Welcome to another episode of the GT Podcast with Mulan – a one-stop shop for the Global Times’ take on top China and global news.

On today’s podcast:

A Chernobyl moment in the US state of Ohio? What Chinese experts say about the danger of the toxic chemicals – and about toxic politics in the US?

In economic news, the head of the International Monetary Fund’s office in China shares his view on China’s economic recovery and what it means for the world.

An in-depth interview with Chinese Ambassador to France Lu Shaye – and a reminder for Europe: don’t try to "hit China with an ideological stick" and expect cooperation in return.

Also, has Australia become a proxy of the US? Former Australian diplomat John Lander has some dire warnings about Canberra engaging as a proxy for the US in a war against China.  

Finally, from our Culture Beat, an awkward reality for Western film companies that seek to reduce reliance on China: their films’ success largely depends on the Chinese market.