Asia Specific

Epizode

• Is North Korea getting richer? 23.06.2026 17min

  North Korea and Russia are about to open their first road bridge connection, deepening a partnership that has rapidly expanded since Moscow's invasion of Ukraine. The growing relationship is helping fuel one of the most surprising stories in Asia today: North Korea's economy appears to be performing far better than many expected.New housing projects are transforming Pyongyang, consumer activity has picked up and Russia has emerged as a major new source of revenue for Kim Jong Un's regime.Also, North Korea's use of cryptocurrency theft is growing while sanctions are being bypassed. But how much of this is a genuine economic transformation, and how much is a carefully managed showcase? And are ordinary North Koreans outside the capital seeing any benefits from the influx of new money?In this episode of Asia Specific, host Mariko Oi speaks with BBC Seoul correspondent Jake Kwon and Wall Street Journal reporter Dasl Yoon about what has changed inside North Korea since the pandemic, the rise of Pyongyang's new wealth, how business really operates inside one of the world's most secretive economies, and whether closer ties with Russia are reshaping North Korea's future.Asia Specific brings you essential insights and conversations on the stories shaping the Asia Pacific region - an economic powerhouse, geo-political flashpoint and the birthplace of global cultural trends.Asian perspectives on international issues and in-depth analysis on news from a region that’s home to nearly 2.5 billion people. Whether it is the latest on trade between China and Donald Trump, the rise and fall of political dynasties in Thailand, Indonesia, and the Philippines, or South Korea’s K-pop inspired soft power strategy - we unpack what key players are thinking and dive into the stories that matter. Hosted in Singapore by Mariko Oi alongside BBC experts in Beijing, Bangkok, and beyond – listen to new episodes twice a week. Get in touch: asiaspecific@bbc.co.uk
• Will Japan turn away from pacifism? 19.06.2026 20min

  Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi says she wants a vote on amending Japan's constitution, reviving a debate that could reshape the country's Self-Defence Forces, its alliance with the US, and relations across Asia.Japan's post-war constitution has remained unchanged since it came into force in 1947. Its famous 'Article 9' renounces war and appears to prohibit the country from maintaining armed forces. Yet Japan today has one of the world's most advanced armed forces and hosts the largest concentration of US troops overseas.Now, with growing concerns about China's military expansion, North Korea's missile programme, and uncertainty over America's long-term commitment to Asian security, supporters of constitutional reform argue that Japan needs to clarify its defence role and become more self-reliant. Some critics fear it could weaken Japan's pacifist identity, alarm neighbouring countries, and revive memories of Japan's wartime past.In this episode, host Mariko Oi speaks to BBC Tokyo correspondent Kurumi Mori and Financial Times Tokyo bureau chief Leo Lewis about why Japan's constitution is unique, how the country ended up with a military despite Article 9, what Prime Minister Takaichi wants to change, and whether Japanese voters are ready to support constitutional reform for the first time in history.Find out what Japan’s Minister of Defence Shinjiro Koizumi says about the country’s pacifist constitution here ?dc49?dffd https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cly8qd4595eoAsia Pacific, unpacked by those who know it best. Bringing you essential insights and conversations on the stories shaping the region - an economic powerhouse, geo-political flashpoint and the birthplace of global cultural trends.Hear Asian perspectives on international issues and in-depth analysis on news from a region that’s home to nearly 2.5 billion people. Whether it is the latest on trade between the US and China, the rise and fall of political dynasties in Thailand, Indonesia, and the Philippines, or South Korea’s K-pop inspired soft power strategy, we find out what key players are thinking and dive into the stories that matter.Hosted in Singapore by Mariko Oi, alongside BBC experts in Beijing, Bangkok, and beyond – listen to new episodes twice a week. Episodes of Asia Specific are also available on YouTube, here: https://bit.ly/4iJyeVtGet in touch: asiaspecific@bbc.co.uk
• Asia’s affordable housing problem 16.06.2026 19min

  Australia's government is winding back tax incentives for property investors in a bid to make housing more affordable - but will it work?From Sydney to Seoul, Bangkok to Beijing, housing affordability has become one of the biggest economic and political issues facing young people across Asia Pacific. In many major cities, home prices have risen far faster than incomes, leaving many first-time buyers feeling locked out of the market.Australia is now changing long-standing tax rules that critics say encouraged property investment and pushed up prices. But will those reforms actually make housing more affordable? And what lessons can be learned from other countries that have tried to intervene?In this episode, Mariko Oi speaks to Asia Specific editor Bill Birtles and BBC Journalist Abhiram Subramaniam about Australia's housing reforms, the affordability crisis across Asia, why governments from South Korea to China have struggled to bring prices under control. They also explore Singapore's unique public housing system, where around 80% of residents live in government-built homes, and ask whether the model could ever be replicated elsewhere.Asia Pacific, unpacked by those who know it best. Bringing you essential insights and conversations on the stories shaping the region - an economic powerhouse, geo-political flashpoint and the birthplace of global cultural trends.Hear Asian perspectives on international issues and in-depth analysis on news from a region that’s home to nearly 2.5 billion people.Whether it is the latest on trade between the US and China, the rise and fall of political dynasties in Thailand, Indonesia, and the Philippines, or South Korea’s K-pop inspired soft power strategy, we find out what key players are thinking and dive into the stories that matter.Hosted in Singapore by Mariko Oi, alongside BBC experts in Beijing, Bangkok, and beyond – listen to new episodes twice a week. Episodes of Asia Specific are also available on YouTube, here: https://bit.ly/4iJyeVtGet in touch: asiaspecific@bbc.co.uk
• Could changing the way we date solve Asia's low fertility rates? 12.06.2026 20min

  A slight uptick in South Korea’s notoriously low fertility rate in the last two years has begged the question - are government policies to encourage dating, marriage and babies working?It’s a question governments across Asia are asking, a region where fertility rates are at very low levels, particularly in Japan, China, Taiwan and Singapore. Governments across the region have been rolling out initiatives to encourage dating in the hope that more couples will lead to more births, which in turn will help offset rapidly ageing populations. From sponsoring dating app subscriptions to providing financial incentives and subsidised pre-schools, do these sorts of measures actually work? On this episode, host Mariko Oi is joined by journalist Rachel Lee from the Asia Specific podcast team along with Simone Heng, an author with a focus on human connection. Asia Pacific, unpacked by those who know it best. Bringing you essential insights and conversations on the stories shaping the region - an economic powerhouse, geo-political flashpoint and the birthplace of global cultural trends.Hear Asian perspectives on international issues and in-depth analysis on news from a region that’s home to nearly 2.5 billion people.Whether it is the latest on trade between the US and China, the rise and fall of political dynasties in Thailand, Indonesia, and the Philippines, or South Korea’s K-pop inspired soft power strategy, we find out what key players are thinking and dive into the stories that matter.Hosted in Singapore by Mariko Oi, alongside BBC experts in Beijing, Bangkok, and beyond – listen to new episodes twice a week. Episodes of Asia Specific are also available on YouTube, here: https://bit.ly/4iJyeVt Get in touch: asiaspecific@bbc.co.uk
• Could an Asian team win the World Cup? 09.06.2026 19min

  There are more Asian teams competing in this year's FIFA World Cup than ever before, but can any of them win? With the tournament expanding to 48 teams, Asia has nine nations plus New Zealand from the Oceania confederation competing for the prize across the USA, Canada and Mexico. Many, like Saudi Arabia and Iran are from the Middle East, but East and South East Asia will be represented by World Cup regulars Japan, South Korea and Australia. Despite decades of investment, growing fan bases and increasingly professional leagues, no men's team from Asia has ever reached a World Cup final.So what's holding the region back from the top level of global football? Why within Asia do Japan and South Korea consistently outperform their neighbours? And what has gone wrong with China's football ambitions? In this episode, host Mariko Oi speaks to BBC Chief Presenter Steve Lai and Business Correspondent Nick Marsh about Asia's football culture, the challenges facing emerging football nations and which teams have the best chance of making history.We also take a listen to South Korean footballer Son Heung-min in an interview with More Than the Score. Our podcast More than the Score is at the World Cup with the football stories that go beyond the stats. Search for it – More than the Score - wherever you get your BBC podcasts.Asia Pacific, unpacked by those who know it best. Bringing you essential insights and conversations on the stories shaping the region - an economic powerhouse, geo-political flashpoint and the birthplace of global cultural trends. Hear Asian perspectives on international issues and in-depth analysis on news from a region that’s home to nearly 2.5 billion people. Whether it is the latest on trade between the US and China, the rise and fall of political dynasties in Thailand, Indonesia, and the Philippines, or South Korea’s K-pop inspired soft power strategy, we find out what key players are thinking and dive into the stories that matter. Hosted in Singapore by Mariko Oi, alongside BBC experts in Beijing, Bangkok, and beyond – listen to new episodes twice a week. Episodes of Asia Specific are also available on YouTube, here: https://bit.ly/4iJyeVtGet in touch: asiaspecific@bbc.co.uk
• Bonus: Xi Jinping's North Korea visit 09.06.2026 11min

  Having welcomed Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin to Beijing, China's leader is making his first overseas trip of this year to North Korea.It's Xi Jinping's first visit to Pyongyang in seven years, and he's visiting a nation bolstered by an increasingly close relationship with Russia, which has seen North Korean troops on the battlefield in Ukraine. Why would a leader used to welcoming foreign dignitaries make the trip to a much smaller neigbour?And what does North Korea's leader Kim Jong Un want from China?Host Mariko Oi is joined by the BBC's China correspondent Laura Bicker and the Seoul correspondent Jake Kwon. This episode was recorded on June 9th. Hear Asian perspectives on international issues and in-depth analysis on news from a region that’s home to nearly 2.5 billion people. Whether it is the latest on trade between the US and China, the rise and fall of political dynasties in Thailand, Indonesia, and the Philippines, or South Korea’s K-pop inspired soft power strategy, we find out what key players are thinking and dive into the stories that matter. Hosted in Singapore by Mariko Oi, alongside BBC experts in Beijing, Bangkok, and beyond – listen to new episodes twice a week. Episodes of Asia Specific are also available on YouTube, here: https://bit.ly/4iJyeVtGet in touch: asiaspecific@bbc.co.uk
• Thailand’s tourism challenge 05.06.2026 17min

  Thailand has cut the visa-free stay time for tourists, but will it boost numbers for an industry which is a lifeblood of the economy? Tourist numbers have fallen and have never gone back to the same level as before the Covid pandemic. While the government has been trying to shore up tourist numbers, in May Thailand cut visa-free stay period for tourists from 60 to 30 days. So what is the thinking behind the move and what other factors are at play?The BBC’s South East Asia correspondent Jonathan Head joins our host Mariko Oi to explain what is going on.Asia Pacific, unpacked by those who know it best. Bringing you essential insights and conversations on the stories shaping the region - an economic powerhouse, geo-political flashpoint and the birthplace of global cultural trends.Hear Asian perspectives on international issues and in-depth analysis on news from a region that’s home to nearly 2.5 billion people.Whether it is the latest on trade between the US and China, the rise and fall of political dynasties in Thailand, Indonesia, and the Philippines, or South Korea’s K-pop inspired soft power strategy, we find out what key players are thinking and dive into the stories that matter.Hosted in Singapore by Mariko Oi, alongside BBC experts in Beijing, Bangkok, and beyond – listen to new episodes twice a week. Episodes of Asia Specific are also available on YouTube, here: https://bit.ly/4iJyeVt Get in touch: asiaspecific@bbc.co.uk
• South Korea’s stock boom 02.06.2026 19min

  AI is fuelling the biggest stock market rally in the world. South Korea's benchmark KOSPI index has nearly doubled in value this year – a rally driven largely by semiconductor giants Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix, which have benefited from soaring global demand for AI memory chips. The surge has also attracted waves of retail investors. Advocates say the boom reflects South Korea's central role in the global AI supply chain while critics warn the heavy reliance on a handful of chip stocks could leave investors exposed if the AI sector loses momentum. In this episode, host Mariko Oi speaks to BBC Seoul correspondent Jake Kwon and Herald van der Linde from HSBC Global Investment Research about what's behind South Korea's extraordinary stock market rally, how it compares with regional neighbours and whether investors risk getting burnt if the AI bubble bursts. Other separate entities within the broader HSBC organisation may hold positions in some of the companies discussed on this podcast. This episode was recorded May 28th, 2026.Asia Pacific, unpacked by those who know it best. Bringing you essential insights and conversations on the stories shaping the region - an economic powerhouse, geo-political flashpoint and the birthplace of global cultural trends.Hear Asian perspectives on international issues and in-depth analysis on news from a region that’s home to nearly 2.5 billion people.Whether it is the latest on trade between the US and China, the rise and fall of political dynasties in Thailand, Indonesia, and the Philippines, or South Korea’s K-pop inspired soft power strategy, we find out what key players are thinking and dive into the stories that matter. Hosted in Singapore by Mariko Oi, alongside BBC experts in Beijing, Bangkok, and beyond – listen to new episodes twice a week. Episodes of Asia Specific are also available on YouTube, here: https://bit.ly/4iJyeVtGet in touch: asiaspecific@bbc.co.uk
• Asia’s 'irrelevant' uni degree question 29.05.2026 18min

  Comments by a senior Indonesian official about students pursuing “irrelevant” university degrees has sparked a debate about what sort of careers will survive in a fast-changing job market. Indonesia is looking at ways to better equip universities and vocational schools for the future job market, and a relatively low level of graduates with STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) degrees has the government concerned. It’s a priority across Asia, with governments trying different methods to increase the number of STEM students, with some like China and Malaysia having more success than others. But with AI-related job losses hitting the global tech sector particularly hard, should we be rethinking the types of careers that will withstand the artificial intelligence shock? Host Mariko Oi is joined by journalist Astudestra Ajengrastri from the BBC World Service in Jakarta and Bill Birtles from the Asia Specific podcast team. Asia Pacific, unpacked by those who know it best. Bringing you essential insights and conversations on the stories shaping the region - an economic powerhouse, geo-political flashpoint and the birthplace of global cultural trends.Hear Asian perspectives on international issues and in-depth analysis on news from a region that’s home to nearly 2.5 billion people.Whether it is the latest on trade between the US and China, the rise and fall of political dynasties in Thailand, Indonesia, and the Philippines, or South Korea’s K-pop inspired soft power strategy, we find out what key players are thinking and dive into the stories that matter.Hosted in Singapore by Mariko Oi, alongside BBC experts in Beijing, Bangkok, and beyond – listen to new episodes twice a week. Episodes of Asia Specific are also available on YouTube, here: https://bit.ly/4iJyeVt Get in touch: asiaspecific@bbc.co.uk
• The US-China robotaxi race 26.05.2026 21min

  Who will dominate in the race to develop and scale self-driving cars - the US or China? The two countries are far ahead in the autonomous vehicle space. While the technology has many applications, the most obvious one – and the one most talked about – is robotaxis. As driverless cars increasingly start being rolled out in cities around the world, we unpack whether funding and user experience or scale and diverse real world driving data will ultimately prove more valuable for the companies in the autonomous driving space. Host Mariko Oi unpacks the challenges autonomous car companies face with Suranjana Tewari and Tu Le, both of whom were at the recent Beijing auto show. Suranjana is the BBC’s Asia Business correspondent. Tu is the founder and Managing Director of the consultancy Sino Auto Insights, and has worked in the tech and automotive sectors. Asia Pacific, unpacked by those who know it best. Bringing you essential insights and conversations on the stories shaping the region - an economic powerhouse, geo-political flashpoint and the birthplace of global cultural trends.Hear Asian perspectives on international issues and in-depth analysis on news from a region that’s home to nearly 2.5 billion people.Whether it is the latest on trade between the US and China, the rise and fall of political dynasties in Thailand, Indonesia, and the Philippines, or South Korea’s K-pop inspired soft power strategy, we find out what key players are thinking and dive into the stories that matter.Hosted in Singapore by Mariko Oi, alongside BBC experts in Beijing, Bangkok, and beyond – listen to new episodes twice a week. Episodes of Asia Specific are also available on YouTube, here: https://bit.ly/4iJyeVt Get in touch: asiaspecific@bbc.co.uk
• The Philippines beauty pageant controversy 22.05.2026 18min

  A recent victory by a Filipina American beauty pageant contestant has sparked a debate about what it means to truly represent the Philippines. The country has arguably the most enthusiastic beauty pageant culture in the world, with widespread fame and life-changing opportunities awaiting winners. But the winner of this year’s Miss Universe Philippines Bea Millan-Windorski has had to defend her victory after being criticised for previously representing the United States at another pageant. The widespread media coverage of her victory and subsequent debate speaks to the broad appeal of beauty pageants in the Philippines. While they're regarded as relatively niche events in many other countries and have attracted criticism for being sexist, objectifying women and promoting unobtainable beauty standards, they still loom large in the Philippines, where winners can become national icons. Asia Specific host Mariko Oi speaks to broadcaster and podcast host Rico Hizon and Ariella ‘Ara’ Arida, the National Director for Training and Development of the Miss Universe Philippines Organisation to discuss the latest controversy and unpack why beauty pageants retain such broad appeal in the Philippines. Asia Pacific, unpacked by those who know it best. Bringing you essential insights and conversations on the stories shaping the region - an economic powerhouse, geo-political flashpoint and the birthplace of global cultural trends. Hear Asian perspectives on international issues and in-depth analysis on news from a region that’s home to nearly 2.5 billion people. Whether it is the latest on trade between the US and China, the rise and fall of political dynasties in Thailand, Indonesia, and the Philippines, or South Korea’s K-pop inspired soft power strategy, we find out what key players are thinking and dive into the stories that matter. Hosted in Singapore by Mariko Oi, alongside BBC experts in Beijing, Bangkok, and beyond – listen to new episodes twice a week. Episodes of Asia Specific are also available on YouTube, here: https://bit.ly/4iJyeVt Get in touch: asiaspecific@bbc.co.uk
• Why North Korea became a women's football powerhouse 19.05.2026 19min

  North Korean women footballers are heading to South Korea, in a closely watched match taking place at a moment of deep tension between the two neighbours.The two Koreas are still technically at war, and official contact between Pyongyang and Seoul has been minimal in recent years. But sport has long played a unique role in inter-Korean relations - from unified Olympic marches to politically charged football matches played in empty stadiums.In this episode, host Mariko Oi speaks to BBC Seoul correspondent Jake Kwon and freelance sports reporter Daisy Yoo about why North Korea’s women's football team has become one of the strongest in Asia and how one of the world’s most isolated countries built a football powerhouse.Asia Pacific, unpacked by those who know it best. Bringing you essential insights and conversations on the stories shaping the region - an economic powerhouse, geo-political flashpoint and the birthplace of global cultural trends. Hear Asian perspectives on international issues and in-depth analysis on news from a region that’s home to nearly 2.5 billion people. Whether it is the latest on trade between the US and China, the rise and fall of political dynasties in Thailand, Indonesia, and the Philippines, or South Korea’s K-pop inspired soft power strategy, we find out what key players are thinking and dive into the stories that matter. Hosted in Singapore by Mariko Oi, alongside BBC experts in Beijing, Bangkok, and beyond – listen to new episodes twice a week. Episodes of Asia Specific are also available on YouTube, here: https://bit.ly/4iJyeVt Get in touch: asiaspecific@bbc.co.uk
• Bali’s rubbish crisis 15.05.2026 17min

  Bali is facing a worsening rubbish crisis, with landfill restrictions causing garbage to pile up, on an island already infamous for plastic-strewn beaches. As the main landfill site tightens rules on organic waste, local communities are left scrambling for alternatives, and in some cases, resorting to burning rubbish.Indonesia’s president has even weighed in, criticising the island’s cleanliness and calling for urgent action. So can Bali fix its rubbish problem or is the damage already done?In this episode of Asia Specific, host Mariko Oi speaks to Bali-based journalist Ade Mardiyati and environmental campaigner Gary Bencheghib of Sungai Watch about what’s really driving Bali’s waste crisis, how waste is currently managed, why enforcement of plastic bans is uneven, and whether overtourism is overwhelming the island’s infrastructure.Asia Pacific, unpacked by those who know it best. Bringing you essential insights and conversations on the stories shaping the region - an economic powerhouse, geo-political flashpoint and the birthplace of global cultural trends.Hear Asian perspectives on international issues and in-depth analysis on news from a region that’s home to nearly 2.5 billion people.Whether it is the latest on trade between the US and China, the rise and fall of political dynasties in Thailand, Indonesia, and the Philippines, or South Korea’s K-pop inspired soft power strategy, we find out what key players are thinking and dive into the stories that matter.Hosted in Singapore by Mariko Oi, alongside BBC experts in Beijing, Bangkok, and beyond – listen to new episodes twice a week. Episodes of Asia Specific are also available on YouTube, here: https://bit.ly/4iJyeVt Get in touch: asiaspecific@bbc.co.ukUPDATE 18 May 2026: During the discussion in this program, a guest recounted a comment from a local government official in Batang regency, Central Java, saying that some funds the regency previously allocated for waste management had been redirected to the national government’s free nutritional meals program. A spokesperson for Indonesia’s National Nutrition Agency BGN says the free nutritional meals policy is part of a national government budget and says it does not instruct regional governments to reduce waste management allocations in support of the programme. "Budgeting priorities and fiscal decisions at the regional level remain under the authority of the respective local governments and relevant ministries overseeing regional administration and public finance,”, the BGN spokeswoman said.
• The US-China problem 12.05.2026 22min

  The relationship between the United States and China affects everything from global trade and technology to climate policy and security. But how well do the two superpowers really understand each other? Donald Trump’s visit, from 13-15 May, will be the first to China by a US president in nearly a decade.We examine the assumptions, misconceptions and political narratives shaping one of the world’s most consequential rivalries.And also explore how censorship and propaganda shape public opinion in China, whether anti-foreigner sentiment is growing, and why many Chinese people believe the West is hostile towards China. Host Mariko Oi speaks to BBC China correspondent Laura Bicker in Beijing and Zheng Yu Huang, a former White House Fellow under President Obama and former president of the Committee of 100, about what both sides want from a Trump-Xi summit.This episode was recorded on 11 May.Asia Specific brings you essential insights and conversations on the stories shaping the Asia Pacific region - an economic powerhouse, geo-political flashpoint and the birthplace of global cultural trends.Asian perspectives on international issues and in-depth analysis on news from a region that’s home to nearly 2.5 billion people. We unpack what key players are thinking and dive into the stories that matter. Hosted in Singapore by Mariko Oi alongside BBC experts in Beijing, Bangkok, and beyond – listen to new episodes twice a week. Get in touch: asiaspecific@bbc.co.uk
• Is India’s internet becoming more like China’s? 08.05.2026 19min

  India and China have long taken very different approaches to controlling the internet. But is that gap starting to narrow?India’s government is proposing new rules that could bring bloggers, influencers and online creators under regulations similar to those governing traditional broadcasters. Officials say it’s about accountability, but critics worry it could limit free expression and political speech online.So how far could these changes go? And how do they compare to China’s highly controlled internet?In this episode of Asia Specific, host Mariko Oi speaks to BBC Hindi journalist Umang Poddar in Delhi and Tom Nunlist from Trivium China in Shanghai to break down what India’s proposed rules actually mean, how creators are reacting, and how China built one of the world’s most sophisticated censorship systems.Asia Specific brings you essential insights and conversations on the stories shaping the Asia Pacific region - an economic powerhouse, geopolitical flashpoint and the birthplace of global cultural trends.Asian perspectives on international issues and in-depth analysis on news from a region that’s home to nearly 2.5 billion people. Whether it is the latest on trade between China and Donald Trump, the rise and fall of political dynasties in Thailand, Indonesia and the Philippines, or South Korea’s K-pop-inspired soft power strategy - we unpack what key players are thinking and dive into the stories that matter. Hosted in Singapore by Mariko Oi alongside BBC experts in Beijing, Bangkok, and beyond – listen to new episodes twice a week. Get in touch: asiaspecific@bbc.co.uk
• Can China reverse a billion-dollar tech deal? 06.05.2026 22min

  A $2 billion deal between Meta and rising AI company Manus was done and then suddenly, China stepped in and blocked it. The move stunned the tech world. Manus, a fast-growing AI startup with roots in China but based in Singapore, had been gaining attention for its powerful AI agent tools. Meta - the company behind Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp - saw it as a strategic bet in the race to dominate artificial intelligence. But Beijing saw something else. Chinese regulators intervened, reportedly framing the deal as a threat to national security and a potential loss of critical technology. In this episode of Asia Specific, host Mariko Oi speaks with Rui Ma, founder of Tech Buzz China, and Wendy Chang from the Mercator Institute for China Studies to unpack what Manus is, why Meta wanted it, why China blocked the deal and what this tells us about the intensifying US-China AI rivalry. This episode was recorded on 4 May. Asia Specific brings you essential insights and conversations on the stories shaping the Asia Pacific region - an economic powerhouse, geo-political flashpoint and the birthplace of global cultural trends. Asian perspectives on international issues and in-depth analysis on news from a region that’s home to nearly 2.5 billion people. Whether it is the latest on trade between China and Donald Trump, the rise and fall of political dynasties in Thailand, Indonesia, and the Philippines, or South Korea’s K-pop inspired soft power strategy - we unpack what key players are thinking and dive into the stories that matter. Hosted in Singapore by Mariko Oi alongside BBC experts in Beijing, Bangkok, and beyond – listen to new episodes twice a week. Get in touch: asiaspecific@bbc.co.uk
• New Zealand and India’s trade deal row 01.05.2026 21min

  New Zealand has signed a major free trade deal with India, but a provision to lock in thousands of skilled migrants each year has sparked a backlash. The agreement promises economic benefits for both countries, including expanded trade and easier movement for Indian skilled workers. But a comment by a senior minister in the governing coalition describing the migration agreements as a “butter chicken tsunami” has ignited criticism and raised concerns about attitudes toward the Indian community.In this episode of Asia Specific, host Mariko Oi speaks with BBC journalist Vandhna Bhan and NZ BusinessDesk senior correspondent Dileepa Fonseka to unpack what’s actually in the deal, why immigration has become such a flashpoint, and what this reveals about New Zealand’s changing social landscape.Asia Pacific, unpacked by those who know it best. Bringing you essential insights and conversations on the stories shaping the region - an economic powerhouse, geo-political flashpoint and the birthplace of global cultural trends.Hear Asian perspectives on international issues and in-depth analysis on news from a region that’s home to nearly 2.5 billion people. Whether it is the latest on trade between the US and China, the rise and fall of political dynasties in Thailand, Indonesia, and the Philippines, or South Korea’s K-pop inspired soft power strategy, we find out what key players are thinking and dive into the stories that matter. Hosted in Singapore by Mariko Oi, alongside BBC experts in Beijing, Bangkok, and beyond – listen to new episodes twice a week. Episodes of Asia Specific are also available on YouTube, here: https://bit.ly/4iJyeVtGet in touch: asiaspecific@bbc.co.uk
• Can Vietnam still reach its growth target? 28.04.2026 21min

  The country’s economy - forecast to grow at the fastest pace in South East Asia this year - is under pressure, with manufacturers hit by oil price hikes from the conflict in the Middle East. Vietnam’s manufacturing sector is one of the country’s main engines of growth.The government has set its economic growth target at 10% over the next five years, and the country has been outpacing its regional peers.Asia Specific host Mariko Oi speaks to BBC World Service senior journalist Sen Nguyen and Edmund Malesky, professor of political economy at Duke University in the US.Asia Pacific, unpacked by those who know it best. Bringing you essential insights and conversations on the stories shaping the region - an economic powerhouse, geo-political flashpoint and the birthplace of global cultural trends.Hear Asian perspectives on international issues and in-depth analysis on news from a region that’s home to nearly 2.5 billion people.Whether it is the latest on trade between the US and China, the rise and fall of political dynasties in Thailand, Indonesia, and the Philippines, or South Korea’s K-pop inspired soft power strategy, we find out what key players are thinking and dive into the stories that matter.Hosted in Singapore by Mariko Oi, alongside BBC experts in Beijing, Bangkok, and beyond – listen to new episodes twice a week. Episodes of Asia Specific are also available on YouTube, here: https://bit.ly/4iJyeVtGet in touch: asiaspecific@bbc.co.uk
• Japan’s megaquake threat 24.04.2026 20min

  How prepared is Japan for a major earthquake? The country has been on high alert for aftershocks since this week’s magnitude 7.7 quake, with thousands of people urged to seek higher ground.Scientists have warned for decades that a powerful quake along the Nankai Trough could strike, triggering potentially devastating tsunamis and widespread destruction.In this episode of Asia Specific, we explore the history of major earthquakes in Japan, including the 2011 disaster, examine whether such events can be predicted and assess how prepared Japan really is.Host Mariko Oi is joined by former BBC Japan correspondent Ruper Wingfield-Hayes and Asia Specific journalist Derek Cai. This episode was recorded on 22 April. You can hear a BBC World Service drama about the disaster at the Fukushima nuclear plant - when Japan was hit by a devastating earthquake and tsunami in 2011 – by searching for Dramas: Fukushima wherever you get your BBC podcasts. Alternatively, you can click on the link here: https://www.bbc.com/audio/series/w27vqlc9Asia Pacific, unpacked by those who know it best. Bringing you essential insights and conversations on the stories shaping the region - an economic powerhouse, geo-political flashpoint and the birthplace of global cultural trends.Hear Asian perspectives on international issues and in-depth analysis on news from a region that’s home to nearly 2.5 billion people.Whether it is the latest on trade between the US and China, the rise and fall of political dynasties in Thailand, Indonesia, and the Philippines, or South Korea’s K-pop inspired soft power strategy, we find out what key players are thinking and dive into the stories that matter.Hosted in Singapore by Mariko Oi, alongside BBC experts in Beijing, Bangkok, and beyond – listen to new episodes twice a week. Episodes of Asia Specific are also available on YouTube, here: https://bit.ly/4iJyeVtGet in touch: asiaspecific@bbc.co.uk
• Indonesia’s US airspace deal risks China ties 21.04.2026 18min

  What would a deal with the US military mean for Indonesia’s ties to China? The proposal being considered by Indonesia would allow US military aircraft easier access to its airspace. But it has ignited debate in a country that’s long had a non-aligned foreign policy stance. We discuss this possible shift in strategy, the US military presence in the region and how a potential deal is being viewed by China. What do Indonesians think and what could be the fallout for President Prabowo Subianto?Host Mariko Oi is joined by Asia Specific’s Bill Birtles, plus Jakarta-based freelance journalist Randy Mulyanto.Asia Pacific, unpacked by those who know it best. Bringing you essential insights and conversations on the stories shaping the region - an economic powerhouse, geo-political flashpoint and the birthplace of global cultural trends. Hear Asian perspectives on international issues and in-depth analysis on news from a region that’s home to nearly 2.5 billion people. Whether it is the latest on trade between the US and China, the rise and fall of political dynasties in Thailand, Indonesia, and the Philippines, or South Korea’s K-pop inspired soft power strategy, we find out what key players are thinking and dive into the stories that matter. Hosted in Singapore by Mariko Oi, alongside BBC experts in Beijing, Bangkok, and beyond – listen to new episodes twice a week. Episodes of Asia Specific are also available on YouTube, here: https://bit.ly/4iJyeVt Get in touch: asiaspecific@bbc.co.uk