Premier Li Keqiang praises free trade

China's prime minister took to the stage in Dalian to deliver an opening speech on inclusive growth, free trade and China's place in the world on Tuesday. China is now the world’s second largest economy, and as many as 1,800 new companies were created last month, the premier said. "Inclusive growth means an equal society and development that benefits everyone," Li said, noting that to achieve these goals, free trade and international cooperation were key.

Smog-free bicycles roll out

Artist Daan Roosegaarde - best known for his smog tower that pulls pollution out of the air and turns it into diamonds - announced today that the "smog-free bicycle" could finally enter into production. The bike, which filters air as it wheels along, had been in the concept stage for a long time, but thanks to new partnership with both Beijing-based bicycle-sharing company Ofo and Eindhoven University of Technology, the scheme can finally get into gear.

China's New Silk Road: 'It's not a masterplan'

The New Silk Road, the $900 billion trade route being pioneered by China, is a "state of mind", and not part of a wider geopolitical strategy, said Kevin Lu, the Chairman of Partners Group in Asia, to the audience in Dalian. The giant infrastructure project could eventually mean $8 trillion in investment across 68 countries, ushering in a new era of globalization.

Can a digital world be fair?

"What can we do to make sure the coming revolution is truly inclusive?" asked participants in a session on equality in the digital age.

At Uber, there was not a culture of equality but of inequality, said Salesforce chief Mark Benioff; and no organization will escape the crisis of inequality. He also said that basic income would need to become a fundamental part of society. Meanwhile, Tharman Shanmugaratnam, Singapore's deputy PM, thinks that education will have to change.

But Jean Liu, President of Xiaoju - the company behind mobile taxi app Didi Chuxing, which has taken China by storm with more than 100 million users - points out that in providing access to mobility, organizations like hers are already doing a lot for inclusivity.

The secret to a long and happy life?

Best-selling author and National Geographic Fellow Dan Buettner has travelled the globe to find out the secret of happiness. And here he delivers his insights. There are nine things that you can do to achieve health and happiness, he says, among which are the delightful directives to take naps and drink wine. For the full story, read this article.

Who will govern blockchain?

A white paper, Realizing the Potential of Blockchain, published by the Forum during the meeting, outlined the important role blockchain could play in heralding a new era of the internet. But for China, the implications of the technology will be greater than for any other country, says co-author Don Tapscott.

Following the report's release, the share price of leading blockchain company Ethereum jumped more than 30%.

Jin Xing: 'Now it's China time'

Standing room only for this interview with one of China's most flamboyant TV personalities, Jin Xing.

A former colonel in the Chinese military, Jin was the first transgender woman in China to receive the government's approval to undergo a sex change. She now runs a dance studio and hosts her own TV show. Here's a video we made about her rise to fame:

AI is sending global GDP sky high

It's widely accepted that artificial intelligence will have a huge impact on our lives in the coming decades - but what's its value to the global economy?

According to a new PwC report, launched here in Dalian, global GDP will be 14% higher in 2030 as a result of AI. That's the equivalent of $15.7 trillion, more than the current output of China and India combined.

China shoppers are on the march

"A new consumer class is rising," says NewsAsia's Xueling Lin, and China's domestic market is rising with it.

Chinese consumption is growing by 10% a year, says a new report. That's faster than any other country on the planet. By 2021, China will add $1.8 trillion in new consumption - roughly the size of Germany’s consumer economy today.

Batteries are about to get weird