The Heat

March 15, 2024

The Heat: Israel-Hamas Conflict

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu met with his war cabinet on Friday and approved plans for a military operation in Gaza’s southernmost city of Rafah. The Israeli military said it will evacuate civilians to what it calls “humanitarian islands” in the middle of the Gaza […]

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March 13, 2024

The Heat: Pakistan’s Priorities

Newly elected Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has pledged to heal Pakistan’s political divisions, launch an economic revitalization plan and improve ties with its neighbors. Will he succeed? Joining the discussion:  Syed Ali Zafar serves in Pakistan’s Senate as a member of Imran Khan’s PTI party.  […]

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March 12, 2024

The Heat: U.S. Politics

Recent polls show 30% of American voters don’t want U.S. President Joe Biden or former President Donald Trump as their next president.  What does it mean for the upcoming elections in November?  Joining the discussion: Joel Rubin is a former U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary of […]

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March 11, 2024

The Heat: Two Sessions

Chinese officials and lawmakers closed out the Two Sessions after more than a week of meetings and deliberations. Those policy decisions will now serve as the country’s blueprint going forward. What are the key takeaways? Joining the discussion: Einar Tangen is a Senior Fellow at […]

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March 8, 2024

The Heat: Two Sessions

It has been a major political week in Beijing where China’s annual Two Sessions is taking place.  What have we learned about China’s plans for 2024? Joining the discussion: Einar Tangen is a Senior Fellow with the Taihe Institute and the founder and chair of […]

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March 7, 2024

The Heat: Two Sessions | China’s Economy

China’s economy tops the agenda at the 14th National People’s Congress.  Top economic officials, including its commerce and finance ministers, held a news conference on the state of the nation’s economy.  Our guests from Beijing:  Einar Tangen is Senior Fellow at the Taihe Institute and […]

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March 5, 2024

The Heat: Israel-Hamas Conflict

There is no sign of progress in talks aimed at reaching a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas. Meanwhile, the humanitarian crisis is worsening by the day in Gaza with hundreds of thousands of Palestinians are on the brink of famine.  Joining the discussion: Khalil Jahshan […]

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March 5, 2024

The Heat: Two Sessions

The annual Two Sessions is underway in China, bringing together thousands of delegates to chart a new course for 2024. The meetings will provide insight into Beijing’s policy priorities, laying the blueprint for social and economic development. Joining the discussion: Yan Liang is Chair Professor […]

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February 29, 2024

The Heat: Israel-Hamas Conflict

More than 100 people were killed and hundreds more have been injured in Gaza while trying to get food from aid trucks. According to the United Nations, more than half a million people are at risk of famine.  To discuss the ongoing conflict, joining us: […]

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February 29, 2024

The Heat: Mobile World Congress

Mobile World Congress is underway in Barcelona, Spain showcasing innovative products. What’s on display at the world’s biggest tech event? Joining the discussion: Amr Awadallah is the Founder and CEO of Vectara Inc., a generative AI company. Winston Ma is an Adjunct Professor at New […]

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February 27, 2024

The Heat: Climate Change Crisis

The period from February 2023 to January 2024 was the hottest 12-month span ever recorded. Global average temperatures rose above 1.52 degrees Celsius, an important marker by climate scientists as global warming and the climate crisis continue to impact communities across the globe. Joining the […]

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February 26, 2024

The Heat: Global Economy

The International Monetary Fund upgraded its outlook for global economy for 2024, pointing to the better-than-expected performance of China and the United States last year. Meanwhile, Japan, the United Kingdom and Germany are dealing with recession.   Joining the discussion:  John Quelch is the Executive Vice […]

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February 23, 2024

The Heat: U.S. Presidential Election

In the race for the White House, the Republican Party is set to hold another primary on Saturday in South Carolina. The question is not so much whether Donald Trump will win, but will Nikki Haley stay in the contest. Joining the discussion: Eleanor Clift […]

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February 22, 2024

The Heat: China’s Electric Vehicles

China has become the world’s largest auto market as its electric vehicle industry takes center stage. According to an International Energy Agency report, China’s booming EV industry now accounts for nearly 60% of sales worldwide with Chinese car manufacturer BYD surpassing Tesla as the number […]

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February 22, 2024

The Heat: Israel-Hamas Conflict

Israel vowed a Rafah ground assault by Ramadan if hostages are not freed. Meanwhile, the International Court of Justice began hearings into the legality of Israel’s occupation of the West Bank, Gaza and East Jerusalem. Joining the discussion: Adnan Abu Hasna is UNRWA’s media advisor.  […]

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February 20, 2024

The Heat: African Union Summit

From education to conflict and instability, leaders at the African Union Summit in Ethiopia discuss the top priorities for the continent. Africa is facing numerous challenges including inadequate infrastructure, poor funding and armed conflict. Joining the discussion:  Hannah Wanjie Ryder is the CEO of Development […]

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February 19, 2024

The Heat: Munich Security Conference

Foreign policy leaders gathered in Germany for the Munich Security Conference to discuss security issues amid the escalating conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi spoke at the event, highlighting China’s efforts against the return of Cold War mentality.  Joining the discussion: […]

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February 16, 2024

The Heat: U.S. Politics

Former U.S. President Donald Trump and the Trump Organization are ordered to pay nearly $355 million in damages in his civil fraud case.

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February 13, 2024

The Heat: Israel-Hamas Conflict

It’s a cliche that the first casualty of war is the truth but cliches exist and are endlessly repeated because they are often true. Many critics have accused Western media of taking Israel’s side in the conflict. Today we pose the question: Is Western media […]

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February 12, 2024

The Heat: Lunar New Year 2024

Lunar New Year celebrations continue in China and around the world.  This year’s annual gathering of family and friends celebrates the Year of the Loong. Joining us: Gabriel Yin Yue is a CGTN correspondent in Beijing. Harlan Wong is the Director of San Francisco’s Chinese […]

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February 9, 2024

The Heat: Spring Festival 2024

China’s Spring Festival Gala kicked off the New Year on Friday. The week-long holiday starts the celebration of the Year of the Loong or Dragon. Watched by nearly 700 million people, it’s believed to be the world’s most-watched TV program. Joining us:  Yan Liang is […]

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February 7, 2024

The Heat: Social Media Controversy

The executives of the largest social media platforms were questioned in the U.S. Congress about the lack of safety for young people online. Parents claim that the unchecked content has led to child exploitation and even suicide. Is social media harmful to mental health? Joining […]

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February 6, 2024

The Heat: Israel-Hamas Conflict

Qatar’s prime minister said Hamas has given a “generally positive” response to a proposed truce deal with Israel, while reiterating its demand for an end to the Israeli assault on Gaza.  Joining the discussion:  Yossi Mekelberg is an Associate Fellow at Chatham House.  Negar Mortazavi […]

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February 5, 2024

The Heat: Black History Month

Historian and author Carter G. Woodson founded Black History Month in 1926 to celebrate the achievements of African Americans. It was also meant to educate Americans about the suffering of slaves to highlight the fight for civil liberties and the successful contributions of Black people […]

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February 2, 2024

The Heat: U.S. Politics

After months of negotiations, key U.S. Senators say they’ve reached a deal to overhaul the asylum system and manage the influx of migrants at the U.S.–Mexico border. Details are expected to be released with a possible vote next week on a national security package that […]

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February 1, 2024

The Heat: Latin America Roundup

The United States is considering closing the border to Mexico, as thousands of people try to enter the country to apply for asylum, fleeing poverty and violence. In Ecuador, a country once considered an “island of peace,” the president declared a state of emergency to […]

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January 31, 2024

The Heat: Israel-Hamas Conflict

About 27,000 Palestinians have been killed in Gaza as Israel presses ahead with the military campaign it says is aimed at destroying Hamas.  To discuss the latest on the Israel-Hamas conflict, our guests:  Hanan Ashrawi is a longtime Palestinian politician, leader, activist and scholar.  Dan […]

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January 30, 2024

The Heat: Pakistan-Iran Ties

Pakistan and Iran agreed to restore diplomatic ties and de-escalate tensions along their border following the recent tit-for-tat missile strikes. On Monday, foreign ministers from both countries met in Islamabad to mend relations. Joining the discussion:  Ali Akbar Dareini is a Researcher and Writer for […]

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January 29, 2024

The Heat: China-France Relations

China and France mark the 60th anniversary of diplomatic ties. France became the first Western country to normalize ties with China in 1964 and since then Sino-French relations have strengthened and expanded.  Today, France is China’s third-largest trading partner in the European Union, with bilateral […]

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January 26, 2024

The Heat: China-U.S. 45 Years of Diplomacy

China and the United States marked 45 years of diplomatic relations this year. Despite twists and turns over the decades, the relationship has kept forging ahead to the benefit of both countries and the world. To discuss the current state of the bilateral ties and […]

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January 25, 2024

The Heat: Israel-Hamas Conflict

Israeli forces are accused of attacking an aid distribution site in Gaza City and a United Nations training center sheltering Palestinians in Khan Younis. An estimated one million people forced to flee from the heavy fighting have crowded in the city of Rafah, near the […]

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January 24, 2024

The Heat: U.S. Presidential Race

Former U.S. President Donald Trump won another key contest in his quest to secure the Republican presidential nomination, but his remaining rival is not backing down. Can Nikki Haley turn it around? Joining the discussion: Rina Shah is a Political Strategist, Commentator and Founder and […]

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January 23, 2024

The Heat: G77 + China Summit

Leaders from the Group of 77 plus China agreed to move forward as a block in order to promote South-South cooperation, solidarity and a fairer global system for developing countries. More than 130 member states, plus China, took part in the third South Summit and […]

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January 23, 2024

The Heat: Red Sea Crisis

Commercial shipping vessels are making a long detour to avoid being targeted in the Red Sea. The Houthi have been launching attacks on ships in support of the Palestine cause in Gaza. The incidents have led to a disruption in global trade.  To talk more […]

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January 17, 2024

The Heat: China-Africa Ties

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi’s visit to Egypt, Tunisia, Togo and Cote d’Ivoire, continues the 34-year tradition of African countries being the first destinations of the new year.  China’s support has helped provide African countries with economic opportunities through its Belt and Road Initiative and […]

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January 16, 2024

The Heat: U.S. Presidential Election

Former U.S. President Donald Trump secured a resounding win in the first 2024 Republican presidential contest in Iowa, asserting his command over the party despite his legal troubles.  Joining the discussion: Adolfo Franco is an attorney and Republican strategist. Bill Crane is a political analyst […]

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January 15, 2024

The Heat: Israel-Hamas Conflict

UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres called for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire in Gaza, saying nothing can justify the collective punishment to the Palestinian people.  The Gaza Health Ministry says more than 24,000 Palestinians have been killed as the conflict crosses 100-day mark.  Joining the discussion: […]

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January 12, 2024

The Heat: China-Europe Ties

Chinese President Xi Jinping met with Belgian Prime Minister Alexander De Croo in Beijing. The two leaders agreed to strengthen ties and expand cooperation. President Xi also held talks with Finnish President Sauli Niinisto earlier this week. With a series of high-level engagements between China […]

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January 11, 2024

The Heat: U.S. Presidential Election

Former U.S. President Donald Trump declared his innocence and accused the judge of having his “own agenda” during closing arguments in his civil fraud trial.  Meanwhile, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis and former UN ambassador and South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley, clashed on a range of […]

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January 10, 2024

The Heat: CES 2024

The Consumer Electronics Show opened with cutting-edge technologies and gadgets for every home. Companies representing more than 150 countries and territories are showcasing their high-tech products in Las Vegas.  Our guests:  Lauren Fix is an automotive expert and Editor-in-Chief of Car Coach Reports.  Ray Wang […]

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January 9, 2024

The Heat: Brazil’s G20 Presidency

A year into his latest leadership term, Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva seeks to reunite his country while managing a G20 presidency. How does he plan to handle both? Joining the discussion:  Sourabh Gupta is a Senior Asia-Pacific international relations policy specialist at […]

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January 9, 2024

The Heat: Israel-Hamas Conflict

The Gaza Health Ministry says the number of people killed in the enclave since the start of the conflict with Israel in October is now over 23,000, including 9,600 children.   Meanwhile, Israel says it has begun a new phase of its operations in Gaza as […]

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January 5, 2024

The Heat: U.S. Politics

U.S. President Joe Biden told voters that his potential election opponent Donald Trump is a threat to democracy, the day before the third anniversary of the January 6 Capitol riot. Trump was impeached for allegedly inciting the mob that stormed Congress to stop Biden succeeding […]

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Some in Brazil against BRICS expansion
January 4, 2024

The Heat: BRICS Expansion

The BRICS group doubled its membership to ten countries. Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Egypt, Iran and Ethiopia officially joined the group of leading emerging economies.  The Chinese Foreign Ministry described the trade bloc as a positive and stable force for good in international […]

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January 3, 2024

The Heat: Israel-Hamas Conflict

Tensions are high after the alleged assassination of Hamas’ deputy leader Saleh al-Arouri in Beirut. Israel is being blamed for ordering the fateful drone strike.  There are growing fears the Israel-Hamas conflict could expand into a broader war involving other countries in the region.  Joining […]

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