Sport diplomacy has been a central pillar in bridging cultural gaps and easing geopolitical tensions. In today's episode, Prof. DA Wei, Director of the Center for International Security and Strategy (CISS), sits down for an exclusive interview with Chinese basketball executive and former NBA star player YAO Ming. Yao will share his experience and insights on how sports foster cross-culture people-to-people dialogue, and discuss how globalization and healthy international relationships can continue to support sports' role as a bridge between individuals, nations, and cultures.

01:54Yao Ming discusses his professional life since stepping down as president of the Chinese Basketball Association.

03:26Yao Ming shares the philosophy and vision of the Yao Foundation's "Education Through Sports" initiative.

04:58What role does sports play in international relations and people-to-people exchanges?

07:08Yao Ming shares anecdotes from his time playing in the NBA.

08:48Sports diplomacy and U.S.-China relations.

11:16The new role and positioning of sports competition in the context of globalization.

12:00Healthy and constructive international relations benefit everyone.

14:09Sports competition platforms serve as bridges for cross-cultural exchange.

14:46Can the younger generation achieve a balance between academic studies and athletic pursuits—and if so, how?

Supervisor：Sun Chenghao

Podcast Producer：Guo Jia & Qian Jiatong

CF Assistant：Li Tszkin & Zhou Zhuyue