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Deep Dive

China Plusradio.cgtn.com

We invite reporters to go beyond headlines and offer first-hand information on the big events in China and elsewhere in the world. With us, you could have more access to news events that shape our lives and futures.

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Episodes

How one verdict rekindles conversation around child trafficking in China?

An elderly woman has been sentenced to death for trafficking 17 children in the 1990s, reigniting a nationwide discussion on child trafficking in China. Despite significant progress in the fight against human trafficking, the scars of past crimes linger, while troubling new schemes start to emerge. In this episode, CGTN Radio reporter Jiang Tao delves into why the case of Yu Huaying still resonates so deeply today—and what steps are needed to prevent further tragedies.

Oct 31, 202418 min

President Xi Jinping in Kazan: shaping China's vision for the future of BRICS and the Global South

As the world experiences rapid change and increasing uncertainty, the need for diverse and multilateral voices has never been more evident. This week, Chinese President Xi Jinping traveled to Kazan for the 16th BRICS Summit, engaging with leaders from developing countries and emerging economies. In this episode, CGTN reporter Zhao Yunfei shares his insights into how President Xi's visit could strengthen global security and elevate the voices of Global South nations in international discussions....

Oct 24, 202415 min

China’s new tactics to manage mounting local government debt

China is paying greater attention to the growing local government debt that has reached critical levels. In 2024, central authorities allocated 1.2 trillion yuan to tackle the issue, while a dozen heavily indebted provinces and municipalities have suspended infrastructure projects. In this episode, CGTN Radio reporter Guo Yan joins us to examine the root causes of this mounting debt and explore potential new economic drivers that could help these regions reduce their reliance on infrastructure i...

Oct 17, 202416 min

China's real estate surge: will the boom last?

This past National Day holiday was more than just a busy time for tourism. China's real estate market also saw a remarkable surge in sales following a slew of stimulus packages. How likely will the growth maintain its momentum? CGTN reporter Sun Ye joins this episode to discuss the recent surge in China’s property market.

Oct 12, 202415 min

Explosive pagers in Lebanon: uncovering the deeper fears beyond the destruction

Fear has gripped Lebanon after thousands of pagers, walkie-talkies, and other electronic devices were turned into explosives. While conspiracy theories swirl about how these everyday products were weaponized, a deeper, more widespread concern is emerging—one that extends beyond Lebanon's borders. Once trust in the global supply chain is broken, how secure can people feel when making international procurements?

Oct 05, 202413 min

Faces stolen: inside South Korea's battle against deepfake pornography

South Korean police are investigating hundreds of cases involving deepfake pornography, where the faces of real women and girls are digitally superimposed onto other bodies without their knowledge or consent. This week, reporter Lee Jungjoo from South Korea’s largest English-language daily - The Korea Herald joins us to delve into the rising fears surrounding deepfakes in the country, the devastating effects the case is having on minors, and what steps can be taken to prevent such violations in ...

Sep 25, 202417 min

The Xiangshan Forum: What is China's approach to global security?

Amid growing global uncertainty, the Xiangshan Forum convened in Beijing, bringing together 1,800 experts and military representatives from over 100 countries and international organizations to discuss solutions to some of the world’s most pressing security challenges. In this episode, CGTN reporter Zhao Yunfei joins us to explore the impact of the forum and to unpack the Chinese philosophy on security that underpins these discussions.

Sep 19, 202421 min

Apple vs. Huawei: a dual product launch showdown of two tech giants

This year, the launch of the latest iPhone coincided with a new product release from another tech giant—Huawei. Despite nearly 90% of smartphones sold in China being from domestic brands, Apple continues to hold over half of the market share for smartphones priced above $600, though with a slight decline in the 1st and the 2nd quarter this year. In this episode, CGTN Radio reporter Feng Yushun joins us to discuss strategies for global tech giants to secure a foothold in China’s expanding consume...

Sep 14, 202419 min

Is China's investment in Africa a "debt trap" or an opportunity?

In 2022, Africa's external debt reached $655.6 billion, with less than 10% owed to China. Despite this, Western lenders—who account for over 35% of Africa’s debt and typically charge double the interest rates—are often left out of the narrative. Instead, Western media continues to blame Chinese investments for a so-called "debt trap". But what’s the real story behind China's involvement in Africa? CGTN Radio reporter Gao Junya, who spent five years working across the continent, shares firsthand ...

Sep 07, 202423 min

A Chinese monkey that leads the “journey to the East”

As one of the most highly anticipated games of the year, Black Myth: WuKong – China’s first AAA video game – has achieved remarkable success, selling 10 million copies within just three days and positioning itself to become one of the best-selling video games of all time. Host Li Yunqi is leading the conversation for this episode to share his perspective on why it took so long to see a AAA game from China, and the impact of Black Myth: WuKong to the world’s gaming industry.

Aug 30, 202428 min

Cooling the flames: China fights “toxic” sports fandom

China has launched a significant crackdown on what it describes as "toxic" celebrity culture while celebrating its athletes' best performance at an overseas Olympic Games. The focus is on aggressive fans who took to social media to attack and spread rumors about the nation's Olympians during the Paris 2024. In this episode, Sideline Story host Fu Yu joins us to delve into the rise of China's sports fandom, how it spiraled into harmful behavior, and what steps can be taken to cool it down.

Aug 23, 202417 min

Truth or deception: the U.S. narrative against Chinese swimmers

The U.S. has cast a shadow over Chinese swimmers, raising yet unproven allegations of doping. But new questions are surfacing about the integrity of U.S. athletes and their own alleged use of banned substances. In this episode, CGTN Radio reporter Xu Yawen uncovers the truth behind the U.S. doping narrative.

Aug 16, 202425 min

Beyond gold medals: what did China gain from Paris 2024?

Despite challenges like doping allegations amplified by the U.S., Team China achieved its best-ever results at an overseas Olympiad. More importantly, the new generation of Chinese athletes showcased something that the nation has long awaited. Sideline Story host Fu Yu joins Deep Dive to explore the spirit and style young Chinese athletes have presented and discuss how the country can build on its recent successes.

Aug 12, 202418 min

What Kobayashi Pharma’s “death scandal” tells us about “made in Japan”?

Japanese pharmaceutical giant Kobayashi is at the center of a health scare with over 100 deaths reported potentially linked to its health supplements with red yeast rice, or beni-koji. CMG Tokyo correspondent Xin Lei joins Deep Dive to unravel the causes of Kobayashi’s “death scandal” and what it tells us about Japan’s manufacturing.

Aug 06, 202418 min

From rubble to resilience: a Gazan teacher and his tent schools on ruins

When homes are destroyed and starvation is prevalent, an English teacher has built schools on top of the rubble in war-ravaged Gaza, turning parachutes from aid drops into classroom shelters to ensure that local children can continue their education. In this special episode, Ahmed Riziq, founder of an education project Gaza Great Minds, shares his story from the north of Gaza.

Aug 02, 202428 min

How has China produced top-quality fish and shrimp on the roof of the world?

What is it like to raise and harvest fish and shrimp on the breathtaking altitudes of Xizang, also known as Tibet? CGTN reporter Guo Tianqi visited a fishing farm in Linzhi City and shares the story of how this remote region is cultivating top-quality shrimp and fish with the assistance of Guangdong Province along with her observation about China’s Pairing-up Assistance Program.

Jul 24, 202418 min

Key meeting unveils China's ambitious reform targets for modernization

Here is a chance for a glimpse into the development path of the world's second-largest economy in the years to come. The world is watching the 3rd plenary session of the 20th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China and its communiqué mapping out the country’s blueprint. CGTN Radio reporter Dou Hongyu brings first-hand information of China’s reform agenda and economic policy as well as their far-reaching impacts on the country and beyond.

Jul 18, 202420 min

“Volt Typhoon”: a real China threat or a U.S. money tree?

The U.S. alleges it has been targeted by a “China-backed Volt Typhoon” hacking group, while China has dismissed it as another lie by Washington to deceive its own Congress and taxpayers. In this episode, CGTN reporter Han Peng unravels what the U.S. tries to achieve with their Volt Typhoon action.

Jul 12, 202414 min

The AI vision of a less-developed country

In a world where some are served by AI home appliances while others have never used the Internet, a question is too big to ignore: can the least developed areas have their fair share of AI? As this year’s World AI Conference is set to open in Shanghai, Dou Hongyu speaks to a young Tanzanian devoted to his country’s AI development and joins Deep Dive to unravel the African country’s ambitions for AI.

Jul 03, 202419 min

A century-long cross-cultural friendship between China and the U.S.

A century ago, Kuliang in southeast China emerged as a hub for early cultural exchanges between China and the U.S. Today, it continues to inspire cross-cultural interactions between the two countries. In this episode, CGTN Radio reporter Liu Yushan shares heartfelt stories from both the past and present, highlighting how these narratives foster mutual understanding and strengthen the bonds between the two nations.

Jun 29, 202421 min

The magic behind long-lasting prosperity of China’s village football

When Team China struggles in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, the village super league in Rongjiang, Guizhou province in southwest China continues to prosper. Surrounded by farms and mountains, the grassroot tournament has become a national sensation for over a year. In this unique tournament, winners take home livestock instead of trophies. CGTN reporter Li Jingjing joins this episode to share the excitement of these amateur-level football games and how the league's fame has transformed many...

Jun 21, 202425 min

Marathons racing to popularity in China, but how long will the boom last?

The number of marathon events is growing rapidly in China, yet still cannot keep up with the even faster-growing number of runners. CGTN Radio reporter Jiang Tao explores the rising popularity and economic impact of marathons in China, the future prospects of this burgeoning sport, and whether it can sustain its rapid growth.

Jun 15, 202417 min

Living in harmony: lessons from elephant habitat restoration

After restoring the habitat and population of wild Asian elephants, villagers in Xishuangbanna in South China have adapted to live peacefully with wildlife, sometimes even returning parts of their homeland to nature. Ahead of World Environment Day, CGTN Radio reporter Heyang recounts her safari journey to Xishuangbanna, Yunnan province, sharing her observations of local efforts to restore the environment and pursue harmony with nature.

Jun 04, 202420 min

America’s insecurities about electric vehicles

In May, the US government quadrupled its import duties on Chinese EVs, but the question remains: is this measure sufficient for America to close the gap in the electric vehicle race? In this week’s episode, commentator and comedian Lee Camp offers his insights into the challenges hindering the development of the US EV industry.

May 31, 202413 min

A miserable memory about serfdom in Tibet

A dark chapter in the history of Xizang, or Tibet, is still remembered. What kind of life did an overwhelming majority of local people have to endure under a near-slavery system? In this episode, CGTN reporter Mi Sutong shares the poignant stories of two serf families from the roof of the world.

May 23, 202424 min

Unlikely allies: how a small Chinese city powers the Paris Olympics

Long before the Paris Olympics kicks off, groundwork for the mega sports event is already underway in the city of Yiwu in eastern China, also known as “the world’s supermarket”. In this episode, content creator Rafael Saavedra shares his travel experience in Yiwu, shedding light on how the seemingly insignificant trinkets not only influence major global events but also weave into the fabric of our day-to-day lives.

May 12, 202421 min

Hongkongers’ weekend “migration”

The surge in Hong Kong travelers visiting Shenzhen and numerous other mainland cities has sparked extensive discussions. In this episode, CGTN reporter Zhu Zhu offers her insights into why more Hongkongers are opting for spontaneous getaways in the mainland, as well as what this trend signifies for one of the world’s largest bay areas.

May 05, 202414 min

China’s green tech landscape: shortage or surplus?

The development of renewable energies, such as solar photovoltaic (PV), in China's western regions has not only paved the way for sustainable development but has also created a new driver for export. In this episode, CGTN Radio reporter Xu Yawen sheds light on the positive transformations brought about by clean energy in Xinjiang, the pressing need for the world to intensify efforts in promoting renewable power, and the outlook for the demand and supply of green energy in the years to come....

Apr 27, 202419 min

In pursuit of an economic evolution beyond resources

With an expanding consumer market in China, Tanzania and Zambia are capitalizing on the opportunity to diversify their economic portfolios by meeting the increasing demand from Chinese consumers. In this special episode, two distinguished guests - Mayor Abdallah Mtinika of Temeke, Tanzania, and Mayor Constance Muleabai of Livingstone, Zambia - share their insights into their respective countries' efforts to broaden their economic horizons beyond mineral exports. They were attending the 4th China...

Apr 18, 202413 min

Implications of Xiaomi car for the crowded EV race

In a remarkable move, Xiaomi has ventured into the automotive sector by unveiling its inaugural electric car model in a mere three years. This not only signifies a stride for the Chinese consumer tech giant but also sets the stage for heightened competition in China's EV market and beyond. CGTN tech reporter Zhao Chenchen joins this episode as we delve into the implications and potential ramifications of Xiaomi's foray into the automotive industry.

Apr 09, 202417 min
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