Why China and Belarus seek closer ties
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Hello and welcome to World Today, I'm Ding Han in Beijing. Coming up: President Xi Jinping highlights China-Belarus ties during meeting with Lukashenko; US Defense Chief skips Ukraine meeting at NATO Headquarters; US vetoes UN Security Council resolution demanding immediate Gaza ceasefire;

Thursday marks the World Environment Day. We're going to take a look at how the mission of environmental protection is advancing here in China and beyond. To listen to this episode again or to catch up on our previous episodes, you can download our podcast by searching World Today.

Chinese President Xi Jinping has called on China and Belarus to enhance cooperation under multinational frameworks including the United Nations and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization.

The Chinese top leader made a remark in a Wednesday meeting with his Belarusian counterpart Alexander Lukashenko in Beijing. Xi Jinping said China has always viewed bilateral ties from a strategic and long-term perspective, adding that the two countries share enduring friendship and formidable political trust.

And for his part, President Lukashenko said China is setting a good example in terms of defending multilateralism and opposing unilateralism. The Belarusian leader has paid a three-day visit to China. So, for more, joining us now on the line is Professor Cui Hongjian from the Academy of Regional and Global Governance, Beijing Foreign Studies University. Thank you very much for joining us. Hi.

So, first of all, Professor Cui, why do you think both leaders have emphasized friendship in their meeting? Certainly, I think this is related by President Lukashenko to China. I think the main cause, especially the main issue for both sides is to stabilize and also strengthen relations between two countries.

As we know, there are a lot of reasons for both countries to promote their cooperation and relations. As we know, for the last decade, it's very, very stable and also always keeping in development.

I think it's a very, very important characteristic for these bilateral relations. Of course, as we know now, especially for Belarus, it looks like there will be some huge change in regional situation and especially its environment, I mean, for development,

particularly. So I think it's time for Belarus to look for some more cooperation and also more support, especially from economic area, from China.

So I think now it's time for both sides to reaffirm the importance of the bilateral cooperation. Now, from China's perspective, Professor Cui, why do you think China views its ties with Belarus from a strategic and long-term perspective, as we heard from President Xi Jinping? Firstly, I think Belarus is a very, very important trading partner and also economic partner.

in a partner with China. As we know, in this Belt and Road Initiative, Belarus played a very, very important role to help China to find some more cooperation in that part of the region. As we know, there is a very, very remarkable industry room cooperated by both China and Belarus to support this BRI initiative.

Another, I think, important thing is, yes, there will be some big geopolitical transition in Europe. So I think now it's time for China and the Belarus to look for some more, I mean, balancing strategic format in that region. So I think now it's time for also both China and the Belarus to reconfirm some, you know,

commitments and also to support this balancing strategic format. Even now, it's a huge change. For China and Belarus, why do you think enhancing their cooperation under frameworks like the United Nations and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization is seen as an effort to jointly safeguard international fairness and justice?

And why does China's efforts in defending multilateralism and opposing unilateralism matter to Belarus? As you know, this year is a very remarkable time for every country to confirm the separation of the United Nations Charter and to

support this commitment of equality between different countries. As we know, even China and the Belarus, they are trying to look for some more common goals, but they are different.

in size and also in culture, in history and even in geographic position. So I think this cooperation and also friendly relations between China and Belarus

It itself is a showcase of this United Nations Charter and also separate of Shanghai Corporation Organization, which means peaceful coexistence and also respect with each other and to look for some more win-win cooperation. So I think it would be a very, very important case once China and the Belarus could continue their cooperation and friendly relations.

But of course, I think for China, it needs to have some more partners like Belarus to support China's commitment to insist this United Nations Charter and also Shanghai Corporation organizations separate.

Actually, in a meeting with representatives of the Chinese business community in Beijing on Tuesday this week, President Lukashenko told this group that technological modernization of the manufacturing industry is one of the major items on the Belarus-China agenda. What do you think the two sides can bring to each other in this particular regard?

China and Belarus are very important trading partners. Also in recent years, there has been a very big increase in trade volume between the two countries. Besides that, now certainly, especially this time, it shows that Belarus is trying to find some more support or dynamics from China to support its

you know, we call the modernization of the industry. For Belarus, as we know, it's a lack of some, you know, natural industry sectors and those two countries could find some more space for this complementary cooperation. And indeed, for the past decades,

Belarus looked for some more support from Russia or some other regional countries for its economic development. Now, as we know, because of the huge change of regional situation, I think it's a very, very rational choice for Belarus to look for some more cooperation from China.

So in a bigger picture sense, Professor Cui, some people describe the ties between China and Belarus as a growing alliance. Is this how you see it? Firstly, I don't think that it could be explained by using of the narrow concept of alliance from Western countries. As we know, always Western countries or some medias

try to describe relations between China and Russia, between China's fellows, the so-called alliance. Also, according to Chinese historic experience and also its policy commitment, there will be no space for any alliance in the narrow definition from Western countries. But certainly China is trying to develop

It's a partnership with countries, including Belarus. So we can find that so far, yes, it's a very, very healthy

cooperation relations between China and Belarus. Those are countries that are looking for some more common ground on some international issues, and then they are looking for some more win-win cooperation economically. So I don't think there are some more reasons for the so-called suspicions or some criticism from Western countries or media.

on the relations between China and Belarus. I think this healthy and the relations between China and Belarus, it will support, I mean, this balance of regional powers and also even could keep the balance between so-called security concept and development demands. So I think it could be a very, very remarkable showcase once China and Belarus and some other countries

to develop a kind of new type of relations. It's out of experience of so-called alliance concept from Western countries and it could be a

innovative steps for the international relations. Now, Professor Tsui, since you have mentioned about Russia very briefly, the final question before we let you go. I mean, Chinese diplomats sometimes tend to describe the relations between Beijing and Moscow as one that does not target any third party, and it should not be subject to interference from any third party.

Do you think these similar ideas or principles would also apply to the ties between China and Belarus?

Certainly, I think China has its own understanding about the international order and also China is trying to push forward this reform of international order. But I don't think China will try to break down any rule and especially from international norms. So I think now, especially I think from outside, from Western public opinion, they should focus on some more actions

and also some contributions of China to the stability of region, and also Chinese contribution to the global economy. Not just, you know, started from their own historical experience and to describe China as a so-called negative power or some other.

So I think it's important to deal with a mutual perception issue. But of course, I think China will prove itself as a belying and also reliable power in the international world.

Thank you very much for joining us. Professor Cui Hongjian joining us from Academy of Regional and Global Governance, Beijing Foreign Studies University. Coming up, U.S. Defense Chief skips Ukraine meeting at NATO headquarters in Brussels. This is World Today. We'll be back. In a world increasingly divided, can diplomacy speak with a new voice? From Hong Kong, a bold new initiative is taking shape.

The International Organization for Mediation, or ILMED, promises to settle disputes not with judges and rulings, but with conversation and consensus. Is this a fresh, flexible alternative to the courtroom, or a so-called challenge to the existing global legal order? This week on The Chat Lounge, we dive into the future of peaceful dispute resolution.

You are listening to WORLD Today, I'm Ding Han in Beijing. U.S. Defense Secretary Peter Hackness has skipped a Wednesday meeting of 50 defense ministers at NATO headquarters in Brussels aimed at coordinating military aid for Ukraine. This is the first time in three years that a Pentagon chief has skipped this very event.

This regular meeting mechanism was established by former U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin in April 2022 and has since emerged as a key component for Western aid for Ukraine. The Trump administration, however, has seeked to distance itself from the group, handing over leadership to Britain and Germany.

The Ukraine gathering of defense ministers came three weeks before many of them will actually come together once again for NATO's annual summit in the Netherlands. So joining us now on the line is Dr. Dick B. James-Ram, External Relations Advisor to the Royal Academy of Cambodia and also Chair of BRCP, a geopolitical risk advisory firm. Thank you very much for joining us, Dick B.

It's a great pleasure to join you again, Ding Heng. So first of all, what signals do you read from the absence of Peter Hack says from this particular gathering? You know, contextually, this shows that the U.S. is stepping back from direct involvement in the weapons transfers and financing of the weapons transfers to the Ukraine. And it

points to the changing situation on the ground where the russians are advancing right across the line of contact And so the americans are trying to distance themselves from that they know that that what's coming and of course also the uh, I suppose you would call it a failure or at least no, uh, no advances in peace talks in istanbul that that seems to have uh, Uh, well, it seems to be an empty an empty forum in real terms uh, and uh, I think that uh,

The Americans are much more interested in selling weapons than they are in not receiving funds, not transactional funds for the weapons they do provide. So they're really just trying to get out of that. I think they don't have any stocks of weapons to provide anymore in real terms. And we know that they're really trying to hand all of this over to Germany and to the UK. Hmm.

So, by the way, can the leadership of the UK and Germany take the place of the previous role played by Washington in this meeting mechanism surrounding Ukraine?

well i think they have done that already that's i think that's de facto in place uh but it seems much more about narrative than it does about realities there's a lot of uh public narrative and optimism about it but in real terms both those economies are suffering uh they're in contraction in real terms and it seems that they're using these uh they're using the the idea of the war in ukraine as a means by which to justify uh public debt

to finance rearming Europe much more than they are

in real terms about the strategic benefits of a now impossible Ukraine victory. And that's clearly not going to happen. It's going to be negotiated at some point. And I would say at this point, Russia has the upper hand. So the Americans are very happy to hand it over to them. And that leaves Donald Trump in the position of being above the conflict, if you like, but still not as a party to the war, you know, as a US proxy war in the initial phases.

It leaves him above the fray, so to speak. So yeah, he's very happy to let the UK and the Germans wear it.

Now, despite the Trump administration's move to try to distance itself from this particular meeting group, on the other hand, why do you think the Trump administration is actually continuing to ship weapons and other equipment or money to Ukraine under a $61 billion aid package established by former U.S. President Joe Biden?

Well, as I referred earlier to earlier, that basically has already been contracted. In other words, the Ukrainians are going to pay for that in some way or another. And so he's going to continue doing that for that reason, but also because it leaves them with a hand at the table, if you like, you know, with cards at the table, although those cards are not very strong cards at all. So that's why they'll continue to do that. They'll let it run its course, I think. I don't think there'll be a unilateral stop to that.

And it also gives them the hand within NATO as well. That's clearly obvious. So, yeah, I can't see that they're going to stop that. But anything greater than that will not happen. That's clear. And that points to Pete Hegseth not going to this meeting, which is really about weapons and arms and money and not really about anything that's tactical or strategic on the battlefield.

Now, one observation is that European nations are increasingly optimistic that they can actually support Ukraine financially and militarily, even if President Donald Trump decides to wash his hands of the conflict. What is your take, Dick B?

Well, only through public debt. I mean, it's not as if they've got lots of money to spend and they've got government surpluses that they can throw around. So anything that they do will be financed through debt, and that's going to cause, and it has already caused, severe problems politically, domestically for the UK and Germany and also for France.

So I don't see that really going very far. So look, they're going to keep this public narrative going, but internally there's enormous amount of strife and tension about how they're actually going to keep this going. And I think it's going to be very, very difficult for them to keep that up for very much longer.

and perhaps we'll see something in the next meeting, which is the NATO ministers summit. We'll probably see something there that will point to some kind of negotiation beyond what Istanbul has provided. But yeah, the short answer is that neither the UK or Germany can afford to keep this going and they're trying to keep a good public face to this, but behind the scenes, they're very, very worried about how they're going to do that.

To be perfectly honest, I think it's going to be very difficult for them. Now, of course, when we talk about support, I guess there were several layers. One layer is financial support and monetary support. Other layer is weaponary support.

Some people say the money is relatively easy. The more difficult part is the supply, the continuous supply of weapons or air defense system to Ukraine. Your take, your observation?

Well, as I just said, I think, you know, it's public debt that's going to finance it. Yes, they can do that. They can definitely get the money. But, you know, as I said, it's going to put a strain on their economies no matter what, and that's going to have domestic implications. But for weapons and supply chains for weapons, I mean, yes, they're struggling already. I think that's highly unlikely that they can provide enough weapons at this point for the Ukraine even to maintain it.

its defensive posture, which is, as I said earlier, along the entire line of contact in Ukraine, the Ukrainians are in retreat. And look, air defence, I think, at this point is almost negligible. I don't think they can provide any more systems. They don't have those. They don't have the rockets or the missiles that are used in those systems.

Yes, they have the ability to monitor but they cannot actually respond in a real way. I think that's a losing game for them and they must be very, very concerned about that as well.

The final question before we let you go, Digby, European leaders will, like you said, will likely wait for President Donald Trump's Europe and Russia policies to come into focus during the NATO summit in The Hague, in the Netherlands later this month. So what do you expect for this upcoming gathering of leaders from across the military alliance?

Well, the first thing to mention here is that Vladimir Putin and Donald Trump had a one-hour phone conversation in the last 24 hours. And in that conversation, Putin didn't mention the attack on the bombers in Russia. What he mentioned was the civilian terrorist attacks.

on the bridge in Crimea and also on the rail networks in Kursk region. And that's the first time that Putin has mentioned that, and he said that to Donald Trump. And Trump released a statement on Truth Social saying that almost certainly the Russians would exercise their right to reprisal for that. So, look, I think, you know, Donald Trump is, as I said earlier too, he's, you know, trying to take a step back from the actual tactical weapons,

on the ground battlefield to try and just go into the only mediation. But the NATO, the Europeans are extremely worried about this because they're going to lose so much face. I think their political legitimacy in a large way relies on what's happening in Ukraine, and that is not working in their favor in any way.

So you can see a very large discrepancy between public narratives and facts on the ground. And even though they are really trying to disguise those facts on the ground, saying that the Ukraine has tactical advantages and so forth, this is clearly not true. One just has to look at any kind of report from any source that's following battleground events.

happenings to say that that's not true. So, yeah, look, I think he's going to what they're really trying to do at this point, what Donald Trump's really trying to do at this point is extract the U.S. as quickly as possible and come to some kind of agreement. Yeah, no points well taken. Thank you very much for joining us, Dr. Dick B. Run, joining us from Royal Academy of Cambodia. I'm Dick Hun in Beijing. We'll be back after a short break.

You are back with World Today. I'm Ding Hen in Beijing. The United States has vetoed a UN Security Council resolution demanding immediate and permanent ceasefire in Gaza. All 14 other members of the UN Security Council have voted in favor of this resolution. The resolution described the humanitarian situation in Gaza as "catastrophic", calling on Israel to lift all restrictions on the delivery of aid to the territory.

The United States is claiming that this resolution was not linked to the release of hostages, saying it would embolden Hamas. So joining us now on the line is Dr. Wang Jing, associate professor with Northwest University in Xi'an, China. Thank you very much for joining us.

Thanks for having me. So, Dr. Wang, you know better than I do, this is actually the fifth U.S. veto of a similar resolution or relevant resolution since the start of the Israel-Hamas war in October the 7th, 2023.

Do you think this idea or this so-called worrying that this resolution would somehow empower the Hamas is a legitimate ground for the United States to veto it?

Well, I don't think United States claim stands because when we are talking about United States excuses for the rejection of the proposal from United Nations Security Council, we mean that United States will say, okay, on the one hand, it will intervene the diplomatic and peace efforts from United States because United States, according to their understanding, they are dominating the kind of the mediation process between Israel and Hamas. And also on the other hand,

uh that uh that this kind of the proposal might empower uh hamas so uh so united states has two bases but but actually i don't think these two uh arguments stand because on the one hand united states should understand that even from united nations security council that every country in this world is concentrating

on what is happening in the Gulf Stream. And also every country in the international community hopes that the war should end and the crisis could be solved. So that's why the International Security Council's proposal represents a willingness and the consensus of the international community rather than United States on the hegemonic thinking. So that's why I don't think United States argument stands. And also on the other hand, we should know that Hamas is a very important conflicting site

we cannot deny or ignore the existence of the Hamas. And also we cannot, on the one hand, concentrate upon the activity of Israel, while on the other hand, ignore the willingness and the stances from Hamas. So that is unacceptable. So that's why I don't think United States two arguments stands. And that's why I don't think United States has very legal arguments

a grant to veto the proposal in the United Nations Security Council. So other members of the UN Security Council have accused the United States of providing Israel with impunity. So do you think it is fair to say that somehow Washington's support for Israel or political support, let's put it this way, have basically remained the same or remained unchanged from Biden to Trump?

I think we can witness very clearly that on the one hand there were some changes from Biden to Donald Trump, and on the other hand there was something that remained unchanged and stable inside the United States foreign policy principles. Because on the one hand when we are talking about United States foreign policies, of course every president has

their own understandings over what is happening in the Middle East and what should be organized to benefit the United States' own interests at large. So that's why when we look at what is happening in the foreign policies in Joe Biden administration and what is right now in the Donald Trump administration, I mean, a second term of the Donald Trump administration right now, actually we're looking at different differences.

For example, maybe Joe Biden might show to some extent very strong stances or assertive stances against Israel's, for example, expansion of Jewish settlements in the West Bank and East Jerusalem. Also, when we are looking at what is happening in the Donald Trump administration, Trump doesn't care. So that might, to some extent, very tiny differences. But the whole things are similar. I mean, the comprehensive principles are similar. That is...

In the international, very important scenario, United States always hopes to protect Israel, particularly against the war that is happening in the Gaza Strip, when Israel now is launching the fourth scale offensive in the Gaza Strip. And that led to the very large waves of casualties.

The United States does nothing. So that's why I think on the one hand, maybe there were some kind of similarities and differences. I mean, differences between Joe Biden and Donald Trump and administration. But on the other hand, I mean, the large principles and the strategy provision for the United States to Israel are similar and to some extent are the same.

Now, the Chinese ambassador to the United Nations, Mr. Futong, says, "...Israel's actions have crossed every red line of international humanitarian law and seriously violated UN resolutions. Yet, due to the shouting by one country, those violations have not been stopped or held accountable."

So realistically speaking, Dr. Wang, what do you think other countries can do about the current situation?

I don't think the other countries can do a lot because actually we're looking at the war between Israel and Hamas. And Hamas actually is an important regional actor whose legitimacy has not been recognized by the majority of the international community. And on the other hand, Israel is an important

states inside the international community with independent sovereignty and independent foreign policy. So that's why the other countries are difficult to intervene the foreign policies and activities, particularly military and political activities of Israel.

And so when we're talking about the war and what is happening here in the Gala Strip, we are not able to say that the international community should stop directly the military actions from Israel in the Gala Strip. But then some other things could be done. For example, that international communities can censors

voices should be heard in all levels. And this kind of voices and consensus could further influence and give more pressure to Israel and might constrain Israeli military activities and decrease the very possible harms to the civilians in the Gala Strip. So that's why I think

international community might not be able to directly intervene what is happening in the Galaxy, but actually they can do something more and something more should be done to help the people in the Galaxy. So to Israel, whose pressure do you think would matter more at the moment, pressure from the outside or pressure from the international community or pressure from within?

I think, of course, this should be undoubtedly that the pressure within Israel should be the first principle or the first priority that the Israeli decision-maker considers.

Although there were now more and more pressure from international community, from international public opinion, from the other countries towards Israel to hope that Israeli government should suspend the military operations in the Ghana Strip and bring peace back to this region. But actually the attitudes inside Israel, that would determine because the Israeli was the country with a political system featured as

Prime Minister and Knesset. Knesset, we mean the parliament system in Hebrew. So that's why Israeli decision-making circles, the most concerning and most important thing for them to make foreign policies are based upon the willingness and public opinion inside Israel.

So that's why everything should be changed gradually. There were a lot of opinions inside, I mean strong support inside Israel to continue the war. So when we're talking about the end of war and bring peace back to this region, we're not talking about giving pressure to Israel, but also we have to give new channels to change the attitudes of Israeli people. So that's why maybe this war will continue, but the hope for peace should not be given up.

Thank you very much for joining us. Dr. Wang Jing, Middle East expert and associate professor with Northwest University in Xi'an, China. Coming up, Thursday marks the World Environment Day. We will take a look at how the mission of environmental protection is advancing here in China and beyond. You're listening to World Today. We'll be back.

Hello, my name is Alessandro Golombievs Teixeira. I'm a professor of Public Policy and Management at Tsinghua University in Beijing. I am a great listener of The World Today. In my opinion, The World Today is one of the best China radio programs. In The World Today, we can get the best news and analysis in what is happening now in the world. So please, come to join us!

You're back with World Today, I'm Ding Han in Beijing. Thursday marks the annual observance of World Environment Day which has been held since the year 1972. With the theme "Beat Plastic Pollution", the United Nations is reporting that 400 million tons of plastics are produced globally each year. Half of that volume are for single use and only 10% is recycled.

Meanwhile, countries across the world are grappling with broader environmental challenges. China has been ramping up efforts on biodiversity protection and ecological restoration, part of the country's strategy to balance development with long-term ecological health.

So for more, joining us now in the studio is my colleague Song Ruixin. Thank you very much for joining us. Hello, Ding Hong. So first of all, what is the significance of establishing all those international days or annual observance like World Environment Day or the Earth Day? Why is plastic pollution being highlighted as the main theme?

So first of all, let's look at the data that according to the UN, plastic pollution continues to pose a serious global threat. I mean, with reports showing that around 85% of plastic waste ends up in landfills or the natural environment. I mean, much of it is non-biodegradable, so that's a real crisis.

And international days like this act as a powerful tool to unite the world around urgent issues. By focusing on plastic pollution, they leverage global attention to drive a, let's say, a kind of change, I mean, from individual behavior to international law. So,

As UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres has emphasized that ending plastic pollution is not just a choice, it's a necessity for the health of our planet and its people. And broadly say, events, campaigns and policy discussions during these days encourage cross-border cooperation, such as the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

And for me, for myself, I mean, consumer demand for eco-friendly products has risen significantly due to increased awareness from annual activities. So UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres has called for an ambitious, credible and just agreement that addresses the full life circle of consumers.

plastics, reflects the needs of the community, and aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals. With that in mind, Rui Xin, what do you see as the biggest challenges that countries are faced with in terms of balancing economic growth with environmental protection?

Although I'm not an economist, but from my point of view, on the one hand, developing economies need to create jobs and improve infrastructure and raise living standards. On the other, I mean, unchecked growth can lead to environmental degradation and loss of biodiversity and increased pollution, including plastic waste. So I think key challenges include finding sustainable alternatives

that don't slow down development, securing the necessary funding for green technologies and aligning policies across different sectors. There's also the issue of equity, ensuring that poor communities and countries can participate in and benefit from sustainable growth without being left behind.

So each year China actually holds various events to commemorate or to mark this particular World Environment Day. Can you share with us some of the examples, in particular some very exciting examples with regard to China's achievements in terms of ecological protection?

I mean, within decades, China has taken several steps to combat plastic waste, from banning free plastic bags to restricting disposable foam products in the first 10 years of this century. There are additional measures have been implemented. And as early as 2005, Chinese President Xi Jinping pointed out that lucid waters and lush mountains are invaluable assets.

So Xi has on many occasions stressed efforts to advance the transition to low-carbon development as China joins the world to address climate change.

I had a business trip to Jiangsu province last year. And the place is located in Southeast China. What really hit me is how much is happening on the ground. Like basically my reports focus on clean energy transition from giant wind turbines binding off the coast to solar panels floating above fishponds. And there are teams raising to develop hydrogen tech and energy storage.

I mean, it's clear that China's clean energy transition isn't just an idea, it's already in motion. And we did some vox pops there to see how many people are aware of clean energy and the environmental crisis. Most of them have realized that environmental protection is no longer optional. I mean, it's essential. So like what I've said, I saw some firsthand and the incredible progress. I

I mean, China is making in clean energy. But it's clear the road ahead isn't easy. And like challenges like technical setbacks, funding worries and a shortage of skilled workers all need to be tackled. Still, with every new project and breakthrough, China moves closer to its climate goals. Hmm.

The final question before we let you go. As we know, the United Nations is highlighting this push for a global treaty to put an end to plastic pollution as a major focus of the state. So how realistic is this goal of establishing a legally binding international treaty to tackle plastic pollution or, again,

Looking forward, looking ahead, what should the international community, for example, prioritize in order to ensure meaningful, really meaningful environmental progress after World Environment Day?

Well, that's a complex issue. At the current stage, I think the biggest challenge is translating that ambition into clear, enforceable rules that all countries can commit to, especially when their economic realities differ so much.

Although some major countries persist pursuit of unilateralism and protectionism has seriously affected international rules and the international order, but what realistic is a phased approach? I mean, starting from agreements on reducing single-use plastics and improving waste management and

and like holding major producers accountable. So it's also critical to support developing nations with funding and technology so they can meet their targets. So looking ahead beyond World Environmental Day, the international community should definitely focus on consistency. So that means making sure the momentum or any agreement doesn't fade once the spotlight moves on. Because lasting environmental progress...

depends on follow through, not just good intentions. Thank you very much for joining us. That was my colleague Song Ruixin joining us in our Beijing studio. You're listening to World Today. We'll be back.

Hello, I am Dr. Digby James Wren, a political analyst and international relations scholar specializing in China area studies. World Today offers unmatched in-depth perspectives on China's politics, economics, business, technology and society. World Today's team of reporters and contributors provides valuable information from all of the world's major economies. I hope you can join me on World Today for the very best insights and news from China, on China, and help to build a better understanding of China's role in the world today.

You are listening to World Today. I'm Ding Hen in Beijing. China is quickly emerging as a top travel destination with a notable surge in inbound tourism. To enhance the visitor experience, the country has rolled out a series of traveler-friendly measures, including standard visa-free transit policies.

Earlier this year, China launched a nationwide instant tax refund system aiming at further boosting tourism and consumer spending. So, how does this particular instant tax refund system actually work? And what do international travelers think about it? To find out more, my colleague Cheng Hongjie visited some of Beijing's busiest commercial districts to experience firsthand with regard to the city's dynamic shopping scene.

I love China. Very clean. Modernity. It's an adventure. Really cheap. 100 times cheaper. People are very, very kind. Tea. Tea. Absolutely. I'll have some tea. Tea's a good one. Definitely sweet. Great perfumes here. Cosmetics. Face cream. Clothes. Shoes. I like Chinese style. Is that what you call it? Pedrons. China cars. Luxury products. Two cars from China and our home. I have it tax-free. Very easy. Awesome. I will try it now. I'm definitely going to go shopping now.

Well, here's what you might need: a guide to China's tax refund policy. In Beijing, there are over a thousand tax-free stores offering everything from luxury brands to traditional brands and from digital products to cultural and creative products.

Overseas tourists who purchase products for more than 200 yuan at the same tax-free store on the same day can obtain a VAT invoice and the Tax Refund Application Form. They can then choose to receive an instant refund. For example, here at China World War, where 100 tax-free stores are located, foreign visitors can shop and get instant tax refunds here at this dedicated counter.

Eligible tourists should be departing China from Beijing within 17 days and have valid documents ready with credit card pre-authorization. Just remember to get your customs verification stamp and cancel your credit card guarantee at the airport before leaving China. Tax-free is interesting for tourists. Foreigners can

Save money when they travel in China. I think they will be very happy about this I think it's really great that China is so welcoming to tourists and more and more like a lot of Americans are scared to come to China and I think that would probably increase tourism and it would be really good for tourism in the country

Tax-free is a really good option for people to buy more. I mean, at the end of the day, the more you buy, the more they make. So I think tax-free options are really good for people who want to purchase. You need to come and see and buy something here. If you are traveling to China, don't miss instant tax refund here. It's easy and convenient. Enjoy shopping in China.

Chen Hongjie reporting. So for more on the vitality of China's travel boom, my colleague Huang Jiyuan earlier sat down with Professor Liu Baocheng from the University of International Business and Economics.

As you know, the holiday economy has become a very important topic in China's economic discussions. And this instant tax refund policy is aimed at part of it. So how does this new policy differ from the old one? What's the difference between this new one and the traditional tax refund policies?

Well, the whole aim is really to boost the conception side because we used to tinker more with the supply side of the Chinese economic reform. Now we realize that a conception is not only part of the

economic driver but also it's really the final destination for economic development. And now China is also taking to the consideration that President Xi always emphasized to further open Chinese door for foreign participation both in trade, economics and also in tourism. So this refund policy gives a very strong signal to the global

the participants who are interested in China. I do not think they are going to come simply for tax refund, but rather, you know, this is really additional benefit for them to really to enjoy the Chinese culture, Chinese cuisine, and visited many of those interesting places and possibly identify business opportunities. But this is really to add on the type of

for foreign tourists to purchase from China. And this is also implemented in the right time when we are facing a lot more uncertainties with the US reciprocal tariff. And now people just come here and buy stuff

and then Chinese government is in a form of subsidizing your own purchase decisions. So this is great. Another thing is that because it has really introduced the digital service in that regard, so it provides a lot more convenience to the consumers from China. But what I really expect is that we do need to expand more of the duty-free shops

and also to encourage more of the foreign visitors to get online to deal with our digital service. So this is something that is not only economically beneficial, but also I think symbolically very much welcome. As we all know, now is a time of extreme global turbulence, whether it's economic or geopolitics, it's quite a mess.

Why is China looking good and looking attractive at this point? Why is China attractive now? Well, I recently produced a book about the Chinese value with regard to the perception and practice. Well, there's no doubt that China is really first standing very close to common sense and getting close touch to reality. We understand what really people need. It's not really what politicians really need.

And then the sincerity in the end is going to touch the ground and give more incentives for people to stand closer with you. So when the U.S. is really sitting up higher on their wall of tariffs,

And China is further opening with the rest of the world by implementing further the integration with ASEAN countries and also implementing more of the obligations.

our obligations to reduce the tariff and non-tariff barriers, teaming up with the RCEP members. And now we are also engaged in more of the free trade agreement with many other countries, particularly along the Belt and Road. And so this is the right approach that is in stark contrast with what the White House has been doing. This really is there to be further guided

by the shared future for humankind proposed by President Xi. And we are moving inch by inch even, at least towards the right type of goal. And so this is something that's what China and also me as a Chinese feel rather proud of.

During my colleague's visit, we actually encountered several U.S. tourists and expatriates who shared their perspectives on U.S. tariffs and their impact. With that tariffs in place, what are your thoughts on the instant tax refund policy?

Well, definitely they can immediately also bypass the tariff. And more importantly, it also gave people a very strong welcome gesture, however much they can really refund.

And plus, such a policy is there to reduce the threshold from previously 500 RMB now to 200 RMB and even for big ticket items. And the one-time refund can be up to 20,000 RMB, which is really significant for individual buyers.

And then they also have the direct experience, you know, talking with Chinese vendors. Actually, many of my friends, they would like to go to the Silk Alley simply just to bargain. And they enjoy the whole bargaining process. And also where some of my students, you know, who come from Africa, from United States, Europe, they enjoy the local dialect. You know, most people come from Zhejiang province.

So this is really something that cannot be substituted by simply e-commerce or buying from local stores in the neighborhood.

Professor Liu Baocheng from the University of International Business and Economics, talking with my colleague Huang Jingyuan. That's all the time for this edition of World Today. To listen to this episode again or to catch up on our previous episodes, you can download our podcast by searching World Today. I'm Dinghan in Beijing. Thank you so much for listening. Bye for now.