Podcast
The Hub with Wang Guan
Hosted by China Plus · EN
The Hub covers hot-button geopolitical and economic issues, as well as interesting stories and trends in culture, education, technology and lifestyle. It aims to connect people, cultures and societies across the East and the West.
25episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
The Ascent: How the Qinghai-Xizang Railway transformed the Roof of the World
2w ago00:26:00Tap to summarizeThe builders of the Qinghai-Xizang Railway endured extreme cold, high altitudes, and immense hardship to complete what is now the world's highest-altitude railway. Two decades later, this engineering landmark has brought communities closer together, expanded access to travel, and reshaped life across Xizang. In this special episode of The Hub, Wang Guan and South African influencer Lara Netherlands travel from Xining to Lhasa aboard the iconic railway as it marks 20 years of operation.
Transcribe →The CPC at 105: How the Party responds to social, economic, and institutional challenges
2w ago00:26:00Tap to summarizeWhat enables a large organization to remain resilient, adaptable, and effective over the long term? As societies face rapid technological change, economic transformation, and rising governance challenges, what institutional capacities matter most? And can long-term planning and continuous innovation go hand in hand?
Transcribe →The CPC at 105: Leading through change
3w ago00:26:00Tap to summarizeWhat enables a political organization to maintain continuity, adapt to change, and pursue long-term goals across generations? Can long-term planning and leadership development help institutions navigate uncertainty more effectively? What lessons can other organizations draw from China's experience?
Transcribe →China's economic outlook 2026: Growth, innovation, supply chains and consumer trends
3w ago00:26:00Tap to summarizeChina's economy remains a key force in global growth, innovation, and trade. What role will China play in the next phase of the global recovery? How are technological innovation and evolving consumer trends reshaping the world's second-largest economy?
Transcribe →G7 after the Evian Summit
4w ago00:26:00Tap to summarizeAs global power becomes more diffuse and economic growth shifts toward emerging economies, the G7 faces growing questions about its role and relevance. Does this year's summit highlight the resilience of the G7, or expose the limits of its influence? Can the G7 still shape the global agenda in an increasingly multipolar world? Are its members united by a common vision, or simply managing their differences?
Transcribe →Unit 731 and the fight for historical truth
4w ago00:26:00Tap to summarizeMore than 80 years after World War II, why did the crimes of Unit 731 remain largely absent from global public awareness for so long? What does preserving historical truth mean for future generations and the international order? In this edition of The Hub, Wang Guan speaks with Emanuel Pastreich, president of The Asia Institute; Alexis Dudden, professor of History at the University of Connecticut, who was interviewed in the documentary; and Liu Baocheng, dean of the Center for International Business Ethics at the University of International Business and Economics. Together, they examine the renewed attention generated by the documentary "Inside Unit 731" and explore why this history continues to resonate today.
Transcribe →2026 Forum on Global Human Rights Governance
Jun 1100:26:00Tap to summarizeAs the world confronts inequality, conflict, technological disruption and sustainable development challenges, the relationship between development and human rights is drawing renewed global attention. What does the right to development mean 40 years after the adoption of the UN Declaration on the Right to Development? Can development provide a stronger foundation for advancing human rights in an increasingly complex world?
Transcribe →Asia-Pacific security at a crossroads?
Jun 200:26:00Tap to summarizeThe latest Shangri-La Dialogue has reignited debate over the future of Asia-Pacific security. Is the region moving toward greater cooperation, or are competing security visions driving deeper divisions? How should countries balance stability, strategic autonomy, and growing geopolitical competition? And what's China's vision for a security framework based on common security rather than alliance blocs?
Transcribe →Ironclad friendship: President Vucic's state visit boosts China-Serbia ties
May 2800:25:59Tap to summarizeChinese President Xi Jinping and Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic hailed the ironclad friendship between the two countries during the Serbian president's first state visit to China, pledging to deepen cooperation in emerging sectors, transportation, and people-to-people exchanges. How will this visit inject new vitality into the China-Serbia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership?
Transcribe →Is Japan on a path toward remilitarization?
May 2600:26:00Tap to summarizePhilippines President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is set to meet Japan's Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi on Thursday as the two sides look to increase defense cooperation during Marcos' four-day state visit. How will this trip impact Japan-Philippines relations? Is Japan on a path toward remilitarization? In this episode of The Hub, Wang Guan asks whether Tokyo is abandoning its post-war commitments and how a remilitarized Japan could impact the region's stability. To unpack this and more, Wang Guan is joined by Jeff Kingston, professor of Asian Studies at Temple University, Tai Wei Lim, professor of Economics at Soka University, and Yang Chan, tenured associate professor at Shanghai Jiao Tong University.
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