The 2025 International Congress of Basic Science is now underway in Beijing. The event draws over a thousand scholars from China and abroad, including Nobel Laureates, Fields Medalists, and Turing award winners.

But in a world increasingly driven by fast results and commercial returns, why does basic science still matter? What happens when artificial intelligence begins solving problems that once took humans years or even decades? And can science still be a shared human endeavor in an era of rising geopolitical tension?

Host Zhao Ying is joined by Zhang Fan, Associate Professor of Astronomy Department of Beijing Normal University; Quentin Parker, Director of Laboratory for Space Research, University of Hong Kong; Andy Mok, Tech Analyst and Senior Research Fellow at the Center for China and Globalization

① China has rejected NATO chief Mark Rutte’s warning that Brazil, China and India could be hit by secondary US sanctions if they maintain trade with Russia. Why is Rutte’s remark unhelpful to ending the Ukraine crisis? (00:55)

② China has established partnerships with over 80 countries and regions in intellectual property cooperation over the past five years. We take a look at what China has achieved in IPR protection during its 14th five-year plan. (13:27)

③ We speak to Benjamin Wong, Head of Transport & Logistics and Industrials at InvestHK, on how Hong Kong is positioning itself as a global supply chain hub. (24:59)

④ Israel has launched heavy airstrikes on Syria, claiming to defend Druze minorities. What could happen next? (34:03)

⑤ What has prompted the Trump administration to revoke federal funding for California’s high-speed rail project? Do high-speed railways fit America’s economic conditions? (42:12)

① The third China International Supply Chain Expo has opened in Beijing. How much does the willingness of the business community matter when it comes to safeguarding the stability of global supply chains? (00:57)

② China has announced that it will host the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit from August 31 to September 1. How can SCO stay true to its original aspiration and carry forward the Shanghai Spirit? (13:20)

③ A conversation with David Jonathan Gross, a Nobel Laureate and preeminent figure in theoretical physics. (25:12)

④ China is slamming Japan’s new defense white paper over allegations of the so-called China threat. Does it make sense to describe China as Tokyo’s “greatest strategic challenge”? (34:22)

⑤ The Trump administration is launching a probe into Brazil’s trade practices. Does Brazil deserve such a treatment? (43:19)