Asia Specific

BBC World Service
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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. Get in touch: asiaspecific@bbc.co.ukasiaspecific@bbc.co.uk

  1. 1D AGO

    Why North Korea became a women's football powerhouse

    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

    20 min

  2. 5D AGO

    Bali’s rubbish crisis

    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.uk UPDATE 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.

    18 min

  3. MAY 12

    The US-China problem

    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

    22 min

  4. MAY 8

    Is India’s internet becoming more like China’s?

    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

    20 min

  5. MAY 6

    Can China reverse a billion-dollar tech deal?

    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

    22 min

  6. MAY 1

    New Zealand and India’s trade deal row

    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/4iJyeVt Get in touch: asiaspecific@bbc.co.uk

    21 min

  7. APR 28

    Can Vietnam still reach its growth target?

    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/4iJyeVt Get in touch: asiaspecific@bbc.co.uk

    21 min

  8. APR 24

    Japan’s megaquake threat

    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/w27vqlc9 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

    21 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

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. Get in touch: asiaspecific@bbc.co.ukasiaspecific@bbc.co.uk

Information

  • Creator
    BBC World Service
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    55
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © (C) BBC 2026
  • Show Website
    Asia Specific

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