Social Good

Transportation has an immense impact on regional economies, the lives of commuters and workers, as well as the success of tourism. The China-Laos Railway is an example of how infrastructure can positively touch the lives of many.

Manzhouli, a city in the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, is home to a rare fusion of Russian, Chinese, Mongolian, and European cultures, all in one city. It’s also the largest land border port city in China, and serves as a window to East Asia for trade.

Mangroves shelter incredible biodiversity and sequester carbon at up to four times the rate of terrestrial forests. But their existence is threatened.

The United States created the world’s first national park, Yellowstone, in 1872. Since then, many countries have followed suit. Our Nature Contributor, Kyle Obermann interviewed Jon Jarvis, former director of the US National Park Service, taking you behind the scenes of the US-China national park collaboration.

The newly created Hainan Tropical Rainforest National Park is not only China’s southern-most terrestrial protected area, but it also is home to the largest contiguous swath of rainforest in the country… even larger than the state of Rhode Island. Here you can find about a third of China’s reptile species as well as the world’s most rare primate, the Hainan gibbon.

China is no longer the world’s most populous country. By 2050, the number of people aged over 65 in China is expected to double. These demographic and aging trends combined with rapid urbanization are steadily driving depopulation in China’s remote, mountainous, and agrarian areas closest to wildlife. How will these changing demographics affect the future of conservation in China?

Beyond nature reserves, national parks, and other protected areas, China has a recent addition to its habitat protection strategy that is less understood and seldom talked about - Ecological Conservation Redlines, or ecological redlines for short. They cover over a quarter of the country and provide the most widespread coverage of minimum “do not harm” protection standards across the country.

As economic downturns and geopolitical tenions udnermines stability, afocus must also remain on global health. American physician Keiji Fukuda is a former Assistant Director-General of the World Health Organization. He speaks with James Chau in our ongoing series, From The Well.

Qinghai Lake is one of China’s most standout beautiful places, but it's also a classic story of how the government is now prioritizing ecological conservation in the county’s most precious natural areas.

The connectivity of the ancient Silk Road lives on in modern day through China’s Belt and Road Initiative, which seeks to bridge countries and cultures through investment and economic development globally.

We are in the midst of a poaching crisis. More than 100 elephants are killed every day by impovrished humans turned poachers trying to make a livelihood selling elephant ivory, meat, and body parts to wealthy buyers. But, more than 5 years ago Chinese leadership banned the sale and purchase of ivory, more than halving the number of interested buyers in China in just a few years’ time. How does China’s stance on ivory continue to affect consumption and conservation?

China's railway system has received significant attention in recent years for its growing high-speed network. However, the country's older and slower “green trains” remain a crucial transportation option for millions of people annually.

Deep in the heart of China exists a thriving ecosystem of rare wildlife that live in the shadow of a lava plateau with more than a dozen small volcanoes. While this area is a nature-lover’s paradise, some of its protected animals are at risk of being hunted, and efforts are currently underway to safeguard the region's unique species.

With another year beginning and as we move towards China’s reopening post-pandemic, here are the five biggest stories from China’s nature over the last 12 months. From new national parks to lower emissions cities, it was another big year for the country’s push to go green.

Amidst the sprawling deserts of far-western China, the landscape is criss-crossed by the braided Tarim River. Where the river flows, natural life and human culture have existed for centuries against the constant encroaches of the great surrounding sea of sand. Kyle Obermann, Nature Contributor for the China Current, shares the story.

One of the longest river systems in the world is facing a series of challenges, and its fate will determine the lives of millions of people.

The Asian Crested ibis is one of the world’s most rare birds. And if it were not for a small group of conservationists in China’s remote and idyllic Qinling mountains, they may have completely vanished from the earth. Nature Contributor, Kyle Obermann, shares the story.

Public health has taken centre stage over the last few years, and for good reason. Our health as a global community impacts so very much of our livelihoods. With the most recent pandemic, China’s healthcare system has been the topic of a lot of discussion. Let’s take a look at China’s public health infrastructure— the largest medical system in the world.

The United Nations High Commission for Refugees was the first UN agency to be awarded the Nobel Peace Prize when it won in 1954 and again in 1981. This year, High Commissioner Filippo Grandi was invited to give a lecture at the Nobel Forum about Afghanistan and a way forward for its people. He spoke to our Host James Chau about the pursuit of a kinder and safer world.

Acupuncture is incredibly popular in China and its origins date back to the Stone Age.Over the years, this treatment has gained some momentum, and now people around the globe use acupuncture to help restore their health. This is the story of how a traditional Chinese therapy with an ancient history made its way across the globe.

During the last decade, China employed several key strategies to clean up its air. At the same time, these positive changes also reduced the country’s planet-harming outputs. Here’s how China achieved this win-win.

With our planet struggling to survive, it is more and more common to hear about extreme weather patterns. Ningxia in northwest China, is familiar with long droughts and the sound of camel bells. But local farmers are keeping the desert community safe with a grid structure made from wheat grass — an innovation that is also keeping poverty at bay. Our Host James Chau has more.

Roads, bridges and trains are not only examples of infrastructure but, in China, have helped ease conditions for millions of people living on poverty. Our Host James Chau looks at how they link them to basic services including health and education — and to opportunities that transform lives.

One of the world's historic waterways is experiencing a rebirth, having provided for its local communities for 2,500 years. The Grand Canal runs between Beijing and Hangzhou. In recent history, it's become polluted and cut-off from its original purpose. But now that's changing. Our Host James Chau shares the waterway’s history and its new future.

The world is having a food shortage crisis, propelled by rising prices, the conflicts in Ukraine, and the ongoing pandemic. But can we side-step this perfect storm? Grain supplies have been stable in China for many years, despite a history of hunger over hundreds if not thousands of years. Our Host James Chau looks at that story of pain, innovation, and overcoming the odds.

China's sinkholes are like nowhere else on earth and hold a wide diversity of possible new species and habitats. With the discovery and exploration of a new sinkhole this year, questions remain on how to best study and protect these places into the future.

China may be best known for its Great Wall, but is also has a series of walls carved into the sides of some of its mountains. It’s a feat of will, perseverance and innovation — and connects communities once isolated by geography. This story from our Host James Chau

Tanzania is a country in east Africa, that faces the Indian Ocean on one side, and a myriad of countries on the other. It's also where a teacher from China called Ya Ya is sharing her language, cuisine, and culture. It's a way of bringing young people closer together, but it also provides new skills that are matching them to jobs and opportunities. Our host James Chau tells us more.

In its push for a sustainable world, China has committed to planting and conserving billions of trees. This means almost a quarter of the country will be covered in forested land. Our Host James Chau looks at the vision for a peaceful and prosperous planet.

China has the world's fourth richest biodiversity. But 15,000 species of potentially endangered plants have been transferred to the National Botanical Garden in Beijing, where a special research team will conserve and manage their future for next generations. Plants are critical to providing food and oxygen — and also helps to ensure that our global ecosystem thrives. Thus, our survival depends on its own wellbeing. This story by our Host James Chau.

The future of jobs is a challenge for many parts of the world as young people find a way to learn and thrive during a pandemic, and as the global economy heads towards a possible recession. In Hong Kong, a youth employment scheme is trying to match college graduates to new opportunities, and broaden their horizons in the Greater Bay Area — an economic zone led by Hong Kong, Macau and Gangzhou. This story by our Host James Chau.

Laos has leapfrogged into the modern age with a high-speed railway that connects the capital, Vientiane, to the border town of Boten, and into the heart of Yunnan, a Chinese province known for its rich heritage. The country is a former kingdom in Southeast Asia, sprinkled with temples and monasteries, and blessed by the Mekong River that connect s it peop le to Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand, and China. Our Host James Chau tells the story of how innovation is connecting people.

Cities around the globe are racing to reach no-carbon status. China aims to reach this goal by 2060, and larger cities like Shenzhen, Beijing, and Guangzhou are leading the way to become the first no-carbon metropolises. But at the end of last year, a small city in northeastern China became the nation’s first to reach this achievement. Our Nature Contributor, Kyle Obermann, explores how China’s cities, large and small, are paving the way for a better future.

Mangoes are abundant in China, the second largest producer of the so called “king” of fruits. But the mango is not native to this part of the world — having only been introduced via Beijing in the late 1960s. Tasmin Little, Culture Contributor to The China Current, tells this story.

A grain of rice is hardly discernible to the eye, but those tiny specks are helping to answer the urgent question of hunger throughout the world. Our Host James Chau shares about the complexity of a basic human necessity.

In northern China, a canyon gapes through green mountains, exposing sheer rock faces sparkling with waterfalls. The Taihang Grand Canyon marks the dramatic end of northern China’s Taihang Mountain range, which curl down southward from northern Hebei, past Beijing, and into Henan province. Our Nature Contributor, Kyle Obermann, explores the park with us.

The Tibet highlands are so vast and remote that few have witnessed the region. This is the land that migratory antelope call home. Our Host James Chau shares their story.

There’s a lot of good things that happened for the environment in China last year.

Yading, a nature reserve in China, is one of the most enchanting places in the world. Our Nature Contributor, Kyle Obermann, shares how his 6-day trek through the mountains of this region inspired his work.

In April 2021 in a remote area of northeast China, a tiger bit a villager and damaged a car. The accident left many wondering if conservation efforts were working too well. Our Nature Contributor,Kyle Obermann, shares the symbolism and preservation story of China’s tigers.

Baijiu is a throat-searing, strong liquor infamous in China. It’s the dread of many ill-accustomed banquet guests. But for China’s forest rangers, it can also be a life-saving tool in the wild. Kyle Obermann, Nature Contributor for The China Current, shares his explorations with rangers in China’s remote regions.

Just outside the usually cold and dry city of Beijing, the hosting site for the Olympics posed challenges and opportunities for how humans coexist with nature. Kyle Obermann, Nature Contributor for The China Current, looks into Beijing’s efforts to reduce water waste and go net-zero for the Winter Olympics.

China’s one million rangers provide crucial educational bridges between leaders and locals, protecting the country’s wildlife. Kyle Obermann, Nature Contributor for The China Current, shares his experience working alongside China’s rangers — those on the frontline in remote natural habitats across the country.

China pushed protection of its outdoor spaces to the forefront in 2021, taking a number of important steps to better preserve our natural world. From cutting energy output to new tech, Kyle Obermann, Nature Contributor for the China Current, looks back at the top 10 green gains for China.

The China Current is on the road! We're taking our stories to schools and sharing the issues shaping the planet. In this video, our Host James Chau visits one class in Hong Kong.

Photographing in China’s remote wild areas can be rewarding and intense. Kyle Obermann, Nature Contributor for the China Current, shares his process for planning adventures, packing, and documenting his work.

As an on-the-ground nature photographer, Kyle Obermann has seen coastlines disappear, glaciers turn to water, and forests burn. As Nature Contributor for The China Current, he discusses the collaboration needed to protect the world’s most beautiful and remote places.

China and the United States have announced a new deal to work in collaboration for the good of the planet — to create frameworks and standards to bring new action. This agreement is an expression of what the world's two largest economies can achieve for humanity in addressing some of today's major global challenges. Our Host James Chau dives into the story.

Rainforests are hotbeds of species richness around the world. And among China’s sweeping canopies, we can learn so much about our world. Our Nature Contributor Kyle Obermann explores the China-Laos border, where conservationists from both sides are working together.

Extreme sports range from skydiving to mountain ziplines. But in China, villagers in poor and hard-to-reach areas have been using thick cables and a pulley system to cross rivers for years. It's a tiring and precarious journey. Our Host James Chau explores the consequences and how bridges have replaced ropes — bringing human hope and economic inclusion.

When one of the strongest typhoons on recent record hit Asia this month, neighbors and strangers stepped up to help one another. In southern China, stranded workers were protected by a chain of drivers who used their cars to protect them from high winds. This is just one instance of great acts of solidarity that communities witnessed during this troubling time. This story from our Host James Chau.

Trail running has become wildly popular in China. Along with it, plogging has emerged. ‘Plogging’ is a word still unfamiliar to many people. But it involves picking up trash while jogging — and in many parts of China, where a healthy planet is moving to the front, plogging is becoming all the rage. Our Nature Contributor Kyle Obermann travels and works extensively in China's wildlife. Here, he shares that experience.

China has more than 31,000 plant species and 6,000 animal species, with nearly 100 species unique to the country. Looking after flora and fauna are critical for safeguarding human health, our economy, and our future. All the more reason why China’s upcoming Kunming conference is so important. Our Nature Contributor Kyle Obermann shares this story.

China, the most populous country in the world, has a new plan for its future. Looking to forge a new path, China is set to make big promises in the way it creates and uses energy. Our Host James Chau shares how China’s moves will have a global impact.

This year has seen historic floods around the world. Some cities, like China’s Zhengzhou, are mitigating flooding by developing “sponge” infrastructure — designing better water collection and drainage systems while utilizing surrounding nature. Our Nature Contributor Kyle Obermann explores how cities are dealing with a changing world.

38 million are living with HIV today — a testament to the power of access, testing, and treatment. But many people continue to mourn the loss of friends and family who lost their lives in this global epidemic. Elhadj As Sy, Chair of the Kofi Annan Foundation, pays tribute to his classmate for whom life-saving medicines came too late. He speaks with our Host, James Chau.

One of the first people to warn the world of the pandemic was Elhadj As Sy. But the world did not respond. He points to denial, human arrogance, and an inability to act on the unknown. In this interview with our Host, James Chau, he speaks about Kofi Annan whose foundation he leads, and the life lessons the former UN Secretary-General leaves us.

“None of us are safe until we all are.” Elhadj As Sy is Chair of the Kofi Annan Foundation, focused on building resilience and solving global problems. Our Host James Chau interviews him for a three-part special on the future of health and humanity, and how all of us can serve our neighbors in this pandemic and others in times of need.

Ten per cent of the world's plant species can be found in China, including bamboo which also grows in other parts of Asia. Bamboo is a great alternative to plastics and multiple functions, from clothing to kitchen itensils, and food to scoffolding. Our Host James Chau tells the story of bamboo and how it plays a bdeeper role in the health of our planet.

Ge Yang is a phenomenal table tennis player — a world champion and winner of six Paralympic gold medals across the Athens, Beijing, London, and Rio games. At the age of six, he lost his right hand in an accident at home in Hebei, a province just outside of Beijing. He shares his story of becoming an Olympian. Our Host James Chau met with him in Bangkok, where they talked about the beauty of the human spirit, and how he ultimately triumphed not only in sports, but also in life.

The Summer Paralympics feature 4,400 of the finest athletes in the world. But this major sporting event also highlights disability and health, and the disproportionate impact during the current pandemic. Our Host James Chau explores the challenges in China through a six-time Paralympic table tennis champion, to a longtime champion for human dignity.This is their story.

There are less than 2,000 pandas roaming their native forests in China. But, they are having a comeback moment. Our Nature Contributor Kyle Obermann shares the panda’s story.

Deep in the mountainous forests of Yunnan, China is the Skywalker Gibbon, a rare mammal few have ever seen. Our Nature Contributor, Kyle Obermann, takes us up into the trees to learn more about this protected population of elusive animals.

Saying goodbye is never easy, especially after eight years as China's top envoy to the US. As Cui Tiankai bade farewell, we look back on his interview with our Host James Chau. They discussed the past, the future, and what all of us can do now to realize a better world.

Pandemic loss has underscored the importance of working towards a better world for all. Our Host James Chau speaks with international relations scholar, Chen Dongxiao, about how we can thrive together in a connected humanity.

China is working to better protect its undeveloped land. And with the opening of its new national park system, China is paving the way for a new model of interaction between people and the natural world. Nature Contributor Kyle Obermann explores China’s growing commitment to preserve its nature.

Global seed banks are securing the future of agriculture and produce. A Seed Bank in Kunming, China, is working to guarantee the global food supply by ensuring duplicates of hundreds of thousands of seeds. Our Host James Chau explores the purpose of seed banks and their contribution to our ever-changing world.

Malaria is one of the biggest challenges in the world, claiming 409,000 lives in 2019 alone. But in China, the disease has been eliminated, even though it was endemic for much of the 20th century. Our Host James Chau looks at the progress over decades, and how the efforts of scientists including Tu Youyou — the first Chinese woman to win a Nobel Prize — is creating a global turnaround against malaria.

Civilization has been cradled on the banks of rivers since human settlement began. Today, scientists and engineers alike are developing innovative new solutions to tap into the power of rivers to help combat droughts and provide clean water to millions of people. Our Host James Chau dives into China’s new, ambitious river projects.

Mountain by mountain, rural Chinese locals are winning the fight against poachers. Yu Jiahua, an elderly ranger, is leading this effort in his town. And not even an earthquake can stop him. Our Nature Contributor Kyle Obermann shares his story.

Nobel Laureate Muhammad Yunus has been awarded the Olympic Laurel at the Tokyo Summer Games. A few weeks ago, Professor Yunus organized a lecture where our Host James Chau interviewed Thomas Bach, Head of the International Olympic Committee. They discussed the role of sports in a pandemic, and why the need for global solidarity has led to a change in the Olympic motto.

China’s migrating elephants have captured the world’s attention. But why are they migrating? And how will this impact protection efforts in China? Our Nature Contributor Kyle Obermann explores the elephants’ journey.

Big cats and humans can coexist. And with the dedication of local people and leadership, there’s finally hope that the Chinese leopard will return to the outskirts of Beijing. Our Nature Contributor Kyle Obermann shares this story.

Millions of people are following the adventures of a group of Asian elephants that escaped their nature reserve in Yunnan province in China. Since then, they have trampled through rural farmland — causing over US$1 million in damage — and come close to dense urban centers. But through a global audience watching their journey on live stream, the elephants are triggering important questions: What caused them to leave their home? Where are they headed to? And can humans and endangered species peacefully coexist? Our Host James Chau opens this story, followed by a second part by Nature Contributor Kyle Obermann.

Tragedy struck in China last month when 21 trail race competitors were lost in extreme weather conditions. But in a testament to the strength of the human spirit, a local goat herder ventured from safety and rescued six people. He provided them with clothes, blankets, and a safe shelter until emergency responders arrived. This is his story. And may we remember the athletes and friends we lost.

In this special series with global health experts, we have been discussing how to push forward the frontlines for our young people. Sir Jeremy Farrar, Director of The Wellcome Trust, says the starting point is looking at today's problems with an updated, 21st-century approach. In this video, he draws on his knowledge in handling some of the greatest challenges of our times, including the return of H5N1 which he identified for the world. Science, he states, can never be divorced from social justice. He speaks with James Chau, Host of The China Current.

Sir Jeremy Farrar was recognized in the G7 Communiqué for his work on pathogen surveillance in this pandemic. But the Director of the Wellcome Trust also has plans to "liberate" the potential of science through a special program he calls "Leap', that funds unconventional ideas with human health outcomes in the next decade. He says the global scientific landscape is in danger of becoming conservative, even though the advances of the past year excites him. In this conversation with James Chau, Host of The China Current, Sir Jeremy shares his vision on improving the human condition.

Professor Sir Jeremy Farrar was a junior doctor in London when the global AIDS epidemic broke out. Forty years later, his memory is of the human suffering, the deaths in the gay community, and the inability of science to provide an answer. Today, the Director of the Wellcome Trust says challenges remain, and describes AIDS as the first zoonotic epidemic of the 20th century. He speaks with James Chau, Host of The China Current.

Forty years of AIDS is a landmark in human history. The global response has advanced science and galvanized communities in transformative ways. But people living with HIV continue to be shunned and rejected — which creates barriers to the treatment they need. In the 1980s, Dr. Margaret Chan was working in Hong Kong where she saw first-hand how this impacted one schoolboy and his family. She stepped in to help him. Decades later, that experience has not left her. She speaks with James Chau, Host of The China Current.

Until this year, over 200,000 fishermen made their living off one of the longest rivers in the world. The Yangtze River moves through 11 major areas in China including Sichuan, Tibet, and Shanghai. But now a fishing ban has been introduced to help restore fish populations. This story from our Host, James Chau.

Music has helped to heal us during the pandemic. Chinese concert pianist Wu Muye has played around the world, even at meetings of global leaders. The pianist and our Host James Chau reflect on the power of music to unite, especially during a time of global struggle.

Chinese concert pianist Wu Muye is known to have “golden fingers.” Born in China, Wu Muye began performing when he was just five years old. When he was fourteen, he moved to France to pursue music education. Today, Wu Muye is the only young, Chinese pianist who has ever received the Perfect Piano Performing Artist Medal by the French Ministry of Culture. Our Host James Chau speaks with the musician about his story, bridging China and France.

As a young child, Charles Ray's imagination was captured by National Geographic. As an adult, he served as an overseas envoy, moving to China in the early 1980s. He was stationed in Guangzhou and Shenyang — two cities in the south and northeast that were largely unknown to the outside world. Our Host James Chau speaks to Amb. Ray about his story, and how it began in a Texan town called Center.

Thru-trails are not your average hike— they can span thousands of miles and go deep into the wild.

The pandemic has brought many global problems to light. International epidemiologist, Dr. Michelle Williams, is a champion for the public health sector, and she believes that disease-prevention is key to addressing big issues. In this conversation with James Chau, Dr. Williams shares the wisdom she instills in her students as a professor and Dean of the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health.

The pandemic may have reshaped the world, but it has also triggered a surge of interest in public health education. Dr. Michelle Williams is Dean of the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, which is seeing record applications from students striving to serve. Born in Jamaica, she moved to America as a child. In this conversation with James Chau, she explores the skills students require to become the global health experts of tomorrow — listening, analyzing, and communicating with communities — and the vision she brings to her role as an advisor to the Tsinghua Vanke School of Public Health.

It’s World Hand Hygiene Day! Handwashing has been one of the ultimate fighters of the pandemic. Hand hygiene expert, Dr. Myriam Sibidé, shares how the simple ingredients of soap and water can change lives.

“We must look at this time as an opportunity to renew and reconnect.” Siddharth Chatterjee is now the new Resident Director in China for the UN, after serving several years doing similar work in Kenya. He hopes that the progress made in Kenya can reflect and inspire his work in China. Our Host James Chau speaks with Siddharth Chatterjee about how we can keep on track with solving big, global problems, even though the pandemic has set us back.

Happy Earth Day! The China Current shares the stories of our natural world and those who work to protect it. On this Earth Day, nature photographer and Special Contributor Kyle Obermann reminds us that our health and wellbeing are deeply connected with the Earth.

The UN works hard to fight poverty, create access to medicine, and protect the planet. Siddharth Chatterjee is now its Resident Coordinator in China, after serving in the same role in Kenya. Now, he oversees how the organization shapes opportunities for the most populous country on earth. Our Host James Chau asks him about his formative years in India — and how the UN is improving the human condition.

For a decade, Dr. Margaret Chan served as the world’s health chief. Now, she is the Founding Dean of Tsinghua Vanke School of Public Health, a center of innovation in Beijing that seeks to link "health" to "humanity" in a time of global need. It is reinventing how we approach health by addressing big global challenges in parallel, from the planet to the current pandemic. This is the first episode of 'From The Well', a new conversation series where our Host James Chau sits down with global experts.

For over a year, we’ve responded to the pandemic by bringing you voices, stories and interviews. Now, we redouble our commitment with From The Well — a new series where James Chau converses with global experts in health and explores the social and economic dimensions. Join us as we begin this new journey.

China has more plant and animal species than any other country in the world, besides Brazil and Columbia. And while China’s rapid development came at the cost of many natural habitats, China is planning a comeback for its wildlife. Special Contributor Kyle Obermann explores China’s wildlife protection efforts— and the country’s vast diversity of animal life.

hina’s giant pandas capture hearts across the globe, but human encroachment remains their biggest problem. With fewer than 2,000 pandas left in the wild, what can we do to help them thrive? In the Guanba Community Protected Area, forest rangers spend weeks at a time in China’s dense forests working to protect the panda and its habitat. Special Contributor Kyle Obermann explores the panda’s history and the challenging work of China’s forest rangers to protect these gentle giants.

The broader Asian community needs our support. The shocking incidents, particularly over the past year, mirror the historical complexities in human relations. But the rise of anti-Asian sentiment has also seen our communities stand-up in solidarity. Our Host James Chau reflects on how his childhood experiences fuel his present work with stigmatized communities, and calls us to come together for a common, greater good.

Twenty-six years ago, a milestone event took place in Beijing that reshaped opportunities for women globally. The 1995 Women's Conference gained a stronger voice for civil society, and provided a platform for minority groups unheard from before. As Women's History Month draws to a close, our Host James Chau draws on his work in global health and the sustainable development goals, to unpack what the historic struggle means for us today.

Asian community is experiencing loss and pain. At this important time, we want to pay tribute to Vincent Chin, whose passing in Detroit was a watershed moment for people of color in the 1980s. It unified Chinese, Japanese, Koreans, Vietnamese, Koreans and more in an expression of resounding unity. Our Host James Chau spoke to his cousin about the lessons Vincent offers us especially today — and what it means to be Chinese and Asian in America.

There must be a strong partnership between people regardless of gender to advance society. Our Host James Chau speaks with Global Health 50/50 Co-Founder, Professor Kent Buse, about the role men could better play in family, work, and leveling the playing field. The Gender Sessions is a new series, presented in partnership with Global Health 50/50. It explores the human stories behind gender and health.

Professor Sarah Hawkes dreams of a world where all people have the opportunity to thrive. The medical doctor and director of the Centre for Gender and Global Health at University College London, reflects on the legacy of the Beijing Declaration and the 1995 Beijing Women’s Conference — a space that united all people and empowered generations of women. The Gender Sessions is a new series, presented in partnership with Global Health 50/50. It explores the human stories behind gender and health.

Progress is never a straight path forward. Anna Purdie, the Global Health 50/50 Program Manager, reflects on International Women’s Day and the legacy of the Beijing Women’s Conference. She emphasizes how both events compel us to further safeguard the progress we’ve made. The Gender Sessions is a new series, presented in partnership with Global Health 50/50. It explores the human stories behind gender and health.

The road to representation has taken different paths around the globe. Tiantian, a researcher at Global Health 50/50, shares how the women’s movement in China brought about more representation of women in mass media and a new understanding and structure to the work of civil society. The Gender Sessions is a new series, presented in partnership with Global Health 50/50. It explores the human stories behind gender and health.

The Gender Sessions is a new series, presented in partnership by The China Current and Global Health 50/50. It explores the human stories behind gender, health and equality — and honors the work of women, men and gender nonconforming people everywhere. In the run-up to International Women's Day, we spoke to some of the experts extending that legacy including Dr. Zahra Zeinali, an Iranian physician who is based in Berlin. She looks back at the Beijing Women's Conference, a landmark event in 1995 that provided a platform for action and unleashed liberation movements globally. Special thanks to Global Health 50/50 and its co-directors, Professor Dr. Sarah Hawkes and Professor Kent Buse.

As we move into a new and hopefully improved year for humanity, The China Current looks back at the major placemarkers of 2020 when love ultimately endured in an unfamiliar and challenging landscape for everyone. We told many important stories — from the outbreak epicenters to across the planet and we thank you for joining us on this journey of solidarity. Special appreciation to Dr. Margaret Chan, Professor Sharon Lewin, Professor Peter Piot, Filippo Grandi, Lena Li, Dr. Takeshi Kasai, Dr. Vanessa Kerry, Professor Jeffrey Sachs, Professor Muhammad Yunus, Erna Solberg, Attica Scott, and Lateefah Simon.

While the global pandemic has delayed efforts to save our natural world, it’s also brought people and nations together. Mary Robinson is Chair of The Elders, a group of global peace champions founded by Nelson Mandela. With our Host James Chau, she explores what it means to defend the multilateral system, and the future for China as we heal from the pandemic.

While the global pandemic has delayed efforts to save our natural world, it’s also brought people and nations together. Mary Robinson is Chair of The Elders, a group of global peace champions founded by Nelson Mandela. With our Host James Chau, she explores what it means to defend the multilateral system, and the future for China as we heal from the pandemic.

The International Space Program has continued to prove what we can accomplish when we collaborate with one another. Former NASA astronaut Ron Garan believes that sharing the wonder of space brings us together. Our Host James Chau and Colonel Garan explore the significance of international collaboration and how space serves as a great unifier.

Amidst a pandemic that continues to shake the world, we sometimes need reminding that we really are “all in this together.” Astronaut Ron Garan knew he wanted to be an astronaut since he was a child when Neil Armstrong landed on the moon. Now, after 178 days in space and completing four spacewalks, he offers us an “orbital perspective” on the unity of humanity that becomes clear when looking at our planet from afar. Our Host James Chau speaks with Colonel Garan about the awe and wonder of space — and the contrast with the fear and anxiety in the world today.

It’s hard to fathom the vastness of North America’s expansive Yellowstone National Park, yet in China, Sanjiangyuan National Park is three times larger. This park is filled with wildlife and different ecosystems, and also provides water for most of Southeast Asia. Photographer Kyle Obermann has a passion for preserving the massive diversity of these ecosystems and biomes. But perhaps most significantly, he’s learned that conservation and people go hand in hand—you can’t disconnect the two.

Texas native and photographer, Kyle Obermann, moved to China to continue his studies. In China, he used language learning as a tool for good, and activated his passion for the natural world to become a nature photographer. Kyle decided to stay in China when he finished school. He noticed a gap in stories about China— and sought to fill that gap with visual storytelling. Our Host James Chau and Kyle Obermann meet up in Hong Kong to reflect on his unique journey.

When we say it was a year like no other, we really mean that. Through a tough year for all, love endures—uniting us in moments of doubt and pain. We want to thank you for following us in 2020 as we told many important stories—from the outbreak epicenters to across the Pacific. And we express special thanks to our guest speakers for sharing their stories during an unprecedented time. We wish all of you a Happy New Year. Appreciation to Dr. Margaret Chan, Professor Sharon Lewin, Professor Peter Piot, Filippo Grandi, Lena Li, Dr. Takeshi Kasai, Dr. Vanessa Kerry, Professor Jeffrey Sachs, Professor Muhammad Yunus, Erna Solberg, Attica Scott, and Lateefah Simon.

This is the year when everything changed. When gains on poverty reversed. When progress against hunger stopped. When so many issues had to once again take a back seat. In one of our final episodes of the year, our Host James Chau reflects on the challenges of the times— and hope for the future.

The World Banks says for the first time in a quarter of a century, global extreme poverty is on the rise—reversing decades of progress. It predicts the "new poor" will increasingly occur in urban areas, where lockdown and social distancing is already causing social and economic strife. But, in China, poverty is in reverse. Since the late 1970s, hundreds of millions of people have escaped hardship and hunger in an ongoing campaign—and, now, the country says extreme poverty in rural areas has been eliminated. Our Host James Chau looks at the story of one ethnic group in Sichuan Province, where a mountain once separated the Yi people from achieving a better life.

Chinese painter Lu Xinjian has worked with brands like Nike and Beats by Dre. And his canvas is the world—finding inspiration in the geometry of satellite maps, turning them into intricate, abstract masterpieces that he calls “City DNA.” Xinjian speaks with our Host James Chau about his creative process and shows us the world from his artistic view.

Sichuan, China is known internationally for many reasons, and its identity can’t be limited to just one of its treasured exports— its cuisine, its music, or its iconic giant pandas native to the province. At the heart of modern Sichuan are the twin cities of Chengdu and Chongqing, which stand as a hub for both tech and pop culture. Between exporting the majority of the world’s smart devices and sharing its remarkable food culture with the world, Sichuan province represents a dynamic fusion of modern trends. Our Host James Chau introduces Sichuan in the 21st century, and why it is the next big thing brewing in southwestern China.

Five years ago, the world came together in Paris to work in solidarity for the planet. Our Host James Chau revisits a conversation with Jane Goodall—to share a message of community at a time when we need it most. Jane Goodall is a household name, famous for her work with primates. Now, as the world is facing a plethora of crises all at once, she is using her voice to fight for a brighter future for our shared world.

As Chair of the Elders, Mary Robinson advocates for peace and justice for everyone. In this special conversation with our Host James Chau, the former leader of Ireland shares her insights on how we can achieve a future with the wellbeing of our planet at the center. In honor of the fifth anniversary of the Paris Agreement, The China Current presents this special conversation with Mary Robinson.

In honor of the fifth anniversary of the Paris Agreement to fight climate change, The China Current presents a special, three-part conversation with Mary Robinson, Chair of The Elders. Our Host James Chau speaks with the former President of Ireland and former UN Human Rights Commissioner about the climate justice she envisions for us all, and the global solutions to a global problem. We live in a time when priorities are rapidly shifting. But, with or without COVID-19, our planet needs saving now.

In honor of the fifth anniversary of the Paris Agreement to fight climate change, The China Current presents a special, three-part conversation with Mary Robinson, Chair of The Elders. Our Host James Chau speaks with the former President of Ireland and former UN Human Rights Commissioner about the climate justice she envisions for us all, and the global solutions to a global problem. We live in a time when priorities are rapidly shifting. But, with or without COVID-19, our planet needs saving now.

In honor of the fifth anniversary of the Paris Agreement to fight climate change, The China Current presents a special, three-part conversation with Mary Robinson, Chair of The Elders. Our Host James Chau speaks with the former President of Ireland and former UN Human Rights Commissioner about the climate justice she envisions for us all, and the global solutions to a global problem. We live in a time when priorities are rapidly shifting. But, with or without COVID-19, our planet needs saving now.

With over 7.5 billion people on this planet, our consumption of energy is immense. But finite natural resources are harming our planet, leaving many countries searching for cleaner and more efficient energy. China, the world’s top energy consumer, is independently developing a next-gen power program. Our Host James Chau explores the need for clean and renewable energy.

This year, the US and China are both conducting nationwide censuses. Due to health concerns, China’s 1.4 billion people will be counted digitally to limit person-to-person contact. Our Host James Chau looks at how censuses affect the distribution of resources and services to communities within their borders.

Protecting and promoting mental health is more important than ever before. Many of us have lost the stability that employment and community provides, and in some cases we have lost our loved ones. As the pandemic elevates action on global wellbeing, our Host James Chau explores the state and perceptions of mental health in China, where stigma and a lack of resources create a challenging environment—a reality mirrored in other societies. As World Mental Health Day approaches, we share a story of hope.

The UN General Assembly represents 193 member states across the world, tackling security and peace challenges on a global scale. While it is custom to meet in person, leaders will be meeting digitally this year. Our Host James Chau dives into the front and center issue: protecting the planet and health, and the importance of multilateralism, especially during pandemic times.

Food shortages have been a persistent issue for humans since the dawn of mankind. Today, there are many non-profit initiatives fighting boldly to ensure people are properly fed. But on the other side of this issue is food waste, which many of us don’t realize is part of the same problem. Our Host James Chau explains how conscious consumption of food is as important as ever, and how accurate portion sizes can help address a range of critical issues.

People living with HIV have faced unique and life-threatening challenges during the pandemic, with lockdown and social distancing disrupting basic health services, medicine, supplies, and fundraising. Our Host James Chau speaks with Andrew Chidgey, Chief Executive of AIDS Concern, a non-profit in Hong Kong, about how people living with HIV can safely negotiate the unfamiliar future, while also protecting themselves at a time of increased stigma and discrimination.

This month marks the 75th anniversaries of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. Now, The Elders, led by Mary Robinson and Ban Ki-moon, are gathering the world for a digital remembrance, and calling on leaders to never let this happen again. Our Host James Chau tells the story of this day in history.

“Both of my parents never finished high school, but they believed firmly in education.” China’s rise from poverty in the 80s was a herculean feat, lifting millions up by expanding trade and industry and building a more robust education system. The result was families like Elvis’, who, in a single generation, were able to rise above poverty. Elvis shares his childhood stories and family history with our Host James Chau.

In 1982, a bachelor party in Detroit suddenly turned into a night of tragedy, and ultimately ignited a movement. In this episode, we speak with the cousin of Vincent Chin, the victim of a hate crime in the 80s. Our Host James Chau dissects this moment in American history that united Asian communities together to fight for justice.

“As much as my experience as an American is not monolithic, I want to express that the Chinese experience is not monolithic at all.” When recent college graduate Maia arrived in China from the U.S., she experienced first-hand a fast developing nation with a rich, relatable culture. Maia speaks with our Host James Chau about her learnings and feelings brought about by her visit to China, as well as the resilience of recent graduates who are entering into a very uncertain future.

Elvis Cao works at Cornell University’s Erickson Lab, converting CO2 to sustainable fuel. He reasons that one of the biggest issues with the conversation around sustainability is that there is little mention of the economic benefits. The project he works on, called HI-Light, aims to change the narrative surrounding large scale sustainability operations and to redefine CO2 as a resource, not a liability. In partnership with One Young World, our Host James Chau met Elvis in London, where they discussed the environment and innovation for the future of our planet.

The pandemic has exposed many issues in our global society, highlighting the need for change at a fundamental level. One such issue is how the harmful practices of global industry are harming our planet. As countries around the world begin to recover and move to rethink how their people live and work, it’s important that that process moves towards sustainability. Our Host James Chau and London-based Contributing Editor Laura de Belgique discuss the idea of a global green recovery—and building our future after the pandemic more sustainably, from the ground up.

The pandemic has exposed a world of finite resources stretched thin. Experts have long warned that our relationship with our natural resources is unsustainable, and yet consumption of fossil fuels and natural gas continues to hit record highs. New resources must be adopted for the survival of the planet, and our existing infrastructure must be updated to use them. Our Host James Chau explores how global powers are demonstrating a commitment to a greener future, and investing in new technology.

Culture plays a unique role in bringing peace, tolerance, and understanding to a world that is often divided. History, art, film, and music are ways to connect with people across social and physical boundaries. And these connections are enhanced by today’s technology and social media. Our Host James Chau explores the impact of today's leading apps, celebrities interacting with their followers, and a rural Chinese vlogger with more 11 million YouTube subscribers.

Xu Liu is a research engineer whose Chinese name literally translates to “Morning Sun”. Coincidentally, her scientific work at Cornell University has her working on how to improve solar energy collection, as well as improving air quality. In partnership with One Young World, our Host James Chau met Xu Liu in London, where they discussed the work of advancing eco-friendly goals and how sharing a hometown with Confucious has given her a distinctive worldview.

In a time of pandemic, leaders in science, policy, and civil society are needed more than ever. From fighting stigma to funding research, the AIDS 2020: Virtual conference shines a light on how public health affects how we all live on this earth. In partnership with AIDS 2020: Virtual, our Host James Chau speaks with Dany Stolbunov, an activist in Eastern Europe and Central Asia—areas that are seeing the fastest-growing AIDS epidemic in the world today.

The China Current is honored to partner with AIDS 2020: Virtual – the world's biggest conference on global health. In a time of COVID-19, its leadership on science, policy and civil society is needed more than ever. From fighting stigma to funding research, the conference shines a light on how public health affects how we all live on this earth. As part of AIDS 2020: Virtual, James Chau interviewed Sir Elton John, David Furnish, Dany Stolbunov – and in this video, Winnie Byanyima, the Executive Director of UNAIDS.

The China Current has a commitment to the global future, and as such we are very proud to partner with One Young World, the global forum for young leaders. Our Host Hanes Chau went to London, to its annual summit, to meet Nana Xu, an artist and filmmaker who uses culture as a gathering point for people, ideas, and purpose.

The 21st century has brought many global firsts. Soon, at the start of 2021, the world’s most populous country will implement its first civil code—a set of laws protecting the rights of people and businesses, from marriage to property, and data privacy. We unpack the details on how China will enter into its next phase as a nation, and what that means for the future.

With all that is going on, we wanted to share a story of hope and renewal—of a rural community on the edge of a cliff that has found new purpose and hope. Atulie'er is a Chinese clifftop village accessible only by a steel staircase. 2,600 feet separate the village from basic services like schools and hospitals, and almost detached from the modern world, it has become a symbol of perseverance. Now, most of the families, who belong to the Yi ethnic minority, are moving out. They have relocated to the valley below where they have new homes and the prospect of new jobs and a new life. Other households have chosen to stay behind, as Atulie’er will be protected as a cultural heritage site.

Although they are not with us today, our ancestors shine a continuous reflection on our lives, influencing our perceptions and interactions with the world in subtle yet powerful ways. In her latest film—The Farewell—actor, author, comedian, and rapper, Awkwafina returns to her Asian roots—telling the story of her grandmother’s last days and the ancestral background underpinning a new generation. It reveals the cultural nuances of an American woman finding comfort—and conflict—with her family’s heritage. Our Host James Chau speaks to our Contributing Editor Laura de Belgique about the importance of identity and ancestry.

After living, marrying, and starting his family in the US, First Chief Executive of Hong Kong Tung Chee-hwa says that Hong Kong is ready to return the kindness that the West afforded him in his youth. Situated at the southern coast of China, Hong Kong serves as a financial center for Asia and the world.

Jane Goodall, one of history's most influential primatologists, has spent her life dedicated to studying chimpanzees and advocating for animal conservation. Now, with the environment more vulnerable than ever, Goodall believes it will take global efforts to create a more sustainable future. We recently discussed with her the steps the international community must take to create a world that is viable for all living things. Watch her interview with James Chau for more.

Lakes and rivers function as the lifeblood of most societies, cultivating cities, cultures, and human growth. But as economic development accelerates, factors like population density and pollution have begun to seriously harm our waterways.

Gillian and Ted live in Shanghai with their three children, and like everyone else there, they’ve had to adapt to the city’s new strict waste sorting rules.

The world is fighting a global war on waste that threatens to overrun our planet, and China is on the frontlines of the unprecedented battle.

Doutzen Kroes is not only one of the world's most famous supermodels, she's also a passionate conservationist and a global ambassador for Knot On My Planet, an organization dedicated to saving the elephants.

In the final part of our conversation with Tung Chee-hwa, First Chief Executive of Hong Kong, Mr. Tung discusses how China’s transformation out of an impoverished, isolated country has contributed to global peace. Since China's opening-up to the world, and the establishment of ties with the U.S., no American soldier has died on a battlefield in East Asia. He also shares his thoughts on how looking back can help us move forward, and how it’s up to the stakeholders including the young people of today to make the world a better place to live.

In the second part of our interview with Tung Chee-hwa, First Chief Executive of Hong Kong, we discuss the impact and legacy of a historic meeting between the leaders of the U.S. and China in the midst of the Cold War, and China's momentous decision to reform and open-up.

In Part 1 of the interview, Tung Chee-hwa, the First Chief Executive of Hong Kong, shares his personal story of living and working in the U.S., how people from different backgrounds and cultures can achieve better trust and understanding with one another ...

150 years ago, the First Transcontinental Railroad was completed, revolutionizing travel in the U.S. by linking the east and west coasts with 1,912 miles of track.

Dr Bright Eric Ohene is a cardiovascular surgeon at Beijing’s Anzhen Hospital, where he uses innovative approaches to improving the health of his patients.

The largest gathering of world leaders has kicked-off in New York, but what do they do? James Chau takes you behind and around the scenes at the UN General Assembly, where climate change, universal health coverage, and the Sustainable Development Goals are the headliners this year.

Six months ago, when we launched The China Current, we promised to bring you up close to fascinating people shaping our shared global future. Six months later, James Chau looks back at some of those stories.

The China Current is excited to present a new series called “My Story”, which documents the personal journeys of young people we’ve met across China and shares the feelings and aspirations they have at this point in their lives. This week, we meet Tina Yang, who works in Shezhen's fast-developing tech industry.

The China Current is proud and excited to present a new series called My Story, which documents the personal journeys of young people we meet across China, and shares with you the feelings they have at this point in their lives. This summer, we traveled to Shenzhen, a 'young' city in an 'old country', that has carved out a new reputation for itself as one of the major centers of innovation. In this first episode, we meet Jadon Zhong, who works for a tech startup.

‘How to Make a Difference’ is the title of the new book by two architects of a global youth movement: Ella and Kate Robertson.

Vali Nasr is one of America's best-known academics, as former Dean of the Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies.

Former Hong Kong Chief Executive Tung Chee-hwa hosted a special gathering in July with American and Chinese alike to explore the opportunities that lie ahead for the international community in these tumultuous times.

Shanghai needs very little introduction – but there’s so much to say. This city of over 26 million people is one of the most dynamic in the world: its cosmopolitan past is on display with the historical architecture along the Bund, while its innovative future is underpinned by the skyscrapers that stand on former farmlands in the financial center of Pudong. James Chau takes you inside "the city that belongs to everyone".

For 14 years, Goh Chok Tong was Singapore's Prime Minister. Today, he serves as the country's Emeritus Senior Minister, and uses his skills as a global statesman to find solutions to some of our greatest challenges.

Neil Bush has been to China more than 140 times. His first trip was in 1975, when millions of Chinese were experiencing the Cultural Revolution and when his father President George HW Bush was chief of the U.S. Liaison Office in Beijing. Bush compares the China he knew 'then' to the China he knows 'now'. He speaks to James Chau on this episode of The China Current.

Professor Ilona Kickbusch is one of the world's foremost thinkers and visionaries on global health. A key architect of the 1986 Ottawa Charter, one of the most vital international agreements on health promotion, her innovative work has transformed the world and our most vulnerable communities in particular. Currently at Geneva’s Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies, Ilona has had a distinguished career, including at the World Health Organization and Yale University. She has also helped train many of today’s health leaders in China. In this interview, James Chau brings her back to her early years in India, and how being the child of a German diplomat helped shape her career and the influence she continues to exercise.

In just a few days, Katja Iversen, President and CEO of Women Deliver, will host the world's largest conference on gender equality in Vancouver, Canada, featuring heads of state among 9,000 delegates from 170 countries. James Chau speaks with Katja as she looks back at her life and the experiences that shaped her conviction to lead her movement for equality. She discusses what it will require to create a world that is fairer, and why she thinks China is so far down The Global Gender Gap Report.

As the 72nd World Health Assembly convenes in Geneva this week, Part 2 of the conversation with Professor Sharon Lewin reminds us just how important global cooperation on health is. For over 20 years, Professor Lewin has been on the cusp of 'discovery' - the discovery of an elusive AIDS cure, and in the process, the discovery of how we can all live safer and healthier lives. In an era when SARS, Ebola, Zika and various strains of avian influenza have become a norm, she references her work on one of the greatest epidemics in history - HIV and AIDS - to help us anticipate the next great global health emergency, and how we can prepare ourselves. This interview with James Chau was recorded in July 2018 at the International AIDS Conference in Amsterdam.

For over 20 years, Professor Sharon Lewin has been on the cusp of 'discovery' - the discovery of an elusive AIDS cure, and in the process, the discovery of how we can all live safer and healthier lives. In an era when SARS, Ebola, Zika and various strains of the avian flu have become a norm, her work on one of the greatest epidemics in history - HIV and AIDS - can help us anticipate the next great global health emergency, and how we can prepare ourselves. This interview with James Chau was recorded in July 2018 at the International AIDS Conference in Amsterdam.

I was recently invited to The Carter Center's commemoration of the 40th anniversary of U.S.-China relations in Atlanta, where I met Professor David Lampton - a foremost thinker on the two countries. In this podcast, he describes his early adventures as a student in the 1960s, the way he centers his work through people and their voices, and how he has built a career around two fascinating countries and the world they shape.

The gender equality movement is building unprecedented momentum around the world, including in China. But what are the issues at stake, and how far are we from achieving genuine and meaningful equality for all? James Chau speaks to Ruth Lawlor and Kent Buse of Global Health 50/50 in New York.

In January, when I interviewed Jimmy Carter, the former president told me that one way forward for the U.S. and China was to create a group of wise men and women who can guide the future relationship. Carter said he will send that suggestion to President Donald Trump - who has just confirmed that the two men have spoken. Also, Professor Wang Jisi of Peking University reacts to a New York Times report of limited visas for Chinese academics.

Millions of young Chinese are heading West to study, transforming the educational experiences of Chinese and Americans alike. Nini Suet is enmeshed in this world. The Beijing-born Princeton grad started an education business that tutors young Chinese for boarding schools in America, and prepares them to interact with an entirely new culture. She talks to James Chau about the magic that happens when these Chinese young people come together to with their American counterparts.