Coronavirus: What's REALLY Going On: Recent Episodes
China Plus
This podcast brings you facts you should know about the novel coronavirus. We'll give you the stories and voices behind the numbers, the opinions and actions, and the concerns and solutions related to the battle against the epidemic. Follow us in this global anti-virus war!
The documentary unveils millions of ordinary Chinese people's epic battle against the pandemic.
Mainland cities in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area will issue a new policy to support talents working in the two special administrative regions. Big cities in China are pressing ahead with infrastructure projects with an eye on fast-tracking the economy. China's full reopening is expected to provide a further boost to RCEP, a giant free trade deal encompassing nearly a third of the world's population.
Guangdong Province has set a target of five percent for its GDP growth this year. Business owners in Dongguan, a city known for apparel manufacturing, are optimistic for the market growth in 2023. Shanghai is nurturing more talents as digital manufacturing grows at a faster pace.
A reporter shares his experience as he journeys from the technological hub of Shenzhen to Hong Kong after cross-border travel measures have been further eased. Travelers across China are flocking overseas following the resumption of outbound group tours. President Mario Boselli of the Italian Fashion Chamber has high hopes for the spending power of Chinese consumers in his country.
Travel between the Chinese mainland, Hong Kong and Macao has fully resumed. Travel agencies can offer outbound group travel for Chinese citizens to 20 nations, including Thailand, Singapore and New Zealand. More countries are mulling the lifting of restrictions on travelers from China.
The Chinese mainland, Hong Kong and Macao are set to further drop travel restrictions. China's outbound tourism sector is seeing a swift recovery as more international flights resume. After the Spring Festival holiday, most factories and companies in China have resumed operations. What does the scrapping of travel restrictions mean for the tourism sector? How are various factory activities progressing in China?
China has detected 24 imported cases of a new Omicron variant - CH.1.1. Beijing will soon carry out a survey to measure COVID-19 antibody levels across its population to assess the pandemic in the capital and refine its virus control strategy. A Chinese doctor shares his story in fighting COVID-19 over the past three years. How transmissible is the new variant? What should we do to better protect ourselves from infection as COVID-19 remains a global public health emergency? How did doctors in China fight the virus over the past three years?
Japan and South Korea suggest they will consider easing COVID measures on the entry of travelers from China. What will this mean for the tourism industry in Asia? The WHO says COVID-19 remains a public health emergency of international concern. What challenges remain as the world is still on the highest form of alert?
China has conducted emergency reviews and granted conditional approval for two drugs for COVID-19 treatment. An expert elaborates on China's latest progress in the development of COVID medicines. The WHO head says COVID-19 remains a global health emergency but is reaching an inflection point.
China's labor market is booming as the latest wave of Covid infections eases. Demand for workers is increasing as many companies have seen a surge in business. Hong Kong has scrapped its isolation requirement for those infected with COVID-19.
A world economy report by the United Nations estimates that the Chinese economy will grow by 4.8 percent this year. A report says China's reopening will provide a significant boost to Australia's economy. China's box office has made a strong comeback over the Spring Festival holiday.
A global survey shows high approval for China's COVID-19 prevention and control over the past three years. Authorities say patients in China have had easy access to stable and abundant medical supplies during the Spring Festival. Village doctors in Shanxi Province have prepared drugs and medical devices, and monitored health conditions among high-risk groups, during the holiday. Also we take a look at how hospitals across the country are dealing with the increasing need for post-COVID rehabilitation.
China's service sector sees further recovery after the country eases COVID-19 response; Chinese medical workers are strengthening COVID-19 response at the community level; The Bird's Nest Ice and Snow Festival is underway in Beijing.
A professor of health promotion with Federation University Australia shares his views about China's efforts to develop COVID vaccines and promote inoculation; Chinese New Year celebrations involving big reunions and large gatherings have returned to Singapore; Authorities say patients in China have easy access to stable and abundant medical supplies during the Spring Festival holiday.
China's outbound tourism is picking up steam during the Chinese New Year holiday, in particular following the announcement that outbound group tours will resume on a pilot basis from February 6; The UK tourism and hospitality industry is eyeing the return of tourists from China; An expert says the surge in demand during the Chinese New Year holiday is spurring the global economic recovery.
As one of the leading countries in vaccine manufacturing and distribution, China has worked to improve accessibility and affordability of its vaccines both at home and abroad. China's ambassador to the European Union is opposing the EU's travel protocols against Chinese arrivals. China's economic performance comes under the spotlight at the World Economic Forum. How effective are the vaccines made in China? How do global business leaders view the rebound of the world's second largest economy?
Logistics companies in China are seeing a huge increase in orders as people increase their spending ahead of the holiday. Thailand is one of the first destinations to receive Chinese tourists after China's border reopening. Business leaders have expressed confidence in China's rebound and believe China will continue to be a very important market for a whole host of sectors. How are companies preparing for rising demand for logistics services ahead of the Chinese New Year? What makes business leaders confident in China's economic rebound?
Chinese residents are busy with their Spring Festival shopping. Authorities are carrying out food safety inspections to keep people healthy during the New Year festivities. What is life like in China in the wake of the latest wave of COVID infections? How do Chinese residents prepare for the most import festival of the year? What progress have tourism businesses made ahead of the Spring Festival?
Global investors have shown strong confidence in China and many believe that the market will see a strong rebound after three years of challenges. The President of the World Economic Forum addressed China's role in the recovery of the world economy. Foreigners are planning trips to China after the country resumed cross-border travel. What helps bolster foreign investor confidence in China? How will the re-opening of the country help fuel the recovery of the global economy?
Travel between Hong Kong and the Chinese mainland surged ahead of Spring Festival.
Switzerland is now keen to see Chinese travellers come back now that COVID restrictions in China have lifted.
Meantime, hospitals across China have been ramping up efforts to offer better medical resources for the public as the country's most import traditional holiday for family reunions approaches.
What are the key factors bolstering the travel boom?
How does China manage medical resources to offer better treatment for COVID patients?
Global investors keep increasing their bets on China, despite Covid disruptions over the past three year. Many expect a rebound of business activities as the country gradually relaxes COVID-related restrictions. China's major airlines, travel agencies, and catering businesses have already begun to see a surge in orders as life and work returns to normal. What is helping to bolster business confidence in the Chinese market? How can various sectors benefit from China's rapid recovery?
A senior US expert says China completed enough preparations before removing Covid restrictions. Singapore is getting ready to welcome Chinese visitors. The country says it will not impose pre-departure COVID tests on travelers from China. The world's largest iphone factory is back at full output. How has China prepared for its reopening? How did the Foxconn facility in Zhengzhou manage to return to the peak season level?
Pharmaceutical companies, travel agencies, and restaurants are seeing a surge in their businesses after the reopening of the world's second largest economy. The entertainment sector is actively getting ready, just a few days out from the Lunar New Year holiday. How do pharmaceutical firms meet the surge in demand for Covid drugs? And how well prepared are popular Chinese tourist destinations for receiving travelers?
Many Chinese tourists are choosing overseas destinations to spend their Lunar New Year holiday after three years of coronavirus restrictions. Countries including Thailand, France, Canada, Australia and New Zealand have issued official statements welcoming Chinese visitors. Which countries are among the most popular destinations for Chinese travelers? What business opportunities can we expect from the resumption of China's overseas travel?
China is offering more specific and targeted TCM treatment for COVID-19 in its latest treatment protocol. We will also look at surging demand for travel during the upcoming Lunar New Year holiday under the new phase of COVID-19 management in China. How far does the trend of cross-border travel go? How do these changes affect the international logistics industry?
We will look at how China's downgraded COVID-19 management facilitates travels. What are tourism insiders' expectations for a rebound with the latest shift in China's COVID response and how much Chinese people's daily lives have returned to normal.
A health official has described evolving pandemic situation over the past three years as a major reason behind China's efforts to refine its COVID-19 response. Foreign diplomats have expressed their support for the new pandemic control measures taken by China. China is taking out more pandemic restrictions for international passenger travel to resume flight operations.
China issues new guidelines for COVID-19 treatment. A Chinese health expert refutes claims that China's recent outbreak could create new COVID variants. The XBB 1.5 variant continues to spread in the United States.
Three years on, the novel coronavirus has infected and killed millions of people around the world. Still, it keeps mutating with new variants and threatens people’s health. The world is learning to live with the virus while developing medicines and vaccines against it, so does China. What’s really going on in China’s fight against the virus? Follow us to know more.
The World Health Organization does not expect a return to the 'old normal' for the foreseeable future. Beijing has reported zero cases of new COVID-19 infections for nine consecutive days. However, experts say the city still need to remain alert.
The 2020 World Artificial Intelligence Conference came to an end in Shanghai over the weekend. About 3,000 participants attended this year's online summit due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The World Health Organization representative in Russia says the novel coronavirus could have existed in an inactive state long before its outbreak. Despite complications with the pandemic and international relations, experts say that the loudest voice across the world is still cooperation.
As COVID-19 continues to disrupt the world, the tourism industry seems to be gradually recovering with some innovative ideas and preventive measures being introduced. Some in the industry are making full use of the internet in order to survive the pandemic.
Many universities have announced their plans for the fall semester and online education has become a new normal for international education amid the pandemic. But experts say that online education is not simply moving the traditional class onto the internet.
The United States has officially begun the process of withdrawing from the World Health Organization. A U.S. expert believes this action will not only harm the health of the country, but also global efforts against the pandemic.
The Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development is warning that the COVID-19 pandemic is turning into a jobs crisis, far worse than the global financial crisis in 2008. The agency predicts a 9.4% unemployment rate on average in OECD countries at the end of 2020. And the United Nations Secretary-General has stressed the need for decent jobs to boost the recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.
Nine new professions have been recognized by Chinese authorities as the country intensifies efforts to create more job opportunities amid its economic recovery.
Tuesday marks the first day of China's Gaokao, or national college entrance exam. It was delayed one month due to the coronavirus outbreak. Rigorous measures have been taken to ensure the smooth implementation of the make-or-break test for more than ten million students across the country.
Following the United States and Brazil, India has overtaken Russia to become the world's third-worst affected nation by the pandemic. The coronavirus has infected more than 11 million people around the world and killed over 530, 000.
With pandemic prevention becoming part of our life, airlines are making efforts to reduce the infection risk and boost their business. Experts shed light on the ways to reduce infections and describe the future of this industry after the pandemic.
Many farmers in China are turning to e-commerce to sell their produce after months of lockdown due to the coronavirus. However, analysts are concerned that new technology is also forcing farmers to learn marketing skills on top of everything else that they do.
As the United States prepares to celebrate its Independence Day this weekend, concerns are growing that mass gatherings may trigger another spike in COVID-19 cases.
Asian countries that saw the outbreak much earlier than the rest of the world are continuing to urge residents to refrain from unnecessary gatherings, maintain distance from others and wear masks. Experts point out that cultural differences among other nations account for the different results in the battle against the virus.
The International Labour Organization said on Tuesday that the impact of Covid-19 on global employment is worse than previously thought. In its latest report, the UN agency has also outlined three possible scenarios for the second half of 2020, namely the pessimistic, optimistic, and middle road scenario.
As the World Health Organization warns that the pandemic is not even close to being over, an expert says a second wave is possible. China National Biotech Group, or CNBG, has built the world's largest COVID-19 vaccine production plant, with Phase I and II clinical trials showing positive results.
Global COVID-19 cases have exceeded ten million and the number of deaths has surpassed half a million. An expert sheds light on prioritizing the tasks necessary for world governments to fight the virus.
Johns Hopkins University says the number of COVID-19 infections in the United States has topped 2.5 million. An expert gives her insight on the effect of the pandemic on the US campaign season.
A vaccine research institute in China says its coronavirus vaccine has entered clinical trials. Experts say the world needs to work together to produce coronavirus vaccines before having an answer for "which vaccine works?"
Some high-end hotels in China are offering down-to-earth services to locals to relieve the impact of COVID-19. Experts suggest hotel giants should make full use of their facilities to explore a range of opportunities at this difficult time.
Thanks to the prevention and control work, many countries and regions are reopening their domestic tourism. Experts say if everything goes well, gradual reopening of international tourism can also be expected with cooperation and trust among countries.
With the easing of the coronavirus restrictions, some of the most popular sports events are back in action, though with numerous safety precautions, including no spectators. Some major sports leagues have returned to action or are planning to resume play after being halted by the novel coronavirus.
China is looking for a more stable and mature relationship with the European Union in the post-pandemic era. President Xi Jinping made the remark during a China-EU summit via video. Despite the sticking points, experts point out that the areas of agreement outweigh the disagreements between the two sides.
Aggressive testing has been key to containing the latest outbreak in Beijing. The capital has tested nearly 2.3 million people in the past ten days—that's more than 10 percent of the capital's total population. Health institutions have also been playing an active role in efforts to contain the resurgence of COVID-19 cases.
The global multi-billion-dollar sports industry, which has often proven crisis-proof, also took a severe hit from the COVID-19 pandemic. Professional leagues, sports events, athletes and merchandisers have all been affected.
During this year's online shopping festival, which took place on Thursday in China, the application of AR, or augmented reality, was one of the major highlights. Experts believe this technology is still in its infancy and needs time for it to develop its business model.
The chief epidemiologist of the Chinese Center for Disease Control says the latest COVID-19 outbreak in Beijing is under control. Wu Zunyou says Beijing's COVID-19 outbreak could have been worse if the city hadn't taken quick action to curb the spread of the pandemic.
President Xi Jinping is promising that China will continue to do whatever it can to support the COVID-19 response in Africa. WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus says platforms like the Extraordinary China-Africa Summit are important in strengthening global solidarity in the fight against COVID-19.
Beijing has upgraded its emergency response to COVID-19 from level three to level two amid a cluster of newly reported cases in the city. A higher emergency response level means stricter prevention and control measures.
The Canton Fair is being held virtually for the first time in its 63-year history. Addressing concerns over a virtual exhibition, experts believe that the fair is an important boost for businesses around the world at this difficult time.
Beijing has reported 36 new coronavirus cases, bringing the total over the past four days to 79, according to a press conference on Monday afternoon. The Chinese capital is going all out to curb the outbreak and prevent a second wave.
Most people know about China's efforts against the pandemic after Wuhan's lockdown, but they don't know what happened before that. A reporter recounts her experience of reporting the pandemic in Wuhan when the situation was severe back in this spring.
China has cleared the medium- and high-risk areas for COVID-19, with experts advising the country to stay vigilant. This has been hard-won, says a doctor recalling his experience of being dispatched to Wuhan to fight the pandemic.
The World Bank has projected that the global economy is falling into the deepest recession since World War II due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Governments are making extraordinary efforts to counter the downturn with fiscal and monetary policy support.
More than a dozen airlines worldwide have sought government relief, either in the form of bailouts or special loans, to cope with the fallout from COVID-19. It's estimated that COVID-19 will cost the aviation sector around 100 billion U.S. dollars in revenues this year.
One in every six people under the age of 25 lost their job during the pandemic, according to a report released by the International Labour Organization. Steve Ingham, CEO of PageGroup, one of the world's largest professional recruitment companies, shares his advice for graduates, the newly laid off and those restless in their current job.
As COVID-19 cases continue to rise worldwide, the pandemic is having an impact on Chinese students' plans to study overseas. The recent decision by the United States to tighten visas for students is also making the situation more complicated.
China's white paper on fighting against the novel coronavirus explains how the country has stopped the spread of the virus. Experts believe countries need to cooperate to fight the pandemic, and that competing with one another will undermine efforts.
Strict hygiene measures, social distancing as well as online and offline classes, are just a few of the new norms for Chinese schools as more students return to campus.
China has distributed 2.7 billion U.S. dollars' worth of coupons among the public to stimulate spending amid the COVID-19 outbreak. Experts believe coupons and cash grants will stimulate consumption and be helpful for economic recovery.
A global alliance has raised almost nine billion U.S. dollars for vaccination programs to immunize children in developing countries. UN Secretary-General António Guterres has urged a "people's vaccine" be developed for COVID-19 that would be freely available to everyone.
Thousands of cinemas in China are set to reopen after being shut for over four months due to the pandemic. The China Film Administration estimates that box office losses may exceed $ 4 billion this year. An expert shares her view on the prospects of movie business bouncing back in the future.
No confirmed cases were reported and 300 asymptomatic cases were detected after Wuhan completed COVID-19 testing on its nearly 10 million residents. The WHO said much more research is needed globally to put this result into context.
As the WHO warns the coronavirus may never go away, a Chinese expert shares his view on how to live with the virus before a vaccine is discovered.
The World Health Organization has warned that the coronavirus pandemic could put on hold vaccination services that help control other preventable diseases. Health experts point out that this may risk the health of children worldwide.
Scientists from a lab in the Chinese city of Wuhan say the novel coronavirus did not leak from there, adding that science and international cooperation should play their roles in finding the source of the virus. Researchers from the lab have shared their insights into the origin of the pandemic.
Improving public health is one of the big items on the agenda of China's annual political gathering that was delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. A U.S. epidemiologist shares her view on China's disease prevention and control.
Targeted fiscal measures for the economy, job creation and poverty eradication were some of the key topics during Premier Li Keqiang's media briefing after China's annual political gathering. Experts share their thoughts on the premier's policies to cope with the economic challenges ahead.
Chinese law makers have deliberated a draft civil code at the annual session of the country's national legislature which ends on Thursday. With 1260 articles, the Civil Code is the most extensive legislation in China, as well as the only legislation officially called a “code”. Legal experts believe the adoption of the civil code furthers people’s interest in strengthening the rule of law.
COVID-19 dominates Chinese Foreign Minister's press conference on the sidelines of China's delayed annual political meeting. The Foreign Minister says China has engaged in "cloud diplomacy" in the forms of phone calls, exchanges of correspondence and video conferences. Experts shed light on the rationale behind the activities.
Small businesses in the pet industry have felt the pinch during the global pandemic and some people have abandoned their pets due to false claims that animals can pass coronavirus to humans. However, pet adoptions are surging as people are looking for companionship during their home quarantines.
Researchers around the world are racing against time for a safe and effective vaccine that could defeat the novel coronavirus. The Lancet says China's COVID-19 vaccine trial is showing some promise. In addition, a U.S. biotech firm has reported encouraging results from its first clinical tests of an experimental vaccine against the virus.
Experts believe that globalization will continue but the pandemic will bring radical changes to the globalization trend. Many think the pandemic will upend the flow of people and goods across the globe and leave a different world in its wake.
China's government work report says the country will ensure achieving the development goals of winning the battle against poverty this year, although the World Bank cautions that the COVID-19 pandemic could push more people into extreme poverty.
Chinese Premier Li Keqiang has delivered a government work report that contained no specific economic growth targets for 2020, but it did include a raft of measures to support businesses and employment. Experts share their insights on the roadmap laid out for China to overcome the obstacles thrown up by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Africa's efforts fighting COVID-19 have been praised by the UN's top chief, but he warned that "much hangs in the balance". Experts believe the pandemic will have more impact on the economic side rather than the health side of the continent.
From professional performances to apartment block sing-a-longs, people are turning to music for comfort during the COVID-19 pandemic. Artists have participated in various online concerts to help people under quarantine at home to reduce their fear and anxiety and maintain a sense of solidarity during difficult times.
World leaders have called for global solidarity in the face of the pandemic at the annual World Health Assembly. China will provide two billion U.S. dollars over two years to help with the COVID-19 response, as well as with economic and social development in affected countries, especially developing countries.
Public health related legislation, poverty alleviation and China's economic growth under the shadow of the pandemic are expected to be the focus of the country's biggest annual political meetings this year. After being postponed for almost two months, the two sessions are set to finally begin this week.
A Canadian expert teaching in China believes cultural diversity should be respected when discussing the geopolitics of the COVID-19 pandemic. He says COVID-19 has been an upending black swan event that has thrown people’s ordinary lives into disarray. He cautions against resorting to political accusation during this difficult time, saying it will lead the world nowhere.
A former UN diplomat shares his insight into the geopolitics of the COVID-19 pandemic. The Singaporean expert points out there are no fundamental differences of interest between the U.S. and China, and he believes that the time has come for the West to learn lessons from East Asia.
The International Labor Organization says around four out of five people's jobs have been affected by the coronavirus lockdown measures worldwide. In China, the government has introduced a series of measures to support the vulnerable during this time, but experts say the effect on employment is subject to the pandemic control levels.
The threat of a second wave of COVID-19 raised public alarm about the complexity of the novel coronavirus. China and South Korea have recently reported new clusters of coronavirus infections after an ease of the lockdown restrictions in the two countries. Experts have warned that countries that either have kept COVID-19 under control, or are still seeing a peak of pandemic, should be cautious of a new wave of spreading.
Wuhan has announced that nucleic acid tests will be conducted citywide in the next ten days. The emergency plan was announced after six new COVID-19 infections were detected in one residential community over this past weekend. Two experts shed light on the massive undertaking.
Frontline nurses from across the world tell their stories of battling against COVID-19. Today is International Nurses Day, an annual celebration of the crucial work they undertake in countries around the globe.
An eminent expert points out that China and the US should be looking for common projects where they can cooperate. Joseph Nye, who invented the terminology soft power, says the coronavirus pandemic has worsened the existing China-US tensions. He suggests the two countries have a lot more to gain from cooperation than rivalry.
The way people shop has been changed by the COVID-19 global pandemic as more people rely on food delivery apps and online shopping during quarantine. Industry leaders have found many creative ways to survive amid the outbreak.
Some Asian countries are gradually recovering from the impact of coronavirus pandemic. China, Japan, South Korea and Singapore are among the first ones to lift lockdowns with cautious preventative measures.
More and more global scientists and virologists hold the idea that COVID-19 evolved in nature. It comes in response to the speculation that the new coronavirus is man-made and possibly originated in a lab in Wuhan.
The WHO is urging countries to investigate any early suspicious cases after a French hospital found the coronavirus was already present there in late December 2019 and a mayor from New Jersey claimed he was infected in November. However, our knowledge about the virus is far from enough.
The medical supplies provided by the Chinese government and private sector have alleviated the dire situation caused by COVID-19. Hospitals in hard-hit countries are all facing drastic shortages of key medical supplies, including surgical masks, gloves, goggles and testing reagents.
During the global pandemic, the online medical consultation industry has not just survived but is booming. Leading doctors and experts share opinions on how the industry could develop in the future, as well as what shortages need to be overcome.
The role of traditional Chinese medicine in treating COVID-19 has been recognized by medical experts in China and abroad. With the pandemic still raging across Europe and the United States, the medicine with several thousand years of history is growing in popularity around the globe.
We have a historian's view related to the comparison between the coronavirus pandemic and the 1918 influenza pandemic. John M. Barry, epidemiologist and author of the book "The Great Influenza: The Story of the Deadliest Pandemic in History" says the final lesson of 1918 influenza pandemic is that those in authority must retain the public trust.
We give you a timeline of what China did after the first cases of what later was confirmed to be the novel coronavirus were first detected in Wuhan. Chinese authorities say efforts are being made to trace COVID-19 "patient zero," but it is a challenging task. While there are calls from some political figures to hold China responsible for the pandemic, experts say, now isn’t the time to assign blame.
We invite insiders to talk about how we can minimize the prolonged fallout from the coronavirus on the world tourism industry. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, all destinations worldwide introduced restrictions on travel in late April. Tourism and travel account for about 10% of global GDP and make up 320 million jobs. We brief you on the devastating impact and the possible opportunities from this pandemic.
The production and operation of foreign-capital enterprises in China have returned to normal as the COVID-19 pandemic eases in the country. We look at how foreign companies view the Chinese market and weigh up their development plans in China.
The World Health Organization warns the continent of Africa could become the next epicenter of the coronavirus outbreak as COVID-19 infections have been growing exponentially in recent weeks. Many countries are under lockdown in efforts to curb the spread of the virus. Lockdowns are not new in some of the countries as they have had to use them in the past to fight Ebola and Marburg virus outbreaks. We have experts from both China and South Africa to talk about the current fight against COVID-19 in Africa.
UNESCO says COVID-19 affected 74 percent of enrolled students globally. As life slowly returns to normal, schools are gradually reopening in China. On Monday, high schools in Beijing reopened with stringent precautionary measures in place after three months of campus closures and lessons going online. We invited experts to analyze the immediate impact on education and how it may affect going forward into the future.
The weapons and opportunities provided by 5G, AI and QR code technologies in fighting the insidious COVID-19 virus are making a difference. These cutting-edge technologies are not only vital for patients desperately waiting for treatment, but also support medical staff in their battle against the virus. However, the development of AI is powered by the collection of massive amounts of data. The dark side is the potential risk to privacy violations and the misuse of data. We must reflect on how much weight we should put on each side.
We present to you a handful of stories in which young Chinese students in Canada tell us about how they spend their time during lockdown in their host country. It's estimated that around 140,000 Chinese students are studying in Canada.
As the world continues to battle against the spread of COVID-19, incidents of domestic violence are also increasing. We invited experts to analyze the reasons behind the rise in domestic violence during this unprecedented time, as people are called on to use this opportunity to spend quality time with their family.
Some countries are starting to ease restrictions and reopen their economies as the number of new COVID-19 cases seems to be declining in those regions. However, the World Health Organization and experts are warning the situation is still fragile and calling for caution.
Weighing options when it comes to new investment decisions in China, company executives of multinationals are looking at the Chinese market from the business point of view instead of geopolitics. Survey conducted among the U.S. companies doing business in China show they still view the country as a vital link in global supply networks during the COVID-19 crisis.
Efforts are being made worldwide to turn the recovery efforts from COVID-19 into a real opportunity for sustainable development. As the world marks International Mother Earth Day, which falls on April 22, we’ll take a look at how the pandemic has shifted people’s perception on climate change and what consumers and businesses alike could do to save the environment.
Join us to learn about how to talk to kids about the pandemic and what has been done to relieve their stress and pain during the crisis. We'll look at the situation of children who were either infected or were left without parents or guardians due to the coronavirus epidemic.
Virologists and geneticists around the globe refute conspiracy theories linking COVID-19 to a biosafety research lab in Wuhan after it became a focus for accusations in the wake of the citywide outbreak. Experts from the U.S., UK, and China have pointed out that there is no evidence of a link between the new coronavirus and the work of the P4 research laboratory in Wuhan.
Overseas Chinese students are making the hard choice as to stay in their host countries or go back home during the COVID-19. While various measures have been taken to help facilitate their journey back home, all-out efforts are also being made to help them stay safe while they remain abroad.
China's first quarter GDP posted its first decline in decades, contracting 6.8 percent year-on-year amid the outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic. Meanwhile, the IMF expects the world economy to shrink by three percent this year. We'll have expert in-depth analysis on those figures.
The city of Wuhan revised its number of confirmed cases and deaths from the novel coronavirus disease on Friday. As of mid-April, the total number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in Wuhan has been increased by 325 to 50,333 and the number of fatalities has jumped by 1,290 to 3,869. Join us to learn why the revision was made now and how the work was conducted.
People from all over the world have been vocal in criticizing U.S. President Donald Trump's decision to halt funding to the World Health Organization. A professor of public health from Australia's Flinders University says President Trump is playing a dangerous game, adding that the budget of the WHO is not large. It's actually two billion(USD) less than the annual budget of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
International media has been picking up reports about alleged ill treatment of people of African descent in southern China's Guangzhou. Jilles Djon, General Secretary, African Chamber of Commerce in China gives his view and a Tanzanian businessman talks about his life under quarantine in Guangzhou.
Caught between COVID-19 and economic recession, countries are weighing the best time to lift control measures. China is resuming production gradually as the pandemic wanes, but the World Health Organization has warned that anti-virus measures can only be eased with caution. Experts believe it's a delicate balance between business resumption and pandemic control.
Join us to learn about the cooperation between China and Europe to combat the novel coronavirus. We’ll learn more about the cooperation from officials from both sides. Some Chinese medical workers will also share their own experience from working in Europe.
The spread of coronavirus has put food security under threat with product supply being impacted due to export bans and the panic buying of food around the world. It's causing great damage to poor and hungry people, making them even more vulnerable.
Global stock markets have witnessed a tumultuous two weeks in March with the U.S stock market pausing four times in less than a month and fears of a recession have been amplified by the coronavirus pandemic.
Sealing off an entire city is harder than it looks. It has been an ordeal, to say the least, for Wuhan's residents who lived in the epicenter of the coronavirus outbreak in China. Now that the 76-day lockdown is over, analysis has been made as to what made the city's lockdown work.
We'll bring you exclusive stories of life and death from inside the ICU ward of Wuhan Red Cross Hospital since the COVID-19 outbreak reached its peak in the city in February. The hospital was one of the first seven designated coronavirus hospitals to admit patients.
Join us to learn about the latest situation in Wuhan and hear analysis of the lessons learned. Despite the lifting of travel restrictions in the city following a 76-day lockdown, Wuhan authorities are urging residents not to leave their neighborhoods, or Hubei Province, unless necessary. They say "zero new COVID-19 cases does not mean zero risk." Otherwise, outbound travel restrictions have ended, traffic control checkpoints have been taken down, and transit is resuming normal operations.
Join us to learn reporter Huang Yue's account of local life in Wuhan as travel restrictions in the city are lifted following a 76-day lockdown. Huang Yue has been reporting from Wuhan since the peak of the outbreak and tells us a story mixed with fear, courage, resilience and sacrifice, in this special edition My 50 Days in Wuhan.
Join us to learn some simple techniques to help restore our physical, physiological and psychological balance during the pandemic. We'll also hear a report about a New Zealand teddy bear hunt that is designed to ease anxiety for both children and adults.
Join us to learn about how people cope with working from home during the current global pandemic. We look at how tech companies have improved their work-related apps to help with efficiency, followed by leading experts and industry insiders on the future development of the teleworking industry in the era of 5G.
Join us to hear about the efforts to battle COVID-19 made by foreigners that chose to stay in China. They were from various fields and different countries, volunteering to help with epidemic prevention and control work or providing a lens through which the world could better understand what the nation was really going through.
Join us to hear a volunteer's personal account of her experience as she helps update figures about the COVID-19 situation in the United States. She is a data analyst working for 1Point3Acres, a data processing company that was contacted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention of the United States (CDC) for cooperation. The data provided is described by the CDC as a reliable source.
Join us to hear an economist's assessment of the impact of COVID-19 on the real economy and online business worldwide, and what it takes to revive the supply chain and stimulate world demand. According to the UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs, the global economy could shrink by up to one percent in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and may contract even further if restrictions on economic activities are extended without adequate fiscal responses.
Join us to learn about the different approaches taken by countries to curb the spread of COVID-19. As the coronavirus alarm sounds more loudly across the globe, nations are taking similar, yet different courses of action to fight the virus. The measures include home quarantine, travel restrictions and the implementation of testing. We'll look at why these measures have been adopted and how effective they are in slowing the virus.
Join us as we discuss the pros and cons of e-learning during the COVID-19 pandemic; as we take a closer look at how this mode of learning is panning out in China and why the UNESCO-recommended digital learning app has received unfavorable reviews from students in China. Elsewhere, we'll be meeting a student who against all odds has managed to overcome challenges posed by lack of reliable internet access, just to participate in these online classes in a remote area in the southwest part of the country.
Join us to hear a discussion between Chinese and American doctors as they address netizens' concerns related to testing kits and asymptomatic patients. In a live cast on COVID-19, public health and medical experts met online to discuss the latest situation in both countries and share their views on the future of the pandemic.
Join us to find out how concerned we should be about asymptomatic carriers. Respiratory expert Zhong Nanshan gives his opinion on the issue in China and abroad. Experts have warned that asymptomatic carriers of the novel coronavirus may pose a great transmission risk as imported cases become the major challenge China faces and the number of confirmed COVID-19 patients surpasses 700,000 globally.
Join us to learn more about alternative solutions that can be applied to ensure fashion and art events still go on despite the pandemic. We take a look at the alternatives fashion designers and brands have been using to showcase their latest collections at the ongoing Shanghai Fashion Week. And we’ll also take you to the UK to find out how a British dance troupe has been marking its 20th anniversary amidst all the chaos caused due to the current global pandemic.
Join us to learn how you handle the mental stress of Covid-19 and how patients are being helped to regain their mental health after the loss of a loved one. A mental health expert from the United States offers his advice. Also, two Wuhan natives share their personal stories on being helped by medical workers to get over the pain of losing someone.
Join us to learn about the message from G20 leaders on global preparedness and response to COVID-19. The special summit marked the first time that leaders of the world's 20 major economies have held a summit online. The G20 leaders say they will do "whatever it takes" to overcome the coronavirus crisis, adding that they are injecting $5 trillion into the global economy through national measures as part of their efforts to lessen the pandemic's impact.
Join us to learn about the progress of research and development of COVID-19 vaccines around the globe. Leading experts on infectious diseases from both China and the United States shed light on the current stage of their research, as well as the efficacy and necessity of such vaccines for our future.
Join us to learn about the whys and the hows behind the decision to postpone the 2020 Summer Olympics and the virus' impact on global sports as a whole. The International Olympic Committee announced on Tuesday that Tokyo 2020 has been postponed until 2021, deepening the crisis the sports world now faces. The suspension of many sporting events, together with athletes' health issues and clubs' financial burdens, has sent global sports spiralling into dark days.
Join us to learn about the economic impacts of the different strategies for fighting COVID-19. China chose containment - control the virus through necessary social distancing measures and quarantines. Other countries, notably the United States and Great Britain, have chosen an amelioration strategy - allow the virus to run its course, but slowing it enough so the existing medical infrastructure can deal with the casualties.
Join us to learn about the advice given by frontline Chinese doctors to their overseas colleagues on what face masks to use and how to handle the stress. Chinese doctors from Peking Union Medical College Hospital have shared their experience with their European and U.S. counterparts in fighting the pandemic. They say it's a must for medical workers to protect themselves first in order to safeguard the health of their patients.
Join us to learn about the psychology of fear behind the COVID-19 pandemic. We'll explain how the storm of fear hits us in relation to risk perception, anxiety levels and negativity bias, and how it has resulted in a "habit loop" as well as group panic and stigmatization.
Join us to hear the stories of the work behind two songs dedicated to beating the global pandemic. A Switzerland-based pop band named Stevans has turned their wishes into a song entitled "China is strong". Mark Levine, a U.S. sociology scholar and country music singer living in China since 2005, has also composed a song to encourage people to fight against novel coronavirus together.
Join us to learn about the latest updates in Wuhan after the city reports no new increases of infections or suspected cases for two consecutive days. Our reporter Huang Yue in Wuhan brings you the latest about life in the infection-free communities there. She also explains how the health code and negative list work to facilitate the resumption of production and work in Wuhan and across Hubei.
Join us to hear what has most impressed the top Chinese doctors during their stay in Wuhan since the end of January. On Wednesday, Wuhan, the epicenter of the COVID-19 outbreak, reported no new infections, marking a notable first in the city's months-long battle against the deadly virus. But medics find it hard to leave. Braving the outbreak on the frontlines, it was the first time they had ever faced coronavirus. So far, more than 30,000 people have recovered.
Join us to hear the voices and opinions that have called on President Donald Trump to stop spreading blame for the coronavirus outbreak after his “Chinese Virus” tweet went viral. Various people from China and the United States have expressed their concerns over racism and the spread of rhetoric that perpetuates dangerous views on the disease after Trump labeled the ongoing pandemic COVID-19 a “Chinese Virus. "
Join us to learn about the COVID-19 prevention and treatment experiences shared by top Chinese doctors, including details on the virus' impact on children and the most dangerous underlying conditions affecting patient outcomes. Four doctors from Peking Union Medical College Hospital answered questions in Wuhan from world media based in Beijing through a video press briefing.
Join us to learn about the latest measures taken by Iran, India, South Africa and Germany in the fight against the pandemic. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres says the COVID-19 pandemic is a crisis that affects everyone. So what has been done around the globe to deal with the pandemic?
Join us to learn about the five things that China did about Covid-19 to turn the situation around. Respiratory expert Zhong Nanshan is suggesting that the pandemic could be under control in June if all impacted countries take the virus seriously and implement strong national-level measures to control it.
Join us to learn about what life is truly like in Wuhan and what work has been done by the medical teams there. We will follow reporter Huang Yue who is in the city, the epicenter of the outbreak, to meet the people living under community lockdown, as well as the medical workers there who have been fighting COVID-19 since late January.
Join us to learn more about the response from different circles within the EU to the US travel ban on 26 European countries. EU leaders say the decision was taken "unilaterally and without consultation." We have passenger reaction and expert analysis.
Join us for the latest updates on the COVID-19 after the WHO confirmed it as a pandemic. China has stepped up measures to curb imported cases and sent medical experts to Italy to assist the country's fight against the disease. The United States will suspend all travel from European countries except Britain for 30 days.
Join us to learn about the treatment of COVID-19 patients in China shared by medical experts in Wuhan. Frontline medical workers address concerns from world media.
Join us to learn the findings made by a WHO team during their visit to Wuhan. WHO Deputy Chief Dr. Bruce Aylward shares how they compiled their report on China, his interactions with the frontline medical workers, and who he believes are the real heroes in this battle.
Join us to learn why the disease has been given this name, what its symptoms are, and why the stigma around it should be dispelled.
Join our latest podcast for news and stories about the battle against the coronavirus in China and around the world.