部国家匈牙利于4月12日举行了国会选举。律师出身的青年政治人物彼得·马扎尔（Peter Magyar），领导蒂萨党（Tisza Party）取得压倒性胜利，一举推翻了原总理欧尔班长达16年的统治。

马扎尔是谁？他凭借什么创造了这次胜利？

在欧洲，匈牙利不过是人口不足1000万的小国，这次选举却引起举世关注。它是否代表着全球右翼势力和民粹主义的一次挫折？美国副总统万斯在选前还专程到匈牙利为欧尔班助选，但欧尔班依然败阵，这又说明了什么？

这期的早报播客《东谈西论》，听主持人韩咏红与旅欧中国作家、国际政治研究者王庆民深度解析。

延伸阅读：

In a stunning political upset, Hungary’s parliamentary election on April 12, 2026, ended Viktor Orbán’s 16-year rule. The opposition Tisza Party, led by Peter Magyar, won a landslide victory that is set to reshape Hungary’s political future and reverberate across Europe.

The result came despite last-minute campaigning in Orbán’s favor by U.S. Vice President JD Vance, underscoring the international attention surrounding the race. For more than a decade, Orbán has been seen as the standard-bearer of Europe’s illiberal right, reshaping Hungary’s constitution, media landscape, and institutions.

In 2022, the European Parliament described Hungary as a “hybrid regime of electoral autocracy,” arguing that it could no longer be considered a full democracy. Against that backdrop, Magyar’s rapid rise and Tisza’s breakthrough have stunned observers and raised broader questions about the direction of right-wing politics in Europe and beyond.

Join us on this episode of Global Heartbeat, where host Han Yonghong and Europe-based political analyst and freelance writer Wang Qingmin examine what this historic result means for Hungary, the future of right-wing politics, and democracy in Europe.

Hosted by Lianhe Zaobao’s Associate Editor, Han Yong Hong, Global Heartbeat is a Mandarin weekly news and current affairs podcast that is updated every Tuesday, 7.00 PM SGT. It is available on zaobao.sg, Apple Podcast, Spotify and other podcast platforms.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

台湾最大在野党中国国民党主席郑丽文于星期天结束了为期六天的大陆行，并带回了来自北京的“十项惠台政策大礼包”。

此趟行程，郑丽文先后走访上海、江苏与北京，不仅拜谒了南京中山陵、参访北京故宫及知名企业，更与中国大陆国家主席习近平举行会谈，全程受到高规格礼遇。

执政的民进党政府对此严厉抨击，批评郑丽文此行是迎合中共叙事，并指这十项惠台政策实为“糖衣毒药”，行政院院长卓荣泰更批郑丽文此举是“玩火玩过头”。

本次大陆行，对郑丽文究竟是加分还是减分？这场政治博弈中，最终谁是赢家，又有哪些输家？郑丽文“登陆”的最终结果，又将对年底的台湾地方选举产生什么影响？

这期的早报播客《东谈西论》，听主持人韩咏红与台湾致理科技大学国际贸易系副教授张弘远及《联合早报》中国新闻记者缪宗翰深入解析。

延伸阅读：

A high-stakes political visit has just concluded, with Taiwanese opposition leader Cheng Li-wun wrapping up her six-day trip to mainland China, including a high-profile meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping, the first such visit by a sitting Kuomintang (KMT) chairperson in a decade. Her itinerary included Shanghai, Nanjing and Beijing, with stops at Sun Yat-sen’s Mausoleum and the Palace Museum, as well as visits to Chinese companies.

During the trip, Beijing announced 10 cross-strait measures aimed at boosting exchanges, trade and people-to-people ties, including support for tourism, transport, and Taiwanese farm and fishery products. Chinese state media described the package as a goodwill gesture for ordinary Taiwanese, while Taiwan’s Cabinet and Mainland Affairs Council warned that it was designed to deepen dependence and expand Beijing’s leverage.

The response in Taiwan was sharply divided. The ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) accused Cheng of echoing Beijing’s narrative and recasting cross-strait relations on Beijing’s terms, while officials described the measures as “sugar-coated poison.” Taiwan’s government also stressed that any matters involving public authority must be handled through official, equal negotiations rather than party-to-party channels.

The key question now is whether Cheng’s visit will strengthen the KMT’s claim that it can stabilise cross-strait ties, or instead deepen voter mistrust of engagement with Beijing ahead of Taiwan’s local elections. That debate will be explored in this episode of Global Heartbeat with host Han Yong Hong, Associate Professor Chang Hung Yuan from Chihlee University of Technology, and Lianhe Zaobao China News journalist Zong-Han Miaw.

Hosted by Lianhe Zaobao’s Associate Editor Han Yonghong, Global Heartbeat is a weekly Mandarin news and current affairs podcast published every Tuesday. It is available on Lianhe Zaobao website and app, Apple Podcasts, Spotify and other podcast platforms.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

由中国新生代艺人张凌赫、田曦薇主演的40集古装爱情剧《逐玉》，今年3月开始播出后大受欢迎，全剧创下34亿播放流量，荣登2026年年度剧王。它还走入泰国、马来西亚、越南和印尼市场，成为当地热门娱乐新闻。

不过，《逐玉》也引来中国网民、地方宣传部门和其他官方媒体的集体讨伐。他们批评男主角张凌赫妆造过度精致，是“粉底液将军”。中国解放军旗下的“钧正平工作室”在微博批评说：“军人，是民族精神的具象载体；是家国风骨、阳刚血性的核心象征。《逐玉》中的武安侯将军，却被塑造成涂脂抹粉、精致柔弱的偶像模样，带来的文化与精神危害不可小觑。”中国国家广播电视总局还召开电视剧健康审美座谈会，不点名批判《逐玉》存在“颜值至上”、“颜值崇拜”的不良创作倾向。

《逐玉》已经落幕，为什么落幕后还继续引来舆论声讨？男性强调颜值，是一种文化和精神危害吗？这种争议又反映了怎样的社会氛围？

这期的早报播客《东谈西论》，听主持人韩咏红与华东师范大学传播学院新闻系副教授吴畅畅详细解析。

延伸阅读：

China’s period romance Pursuit of Jade has become more than a TV hit, sparking debate over beauty, masculinity and state influence in popular culture. The 40-episode series, starring Zhang Linghe and Tian Xiwei, premiered in March and quickly drew huge viewership across Asia.

But the drama also faced backlash over its polished portrayal of a military hero. Online viewers mocked Zhang Linghe’s general as the “foundation general,” while a PLA-linked outlet criticised the show for weakening the masculine image of soldiers. Soon after, China’s broadcast regulator held a meeting on “healthy aesthetics,” warning against “appearance above all” and “idol worship,” in remarks widely seen as a veiled rebuke of the series.

The controversy points to a wider tension in China: between youth-driven fandom culture and official efforts to promote tougher, more patriotic ideals of manhood. In this episode of Global Heartbeat, host Han Yonghong speaks with Associate Professor Wu Changchang of East China Normal University to unpack the debate.

Hosted by Lianhe Zaobao’s Associate Editor, Han Yong Hong, Global Heartbeat is a Mandarin weekly news and current affairs podcast that is updated every Tuesday, 7.00 PM SGT. It is available on zaobao.sg, Apple Podcast, Spotify and other podcast platforms.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

随着二战后以规则为导向的国际秩序逐渐削弱，全球经济的相互依赖甚至开始被武器化，国际局势正变得更加错综复杂与不可预测。同时，美国和以色列对伊朗的打击引发了中东冲突，不仅直接冲击了全球能源市场，也让多国的生存环境与经济面临严峻考验。

面对这个巨大且无法逆转的大环境变化，高度依赖开放贸易的新加坡也必须重新寻找航向。为此，新加坡政府积极拓展朋友圈，并不断提升与中国、日本和韩国等东北亚主要国家的战略与前瞻性合作伙伴关系。

在大国利益频频发生摩擦的背景下，新加坡未来的外交处境会有多困难？面对充满不确定性的新局势，新加坡又要如何做好准备勇往直前？

这期的早报播客《东谈西论》，听主持人韩咏红与外交部兼内政部高级政务部长沈颖为您详细解析。

延伸阅读：

As the post-World War II rules-based order comes under strain and economic interdependence is increasingly weaponised, the world is becoming more uncertain. The Middle East conflict has tightened global energy supplies and raised concerns about higher electricity and fuel costs, including in Singapore.

For Singapore — a small, open economy reliant on trade — this shifting environment reinforces the need to diversify partnerships and strengthen cooperation with major Northeast Asian partners such as China, Japan and South Korea. But how hard will Singapore’s balancing act become as great-power rivalry intensifies, and how is it preparing for a more unpredictable world?

In this episode of Lianhe Zaobao’s podcastGlobal Heartbeat, host Han Yong Hong speaks with Senior Minister of State for Foreign Affairs and Home Affairs Sim Ann about Singapore’s diplomatic strategy in a fast-changing world.

Hosted by Lianhe Zaobao’s Associate Editor Han Yonghong, Global Heartbeat is a weekly Mandarin news and current affairs podcast published every Tuesday. It is available on Lianhe Zaobao website and app, Apple Podcasts, Spotify and other podcast platforms.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

美国和以色列联手攻打伊朗已经超过两个星期。伊朗封锁了全球能源大动脉霍尔木兹海峡，造成全球能源供应高度紧张。

美国总统特朗普过去几天要求盟友及世界其他国家，共同为油轮护航以平安渡过霍尔木兹海峡，但被点名的国家反应普遍冷淡。特朗普甚至在记者会上抱怨这些盟友“忘恩负义”。

如今战局僵持不下，骑虎难下的特朗普还有什么选择？这场战争会以什么方式结束？美国盟友纷纷作壁上观，又说明了什么？

这期的早报播客《东谈西论》，听主持人韩咏红与香港城市大学法学院教授、中国法与比较法研究中心主任王江雨详细解析。

延伸阅读：

The Middle East is in turmoil as the joint United States–Israel military operation against Iran enters its third week, triggering Iran’s effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a vital artery for global oil and gas trade and a major source of market jitters over energy supply and prices. 

In response, US President Donald Trump has repeatedly urged allies to join a multinational naval coalition to escort tankers through the strait, but many longstanding partners have been cool or outright resistant, prompting him to publicly accuse them of disloyalty and ingratitude. 

With the conflict at an uneasy stalemate and Iran still seeking to restrict maritime traffic, key questions loom: what strategic options remain for Trump, how this war could end, and what the reluctance of America’s traditional allies to get involved might mean for future international alignments.

Join host Han Yonghong and guest Professor Wang Jiangyu from the City University of Hong Kong School of Law as they analyse these unfolding developments in this episode of Global Heartbeat.

Hosted by Lianhe Zaobao’s Associate Editor Han Yonghong, Global Heartbeat is a weekly Mandarin news and current affairs podcast published every Tuesday. It is available on Lianhe Zaobao website and app, Apple Podcasts, Spotify and other podcast platforms.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

2026年中国全国两会如期在上星期开幕。中国总理李强3月5日在政府工作报告中宣布，今年的经济增长目标定为4.5%至5%。这是中国30多年来首次将增长目标下调至5%以下，显示中国经济增长压力不小。

不过，增长目标并未引发最广泛关注，两会上更引人瞩目的是人事变动。例如，人大主席团和秘书长名单较往年减少了13人，其中包括多名已被罢免或受查的地方首长、解放军高级将领，甚至国家级领导人，如张又侠、何卫东、马兴瑞等。出席两会的上将仅剩六人，其中两人还是去年12月才晋升的。

谁来谁不来？两会已成为观察中国高层人事变动的窗口。今年的两会在人事上有何具体看点？这个世界第二大经济体又对外展示了什么样的政策走向？

这期的早报播客《东谈西论》，《联合早报》中国新闻组主任兼北京特派员杨丹旭与主持人韩咏红，共同梳理今年中国两会的关键亮点，并剖析世界第二大经济体所展示的政策走向。

延伸阅读：

China’s 2026 “Two Sessions” – the country’s most important annual political meetings – have opened with a blend of continuity and unease. Premier Li Qiang’s government work report set this year’s GDP growth target at 4.5 to 5 per cent, underscoring Beijing’s focus on more sustainable “high-quality” development amid weak property markets, local debt risks and the challenge of reviving domestic demand while advancing advanced manufacturing and green industries.

The political choreography is drawing almost as much scrutiny as the policy agenda, with notable absences from the National People’s Congress leadership ranks, including senior military figures and state-level officials who have been removed or slipped from public view, feeding perceptions of intensified internal discipline in the military and strategic sectors under Xi Jinping’s consolidated leadership. 

On the policy front, the meetings signal higher spending on defence and on science and technology, particularly semiconductors and artificial intelligence, as Beijing doubles down on security and self-reliance amid strained ties with the United States and its allies.

In this episode of Global Heartbeat, host Han Yonghong speaks with Yang Danxu, Lianhe Zaobao’s China News Editor and Beijing correspondent, for on-the-ground insights into the 2026 Two Sessions and what they mean for the world’s second-largest economy.

Hosted by Lianhe Zaobao’s Associate Editor, Han Yong Hong, Global Heartbeat is a Mandarin weekly news and current affairs podcast that is updated every Tuesday, 7.00 PM SGT. It is available on zaobao.sg, Apple Podcast, Spotify and other podcast platforms.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

在延宕多时的弃核谈判失败后，美国和以色列上个星期六启动了对伊朗的军事攻击。在行动的第一天，美以联军空袭击中伊朗最高领袖哈梅内伊所在地，哈梅内伊与多名伊朗高级官员遇袭身亡。

伊朗随即展开全面反击，发射导弹空袭海湾地区设有美军基地的国家，包括卡塔尔、巴林、科威特、约旦、阿联酋和沙特阿拉伯，并封锁了全球能源运输大动脉霍尔木兹海峡。

这场战争目前仍在激烈进行。美国总统特朗普表示，行动最初预计持续四至五周，但美军有能力维持更久，“更大规模的行动还在后头”。特朗普宣称，行动目标是摧毁伊朗的导弹能力、海军力量，确保伊朗永远无法获得核武器，且无法继续在境外武装资助并指挥恐怖组织。

这期的早报播客《东谈西论》，听主持人韩咏红与台湾中兴大学外交系、中东与中亚硕士学位学程副教授崔进揆解析美国是否会在中东陷入一场持久战？这场战争会否改写中东地缘政治格局？

延伸阅读：

This week, the Middle East is engulfed in a rapidly escalating war following the breakdown of long-stalled nuclear talks with Iran and the launch of a joint US–Israeli military operation against Iranian targets. On Saturday, the United States and Israel struck key military and nuclear-related sites across Iran in the opening phase of the campaign.

Tehran has responded with a sweeping counterattack, firing missiles and drones at Israel and at US military bases in several Gulf countries, including Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, Jordan, the UAE, and Saudi Arabia. Iran has also severely disrupted shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, a critical chokepoint for global energy supplies, jolting oil prices and unnerving financial markets worldwide.

The fighting is intensifying by the day, with no clear end in sight. US President Trump has warned that the initial phase of operations could last four to five weeks, while insisting that American forces are prepared for a longer campaign and a possible escalation. His stated goals are sweeping: to degrade Iran’s missile arsenal and navy, to permanently block Tehran’s path to a nuclear weapon, and to curb its ability to arm, fund, and direct militant and terrorist groups abroad.

All of this raises urgent questions for the region and the world: Will the United States be drawn into another long and open-ended war in the Middle East? And how might this conflict redraw the geopolitical map of the region for years to come?

In this episode of the Global Heartbeat podcast, host Han Yong Hong speaks with Chin-Kuei Tsui, Associate Professor at the Graduate Institute of International Politics and Director of the Centre for Studies on South Asia and the Middle East at National Chung Hsing University in Taiwan, to unpack the stakes, scenarios, and possible endgames of this fast-moving crisis.

Hosted by Lianhe Zaobao’s Associate Editor, Han Yong Hong, Global Heartbeat is a Mandarin weekly news and current affairs podcast that is updated every Tuesday, 7.00 PM SGT. It is available on zaobao.sg, Apple Podcast, Spotify and other podcast platforms.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

美国最高法院2月20日以6比3的投票结果，裁定美国总统特朗普依据《国际紧急经济权力法》实施的大多数关税措施，违反美国宪法，也超越了总统职权。

特朗普随后发言说，他对裁决感到失望，也为一些成员没有勇气为国家做对的决定，而感到彻底羞愧。

他随后签署政令，依据《1974年贸易法》第122条，将对世界各国进口商品征收10%进口税，为期150天。仅隔不到一天，特朗普又在社交媒体上宣布把关税提高到15%。

自从去年上台，特朗普就对美国的所有贸易伙伴祭出高额对等关税。如今，“特朗普对等关税”被裁定违宪，这会对国际贸易格局造成什么影响？

这算不算特朗普遭受的一个重大挫败？美国内部“反特朗普”力量在聚集声势吗？

这期的早报播客《东谈西论》，听主持人韩咏红与清华大学战略与安全研究中心主任、国际关系学系教授达巍的深入解析。

延伸阅读：

The US Supreme Court has dealt a major setback to President Trump’s trade agenda, ruling that his use of emergency powers to impose broad tariffs on imports exceeded what the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) allows. The decision throws into doubt tens of billions of dollars in duties and has prompted business groups to push for refunds that could reach US$175 billion (S$222 billion).

Trump has moved quickly to find new legal footing. He has signed an executive order invoking Section 122 of the 1974 Trade Act to impose a 10% global import tax for 150 days, and signaled plans to raise the rate to 15%. Legal experts, US allies and markets are now asking whether this new move can survive court challenges.

Around the world, trading partners from Europe to Asia are reassessing their ties with Washington. Some are delaying trade talks, while others stress that existing agreements remain in force but warn that trust is eroding. At home, the ruling is seen as both a constitutional check on executive power and a political test for Trump as he heads into crucial midterm elections.

In this episode of the Global Heartbeat podcast, Professor Da Wei, Director of the Centre for International Security and Strategy at Tsinghua University, breaks down the legal, economic and geopolitical stakes, and explores how a US domestic court ruling could reshape global trade in the months ahead.

Hosted by Lianhe Zaobao’s Associate Editor Han Yonghong, Global Heartbeat is a weekly Mandarin news and current affairs podcast published every Tuesday. It is available on Lianhe Zaobao website and app, Apple Podcasts, Spotify and other podcast platforms.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

日本首相高市早苗不愧“铁娘子”称号。

在星期天举行的日本众议院选举投票中，自民党在高市的领军下，单独获得众议院316个席位，超过了法定议席数的三分之二。这不仅创下了自民党创党以来的最佳成绩，也是二战后单一政党在日本众议院选举中获得的最多数议席。

与自民党组成执政联盟的日本维新会获得36席；而反对党立宪民主党，以及由公明党组成的中道改革联盟仅获得49席，遭遇惨败。

自民党一党独大，意味着高市将掌握极大的立法主导权，也将终结近年来日本首相频繁更换的现象，使日本政策更具稳定性与连续性。

高市接下来的施政重点会是什么？她会修改战后的和平宪法吗？她的高票当选，又会对日美以及日中关系造成什么影响？

这期的早报播客《东谈西论》，听主持人韩咏红与东京大学综合文化研究科教授川岛真的深入解析。

延伸阅读：

In a historic victory, Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi of Japan, often described as the “Iron Lady,” led the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) to a resounding win in the recent House of Representatives election. The LDP secured 316 seats, surpassing the two‑thirds supermajority needed for constitutional amendments and setting a post‑war record for a single party. The LDP’s coalition partner, the Japan Innovation Party (JIP), won 36 seats, while the opposition Centrist Reform Alliance (CRA) suffered a significant defeat with only 49 seats.

This commanding mandate gives Takaichi wide latitude to push her agenda. Will she spend her political capital primarily on economic relief, or risk it on controversial constitutional reform? Can her dominant position finally bring an end to Japan’s revolving‑door premiership and deliver lasting policy stability? How will her government navigate relations with the United States and China?

Join us on the Global Heartbeat podcast, where host Han Yonghong speaks with Dr Shin Kawashima, Professor of International Relations at the University of Tokyo, for an in‑depth analysis of these developments and their implications.

Hosted by Lianhe Zaobao’s Associate Editor Han Yonghong, Global Heartbeat is a weekly Mandarin news and current affairs podcast published every Tuesday. It is available on Lianhe Zaobao website and app, Apple Podcasts, Spotify and other podcast platforms.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

2026年开年以来，西方国家领导人接连访问中国，其中包括加拿大、芬兰以及英国的总理与首相等。

有中国媒体形容，中国外交实现了“开门红”。但更多评论认为，美国总统特朗普对全球开启的关税战、其反复无常的性格、对国际规则的破坏，以及疏远欧洲的做法，正使传统意义上的“西方阵营”面临裂解压力， 促使西方多国领导人纷纷“往东看”。甚至有美国媒体称，特朗普的做法反而是“让中国再次伟大”。

新的国际形势是否为中国开启了新的机遇期？中国如何看待所谓的“特朗普机遇”？中国又将如何利用这一机遇？由特朗普本人担任主席的“和平委员会”已挂牌成立，中国是否会选择参加？

这期的早报播客《东谈西论》，听主持人韩咏红与清华大学战略与安全研究中心主任、国际关系学系教授达巍详细解析。

延伸阅读：

Western leaders are lining up in Beijing as the global order shifts under the pressure of a second Trump presidency and renewed trade tensions. Since the start of 2026, a series of US allies, including countries like the United Kingdom, Canada and Finland, have made high‑profile visits to China—not to abandon Washington, but to hedge against an unpredictable White House that is once again threatening broad tariffs, challenging long‑standing international rules and straining ties with Europe.

Chinese media and officials have framed this flurry of diplomacy as a sign of success, hailing a “red‑hot start” for China’s foreign policy. The changing international landscape is giving Beijing fresh opportunities to expand its influence and deepen relationships with other countries. 

In this episode of Global Heartbeat podcast, host Han Yonghong and Professor Da Wei, Director of the Centre for International Security and Strategy at Tsinghua University, examine the implications of this new wave of engagement and explore how China is positioning itself to capitalise on the “Trump opportunity."

Hosted by Lianhe Zaobao’s Associate Editor, Han Yong Hong, Global Heartbeat is a Mandarin weekly news and current affairs podcast that is updated every Tuesday. It is available on zaobao.sg, Apple Podcast, Spotify and other podcast platforms.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

中国官方星期六突然发布重磅消息，证实中共中央军委副主席张又侠，以及负责作战指挥的中央军委委员刘振立，双双落马受查。在中国的军事体制中，张又侠的地位仅次于习近平。

这一消息对政坛的震撼力，远超近年来解放军反腐行动中的任何一宗案件。自2023年以来，中国原国防部长李尚福、原中央军委政治工作部主任苗华，以及另一名原军委副主席何卫东已相继落马。

随着张又侠与刘振立被查，原本七人的中央军委领导班子中，目前仅剩下主席习近平与军委委员张升民两人。这种权力架构的变动，在中国过去30多年的历史上尚属首见。

这场反腐斗争将持续到何时？坊间有关“军事政变”的传言是否真有其事？

这期的早报播客《东谈西论》，听主持人韩咏红与《联合早报》中国新闻资深高级记者于泽远解析解放军这波重磅反腐动作背后的深层意涵。

延伸阅读：

China’s military leadership has been shaken by the sudden downfall of one of its most powerful figures. Zhang Youxia, vice chairman of the Central Military Commission (CMC) and the highest‑ranking uniformed officer under President Xi Jinping, is now under investigation for suspected “serious violations of discipline and law.” 

Also under probe is Liu Zhenli, a CMC member and chief of the Joint Staff Department responsible for overseeing the People’s Liberation Army’s (PLA) joint operations, training and combat readiness. The case has sent shockwaves far beyond Beijing, marking the most dramatic shake‑up yet in Xi’s ongoing anti‑corruption drive within the PLA.

Their downfall follows the earlier purge of another CMC vice chairman, He Weidong, as well as the removal of Defence Minister Li Shangfu and multiple senior commanders since 2023. Beijing officially frames these moves as part of a sweeping anti‑corruption and discipline campaign to tighten Party control over the armed forces. Outside China, however, many analysts see a deeper story involving questions over loyalty, internal factional struggles and the resilience of the PLA’s command system at a time of rising regional and global tensions.

In this episode of the Global Heartbeat podcast, Lianhe Zaobao’s China News Copy Editor Yu Zeyuan joins host Han Yong Hong to analyse the far-reaching consequences of Zhang Youxia's dramatic downfall. 

Hosted by Lianhe Zaobao’s Associate Editor, Han Yong Hong, Global Heartbeat is a Mandarin weekly news and current affairs podcast that is updated every Tuesday, 7.00 PM SGT. It is available on zaobao.sg, Apple Podcast, Spotify and other podcast platforms.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

“斩杀线”（Kill Line）原是电玩游戏术语，指角色的生命值跌至临界点，极易被对手一击毙命。这个词近期在社交媒体走红，被用来形容部分美国人的生活现状：即便收入看似不俗，但扣除房租房贷、保险等开支后，银行户头所剩无几。一旦发生突发状况，就可能迅速陷入贫困，甚至面临生存危机。

在网上带动“斩杀线”风潮的，是一名网名“牢A”的“00后”中国留学生。他在西雅图修读生物医学，为了赚取生活费，经教授推荐，到当地警署担任法医助理，主要负责处理死于街头流浪汉的遗体。“牢A”见到了许多曾是中产阶级的流浪者，他通过视频揭示了美国社会存在的各种问题。

今年1月以来，这个概念被 《人民日报》、新华社等中国官方媒体大量引用，反映美国的社会治理与民生困境。另一方面，《纽约时报》等西方媒体则刊登评论指，中国官方正借此启动“宣传战”以转移视线，并质疑其夸大了美国的问题。

“斩杀线”这个概念究竟是什么？它的出现反映了什么现象？这期的早报播客《东谈西论》，听主持人韩咏红与旅居台湾的时事评论人徐全解析“斩杀线”是否是中美在贸易战、科技战之外，新一波的舆论战？

延伸阅读：

From gaming slang to geopolitical metaphor, the term “Kill Line” has gone viral online. It once described a video game character’s low-health vulnerability; now it symbolises the financial fragility of many Americans. Despite steady incomes, mounting costs of rent, housing and insurance often leave little buffer against a single crisis that could push them into poverty.

The concept took off after “Lao A,” a Chinese Gen Z student in Seattle, shared viral videos from his part-time work as a forensic assistant, where he saw how economic hardship drives many, once middle-class, into homelessness. His stories struck a chord in China, revealing both empathy and a kind of bitter satisfaction at America’s struggles.

Chinese state media, including People’s Daily and Xinhua, soon amplified the “Kill Line” narrative to highlight America’s social divisions and the fragility of its middle class. Western outlets such as The New York Times see this as part of Beijing’s propaganda strategy, designed to spotlight US problems while downplaying China’s own economic challenges. At the same time, the metaphor resonates with Chinese youth who face their own anxieties over job insecurity, youth unemployment and a faltering property market.

Join host Han Yonghong and Taiwan-based commentator Xu Quan on Global Heartbeatpodcast as they explore how a single meme became a flashpoint in the US–China narrative war, and what it reveals about shared precarity on both sides of the Pacific.

Hosted by Lianhe Zaobao’s Associate Editor, Han Yong Hong, Global Heartbeat is a Mandarin weekly news and current affairs podcast that is updated every Tuesday, 7.00 PM SGT. It is available on zaobao.sg, Apple Podcast, Spotify and other podcast platforms.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

2025年结束之前的最后两天， 美国科技巨头Facebook的母公司Meta宣布收购一家总部在新加坡的人工智能初创公司Manus。收购价格据说超过20亿美元，Manus联合创始人兼总裁肖弘将加入Meta，担任Meta的副总裁。

Manus自称是总部在新加坡的公司。另一位联合创始人张涛去年6月在新加坡出席论坛，也以新加坡企业的身份示人。但是他的出生地是在中国，Manus的创始团队成员也都是中国人。

33岁的肖弘是江西人，他在念大学的时候就开发科技应用，在2022年创办蝴蝶效应科技。去年3月，肖弘率领团队推出了Manus，号称是全球第一款通用智能体产品。它可以为用户完成具体的任务，比如帮你筛查简历、帮你订酒店、订机票等等。

不过，Manus从中国公司变身新加坡公司，再被美国公司收购的这场华丽转身，目前受到了阻力。中国商务部介入，表示将对这次收购进行调查。

Manus一开始为何要出走到新加坡？它有可能通过调查，顺利被Meta收购吗？Manus的这次出走经验，又会给其他中国科技公司带来怎样的启示？

这期的早报播客《东谈西论》，听主持人韩咏红与新加坡优势研究咨询公司创始人兼CEO张帆分析Manus收购案的始末。

延伸阅读：

The global tech world is abuzz with Meta’s planned US$2 billion acquisition of Manus, a Singapore-based AI startup now under scrutiny from Beijing. On December 30, 2025, Meta, the parent company of Facebook, announced plans to buy Manus, with co‑founder and president Xiao Hong set to join Meta as a vice president.

The deal hit a snag on January 8, 2026, when China’s Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM) launched a national security review under its Export Control Law, citing risks in AI technology transfers. It is the first time Beijing has used this law to examine an overseas acquisition of a Chinese-founded AI company, underscoring its tighter control over advanced technologies.

Founded in China in 2022 as Butterfly Effect Technology, Manus moved its headquarters to Singapore in 2024. Its flagship product, a general intelligent agent capable of automating tasks like resume screening, hotel bookings, and flight reservations, was launched in March 2025. The move to Singapore was widely seen as a bid to attract global capital and mitigate exposure to rising US–China tech tensions.

Can Meta complete the Manus deal, and what does this case signal for other Chinese-founded AI firms seeking global expansion under growing regulatory and geopolitical pressure? Join host Han Yonghong in Global Heartbeat as she discusses these questions with Tim Zhang, founder and CEO of Edge Research Consulting.

Hosted by Lianhe Zaobao’s Associate Editor, Han Yong Hong, Global Heartbeat is a Mandarin weekly news and current affairs podcast that is updated every Tuesday. It is available on zaobao.sg, Apple Podcast, Spotify and other podcast platforms.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

美国军队于1月3日凌晨突袭委内瑞拉首都加拉加斯。据报导，委内瑞拉总统马杜罗（Nicolas Maduro）及其夫人弗洛雷斯（Cilia Flores）在数小时后被美军强行带走，并被押送至位于纽约布鲁克林的联邦拘留中心。

目前，纽约南区联邦地区法院已正式起诉马杜罗，罪名包括毒品恐怖主义阴谋、可卡因走私阴谋、非法持有枪械及破坏性装置等。

美国总统特朗普对此强硬表态，宣称美国将接管委内瑞拉，直至政权实现安全交接。他同时向委内瑞拉代理总统发出警告，称其“如果不做正确的事，将面临比马杜罗更糟糕的处境。”此外，特朗普也对古巴和哥伦比亚发出威胁。

此次美国动用军事武力跨境抓捕委内瑞拉总统，是否已构成侵略行为？

分析家指，美国重拾“门罗主义”，要巩固并扩大其在西半球的主导权。这会对现有的国际秩序构成什么挑战？

这期的早报播客《东谈西论》，听主持人韩咏红与香港城市大学法学院教授、中国法与比较法研究中心主任王江雨深入解析这场震惊国际的大抓捕。

延伸阅读：

In the early hours of January 3, the US mounted a major operation in Caracas that led to the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and First Lady Cilia Flores, who were swiftly flown to the United States and placed in federal custody.

Maduro now faces a superseding indictment in the Southern District of New York on narco‑terrorism conspiracy, cocaine importation conspiracy and weapons charges involving machineguns and destructive devices.

President Donald Trump has declared that the United States will effectively govern Venezuela until a “safe, proper and judicious” transition of power, warning Venezuelan elites that those who “do not do the right thing” could share Maduro’s fate. Trump has also issued sharp warnings to Cuba and Colombia.

This dramatic intervention raises far‑reaching questions about international law, sovereignty and the future of global governance. Is it an act of aggression or a legally justified intervention, a one‑off operation or a sign of a renewed Monroe Doctrine in the Western Hemisphere?

In this episode of the Global Heartbeat podcast, Professor Wang Jiangyu from the City University of Hong Kong provides an in‑depth analysis of the geopolitical stakes and considers what this turning point may mean for the international order.

Hosted by Lianhe Zaobao’s Associate Editor, Han Yong Hong, Global Heartbeat is a Mandarin weekly news and current affairs podcast that is updated every Tuesday. It is available on zaobao.sg, Apple Podcast, Spotify and other podcast platforms.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

在中日关系紧张的背景下，日本演艺活动陆续出现突发状况。原定于11月29日开演的日本天后滨崎步（Hamasaki Ayumi）上海演唱会临时被取消。另一位歌手大槻真希（Maki Otsuki）的上海演唱活动到一半，也被当场中止。

这场中日风波的导火索，是日本首相高市早苗11月7日在国会答询时表示，北京若以军舰和武力方式统一台湾，将构成日本的“存亡危机事态”，届时日本可行使集体自卫权。这意味着日本准备军事介入大陆统一台湾的行动。

随后，在美国总统特朗普11月24日与高市通话后，高市早苗又在国会答询时称，根据《旧金山和约》，日本已经放弃了与台湾有关的一切权利和权限，因此无立场去认定台湾的法律地位。她的这番谈话被中国外交部批评为炒作“台湾地位未定论”，是“错上加错”。

高市早苗引用《旧金山和约》真的是在炒作台湾地位未定论？这期的早报播客《东谈西论》，听主持人韩咏红与《联合早报》中国新闻资深高级记者于泽远解析在持续升级的言论交锋下，中日关系是否还有转圜空间。

延伸阅读：

On November 28, 2025, Japanese singer Maki Otsuki’s performance at a Shanghai anime event was abruptly halted mid-song, becoming one of several cultural disruptions amid escalating tensions between China and Japan. Around the same time, pop icon Ayumi Hamasaki also saw her much-anticipated Shanghai concert cancelled at the last minute, despite full preparations being completed.

These incidents unfolded against the backdrop of controversial remarks by Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, who suggested Japan might invoke its right to collective self-defense if China were to use force to unify Taiwan, framing such a scenario as a potential survival-threatening situation for Japan.

Although Takaichi later referred to Japan’s long-standing position under the San Francisco Peace Treaty to clarify Tokyo’s legal stance on Taiwan, Beijing denounced her comments as provocative and destabilising. In the fallout, cultural exchanges have been disrupted, Chinese tourists are reconsidering trips to Japan, and sectors of bilateral trade and tourism are coming under growing strain. 

In this episode of Global Heartbeat podcast, Lianhe Zaobao’s China News Copy Editor Yu Zeyuan joins host Han Yong Hong to examine China and Japan’s deepening rift.

Hosted by Lianhe Zaobao’s Associate Editor, Han Yong Hong, Global Heartbeat is a Mandarin weekly news and current affairs podcast that is updated every Tuesday, 7.00 PM SGT. It is available on zaobao.sg, Apple Podcast, Spotify and other podcast platforms.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

美国国务卿鲁比奥最近与乌克兰官员在日内瓦会谈。鲁比奥声称，会谈非常高效，但没有提供任何细节。上个星期，媒体流传一份美国提出的俄乌28点和平计划。因此，有媒体评论鲁比奥此行是为了灭火。

这份和平方案的内容明显偏袒俄罗斯，其中包括承认克里米亚、卢甘斯克和顿涅茨克地区为俄罗斯领土、乌克兰须放弃加入北约并将乌克兰军队规模限制在60万人以内。与此同时，俄罗斯将重新融入全球经济，重新加入八国集团，西方国家分阶段解除对俄罗斯的制裁。美国则主导乌克兰重建和投资项目，并获得一半的利润。

28点和平计划几乎是施压乌克兰投降的方案，引起了欧洲哗然。到了周末，德国、法国与英国又提出了另一份和平方案。乌克兰的命运是否会有转机？

这期的早报播客《东谈西论》，听主持人韩咏红与香港城市大学法学院教授、中国法与比较法研究中心主任王江雨详细解析。

延伸阅读：

A controversial 28-point US peace proposal for the Russia-Ukraine war has sparked significant debate across Europe and Ukraine. The plan reportedly includes territorial concessions favouring Russian interests by recognising occupied territories and restricting Ukraine's military size and NATO aspirations.

Following intense diplomatic activity, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio met with Ukrainian officials in Geneva amid global scrutiny. European leader, primarily the UK, France, and Germany, countered with their own modified proposal emphasising Ukraine's sovereignty, no restrictions on its armed forces, and the possibility of European Union (EU) membership. 

As diplomatic efforts intensify, questions arise whether these negotiations will genuinely steer towards lasting peace or further complicate Ukraine's future.

In this episode of Global Heartbeat podcast, host Han Yong Hong discusses these geopolitical developments with Professor Wang Jiangyu from the City University of Hong Kong School of Law.

Hosted by Lianhe Zaobao’s Associate Editor, Han Yong Hong, Global Heartbeat is a Mandarin weekly news and current affairs podcast that is updated every Tuesday, 7.00 PM SGT. It is available on zaobao.sg, Apple Podcast, Spotify and other podcast platforms.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

日本新任首相高市早苗本月7日在国会答询时表示，若大陆对台湾动武，“台湾有事”并涉及军舰或伴随武力的使用，则可能构成日本的“存立危机事态”，意味着日本可行使集体自卫权，军事介入台海局势。

高市的言论随即在中国引发强烈反应。中国驻大阪总领事薛剑在社交媒体发文称，对于“擅闯进来的肮脏头颅，应毫不犹豫斩掉”，但随后删除相关贴文。

北京之后采取多项反制行动。国台办、官方媒体与外交部发言人连续发声抗议。解放军在黄海举行实弹演习。此外，北京呼吁中国民众避免赴日旅游、慎重安排赴日留学，并撤销两部日本电影在华上映档期。

北京多次要求高市早苗收回相关言论。她是否会退让？日本盟友美国又将采取何种立场？

这期的早报播客《东谈西论》，听主持人韩咏红与台湾辅仁大学日文系特聘教授兼日本暨东亚研究中心主任何思慎解析这场中日风波接下来将如何发展。

In a rapidly escalating diplomatic dispute, Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s recent comments suggesting Japan might intervene militarily if China attacks Taiwan have triggered a strong backlash from Beijing. 

China’s Consul General in Osaka made a provocative statement on social media, which was later removed, and Beijing has since imposed retaliatory measures, including halting Japanese film releases and discouraging travel to Japan. These actions have led to a sharp decline in tourism and a significant drop in Japan’s tourism-linked stocks.

In this episode of Global Heartbeat podcast, host Han Yonghong invites Professor Ho Szu-Shen from the Department of Japanese Language and Culture at Fu Jen Catholic University to share his insights on this latest flare-up in Sino-Japanese relations and the broader implications for Taiwan and regional stability.

Hosted by Lianhe Zaobao’s Associate Editor, Han Yong Hong, Global Heartbeat is a Mandarin weekly news and current affairs podcast that is updated every Tuesday, 7.00 PM SGT. It is available on zaobao.sg, Apple Podcast, Spotify and other podcast platforms.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

中国第三艘航空母舰“福建舰”上周三在海南三亚某军港正式入列。中国国家主席兼中央军委主席习近平亲自出席入列仪式，并登上“福建舰”视察，现场按下电磁弹射按钮。

“福建舰”是中国首艘采用电磁弹射系统的航母，也是全球首艘利用电磁弹射技术让第五代战斗机起飞的航母。据报道，利用该系统，约90秒即可弹射一架歼-15T战斗机，一天内的起降架次最高可达300次。电磁弹射系统还可支持较重机型的起飞，例如固定翼预警机。

中国官媒报道指出，“福建舰”采用电磁弹射技术的决策由习近平亲自拍板。这个决定为什么要习近平亲自作出？

“福建舰”入列后，中国航母编队的整体作战能力将进一步提升。外界关注，此举将如何改变中国与美国海军之间的实力对比，以及对台海地区局势带来何种影响。

这期的早报播客《东谈西论》，听主持人韩咏红与《联合早报》中国新闻资深高级记者于泽远解析电磁弹射技术的突破，以及“福建舰”入列对中美海军实力对比所带来的影响。

China's naval capabilities have reached a new milestone in naval modernisation with the commissioning of its third aircraft carrier, the Fujian, which is the first carrier to be designed and built entirely within China. 

The vessel is equipped with the advanced Electromagnetic Aircraft Launch System (EMALS), marking a major technological leap over the traditional steam catapult and ski-jump ramp configurations seen on earlier carriers, enabling more efficient and frequent aircraft launches.

President Xi Jinping personally attended the commissioning ceremony in Hainan province, underscoring the vessel's strategic importance. 

The commissioning of this advanced carrier raises important questions about its impact on the naval power dynamics between China and the US, as well as the broader security landscape surrounding the Taiwan Strait. In this episode of Global Heartbeat, host Han Yong Hong and Lianhe Zaobao’s China News Copy Editor Yu Zeyuan explores these pivotal developments. 

Hosted by Lianhe Zaobao’s Associate Editor, Han Yong Hong, Global Heartbeat is a Mandarin weekly news and current affairs podcast that is updated every Tuesday. It is available on zaobao.sg, Apple Podcast, Spotify and other podcast platforms.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

备受瞩目的中美元首峰会，上个星期四在韩国釜山举行。美国总统特朗普和中国国家主席习近平谈了100分钟，双方会后也同意在关税和出口管制等问题上达成部分妥协。

不过，备受关注的台湾问题这次并没有出现在会谈中。特朗普在会后对记者说，他和习近平“没谈到台湾”。在此之前，外界担心，中美会在这次元首峰会中完成一次“大交易”，特朗普会表示“反对台独”来换取中国在其他问题上的让步，但这个局面并没有发生。

习特釜山峰会到底有没有谈到台湾？没谈到台湾问题意味着什么？

在台湾，最大在野党中国国民党新当选主席郑丽文过去几天正式就职。她接掌国民党，又会给台湾带来什么？

这期的早报播客《东谈西论》，听主持人韩咏红与淡江大学中国大陆研究所荣誉教授赵春山分析习特会为何不提台湾？

延伸阅读：

Following last Thursday’s summit in Busan, US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping reached limited agreements on tariffs and export controls after a 100-minute meeting.

Despite widespread speculation, the sensitive topic of Taiwan was not discussed. Pre-summit fears of a US “grand bargain” trading Taiwan interests for Chinese cooperation proved unfounded, providing relief to observers and Taiwan’s government.

Afterwards, Trump told media that China would not take military action against Taiwan while he is president, but offered no details or formal assurances from Xi. 

Meanwhile, Taiwan’s main opposition party, the Kuomintang (KMT), recently welcomed new chairperson Cheng Li-wun, who has pledged to defend democracy, pursue cross-strait peace, and manage rising security challenges.

In this episode of Global Heartbeat, host Han Yong Hong speaks with Chao Chun-shan, honorary professor of diplomacy at Tamkang University, about the summit’s silence on Taiwan and its implications for US-China relations and regional stability.

Hosted by Lianhe Zaobao’s Associate Editor, Han Yong Hong, Global Heartbeat is a Mandarin weekly news and current affairs podcast that is updated every Tuesday, 7.00 PM SGT. It is available on zaobao.sg, Apple Podcast, Spotify and other podcast platforms.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

从明年开始，中国将进入中共建国以来的第十五个五年经济社会规划阶段。中共中央委员会上个星期召开全体会议，除了确定开除多名高干的党籍外，也审议通过了《第十五个五年规划的建议》。

中国国家发改委主任郑栅洁在全会后的记者会上说，未来10年中国产业的新增规模，将相当于再造一个中国高技术产业。

然而，过去几年来，中国政府大力强调发展高科技产业，在新能源汽车、机器人等领域也交出了亮丽成绩，但是民众的经济体感依然不佳。

中国经济发展的道路上依然面对许多困难，新提出的“十五五”规划，为解决这个问题找到答案了吗？

这期的早报播客《东谈西论》，听主持人韩咏红与香颂资本董事沈萌讲解中共四中全会通过的十五五规划。

延伸阅读：

Starting in 2026, China will embark on its 15th five-year economic and social plan, a critical blueprint recently adopted by the Communist Party's Central Committee at its Fourth Plenary Session. This marks another significant milestone in the country's development trajectory since the founding of the People's Republic of China. Emphasising high-quality growth and the establishment of modern industrial clusters, the plan seeks to propel China into a new era of technological innovation. 

Despite the government's successful forays into high-tech sectors such as new energy vehicles and robotics, public sentiment regarding the economy remains cautious. The recent Fourth Plenum focused on reviewing achievements under the current plan and setting priorities for the years ahead. 

In this episode of Global Heartbeat, host Han Yonghong speaks with Shen Meng, Director of Xiangsong Capital, to discuss whether the 15th Five-Year Plan can address China's persistent economic challenges.​

Hosted by Lianhe Zaobao’s Associate Editor, Han Yong Hong, Global Heartbeat is a Mandarin weekly news and current affairs podcast that is updated every Tuesday, 7.00 PM SGT. It is available on zaobao.sg, Apple Podcast, Spotify and other podcast platforms.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

台湾民进党籍立法委员王世坚在台北议会质询时的片段，被中国大陆音乐人王搏改编成洗脑神曲。王搏创作的慷慨激昂原版，迅速在两岸网络走红，各地华语音乐人也纷纷接力演绎，衍生出各种版本，包括抒情版、陕西话版和粤语版。

王世坚本人对自己意外在中国大陆爆红感到不可置信。他感叹，网上人才、鬼才什么都有，让他叹为观止。

这期的早报播客《东谈西论》，听主持人韩咏红与《联合早报》中国新闻资深高级记者于泽远探讨这首《没出息》到底有什么魔力？为什么能在全中国大陆的网民中广泛传播？它是否透露了北京反独促统的哪些新思路？

延伸阅读：

The “Mei Chu Xi” (沒出息, “No Future”) meme went viral in Mainland China after a clip featuring Taiwanese Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) legislator Wang Shih-chien was remixed into a catchy song by mainland Chinese musician Wang Bo. Stemming from a fiery parliamentary exchange in Taipei, the track’s humorous tone and emotional resonance have inspired countless adaptations across dialects and social media platforms. While Wang expressed surprise at his sudden mainland fame, the phenomenon prompts deeper questions: does its popularity merely reflect internet culture, or could it signal subtle political messaging or collective frustration within China?​

In this Global Heartbeat episode, host Han Yonghong and Lianhe Zaobao’s China News Copy Editor Yu Zeyuan examine the reasons behind the song's widespread appeal and discuss whether the trend is a harmless meme or part of broader cross-strait political currents.

Hosted by Lianhe Zaobao’s Associate Editor, Han Yong Hong, Global Heartbeat is a Mandarin weekly news and current affairs podcast that is updated every Tuesday, 7.00 PM SGT. It is available on zaobao.sg, Apple Podcast, Spotify and other podcast platforms.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

日本执政的自由民主党上星期六举行总裁选举，64岁的前经济安保部长高市早苗当选，成为自民党首位女总裁。外界预计，她也将成为日本历史上首位女首相。

高市早苗在当选后表示，为了国家利益，自民党必须“像牛马一样工作”，她本人也将摒弃“工作与生活平衡”这一概念，“工作、工作、再工作”。

从政前，高市早苗曾担任电视节目主持人，并是重金属乐团的鼓手。她长期崇拜英国前首相撒切尔夫人。部分舆论称她为“日本版铁娘子”，但也有批评者认为她是“日本版特朗普”或“女版安倍”。

高市早苗政治立场鲜明，主张大力打击外国人非法居留，限制外国人购买日本土地，并推动修宪，让日本能够正式拥有国家军队。她延续已故前首相安倍晋三的外交立场，强调“台湾有事就是日本有事”。

她也曾公开表示，日本民众对中国“感到愤怒”，自己“也一样”，认为日本人“已经受够了”。因此，高市早苗被视为日本极右翼政治势力的代表人物。

这期的早报播客《东谈西论》，听主持人韩咏红与东京大学综合文化研究科教授川岛真解析高市的当选，会给东北亚局势带来什么冲击？摆在她面前的，又有哪些重大挑战？

延伸阅读：

In a landmark moment for Japanese politics, the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) has elected Sanae Takaichi as its first female leader, positioning her to become Japan’s first female prime minister. The 64‑year‑old former Minister for Internal Affairs and Communications is a staunch conservative, noted for her nationalist views and uncompromising work ethic. 

Takaichi, formerly a television host and heavy‑metal drummer, has cultivated a distinctive public persona. Her policy platform calls for stricter immigration controls, tighter restrictions on foreign land purchases, and constitutional amendments to formalise a national military. Closely aligned with the security positions of the late Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, she is especially vocal on Taiwan‑China tensions and is often referred to as Japan’s “Iron Lady” for her admiration of Margaret Thatcher.

In this episode of the Global Heartbeat podcast, host Han Yonghong and Dr. Shin Kawashima, Professor of International Relations at the University of Tokyo, examine Takaichi’s ascent, Japan’s rightward political shift, and the potential regional consequences.

Hosted by Lianhe Zaobao’s Associate Editor, Han Yong Hong, Global Heartbeat is a Mandarin weekly news and current affairs podcast that is updated every Tuesday, 7.00 PM SGT. It is available on zaobao.sg, Apple Podcast, Spotify and other podcast platforms.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

大名鼎鼎的中国教育网红张雪峰被封杀了。

张雪峰专门提供考研辅导以及高考填报志愿指导，以“寒门指路人”的形象收获了大量粉丝。但他也因为言辞激烈而不时引发争议。

在今年北京的九三阅兵后不久，张雪峰在直播中放言，只要北京武力攻打台湾，他最起码会捐款1亿元人民币；枪声打响的那一天，他就至少会捐5000万元人民币。

然而，这次他可真是踢到铁板了。中国网信办不久后宣布，开展为期两个月的“清朗·整治恶意挑动负面情绪问题”专项行动。张雪峰以及大量网络账号，比如主张颓废生活的躺平博主“十年网吧大神”、“刘二狗”、“小A在上网”等等，都成了专项行动的整治对象。

根据官方通报，挑动群体极端对立情绪、宣扬恐慌焦虑情绪、挑起网络暴力戾气、过度渲染消极悲观情绪等内容，都在整治范围之内。中国官方自2016年以来就陆续开展“清朗”专项行动，目标是净化网络空间。

这期的早报播客《东谈西论》，听主持人韩咏红与旅居台湾的时事评论人徐全解析这一轮又一轮的“清朗”行动，反映了什么问题？今年官方要用专项行动来整治社会情绪，它最终又会达到什么效果？

延伸阅读：

In a dramatic development, Zhang Xuefeng, one of China’s most prominent education influencers, has been removed from major platforms as part of a government crackdown on online negativity. Renowned for his advice on postgraduate entrance exams and college application counselling, Zhang built a huge following, particularly among students from disadvantaged backgrounds. His outspoken commentary often sparked controversy, and a recent livestream pledge to donate millions if Beijing resorts to force against Taiwan brought heightened scrutiny.

Within days, the Cyberspace Administration of China launched a special “Qinglang” (“Clear and Bright”) campaign, aimed at purging content that incites negative emotions and societal anxiety. Influencers and online personalities now face investigation and removal for allegedly promoting pessimism, antagonism, or social unrest. This ongoing campaign, active since 2016, reflects Beijing’s persistent drive to reshape digital discourse and maintain a positive online atmosphere.

In this episode of the Global Heartbeat podcast, host Han Yonghong and Taiwan-based commentator Xu Quan unpack the social and political implications of China’s latest round of internet censorship and emotion management.

Hosted by Lianhe Zaobao’s Associate Editor, Han Yong Hong, Global Heartbeat is a Mandarin weekly news and current affairs podcast that is updated every Tuesday, 7.00 PM SGT. It is available on zaobao.sg, Apple Podcast, Spotify and other podcast platforms.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

延宕了五年多的TikTok在美国运营的争议终于接近有了结果。

上周五，美国总统特朗普和中国国家主席习近平进行了通话，双方就TikTok出售其在美国的业务达成了框架协议。白宫发言人莱维特（Karoline Leavitt）在周六接受媒体采访时表示，TikTok将主要由美国人拥有，七名董事会成员中将有六名是美国人，TikTok的算法也将由美国人掌握。

中国企业字节跳动旗下的短视频平台TikTok在美国拥有庞大的用户群，使用人数以亿计。自 2020 年左右开始，美国政府开始担忧TikTok会收集大量美国用户数据，影响美国青少年思想，对国家安全构成威胁。从特朗普第一任政府到拜登政府，再到如今的第二任特朗普政府，美国始终要求字节跳动剥离TikTok美国业务。

中国则谴责美国对TikTok的限制是“强盗逻辑”，是“明火执仗的抢劫”。

而今，中美就TikTok出售问题达成了框架协议。出售TikTok如何从“抢劫”变成双赢？

这期的早报播客《东谈西论》，听主持人韩咏红与新加坡优势研究咨询公司创始人兼CEO张帆一起分析中美达成协议的这个时间点，背后有什么玄机？

延伸阅读：

The long-running dispute over TikTok's operations in the United States appears close to a breakthrough, as the US and China recently announced progress on a proposed framework agreement following a phone call between President Donald Trump and President Xi Jinping. Under the current terms, TikTok's US operations would be majority-owned by American investors, with six of the seven board seats held by Americans, ensuring U.S. control over the platform’s algorithm and data governance. ByteDance, TikTok’s Chinese parent company, would retain one board seat and a minority stake, in alignment with provisions of the 2024 US law requiring divestment of foreign control.

Though both Trump and Xi have endorsed the deal’s framework, official confirmation and implementation are still pending. In this episode of the Global Heartbeat podcast, host Han Yonghong and guest Tim Zhang, Founder & CEO of Edge Research Consulting, explore the significance of this proposed deal. They discuss the timing, underlying political motivations, and the broader geopolitical implications for US-China relations, examining whether this development signals a move toward greater cooperation or sets the stage for renewed conflict.

Hosted by Lianhe Zaobao’s Associate Editor, Han Yong Hong, Global Heartbeat is a Mandarin weekly news and current affairs podcast that is updated every Tuesday, 7.00 PM SGT. It is available on zaobao.sg, Apple Podcast, Spotify and other podcast platforms.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

经过了两天的磋商，美国财长斯科特·贝森特与中国副总理何立峰就 TikTok 在美国运营的问题达成了框架式协议。

自从特朗普再次上任以来，中美关系持续紧张，但是两个大国近期也密集互动。继国防部长视讯、外长通话后，美国总统特朗普与中国国家主席习近平很可能不久后也会见面。

一些台湾评论员担忧，在来临的中美元首峰会中，台湾将成为一道主菜，成为交易的筹码。这期的早报播客《东谈西论》，听主持人韩咏红与美国大西洋理事会非常驻研究员宋文笛谈特朗普上台这半年，台美关系发生了什么变化？

延伸阅读：

Diplomatic fault lines and high-stakes negotiations are reshaping US-China-Taiwan relations under President Trump’s renewed term. After two days of intense talks in Madrid, US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and China’s Vice Premier He Lifeng announced a framework agreement that could lead to US-controlled ownership of TikTok, marking a major moment in the ongoing tech and security contest.

While Washington and Beijing continue diplomatic exchanges—from defense to foreign affairs—there is growing momentum for a potential Trump-Xi summit later this year. 

Meanwhile, Taiwan faces increasing anxiety. Local commentators warn the island risks becoming a bargaining chip in upcoming US-China deals. What new risks does Trump’s approach pose for Taiwan’s leadership? What’s next for cross-Strait security?

In this episode of Global Heartbeat podcast, Han Yonghong welcomes Wen-Ti Sung, nonresident fellow at the Atlantic Council’s Global China Hub, for expert analysis. 

Hosted by Lianhe Zaobao’s Associate Editor, Han Yong Hong, Global Heartbeat is a Mandarin weekly news and current affairs podcast that is updated every Tuesday, 7.00 PM SGT. It is available on zaobao.sg, Apple Podcast, Spotify and other podcast platforms.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

在被羁押一年后，台湾在野党民众党前主席柯文哲，星期一上午以新台币7000万元交保回家。

柯文哲是台湾“白色力量”的领军人物，他在2024年参选总统落败，不久后被指卷入京华城土地弊案，遭起诉图利、收贿、公益侵占及背信等罪名，包括收取威京集团主席沈庆京约新台币1700万元贿款，并与李文宗、李文娟兄妹共同侵占政治献金约新台币6200万元。

不过，台湾检调调查一年，仍未查出金流。如今，柯文哲获准交保回家。台北地检署则表示，将尽速提起抗告。

这期的早报播客《东谈西论》，听主持人韩咏红与新加坡国立大学东亚研究所高级研究员祁冬涛解析柯文哲这次的回归，是“满血复活”，还是踏入更凶险的漩涡？他真的是被冤枉的吗？而他的再度登场，会否为“蓝白合”投下重大变数？

延伸阅读：

Former Taipei Mayor and ex-chairman of the Taiwan People's Party (TPP), Ko Wen-je, was released on NT$70 million bail after spending a year in detention on corruption charges.

Ko, known for leading the “white force” political movement, finished third in the January 2024 presidential election. He was indicted in December on multiple counts, including allegedly accepting NT$17.1 million in bribes during a property redevelopment case and misappropriating political contributions linked to his campaign. Prosecutors plan to appeal the court’s decision to release him.

In this episode of Global Heartbeat podcast, host Han Yonghong and Qi Dongtao, Senior Research Fellow at the East Asian Institute, National University of Singapore, analyse these developments and discuss their implications for Taiwan’s opposition politics.

Hosted by Lianhe Zaobao’s Associate Editor, Han Yong Hong, Global Heartbeat is a Mandarin weekly news and current affairs podcast that is updated every Tuesday, 7.00 PM SGT. It is available on zaobao.sg, Apple Podcast, Spotify and other podcast platforms.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

印度尼西亚首都雅加达上星期爆发激烈的示威与暴乱。事件的直接导火索是民众不满国会为议员提供5000万印尼盾（约3950新加坡元）的住房津贴。

愤怒的民众走上街头抗议，要求政府提高最低工资标准、降低税收等一系列诉求。警方发射催泪弹和高压水枪驱散示威者。印尼财政部长慕燕妮和数名议员的住所也被示威者闯入抢劫。

截至目前，印尼暴动已造成至少八人死亡。印尼过去三年的经济增长都在5%左右，表现亮眼。去年就职的总统普拉博沃还许下豪言壮志，要将经济增长提高到8%，让印尼成为吸引外资的热土。

这个前景光明、看来欣欣向荣的国家为何会突然爆发示威？

这场暴动又会如何影响印尼总统普拉博沃的形象、统治地位以及印尼的经济发展？

这期的早报播客《东谈西论》，听主持人韩咏红与《联合早报》驻雅加达特派员蓝云舟一起探讨。

延伸阅读：

Last week, Indonesia was rocked by large-scale protests after the parliament moved to increase lawmakers’ housing allowances, stoking anger in a nation grappling with rising costs of living and economic hardship. Demonstrators, including students, labor unions, and motorcycle taxi drivers, rallied in Jakarta and cities nationwide, demanding fairer wages, lower taxes, and institutional reforms.

Tensions soared when 21-year-old delivery driver Affan Kurniawan was tragically killed by a police armored vehicle during a crowd dispersal in Jakarta, intensifying the unrest. Subsequent demonstrations saw government buildings and homes of parliament members torched, widespread clashes with police, and multiple fatalities reported as security forces deployed tear gas and water cannons.

In response to the escalating outcry, President Prabowo Subianto announced the reversal of the perk increases and postponed an official trip abroad to address the crisis. The protests have since called attention not only to lawmakers’ privileges, but also deeper frustrations over economic inequality, unemployment, and police accountability.

In this episode of Global Heartbeat podcast, host Han Yonghong discusses these events with Nam Yunzhou, Lianhe Zaobao’s Indonesia correspondent. Together, they explore how the protests unfolded, the underlying causes of Indonesia’s unrest, and what it may mean for the country’s future stability.

Hosted by Lianhe Zaobao’s Associate Editor, Han Yong Hong, Global Heartbeat is a Mandarin weekly news and current affairs podcast that is updated every Tuesday, 7.00 PM SGT. It is available on zaobao.sg, Apple Podcast, Spotify and other podcast platforms.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

中国纪念抗日战争胜利80周年大会，上周日在北京天安门广场举行第三次、也是最后一次综合演练，标志着一切准备就绪，待9月3日正式登场。

中国国防部官员表示，“九三阅兵”将坚持实战标准，把阅兵准备视为练兵机会，并展示解放军的最新装备，其中包括多款“国之重器”。

这期的早报播客《东谈西论》，听主持人韩咏红与《联合早报》中国新闻资深高级记者于泽远解析这次阅兵有哪些亮点？为什么连军迷都自嘲成了“军盲”？在当前国际地缘政治激烈竞争中，中国高调阅兵，将对外释放怎样的信号？

延伸阅读：

This September 3, China will mark the 80th anniversary of the end of the Second Sino-Japanese War with a grand military parade in Tiananmen Square. Beyond honouring the country’s wartime sacrifices, the parade is expected to reveal some of the latest advances in Chinese defense technology.

The event has generated buzz both domestically and internationally. Defense watchers are eager to see what new systems might appear on display, while some Chinese military enthusiasts even joke about being “military blind ”— overwhelmed by the sheer volume of cutting-edge equipment expected to debut.

But the parade is about more than military spectacle. At a time of shifting global politics, it also serves as a window into how China perceives its role on the world stage.

In this episode of the Global Heartbeat podcast, host Han Yonghong speaks with Yu Zeyuan, China News Copy Editor at Lianhe Zaobao, to examine the significance of the September 3 parade and its broader geopolitical implications.

Hosted by Lianhe Zaobao’s Associate Editor, Han Yong Hong, Global Heartbeat is a Mandarin weekly news and current affairs podcast that is updated every Tuesday, 7.00 PM SGT. It is available on zaobao.sg, Apple Podcast, Spotify and other podcast platforms.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

在举世瞩目的美国、乌克兰与欧洲领导人多边会议于美国时间星期一下午在白宫举行。

乌克兰总统泽连斯基形容，他与美国总统特朗普进行了良好的交流，双方也谈到乌克兰的安全保障问题。

与今年2月相比，此次特朗普与泽连斯基的会谈气氛截然不同，现场氛围明显轻松。甚至有记者称赞泽连斯基当天所穿的西装“非常出色”。

特朗普在会后宣布，他已安排美国、乌克兰与俄罗斯举行三方峰会。

这期的早报播客《东谈西论》，听主持人韩咏红与华东师范大学俄罗斯研究中心副主任张昕深入解析俄乌战争是否终于要迎来和平曙光？

延伸阅读：

This week, global attention turned to Washington D.C. as US President Donald Trump hosted Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky at the White House on Monday. The meeting, held with the involvement of key European stakeholders, marked a significant moment within ongoing diplomatic efforts to address the Russia-Ukraine conflict.

Unlike previous tense encounters, the latest talks between Trump and Zelensky unfolded in a more relaxed and cordial atmosphere. Following their discussions, President Trump publicly proposed a trilateral summit involving the United States, Ukraine, and Russia, sparking fresh hopes and international speculation about possible avenues toward resolving a war that has lasted more than three years.

In this episode of the Global Heartbeat podcast, host Han Yonghong invites Associate Professor Zhang Xin, Deputy Director of the Centre for Russian Studies at East China Normal University to provide expert analysis on the significance of this diplomatic move and its potential implications for global security.
 
Global Heartbeat is a Mandarin weekly news and current affairs podcast that is updated every Tuesday, 7.00 PM SGT. It is available on zaobao.sg, Apple Podcast, Spotify and other podcast platforms.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

美国总统特朗普上周猛烈加大对印度的关税打压力度，宣布对印度产品加征关税，从25%提高到50%，理由是印度“以直接或间接方式进口俄罗斯石油”。特朗普还在社交媒体上形容，俄罗斯和印度的经济都已经“死亡”。

分析人士原本预期，特朗普在第二任期内会拉拢印度来制衡中国的崛起。今年2月，印度总理莫迪才刚访问白宫，并宣布将与美国携手合作，让印度再次伟大。

如今两人形同翻脸，印度出现反美情绪，民间呼吁抵制麦当劳、可口可乐、苹果等美国跨国公司。

这期的早报播客《东谈西论》，听主持人韩咏红与复旦大学国际问题研究院副院长、南亚研究中心副主任林民旺详细解析美印关系的紧张，将如何影响印度的经济发展以及莫迪的政治地位？美印交恶又是否会成为中国的一次机遇？

延伸阅读：

In a dramatic turn of events, US–India relations have plunged to their lowest point under President Donald Trump, after he doubled tariffs on selected Indian exports from 25% to 50% in direct response to India’s continued imports of Russian oil. This move, coupled with Trump's reported remarks dismissing the economies of both Russia and India as “dead”, signals a sharp reversal from the diplomatic warmth of earlier this year.

Only months ago, in February 2025, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the White House. At the time, analysts widely anticipated that Trump’s second term would bring deeper strategic cooperation, especially as part of a joint effort to counter China’s growing influence in Asia. That optimism has since evaporated. Now, the two leaders appear politically at odds, and a surge of anti-American sentiment is sweeping across India, spurred by public calls to boycott major US brands such as McDonald’s, Coca-Cola, and Apple.

This deterioration of ties raises pressing questions: What will be the economic repercussions for India? How might the tensions affect Mr Modi’s political standing? And could this rift between two major powers present a strategic opportunity for China?

Join us on Global Heartbeat podcast as host Han Yonghong examines these issues with Professor Lin Minwang, Deputy Director of the Centre for South Asian Studies and Vice Dean at the Institute of International Studies, Fudan University.

Hosted by Lianhe Zaobao’s Associate Editor, Han Yong Hong, Global Heartbeat is a Mandarin weekly news and current affairs podcast that is updated every Tuesday, 7.00 PM SGT. It is available on zaobao.sg, Apple Podcast, Spotify and other podcast platforms.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

在马来西亚首相、亚细安轮值主席国主席安华的斡旋下，持续了五天的泰国与柬埔寨边境武装冲突终于告一段落。

这场短暂却强烈的军事行动造成了至少35人死亡，30万人流离失所。千年古寺柏威夏寺再次成为泰柬两国领土争议的焦点。

安华在宣布泰国与柬埔寨同意无条件立即停火时，特别提到美国总统特朗普和中国发挥的作用。

泰柬这次为何会突然发生军事冲突？它背后是领土争议还是家族恩怨？

这期的早报播客《东谈西论》，听主持人韩咏红与新加坡国际事务学会高级研究员、马来西亚太平洋研究中心首席顾问胡逸山为你解析。

延伸阅读：

After five days of fighting at the Thailand–Cambodia border, centred around the historic Preah Vihear Temple, the two countries have agreed to an immediate and unconditional ceasefire. This short but intense conflict resulted in more than 40 deaths and the displacement of over 300,000 people, underscoring the volatility of this long-running territorial dispute

The breakthrough came in Malaysia, with Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, acting as ASEAN Chair, serving as mediator. Both U.S. President Donald Trump and China played significant supporting roles. Trump’s diplomatic intervention—linking U.S. trade negotiations to a halt in hostilities—was described by Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet as “decisive mediation.” Hun Manet also thanked both Anwar and China for their constructive roles. 

This external engagement by major powers adds a complex layer to regional dynamics and raises important questions. Does the ceasefire signal ASEAN’s growing capacity to manage intra-regional conflicts, or does it highlight the mounting influence of global powers in Southeast Asian disputes?

In this episode of the Global Heartbeat podcast, host Han Yonghong speaks with Dr. Oh Ei Sun, Senior Fellow at the Singapore Institute of International Affairs and Principal Adviser at the Pacific Research Centre of Malaysia. Together, they unpack the roots and ramifications of the latest Thailand–Cambodia confrontation, illuminating ASEAN’s role and what the renewed interventions by the U.S. and China mean for the future of regional diplomacy.

Hosted by Lianhe Zaobao’s Associate Editor, Han Yong Hong, Global Heartbeat is a Mandarin weekly news and current affairs podcast that is updated every Tuesday, 7.00 PM SGT. It is available on zaobao.sg, Apple Podcast, Spotify and other podcast platforms.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

去年2月，中国娃哈哈集团创始人宗庆后逝世。有评论形容，宗庆后是中国改革开放后第一代白手起家的民营企业家，他的离世被视为一个时代的落幕。

民众深切悼念这位爱国的企业家、“平民首富”，并引发一场针对另一个矿泉水品牌农夫山泉的抵制舆论。

没想到，时隔十七个月，宗庆后近日被曝有六名拥有美国国籍的私生子女。宗庆后的长女宗馥莉与几位私生弟妹的豪门家产争夺战拉开序幕，相关风波也迅速升级为涉及中国国有资产流失的舆论疑云。目前，杭州市上城区财政局已成立专项工作专班介入。

这期的早报播客《东谈西论》，听主持人韩咏红与《联合早报》中国新闻资深高级记者于泽远一起解析宗家家产纷争，以及官方在应对家族遗产纠纷和国有资产流失争议时所面临的两难处境。

延伸阅读：

The passing of Zong Qinghou, founder of China's Wahaha Group, in February 2024, marked the end of an era. Hailed as a patriotic, self-made entrepreneur and "commoner billionaire," his death prompted widespread media coverage and reflection on his legacy. In the aftermath, there was even talk among some netizens about supporting Wahaha over rival brand Nongfu Spring.

But just over a year later, a new revelation shocked the public: three individuals living overseas, allegedly Zong's illegitimate children and reportedly holding US citizenship, came forward to contest his multi-billion dollar estate. Their emergence set off a fierce legal battle with Wahaha’s official heir, his only acknowledged child, daughter Zong Fuli. While some reports have speculated that Zong may have fathered as many as six illegitimate children, only three have initiated actual legal claims.

This struggle quickly grew beyond a family feud. Questions surfaced about whether parts of Zong Qinghou’s fortune, given Wahaha’s roots as a collective enterprise, should in fact belong to the state. The case has reignited national debate about the complicated legacy of China’s economic reforms, collective enterprises, and the often-blurred line between public and private wealth.

In response, local authorities in Hangzhou have stepped in to investigate amid growing public scrutiny. 

Where will this high-stakes saga lead? And what does it reveal about the challenges facing China’s private enterprises and the difficulties of inheritance and reform-era ownership?

In this episode of Global Heartbeat podcast, host Han Yonghong and Lianhe Zaobao's China news copy editor Yu Zeyuan unravel the Wahaha inheritance battle and the complex questions it raises about wealth, ownership, and reform in contemporary China.

Hosted by Lianhe Zaobao’s Associate Editor, Han Yong Hong, Global Heartbeat is a Mandarin weekly news and current affairs podcast that is updated every Tuesday, 7.00 PM SGT. It is available on zaobao.sg, Apple Podcast, Spotify and other podcast platforms.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

中国饮料市场上的咖啡、奶茶削价战仍在激烈开打。各连锁店纷纷推出不到10元人民币的精品咖啡，抢占市场。这背后有一个关键词——“内卷”。

“内卷”原本是一个社会学名词，指的是社会内部不断精细化和复杂化，但产生的价值却没有增加。

自2020年以来，这个词在中国互联网上迅速走红，用来形容社会过度竞争、低水平重复，而获得的回报却越来越少。例如职场人长期加班、学生参加越来越多的补习班，还有企业之间的价格战，都是“内卷”的表现。

“内卷”问题已经引起中共最高层的关注。去年7月30日召开的中共中央政治局会议提出，要防止内卷式竞争。今年以来，“内卷”这个词更高频率地出现在中国官方话语中。

这期的早报播客《东谈西论》，听主持人韩咏红与新加坡国立大学东亚研究所高级研究员陈波，深入分析中国高层为什么如此重视“内卷”问题？它会给中国经济带来什么危害？这一回高层真的有决心“反内卷”吗？

延伸阅读：

China's economy faces a destructive cycle of "involution" (内卷,neijuan)—a condition where intense competition leads to diminishing returns, despite increased effort and investment. A striking example is the current coffee price war, where chains are slashing prices to gain market share. While cheap lattes draw in consumers, the strategy is squeezing profits, stifling innovation, and reflecting broader challenges across China's economy.

Originally a sociological term describing internal complexity without meaningful progress, “involution” went viral on Chinese social media in 2020. The term now captures a wide range of social and economic anxieties from students buried in tutoring classes, to workers trapped in grueling overtime, to companies locked in cutthroat price battles.

In July 2024, China's leadership responded to rising concerns by publicly addressing “neijuan-style” vicious competition in its Politburo meeting. The move signals growing official recognition that hypercompetition is undermining economic sustainability. 

Can the Chinese government turn the tide? Can it move beyond growth at all costs, curb destructive price wars, and create an environment that rewards innovation and long-term value?

In this episode of the Global Heartbeat podcast, host Han Yonghong speaks to Dr Chen Bo, Senior Research Fellow at the East Asian Institute, National University of Singapore. Together, they explore the roots of China’s economic involution, the government’s response and negative impacts on the Chinese economy. 

Global Heartbeat is a Mandarin weekly news and current affairs podcast that is updated every Tuesday, 7.00 PM SGT. It is available on zaobao.sg, Apple Podcast, Spotify and other podcast platforms.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

在新加坡首都剧场，几百名现场听众在观众席上，一起朗读台湾作家龙应台的散文。这是今年6月底城市阅读节上的其中一幕。

由新报业媒体华文媒体集团主办的城市阅读节，从6月27日举行至7月2日，来自新加坡、马来西亚、台海两岸以及日本的作家、媒体人、历史学者、外交官等出席近30场活动，介绍他们的著作。

中国大陆著名作家王安忆也在现场与听众互动。

在两岸三地关系再次隔阂的当下，在新加坡举办的城市阅读节，又一次成为华人作家与华人文化交流互动的平台。

新加坡的华人社群有志发挥作为平台的作用吗？还能再次扮演好这个角色吗？

这期的早报播客《东谈西论》，听主持人韩咏红与新报业媒体华文媒体集团社长李慧玲一起讨论新加坡在两岸文化交流中的独特位置。

延伸阅读：

City Reading@SG 2025 recently concluded, reaffirming its role as a vibrant platform for Chinese writers and cultural exchange amidst evolving regional dynamics. Held from June 27 to July 2, this annual literary festival in Singapore celebrates reading and storytelling through a diverse array of talks, performances, and community events. Organised by SPH Media’s Chinese Media Group, the festival brought together writers, media professionals, historians, and cultural figures from Singapore, Malaysia, Taiwan, mainland China, and Japan. Across nearly 30 events, participants shared their works and engaged actively with audiences.

Highlights included a reading of essays by Taiwanese writer Lung Ying-tai and an interactive session with renowned mainland Chinese writer Wang Anyi. The festival underscores Singapore’s unique position as a cultural bridge within the Chinese-speaking world.

In this episode of Global Heartbeat podcast, host Han Yong Hong speaks with Lee Huay Leng, editor-in-chief of SPH Media’s Chinese Media Group, to explore Singapore's growing potential as a platform for cultural exchange in the region.

Hosted by Lianhe Zaobao’s Associate Editor, Han Yong Hong, Global Heartbeat is a Mandarin weekly news and current affairs podcast that is updated every Tuesday, 7.00 PM SGT. It is available on zaobao.sg, Apple Podcast, Spotify and other podcast platforms.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

中国官方上个星期举行新闻发布会，正式宣布今年9月3日将在北京天安门广场举行大阅兵，纪念中国人民抗日战争暨世界反法西斯战争胜利80周年。

有境外评论认为，这将是人类历史上规模最大的阅兵。也有传言称美国总统特朗普可能会出席，这有可能吗？

这期的早报播客《东谈西论》，听主持人韩咏红与《联合早报》中国新闻资深高级记者于泽远解析“九三阅兵”规模会有多大？中国改革开放以来的历次阅兵有什么特点？特朗普有可能会出席吗？

延伸阅读：

China announced on June 24 that it will stage a military parade at Beijing’s Tiananmen Square on September 3 to commemorate the end of World War II.

Some international commentators have described the upcoming event as potentially the largest military parade in history. Speculation has also emerged about a possible appearance by US President Donald Trump, though this has not been officially confirmed.

In this episode of the Global Heartbeat podcast, host Han Yonghong speaks with Lianhe Zaobao's China news copy editor Yu Zeyuan about the expected scale of the parade, the features of past parades, and the likelihood of President Trump’s attendance.

Hosted by Lianhe Zaobao’s Associate Editor, Han Yong Hong, Global Heartbeat is a Mandarin weekly news and current affairs podcast that is updated every Tuesday, 7.00 PM SGT. It is available on zaobao.sg, Apple Podcast, Spotify and other podcast platforms.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

美国总统特朗普星期一傍晚在社交媒体上宣布，以色列与伊朗已同意全面停火，结束长达12天的激烈交火。

此前，美国于周末空袭伊朗三处核设施。特朗普高调宣称，美军已彻底摧毁伊朗的核能力；不过伊朗方面则表示，关键的浓缩铀早在轰炸前就已安全转移。

伊朗的核计划真的被打垮了吗？这场冲突究竟打出了什么结果？

这期的早报播客《东谈西论》，听主持人韩咏红与美国德州山姆休士顿州立大学政治系副教授翁履中，以及新加坡国立大学中东研究所研究员林婧，一起深入解析以伊虽传出停火，中东真的会迎来和平吗？

延伸阅读：

US President Donald Trump’s unexpected announcement of a ceasefire between Israel and Iran has left the international community questioning whether peace is truly at hand. The announcement follows 12 days of escalating conflict, which began with Israeli strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities and intensified when the United States intervened over the weekend, launching airstrikes on three major Iranian nuclear sites. 

President Trump claimed that Iran’s key nuclear enrichment facilities were “completely and totally obliterated.” However, military experts and satellite imagery suggest that while the Fordow facility suffered severe damage, confirmation of its complete destruction remains elusive due to its deep underground location. 

In retaliation for US strikes, Iran launched a missile attack on the US Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar on June 23. There were no casualties, and the base sustained minimal damage, as both US and Qatari officials had advance warning of the attack following prior notification from Iran.

The ceasefire’s status remains ambiguous. While Trump announced a “complete and total ceasefire,” both Israeli and Iranian authorities have yet to officially confirm the agreement

Questions persist about the effectiveness of the US strikes on Iran’s nuclear program and whether this ceasefire marks a genuine step toward peace or merely a temporary pause. Did the US intervention significantly set back Iran’s nuclear ambitions, or is Tehran’s claim of safeguarding its enriched uranium credible? What were the true objectives behind the past 12 days of conflict?

This episode of the Global Heartbeat podcast, hosted by Han Yonghong, features Dr Dennis Lu-Chung Weng, Associate Professor of Political Science at Sam Houston State University, and Dr Jing Lin, research fellow at the Middle East Institute at the National University of Singapore. Together, they analyse the fragile state of Middle Eastern geopolitics and explore the potential pathways forward for the region.

Global Heartbeat is a Mandarin weekly news and current affairs podcast that is updated every Tuesday, 7.00 PM SGT. It is available on zaobao.sg, Apple Podcast, Spotify and other podcast platforms.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

以色列6月13日凌晨对伊朗发动了空袭。在连续四天的军事斩首行动中，伊朗伊斯兰革命卫队总司令等高级军事将领、高级核科学家丧生。以色列声称，它已摧毁了伊朗三分之一的导弹发射器，并且击中了伊朗境内多个目标和军事基础设施，还控制了伊朗西部和德黑兰的空域。

这场冲突的直接导火索是伊朗的核武问题。美国总统特朗普星期一在社媒上重申，伊朗不应该拥有核武。他还表示，德黑兰的所有居民应该立刻撤离。

这期的早报播客《东谈西论》，听主持人韩咏红与台湾中兴大学副教授兼当代南亚与中东研究中心主任崔进揆解析以伊冲突将往何处发展？这会将中东局势带向何方？美国会否加入战局？

延伸阅读：

The Middle East stands at a precarious crossroads as tensions between Israel and Iran reach a boiling point. Following a series of Israeli airstrikes targeting Iranian military infrastructure and figures associated with its nuclear programme, Iran has retaliated, raising fears of a wider regional conflict. While Israel claims to have crippled a significant portion of Iran's missile capabilities and gained control of airspace over Tehran, the veracity of these claims remains under scrutiny.

At the heart of this confrontation are long-standing anxieties over Iran’s nuclear ambitions. US President Trump has weighed in, reiterating his opposition to a nuclear-armed Iran and reportedly even suggesting the evacuation of Tehran. The international community is deeply concerned, with leaders worldwide urging restraint and diplomatic solutions.

As uncertainty looms, critical questions remain: Can the conflict be contained, or will it ignite a wider regional war? What role will the US ultimately play? What are the long-term consequences for the Middle East and the world at large?

In this episode of Global Heartbeat podcast, host Han Yonghong explores the complexities and stakes of the Israel-Iran conflict with Chin-Kuei Tsui, Associate Professor and Director of Institute of International Politics & Center for Studies on South Asia and the Middle East.

Hosted by Lianhe Zaobao’s Associate Editor, Han Yong Hong, Global Heartbeat is a Mandarin weekly news and current affairs podcast that is updated every Tuesday, 7.00 PM SGT. It is available on zaobao.sg, Apple Podcast, Spotify and other podcast platforms.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

经过了两天马拉松式的谈判，中国和美国经贸官员在伦敦的磋商终于告一段落。

中国商务部国际贸易谈判代表兼副部长李成钢表示，双方对6月5日元首通话共识，以及5月10日内瓦会谈共识，达成了框架。美国商务部长卢特尼克也说，双方已达成框架来落实日内瓦共识。下一步就是——让美国总统特朗普和中国国家主席习近平批准。

中美伦敦磋商，谈出了一个“框架”，这“框架”有什么意涵？特朗普总统一再抱怨，中国“不好对付”。中国最近打出“稀土牌”，这项战术是否发挥了决定性作用？在这场持久战中，谁又有条件撑得更久？

这期的早报播客《东谈西论》，听主持人韩咏红与新加坡管理大学李光前商学院副教授傅方剑以及美国德州山姆休士顿州立大学政治系副教授翁履中一同分析中美达成“框架协议”的背景与意义，以及中方打出“稀土牌”的效果。

延伸阅读：

After two days of intensive talks in London, Chinese and U.S. trade officials have reached a framework agreement, following up on prior discussions between their heads of state and earlier talks in Geneva.

China’s Vice Commerce Minister Li Chenggang said the deal builds on the June 5 call between Presidents Xi Jinping and Donald Trump and the May 10 Geneva meeting. US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick confirmed both sides had agreed on steps to implement the Geneva consensus. Final approval now rests with Xi and Trump.

While details of the framework remain unclear, questions linger over whether China’s recent move to leverage rare earth exports influenced the outcome. As tensions persist, observers are watching to see which side is better positioned for the long haul.

In this episode of the Global Heartbeat podcast, Fu Fangjian, Associate Professor of Finance at Singapore Management University’s Lee Kong Chian School of Business and Dr. Dennis Lu-Chung Weng, Associate Professor of Political Science at Sam Houston State University, join host Han Yonghong to discuss the latest breakthrough in US–China trade talks, the political stakes behind the London framework deal, and whether economic pressure tactics—like China’s rare earth leverage—are shifting the balance in this strategic rivalry.

Hosted by Lianhe Zaobao’s Associate Editor, Han Yong Hong, Global Heartbeat is a Mandarin weekly news and current affairs podcast that is updated every Tuesday, 7.00 PM SGT. It is available on zaobao.sg, Apple Podcast, Spotify and other podcast platforms.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

5月30日，世界首富马斯克终于离开了美国特朗普政府。

马斯克是特朗普亲密战友以及最大的金主。他在去年的美国总统大选中投入了至少2.5亿美元，来协助特朗普和其他的共和党议员当选。

在特朗普上任后，马斯克以总统顾问的身份率领新成立的政府效率部，在四个月内火速解聘了20万名联邦政府雇员，也关闭了美国进行国际援助的美国国际开发署。

马斯克声称为美国政府节省了1750亿美元，但是这远远少于他最初夸口要节省两万亿美元的目标。

马斯克本人的生意也大受影响。特斯拉的收入大跌71%，马斯克的个人身价也缩水了1000亿美元。

5月30日，特朗普为马斯克举行了一个送别记者会。特朗普说，马斯克不会真的离开，永远是他的“朋友和顾问”。

过去这130多天里马斯克给白宫留下了什么？这期的早报播客《东谈西论》，听主持人韩咏红与新加坡优势研究咨询公司创始人兼CEO 张帆一起分析马斯克在白宫的成绩单以及他和特朗普的微妙关系。

延伸阅读：

Elon Musk, the billionaire entrepreneur, has officially stepped down from his role as the head of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) in the Trump administration, marking the end of a chapter characterised by both collaboration and conflict, particularly over federal spending and tax policies. 

As a pivotal financial backer of Trump’s campaign, Musk spearheaded efforts to streamline government operations, including significant federal employee layoffs and sweeping budget cuts. Despite claims of substantial government savings, Musk’s initiatives failed to meet their ambitious targets, and his business ventures faced notable financial setbacks. Following a farewell event hosted by President Trump, questions linger about Musk’s lasting influence and the broader implications for US politics.

In this episode of the Global Heartbeat podcast, host Han Yonghong and Tim Zhang, Founder & CEO of Edge Research, dissect the complex relationship between Elon Musk and the Trump administration.

Hosted by Lianhe Zaobao’s Associate Editor, Han Yong Hong, Global Heartbeat is a Mandarin weekly news and current affairs podcast that is updated every Tuesday, 7.00 PM SGT. It is available on zaobao.sg, Apple Podcast, Spotify and other podcast platforms.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

美国特朗普政府与精英大学的战争再次升级。自今年4月冻结哈佛大学超过22亿美元的拨款后，联邦政府国土安全部上个星期宣布，取消哈佛大学录取外国学生的资格。这意味着哈佛不能再招收外国学生，在籍学生也必须马上转校。

这一纸禁令引起举世哗然。哈佛大学立即向法院起诉，指控政府公然违反美国宪法。联邦法官签发临时限制令，暂停了禁令，哈佛赢得暂时的胜利。

有389年历史的哈佛大学，是美国最有名、最富有的大学，是自由主义思想的重镇、精英的摇篮，也是一些保守派人士的眼中钉。

早在2023年，特朗普便宣示，若再次当选总统，将“把美国的教育从马克思主义狂人和疯子手中夺回来”。如今，特朗普已经再次入主白宫，他和大学的大战也不断升级。

特朗普的这场大战，最近也扯上了中国。到底谁会是最后的赢家？

这期的早报播客《东谈西论》，听主持人韩咏红与《联合早报》中国新闻资深高级记者于泽远一起分析特朗普大战哈佛的表与里，以及这场战火如何波及中国，其他高校又做何反应。

延伸阅读：

The Trump administration’s recent move to revoke Harvard University’s ability to enroll international students has ignited a firestorm of controversy. 

The ban, led by the Department of Homeland Security, would have forced current international students to transfer or lose their legal status, prompting Harvard to file a lawsuit. A federal judge responded by issuing a temporary restraining order, blocking the policy’s immediate implementation.

This action is part of President Trump’s ongoing conflict with elite universities, previously marked by threats to withhold federal funding and accusations of institutions promoting “Marxist” ideologies.

While the administration cites national security and intellectual property concerns, critics argue the ban is politically motivated and unfairly targets a prestigious institution known for its liberal stance.

The controversy unfolds against a backdrop of rising US-China tensions, raising questions about the policy’s broader implications for American higher education and international relations.

In this episode of the Global Heartbeat podcast, host Han Yonghong and Lianhe Zaobao’s China News Copy Editor Yu Zeyuan explore the complexities of this intensifying conflict over higher education in the United States.

Hosted by Lianhe Zaobao’s Associate Editor, Han Yong Hong, Global Heartbeat is a Mandarin weekly news and current affairs podcast that is updated every Tuesday, 7.00 PM SGT. It is available on zaobao.sg, Apple Podcast, Spotify and other podcast platforms.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

5月6日到10日，中国网红“豪哥哥”制作的视频，以印度歌舞风格调侃印巴之间的空战冲突。

印巴冲突的过程中，印度的战机被巴基斯坦利用中国制造的歼10战斗机打下。路透社引述美国官员消息说，至少两架印度战机被打下，其中至少一架是法国制造“阵风”战斗机。

“豪哥哥”在视频里嘲笑印度丢人，飞机没回家、钱都白花，气得印度勃然大怒。印度官方强调，印度的飞行员都安全回家，网上流传的飞机残骸照片是中国政府“有组织的政治宣传”。

目前，印度和巴基斯坦已经达成停火协议。中国与印度的民间舆论口水战还在继续，印度的飞机到底有没有被中国战机打下，“豪哥哥”的视频是不是在羞辱印度？

这个风波又会对中印关系构成什么影响？这期的早报播客《东谈西论》，听主持人韩咏红与《联合早报》中国新闻资深高级记者于泽远一起分析这场从战场延烧到网络的“信息战”。

延伸阅读：

A viral video by Chinese influencer "Brother Hao" has sparked controversy and fuelled nationalistic sentiment online by parodying the alleged downing of Indian fighter jets during a recent clash between India and Pakistan.

Set to a popular Indian tune, the video humorously depicts the destruction of a newly acquired Indian aircraft, implying both a military setback and financial loss for India. Its rapid spread on Chinese social media has coincided with a surge in nationalistic pride, with many users celebrating what they perceive as India’s embarrassment.

In response to online narratives and media reports from some Chinese outlets, Indian officials have asserted that all their pilots returned safely and have dismissed such claims as disinformation.

While India and Pakistan have since agreed to a ceasefire, the video continues to stoke heated exchanges on social media between Chinese and Indian netizens, raising concerns about the impact on already strained China-India relations.

In this episode of Global Heartbeat podcast, join host Han Yonghong and Lianhe Zaobao's China News Copy Editor Yu Zeyuan as they delve deeper into this unfolding story.

Hosted by Lianhe Zaobao’s Associate Editor, Han Yong Hong, Global Heartbeat is a Mandarin weekly news and current affairs podcast that is updated every Tuesday, 7.00 PM SGT. It is available on zaobao.sg, Apple Podcast, Spotify and other podcast platforms.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

中美贸易会谈星期天在瑞士日内瓦落幕。会后，两国发表了《中美日内瓦经贸会谈联合声明》，达成多项重要共识，超出市场预期。

总的来说，美国对中国商品的加征关税从145%大幅降至30%，中国对美国商品的关税则从125%降至10%。中国也相应暂停或取消对美方的非关税反制措施。双方还同意建立机制，继续进行协商。

美国总统特朗普表示，这是中美经贸关系的全面重置。他还透露，预计将在周末与中国国家主席习近平通电话。这项利好消息带动全球股市上扬。

中国此前曾坚定表示“不跪”。那这次，是中国在让步？还是美国做出了妥协？

这期的早报播客《东谈西论》，听主持人韩咏红与新加坡国立大学东亚研究所高级研究员陈波，深入分析这场会谈究竟是中美暂时停火，还是正式休兵。

延伸阅读：

Global markets breathed a sigh of relief this week as the US and China announced a significant breakthrough in their trade war.

Concluding talks in Geneva, the two nations agreed to a mutual reduction of tariffs and the suspension of retaliatory measures. This agreement, described by President Trump and officials as a major reset, aims to foster a more stable and predictable trade relationship between the world's two largest economies.

While the news triggered a surge in global stock markets, experts remain cautiously optimistic. The agreement establishes mechanisms for ongoing dialogue, crucial for addressing the complex web of trade issues that still separate the two nations.

Are the US and China entering a new era of cooperation, or is this merely a temporary pause in their longstanding trade tensions?

In this episode of Global Heartbeat podcast, join host Han Yonghong and Chen Bo, Senior Research Fellow at the East Asian Institute of the National University of Singapore, as they delve into the US-China trade negotiations and their global implications.

Hosted by Lianhe Zaobao’s Associate Editor, Han Yong Hong, Global Heartbeat is a Mandarin weekly news and current affairs podcast that is updated every Tuesday, 7.00 PM SGT. It is available on zaobao.sg, Apple Podcast, Spotify and other podcast platforms.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

北京中日友好医院胸外科一名医生的桃色新闻，近日在中国网络上引发广泛关注，许多网民义愤填膺。

事件的起因如下：肖医生的妻子公开指控他出轨，并与多名女性保持不正当关系。其中一次，肖医生甚至为了支持情人董小姐，将病人独自留在手术台上长达40分钟。

然而，事件中被揭露出更大问题的并非肖医生，而是董小姐本人。她被指学历不符合要求，却能进入协和医学院博士项目；其博士论文据称也仅有短短30页等问题，引发质疑。

这起事件牵涉医德医风、教育公平、学术腐败与阶层固化等多个层面。这到底是怎么一回事？

这期的早报播客《东谈西论》，听主持人韩咏红与《联合早报》中国新闻资深高级记者于泽远分析梳理“董小姐”事件以及中国古代“门阀士族”式的关系网是否正在回归？

延伸阅读：

A scandal at Beijing’s China-Japan Friendship Hospital has ignited public outrage and exposed deep concerns about privilege and corruption in China’s medical and educational systems. 

It began with accusations of infidelity against a thoracic surgeon, Dr Xiao Fei, whose wife exposed his multiple affairs with colleagues. One alleged tryst involved Dr Xiao leaving a patient unattended on the operating table for 40 minutes. 

The controversy soon widened to questions about one partner, Dr Dong Xiying, and her unconventional entry into a prestigious medical programme. As official investigations probe both personal misconduct and systemic loopholes, the case has become a flashpoint for debates on fairness, transparency, and the power of connections in modern China.

In this episode of Global Heartbeat podcast, join host Han Yonghong and Lianhe Zaobao's China News Copy Editor Yu Zeyuan as they unpack the scandal and its broader social implications.

Hosted by Lianhe Zaobao’s Associate Editor, Han Yong Hong, Global Heartbeat is a Mandarin weekly news and current affairs podcast that is updated every Tuesday, 7.00 PM SGT. It is available on zaobao.sg, Apple Podcast, Spotify and other podcast platforms.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

4月26日，台湾两大在野党在台北市凯达格兰大道举行“反绿共、战独裁”聚会。

在野国民党籍的立法院长韩国瑜、台北市长蒋万安、台中市长卢秀燕、国民党主席朱立伦都站到台前激情演讲，反对正在如火如荼进行的罢免立法委员运动。朱立伦还喊出了520后罢免总统赖清德的口号。

在野阵营也出现了难得的大和解大团结。第三势力民众党主席黄国昌激情宣誓，“台湾民众党不会害怕，台湾民众党站在对抗赖清德独裁道路上，我们一步都不会退。”

主办方说，426集会吸引了25万民众参加。不过，根据台北市警方的保守估计，这场聚会则是有6万人参加。

这期的早报播客《东谈西论》，听主持人韩咏红与台湾中央警察大学国境警察学系助理教授王智胜探讨蓝白合作举行的426集会是否会成为台湾政治的转捩点？

延伸阅读：

Last Saturday, tens of thousands gathered in Taipei for a major opposition rally organised by the Kuomintang (KMT), voicing concerns over what they see as increasing authoritarian tendencies under the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP).

The "Anti-Green Terror, Fight Dictatorship" rally featured prominent figures including former Kaohsiung Mayor Han Kuo-yu, Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an, Taichung Mayor Lu Shiow-yen, and KMT Chairman Eric Chu.

The rally comes amid a wave of recall campaigns targeting legislators, primarily from the pan-blue camp, and accusations from the KMT of political persecution by the DPP government.

Notably, KMT Chairman Eric Chu has called for the recall of President Lai Ching-te following his upcoming inauguration anniversary in May. The presence of former Taiwan People’s Party (TPP) chairman Huang Kuo-chang underscored a rare moment of unity among opposition forces.

While organisers claimed attendance reached 250,000, police estimates placed the crowd closer to 60,000. This event highlights growing public scrutiny of the DPP’s governance and raises questions about whether this opposition unity signals a turning point in Taiwan’s political landscape.

Join Global Heartbeat podcast host Han Yong Hong and guest Dr. Arthur Wang Zhin-Sheng, Assistant Professor at Taiwan's Central Police University as they explore the implications of this rally and the evolving dynamics of Taiwanese politics. 

Global Heartbeat is a Mandarin weekly news and current affairs podcast that is updated every Tuesday, 7.00 PM SGT. It is available on zaobao.sg, Apple Podcast, Spotify and other podcast platforms.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

美国特朗普政府对英伟达“特供”中国的H20晶片祭出出口管制后，英伟达首席执行官黄仁勋旋风式访华，与中国总理何立峰、中国国际贸易促进委员会会长任鸿斌、上海市长龚正等会面，强调英伟达坚定不移服务中国市场的立场。

黄仁勋指出，中国市场对英伟达非常重要，中国产业的科技实力让人印象深刻，过去30年里让英伟达获益。

据英伟达估计，特朗普政府的禁令将给英伟达带来55亿美元的损失。英伟达、AMD、英特尔等美国晶片企业的股价也都大跌。

这期的早报播客《东谈西论》，听主持人韩咏红与新加坡优势研究咨询公司创始人兼CEO张帆探讨黄仁勋是否会改变美国对中国的晶片出售禁令？

延伸阅读：

The US has intensified its chip war with China by imposing new restrictions on Nvidia’s H20 chips, requiring export licenses and effectively blocking sales to Chinese firms. Nvidia expects the new rules to cost it $5.5 billion, and its stock dropped sharply after the announcement. 

Shortly after, CEO Jensen Huang visited China to meet senior officials, underscoring the country’s importance to Nvidia’s business and the global semiconductor industry. Analysts warn these restrictions could accelerate China’s own chip development and boost local competitors like Huawei, potentially diminishing US influence in the sector. 

Join Global Heartbeat podcast host Han Yong Hong and guest Tim Zhang, Founder & CEO of Edge Research as they discuss the far-reaching implications of these developments.

Global Heartbeat is a Mandarin weekly news and current affairs podcast that is updated every Tuesday, 7.00 PM SGT. It is available on zaobao.sg, Apple Podcast, Spotify and other podcast platforms.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

自从3月11日出席中国全国两会闭幕式以后，中共军队的二号人物、中央军委副主席何卫东就没有再公开露面。何卫东没有出现在3月14日的《反分裂国家法》实施20周年座谈会上，也没有参加4月2日在北京通州举行的义务植树活动，更没有现身4月8日的中央周边工作会议。

在这场会议上，中共政治局委员几乎全员出席，除了何卫东。这是不是等于对外证实了何卫东已经出事？他犯了什么问题？

就在这个月初，中共高层也出现了一次罕见的人事异动：中共中央统战部部长石泰峰与中共中央组织部部长李干杰对调了职务。这期的早报播客《东谈西论》，听主持人韩咏红与台湾国立政治大学政治系教授寇健文聊中国高层在短期内出现罕见的人事异动，这里头有什么蹊跷？

延伸阅读：

The sudden disappearance of General He Weidong, Vice Chairman of China's Central Military Commission, has sparked intense speculation about potential power struggles within the Chinese Communist Party (CCP).  He Weidong, considered the second-most powerful figure in the Chinese military, has been absent from public view since the closing of the National People's Congress on March 11. His absence from key events, including the 20th anniversary of the Anti-Secession Law, has fuelled rumours of his potential downfall.

Adding to the intrigue is a recent, unexpected reshuffling within the CCP Politburo. Shi Taifeng, former head of the United Front Work Department, and Li Ganjie, former head of the Organisation Department, have swapped positions. This abrupt shift in such crucial roles has further intensified speculation about internal political dynamics. 

While some analysts suggest a potential purge within the military, others posit that the reshuffle could be related to broader policy shifts or simply routine personnel changes. The lack of official explanation from Beijing only adds to the mystery surrounding these events.

These developments raise critical questions about the stability of the CCP leadership and the direction of China's political and military trajectory. Is this a sign of Xi Jinping consolidating power, or is there something more at play?

This episode of Global Heartbeat podcast invites Professor Chien-Wen Kou from the Department of Political Science, Taiwan’s National Chengchi University to provide insightful analysis on these recent events and their implications.

Hosted by Lianhe Zaobao’s Associate Editor, Han Yong Hong, Global Heartbeat is a Mandarin weekly news and current affairs podcast that is updated every Tuesday, 7.00 PM SGT. It is available on zaobao.sg, Apple Podcast, Spotify and other podcast platforms.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

美国总统特朗普在4月2日当天如期宣布，将对美国在全球的180个贸易伙伴加征关税。最低的税率是10%，最高则高达50%。

特朗普认为，加征关税会让制造业再次回到美国，让美国再次富有起来。但他的关税主义带来的，却是美国股市连日暴跌。

在中国宣布反制措施后，星期一开盘的亚太股市也全线大跌约10%。

特朗普说，美国需要吃药治病。他给大家开的这剂“关税药”，究竟会给世界带来什么？中美经济会因此脱钩吗？

这期的早报播客《东谈西论》，听主持人韩咏红与新加坡优势研究咨询公司创始人兼CEO张帆及新加坡管理大学李光前商学院副教授傅方剑解析特朗普开的“关税药”如何影响全球的经济体。

延伸阅读：

Global markets are reeling after US President Donald Trump announced sweeping new tariffs on imports from 180 global trade partners. Trump described these tariffs as "medicine" for unfair trade practices, asserting they are necessary to revive American manufacturing and boost the U.S. economy. However, the move has triggered sharp criticism from international leaders and sent global stock markets into a tailspin.

Asian economies are bracing for significant impacts, as some of the highest tariff rates target the region. For example, China faces a cumulative tariff rate of 54%, including earlier duties, while Vietnam and Cambodia face rates as high as 46% and 49%, respectively. China has already announced retaliatory measures, including a 34% tariff on US goods and restrictions on rare earth exports, escalating fears of a global trade war. While Trump insists these measures will level the playing field, critics argue they will harm American consumers, disrupt global supply chains, and strain international trade relations.

The international community is scrambling to respond. Several nations, including Japan and India, are seeking negotiations with the U.S., while others are considering counter-tariffs of their own. The long-term consequences of Trump’s "medicine" remain uncertain, but the immediate impact has been widespread market volatility and growing concerns about a potential global recession.

Tune in to Global Heartbeatfor in-depth discussion on the implications of Trump’s tariff policies with Tim Zhang, Founder & CEO of Edge Research, and Fu Fangjian, Associate Professor of Finance at Singapore Management University’s Lee Kong Chian School of Business.

Hosted by Lianhe Zaobao’s Associate Editor, Han Yong Hong, Global Heartbeat is a Mandarin weekly news and current affairs podcast that is updated every Tuesday, 7.00 PM SGT. It is available on zaobao.sg, Apple Podcast, Spotify and other podcast platforms.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

中国人民解放军最近又传出有高层落马。

近日有传言称中央军委副主席何卫东出事，导火索是在3月14日中国官方举行的《反分裂国家法》实施20周年座谈会上，何卫东与另一名中央军委副主席张又侠均未露面。随后，3月20日，中共总书记习近平接见驻昆明部队上校以上领导干部时，两人依然缺席，引发更多猜测。

截至目前，何卫东已20天未公开露面。他真的出事了吗？为何关于解放军高层落马的传闻这么多？所谓的政治斗争，又有多少可信度？

这期的早报播客《东谈西论》，听主持人韩咏红与《联合早报》中国新闻资深高级记者于泽远详细解析何卫东落马的传言有多可靠？

延伸阅读：

The sudden disappearance of General He Weidong, Vice Chairman of China's Central Military Commission (CMC) has sparked widespread speculation about a potential purge within the People's Liberation Army (PLA). Formerly Commander of the Eastern Theatre Command and a close ally of President Xi Jinping, the 68-year-old general has been absent from public view since March 11, missing key events such as the symposium marking the 20th anniversary of the Anti-Secession Law and meetings with Xi. His disappearance follows a series of high-profile purges targeting senior PLA officials under Xi’s anti-corruption campaign, raising concerns about internal power struggles and political instability within China’s military leadership.

In this episode of Global Heartbeat podcast, join host Han Yonghong and Lianhe Zaobao's China News Copy Editor Yu Zeyuan as they investigate the mystery surrounding He Weidong’s disappearance and its implications for China's political landscape. 

Global Heartbeat is a Mandarin weekly news and current affairs podcast that is updated every Tuesday, 7.00 PM SGT. It is available on zaobao.sg, Apple Podcast, Spotify and other podcast platforms.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

美国总统特朗普3月4日在国会联席演说中，重申美国要收回巴拿马运河。他还提到，一家美国公司已经宣布计划买下巴拿马运河的两个港口。这家公司，就是著名的股权投资和资产管理公司贝莱德集团。

就在3月4日深夜，香港首富李嘉诚旗下的长江和记实业有限公司宣布，与由贝莱德牵头的财团达成原则性协议。长江和记将向贝莱德出售其在全球23个国家的43个港口，其中包括位于巴拿马运河的两个港口。整个交易涉及228亿美元。

这个消息带动长和股价隔天大涨接近22%，但却激怒了中国大陆。亲北京的香港《大公报》接连发文炮轰李嘉诚“丧权辱国”，“将国家重要战略资产拱手让人”，“交易完美配合美国遏华战略”。据说，中国领导人对此也深感震怒。

李嘉诚向美国财团出售港口，真的会损害中国的国家利益吗？中国政府又可能采取什么手段来阻止？按照程序，长和与贝莱德计划于4月2日进行最后的交割协议签署。到时，这次交易是否真的能够画上句点？

这期的早报播客《东谈西论》，听主持人韩咏红和新加坡管理大学李光前商学院副教授傅方剑解析李嘉诚出售巴拿马运河港口所引发的争议。

延伸阅读：

In a stunning development that has sent shockwaves through global shipping and geopolitics, Hong Kong billionaire Li Ka-shing's CK Hutchison Holdings has agreed to sell its global ports business to a consortium led by US investment giant BlackRock for US$22.8 billion (S$30.5 billion). This deal, which includes 43 ports in 23 countries, notably strategic ports along the Panama Canal, has ignited a firestorm of controversy, particularly in China.

The Chinese government and pro-Beijing media have launched scathing criticisms against Li Ka-shing. Critics claim Li is "surrendering national rights" and "handing over important strategic assets" to American interests.

The deal has sparked intense discussions about the complex interplay between business, geopolitics, and national security, raising questions about the role of private companies in strategically sensitive areas.

In this episode of Global Heartbeat podcast, Associate Professor of Finance from the Singapore Management University’s Lee Kong Chian School of Business, Fu Fangjian, joins host Han Yonghong to provide in-depth analysis of the geopolitical and economic implications of this high-stakes transaction that has put Hong Kong's most prominent tycoon in the middle of a growing China-US rivalry.

Global Heartbeat is a Mandarin weekly news and current affairs podcast that is updated every Tuesday, 7.00 PM SGT. It is available on zaobao.sg, Apple Podcast, Spotify and other podcast platforms.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

新加坡的外交策略是否真的是在一根平衡木上表演？

新加坡国家发展部兼外交部高级政务部长沈颖强调，新加坡与中美关系良好，因新加坡与中国的国家利益、新加坡与美国的国家利益很大程度上是吻合的，但当外部条件变化时，也必须要做出一些相应的调整。

她表示，新加坡虽小，但在海洋法、知识产权和网络安全等国际事务中发挥着协调作用，努力成为一个值得信赖的国际伙伴。

沈颖借用梁文福的歌词“我们都曾一无所有过，现在拥有的不算什么，但是比别人珍惜得多”，来表明这是新加坡外交方针的写照。

新加坡如何看待当前的国际局势，新加坡的外交方针是什么？外界有什么误解？官员为什么要如此频繁地解释国家立场？

这期的早报播客《东谈西论》，主持人韩咏红与新加坡国家发展部兼外交部高级政务部长沈颖，探讨新加坡在当前复杂国际局势中的外交原则。

延伸阅读：

In an increasingly complex global landscape, how does Singapore navigate its diplomatic strategy? Singapore’s Senior Minister of State for Foreign Affairs and National Development Sim Ann sheds light on this in the latest episode of Lianhe Zaobao’s podcast Global Heartbeat. 

Ms Sim highlights that Singapore maintains good relations with both China and the United States because the interests of all three parties are highly aligned. However, when external conditions change, timely strategic adjustments are necessary.

She emphasises that despite its small size, Singapore plays a coordinating role in international affairs such as maritime law, intellectual property, and cybersecurity, striving to be a trustworthy international partner.

Ms Sim quotes Liang Wern Fook's lyrics, 'We once had nothing, what we have now isn't much, but we cherish it more than others,' to illustrate Singapore's diplomatic approach.

How does Singapore view the current international situation? What is Singapore's diplomatic policy? What misconceptions exist? Why do officials need to frequently explain the national position?

Join host Han Yong Hong and Ms Sim as they explore Singapore's diplomatic principles in today's complex international environment.

Global Heartbeat is a Mandarin weekly news and current affairs podcast that is updated every Tuesday, 7.00 PM SGT. It is available on zaobao.sg, Apple Podcast, Spotify and other podcast platforms.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

加拿大执政的自由党于当地时间3月9日举行党内选举，前央行行长马克·卡尼（Mark Carney）以压倒性优势胜出，这意味着他也接任新任总理。

卡尼在胜选演讲中直指美国，表示美国企图占有加拿大的资源、水源和土地，甚至威胁到加拿大人的生活方式。但卡尼强调，加拿大将永远不会成为美国的一部分。

自特朗普当选美国总统以来，加拿大面临日益严峻的挑战。特朗普和美国政府官员多次明示，加拿大应成为美国的第五十一个州。此外，特朗普政府宣布对加拿大和墨西哥的商品加征25%的关税，加拿大民众对这一系列言行强烈反应，激起了两国间的紧张局势，也大幅改变了加拿大国内政治格局。原本支持率奄奄一息的自由党通过坚决对抗美国的姿态，成功扭转了局势，支持率显著回升。

与此同时，中国也对加拿大加征了商品关税。为何加拿大接连遭遇中美两国的双重施压？美加贸易战即将爆发，是否仍有转机？

这期的早报播客《东谈西论》，主持人韩咏红与新加坡国立大学东亚研究所高级研究员陈波，一同拆解美、中、加三国的贸易战。

延伸阅读：

Former central banker Mark Carney will succeed Justin Trudeau as Canada’s prime minister, after emerging victorious in the Liberal Party leadership election with more than 85% of the votes. Carney's speech boldly criticised the United States' ambitions over Canadian resources and strongly affirmed Canada's sovereignty, stating that Canada "will never, ever be part of America in any way, shape, or form". Amid these political shifts, Canada faces mounting pressure, with Trump having previously suggested Canada join the U.S. as its 51st state and signed an executive order imposing a 25% tariff on Canadian goods. The situation is further complicated by China's recent announcement of retaliatory tariffs on Canadian imports. 

In this episode of Global Heartbeat podcast, host Han Yong Hong explores the developments in North America with Chen Bo, Senior Research Fellow at the East Asian Institute of the National University of Singapore. 

Global Heartbeat is a Mandarin weekly news and current affairs podcast that is updated every Tuesday, 7.00 PM SGT. It is available on zaobao.sg, Apple Podcast, Spotify and other podcast platforms.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

随着美国副总统万斯的插话，乌克兰总统泽连斯基的强硬反问，一场原本尚算和气的会谈，瞬间火药味十足，演变为震惊全国的外交争执。

美国总统特朗普、副总统万斯与泽连斯基，当着全球媒体的面激烈交锋。是美国仗大国之势，欺压一个正遭入侵的小国？是美国“民主灯塔”的形象轰然坍塌？还是泽连斯基准备不足，误判形势，缺乏战略判断与谈判筹码？

这期的早报播客《东谈西论》，听主持人韩咏红与中国著名国际战略专家、中国人民大学国际关系学院退休教授时殷弘解析美乌谈崩，乌克兰的命运将何去何从？欧洲又将走向何方？

延伸阅读：

A high-stakes meeting between US President Trump, Vice President JD Vance, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy erupted into a public diplomatic row, raising serious questions about the future of Ukraine and transatlantic relations. 

The incident has drawn widespread criticism, with some accusing the US of bullying a nation under siege while others question Zelenskyy's tactical approach.  

The breakdown in communication highlights the fragility of international diplomacy and the potential consequences of aggressive rhetoric.  

With the US-Ukraine talks faltering, uncertainty looms over Ukraine's fate and the broader geopolitical landscape. What are the implications of this diplomatic clash? How will this impact the ongoing conflict and the balance of power in Europe? 

Join host Han Yonghong on Global Heartbeat podcast as she discusses these critical questions with Dr. Shi Yinhong, a leading expert on international strategy.

Global Heartbeat is a Mandarin weekly news and current affairs podcast that is updated every Tuesday, 7.00 PM SGT. It is available on zaobao.sg, Apple Podcast, Spotify and other podcast platforms.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

美国总统特朗普上周宣布，将向对美贸易顺差国征收对等关税。

特朗普下令美国商务部、贸易代表办公室等启动调查，要对贸易伙伴制定对等关税，最早在今年4月实施。有评论人形容特朗普按下了全球贸易战的按钮，他在酝酿一场世界自由贸易秩序的重大革命。

自今年1月20日上任以来，特朗普以及他的亲密战友马斯克等人迅速颠覆了美国的一系列政策，改变现状，包括撤销美国国际开发署，推动联邦政府大裁员，还用关税威胁盟友，并且表示要长期接管加沙地带。

聚集了马斯克等奇才的特朗普2.0是一个超强组合，还是一群破坏分子？

这期的早报播客《东谈西论》，听主持人韩咏红与新加坡优势研究咨询公司创始人兼CEO张帆解析特朗普与团队一系列倒行逆施的做法目的是什么？

延伸阅读：

US President Donald Trump's second term has begun with a flurry of controversial policy announcements, sending shockwaves through global markets and international relations. His administration is pursuing aggressive trade policies, threatening tariffs on countries with a trade surplus with the US. This has sparked fears of a global trade war and potential retaliation from affected nations.

Domestically, proposed budget cuts to agencies like the US international aid agency (USAid) and significant federal workforce reductions have drawn criticism. 

Furthermore, Trump's policies regarding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, including a greater US role in Gaza, are raising concerns in the Middle East. 

Adding to the intrigue, Elon Musk's involvement in the Trump administration has generated both excitement and apprehension, with his influence on policy decisions still unclear. 

In this episode of Global Heartbeat, host Han Yonghong delves into these complex issues with expert analysis from Tim Zhang, Founder & CEO of Edge Research.

Global Heartbeat is a Mandarin weekly news and current affairs podcast that is updated every Tuesday, 7.00 PM SGT. It is available on zaobao.sg, Apple Podcast, Spotify and other podcast platforms.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

马来西亚首相安华去年12月，宣布邀请泰国前首相达信出任安华作为亚细安轮值主席国主席的私人顾问。不久后，安华和达信乘搭游艇在泰国边界的水域会面。

在今年2月初，安华与达信再次见面，讨论加密货币和缅甸局势问题。两人的会面，后来也加入了新加坡前外交部长杨荣文。

马来西亚是今年的亚细安轮值主席国，今年也是 “亚细安共同体愿景 2025” 实施的最后一年。这个组织将制定未来20年的目标，即 “亚细安共同体愿景2045”。

在全球贸易保护主义抬头、地缘政治紧张加剧的局势下，亚细安面临更大的机遇，以及更严峻的挑战。客观环境是否会迫使亚细安更有作为？

这期的早报播客《东谈西论》，听主持人韩咏红与拉曼大学政治与新闻系助理教授刘惟诚解析安华作为轮值主席，会施展怎样的雄心壮志？他又会如何解决悬而未决的缅甸问题？

延伸阅读：

Malaysia's Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim's decision to appoint former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra as an informal advisor on ASEAN affairs has sparked controversy. Thaksin met with Anwar on multiple occasions, including a meeting on a yacht near the Thai border and a later meeting joined by former Singaporean Foreign Minister George Yeo. These meetings focused on pressing regional issues like the Myanmar crisis and the rise of cryptocurrencies.

Anwar's move has raised eyebrows due to Thaksin's controversial past and legal troubles. Critics question the appropriateness of seeking counsel from a figure convicted of corruption, while supporters emphasise Thaksin's experience and regional insights.  This appointment comes as Malaysia holds the ASEAN chairmanship for 2025, a crucial year marking the culmination of the "ASEAN Community Vision 2025" and the beginning of a new 20-year vision.

With rising global trade protectionism and escalating geopolitical tensions, ASEAN faces both opportunities and challenges. Anwar's leadership will be tested as he navigates these complex issues, particularly the ongoing crisis in Myanmar. 

This episode of Global Heartbeat podcast features Assistant Professor (Media and Politics) Liew Wui Chern from University of Tunku Abdul Rahman, offering insights into these unfolding events. Join us as we explore the ambitions and strategies that will shape ASEAN's future.

Hosted by Lianhe Zaobao’s Associate Editor, Han Yong Hong, Global Heartbeat is a Mandarin weekly news and current affairs podcast that is updated every Tuesday, 7.00 PM SGT. It is available on zaobao.sg, Apple Podcast, Spotify and other podcast platforms.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

今年1月20日，中国人工智能公司DeepSeek发布全新模型DeepSeek-R1，震撼了AI产业界与美国股市。

据透露，DeepSeek-R1 的性能已接近OpenAI的ChatGPT，但其训练成本仅为后者的几十分之一。受此影响，美股七大科技巨头股价齐齐下跌，英伟达一周内累计跌幅超过15%，市值蒸发约6000亿美元。

这家成立仅一年的中国AI公司为何能异军突起，震撼全球？新任美国总统特朗普会采取哪些措施遏制中国人工智能的发展？

这期的早报播客《东谈西论》，听主持人韩咏红与新加坡优势研究咨询公司创始人兼CEO张帆深入探讨随着AI技术的迭代更新，其推理能力已接近人类，机器取代人的时代是否正在加速到来？

延伸阅读：

The world of artificial intelligence is abuzz with the emergence of DeepSeek, a Chinese AI language model challenging the dominance of established players like OpenAI's ChatGPT.  DeepSeek has undoubtedly sent ripples through the tech industry, raising questions about the future of AI development and the global balance of power.  Its purported ability to match ChatGPT's functionality at a fraction of the training cost has sparked both excitement and concern.

This has resulted in notable declines in the stock prices of major American tech companies, with NVIDIA experiencing a significant drop. 

DeepSeek's rise has also fueled geopolitical anxieties, particularly regarding the US-China tech rivalry.  While the extent of its impact on US tech giants remains to be seen, DeepSeek's emergence highlights the rapid advancements in AI and the potential for disruptive innovation from unexpected players.

As AI evolves, questions arise about the balance between human emotion and machine logic, and whether we are nearing an era where machines could replace human roles.

Join host Han Yonghong and guest Tim Zhang, Edge Research Founder & CEO, as they explore these developments and their global implications. 

Hosted by Lianhe Zaobao’s Associate Editor, Han Yong Hong, Global Heartbeat is a Mandarin weekly news and current affairs podcast that is updated every Tuesday, 7.00 PM SGT. It is available on zaobao.sg, Apple Podcast, Spotify and other podcast platforms.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

时隔四年，美国总统特朗普卷土重来。他在1月20日正式就职成为美国第47任总统。在就职演说中，他宣布美国将重返黄金时代，不会让美国再被其他国家占便宜，也会确保美国优先。此外，他极尽数落前任政府的政绩，大力抨击美国的安全状况、外交政策、移民政策等等。

特朗普上任第一天，一口气签署了一系列行政令，包括退出《巴黎协定》、退出世卫组织等等。他在就职演说中宣布南部边境紧急状态，明确表示要扩张美国的领土，将“墨西哥湾”重新命名为“美国湾”。

特朗普的归来会给美国和世界带来什么影响？

这期的早报播客《东谈西论》，听主持人韩咏红与清华大学战略与安全研究中心主任、国际关系学系教授达巍详细解析。

延伸阅读：

In a historic and unprecedented political comeback, Donald Trump has been inaugurated as the 47th President of the United States, marking his return to the White House four years after his first term. His inauguration speech set a bold tone, promising to usher in a new "golden age" for America and emphasised an "America First" policy. Throughout his speech, Trump criticised the previous administration's handling of security, foreign policy, immigration, public services, and education. 

Trump wasted no time implementing significant changes, declaring a national emergency at the southern border and in energy. He has expressed a desire to rename the Gulf of Mexico and an interest in acquiring the Panama Canal. Trump has also signed executive orders to withdraw the US from the Paris climate agreement and the World Health Organisation (WHO), raising questions about the future of US global engagement.

In this episode of Lianhe Zaobao’s podcast Global Heartbeat, host Han Yonghong is joined by Professor Da Wei, Director of the Centre for International Security and Strategy at Tsinghua University, to analyse the potential impact of Trump's second presidency on both American and global politics. 

Hosted by Lianhe Zaobao’s Associate Editor, Han Yong Hong, Global Heartbeat is a Mandarin weekly news and current affairs podcast that is updated every Tuesday, 7.00 PM SGT. It is available on zaobao.sg, Apple Podcast, Spotify and other podcast platforms.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

今年1月3日，中国演员王星抵达泰国曼谷。他原以为自己是去拍戏，没想到却落入了电信诈骗集团的圈套。下飞机后，他被拐骗至缅甸的妙瓦底县。

幸运的是，王星有一个机智又爱他的女朋友。她一方面报警求助，另一方面通过社交媒体发声，最终成功让王星在1月7日获救。

在飞回上海的飞机上，王星回忆了自己的遭遇。他说，当时过了河，竟然完全没有意识到自己已经离开泰国。他被关押在一个地方，和他一起被关的还有大约50人，所有人都被剃光了头。

王星的经历并非个例。在他获救后，有超过170名怀疑家人被困在缅甸的中国人发起联署，恳求当局伸出援手。联合国的数据显示，大约有20万人在柬埔寨和缅甸的诈骗中心工作。这些人遭到囚禁、虐待，被迫从事诈骗活动。

由于诈骗集团的主要目标是中国人与华人，从事诈骗工作的人中也有不少中国受害者。有些人甚至形容，中国人就是“行走的人民币”。

这期的早报播客《东谈西论》，听主持人韩咏红与马来西亚太平洋研究中心首席顾问胡逸山解析东南亚为何成了绑架和诈骗中国人的犯罪温床？各国政府又应该采取哪些行动来打击这些犯罪活动？

延伸阅读：

新闻人间：王星拐骗案幕后黑手“颜十六”

谈王星案 在泰国拍戏中国公司：做好这点就安全

The story of Chinese actor Wang Xing's harrowing escape from a Myanmar scam centre has sent shockwaves through the Chinese community and raised concerns about safety in Southeast Asia. Lured to Thailand under the guise of a filming opportunity in early January 2025, Wang Xing was abducted upon arrival and trafficked across the border to Myawaddy, Myanmar.  He found himself imprisoned with around 50 other individuals, all of whom were forced to shave their heads. Thanks to his resourceful girlfriend, who alerted authorities and rallied support on social media, Wang Xing was rescued within days. 

His experience sheds light on a disturbing trend of kidnappings linked to Southeast Asian fraud operations. Following his rescue, over 170 Chinese families reported similar disappearances of loved ones in Myanmar, highlighting the alarming prevalence of human trafficking and forced labour in the region. The United Nations estimates a staggering 200,000 people are trapped in these scam centres across Southeast Asia, subjected to horrific conditions and forced to participate in criminal activities targeting Chinese communities worldwide. The lucrative nature of these scams, preying on cultural and linguistic ties, has led to Chinese individuals being cynically referred to as "walking RMB" by criminal gangs. The fear became so real that even Hong Kong singer Eason Chan cancelled his Bangkok concert due to safety concerns for his fans. 

Join host Han Yong Hong as she explores the rise of scam centres in Southeast Asia, impact on tourism and potential solutions to this growing crisis with expert analysis from Dr Oh Ei Sun, Principal Adviser, Pacific Research Centre of Malaysia.  

Hosted by Lianhe Zaobao’s Associate Editor, Han Yong Hong, Global Heartbeat is a Mandarin weekly news and current affairs podcast that is updated every Tuesday, 7.00 PM SGT. It is available on zaobao.sg, Apple Podcast, Spotify and other podcast platforms.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

在2024年岁末，中国军方一口气展示四款先进海空武器。

12月27日，全球首艘搭载电磁弹射系统的076型两栖攻击舰——四川舰，正式下水并命名。此外，解放军在成都和沈阳分别试飞两架疑似第六代战斗机，以及在西安试飞了全新的空警3000战略预警机，也都在12月26日和27日这两天里亮相。

中国在2025年之前密集展示多款世界先进武器，背后有什么深意？

这期的早报播客《东谈西论》，听主持人韩咏红与《联合早报》驻北京记者于泽远详细解析中国这次的军工大暴走是想对外发出什么弦外之音？它又会如何改变中美军事实力的平衡？

延伸阅读：

于泽远：中国军工开启暴走模式

中国“四川舰”下水 可在渡海战中执行多种任务

In a strategic move at the close of 2024, China has showcased a series of cutting-edge military technologies, including the world’s first 076 amphibious assault ship equipped with electromagnetic catapults, and conducted test flights of new sixth-generation fighter jets and a KJ-3000 early warning aircraft. 

These demonstrations are not just technological feats but are laden with geopolitical significance, hinting at China's ambitions to alter the global military balance, particularly in relation to the United States. 

This episode of Global Heartbeat podcast delves into China's recent military advancements, exploring the motivations behind these developments and their potential impact on global power dynamics. Join host Han Yonghong and Lianhe Zaobao's China News Copy Editor Yu Zeyuan as they unpack what these advancements mean for the future of international security.

Hosted by Lianhe Zaobao’s Associate Editor, Han Yong Hong, Global Heartbeat is a Mandarin weekly news and current affairs podcast that is updated every Tuesday, 7.00 PM SGT. It is available on zaobao.sg, Apple Podcast, Spotify and other podcast platforms.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

韩国济州航空公司的一架波音客机，星期天上午疑似因撞上鸟群而坠毁，造成重大伤亡。

从现场画面可见，飞机以机腹迫降在跑道上，随后滑行了相当长的距离，最终撞上一堵墙。巨大的冲击力导致飞机瞬间化为一团火球。事故造成179人罹难。

韩国今年可谓流年不利。就在不久前，总统尹锡悦于12月3日宣布全国进入紧急戒严。此举在国内外引发轩然大波。至今，韩国的政治动荡仍未平息。

2024年被称为“全球选举年”，全世界共有超过60个国家举行了选举。其中，一些国家的执政党在选举中失利，例如英国。而另一些国家则因政局动荡遭遇巨变，叙利亚的阿萨德政权就在武装叛变中被推翻。

然而，在这一系列的国际事件中，最引人注目的是美国的总统选举。特朗普在竞选期间经历了一场枪击事件，但他大难不死，最终成功当选为美国第47任总统。

这期的早报播客《东谈西论》，听主持人韩咏红和《联合早报》国际新闻组第二主任吴汉钧盘点2024年最奇葩国际新闻。

延伸阅读：

【东谈西论】尹锡悦总统遭弹劾 如何影响韩国政治？

【东谈西论】全世界系好安全带 迎接特朗普的新美国

2024 was a year of global upheaval, marked by surprising election outcomes and political turmoil. While Donald Trump's return to the White House dominated headlines, significant events unfolded elsewhere. South Korea grappled with the impeachment of President Yoon Suk-yeol, sparking a constitutional crisis. While the reasons for impeachment are complex, the move has sent shockwaves through the country’s political landscape. Meanwhile, a Jeju Air passenger plane crash-landed in South Korea, raising concerns about aviation safety. Initial reports suggested a bird strike, but investigations are ongoing to determine the exact cause. 

Join Lianhe Zaobao’s Associate Editor Han Yong Hong and Second Foreign Editor Ng Hon Kuan as they delve into a tumultuous year for international events in 2024.

Global Heartbeat is a Mandarin weekly news and current affairs podcast that is updated every Tuesday, 7.00 PM SGT. It is available on zaobao.sg, Apple Podcast, Spotify and other podcast platforms.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

12月3日，韩国总统尹锡悦宣布全国进入紧急戒严。4天后，尹锡悦发表“对国民谈话”，对紧急戒严事态道歉，并强调绝不会有第二次戒严。他还强硬地表示对调查和弹劾奉陪到底。12月14日，韩国国会第二次表决通过了弹劾总统尹锡悦的动议，暂停他的公职。总理韩悳洙将成为代理总统。尹锡悦在国会通过弹劾案后立即说：“我绝不会放弃。” 一直转变态度的尹锡悦会有什么下场？宪法法院会如何裁决？

这期的早报播客《东谈西论》，听主持人吴汉钧与韩国外国语大学孔裕植教授，以及《联合早报》驻首尔通讯员姜贵瑛详细解析。

延伸阅读：

尹锡悦面临弹劾审判和刑事调查

姜贵瑛：都是第一夫人惹的祸？

Two weeks after South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol announced martial law, his initial apology has transformed into a firm resolve to face the impeachment charges head-on. Despite his changing stance, the Dec 14 impeachment motion by the National Assembly has led to his suspension, with the Constitutional Court now set to determine his fate. 

As the court reviews the case, questions loom about Yoon's future and the trajectory of South Korea's political landscape. Join host Ng Hon Kuan in conversation with Hankuk University of Foreign Studies Chief Researcher Yoosik Kong and Lianhe Zaobao’s Seoul Correspondent Kang Gwi Young for an in-depth analysis of these pivotal events.

Global Heartbeat is a Mandarin weekly news and current affairs podcast that is updated every Tuesday, 7.00 PM SGT. It is available on zaobao.sg, Apple Podcast, Spotify and other podcast platforms.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

韩国总统尹锡悦在12月3日晚上突然宣布全国进入紧急戒严，声称此举是为铲除亲朝鲜势力。然而，在各方强烈反对下，他在六小时内迅速撤销戒严令，但这戒严令已在韩国政坛引发巨大震荡。

反对党随即联合提交对尹锡悦的弹劾动议，但弹劾案在上星期六因未达到全体会议法定表决人数而撤销。大批韩国民众在首尔举行大型抗议集会，要求尹锡悦下台。与此同时，韩国检方宣布已对尹锡悦涉嫌内乱展开调查，他也被禁止出境。

尹锡悦的政治前途是否已走到尽头？这场风波又将如何影响国际社会对韩国的看法？

这期的早报播客《东谈西论》，听主持人吴汉钧与韩国外国语大学孔裕植教授，以及《联合早报》驻首尔通讯员姜贵瑛详细解析宛如韩剧情节的尹锡悦戒严风波。

延伸阅读：

分析：颁布戒严令是“韩国民主倒退” 尹锡悦总统大位或不保

【早知】尹锡悦玩火造成什么影响？

South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol's sudden declaration of martial law on December 3 has thrown the nation into political disarray. His attempt to curb pro-North Korean influence was met with swift opposition, resulting in the lifting of martial law within six hours. This upheaval has led to a stalled impeachment motion due to a lack of quorum and mass protests demanding Yoon's resignation. Compounding the situation, Yoon faces a legal investigation for alleged insurrection and is barred from leaving the country. This crisis not only casts doubts on Yoon's political future but also has significant implications for South Korea’s international reputation. 

In this episode of Global Heartbeat podcast, join host Ng Hon Kuan as he delves into this dramatic political saga with Yoosik Kong, Chief Researcher at Hankuk University of Foreign Studies and Kang Gwi Young, Lianhe Zaobao’s Seoul Correspondent.  

Global Heartbeat is a Mandarin weekly news and current affairs podcast that is updated every Tuesday, 7.00 PM SGT. It is available on zaobao.sg, Apple Podcast, Spotify and other podcast platforms.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

中共中央军事委员会委员、军委政治工作部主任苗华，因涉嫌严重违纪被停职检查。中国国防部新闻发言人于上星期四主动对外发布了这一消息。

苗华成为本届中央军委中第二名被处分的委员，也是去年以来落马的多名解放军高级将领之一。在苗华和李尚福之前，前任中国国防部长魏凤和因严重违纪违法，已于去年被立案审查调查。

自去年以来，中国军队展开大规模反腐行动，但高级将领依然前腐后继。苗华被认为是中共总书记习近平提拔的将领，他的落马意味着什么？

这期的联合早报播客《东谈西论》，听主持人韩咏红与《联合早报》驻北京记者于泽远详细解析苗华落马对解放军战斗力的影响。

延伸阅读：

中共中央军委委员苗华被停职检查 仕途基本终结

中国特稿：腐败劣根摘不尽 中国整肃军队路漫漫

China has suspended a top military official Miao Hua and placed him under investigation for “serious violations of discipline”, which are commonly used as a euphemism for corruption in China. 

This development comes amid a sweeping anti-corruption campaign within the Chinese military, which has already seen several high-ranking officials face disciplinary action. 

Admiral Miao Hua is a member of Beijing’s powerful Central Military Commission (CMC). He headed the CMC’s Political Work Department, the top military body’s most important office. Adm Miao, described as a close ally of Chinese President Xi Jinping, is the latest to be scrutinised, raising questions about the broader implications for the People's Liberation Army. 

Join host Han Yonghong and Lianhe Zaobao's China News Copy Editor Yu Zeyuan as they explore the significance of Miao Hua's suspension and its potential impact on China's military strength.

Hosted by Lianhe Zaobao’s Associate Editor, Han Yong Hong, Global Heartbeat is a Mandarin weekly news and current affairs podcast that is updated every Tuesday, 7.00 PM SGT. It is available on zaobao.sg, Apple Podcast, Spotify and other podcast platforms.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

俄罗斯上星期四向乌克兰东部发射了一枚新型中程弹道导弹。这是一枚最新研制的高超音速导弹，代号“榛树”。

俄罗斯总统普京称，“榛树”能够以10马赫的速度打击目标，它虽然不是战略武器，但其效果和威力可以与战略武器相媲美。普京还表示，当今世界没有任何手段可以对抗这种导弹，也没有任何手段可以拦截它。

普京宣布，“榛树”导弹将在俄军战略导弹部队中投入使用。“榛树”导弹能在12分钟内飞到柏林，飞到罗马只需14分钟，大约17分钟就能到达布鲁塞尔、巴黎，甚至伦敦。

不久前，普京签署了一项法令，批准降低俄罗斯使用核武器的门槛。在这个关键时刻，他又测试新的高超音速中程导弹。普京究竟想要震慑谁？

这期的早报播客《东谈西论》，听主持人韩咏红与《联合早报》驻北京记者于泽远详细解析俄乌战争是否正在朝核武大战的方向进一步迈进？

延伸阅读：

沈泽玮：俄乌战千日，中欧持续震荡

俄首次在乌使用新型弹道导弹 乌克兰加紧分析残骸

Russia has tested a new intermediate-range ballistic missile in an assault on the Ukrainian city of Dnipro. The hypersonic missile codenamed Oreshnik (meaning hazel tree in Russian), is reportedly capable of achieving speeds of Mach 10 (10 times the speed of sound), and reaching European capitals within minutes. Russian President Vladimir Putin asserts the missile's unrivaled speed and power, comparing it to strategic weapons despite its classification. Amid these developments, Putin has also lowered the threshold for Russia's use of nuclear weapons, raising global concerns about the potential escalation of the Russia-Ukraine conflict into a nuclear confrontation. 

Join host Han Yonghong and Lianhe Zaobao’s China News Copy Editor Yu Zeyuan in this episode of Global Heartbeat as they delve into the geopolitical ramifications of Russia's latest military maneuvers and the shifting dynamics of international security.

Hosted by Lianhe Zaobao’s Associate Editor, Han Yong Hong, Global Heartbeat is a Mandarin weekly news and current affairs podcast that is updated every Tuesday, 7.00 PM SGT. It is available on zaobao.sg, Apple Podcast, Spotify and other podcast platforms.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

中国江苏宜兴市无锡工艺职业技术学院上星期六晚间发生校园随机杀人案。根据警方通报，一名21岁的男学生，因考试不合格无法拿到毕业证书，加上对实习报酬不满，回校持刀杀人泄愤，造成八人死亡，17人受伤。

类似的随机杀人案件，中国今年以来已发生至少八九起。11月11日，广东珠海也发生一起驾越野车随机撞人事件，导致35人死亡，43人重伤。

中国最高层下令各地区和有关部门要举一反三，加强风险源头管控。各地也随即展开矛盾纠纷排查化解。然而，这些举措能否真正解决问题，防堵此类悲剧再次发生？

这期的早报播客《东谈西论》，听主持人韩咏红与新加坡国立大学东亚研究所研究员赵力涛及旅居台湾的时事评论人徐全解析接二连三的恶性随机伤人事件有什么共性？中国社会发生了什么事？

延伸阅读：

【视频】江苏高校伤人案为今年首例学生犯案 学者：疏导社会压力需减压阀

韩咏红：珠海之殇

In a shocking series of events, China has witnessed a spate of random violent incidents, raising concerns about social stability and safety. 

Last Saturday, a stabbing rampage at the Wuxi Vocational Institute of Arts and Technology in the city of Yixing in Jiangsu province, left eight dead and 17 injured.  A 21-year-old student, reportedly driven by academic failure and unpaid internship wages, is blamed for the attack. Just days earlier, a horrific car attack in Zhuhai, Guangdong province, claimed the lives of 35 people and left 43 seriously injured. 

These incidents have prompted China's leadership to call for increased preventative measures and conflict resolution efforts.  However, questions linger about the underlying causes of such violence and the efficacy of these proposed solutions.

This episode of Global Heartbeat podcast delves into these recent tragedies in China, exploring potential societal factors and the challenges of preventing such incidents. Joining host Han Yonghong to analyse these events are Dr. Zhao Litao, a senior research fellow at the National University of Singapore’s East Asian Institute and Taiwan-based commentator Xu Quan.

Hosted by Lianhe Zaobao’s Associate Editor, Han Yong Hong, Global Heartbeat is a Mandarin weekly news and current affairs podcast that is updated every Tuesday, 7.00 PM SGT. It is available on zaobao.sg, Apple Podcast, Spotify and other podcast platforms.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

美国总统选举结果已经尘埃落定，前总统特朗普大胜，他不仅赢得所有摇摆州的选举人票，普选票也胜过对手哈里斯。

特朗普誓言带领美国进入黄金时代，弥合国家伤口。他在竞选期间公布的政策包括大规模驱逐移民，对中国商品加征关税至60%，对其他国家商品征税10%至20%，而且要欧洲盟友和台湾支付更多“保护费”。

评论人担忧，美国将走回历史上的孤立时代。这会对世界带来什么影响？中国又会如何迎接特朗普治下的“黄金美国”？

这期的早报播客《东谈西论》，听主持人韩咏红与清华大学战略与安全研究中心主任、国际关系学系教授达巍解析特朗普再次当选美国总统对世界的影响。

延伸阅读：

吴汉钧：特朗普能否带领美国进入黄金时代？

韩咏红：特朗普2.0给中国的危机与机遇

Donald Trump achieved a significant victory in the US election, securing not only the electoral votes of key swing states but also leading his opponent Kamala Harris in the popular vote. Trump vowed to lead America into a “golden age” while addressing national healing. His proposed policies include imposing a 60% tariff on imports from China and a 10% tariff on goods from other countries, alongside demands for increased financial contributions from U.S. allies in exchange for security guarantees. Concerns about a potential shift towards a more isolationist stance under Trump's leadership have been raised, particularly regarding how this might affect global alliances and relations with China. These developments prompt discussions about their implications for international security dynamics. In this episode of Global Heartbeat podcast, host Han Yonghong discusses these issues with Professor Da Wei, Director of the Centre for International Security and Strategy at Tsinghua University.

Hosted by Lianhe Zaobao’s Associate Editor, Han Yong Hong, Global Heartbeat is a Mandarin weekly news and current affairs podcast that is updated every Tuesday, 7.00 PM SGT. It is available on zaobao.sg, Apple Podcast, Spotify and other podcast platforms.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

美国总统大选已进入投票日，全世界都在屏息以待选举结果。在投票日前三天，提前邮寄投票的选民已超过7500万。至今，现任副总统、民主党候选人哈里斯与前总统、共和党候选人特朗普的选情依然胶着，互不相让，选举进入割喉战。

两大阵营频出奇招，但也出现了猪队友自乱阵脚的情况。哈里斯引述他人言论，指责特朗普为法西斯分子；拜登则称特朗普的支持者为“垃圾”，引发巨大争议。

越来越多的民调显示，特朗普的胜选几率正在上升。中国的知识界怎么看待特朗普重返白宫的可能性？

这期的早报播客《东谈西论》，听主持人韩咏红与中国复旦大学教授沈丁立深入解析特朗普如果再次当选，是会更加可怕，还是可能带来转机？

延伸阅读：

美国总统大选前夕 中国学者预期特朗普赢面更大

杨丹旭：美国大选，世界在等

As the world watches with bated breath, the race between Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump is proving to be one of the most closely contested in recent history. With more than 75 million mail-in votes already cast, the election has entered a critical phase. Both campaigns have resorted to aggressive tactics, sometimes backfiring spectacularly. Adding to the tension, several polls suggest Trump might have an edge, raising questions about what a second Trump presidency would mean for America and the world. In China, intellectuals are closely analysing the potential implications of a Trump return. Would it be a global disaster, or could there be unexpected upsides? In the latest episode of Global Heartbeat, Professor Shen Dingli of Fudan University provides expert insights into the impact of the election outcome on international politics.

Hosted by Lianhe Zaobao’s Associate Editor, Han Yong Hong, Global Heartbeat is a Mandarin weekly news and current affairs podcast that is updated every Tuesday, 7.00 PM SGT. It is available on zaobao.sg, Apple Podcast, Spotify and other podcast platforms.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

美国民主党总统候选人哈里斯的选情告急。

在刚过去的周末，前总统奥巴马夫人米歇尔亲自下场到关键摇摆州密歇根州，为哈里斯站台助选。米歇尔充满爆发力的演讲让全场气氛燃爆。

另一方面，特朗普在纽约市举行了大型造势晚会，现场挤得水泄不通，有的支持者还连夜在会场外扎营。特朗普在致辞时，呼吁支持者将哈里斯赶出白宫。

距离投票日只剩下一个星期，两位候选人哈里斯和特朗普的选情依然高度胶着。但多份最新民调显示，特朗普的当选几率正在赶超哈里斯。

这期的早报播客《东谈西论》，听主持人韩咏红与美国德州山姆休士顿州立大学政治系副教授翁履中解析特朗普真的要回来了吗？他会给美国和世界带来什么？在如此激烈的选举后，美国能否实现政权的和平交接？

延伸阅读：

The US presidential election is down to the wire, with Donald Trump and Kamala Harris locked in a tight race.  As the clock ticks down to Election Day, both candidates are pulling out all the stops.  Former First Lady Michelle Obama energised Harris supporters in the crucial swing state of Michigan with a rousing speech. Simultaneously, Trump held a massive rally in New York City, demonstrating the enduring fervour of his base. While some recent polls suggest a potential surge for Trump, the race remains too close to call.

Amidst this heated political climate, concerns are mounting over whether the US can ensure a peaceful transition of power following the election. This election carries significant weight, raising crucial questions about the future direction of the US and its role on the global stage. The stakes are high, and the world is watching as the US heads towards a potentially historic election.  

In this episode of Global Heartbeat podcast, Dr. Dennis Lu-Chung Weng, Associate Professor of Political Science at Sam Houston State University, shares his analysis and insights. 

Hosted by Lianhe Zaobao’s Associate Editor, Han Yong Hong, Global Heartbeat is a Mandarin weekly news and current affairs podcast that is updated every Tuesday, 7.00 PM SGT. It is available on zaobao.sg, Apple Podcast, Spotify and other podcast platforms.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

韩国情报部门上周公布情报称，朝鲜已经决定向乌克兰战场派遣包括特种部队在内的12,000名兵力，参与俄罗斯与乌克兰的战争。

韩国国情院称，今年8月，首批1,500多名朝鲜特种部队已被送往俄罗斯的符拉迪沃斯托克，也就是中国所称的海参崴。

另一方面，乌克兰总统泽连斯基上周告诉媒体，根据他们的情报，朝鲜已经派遣技术人员和军官前往乌克兰被分裂的地区。他也表示，朝鲜准备派遣1万名兵力到战场，这相当于第二个国家正式加入了对乌克兰的战争。自从乌克兰战争爆发以来，朝鲜一直向俄罗斯提供炮弹、导弹和其他武器援助，但尚未大规模派遣军队参战。

朝鲜这次真的准备派兵到前线了吗？如果属实，朝鲜的意图和目的是什么？

这期的早报播客《东谈西论》，听主持人韩咏红与《联合早报》驻北京的记者于泽远详细解析朝鲜的加入将如何影响俄乌战争的局势，乃至东北亚的和平。

Reports of North Korea's potential involvement in the Ukraine war have sent ripples through the international community. South Korean intelligence claims Pyongyang is preparing to send up to 12,000 troops, including special forces, to aid Russia. This claim, while unverified, alleges that an initial contingent of over 1,500 soldiers has already arrived in Vladivostok. The situation has raised alarms, with Ukrainian President Zelensky concerned about another nation entering the fray. The emergence of unverified videos purportedly showing North Korean soldiers receiving equipment from Russian troops has further fueled speculation. 

This development raises critical questions about North Korea's motivations and strategic intentions. The potential consequences of North Korean involvement are far-reaching. It could escalate the conflict, destabilise the region, and exacerbate existing geopolitical tensions, especially in Northeast Asia.

In this episode of Global Heartbeat podcast, join host Han Yonghong and Lianhe Zaobao's China News Copy Editor Yu Zeyuan as they explore the potential implications of North Korea’s military involvement in the Russia-Ukraine war.

Hosted by Lianhe Zaobao’s Associate Editor, Han Yong Hong, Global Heartbeat is a Mandarin weekly news and current affairs podcast that is updated every Tuesday, 7.00 PM SGT. It is available on zaobao.sg, Apple Podcast, Spotify and other podcast platforms.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

以色列与哈马斯冲突爆发一周年， 加沙地带的暴力冲突仍未消停，以色列的北方邻国黎巴嫩也卷入了战火。 

根据联合国的评估，在一个月内，以色列的攻击已经造成黎巴嫩北部2000人死亡，超过百万人流离失所。

美国、法国以及黎巴嫩的看守政府一直在努力促成停火协议，但都徒劳无功。

以色列总理内坦亚胡在10月6日宣称，以色列目前正同时在七条战线上作战。这些战线涉及不同地点或对象，分别是：加沙的哈马斯、黎巴嫩的真主党、也门的胡塞武装、叙利亚、伊拉克，约旦河西岸的抵抗组织，以及伊朗。

多线作战让以色列国内也遭受攻击，但以色列的军事行动为何仍在继续？国际社会，包括多个大国，都拿以色列没办法。

这期的早报播客《东谈西论》，听主持人韩咏红和中国著名国际战略专家、中国人民大学国际关系学院退休教授时殷弘详细解析中东战火持续，遭到多国谴责的内坦亚胡到底是赢了，还是输了？

延伸阅读：

One year after the October 7 attacks, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that his country is now fighting on seven fronts. He listed the battlegrounds as Iran, Hamas in Gaza, Hezbollah in Lebanon, the Houthis in Yemen, Shia militants in Iraq, militant groups in Syria as well as Palestinian fighters in the West Bank. 

Despite international efforts to broker a ceasefire, a resolution remains elusive. This multi-pronged approach, while presented as necessary by Netanyahu, has drawn international criticism and raised questions about its long-term effectiveness. Is Netanyahu's strategy a calculated gamble for security, or a dangerous escalation that could spiral out of control?  

In this episode of Global Heartbeat podcast, join host Han Yong Hong and Shi Yinhong, a professor of international relations at Renmin University of China, as they discuss the complex dynamics of Middle Eastern geopolitics as well as the implications of Netanyahu's military and political manoeuvres.

Hosted by Lianhe Zaobao’s Associate Editor, Han Yong Hong, Global Heartbeat is a Mandarin weekly news and current affairs podcast that is updated every Tuesday, 7.00 PM SGT. It is available on zaobao.sg, Apple Podcast, Spotify and other podcast platforms.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

在以色列2023年10月7日遭哈马斯突袭一周年的前夕，以色列在刚过去的周末扩大了对黎巴嫩首都贝鲁特南部的攻势。

战火给处于经济崩溃状态的黎巴嫩人民带来了更大的痛苦。超过100万人流离失所，逃离家园。过去一年间，以色列除了在加沙地带发动持续性的猛烈攻击，也打击了中东地区的敌对力量。这包括以色列在今年7月暗杀了前往伊朗出席新总统就职仪式的哈马斯领导人哈尼亚，9月又通过传呼机和对讲机爆炸袭击，造成数十名黎巴嫩真主党人死亡，数千人受伤。随后，以色列使用了八十余枚钻地弹，炸死了真主党最高领导纳斯鲁拉，并随后对黎巴嫩发起了地面进攻。

伊朗也展开了报复行动。上个星期二，伊朗向以色列发射了180多枚导弹，击中了两座以色列空军基地。

如今，中东地区多处战火纷飞，以色列在多线作战，它的最终目标是什么？它会攻击伊朗的核设施吗？

这期的早报播客《东谈西论》，听主持人韩咏红和台湾中兴大学国际政治研究所所长崔進揆解析中东战争全面扩大的倒计时是否已经开始？

延伸阅读：

Tensions in the Middle East are reaching a boiling point as Israel marks the first anniversary of the October 7 Hamas attack. Over the past year, Israel has intensified its military actions in Gaza and Lebanon, further straining the already dire humanitarian situation. With more than a million people displaced in Lebanon, the region faces mounting challenges. Speculation is rife about Israel's intentions, particularly concerning Iran's nuclear facilities, raising questions about the potential for a broader conflict. 

In this episode of Global Heartbeat podcast, join host Han Yong Hong and guest Chin-Kuei Tsui, Associate Professor at Graduate Institute of International Politics (GIIP), National Chung Hsing University, as they analyse the escalating Middle East crisis.  

Hosted by Lianhe Zaobao’s Associate Editor, Han Yong Hong, Global Heartbeat is a Mandarin weekly news and current affairs podcast that is updated every Tuesday, 7.00 PM SGT. It is available on zaobao.sg, Apple Podcast, Spotify and other podcast platforms.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

中国三大金融监管机构上星期二突然联合召开记者会，公布了一系列救市措施，包括降准、降息、下调房地产贷款利率、将房贷首付比率下降至15%。这等于向市场释放1万亿元人民币的流动性。

中国央行行长潘功胜在记者会上还宣布，将推出两项政策工具来释放流动性并提振股市。这两项政策工具共计会对市场释放8000亿人民币，而且还只是首期。中国股市、香港股市应声大涨，并带动亚太和欧洲股市上扬。

到了星期四，中共中央政治局再开会部署经济工作，要求保证必要的财政支出、实施有力度的降息、促进房地产市场止跌回稳。国际投资者为之振奋，著名对冲基金经理 David Tepper公开表示他已全面加仓。

在冠病疫情结束后，中国经济并没有出现预期的报复性反弹，反而面临越来越大的挑战。尽管经济学家一直在呼吁中国政府采取更为有力的救市措施，但当局的行动被形容为“挤牙膏”。这一次，中国政府终于启动了大规模救市的扳机吗？这是否算是大水漫灌？

这期的早报播客《东谈西论》，听主持人韩咏红和新加坡华侨银行亚洲地区研究与策略主管谢栋铭解析中国推出的新一轮政策将会对中国经济产生什么影响？

延伸阅读：

China has surprised markets with a series of aggressive monetary easing measures aimed at reviving its flagging economy. 

The country's central bank announced a cut to the reserve requirement ratio for banks, injecting billions into the financial system.  Additionally, lending and mortgage interest rates will be lowered, and further stimulus measures are on the horizon. 

This comes after China's post-pandemic recovery fell short of expectations, prompting calls for more decisive government action. The announcements led to significant gains in China's stock market, which also positively impacted the Hong Kong, Asia-Pacific, and European markets. 

While some investors are expressing renewed confidence, the long-term impact of these measures remains to be seen. 

In this episode of Global Heartbeat podcast, join host Han Yong Hong and guest Tommy Xie, Head of Greater China Research & Strategy at OCBC Bank, as they analyse these developments and discuss whether China has finally pulled the trigger on a large-scale economic rescue plan.  

Hosted by Lianhe Zaobao’s Associate Editor, Han Yong Hong, Global Heartbeat is a Mandarin weekly news and current affairs podcast that is updated every Tuesday, 7.00 PM SGT. It is available on zaobao.sg, Apple Podcast, Spotify and other podcast platforms.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

马来西亚一家具规模的跨国商业机构“全球兄弟服务与商业控股”（简称全球兄弟）9月爆出惊人丑闻。

截至9月下旬，警方从全球兄弟下辖的儿童福利院救出了大约600名少年儿童。这些少年儿童相信都是全球兄弟成员的子女。他们被强迫劳动、性侵害、虐待，也在精神上被洗脑与控制。

全球兄弟的资产约3亿2500万令吉（约9976万新元），业务遍布亚洲以及欧洲。它到底是一家怎么样的企业？是不是邪教？为什么能长期犯罪而不被揭发？过去二三十年里，马来西亚社会日益宗教化与保守化。全球兄弟爆出的这场丑闻，应该引起怎样的注意？

这期的早报播客《东谈西论》，听主持人韩咏红和《联合早报》吉隆坡特派员萧郡瑜及《联合早报》国际新闻组第二主任吴汉钧解析轰动马来西亚的全球兄弟性侵虐童案。

延伸阅读：

In September, Malaysia's Global Ikhwan Services and Business (GISB) Holdings was thrust into the spotlight following a shocking scandal involving the abuse of children in their welfare homes. Malaysian police have rescued hundreds of children who were subjected to forced labor, sexual abuse, and physical mistreatment. 

Established in 2010, GISB is a Muslim conglomerate that has assets totalling around RM325 million (S$99.8 million) with operations spanning Asia and Europe. The company has been linked to the now-defunct Malaysia-based Al-Arqam religious sect, which was banned by the Malaysian government in 1994. The scandal has exposed systemic failures in child welfare oversight and highlighted the impact of societal norms that allowed such abuses to go unchecked for years. 

In this episode of Global Heartbeat, host Han Yonghong is joined by Lianhe Zaobao’s Second Foreign Editor, Ng Hon Kuan and Kuala Lumpur correspondent Seoow Juin Yee. They delve into the details of the scandal, and discuss its broader implications in Malaysia.

Hosted by Lianhe Zaobao’s Associate Editor, Han Yong Hong, Global Heartbeat is a Mandarin weekly news and current affairs podcast that is updated every Tuesday, 7.00 PM SGT. It is available on zaobao.sg, Apple Podcast, Spotify and other podcast platforms.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

世界四大会计事务所之一、总部设在英国的普华永道（PricewaterhouseCoopers, PwC），因替中国房地产巨头恒大集团出具虚假审计报告，被中国财政部罚款人民币4.41亿元（8070万新元），并处以停业六个月的处罚，同时撤销了普华永道广州分所的执业资格。

普华永道因对恒大集团的虚假账目“睁一只眼、闭一只眼” 而陷入危机。而在香港上市的恒大集团今年1月已被下令清盘，留下超过3000亿美元的债务、上百万套烂尾楼，以及数十亿美元的财富管理产品违约。

恒大账目造假，普华永道作为审计机构应承担多少责任？这背后是否存在利益输送？

这期的早报播客《东谈西论》，听主持人韩咏红和新加坡管理大学李光前商学院副教授傅方剑解析这个事件暴露了上市公司与会计行业之间哪些深层次问题？

延伸阅读：

Chinese regulators hit the auditing unit of PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) in mainland China with a six-month business suspension and a record fine of 441 million yuan (S$81 million) over the firm’s audit of troubled property developer China Evergrande Group, which was ordered to liquidate earlier this year.

The Big Four accounting firm is accused of failing to uncover accounting irregularities at the real estate giant, raising serious questions about auditing practices in China.

In this episode of Global Heartbeat podcast, join host Han Yong Hong and Associate Professor of Finance from the Singapore Management University’s Lee Kong Chian School of Business, Fu Fangjian, as they delve into the broader implications of this incident for the auditing industry, financial accountability, and corporate governance in China. 

Hosted by Lianhe Zaobao’s Associate Editor, Han Yong Hong, Global Heartbeat is a Mandarin weekly news and current affairs podcast that is updated every Tuesday, 7.00 PM SGT. It is available on zaobao.sg, Apple Podcast, Spotify and other podcast platforms.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

中国国家男子足球队上周四在客场对阵日本，以0比7惨败。这场比赛不仅创下了国足在国际正式比赛中的最大比分差距，还刷新了世界杯预选赛的历史分差纪录。虽然过去26年里，中国队从未战胜过日本队，但这次的惨败尤其让球迷倍感震惊。

中国拥有14亿人口，还有庞大的足球迷群体，但男子足球的表现为何屡屡让人失望？网络上的嘲讽与调侃层出不穷。赢不了球的中国男足，难道真的成了大众的笑柄？

更有意思的是，中央电视台并未转播这场比赛。这背后究竟是单纯的经济原因、认为版权费太高，还是另有其他政治考量？

这期的早报播客《东谈西论》，听主持人韩咏红与《联合早报》驻北京的记者于泽远详细解析这场比赛背后的舆论风波。

延伸阅读：

Chinese football fans are reeling after their national team suffered a record-breaking 7-0 defeat against arch-rivals Japan in a crucial World Cup qualifier. The match was China’s worst defeat in the team’s history as well as the biggest goal difference in World Cup qualifying history. It has sparked outrage and despair across the nation. This crushing defeat goes beyond a sporting disappointment; it touches upon national pride and reignites long-standing frustrations regarding China's struggle to establish itself as a football powerhouse. What does this loss mean for the future of Chinese football? 

In this episode of Global Heartbeat, host Han Yonghong and Lianhe Zaobao’s China News Copy Editor Yu Zeyuan examine the state of Chinese men's football.

Hosted by Lianhe Zaobao’s Associate Editor, Han Yong Hong, Global Heartbeat is a Mandarin weekly news and current affairs podcast that is updated every Tuesday, 7.00 PM SGT. It is available on zaobao.sg, Apple Podcast, Spotify and other podcast platforms.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

8月31日，台湾政坛第三势力领袖、民众党主席柯文哲被戴上手铐，并被指涉嫌收贿图利罪，震惊四方。经过两天的讯问后，柯文哲被台北市地方法院裁定无须支付保证金就能直接回家。

柯文哲形容自己 “在这两天当中，可以说是极尽压迫和凌虐”。

法院认为京华城获得容积奖励确实违法，但没有证据证明柯文哲“犯罪嫌疑重大”或者明知而违法，因此裁定他无保请回。

柯文哲平安落地了吗？台北市检察署认定柯文哲涉嫌收贿和图利，这次是否会被打脸？民众党是否成功逃过一劫？这期的早报播客《东谈西论》，听主持人韩咏红和台湾文化大学广告系教授钮则勋深入解析柯文哲的政治危机。

延伸阅读：

After a marathon interrogation in a graft probe, Taiwan People's Party (TPP) leader Ko Wen-je, was released without bail, vehemently denying any wrongdoing in the case, which involves approvals given for the Jinghua City project during his time as Taipei mayor from 2014 to 2022. Upon his release, Ko addressed supporters, claiming he was subjected to extreme oppression and bullying. While the court determined that the changes to the Jinghua City project were unlawful, prosecutors failed to present sufficient evidence to prove Ko's direct involvement in illegal activities.

In this episode of Global Heartbeat podcast, host Han Yong Hong speaks with Niu Tse-hsun, professor and chair of the Chinese Culture University's advertising department to explore whether TPP has dodged a bullet or if a larger storm is brewing. 

Hosted by Lianhe Zaobao’s Associate Editor, Han Yong Hong, Global Heartbeat is a Mandarin weekly news and current affairs podcast that is updated every Tuesday, 7.00 PM SGT. It is available on zaobao.sg, Apple Podcast, Spotify and other podcast platforms.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

美国民主党一连四天的全国代表大会在当地时间8月22日落下帷幕。美国副总统哈里斯在五万名现场观众的欢呼声中，正式接受民主党提名，竞选美国总统。

在7月21日美国总统拜登宣布退选之前，哈里斯原本被认为是表现不佳的副总统。但她却在短短一个月内声势大涨，不但筹得创纪录的5亿4000万美元（约7亿新元）资金，她的民调支持率也迅速追平特朗普，重新点燃了民主党胜选的希望。

如果当选，哈里斯将成为美国历史上首位女性总统和首位有亚裔血统的总统。她的选举路上将会面临哪些挑战？她有机会打败特朗普吗？她是否有能力治国？

这期的早报播客《东谈西论》，听主持人韩咏红和上海东亚研究所副所长包承柯解析哈里斯在竞选美国总统路上可能面临的挑战。

延伸阅读：

The recent Democratic National Convention marked a significant milestone for Vice President Kamala Harris as she accepted the nomination to run for President of the United States. This historic moment was met with enthusiasm, setting the stage for a potentially transformative election. 

Harris, once perceived as an underperforming Vice President, has seen a remarkable turnaround in just one month. She has raised an unprecedented US$540 million (S$702.2 million) in campaign funds, signalling a strong wave of support and rekindling the Democratic Party's hopes for victory.

If elected, Harris would break multiple barriers as the first female President and the first President of Asian descent. Her candidacy brings forth numerous questions about the challenges she will face and the policies she intends to implement. The path to the presidency is fraught with obstacles, and her ability to govern effectively will be under intense scrutiny.

In this episode of Global Heartbeat podcast, host Han Yong Hong invites Bao Chengke, assistant director at the Institute for East Asian Studies in Shanghai to examine Harris‘ challenges ahead, and unpack what a Harris presidency could mean for the United States and the world. 

Hosted by Lianhe Zaobao’s Associate Editor, Han Yong Hong, Global Heartbeat is a Mandarin weekly news and current affairs podcast that is updated every Tuesday, 7.00 PM SGT. It is available on zaobao.sg, Apple Podcast, Spotify and other podcast platforms.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

台湾民众党主席、前台北市长柯文哲近期陷入从政以来最大的危机。

此前，柯文哲因台北市长任内涉及的京华城案和北士科案被列为被告。如今，他在去年竞选总统时的竞选总部又爆出一系列假账丑闻，其中包括漏报 2,000万新台币的政治献金以及96万元新台币的素食便当费用。

柯文哲的竞选总部大楼内有一家名为“木可”的公关公司，董事长是柯文哲竞选总部财务长、他的高中同学李文宗的妹妹。这引发外界质疑，木可公司是否充当了一个秘密的小金库。

政治分析人士认为，柯文哲不仅面临牢狱之灾，甚至民众党也有可能因此走向灭亡。柯文哲为何会陷入如此困境？他真的会被判刑吗？白色力量的危机又将如何影响台湾整体的政治版图？

这期的早报播客《东谈西论》，听主持人韩咏红和台湾政治的文化大学广告系教授钮则勋深入解析柯文哲的政治危机。

延伸阅读：

Ko Wen-je, chairman of the Taiwan People's Party (TPP), is facing the biggest political crisis of his career, grappling with serious allegations of corruption and financial impropriety. These accusations stem from his time as Mayor of Taipei and his recent unsuccessful presidential bid, casting a shadow over his political future and potentially impacting Taiwan’s "white force" (also known as “third force”) movement - a political force seeking an alternative to the entrenched dominance of the two main parties.  

In this episode of Global Heartbeat podcast, host Han Yong Hong invites Niu Tse-hsun, professor and chair of the Chinese Culture University's advertising department to dissect this unfolding scandal as well as what it means for Ko and the future of the “white force”.

Hosted by Lianhe Zaobao’s Associate Editor, Han Yong Hong, Global Heartbeat is a Mandarin weekly news and current affairs podcast that is updated every Tuesday, 7.00 PM SGT. It is available on zaobao.sg, Apple Podcast, Spotify and other podcast platforms.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

经历了一番纷纷扰扰，2024年巴黎奥运在当地时间星期天落下帷幕。

全球运动员齐聚法国，一同经历了16天的拼搏、激情、欢笑与泪水。最终，金牌榜上出现了一个史无前例的成绩——中国和美国各自摘下40枚金牌，并列金牌榜第一名。

提出修昔底德陷阱的美国哈佛大学教授艾莉森上星期撰文指出，奥运会反映了中国作为美国最重要的地缘政治对手的几乎全方位的崛起。

巴黎奥运是当前全球地缘政治的折射吗？中美在巴黎奥运期间争议不休的禁药问题到底谁是谁非？这些争议会不会延续到2028年的洛杉矶奥运会？

这期的早报播客《东谈西论》，听主持人韩咏红和《联合早报》驻北京的记者于泽远详细解析。

延伸阅读：

The 2024 Paris Olympics concluded amid a whirlwind of excitement and controversy. Athletes worldwide gathered in France for 16 days of intense competition. 

In an unprecedented outcome, both China and the United States tied for the most gold medals, each winning 40. However, the United States led the overall medal count with 126, far ahead of China’s 91.

Harvard University’s Professor Graham Allison, who is the author of “Destined for War: Can America and China Escape Thucydides’s Trap”, noted that China's rise to become the leading rival of the United States in the Olympics mirrors its broader geopolitical ascent. 

In this episode of Global Heartbeat, host Han Yong Hong and Lianhe Zaobao’s China News Copy Editor Yu Zeyuan explore the implications of the Paris Olympics on global geopolitics, the doping disputes, and what to expect as the world turns its attention to the next Olympic Games in Los Angeles.

Hosted by Lianhe Zaobao’s Associate Editor, Han Yong Hong, Global Heartbeat is a Mandarin weekly news and current affairs podcast that is updated every Tuesday, 7.00 PM SGT. It is available on zaobao.sg, Apple Podcast, Spotify and other podcast platforms.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

中国今年第二季度的经济增长只有4.7%，不但低于预期，也是五个季度以来的最低水平。

为了稳住经济，中共政治局7月30日召开会议，部署下半年经济工作要求、提振内需、培育壮大新兴产业和未来产业。会议上还出现了一个罕见要求，就是“强化行业自律，防止‘内卷式’恶性竞争”。

中国的企业现在有多“卷”？

这期的早报播客《东谈西论》，听主持人韩咏红和辽宁大学特聘研究员陈波深入解析什么是“内卷式”恶性竞争？政治局一纸命令真的能有效防止“内卷”？

延伸阅读：

China’s economic growth slowed to a mere 4.7% in the second quarter of 2024, falling short of projections and marking the weakest performance in five consecutive quarters. To stabilise the economy,  the Chinese Communist Party’s Politburo convened on July 30 to formulate economic strategies for the second half of the year. The meeting underscored the importance of stimulating domestic demand and nurturing the expansion of emerging and future industries.

Interestingly, the meeting  also issued an uncommon directive, urging for greater industry self-discipline to curb what is termed as “involution-style” vicious competition.   

"Involution," in this context, describes a pattern of excessive, often unproductive competition that traps businesses in a cycle of diminishing returns. This can manifest as a culture of extreme work with minimal gains in productivity and innovation.

How prevalent is this issue among Chinese enterprises, and can a top-down directive from the Politburo effectively mitigate this behaviour?  

In this episode of Global Heartbeat podcast, host Han Yong Hong is joined by Chen Bo, a prominent researcher and Adjunct Professor of Economics at Liaoning University to analyse the effectiveness of the Politburo’s directive. 

Hosted by Lianhe Zaobao’s Associate Editor, Han Yong Hong, Global Heartbeat is a Mandarin weekly news and current affairs podcast that is updated every Tuesday, 7.00 PM SGT. It is available on zaobao.sg, Apple Podcast, Spotify and other podcast platforms.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

中国与俄罗斯的四架战略轰炸机，7月25日在美国阿拉斯加附近的白令海进行联合空中战略巡航。这是中国轰炸机首次飞抵阿拉斯加附近。美国和加拿大紧急出动战斗机，对中俄轰炸机进行跟踪、监视和拦截。

美国国防部长奥斯汀隔天在五角大楼的新闻发布会上说，中俄战机并没有进入美国领空，最靠近时距离美国海岸大约200英里。他也说这四架轰炸机并没有对美国和加拿大构成威胁。

北京和莫斯科从2019年开始组织战略轰炸机联合巡逻，这次是第八次，也是第一次抵近阿拉斯加。在美国总统拜登宣布退选后，美国提前进入看守政府状态，中国是否利用这个时机采取激进的战略行动？

这期的早报播客《东谈西论》，听主持人韩咏红和联合早报驻北京的记者于泽远解析中俄战略轰炸机联合巡逻是要发出什么信号？

延伸阅读：

Last Wednesday, four Chinese and Russian bombers conducted a joint strategic air patrol over the Bering Sea, near Alaska. While Russian bombers frequently operate in this region, it was the first time Chinese bombers entered the Alaskan Air Defense Identification Zone. The bombers were promptly tracked and intercepted by US and Canadian fighter jets.

The following day at a Pentagon press conference, US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin confirmed that the aircraft did not enter US airspace, maintaining a distance of about 200 miles (320 kilometres) from the US coast. He emphasised that these flights were not perceived as a threat.

Since 2019, Beijing and Moscow have been conducting joint strategic air patrols, and this was their eighth such mission. The significance of these joint drills raises several questions: What message are China and Russia attempting to convey? 

With US President Biden's recent announcement that he will not seek re-election, is China capitalising on the perceived vulnerability of the US administration and seizing this opportunity to engage in more aggressive strategic manoeuvres?

Tune in to this episode of Global Heartbeat podcast as host Han Yong Hong and Lianhe Zaobao’s China News Copy Editor Yu Zeyuan delve into the implications of this incident and explore the broader geopolitical context.

Hosted by Lianhe Zaobao’s Associate Editor, Han Yong Hong, Global Heartbeat is a Mandarin weekly news and current affairs podcast that is updated every Tuesday, 7.00 PM SGT. It is available on zaobao.sg, Apple Podcast, Spotify and other podcast platforms.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

越南共产党总书记阮富仲7月19日下午在河内因病去世，享年八十岁。阮富仲三次当选越共总书记，在位13年，是在位时间第三长的越共最高领导人。2018年至2021年的三年间，他同时兼任越南国家主席。

在阮富仲的领导下，越南的人均GDP增长超过一倍。2013年他发起大规模熔炉反腐败运动，成千上万的政府官员、高层干部、企业高管被起诉、判刑或被迫辞职。在对外关系上，阮富仲领导越南与不同意识形态的国家发展或升级了伙伴关系。

阮富仲被称为真正的马克思列宁主义者。在他去世后，越共还有理论家吗？这期的早报播客《东谈西论》，听主持人韩咏红和新加坡尤索夫伊萨东南亚研究院访问研究员阮清江评价阮富仲对越南的贡献及探讨他的逝世会对越南政局带来什么变化。

延伸阅读：

General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Nguyen Phu Trong passed away last Friday (July 19) at the age of 80, after holding the country's most powerful position for 13 years. 

In 2021, Trong was reelected as party chief for an unprecedented third term, cementing his status as one of the most powerful leaders in Vietnam’s history. 

Under his leadership, Vietnam experienced significant economic growth, with its GDP per capita more than doubling. His "bamboo diplomacy" skillfully balanced Vietnam's relationships with global superpowers while promoting a foreign policy of independence and diversification.

Trong joined the editorial team of the Communist Review magazine at the age of 23, eventually becoming its editor-in-chief. A Marxist-Leninist ideologue, he studied Russian and earned a doctorate in party building. His ascent in the party ranks was steady: joining the Central Committee in 1994, the Politburo in 1999, and assuming the role of General Secretary in 2011. From 2018 to 2021, he also concurrently held the position of Vietnam's President.

Trong's passing raises critical questions about succession and the future of Vietnamese politics. In this episode of the Global Heartbeat podcast, host Han Yong Hong is joined by Nguyen Thanh Giang, a Visiting Senior Fellow at the ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute in Singapore. Together, they explore Nguyen Phu Trong's life and legacy and discuss the implications of his death for Vietnam's future.

Hosted by Lianhe Zaobao’s Associate Editor, Han Yong Hong, Global Heartbeat is a Mandarin weekly news and current affairs podcast that is updated every Tuesday, 7.00 PM SGT. It is available on zaobao.sg, Apple Podcast, Spotify and other podcast platforms.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

美国前总统特朗普上星期六在宾夕法尼亚州进行竞选集会时，被飞来的子弹击中右耳上沿，惊险逃过鬼门关。当特朗普在特勤人员的护送下离开时，他坚持先停下来，举起拳头，对观众喊了三声“战斗”！这个经典的画面传遍世界。

特朗普为美国而战的硬汉形象震撼全美，从他脸颊滑过的一枪把他塑造成了英雄，还仿佛净化了他身上的诸多争议。还有宗教人士认为，这就是上帝的旨意，更证明特朗普就是天选之人。现任总统拜登的选情也因此更加岌岌可危。

不过，并非所有人都像特朗普般幸运。在星期六的集会上，一名他的支持者中弹身亡，两人重伤。

特朗普已经提前赢得美国大选了吗？这次的枪击事件揭露了美国社会的哪些问题，又会带来什么变化？

这期的早报播客《东谈西论》，听主持人韩咏红和台湾国科会科技、民主与社会研究中心研究员兼执行长刘奇峰解析特朗普政治暗杀未遂如何帮他净化争议。

延伸阅读：

Former US President Donald Trump narrowly escaped an assassination attempt during a recent campaign rally. A stray bullet grazed his right ear, but Trump's response was quintessentially defiant. Amidst the chaos, he raised his fist and thrice shouted "Fight!" to the crowd, a moment that instantly went viral and cemented his image as an indomitable force in American politics. Some religious commentators have even interpreted the event as a sign of divine intervention.

In this episode of Global Heartbeat podcast, host Han Yong Hong, delves into the far-reaching implications of this incident with Roger Chifeng Liu, CEO and senior researcher at the Research Institute for Democracy, Society and Emerging Technology. They dissect how this near-fatal event could reshape Trump's controversial legacy and the broader political landscape as the nation heads towards a crucial election. They also explore the challenges it poses to President Biden's re-election campaign as well as the deeper societal issues this event has brought to the forefront.

Hosted by Lianhe Zaobao’s Associate Editor, Han Yong Hong, Global Heartbeat is a Mandarin weekly news and current affairs podcast that is updated every Tuesday, 7.00 PM SGT. It is available on zaobao.sg, Apple Podcast, Google Podcasts, Spotify and other podcast platforms.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

台湾前行政院副院长、前总统蔡英文的昔日爱将郑文灿因七年前的一宗土地案涉及贪污，在7月6日被检调侦讯与声押禁见。

郑文灿被准许以500万新台币交保，但被限制住居、限制出境与出海，保释金在星期一再提高到1200万新台币。台湾总统赖清德第一时间作出强硬表态：“不分党派，不问何人，只要涉及非法，检调都应该查办，勿枉勿纵。打诈、扫黑、肃贪，是目前政府重要的工作，目的是要维护国家的生存发展、社会的安定，以及回应人民深刻的期待，不得不然。”

郑文灿则维护自身清白，强调自己从政以来，公而忘私，不贪不取。 郑文灿被调查，是赖清德上台后惩治官场贪腐的第一刀还是对前总统蔡英文派系开出的第一枪？这是肃贪，还是民进党内斗的开始？

这期的早报播客《东谈西论》，听主持人韩咏红和台湾政治观察家、东华大学教授施正锋详细解析。

延伸阅读：

Former vice-premier Cheng Wen-tsan's alleged involvement in a bribery scandal has sent ripples through Taiwan's political landscape. The 57-year-old Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) politician was questioned by prosecutors on suspicion of bribery related to a land use project during his tenure as Taoyuan mayor from 2014 to 2022.

The Taoyuan District Prosecutors Office, citing concerns over potential collusion, sought court approval to detain Cheng and restrict his communications. Despite his eventual release on bail, Cheng faces travel restrictions and denies any wrongdoing. The case has sparked debate about political accountability and corruption in Taiwan.  

In this episode of Global Heartbeat, host Han Yonghong and Dong Hwa University‘s Professor Shih Cheng-Feng dissect the implications of this high-profile case. They explore Cheng's political career and his significance within the DPP, while analysing the potential fallout for Taiwan's ruling party.

A key focus of the discussion is President Lai Ching-te's response, calling for a thorough investigation regardless of party affiliations. The podcast examines whether this represents a genuine anti-corruption drive or signals internal DPP conflict, possibly targeting former President Tsai Ing-wen's faction.

Hosted by Lianhe Zaobao’s Associate Editor, Han Yong Hong, Global Heartbeat is a Mandarin weekly news and current affairs podcast that is updated every Tuesday, 7.00 PM SGT. It is available on zaobao.sg, Apple Podcast, Google Podcasts, Spotify and other podcast platforms.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

中共政治局6月27日召开会议，决定开除前后两任国务委员兼国防部长魏凤和和李尚福的中共党籍。

根据官方通报，李尚福违规为本人和他人谋取人事利益；为谋取不正当利益送给他人钱款，涉嫌行贿罪。魏凤和则是违规为他人谋取人事利益。

简单地说，李尚福涉嫌到买官和卖官，而魏凤和可能涉及卖官。

他们也都涉嫌利用职务便利，为他人谋取利益并收受巨额钱款。

去年以来，解放军多名高级将领出事。中国军队为何越反越腐败？腐败问题，是否会影响解放军的战斗力？中共政治局没有同时公布前外长秦刚的下落，秦刚是平安落地了吗？

这期的早报播客《东谈西论》，听主持人韩咏红与《联合早报》中国新闻资深高级记者于泽远分析梳理中国军队的腐败问题。

延伸阅读：

As part of an anti-corruption crackdown, China’s Communist Party expelled former defence minister Li Shangfu and his predecessor Wei Fenghe for “serious violation of party discipline and the law” last Thursday, according to Chinese state media. 

The accusations against Li and Wei include accepting gifts and money and facilitating improper benefits for others.

Li was dismissed as defence minister last October, just seven months after taking the job. His predecessor, Wei, had not been seen in public since he was replaced last March. Wei served as defence minister from 2018 to 2023 and was also the head of the People's Liberation Army (PLA) Rocket Force from 2015 to 2017.

These expulsions are part of a wider anti-corruption purge in the Chinese military, which has seen several generals and aerospace industry executives removed from the national legislative body. The fate of former foreign minister Qin Gang, who was removed after just seven months, remains unknown.

In this episode of Global Heartbeat podcast, host Han Yong Hong and Lianhe Zaobao’s China News Copy Editor Yu Zeyuan discuss the implications of the expulsions and ongoing crackdown on the Chinese military and broader political landscape. 

Hosted by Lianhe Zaobao’s Associate Editor, Han Yong Hong, Global Heartbeat is a Mandarin weekly news and current affairs podcast that is updated every Tuesday, 7.00 PM SGT. It is available on zaobao.sg, Apple Podcast, Google Podcasts, Spotify and other podcast platforms.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.