中国国家主席、中共中央军委主席习近平4月19日向解放军新成立的信息支援部队授予军旗。这标志着信息支援部队，这个直属于中共中央军委的新兵种正式成立，原本的战略支援部队则撤销。习近平说，信息支援部队在推动解放军打赢现代战中地位重要，责任重大。 什么是信息支援部队？它将担负什么功能？中国解放军为何要推进这项军事体制改革？这与军队反腐败有没有关系？  中国解放军的装备近年有了长足的发展，在4月23日举办的海军建军七十五周年庆典又会有什么看点？ 这期的早报播客《东谈西论》，听主持人韩咏红和《联合早报》中国新闻资深高级记者于泽远分析中国军队的新改革。 延伸阅读： 于泽远：中国军队的新改革 菲律宾缺席中国海军论坛 张又侠：愿同当事国解决争端但不允许善意被滥用 Chinese President Xi Jinping recently presided over a significant military ceremony, where he awarded the military flag to the newly established Information Support Force of the People's Liberation Army (PLA). This move marks the formal inception of a new branch within the PLA, indicative of a reconfiguration in China's military structure. The Information Support Force, operating directly under the purview of the Central Military Commission of the Communist Party of China, replaces the former Strategic Support Force. President Xi underscored the pivotal role of this new force in modern warfare during the ceremony, highlighting its responsibility and importance in ensuring the PLA's success. The creation of the Information Support Force reflects China's ongoing efforts in military reforms and modernisation. Furthermore, the notable strides in the development and enhancement of equipment within the PLA in recent years embody China's progress in military technology and capabilities. The PLA Navy is celebrating its 75th anniversary this month, providing a platform to showcase its achievements and advancements. The occasion is poised to spotlight China's growing naval capabilities and its significance in the country's defence strategy. In this episode of Global Heartbeat podcast, host Han Yong Hong and Lianhe Zaobao’s China News Copy Editor Yu Zeyuan analyse the latest reforms in the Chinese military. Hosted by Lianhe Zaobao’s Associate Editor, Han Yong Hong, Global Heartbeat is a Mandarin weekly news and current affairs podcast that is updated every Tuesday, 7.00 PM SGT. It is available on zaobao.sg, Apple Podcast, Google Podcasts, Spotify and other podcast platforms.

韩国4月10日举行国会选举。总统尹锡悦所属的国民力量党惨败，在野力量大胜。在选举中，属于进步派的反对党共同民主党，在300个议席中拿下了175个席位，再加上其他反对党的斩获，在野阵营一共掌握了192席。相比之下执政的保守阵营只获得108个席位。 这次选举也创下了67%的投票率，是32年来的最高纪录。选举前朝野都全力动员，将这次选举塑造为对对手的审判，这也加剧了社会的严重对立。 如今面对民意的反扑，尹锡悦下来三年会继续面对跛脚的局面。这对他的施政会产生什么影响？本身也官司缠身的反对党党首李在明会弹劾尹锡悦吗？ 这期的早报播客《东谈西论》，听主持人韩咏红和《联合早报》首尔通讯员姜贵瑛解析尹锡悦在国会选举中惨败的原因。 延伸阅读： 姜贵瑛：尹锡悦“期中考”面临严峻考验 王庆民：韩国国会选举翻转尹锡悦优势 South Korea’s President Yoon Suk-yeol suffered a major defeat in the parliamentary elections on April 10. The progressive opposition Democratic Party clinched a landslide victory, securing 175 out of 300 seats, while the opposition coalition seized 192 seats. In stark contrast, Mr Yoon’s People Power Party (PPP) only managed to secure 108 seats. Notably, voter turnout surged to 67%, marking the highest participation rate in 32 years. The intense campaign leading up to the elections saw both ruling and opposition factions fiercely framing the contest as a trial of their adversaries, exacerbating social tensions. The election result has left Mr Yoon facing the prospect of becoming a lame-duck president for the remaining three years in office. How will the electoral setback affect his ability to push through policies? On the other hand, will the scandal-plagued opposition leader Lee Jae-myung pursue impeachment proceedings against Mr Yoon?  In this episode of Global Heartbeat podcast, Lianhe Zaobao’s Seoul Correspondent Kang Gwi Young explains the reasons behind the heavy defeat of South Korea's ruling party in the recent election. Hosted by Lianhe Zaobao’s Associate Editor, Han Yong Hong, Global Heartbeat is a Mandarin weekly news and current affairs podcast that is updated every Tuesday, 7.00 PM SGT. It is available on zaobao.sg, Apple Podcast, Google Podcasts, Spotify and other podcast platforms.

时隔九年，中国大陆国家主席习近平以及台湾前总统马英九再次见面，地点是北京人民大会堂东大厅。马英九虽已卸任，无官职在身，但仍受到北京超高规格的接待。 这是马英九第二次访问大陆。他率领的“大九学堂”台湾青年学子在4月1日启程，从台湾前往广东、陕西与北京。途中马英九多次动情。他在参观孙中山故居、到黄花岗七十二烈士墓园献花、公祭黄帝谈到“炎黄子孙的骄傲”、在万里长城唱抗日歌曲时都忍不住哽咽。 此行的高潮是4月10日下午他与习近平的会见。  马英九还口误，将文字稿中的中华民族念成了中华民国。 习马二会释放了什么信息？马英九在会面中是真口误还是假口误？在台湾民进党继续执政的现实中，国共两党强调民族认同与九二共识，能改变什么？ 这期的早报播客《东谈西论》，听主持人韩咏红和联合早报驻台北记者缪宗翰解析习马二会释放的信息。 延伸阅读： 睽违九年习近平马英九北京再会面 学者点评：两岸当前刺骨寒风中的一股暖流 习马二会马英九开场谈话全文 Chinese President Xi Jinping held rare talks with former Taiwanese president Ma Ying-jeou in Beijing on April 10. It is the first time a former leader of Taiwan has been hosted by China's top leader in Beijing, since the Kuomintang fled to Taipei in 1949. It is also the first meeting between the two men since their landmark summit in Singapore in 2015.  Ma, who was travelling in a personal capacity, called this trip a “journey of peace”. In his opening remarks, Ma made a blunder by referring to the "Chinese nation" as "Republic of China". Was Ma's slip of the tongue intentional? Did the meeting resolve differences between Beijing and Taipei?  In this episode of Global Heartbeat podcast, Lianhe Zaobao’s Taipei correspondent Zong-Han Miaw joins host Han Yong Hong to discuss the second Xi-Ma meeting and its impact on the cross-strait ties.  Hosted by Lianhe Zaobao’s Associate Editor, Han Yong Hong, Global Heartbeat is a Mandarin weekly news and current affairs podcast that is updated every Tuesday, 7.00 PM SGT. It is available on zaobao.sg, Apple Podcast, Google Podcasts, Spotify and other podcast platforms.

美国财政部长耶伦4月初将访问中国。出发前，耶伦先发制人，在美国乔治亚州发表演讲时指责中国对电动车、锂电池和光伏产品进行大量补贴，形成了过剩产能，扭曲了国际市场价格，最终伤害了美国企业与美国工人的利益，还损害了世界经济的韧性。 什么叫过剩产能？中国的过剩产能为何在此刻成为中美贸易摩擦的最新来源？ 这期的早报播客《东谈西论》，听主持人韩咏红和新加坡管理大学李光前商学院副教授傅方剑解析耶伦对中国提出过剩产能这个问题，目的是什么？ 延伸阅读： 韩咏红：耶伦向中国过剩产能发难 杨丹旭：中国经济寒冬难熬？ US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen is planning to visit China this month. Last Wednesday, during a visit to a solar cell manufacturing plant in the state of Georgia, Yellen said that she intends to warn China about the negative effects of Beijing’s subsidies for its clean energy industries, including electric vehicles, lithium-ion batteries and solar panels.   "I will convey my belief that excess capacity poses risks not only to American workers and firms and to the global economy, but also productivity and growth in the Chinese economy,” she said.   What does Yellen mean by “excess capacity” and why is the US raising this issue now?  In this episode of Global Heartbeat podcast, Associate Professor of Finance from the Singapore Management University’s Lee Kong Chian School of Business, Fu Fangjian, joins host Han Yong Hong to discuss Yellen’s trip to China and her recent remarks concerning China’s subsidies for its clean energy industries.  Hosted by Lianhe Zaobao’s Associate Editor, Han Yong Hong, Global Heartbeat is a Mandarin weekly news and current affairs podcast that is updated every Tuesday, 7.00 PM SGT. It is available on zaobao.sg, Apple Podcast, Google Podcasts, Spotify and other podcast platforms.

俄罗斯首都莫斯科近郊的 “番红花城市大厅” 音乐厅 (Crocus City Hall) 星期五发生恐怖袭击。这是俄罗斯20年来最严重的恐怖袭击，至今已造成137人死亡，100多人受伤。 事发后，乌克兰迅速否认与恐袭有任何牵连，极端组织伊斯兰国（ISIS）则宣布是自己发动了这次袭击。美国也声称这起恐袭是由极端组织伊斯兰国的阿富汗分支 (ISIS-K) 干案。而俄罗斯官员却是把矛头指向乌克兰，指恐怖分子和乌克兰有联系。中国网民则质疑，这起事件是美国在幕后指使。 俄罗斯音乐厅恐袭事件引发了一系列阴谋论，谁是莫斯科音乐厅恐袭事件的幕后黑手？这起事件背后还有哪些谜团待解？它又会对俄罗斯与乌克兰的战争带来什么影响？这期的早报播客《东谈西论》，听主持人韩咏红和《联合早报》中国新闻资深高级记者于泽远分析。 延伸阅读： 于泽远：莫斯科遭恐袭搅动中国舆论 【早知】ISIS-K为何袭击俄罗斯？ The attack on a Moscow concert hall last Friday was the deadliest in Russia for two decades, resulting in 137 fatalities and over 100 injuries as of Sunday afternoon.  In the aftermath of the tragedy, the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria (ISIS) group claimed responsibility for the attack while Ukraine promptly denied involvement. The United States confirmed ISIS’ claim, attributing the attack to the Afghan branch known as the ISIS-Khorasan (ISIS-K). However, Russia asserts a link between the terrorists and Ukraine. Meanwhile, Chinese netizens have questioned the United States’ involvement.  In this episode of Global Heartbeat podcast, host Han Yong Hong and Lianhe Zaobao’s China News Copy Editor Yu Zeyuan analyse who was behind the attack and the motive behind it as well as the implications for the Russia-Ukraine war.   Hosted by Lianhe Zaobao’s Associate Editor, Han Yong Hong, Global Heartbeat is a Mandarin weekly news and current affairs podcast that is updated every Tuesday, 7.00 PM SGT. It is available on zaobao.sg, Apple Podcast, Google Podcasts, Spotify and other podcast platforms.

美国众议院上个星期以352票对65票的压倒性多数，通过了一项法案，要求中国科技企业字节跳动在180天内出售旗下的社交媒体TikTok，否则TikTok就会在美国遭到封禁。 支持这项法案的美国议员认为，TikTok掌握大量美国人的资讯，而这些资讯最终都会被中国共产党利用。也有人指责TikTok利用美国的少年儿童用户作为政治筹码。 如今TikTok的命运已经从众议院转到参议院，而总统拜登也表示，如果参议院也通过这项法案，他就会签署使这项法案成为法律。 美国政客要强制中国企业卖出TikTok，他们的要求合理吗？TikTok下一步的命运会是什么？即将到来的美国总统大选会对TikTok的结局带来什么影响？ 这期的早报播客《东谈西论》，听主持人韩咏红和新加坡管理大学李光前商学院副教授傅方剑解析TikTok在美国的下场会如何？  延伸阅读： 韩咏红：看中美恶斗再升级 下午察：善变的特朗普救得了TikTok？ Last week, the US House of Representatives overwhelmingly passed a bill that would mandate ByteDance, TikTok’s Chinese owner, to sell the popular short video app within 180 days or face a potential ban in the US. The bill, which passed with a vote of 352-65, is now headed to the Senate. The US lawmakers have expressed their concerns about ByteDance’s ties to the Chinese government, which could reportedly demand access to the personal data of TikTok’s millions of US users. Leading up to the vote, the representatives’ offices experienced a surge in calls from TikTok users opposing the legislation, with several dozens rallying outside the Capitol to show their support for the app. There are allegations that TikTok is exploiting its young American user base for political ends.    Are the demands of US politicians reasonable? What happens next for TikTok?   President Joe Biden has said that he would sign the bill if Congress passes it. How will the outcome of the TikTok bill be influenced by the upcoming US presidential election? In this episode of Global Heartbeat podcast, Associate Professor of Finance from the Singapore Management University’s Lee Kong Chian School of Business, Fu Fangjian, talks about TikTok’s fate in the US. Hosted by Lianhe Zaobao’s Associate Editor, Han Yong Hong, Global Heartbeat is a Mandarin weekly news and current affairs podcast that is updated every Tuesday, 7.00 PM SGT. It is available on zaobao.sg, Apple Podcast, Google Podcasts, Spotify and other podcast platforms.

安静保守的马来村庄突然出现一家时尚女性内衣店，会发生什么事？由新加坡和马来西亚电影人合拍的电影《辣露娜》（La Luna）就是用喜剧的方式，展示了现代女性意识与宗教保守思想之间的微妙冲突。 电影今年2月9日在Netflix平台上线后大受欢迎，却在马来西亚回教社会掀起千层浪。 《辣露娜》反映了马来回教社群怎样的焦虑？面对全球化与西化的趋势，传统的马来社群有什么不安和反弹？个人自由与传统的冲突又应该怎么处理、怎么去平衡？ 这期的早报播客《东谈西论》，听主持人韩咏红和马来西亚独立评论员及《联合早报》特约撰稿人林宏祥解析为何《辣露娜》会在马来西亚回教社会掀起千层浪。 延伸阅读： 对新马影视业感兴趣 古天乐投资现成马来语喜剧片 La Luna has faced criticism in Malaysia for allegedly insulting Islam and promoting soft pornography after it was released on the streaming platform Netflix in February. Although the film premiered in local cinemas last November, the controversies surrounding the Singapore-Malaysia co-production only emerged when it gained popularity globally and topped the charts on Netflix. Directed by Singaporean director M Raihan Halim, the Malay-language comedy tells the story of a city girl opening a lingeries store in a conservative village, portraying clashes between feminism and conservatism through humour.  How does La Luna reflect the anxieties within the Muslim community in Malaysia? In the era of globalisation, what insecurities and resistance do traditional Malay communities experience? How should the conflicts between personal freedom and tradition be navigated and balanced? In this episode of Global Heartbeat podcast, host Han Yong Hong and Malaysia’s independent political commentator Lim Hong Siang share their thoughts on how La Luna has highlighted the conflict between modernisation and religion. Hosted by Lianhe Zaobao’s Associate Editor, Han Yong Hong, Global Heartbeat is a Mandarin weekly news and current affairs podcast that is updated every Tuesday, 7.00 PM SGT. It is available on zaobao.sg, Apple Podcast, Google Podcasts, Spotify and other podcast platforms.

中国总理李强3月5日在一年一度的两会上公布中国今年的经济增长预期目标是5%左右。这个具有雄心的目标，显示中国有信心继续保持中高速的经济增长。中国也要发展新质生产力、培育新兴产业和未来产业，包括新能源汽车、新材料、生物制造、商业航天、量子技术、生命科学等。 然而两会开幕前，全国人大宣布今年的两会不再举行总理记者会，打破了一个三十多年的惯例。消息一出，除了引起各方震惊，也削弱了各方对政府工作报告的关注。 中国为什么不再举行总理记者会？这个决定引起了什么批评？市场如何看待政府工作报告里提出的经济政策？5%左右的经济增长目标可能达标吗？ 这期的早报播客《东谈西论》，听主持人韩咏红、华侨银行大中华区研究主管谢栋铭及《联合早报》中国新闻资深高级记者于泽远解析中国两会。 延伸阅读： 于泽远：中国为何不再举行总理记者会？ 杨丹旭：熟悉的两会不同了 Chinese Premier Li Qiang unveiled China's economic growth target of around 5% for 2024 during the annual meetings of the National People’s Congress (NPC) and the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), collectively known as the “two sessions” or “liang hui” in Chinese. This ambitious growth target reflects China's confidence in sustaining a moderately high-speed economic growth. The country aims to develop ‘new quality productive forces’ and emerging industries, spanning new energy vehicles, new materials, bio-manufacturing, commercial space exploration, quantum technology, and life sciences. However, ahead of the “two sessions”, the NPC announced that it would scrap the premier's annual press conference, ending a tradition maintained for three decades. This unexpected announcement surprised many and diverted attention from the government work report. Why did China decide to discontinue the premier's post-parliament press conference? What criticisms surround this decision? How does the market perceive the economic policies outlined in the Chinese government work report, and can the economic growth target be achieved?  In this episode of Global Heartbeat podcast, host Han Yong Hong invites Tommy Xie, Head of Greater China Research & Strategy at OCBC Bank and Lianhe Zaobao’s China News Copy Editor Yu Zeyuan to share their insights on China’s ‘two sessions’ this year. Hosted by Lianhe Zaobao’s Associate Editor, Han Yong Hong, Global Heartbeat is a Mandarin weekly news and current affairs podcast that is updated every Tuesday, 7.00 PM SGT. It is available on zaobao.sg, Apple Podcast, Google Podcasts, Spotify and other podcast platforms.

2月14日福建厦门与金门之间发生一起翻船事件，造成两个大陆渔民死亡。事发至今还无法了结。 台湾海巡署称，载有四人的大陆渔船当天违规越界进入台湾的禁限制水域，在被台湾巡逻艇拦截时，不慎翻覆才导致两个大陆渔民死亡。但是随着更多具体情节流出，外界才知道，台湾巡逻艇的船头原来曾经撞到大陆渔船的船尾。台湾海巡署又声称当时来不及录像，所以没有录像证据。 这起事件的众多疑窦让大陆网民群起激愤。大陆海警船、渔政船也开始在厦门与金门之间的水域进行常态化巡逻，两岸的紧张局势升高。这起意外，要如何善了？ 这期的早报播客《东谈西论》，听主持人韩咏红、《联合早报》中国新闻资深高级记者于泽远及台北特派员温伟中解析金门翻船事件。 延伸阅读： 金门渔民：野生黄鱼应节价飙 大陆渔民经常越界捕捞 韩咏红：金门翻船让大陆反切香肠推“行政统一” Tensions continue to escalate between China and Taiwan after a Chinese boat capsized near Kinmen on February 14, resulting in the death of two crew members. Kinmen is an island administered by Taipei but located just 5km from the mainland city of Xiamen.  The vessel, carrying four Chinese nationals, was pursued by the Taiwanese coast guard for intruding into prohibited waters. The two surviving Chinese fishermen were detained and deported back to mainland China a week after the incident. As more details emerged, public indignation grew. The fishermen claimed that their boat capsized because the Taiwanese coast guard’s patrol boat had collided with it. Taiwan’s Coast Guard Administration (CGA) subsequently admitted to collisions and stated it was unable to record video evidence of the incident.  Following the fatal incident, Beijing stepped up patrols around Taiwan’s waters. China claims Taiwan as part of its territory, and has never renounced the use of force to try to bring the self-ruled island under its control. In this episode of Global Heartbeat podcast, host Han Yong Hong invites Lianhe Zaobao’s China News Copy Editor Yu Zeyuan and Taipei correspondent Woon Wei Jong to dissect how the Kinmen boat incident may affect cross-strait relations. Hosted by Lianhe Zaobao’s Associate Editor, Han Yong Hong, Global Heartbeat is a Mandarin weekly news and current affairs podcast that is updated every Tuesday, 7.00 PM SGT. It is available on zaobao.sg, Apple Podcast, Google Podcasts, Spotify and other podcast platforms.

今年2月4日，世界球王梅西所属的迈阿密国际足球俱乐部到香港参加表演赛，门票一早被抢购一空，还有中国内地球迷专程飞到香港看梅西。结果梅西完全没下场。比赛结束时，不满的观众大声喝倒彩，要求退票。这件事在香港引起轩然大波。梅西被质疑故意让香港难堪。 一波未平一波又起，一个多星期后，著名经济学家、摩根士丹利前亚洲区主席罗奇又在报章上撰文称：香港玩完了。罗奇的的证据是：1997年7月1日香港回归当天，香港恒生指数收盘1万6000点。如今，恒指也差不多是这个水平，等于回到原点。 过去几年，香港已经很少有让人乐观的新闻。香港玩完了，这是真的，还是国际舆论再次合力“唱衰”香港？这颗东方之珠要怎么重现昔日光彩？ 这期的早报播客《东谈西论》，听主持人韩咏红和香港城市大学法学院教授、中国法与比较法研究中心主任王江雨从罗奇的撰文和梅西事件谈香港到底怎么了？ 延伸阅读： 梅西：香港未登场与政治因素无关 李玉林：“梅西事件”照出了什么？ Lionel Messi’ failure to play in the much-hyped friendly match sparked outrage in Hong Kong. The controversy intensified when the Argentinian football star took part in a match in Tokyo a few days later. The organiser of the ill-fated match in Hong Kong, said it would offer refunds of 50% in face of harsh criticisms from the Hong Kong government and football fans. Chinese state media and Hong Kong legislators have suggested that the debacle was a politically motivated snub. About a week later, Stephen Roach, a renowned economist and former chair of Morgan Stanley Asia wrote in a Financial Times commentary: “It pains me to admit it, but Hong Kong is now over.” He mentioned that the Hang Seng Index has been basically flat since the handover to China in 1997, and pointed out that the former British colony had the world’s worst-performing major stock market in the last 25 years. The Hang Seng index last month dropped below the 15,000-point mark, a return to levels not seen since 1997.     .  Confronted by dwindling optimism and international scepticism, what can Hong Kong do to regain its former glory? In this episode of Global Heartbeat podcast, host Han Yong Hong invites Professor Wang Jiang Yu from the City University of Hong Kong School of Law to weigh in on these issues and explore the implications for Hong Kong's future. Hosted by Lianhe Zaobao’s Associate Editor, Han Yong Hong, Global Heartbeat is a Mandarin weekly news and current affairs podcast that is updated every Tuesday, 7.00 PM SGT. It is available on zaobao.sg, Apple Podcast, Google Podcasts, Spotify and other podcast platforms.

世界第四人口大国印度尼西亚将在2月14日举行五年一次的全国大选。在印尼2亿7000万人口中，有大约2亿名合格选民。他们将在三组候选人中，也就是国防部长普拉博沃、前雅加达特区首长阿尼斯及前中爪哇省省长甘查尔之中，选出他们心仪的候选人。 现任总统佐科不是候选人之一，但是他的影子却在这次选举中处处可见。佐科36岁的儿子吉布兰这次与普拉博沃搭档参选副总统。有人认为佐科在打造王朝政治。他为什么要这样做？以支持民主的形象上台的佐科是否晚节不保？ 这期的早报播客《东谈西论》，听主持人韩咏红和著名印尼问题专家，新加坡尤索夫伊萨东南亚研究院资深访问研究员，南洋理工大学拉惹勒南国际研究院兼任教授廖建裕解析印尼总统大选。 延伸阅读： 廖建裕：辩论会后的印尼总统选举 国际特稿：印尼总统选举酝酿合纵连横 普拉博沃力拼一击即中 In what has been termed the world’s biggest election to be held in a day, approximately 205 million Indonesians are eligible to vote for their next president and vice-president on February 14. The voters will also choose their executive and legislative representatives at all administrative levels across the world's fourth most populous nation. The three pairs of candidates vying for president and vice-president include the defence minister Prabowo Subianto, former governor of Jakarta Anies Baswedan, and former Central Java governor Ganjar Pranowo.   Incumbent president Joko Widodo, popularly known as Jokowi, is constitutionally barred from seeking a third term. However, Mr Widodo’s influence is evident throughout this election. His eldest son, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, 36, is running for vice-president alongside Mr Prabowo. Dynastic politics has been the subject of debate and dominated the headlines, with some accusing Mr Widodo of attempting to retain his influence after leaving office. What are his intentions? Has he overplayed his hand? In this episode of Global Heartbeat podcast, Dr Leo Suryadinata, Senior Visiting Fellow at ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute and Professor (Adj.) at S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies at Nanyang Technological University, takes a deep dive into the upcoming Indonesia election with host Han Yong Hong.  Hosted by Lianhe Zaobao’s Associate Editor, Han Yong Hong, Global Heartbeat is a Mandarin weekly news and current affairs podcast that is updated every Tuesday, 7.00 PM SGT. It is available on zaobao.sg, Apple Podcast, Google Podcasts, Spotify and other podcast platforms.

以色列和哈马斯之间的冲突持续影响中东地区。战火已经从加沙蔓延到也门、黎巴嫩、叙利亚、伊拉克、伊朗、巴基斯坦，在中东周边遍地开花。 从去年11月开始，以也门为基地的胡赛武装组织不断袭击和威胁穿行红海的货船。军事威胁导致苏伊士运河这条国际重要航道的运输量在过去两个月里大减四成。 中东危机正在朝向大规模冲突演变。美国和伊朗在濒临直接交战吗？ 这期的早报播客《东谈西论》，听主持人韩咏红和台湾文化大学政治系教授王顺文深入分析中东和红海的局势。 延伸阅读： 分析：红海危机对供应链破坏大于冠病疫情初期 社论：红海危机威胁全球经济 The reverberations of the Israel-Hamas conflict continue to be felt across the Middle East, spreading from Gaza to Yemen, Lebanon, Syria, Iraq, Iran and Pakistan with tensions escalating in the region.  Since November 2023, the Yemen-based rebel group Houthi has been attacking and threatening commercial ships in the Red Sea. These military threats have resulted in a 40% reduction in shipping through the Suez Canal, a vital global waterway, over the last two months. The Middle East crisis is heading towards a potential large-scale conflict. Is the United States on the brink of direct confrontation with Iran?  In this episode of Global Heartbeat podcast, Professor Wang Shun-wen from the Department of Political Science at Chinese Culture University in Taiwan shares his insights on the situation in the Middle East and the Red Sea.  Hosted by Lianhe Zaobao’s Associate Editor, Han Yong Hong, Global Heartbeat is a Mandarin weekly news and current affairs podcast that is updated every Tuesday, 7.00 PM SGT. It is available on zaobao.sg, Apple Podcast, Google Podcasts, Spotify and other podcast platforms.

美国共和党党内初选1月15日开跑。前总统特朗普旗开得胜，赢得艾奥瓦州初选。在共和党内所有参选人之中，特朗普民意的支持度高达六成。他的民调和现任总统拜登也不相上下。随着他在共和党内的主要竞争对手罗恩·德桑蒂斯宣布退选，特朗普很可能再次代表共和党和拜登一较高下。 英国《经济学人》杂志警告，特朗普是 2024年世界的最大危险。欧洲中央银行行长克里斯蒂娜·拉加德也表示如果特朗普当选美国总统，对欧洲是个威胁。特朗普卷土重来，引起大家的担忧。他们到底在害怕什么？ 这期的早报播客《东谈西论》，听主持人韩咏红和新加坡管理大学李光前商学院副教授傅方剑深入分析特朗普再当选的“优”与“忧”。 延伸阅读： 韩咏红：特朗普阴影笼罩2024年 金建国：拜登竞选之路崎岖不平 Former President Donald Trump made a triumphant start in his re-election bid by securing a resounding win in the first 2024 Republican presidential contest in Iowa, solidifying his front-runner status in the party. With his main rival, Ron DeSantis, dropping out of the race, Trump looks set to represent the Republican Party in a rematch with the current US President Joe Biden. The Economist asserts that Trump presents the “biggest danger” to the world in 2024. European Central Bank (ECB) President Christine Lagarde has also stated that a re-election of Trump as US president would represent a "threat" for Europe. In this episode of Global Heartbeat podcast, Associate Professor of Finance from the Singapore Management University’s Lee Kong Chian School of Business, Fu Fangjian, weighs the pros and cons of a second Trump presidency.  Hosted by Lianhe Zaobao’s Associate Editor, Han Yong Hong, Global Heartbeat is a Mandarin weekly news and current affairs podcast that is updated every Tuesday, 7.00 PM SGT. It is available on zaobao.sg, Apple Podcast, Google Podcasts, Spotify and other podcast platforms.

2024年台湾总统选举已经在1月13日落幕。民进党籍的候选人赖清德以四成选票在三角战中胜出。 迎接赖清德的绝非坦途。民进党失去了立法院多数优势，他将是一个弱势总统，领导一个弱势政府，面对来自内外的压力。美国总统拜登在第一时间就直言，美国不支持台独。南太平洋岛国瑙鲁也在两天内宣布与台湾断交，与中国大陆建交。 在这次选举前，北京已经将赖清德定性为台独顽固份子，并且警告如果赖清德当选，两岸将风高浪急。这次选举后，台海两岸的关系会出现怎样的新局？陆美台三方互动又会怎样影响台湾的发展以及亚太和平？ 这期的早报播客《东谈西论》，听主持人韩咏红和淡江大学荣誉教授、亚太和平研究基金会及遠景基金会首席顾问赵春山详细解析。 延伸阅读： 分析：新总统520就职前北京将加大对台军事与经济施压 于泽远：赖清德上台将引发台海战争？ The presidential candidate of Taiwan’s ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), William Lai Ching-te, secured victory in the election on Jan 13, winning 40.1 percent of the vote in a three-way race.  Challenges loom for the newly elected leader. With the DPP losing its majority in the legislature, Mr Lai will face difficulties passing policies or setting the agenda. Shortly after the election, US President Joe Biden emphasised that the United States does not support Taiwan’s independence. Additionally, one of Taiwan’s remaining diplomatic allies, the Pacific Islands nation of Nauru, announced it was breaking ties with the island in favour of China, just days after the election. In the lead-up to the election, China repeatedly labelled Mr Lai as a dangerous separatist, warning that a win for the independence-leaning DPP’s candidate would pose a danger to relations. How will the outcome of Taiwan’s election impact cross-strait relations? How will the interactions among Mainland China, Taiwan and the US influence peace and stability in the Asia-Pacific region?         In this episode of Global Heartbeat podcast, host Han Yong Hong and Tamkang University’s Graduate Institute of China Studies Honorary Professor Chao Chun-Shan discuss Lai’s win and its impact on cross-straits relations. Hosted by Lianhe Zaobao’s Associate Editor, Han Yong Hong, Global Heartbeat is a Mandarin weekly news and current affairs podcast that is updated every Tuesday, 7.00 PM SGT. It is available on zaobao.sg, Apple Podcast, Google Podcasts, Spotify and other podcast platforms.

2023年的最后一个星期，中国一口气查处了11名军方高级将领，包括中国火箭军的两名前司令员、两名前副司令员、中国空军的原司令员等多名高层。这是继十月国防部长李尚福被免职后，中国再次展示出强烈的整军动作。 几乎同一时间，中国三大特大军事工业国有企业，中国航天科技集团、中国兵器工业集团及中国航天科工集团的高层也纷纷出事。 中国火箭军以及军工企业高层人员密集出事意味着什么？这对中国解放军的战斗力会造成什么冲击？原海军司令董军在十二月底接任国防部长又对外传达了什么信息？ 这期的早报播客《东谈西论》，听主持人韩咏红和《联合早报》中国新闻资深高级记者于泽远解析强烈反腐对中国战力的影响力。 延伸阅读： 于泽远：一辈子犯了五辈子的罪 于泽远：中国军队反腐令人震撼 China concluded 2023 with a sweeping military purge, investigating 11 senior military officials, including former commanders and vice-commanders of the People’s Liberation Army’s (PLA) Rocket Force as well as the former Air Force chief. The latest purge followed the dismissal of Defence Minister Li Shangfu in October, indicating a strong commitment to military reforms. Simultaneously, top executives of China's three major state-owned military-industrial enterprises—China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation, China Ordnance Industries Group Corporation Limited (or Norinco Group), and China Aerospace Science and Industry Corporation—are also under investigation. In this episode of Global Heartbeat podcast, host Han Yong Hong and Lianhe Zaobao’s China News Copy Editor Yu Zeyuan discuss the impact of China’s anti-corruption efforts on its military strength. Hosted by Lianhe Zaobao’s Associate Editor, Han Yong Hong, Global Heartbeat is a Mandarin weekly news and current affairs podcast that is updated every Tuesday, 7.00 PM SGT. It is available on zaobao.sg, Apple Podcast, Google Podcasts, Spotify and other podcast platforms.

震惊天下、改写国际地缘政治格局的俄乌战争已经持续了接近两年。俄乌战争举世瞩目，但外界对于乌克兰的真实情况还是知之甚少。  2023年11月，《联合早报》记者再次踏上旅途，这次是进入乌克兰首都基辅以及饱受战火摧残的布查、敖德萨等城市，观察乌克兰民众如何在烽火中生活？他们怎么坚持继续抗战？面对强大俄罗斯军队，乌克兰又是如何以小博大？ 在纷乱的世界中，一场又一场的战争占据了我们的视线。但是我们没有遗忘还在受苦的人们。 这期的早报播客《东谈西论》，随主持人韩咏红和《联合早报》中国新闻副主任沈泽玮一起再探乌克兰战争之谜。 延伸阅读： 俄乌之战关键武器 无人机改写战争模式 乌克兰“铁人”部队死守生命线 The Russia-Ukraine war has persisted for nearly two years, but the truth about the conflict remains shrouded in mystery. Lianhe Zaobao follows up with exclusive reports after visiting Ukraine's capital, Kyiv, as well as cities such as Bucha and Odessa that bear the indelible scars of warfare. How are Ukrainians navigating their lives amid the conflagration? What is fueling their ongoing resistance against the formidable Russian forces? In a world beset by tumultuous conflicts, it is imperative not to lose sight of the people enduring immense hardship due to wars. In this episode of the Global Heartbeat podcast, host Han Yong Hong invites Lianhe Zaobao’s Associate China News Editor, Sim Tze Wei, to share her journey to Ukraine in November 2023 and discuss the enigma of the conflict. Hosted by Lianhe Zaobao’s Associate Editor, Han Yong Hong, Global Heartbeat is a Mandarin weekly news and current affairs podcast that is updated every Tuesday, 7.00 PM SGT. It is available on zaobao.sg, Apple Podcast, Google Podcasts, Spotify and other podcast platforms.

今年11月底，一名马来西亚青年在社交媒体Tiktok上发表短视频，悬赏五百万元马币，暗杀首相安华。 安华所属的公正党青年团署理团长莫哈末卡米尔向警方报案。他谴责这是公然对安华发出死亡威胁，并且表示马来西亚有必要控制这类煽动情绪的仇恨言论。 悬赏杀首相或者公开诅咒政治人物，这只是网民的一种游戏，是逞一时的口舌之快，还是在埋藏对立、仇恨的种子？在朝野竞争激烈、族群分化的马来西亚，仇恨言论正越来越普遍，它已经发展成为仇恨政治了吗？ 这期的早报播客《东谈西论》，听主持人韩咏红和马来西亚独立评论员及《联合早报》特约撰稿人林宏祥解析马来西亚仇恨政治这个话题的来龙去脉。 延伸阅读： 从诅咒政敌到悬赏杀首相 1980年代仇恨政治或重演 政策越趋保守 安华就是“绿潮”？ Last month, a Malaysian man uploaded a video to TikTok offering a RM5 million (S$1.7 million) bounty for the assassination of Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim. A police report was lodged against the individual by a youth member of the Malaysian premier’s party Parti Keadilan Rakyat, Mr Mohamad Shazrin Ezam. He condemned the video as a blatant death threat against Anwar and emphasised the need for Malaysia to control such hate speech that incites emotions. Investigations found that the 34-year-old suspect was new to TikTok and believed to have posted the video for fun. Intentional or otherwise, the video has raised the issue of hate politics in Malaysia. Is hate speech becoming increasingly common in a country marked by intense political competition and ethnic divisions? Has hate speech evolved into a form of hate politics? In this episode of Global Heartbeat podcast, host Han Yong Hong and Malaysia’s independent political commentator Lim Hong Siang share their thoughts on Malaysia’s political polarisation and the use of hate speech. Hosted by Lianhe Zaobao’s Associate Editor, Han Yong Hong, Global Heartbeat is a Mandarin weekly news and current affairs podcast that is updated every Tuesday, 7.00 PM SGT. It is available on zaobao.sg, Apple Podcast, Google Podcasts, Spotify and other podcast platforms.

近半年来，志愿到各个寺庙去当义工的中国年轻人明显增多。“在上学和上班之间”，一些其实原本没有强烈宗教信仰的年轻人，选择了“上山”，那是为什么？ 不同寺庙有不同安排。有的让你当随喜义工, 只做一天。 有的则需要你当常住义工，可能得住在寺庙几个星期到几个月。 到寺庙上香拜佛的年轻人人数也暴增。有些寺庙收到的参访订单里， 二三十岁的年轻人就占了一半。 中国青年到寺庙去是为了什么？他们又找到了什么？ 这期的早报播客《东谈西论》，听主持人韩咏红和《联合早报》深圳特派员林煇智解析为何中国青年要到寺庙当义工。 延伸阅读： 特稿：中国年轻人涌入寺庙做义工 从不如意现实生活中求解脱 下午察：中国年轻人爱上了买彩票 More young people are volunteering at temples in China. Some choose to volunteer their services for a day while others stay within the temple premises for weeks or even months. The number of visitors and worshippers in their 20s and 30s at temples has also increased, constituting almost half of the total daily visitors. Why are young Chinese drawn to temples? Is it an escape from reality or simply a weekend retreat for them? In this episode of Global Heartbeat podcast, host Han Yong Hong and Lianhe Zaobao’s Shenzhen-based correspondent Daryl Lim discuss the reasons behind the surge in the number of young people volunteering at temples in China. Hosted by Lianhe Zaobao’s Associate Editor, Han Yong Hong, Global Heartbeat is a Mandarin weekly news and current affairs podcast that is updated every Tuesday, 7.00 PM SGT. It is available on zaobao.sg, Apple Podcast, Google Podcasts, Spotify and other podcast platforms.

说到马来西亚，一般人可能马上想到吉隆坡、马六甲、槟城，这些城市都在西马。隔着南中国海，马来西亚在东边还另有天地。 马来西亚 33万平方公里的国土，西部是马来半岛，简称西马，有11个州，首都吉隆坡就在西马。东部位于加里曼丹岛北部，简称东马。沙拉越和沙巴就在东马。 马来西亚是自 1957年脱离英国殖民地以后独立。东马则是在 1963年才加入，成了马来西亚联邦。东西马被海洋分割，族群、宗教、文化与经济发展程度都存在一定差异。 两边人民是如何看待彼此？东西马有没有分裂的风险？近年的马来西亚政治局势变化又如何提高了东马的政治地位？ 这期的早报播客《东谈西论》，听主持人韩咏红和《联合早报》吉隆坡特派员萧郡瑜探讨西马人眼里的东马。 延伸阅读： 马国特稿：枪弹破坏或可重建 苏禄军入侵沙巴10年伤痕难抚平 中国游客为何钟爱“危险区”仙本那？ If asked to name some cities in Malaysia, most might immediately think of Kuala Lumpur, Malacca or Penang. These cities are all located in West Malaysia, which make up only half of Malaysia. Malaysia is divided into two parts by the South China Sea. The western part or Malay Peninsula is commonly known as West Malaysia and comprises 11 states. The capital, Kuala Lumpur, is located in West Malaysia. The eastern part of Malaysia is located on the northern part of Borneo and is known as East Malaysia. Sarawak and Sabah are located in East Malaysia. Malaysia gained independence from British colonial rule in 1957, and East Malaysia joined the federation in 1963, forming the independent state of Malaysia. The separation by the sea between East and West Malaysia has resulted in differences in ethnicity, religion, culture and economic development. How do the people on both sides perceive each other? Is there a risk of division between East and West Malaysia? How has Malaysia's current political landscape changed the political status of East Malaysia? In this episode of Global Heartbeat podcast, host Han Yong Hong and Lianhe Zaobao Kuala Lumpur correspondent Seoow Juin Yee take a closer look at the differences between East and West Malaysia. Hosted by Lianhe Zaobao’s Associate Editor, Han Yong Hong, Global Heartbeat is a Mandarin weekly news and current affairs podcast that is updated every Tuesday, 7.00 PM SGT. It is available on zaobao.sg, Apple Podcast, Google Podcasts, Spotify and other podcast platforms.

在上星期五引起哗然的五人记者会之后，台湾政坛蓝白合终究还是蓝柯一梦，以分道扬镳收场。国民党以悲愤的情绪宣布全党总动员支持侯友宜搭配媒体人赵少康参选正副总统。 民众党主席也在上星期六协同民众党立委，大财团千金吴欣盈登记参选。 民进党的总统候选人赖清德立刻开炮，指责蓝白合的这场戏码都只是为了政党利益。 据说台湾有高达六成五的选民希望政党轮替，但是蓝白不合，在野必输。如今蓝白破局，民进党是否已经稳操胜券？国民党一博成功的机会有多高？柯文哲率领的民众党是否会如传说般的泡沫化呢？在这场选举中，大陆因素又会如何影响台湾选民的决定？ 这期的早报播客《东谈西论》，听主持人韩咏红和中山大学政治学研究所荣誉教授廖达琪解析这场台湾大选。 延伸阅读： 伟达：世纪大棋局中的台湾大选 杨丹旭：蓝白破局台海难乐观 Taiwan’s January presidential election is a three-way race after the proposed opposition alliance failed to materialise. The opposition Kuomintang (KMT) and Taiwan People's Party (TPP) did not agree on a joint presidential ticket and registered separate candidates while billionaire businessman Terry Gou pulled out of the race before the nomination deadline.  KMT's presidential candidate Hou Yu-ih and TPP’s candidate Ko Wen-je have announced their running mates, with Hou pairing with pro-China media personality Jaw Shaw-kong, and Ko selecting lawmaker Cynthia Wu Hsin-ying, whose family holds a significant stake in the conglomerate Shin Kong Group. Hou and Ko will run against Willima Lai Ching-te, the vice president and presidential candidate of the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP). Lai has picked Taiwan's de facto ambassador to the US, Hsiao Bi-khim, as his running mate. Has the dramatic breakdown in negotiations between the opposition leaders to form an alliance paved the way for DPP to hold on to power? How will mainland China influence the outcome of the Taiwan presidential election in 2024? In this episode of Global Heartbeat podcast, host Han Yong Hong and Emeritus Professor Da-Chi Liao of Graduate Institute of Political Science at National Sun Yat-sen University (NSYSU) dissect Taiwan’s three-way presidential race. Hosted by Lianhe Zaobao’s Associate Editor, Han Yong Hong, Global Heartbeat is a Mandarin weekly news and current affairs podcast that is updated every Tuesday, 7.00 PM SGT. It is available on zaobao.sg, Apple Podcast, Google Podcasts, Spotify and other podcast platforms.

美国总统拜登和中国国家主席习近平，上周在旧金山举行备受瞩目的中美元首峰会，让螺旋式下滑的两国关系止跌企稳。 中美在元首峰会后宣布，成立合作工作组打击芬太尼、建立人工智能对话，双方也将全面恢复中美军事沟通机制。 从峇厘岛到旧金山，中美关系在经历跌宕起伏的一年后，是否已经柳暗花明？ 这期的早报播客《东谈西论》，听代班主持人杨丹旭和在旧金山采访习拜会的《联合早报》副总编辑韩咏红解析现阶段的中美关系。 延伸阅读： 杨丹旭：中国元首访美施展魅力攻势 习拜会花絮：从38年老照片到元首座驾 The highly anticipated meeting between United States President Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping took place in San Francisco on Nov 15, bringing a halt to the spiralling decline in the relationship between the US and China. After the meeting on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) conference, both countries agreed to establish a working group to combat the fentanyl crisis in the US, initiate a dialogue on artificial intelligence, and restore military-to-military communications between their armed forces. Following a tumultuous year since the Xi-Biden meeting in Bali, has the relationship between China and the United States turned the corner? In this episode of Global Heartbeat podcast, Lianhe Zaobao’s China News Editor Yang Danxu discusses the state of China-US relations with Lianhe Zaobao’s Associate Editor Han Yong Hong who is in San Francisco covering the APEC conference and Xi-Biden meeting.  Global Heartbeat is a Mandarin weekly news and current affairs podcast that is updated every Tuesday, 7.00 PM SGT. It is available on zaobao.sg, Apple Podcast, Google Podcasts, Spotify and other podcast platforms.

中国国际进口博览会11月5日在上海开幕，这是中国第六次举办以进口为主题的国家级大型博览会。 不过，就在进博会开幕前，中国欧盟商会公开批评，进博会已变成一场“雾里看花的政治秀”。 进博会到底是一个“中国市场买全球”的平台，还是一个“政治作秀的舞台”？进博会举办六年，中国开放的大门越开越大了吗？ 这期的早报播客《东谈西论》，听代班主持人杨丹旭和《联合早报》上海特派员陈婧解析第六届中国国际进口博览会。 延伸阅读： 新加坡两大咖啡粉厂商参展进博会 李强：中国将积极扩大进口和放宽市场准入 Shanghai is hosting the China International Import Expo (CIIE) from 5 to 10 November. This is the sixth time that China is holding the annual trade fair launched by President Xi Jinping in 2018 to promote the country's free trade credentials and tackle criticism of its trade surplus with many partners. Before its opening ceremony, the European Union Chamber of Commerce criticised the CIIE as a political showcase and "largely smoke and mirrors".   Is CIIE more of a stage for political theatrics than about doing business? After six years of CIIE, has China become more open? In this episode of Global Heartbeat podcast, Lianhe Zaobao’s China News Editor Yang Danxu and Shanghai correspondent Chen Jing discuss the CIIE this year.  Global Heartbeat is a Mandarin weekly news and current affairs podcast that is updated every Tuesday, 7.00 PM SGT. It is available on zaobao.sg, Apple Podcast, Google Podcasts, Spotify and other podcast platforms.

2024年台湾总统选举进入倒计时。在四组参选人中，排名第四的台湾首富郭台铭最近内外交困。 郭台铭创办的鸿海富士康集团，在中国大陆被查税和土地违规使用。在台湾，郭台铭也陷入“花钱买连署”的丑闻。 作为独立参选人，郭台铭需要至少29万份连署书支持他选总统，而且连署书是越多越好。然而，指他涉嫌贿选的案子越来越多。据传每一份连署书的价码介于200到1000新台币不等。 郭台铭的选举是怎么啦？他会退选吗？他内外交困的处境又会如何影响明年的台湾总统大选？ 这期的早报播客《东谈西论》，听主持人韩咏红和《联合早报》台北特派员温伟中解析郭台铭困境及台湾总统选情。 延伸阅读： 下午察：大陆调查富士康 背后剑指郭台铭参选台湾总统？ “蓝白合”政党协商登场 没谈总统选举合不合 Taiwan will hold its next presidential election on Jan 13, 2024. Among the four candidates, the billionaire founder of major Apple supplier Foxconn, Terry Gou, is facing tax and land-use investigations in mainland China, as well as allegations of signature buying for his campaign in Taiwan. Gou currently ranks fourth in opinion polls. He is running against Democratic Progressive Party’s candidate Lai Ching-te, Kuomintang’s candidate Hou Yu-ih and Taiwan People’s Party's candidate Ko Wen-je. Has Gou's election campaign gone awry? Will he withdraw from the race? How will the internal and external challenges affect the upcoming Taiwan presidential election? In this episode of Global Heartbeat podcast, host Han Yong Hong and Lianhe Zaobao’s Taipei correspondent Woon Wei Jong discuss Taiwan’s presidential election and the scandals surrounding Terry Gou. Hosted by Lianhe Zaobao’s Associate Editor, Han Yong Hong, Global Heartbeat is a Mandarin weekly news and current affairs podcast that is updated every Tuesday, 7.00 PM SGT. It is available on zaobao.sg, Apple Podcast, Google Podcasts, Spotify and other podcast platforms.

中国10月18日举行了第三届“一带一路”国际合作高峰论坛。这是一带一路10周年的重点纪念活动之一。“丝绸之路经济带”和“21世纪海上丝绸之路”组成的一带一路走过了10年，成立了亚洲基础设施投资银行和丝路基金，给沿线的发展中国家带来2300亿美元的基础建设融资。 不过这10年里，一带一路也面对许多批评和指控，例如债务陷阱、贪腐、环境问题等。 一带一路走过10年，让我们一起回顾它的来时路及展望它如何走下去。一带一路还会有几个10年？ 这期的早报播客《东谈西论》，听代班主持人吴汉钧和《联合早报》中国新闻组主任杨丹旭回顾与展望“一带一路”。 延伸阅读： 杨丹旭：十年一带一路何去何从 于泽远：高峰论坛超出预料 The third Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation was held in China on October 18. It was one of the key events to commemorate  the 10th anniversary of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). The BRI, consisting of the Silk Road Economic Belt and the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road, was established with the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank and the Silk Road Fund. It has provided $230 billion in infrastructure financing to the countries along its routes in the last 10 years. However, it has also faced many criticisms and accusations such as debt traps, corruption and environmental issues. In this episode of Global Heartbeat podcast, Lianhe Zaobao’s Second Foreign Editor Ng Hon Kuan and China News Editor Yang Danxu review BRI’s journey in the past decade, and assess its future prospects.  Global Heartbeat is a Mandarin weekly news and current affairs podcast that is updated every Tuesday, 7.00 PM SGT. It is available on zaobao.sg, Apple Podcast, Google Podcasts, Spotify and other podcast platforms.

为了回击巴勒斯坦武装组织哈马斯本月初的强烈突袭，以色列矢言消灭哈马斯，切断了加沙地带的水电、粮食与能源供应，也派出地面部队在加沙地带的边境集结。一场惨烈的攻击与人道主义灾难，近在眼前。 以色列与巴勒斯坦人都认为自己是受害者。伊朗则警告，如果以色列攻占加沙地带，伊朗不会袖手旁观。黎巴嫩真主党也会参战，让以色列承受“强烈地震”。 这场中东危机会如何发展？它会如何影响国际地缘政治与大国关系？以哈冲突会给中美带来另一次的合作机遇吗？ 这期的早报播客《东谈西论》，听主持人韩咏红和新加坡南洋理工大学拉惹勒南国际研究院副教授李明江详细解析。 延伸阅读： 【图集】人间炼狱：以哈历来最严重冲突 韩咏红：以巴冲突对中美两岸问题的警讯 In retaliation for the unprecedented attacks by Hamas militant group, Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed to “demolish Hamas” as Israeli troops prepared to move into the Gaza Strip. Israel has cut off water, power and fuel supplies to Gaza, in the wake of the Hamas attack on October 7. There are fears of an escalating war and humanitarian crisis in the region.   In this episode of Global Heartbeat podcast, host Han Yong Hong invites Li Mingjiang, Associate Professor, S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies, Nanyang Technological University to share his analysis of the Israel-Hamas war. Hosted by Lianhe Zaobao’s Associate Editor, Han Yong Hong, Global Heartbeat is a Mandarin weekly news and current affairs podcast that is updated every Tuesday, 7.00 PM SGT. It is available on zaobao.sg, Apple Podcast, Google Podcasts, Spotify and other podcast platforms.

巴勒斯坦武装组织哈马斯对以色列发起了多年来最大规模的空袭。哈马斯进攻加沙地带以外的27个地点，除了军事设施，也越过边境对平民进行屠杀，包括一场音乐节的200多名参加者。他们也绑架100多名以色列人作为人质。 以色列已经宣战，并在短短48小时内征召了30万名预备役军人，并且扬言要消灭哈马斯。 哈马斯为什么在这个时候发动大规模的攻击？这场战争会如何改写中东的地缘政治格局？ 这期的早报播客《东谈西论》，听主持人韩咏红和旅居加拿大的以巴关系研究学者兼跨国自由记者王冠云解析以巴冲突。 延伸阅读： 哈马斯突袭以色列 加沙为何烽烟再起？ 全面封锁加沙地带 以色列或将发动地面攻势 Hamas, the Palestinian Islamist group that controls the Gaza strip, launched the biggest attack on Israel in decades on Saturday, killing  hundreds of Israelis and capturing hostages in a raid that shattered Israel's reputation of invincibility.  Israel formally declared war against Hamas and retaliated with huge strikes on cities in the Gaza strip. The Israeli military called up an unprecedented 300,000 reservists within 48 hours.  Why did Hamas attack Israel and why now? How will the Israel-Hamas war reshape the geopolitical landscape of the Middle East? In this episode of Global Heartbeat podcast, research scholar on Israeli-Palestinian relations and freelance journalist, Wang Kuan Yun, shares her insights with host Han Yong Hong.  Hosted by Lianhe Zaobao’s Associate Editor, Han Yong Hong, Global Heartbeat is a Mandarin weekly news and current affairs podcast that is updated every Tuesday, 7.00 PM SGT. It is available on zaobao.sg, Apple Podcast, Google Podcasts, Spotify and other podcast platforms.

在中国杭州举行的亚运会，9月30日举行乒乓男女双打四分之一决赛。 中国队的两位前世界冠军梁靖崑、林高远 2-3 不敌中国台北组合。这是中国国乒在本次亚运会的首次输球。 同一天晚上，中国乒乓女双组合也先后不敌日本和印度的组合被淘汰，尤其是中国的世界冠军组合竟然输给了印度，更是让观众惊掉了下巴。 中国国家乒乓队是怎么了？一向打败天下无敌手的中国队，竟然连女子双打四强赛都进不了，而且是在自己的主场输球？这对中国乒乓球的发展会不会反倒是一件好事? 这期的早报播客《东谈西论》，听主持人韩咏红和《联合早报》北京记者于泽远解析中国乒乓队丢金。 延伸阅读： 【亚运会】王楚钦／孙颖莎获乒乓球混双冠军 乒乓球多场战果“出乎意料” 于泽远：中国不再看重亚运会奖牌 At the Hangzhou Asian Games. China’s former world champions, Liang Jingkun and Lin Gaoyuan, were defeated by the Chinese Taipei team in the men’s doubles table tennis quarter finals. In the same evening, China’s women’s doubles teams also lost to Japan and India respectively. Given the dominance of China in the sport, the results stunned the global audience. What is happening to the powerhouse of table tennis? How will it change the development of table tennis in China? In this episode of Global Heartbeat podcast, Lianhe Zaobao’s Beijing journalist Yu Zeyuan shares his insights with host Han Yong Hong.  Hosted by Lianhe Zaobao’s Associate Editor, Han Yong Hong, Global Heartbeat is a Mandarin weekly news and current affairs podcast that is updated every Tuesday, 7.00 PM SGT. It is available on zaobao.sg, Apple Podcast, Google Podcasts, Spotify and other podcast platforms.

一名加拿大籍的锡克教领袖今年6月在温哥华附近被暗杀。这起事件正演变为加拿大和印度之间一场全面的外交危机。 加拿大总理特鲁多上星期一在国会上说，有理由相信，印度莫迪政府的特工可能与哈迪普·辛格·尼贾尔被暗杀有关。 尼贾尔原籍印度。他在1997年流亡到加拿大，后来获得加拿大国籍。他在加拿大推动锡克独立运动，目标是在印度旁遮普邦建立独立的卡利斯坦国。印度政府则指责尼贾尔是恐怖分子，策划暴力袭击，领导恐怖组织。 特鲁多指控印度特工涉嫌暗杀尼贾尔是对加拿大主权的侵犯。两个国家接着相互驱逐大使，印度还暂停办理加拿大公民的签证业务。 这场外交冲突会如何收场？印度如今是美国遏制中国崛起的重要帮手，加拿大又是美国最老的盟友之一。在新朋友和老朋友之间，美国会如何选择？ 这期的早报播客《东谈西论》，听主持人韩咏红和印度弗莱明大学社会科学系副教授刘奇峰详细解析。 延伸阅读： 【早知】锡克教分离运动如何影响印度与加拿大关系？ 加拿大印度外交风波 美国左右为难 The assassination of a Sikh separatist on Canadian soil has escalated into a diplomatic crisis between Canada and India. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said last week that Ottawa had credible allegations linking Indian government agents to the murder of Hardeep Singh Nijjar in June.  Born in India, Nijjar moved to Canada in 1997 and subsequently obtained Canadian citizenship. He advocated for the creation of Khalistan, an independent homeland for Sikhs in India’s Punjab state. The Indian government had labelled him as a terrorist, and accused him of planning violent attacks and leading a terrorist organisation. Nijjar was shot dead outside a temple in a Vancouver suburb. Trudeau's accusation prompted an angry reaction from India. Both countries expelled each other's ambassadors, and India suspended visa processing for Canadian citizens, particularly from the Sikh and Indo-Canadian communities. How will this diplomatic conflict be resolved? Both countries are important allies of the US. How will the US respond? In this episode of Global Heartbeat podcast, Associate Professor of international politics at India’s FLAME University, Roger Chi-feng Liu, shares his insights with host Han Yong Hong. Hosted by Lianhe Zaobao’s Associate Editor, Han Yong Hong, Global Heartbeat is a Mandarin weekly news and current affairs podcast that is updated every Tuesday, 7.00 PM SGT. It is available on zaobao.sg, Apple Podcast, Google Podcasts, Spotify and other podcast platforms.

中国国防部长李尚福已经有三个星期没有公开露面。据英国媒体报道，李尚福没有出席 9月7日至8日在中越边境主办的防务合作年度会议。美国政府也认为李尚福正在接受调查，而且已经被解除职权。 这是今年6月以来，继中国前外交部长秦刚之后，第二个在公众视线中突然消失的中国高层官员，而且至今中国官方对他们的突然消失都没有说明原因。 李尚福去哪儿了？他真的出事了吗？如果他出事，对中国军队的战斗力又会造成什么影响? 这期的早报播客《东谈西论》，听主持人韩咏红和《联合早报》北京记者于泽远详细解析。 延伸阅读： 中国防长李尚福逾两周未露面 据报因健康原因推迟与越官员会晤 韩咏红：秦刚被免职留下未解疑团 China’s Defence Minister Li Shangfu has not been seen for three weeks. While it is not unusual for the defence minister to be away from the public eye, his notable absence, especially after the recent disappearance of former Chinese Foreign Minister Qin Gang, sparked speculation that Li is under house arrest. According to media reports, the US government believes that Li has been placed under investigation and removed from office. The probe into Li follows China's unexplained replacement of Qin in July after a prolonged absence from public view.   Chinese officials have remained tight-lipped about the reasons behind Li’s disappearance. Where is Li Shangfu? Why is he missing? What is the impact on China’s military? In this episode of Global Heartbeat podcast, Lianhe Zaobao’s Beijing journalist Yu Zeyuan shares his insights with host Han Yong Hong.  Hosted by Lianhe Zaobao’s Associate Editor, Han Yong Hong, Global Heartbeat is a Mandarin weekly news and current affairs podcast that is updated every Tuesday, 7.00 PM SGT. It is available on zaobao.sg, Apple Podcast, Google Podcasts, Spotify and other podcast platforms.

彭博社上星期委托著名的半导体调查公司 TechInsights 拆解了一台中国华为新上市的 Mate 60 Pro手机，证实里头使用了中国国产的七纳米芯片。这个消息震撼美国，因为这表明在美国的严厉制裁与限制之下，中国只用了三年时间就能自己生产出七纳米高端芯片，突破了美国的科技封锁。 一个星期后，华为又宣布预售另两款新手机，经过测试都有5G的功能，证明中国已经能大量生产高端的芯片。 中国是否真的已经冲破了被美国科技卡脖子的困境？这对中国的贸易军事发展以及国际关系意味着什么？中美科技战的下一步又会如何发展？ 这期的早报播客《东谈西论》，听《联合早报》副总编辑韩咏红与华中科技大学教授、光谷自贸区研究院院长陈波及新加坡南洋理工大学教授、毕盛资产管理有限公司创始成员兼副主席（中国）陈光炎博士详细解析。 延伸阅读： 韩咏红：华为逆袭成功对雷蒙多示威 下午察：华为手机的绝地反击？ Chinese mobile phone company Huawei unveiled its latest Mate 60 Pro. According to a teardown report by analysis firm TechInsights, Huawei Technologies and China's top chipmaker Semiconductor Manufacturing International Corp (SMIC) have built an advanced 7-nanometre processor to power its latest smartphone. The 7nm chip represents a breakthrough in China’s chipmaking capability. It was previously believed that the best China could achieve was about 14nm. Has China managed to circumvent US restrictions? What are the implications of Huawei’s new chip on China-US relations? Where is China-US tech war heading？ Lianhe Zaobao’s Global Heartbeat podcast invites Professor Chen Bo from Huazhong University of Science and Technology in China, and Dr Tan Kong Yam, Professor of Economics from Nanyang Technological University in Singapore to share their insights. Hosted by Lianhe Zaobao’s Associate Editor, Han Yong Hong, Global Heartbeat is a Mandarin weekly news and current affairs podcast that is updated every Tuesday, 7.00 PM SGT. It is available on zaobao.sg, Apple Podcast, Google Podcasts, Spotify and other podcast platforms.

第18次G20峰会将于本周末（9至10日）在印度新德里举行。印度为这场峰会的主题订立为“天下是一家”，印度总理莫迪也对这次会议寄以厚望。然而，中国国家主席习近平将不会出席这次的峰会，中国国务院总理李强将出席。 习近平缺席 G20峰会，将对外传达出什么信号？中国与印度的关系又处在什么状态？G20峰会的主题叫“天下是一家”，但现在的国际形势实际上又是什么？ 这期的早报播客《东谈西论》，听《联合早报》副总编辑韩咏红和中国著名的国际战略专家、中国人民大学教授时殷弘详细解析。 延伸阅读： 中印关系紧张或致G20无法发布联合公报 习近平缺席G20峰会 习拜会告吹 Chinese President Xi Jinping will not attend the summit of Group of 20 (G20) leaders in New Delhi this weekend. Instead, Premier Li Qiang will lead China’s delegation to the event, as confirmed by Beijing on Monday (Sep 4).  This marks the first time that Xi is skipping the gathering of the world’s top economies since coming to power. He has attended every G20 summit, except Rome in 2021, when he participated by video link. The announcement has dashed hopes of a possible meeting between Xi and US President Joe Biden at the summit. Both leaders last met in person in November 2022 on the sidelines of the G20 summit in Indonesia. What does Xi’s absence from the G20 summit signify? What does it say about global politics and the relations between China and host country India? Lianhe Zaobao’s Global Heartbeat podcast invites Professor of International Relations from Renmin University of China in Beijing, Dr. Shi Yinhong, to share his insights.  Hosted by Lianhe Zaobao’s Associate Editor, Han Yong Hong, Global Heartbeat is a Mandarin weekly news and current affairs podcast that is updated every Tuesday, 7.00 PM SGT. It is available on zaobao.sg, Apple Podcast, Google Podcasts, Spotify and other podcast platforms.

中国房地产巨头碧桂园，在本月初未能按时支付 2250万美元的债息，震惊四座，陷入违约边缘。此外，恒大集团也在美国申请破产保护，负债率是 2.4万亿人民币。 中国大型房地产企业接二连三陷入债务危机，这到底是怎么回事？ 谁会成为下个倒下的房地产公司？ 中国的房地产是否在酝酿一场中国版的 “雷曼兄弟” 危机？ 这期的早报播客《东谈西论》，听《联合早报》副总编辑韩咏红和新加坡经济学者、原新加坡国立大学李光耀公共政策学院教授陈抗详细解析。 延伸阅读： 韩咏红：中国房地产业的“碧桂园时刻” 下午察：碧桂园若倒下，会有哪些连锁反应？ China’s property giant Country Garden missed two United States dollar bond coupons due in early August, totalling US$22.5 million (S$30.5 million). Another major real estate developer, China Evergrande, filed for bankruptcy protection in the United States to protect it from creditors as it restructures its debt. The company defaulted on US$300 billion (S$407 billion) of debt in 2021.  China’s property developers are plunging into debt crises one after another. What is happening in China’s property sector? Is China on the brink of a “Lehman moment”?  In this episode of Global Heartbeat podcast, economist Chen Kang shares his insights with host Han Yong Hong. He was formerly the Professor of Economics at Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy, National University of Singapore.   Hosted by Lianhe Zaobao’s Associate Editor, Han Yong Hong, Global Heartbeat is a Mandarin weekly news and current affairs podcast that is updated every Tuesday, 7.00 PM SGT. It is available on zaobao.sg, Apple Podcast, Google Podcasts, Spotify and other podcast platforms.

马来西亚六州选举在上个星期六落幕。选举结果如分析人士所料 - 朝野政治联盟各主导三个州属。由安华领导的希望联盟和国民阵线保住了槟城、雪兰莪和森美兰州政权。在野的国民联盟在吉打、吉兰丹和登嘉楼几乎横扫所有州议席。 州议选举原本只是地方性的选举，但是舆论的氛围和在野党的操作使到这次的州选成了对安华政府的一次公投。如果执政联盟表现得太糟糕，马来西亚有可能再经历一次变天。 如今选举结果已大局底定，安华过关了吗？国盟的势力进一步增强，势力版图扩张，是否代表马来西亚种族分化更为严重？六州选举的结果对马来西亚下来的发展又会产生什么影响？ 这期的早报播客《东谈西论》，听《联合早报》副总编辑韩咏红及《联合早报》国际新闻组副主任范晓琪详细解析。 延伸阅读： 分析：州选后马国政治料进入稳定期 安华须把握机会展现治国能力 分析：团结政府未有效解决经济问题 或影响六州选情 纵观天下，监测中国心跳，由《联合早报》副总编辑韩咏红主持的国际时事播客《东谈西论》，每周探讨国际热点话题，分析国际时政动态。每逢星期二新加坡时间晚上 7 时更新。 Malaysia’s state polls have ended in a “3-3” status quo outcome between Pakatan Harapan-Barisan Nasional (PH-BN) ruling coalition and the opposition alliance, Perikatan Nasional (PN). The election in 6 of Malaysia’s 13 states was widely viewed as a referendum on Anwar’s administration after the tightly contested general election in November that ended with the country’s first ever hung Parliament. Led by Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, the PH-BN coalition retained Selangor, Negeri Sembilan and Penang while PN held on to Kelantan, Kedah and Terengganu. The election appears to have kept things at status quo, but changes in seat composition for the state assemblies tells a different story.  Has Anwar passed the test? How will the outcome of the state elections affect Malaysia's future development? In this episode of Global Heartbeat podcast, Lianhe Zaobao’s Associate Foreign Editor, Liew Fan Chyi, shares her observations with host Han Yong Hong.  Hosted by Lianhe Zaobao’s Associate Editor, Han Yong Hong, Global Heartbeat is a Mandarin weekly news and current affairs podcast that is updated every Tuesday, 7.00 PM SGT. It is available on zaobao.sg, Apple Podcast, Google Podcasts, Spotify and other podcast platforms.

你应该知道什么是英格兰超级足球联赛。但是你可曾听过“村超”吗？ 村超是中国农村的足球联赛，全名是中国贵州省榕江和美乡村足球联赛。村超一共有20支乡村足球队参加，球员全是业余的。比赛中场会表演贵州少数民族歌舞，奖品也非常接地气，有活鸡、鸭、鹅、猪、牛、羊等。 今年5月开始的村超引发大量关注，连退役的英格兰著名球星麦克欧文也拍视频为村超打气 。 村超真的有这么热吗？这种乡村业余足球的魅力在哪里？榕江村超的成功又能给我们什么启示。 这期的早报播客《东谈西论》，听主持人韩咏红和《联合早报》重庆特派员王纬温精彩分享。 延伸阅读： 王纬温：贵州村超的由下而上 【视频】贵州村超热度不减 民众：能倒逼中国足坛改革 “Village Super League” or Cun Chao in Chinese is a rural football league in China’s Rongjiang, consisting of 20 amateur village football teams. During halftime, there are performances of traditional Guizhou ethnic songs and dances, and the grand prizes include chickens, ducks, geese, pigs, cows, sheep and other livestock. Cun Chao gained worldwide attention and even attracted the support of retired English football star Michael Owen who made a video cheering for the players. What is the appeal of this amateur rural football league?   In this episode of Global Heartbeat podcast, Lianhe Zaobao’s Chongqing correspondent Edwin Ong shares his first-hand experience of Cun Chao with host Han Yong Hong.  Hosted by Lianhe Zaobao’s Associate Editor, Han Yong Hong, Global Heartbeat is a Mandarin weekly news and current affairs podcast that is updated every Tuesday, 7.00 PM SGT. It is available on zaobao.sg, Apple Podcast, Google Podcasts, Spotify and other podcast platforms.

今年5月29日，巴西总统卢拉在与委内瑞拉总统举行的联合记者会上再次提到“去美元化”。卢拉说他梦想能拥有一种非美元的区域性货币，这样巴西和委内瑞拉就可以不依赖美元来进行贸易。 这已经不是卢拉第一次公开谈到“去美元化”。他曾经发表文章质疑，为什么所有国家都要用美元来进行贸易结算。卢拉也主张金砖国家应该建立一个统一的货币体系。今年四月，卢拉访问中国时就提出了类似的观点。 什么是“去美元化”？国际上常常说的美元霸权地位是什么意思？“去美元化”对国际货币与金融秩序又会带来什么影响？ 这期的早报播客《东谈西论》，听主持人韩咏红和新加坡管理大学李光前商学院副教授傅方剑详细解析。 延伸阅读： 去美元化 知易行难 陈留俊：美国的“去美元化” 纵观天下，监测中国心跳，由《联合早报》副总编辑韩咏红主持的国际时事播客《东谈西论》，每周探讨国际热点话题，分析国际时政动态。每逢星期二新加坡时间晚上 7 时更新。 The US dollar’s status as the global reserve currency for international trade has been called into question again. On May 29th, Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva repeated the de-dollarisation call during a press conference and expressed his dream of having a regional currency that is not tied to the US dollar. This is not the first time Lula has openly talked about de-dollarisation. He previously wrote articles questioning the need for all countries to base their trade on the US dollar, and supported the creation of an alternative currency for trading between BRICS countries. During his visit to China in April, he reiterated the call to shed dollar dependence.  What is "de-dollarisation"? What is the impact of “de-dollarisation” on the international monetary system and global financial order?   In this episode of Global Heartbeat podcast, Associate Professor of Finance from the Singapore Management University’s Lee Kong Chian School of Business, Fu Fangjian, shares his insights with host Han Yong Hong.  Hosted by Lianhe Zaobao’s Associate Editor, Han Yong Hong, Global Heartbeat is a Mandarin weekly news and current affairs podcast that is updated every Tuesday, 7.00 PM SGT. It is available on zaobao.sg, Apple Podcast, Google Podcasts, Spotify and other podcast platforms.

中国国务委员兼外交部长秦刚从公开场合失踪已经足足一个月。 较早前中国外交部曾宣布秦刚因“健康原因”将缺席在印度尼西亚举行的亚细安外长会议。 在上星期一的记者会上，当被问及秦刚的下落时，中国外交部发言人毛宁只表示不了解情况，没有其他更多的信息。不再提“健康原因”是否透露出事情不妙？与此同时，有关秦刚与女主播的绯闻在网上也传得沸沸扬扬。 秦刚到底发生了什么事？他的失踪对中国的外交与政治会产生什么影响？ 这期的早报播客《东谈西论》，听主持人韩咏红和《联合早报》北京记者于泽远详细解析。 (本集《东谈西论》录音后，中国全国人大常委会会议决定，免去秦刚的外交部长职务，由中共中央政治局委员、中央外办主任王毅接任外长。) 延伸阅读： 新闻人间：消失的“他” 杨丹旭：王毅为何那么忙? 秦刚被免外长间接证实不利传闻　分析：王毅接任可能是过渡安排 纵观天下，监测中国心跳，由《联合早报》副总编辑韩咏红主持的国际时事播客《东谈西论》，每周探讨国际热点话题，分析国际时政动态。每逢星期二新加坡时间晚上 7 时更新。 China’s Foreign Minister Qin Gang has been absent from public view for a month. He was last seen on June 25 when he met officials from Sri Lanka, Vietnam and Russia. His disappearance was first noticed when he missed the Asean annual foreign ministers’ meeting in Indonesia earlier this month. China’s Foreign Ministry cited “health reasons” for Mr Qin missing the Asean summit, and said it had no further information on his whereabouts.  There is intense speculation about the fate of China’s main envoy, including a rumour of his extramarital affair with a TV presenter.  What has happened to Qin Gang? How will his disappearance affect China’s domestic politics and international relations?  In this episode of Global Heartbeat podcast, Lianhe Zaobao’s Beijing journalist Yu Zeyuan shares his insights with host Han Yong Hong.  (After the recording of this episode, China's top legislature voted to remove Qin Gang as foreign minister at an urgent meeting and reappointed his predecessor Wang Yi to the position.) Hosted by Lianhe Zaobao’s Associate Editor, Han Yong Hong, Global Heartbeat is a Mandarin weekly news and current affairs podcast that is updated every Tuesday, 7.00 PM SGT. It is available on zaobao.sg, Apple Podcast, Google Podcasts, Spotify and other podcast platforms.

泰国国会上星期四举行选举，750名上下议院议员投选新一任首相。深受年轻人支持的前进党党魁，也是唯一的首相候选人披塔以63票之差，无法出任首相。泰国国会本星期还会进行第二次和第三次首相选举，这个改革派领袖有没有首相命？泰国的改革力量将何去何从？ 这期的早报播客《东谈西论》，听主持人韩咏红和《联合早报》国际新闻组主任吴汉钧详细解析。 延伸阅读： 社论：泰国政治国体之争 披塔距离首相之位越来越远 纵观天下，监测中国心跳，由《联合早报》副总编辑韩咏红主持的国际时事播客《东谈西论》，每周探讨国际热点话题，分析国际时政动态。每逢星期二新加坡时间晚上 7 时更新。 Last Thursday, Pita Limjaroenrat, the leader of the Move Forward party that emerged as the biggest winner in Thailand’s general election in May, failed in his first bid to be the nation’s next prime minister. Under his leadership, the Move Forward party has become the largest party in the House of Representatives. His alliance of eight parties controls 312 seats in the 500-member House of Representatives. However, he needs the support of the Upper House Senate to reach the minimum 375 combined Parliament votes to secure premiership.  Pita will attempt a second time to become Thailand’s prime minister this week. Will the reformist leader succeed? What is the future of Thailand's reform movement? In this episode of Global Heartbeat podcast, Lianhe Zaobao’s Second Foreign Editor (Southeast Asia) Ng Hon Kuan shares his perspectives.  Hosted by Lianhe Zaobao’s Associate Editor, Han Yong Hong, Global Heartbeat is a Mandarin weekly news and current affairs podcast that is updated every Tuesday, 7.00 PM SGT. It is available on zaobao.sg, Apple Podcast, Google Podcasts, Spotify and other podcast platforms.

今年6月底的夏季达沃斯论坛开幕式上，中国总理李强在致辞时，为中国经济回升向好做信心背书。不过客观的数字却让市场乐观不起来。6月份制造业连续三个月萎缩，非制造业疲软，5月份的年轻人失业率也再破20%创新高。 由于信心和预期不足，消费者有钱也不太敢花，导致中国经济更是欲振乏力。中国经济是否应该让人担忧？低迷的情况还要熬多久？政府是否应该推出大规模的经济刺激配套？ 这期的早报播客《东谈西论》，听主持人韩咏红和华侨银行大中华区研究主管谢栋铭详细解析。 延伸阅读： 韩咏红：中国该不该出台大规模刺激经济政策 聃丘泰、温建东：中国经济刺激政策新特点 纵观天下，监测中国心跳，由《联合早报》副总编辑韩咏红主持的国际时事播客《东谈西论》，每周探讨国际热点话题，分析国际时政动态。每逢星期二新加坡时间晚上 7 时更新。 China's Premier Li Qiang painted a positive outlook for the domestic economy at the opening address of “Summer Davos” in June this year.  However, market optimism is low, given the underwhelming data released. China’s factory activity shrank for a third month while the non-manufacturing sector was at its weakest since COVID reopening. Unemployment rate among young people has also surpassed 20%. Consumers lack confidence and are reluctant to spend, which further weakens the Chinese economy. Is China’s slowing economy a cause for concern? How long will this sluggish situation last? Should the government implement large-scale economic stimulus packages? In this episode of Global Heartbeat podcast, host Han Yong Hong invites Tommy Xie, Head of Greater China Research & Strategy at OCBC Bank, to share his insights.  Hosted by Lianhe Zaobao’s Associate Editor, Han Yong Hong, Global Heartbeat is a Mandarin weekly news and current affairs podcast that is updated every Tuesday, 7.00 PM SGT. It is available on zaobao.sg, Apple Podcast, Google Podcasts, Spotify and other podcast platforms.

2024年台湾总统选举进入半年倒计时，各政党厉兵秣马加速冲刺。 民调落后的最大在野党国民党候选人侯友宜星期一晚上突然放大招，松口表示支持九二共识。侯友宜还承诺维护两岸和平，让台湾的兵役制度从一年恢复到4个月。 根据最新的民调，在台湾总统大选的三名候选人中，执政的民进党候选人赖清德的支持率是35.9%，稳定领先。在野的民众党候选人柯文哲的支持率有28.6%，而侯友宜的支持率只有17.1%。由于侯友宜选情惨淡，富商郭台铭也跃跃欲试要取而代之。在野力量整合不起来，赖清德就可以躺着当选，保送民进党继续执政。 侯友宜星期一的最新表态能为自己扭转乾坤吗？谁会成功成为2024年台湾总统大选在野共主？什么是这次大选的最大变数？ 这期的早报播客《东谈西论》，听主持人韩咏红和国立台湾大学政治系教授王业立剖析台湾总统选情。 延伸阅读： 台总统选战或四角混战 侯友宜首次承认九二共识 下午察：不败传奇金溥聪能否为侯友宜解套？ 纵观天下，监测中国心跳，由《联合早报》副总编辑韩咏红主持的国际时事播客《东谈西论》，每周探讨国际热点话题，分析国际时政动态。每逢星期二新加坡时间晚上 7 时更新。 The 2024 Taiwan presidential race intensifies as the six-month countdown begins.  Kuomintang (KMT) candidate Hou Yu-ih, who has been lagging behind in the opinion polls, suddenly expressed his support for the "1992 Consensus" on Monday night. He also promised to maintain peace across the Taiwan Strait and reduce Taiwan's military service from one year to four months. According to the latest opinion polls, the incumbent Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) candidate Lai Ching-te is leading the race with 35.9% support. The support for Taiwan People’s Party's candidate Ko Wen-je is 28.6% while Hou is in third place at 17.1%. Due to Hou's poor performance, businessman Terry Gou has expressed his desire to replace him as KMT candidate. Can Hou turn the tide in his favour? Who will emerge as the main opposition candidate when Taiwan holds its next presidential election in January? What are the factors that could influence the outcome of this election? In this episode of Global Heartbeat podcast, National Taiwan University Political Science Professor Wang Yeh-Lih shares his insights with host Han Yong Hong.  Hosted by Lianhe Zaobao’s Associate Editor, Han Yong Hong, Global Heartbeat is a Mandarin weekly news and current affairs podcast that is updated every Tuesday, 7.00 PM SGT. It is available on zaobao.sg, Apple Podcast, Google Podcasts, Spotify and other podcast platforms.

俄罗斯雇佣兵瓦格纳集团的首领叶夫根尼·普里戈任，2023年6月23日星期五突然倒戈, 宣布要推翻俄罗斯军事领导层。普京隔天发表全国电视讲话，指责这是“叛国”，是在俄罗斯国家和人民的背后捅刀子。 正当俄罗斯兵变的新闻让举世震惊之际，普里戈任和他的部队星期六晚上就撤离他们所占领的俄罗斯南部罗斯托夫市的军事总部，兵变在24小时后匆匆落幕，戛然而止。 这到底是怎么一回事？瓦格纳集团叛变暴露了俄罗斯内部的什么问题？兵变闹剧又会如何影响普京的统治地位？ 这期的早报播客《东谈西论》，听主持人韩咏红和《联合早报》驻北京记者于泽远解析瓦格纳集团兵变。 延伸阅读： 于泽远：俄罗斯兵变搅动中国舆论场 社论：克宫变数陡增普京进退两难 纵观天下，监测中国心跳，由《联合早报》副总编辑韩咏红主持的国际时事播客《东谈西论》，每周探讨国际热点话题，分析国际时政动态。每逢星期二新加坡时间晚上 7 时更新。 On Friday, June 23, Yevgeny Prigozhin, leader of the private military company Wagner Group, led an armed mutiny and announced his intention to overthrow the Russian military leadership.  As Wagner mercenary forces marched towards Moscow, Russian President Vladimir Putin, in a televised address to the nation, accused Prigozhin of “treason” and described the uprising as “a stab in the back” of the Russian troops and people.  A last-minute deal with Belarus defused the crisis. In a span of 36 hours, Putin faced the biggest challenge to his authority since he came to power.  How did the events unfold?  What did the Wagner mutiny reveal about Russia? How will it affect Putin's grip on power? In this episode of Global Heartbeat podcast, Lianhe Zaobao’s Beijing journalist Yu Zeyuan shares his insights with host Han Yong Hong.  Hosted by Lianhe Zaobao’s Associate Editor, Han Yong Hong, Global Heartbeat is a Mandarin weekly news and current affairs podcast that is updated every Tuesday, 7.00 PM SGT. It is available on zaobao.sg, Apple Podcast, Google Podcasts, Spotify and other podcast platforms.

经过了4个月的延误，美国国务卿布林肯终于在6月18及19日访华，并与中国国家主席习近平进行了会见。 习近平在会见中表示双方在一些具体问题上取得了进展，达成了共识。布林肯在访问结束的记者会上形容，双方进行了坦率、实质和建设性的会谈。中美双方也都同意稳定中美关系的必要。 布林肯短短的两天一夜北京行取得了什么成果？中美关系掀开新一页了吗？习近平与布林肯会谈时的座位安排，又有什么玄机？ 这期的早报播客《东谈西论》，主持人韩咏红邀请新加坡南洋理工大学拉惹勒南国际研究院副教授李明江博士详细解析。 延伸阅读： 社论：解冻中美关系攸关全球福祉 于泽远：布林肯不会白跑一趟 纵观天下，监测中国心跳，由《联合早报》副总编辑韩咏红主持的国际时事播客《东谈西论》，每周探讨国际热点话题，分析国际时政动态。每逢星期二新加坡时间晚上7时更新。 US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has wrapped up his visit to Beijing, where he met Chinese President Xi Jinping at the Great Hall of the People. During his two-day trip, the top American diplomat also held talks with China’s top diplomat Wang Yi and foreign minister Qin Gang.  In this episode of Global Heartbeat podcast, host Han Yong Hong invites Li Mingjiang, Associate Professor, S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies, NTU to share his analysis of Blinken’s closely-watched trip to China.  Hosted by Lianhe Zaobao’s Associate Editor, Han Yong Hong, Global Heartbeat is a Mandarin weekly news and current affairs podcast that is updated every Tuesday, 7.00 PM SGT. It is available on zaobao.sg, Apple Podcast, Google Podcasts, Spotify and other podcast platforms.

今年5月26日，一架中国歼-16战斗机在南中国海上空近距离拦截一架美国空军侦察机，双方最靠近时只有仅仅122公尺。 几天后，中美对峙又在台湾海峡上演。6月3日，美国钟云号驱逐舰与一艘加拿大护卫舰在台湾海峡航行时，中国海军苏州号突然快速横切到美国钟云号前方，双方最近距离只有140公尺。 这两起事件发生在今年的香格里拉对话前后。这也是今年以来中美两军最激烈的摩擦事件。 中国连续两次以如此激烈的方式去拦截美国的机舰，是要发出什么信号？还是这是一种新的门罗主义的抬头？ 这期的早报播客《东谈西论》，听主持人韩咏红与中国南京大学国际关系学院院长朱锋解析。 延伸阅读： 中国特稿：中美会不会擦枪走火？ 美国公布美中军舰险撞视频 称两军在台海“不安全互动” 纵观天下，监测中国心跳，由《联合早报》副总编辑韩咏红主持的国际时事播客《东谈西论》，每周探讨国际热点话题，分析国际时政动态。每逢星期二新加坡时间晚上7时更新。 Late last month, a Chinese fighter jet flew close to a US reconnaissance aircraft over the South China Sea. About a week later, a Chinese navy vessel cut sharply across the path of a US destroyer that was sailing through the Taiwan Strait with a Canadian frigate. The closest distance between the Chinese and American vessels was 140 metres. Occurring before and after the highly anticipated defence summit Shangri-La Dialogue, the incidents are the most intense encounters between the Chinese and US militaries this year.  In this episode of Global Heartbeat podcast, host Han Yong Hong invites Nanjing University’s Professor of International Relations, Dr Zhu Feng to share his insights on China’s recent military interceptions.  Hosted by Lianhe Zaobao’s Associate Editor, Han Yong Hong, Global Heartbeat is a Mandarin weekly news and current affairs podcast that is updated every Tuesday, 7.00 PM SGT. It is available on zaobao.sg, Apple Podcast, Google Podcasts, Spotify and other podcast platforms.

一年一度的香格里拉对话上周末在新加坡举行。美国与中国这两个大国再次在香会上交锋，台湾问题不出所料成为焦点之一。但和以往相较，双方这次的语气都偏向温和。温和语气的背后隐藏着什么含义？香会还有什么值得注意的小观察？这些小观察中又反映了什么大趋势？ 这期的早报播客《东谈西论》，听主持人韩咏红与联合早报国际新闻第二主任吴汉钧及马来西亚太平洋研究中心首席顾问胡逸山解析香会。 延伸阅读： 香会小观察：中国与会代表霸位被揶揄 香会侧记：重新思考亚太区安全 纵观天下，监测中国心跳，由《联合早报》副总编辑韩咏红主持的国际时事播客《东谈西论》，每周探讨国际热点话题，分析国际时政动态。每逢星期二新加坡时间晚上7时更新。 The annual Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore kicked off with a friendly handshake between US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin and Chinese Defence Minister Li Shangfu. It was as good as it got. They did not hold any formal talks during the 3-day defence summit.  As expected, there was a war of words over the Taiwan issue between the US and Chinese defence chiefs at their respective sessions. However, compared to previous years, their tones were more moderate and measured.  What are the key takeaways from the Shangri-La Dialogue this year? In this episode of Global Heartbeat podcast, host Han Yong Hong invites Dr Oh Ei Sun, Principal Adviser, Pacific Research Centre of Malaysia and Lianhe Zaobao's Second Foreign Editor (Southeast Asia) Ng Hon Kuan to share their observations of the summit.  Hosted by Lianhe Zaobao’s Associate Editor, Han Yong Hong, Global Heartbeat is a Mandarin weekly news and current affairs podcast that is updated every Tuesday, 7.00 PM SGT. It is available on zaobao.sg, Apple Podcast, Google Podcasts, Spotify and other podcast platforms.

去年，台湾每10万人交通死亡数为13.2，这是日本、新加坡的六倍，而且死亡人数还在创新高。 台湾每年有超过3000人死于车祸，其中有10%是行人。当地的民众把台湾交通成为 “行人地狱”。台湾的交通状况还引起美国和日本媒体的注意。 台湾的交通怎么了？公民社会的大声疾呼国际媒体的关注能促使台湾甩掉“行人地狱”的恶名，解决长期形成的交通安全问题吗？ 这期的早报播客《东谈西论》，听主持人韩咏红与《联合早报》台北特派员温伟中解析。 延伸阅读： 温伟中：宝岛“行人地狱”污名何时清？ 台湾交通部有信心今年能达600万人次旅客目标 Taiwan has been described as a “living hell for pedestrians” by a Facebook page with more than 24,000 followers. It attracted the attention of American and Japanese media.  Every year, more than 3,000 people lose their lives to traffic accidents in Taiwan, and 10% of them are pedestrians. In 2022, the number of traffic fatalities per 100,000 people in Taiwan was 13.2, about 6 times higher than Japan and Singapore.  What is the problem with Taiwan's traffic? Can the public outcry and international media attention help to improve road safety in Taiwan and shake off its bad reputation as a “living hell for pedestrians”? In this episode of Global Heartbeat podcast, host Han Yong Hong and Lianhe Zaobao’s Taipei correspondent  Woon Wei Jong discuss the traffic issues in Taiwan.   Hosted by Lianhe Zaobao’s Associate Editor, Han Yong Hong, Global Heartbeat is a Mandarin weekly news and current affairs podcast that is updated every Tuesday, 7.00 PM SGT. It is available on zaobao.sg, Apple Podcast, Google Podcasts, Spotify and other podcast platforms. 

一年一度的七国集团（G7）峰会5月21日在日本广岛落幕。 峰会召开前，美国和东道主日本一再放出信号，磨刀霍霍剑指中国与俄罗斯，宣示要团结一致反抗中国的“经济胁迫，并支持乌克兰对抗俄罗斯。 不过G7最终的公报又表明，希望和中国发展有建设性且稳定的关系，要去风险但不要脱钩。美国总统拜登还预言中美关系应该会很快解冻。 如何解读G7峰会内外复杂的政治动作？峰会取得什么成效？美国和日本拉拢盟友对抗中国的态势已经形成了吗？美国对中国到底是什么态度？ 这期的早报播客《东谈西论》，听主持人韩咏红与香港城市大学法律学院教授、中国法与比较法研究中心主任王江雨解析。 延伸阅读： 社论：中西对立格局进一步确立 拜登：美中关系将“很快解冻” This year’s Group of Seven (G7) summit in Hiroshima, Japan concluded on May 21. Speaking at the end of the three-day summit, US President Joe Biden said the G7 leaders had agreed on a united approach to China that called for diversifying supply chains to reduce dependence on one country.  "We're not looking to decouple from China. We're looking to de-risk and diversify our relationship with China," Biden told a press conference. He said G7 nations were more unified than ever in terms of "resisting economic coercion together and countering harmful practices that hurt our workers." Despite China’s fiery response to the joint communique by the G7 leaders, Biden said that he expected a thaw in frosty relations with China “very shortly”, after strains caused by an incident earlier in 2023 when the United States shot down a Chinese balloon that flew over sensitive military sites. In this episode of Global Heartbeat podcast, host Han Yong Hong invites Professor Wang Jiang Yu from the City University of Hong Kong School of Law to share his analysis of the recent G7 summit and its implications.  Hosted by Lianhe Zaobao’s Associate Editor, Han Yong Hong, Global Heartbeat is a Mandarin weekly news and current affairs podcast that is updated every Tuesday, 7.00 PM SGT. It is available on zaobao.sg, Apple Podcast, Google Podcasts, Spotify and other podcast platforms. 

1972年，中国赠送了一对大熊猫玲玲和兴兴给美国。这是中华人民共和国政府首次向西方国家赠送大熊猫，也开启了中国熊猫外交的黄金期。 如今，半个世纪过去了，中国仍有60多头大熊猫旅居世界不同国家。然而，熊猫外交的成效却在递减，大熊猫在西方媒体中的形象也从原本的憨态可掬，变成浑身肌肉、而且面目狰狞。大熊猫还能体现中国的正面形象吗？中国熊猫外交是否也已经走到了尽头？ 这期的早报播客《东谈西论》，听主持人韩咏红，以及《联合早报》驻北京记者于泽远和特派员黄小芳解析中国熊猫外交。 延伸阅读： 中国特稿：从招财萌猫变功夫熊猫 中国熊猫外交的变迁与困境 中西视角下熊猫形象分歧日益扩大 In 1972, the Chinese government gave two giant pandas, Ling Ling and Hsing Hsing, to the United States. The arrival of the pandas at the National Zoo in Washington, DC, marked the start of a golden period in China’s panda diplomacy.  Half a century later, more than 60 pandas are scattered around the globe, but the effectiveness of panda diplomacy appears to be waning and pandas are portrayed more negatively in the Western media.  In this episode of Global Heartbeat podcast, host Han Yong Hong discusses the future of China’s panda diplomacy with Lianhe Zaobao’s Beijing journalist Yu Zeyuan and correspondent Wong Siew Fong.  Hosted by Lianhe Zaobao’s Associate Editor, Han Yong Hong, Global Heartbeat is a Mandarin weekly news and current affairs podcast that is updated every Tuesday, 7.00 PM SGT. It is available on zaobao.sg, Apple Podcast, Google Podcasts, Spotify and other podcast platforms.

美国财政部长耶伦今年来不断疾呼美国众议院提高美国政府债务上限。耶伦严厉警告，众议院如果不提高债务上限，美国最早可能在6月1日就耗尽资金。此外，若美国无法按时还债，将导致债务违约，并引发经济与金融灾难。 美国债务危机是怎么一回事？美债危机对全球经济、金融和货币体系会造成什么影响？这次的违约危机，美国会像以往一样惊险渡过危机吗？ 这期的早报播客《东谈西论》，听主持人韩咏红与新加坡管理大学李光前商学院副教授傅方剑解析美债违约的风险。 延伸阅读： 白宫共和党后天债务谈判 或扰乱总统选举冲击全球 美债若违约会以引发全球危机吗？学者专家看法不一 US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen has been urging Congress to raise the US debt’s ceiling this year. She warned that the US could run out of cash by June 1 without an agreement to increase what the federal government can borrow, and the resulting default on debt could trigger an "economic and financial catastrophe".   What is the US debt ceiling crisis about? What is the impact of the crisis on the global economy and financial markets? In this episode of Global Heartbeat podcast, host Han Yong Hong invites Associate Professor of Finance, Fu Fangjian, from the Singapore Management University’s Lee Kong Chian School of Business to share his perspectives on the crisis.  Hosted by Lianhe Zaobao’s Associate Editor, Han Yong Hong, Global Heartbeat is a Mandarin weekly news and current affairs podcast that is updated every Tuesday, 7.00 PM SGT. It is available on zaobao.sg, Apple Podcast, Google Podcasts, Spotify and other podcast platforms.

在军人政府执政九年后，泰国将在5月14日举行2014年军事政变以来的第二次大选。各路政党摩拳擦掌。有的政客寻求继续掌握大权，有的家族势力希望卷土重来，也有新一代的政党认为，这是一个改变泰国的机会，是一个世代的选择，是黑暗现实和光明未来的选择。 泰国有大大小小86个政党，其中较有规模的共有13个。他们各有怎样的背景，提出什么诉求？泰国会变天吗？ 这期的早报播客《东谈西论》，听主持人韩咏红，以及《联合早报》国际新闻副主任吴汉钧详细解析。 延伸阅读： “稳定牌”效应减弱 巴育连任挑战重重 国际特稿：泰大选形势未明 各党做最后努力 Thailand will hold its general election on May 14. This is the country’s second general election since the 2014 coup d'état. The incumbent Prayuth Chan-Ocha is seeking to retain his position as the prime minister while Paetongtarn Shinawatra, daughter of former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, is staging some sort of a political comeback for her family. A rising star in the political scene and a hot favourite amongst the candidates, Pita Limjaroenrat urges for change in this election.  Will the upcoming election see a political shift in Thailand? Is it going to be a watershed election fuelled by the desire for change? Lianhe Zaobao’s Associate Editor Han Yong Hong and Associate Foreign Editor Ng Hon Kuan share their perspectives in this episode of Global Heartbeat.  Hosted by Lianhe Zaobao’s Associate Editor, Han Yong Hong, Global Heartbeat is a Mandarin weekly news and current affairs podcast that is updated every Tuesday, 7.00 PM SGT. It is available on zaobao.sg, Apple Podcast, Google Podcasts, Spotify and other podcast platforms.

韩国总统尹锡悦本星期到美国进行七天访问，这是韩国总统时隔12年再次对美国进行国事访问。尹锡悦出访前接受路透社访问时，第一次表示韩国可能为乌克兰提供军事援助，也称台湾问题不仅是中国和台湾之间的问题，而是如同朝鲜问题一样是全球问题。 他的言论立即引起北京强烈反应，中韩两国爆发口水战，外交官隔空交锋持续了几天仍未停息。 中韩在台湾问题上的交锋，是中美争霸的又一个影子。有韩国学者支持尹锡悦的表态，认为韩国应该搭上以美国为中心的同盟列车，也有人为韩国同时得罪中俄两国忧心忡忡，担心中国会“秋后算账”。 尹锡悦为何要在出访美国前突然高调谈论台湾？这是韩国新的对华路线吗？中韩再次发生摩擦，对东北亚局势会造成什么影响？ 这期的早报播客《东谈西论》，听主持人韩咏红，以及《联合早报》中国新闻组主任杨丹旭与首尔通讯员姜贵瑛解析。 延伸阅读： 称台湾问题是“全球性问题” 对尹锡悦涉台言论大陆提出严正交涉 中韩就台湾问题爆口水战 学者：韩或在印太战略上进一步支持美国 South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol flew to Washington for a seven-day visit. His trip is the first state visit to the United States by a South Korean leader since 2011 and marks the 70th anniversary of the countries' alliance. In an interview with Reuters before the trip, Yoon signalled a shift in his stance against arming Ukraine for the first time. He also said, “the Taiwan issue is not simply an issue between China and Taiwan but, like the issue of North Korea, it is a global issue.” His comments have sparked a war of words between Beijing and Seoul.  At a press briefing, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin said that the Taiwan issue is “a matter for Chinese who do not need to be told what should or should not be done."  South Korea's foreign ministry hit back by describing Beijing’s comments as “serious diplomatic discourtesy”. This episode of the Global Heartbeat podcast invites Lianhe Zaobao's China News Editor Yang Danxu and Seoul Correspondent Kang Gwi Young to share their perspectives on the diplomatic spat between China and South Korea.  Hosted by Lianhe Zaobao’s Associate Editor, Han Yong Hong, Global Heartbeat is a Mandarin weekly news and current affairs podcast that is updated every Tuesday, 7.00 PM SGT. It is available on zaobao.sg, Apple Podcast, Google Podcasts, Spotify and other podcast platforms.

中国国务院港澳办主任夏宝龙上星期到香港考察六天。他在全民国家安全教育日开幕礼上说：“修例风波这场港版颜色革命，虽然没有得逞，但这是香港历史上永远抹不去的伤疤，是我们永久的痛。” 夏宝龙是中共组建中央港澳工作办公室后，首名赴港考察的高层官员。他亲民的形象受到好评，但很多人也从他的讲话中，解读到中央防范国安风险、从严治港的手腕不会放松；《基本法》23条立法将加快。 这期的早报播客《东谈西论》，听主持人韩咏红与《联合早报》香港特约记者戴庆成解析夏宝龙访港的政治信号。 延伸阅读： 夏宝龙：乱港根源未除 治理基础仍须巩固 新闻人间：“救火队长”夏宝龙 疫后首访香港 纵观天下，监测中国心跳，由《联合早报》副总编辑韩咏红主持的国际时事播客《东谈西论》，每周探讨国际热点话题，分析国际时政动态。每逢星期二新加坡时间晚上7时更新。 The director of the Hong Kong and Macau Affairs Office (HKMAO), Xia Baolong, kicks off his six-day visit to Hong Kong on April 13. At the opening ceremony of the city’s National Security Education Day, Xia said that although the 2019 anti-extradition bill riots did not succeed, they left a “permanent scar” on the city, resulting in “everlasting pain”.  Xia is the first senior official to visit Hong Kong after it was announced that HKMAO will report directly to the Communist Party’s central leadership instead of the State Council.  His friendly demeanour has been well-received, but many have also concluded from his speech that the central government will not loosen its grip on the city to counter national security threats, and the legislation of Article 23 will be expedited.  In this episode of Global Heartbeat podcast, host Han Yong Hong and Lianhe Zaobao’s Hong Kong reporter Tai Hing Shing discuss the significance of Xia Baolong’s trip to Hong Kong.  Hosted by Lianhe Zaobao’s Associate Editor, Han Yong Hong, Global Heartbeat is a Mandarin weekly news and current affairs podcast that is updated every Tuesday, 7.00 PM SGT. It is available on zaobao.sg, Apple Podcast, Google Podcasts, Spotify and other podcast platforms.