CNA Correspondent
Teresa Tang dissects the biggest global news stories. Our host speaks to CNA correspondents on the frontlines to bring you behind-the-scenes of their dispatches from Asia and the world.
Episodes
Will Thailand pass stricter gun laws?
Thailand is now looking at clamping down on firearms, following a spate of shootings, including a 14-year-old student who went on a killing spree in his school. But with millions of legal and illegal firearms circulating through the country and deeper problems around violence, will the new measures hold? Genevieve Woo speaks with Saksith Saiyasombut about Thailand's gun control challenge.See omnys
Nepal-Tibet floods: What recovery really means
Thousands remain missing after catastrophic floods swept across the Nepal-Tibet border. Correspondents Jack Board and Rebecca Bundhun look beyond the devastation to the people living through the aftermath - families searching for loved ones, survivors returning to what is left of their homes and communities beginning the long process of rebuilding. What does recovery really mean when the search is
The future of Indonesia's last whale hunters
In the remote fishing village of Lamalera, on Indonesia's Lembata Island, whale hunting isn't sport or industry - it's survival. This tradition has been practised the same way for hundreds of years and passed down the generations. CNA Senior Correspondent Saifulbahri Ismail spent part of the whaling season with the fishermen, the harpooners and the families who wait on the beach for them to return
Is China's livestreaming boom creating careers or fuelling burnout?
A fast-growing livestream industry is giving young people in China a new way to earn a living and pursue their dreams. But behind the polished performances are long hours, intense competition, emotional labour and an algorithm that can make or break careers. In this episode of the CNA Correspondent podcast, Otelli Edwards speaks with Correspondent Melody Chan, who followed one of Shenzhen's larges
China dominates global matcha supply but can Japan protect its premium edge?
For centuries, Japan has defined matcha through ritual, craftsmanship and the legendary tea-growing town of Uji. But today, China has quietly become the world's biggest producer, supplying around 70 per cent of global output. As global demand soars, which country will shape the future of matcha? Genevieve Woo speaks to CNA Senior Correspondent Michiyo Ishida in Tokyo and Correspondent Tan Si Hui i
Blue sweep in Negeri Sembilan and Johor - what it means for Anwar's Pakatan Harapan
Two state elections, three weeks apart, where Malaysia's own governing coalitions ended up as rivals rather than partners, each hoping to boost their power in Putrajaya. First came Barisan Nasional's sweep in Johor, its best result since 2008. Then came Negeri Sembilan, where Pakatan Harapan's caretaker chief minister Aminuddin Harun and Transport Minister Anthony Loke were defeated. Arnold Gay sp
Is China's economic success creating a domestic paradox?
China is producing advanced technologies at lightning speed, from AI to electric vehicles. But can rapid innovation translate into stronger domestic consumer confidence? CNA Senior China Editor and Senior Correspondent Olivia Siong joins Robin Pomeroy, Podcast Editor at Radio Davos, on this special episode in collaboration with the World Economic Forum. Together, they interview Professor Yuen Yuen
The 'cockroach' party that shook Indian politics
An education minister has resigned. India's Cockroach Janta Party is claiming victory. What began as an online satirical campaign has become one of India's most talked-about youth movements, tapping into frustrations over jobs, opportunity and political representation. Genevieve Woo speaks to Correspondent Neha Poonia about how a movement built around a cockroach forced its way onto India's politi
The politics of borders: Who decides where countries end?
Borders aren't just lines on a map, but clearly defined countries and territories with sometimes messy stories. From Greenland and Alberta to the South China Sea, Cyprus and Kaliningrad, their histories reveal why territorial disputes continue to shape politics and identity. Genevieve Woo joins Senior Editor Liling Tan and Correspondent Nick Harper to explore the deeper question of who actually ho
World Cup 2026: What's next for the beautiful game?
The 2026 FIFA World Cup began amid fears of immigration raids, political hostility and a tournament defined by controversy rather than competition. But something else entirely played out when football lovers from across the globe showed up. Norway fans did Viking rows, Scotland fans drank cities dry and Americans fell in love with a sport they had barely noticed before. But the politics never went
China’s bigger bet on South Africa
For years, China's presence in Africa was defined by railways, roads and mega infrastructure projects. But a quieter transformation is underway. Through the lens of South Africa, Genevieve Woo and Senior China Editor and Senior Correspondent Olivia Siong explore how Chinese companies are shifting from building projects to building businesses, manufacturing locally and putting down deeper roots.&nb
Is Hangzhou the Silicon Valley of China?
From robot patrol dogs to AI doctors, Hangzhou is fast producing some of China's most talked-about tech companies. The city is best known as the home of Alibaba and, more recently, DeepSeek. But beyond the headlines, what makes Hangzhou such a powerful engine for innovation? CNA Senior Correspondent Tan Yew Guan speaks with Genevieve Woo about the talent, capital and government support behind one
America at 250: United or divided states?
As the United States marks its 250th anniversary, it stands as the world's largest economy and commands the most powerful military. Yet confidence in its institutions has eroded, political divisions run deep and many question the nation's trajectory. From symbolic shifts on the White House grounds to the rise of China and the heavy cost of global leadership, Genevieve Woo and Senior Correspondent
Can toys and companions fill China's emotional needs?
China has a new buzzword: Emotional value. It is used to explain everything from blind box obsessions and AI companions to why young people are hiring strangers to climb mountains with them. In this episode of the CNA Correspondent podcast, Genevieve Woo and Correspondent Krystal Chia explore the rise of China’s emotional economy and examine what this growing search for comfort and connectio
Is this really the World Cup of chaos?
The FIFA World Cup 2026 was always going to be unprecedented. Three host nations, 16 cities and 48 teams across an entire continent. What nobody quite expected was how much drama would happen off the pitch. The tournament kicked off amid an ongoing US-Iran conflict, Africa's top referee was denied entry to America, fans have paid record prices for tickets and the three co-hosts - the US, Canada an
Australia vowed to change after Bondi. Has it?
Almost six months ago, two gunmen opened fire on hundreds of Jewish families celebrating Hanukkah near Sydney’s Bondi Beach. Fifteen people were killed and more than 40 wounded in the December 14, 2025 attack - Australia's worst mass shooting in nearly 30 years. In the aftermath, Parliament passed stricter hate crime and gun ownership laws, announced a national buyback scheme and launched a
Aviation was flying high. Then the war in Iran changed everything
The numbers going into 2026 were some of the best in aviation history. Then, US and Israeli strikes on Iran led to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, choking off a fifth of the world's oil supplies. Carriers saw jet fuel prices surge by more than 120% and braced for supply shortages, cancelling thousands of flights and raising airfares. Some budget airlines have already shut down, and others cou
Can rice farming ever be climate friendly?
Traditional rice farming is a major climate problem. Flooded paddy fields release methane, a greenhouse gas 27 times more potent than carbon dioxide. But a Singapore-led project in Indonesia is testing a new way forward. By changing the way rice is planted and grown, researchers say emissions can be cut by up to half, without hurting farmers’ incomes. Arnold Gay speaks to CNA Senior Correspo
Jensen Huang: The tough boss of Nvidia who is 'exhausted all the time'
Jensen Huang is one of the most influential men in the world right now - the CEO and face of Nvidia, the company powering the global AI boom. But beyond the black leather jacket and rockstar status is a deeply candid story about immigrant sacrifice, fear of failure and relentless ambition. In this special episode of the CNA Correspondent podcast, Genevieve Woo speaks to Senior Correspondent Victor
South Koreans who left home to build two nations
In the 1960s and 70s, tens of thousands of South Koreans went to what was then known as West Germany as miners and nurses under a labour-for-loan deal. They were meant to stay for three years. Many never left. Genevieve Woo speaks to CNA Senior Correspondent Lim Yun Suk about the sacrifices behind South Korea’s rise - and the lives built between two countries.See omnystudio.com/listener for
Trump meets Xi: Who came out ahead?
The Trump–Xi summit has just wrapped in China. But beyond the handshakes and official statements, what really happened behind closed doors? We break down the key moments, the surprises and the strategic stakes with insights from Beijing and Washington. From trade and tech rivalry to the Taiwan question, the shadow of Iran and global energy tensions, we ask - who came in wi
Speed and strain: The impact of Asia's EV surge
China has raced ahead in electric vehicle adoption, building vast charging networks, scaling production and reshaping how cars are bought and used. But across the rest of Asia, the shift is unfolding in far more uneven ways. From Mongolia’s hybrid-driving herders to Indonesia’s nickel boom and the Philippines’ copper reserves, the EV revolution is creating new opportunities along
168 lives, a chain of failures: What Hong Kong’s Wang Fuk Court fire exposed
The Wang Fuk Court fire left 168 people dead and thousands displaced, making it one of Hong Kong’s deadliest disasters in decades. Months on, investigations are uncovering deeper failures, from alleged substandard materials to possible corruption in the tendering process. As the inquiry continues, Genevieve Woo speaks to CNA correspondent Deborah Wong to understand what went wrong.See omnyst
Japan’s tourism rebounds, but where are the Chinese tourists?
Japan’s tourism industry is back, with a record 10 million visitors in early 2026. But a major shift is underway: Chinese arrivals, once the backbone of Japan’s tourism boom, remain well below pre-pandemic levels. With visitor arrivals from South Korea, Southeast Asia, Europe and the US surging, can these new markets make up for the drop from China? And how are they reshaping the Japan
Do social media bans really protect kids online?
When it comes to social media policing, governments are no longer waiting for tech companies to act - they’re stepping in. Australia has an under-16 social media ban, Indonesia is cracking down on non-compliant platforms and pressure is growing in India, as a new wave of regulation takes shape. But do these measures actually work? Or are the authorities always a step behind the tech giants a
Energy shock: How the war on Iran is reshaping global power
The war on Iran was expected to showcase military might, but it quickly turned into a battle over energy. With oil and gas flows disrupted, the crisis is rippling across the globe, hitting economies and households from Asia to the US. Why does the world remain so vulnerable to energy shocks? Could this accelerate the shift away from fossil fuels or deepen dependence? And how might the co
BTS comeback: Iconic K-pop band aims to once again conquer the world
Fans are rejoicing over the long-awaited return of boy band BTS. But beyond the spectacle, the ultra-famous K-pop group is expected to bring in billions of dollars to South Korea. Genevieve Woo speaks to Lim Yun Suk and Grace Shin about the Bangtan Boys' growing role at the intersection of culture, economics and global infl
Iran war fallout: Neighbouring Iraq pushed to the brink
The conflict in Iran has pushed Iraq into a precarious position. Oil exports have been impacted and the country is caught in the middle of US-Israeli attacks on Iran-backed militia based in Iraq. Many of Iran's retaliatory attacks on US and coalition assets have taken place in the Kurdish region of northern Iraq. Arnold Gay speaks to Olly Barrett in this episode to understand what the Kurds and Ir
How China is shaking up the world of pharmaceuticals
China is fast becoming a global leader in producing cutting-edge medicine, with nearly half of the world’s new drugs in testing now emerging from its labs. But can it replicate in pharmaceuticals what it has achieved in electric vehicles and robotics with faster and cheaper innovation? CNA Senior Correspondent Tan Yew Guan joins Otelli Edwards in this week’s episode of the CNA Correspo
Life on the line: Taiwan’s death penalty debate
Taiwan’s long-standing debate over the death penalty has resurfaced after a landmark court ruling and the island's first execution in five years. In this week’s episode of the CNA Correspondent podcast, Genevieve Woo sits down with Senior Correspondent Victoria Jen to discuss her reporting on people caught in between, from victims’ families seeking justice to those who say the ri
Inside the Two Sessions: China’s next move in a turbulent world
Amid rising global tensions and economic uncertainty, China’s biggest annual political event - the Two Sessions - has laid out the playbook for the world’s second-largest economy. From navigating the rise of AI to creating new jobs and enhancing childcare subsidies, domestic priorities took centre stage. What do these signals reveal about Beijing’s next moves? And why should the
China’s bold drive to counter desertification
Once seen as unstoppable, northern China’s deserts are now being reclaimed by forests, sprawling solar farms and even tropical fruit plantations. While officials hail it as a triumph, how durable is this green transformation? Genevieve Woo sits down with correspondent Tan Si Hui to discuss the scale of China’s long-running anti-desertification drive, the people on the front lines and t
Trump’s State of the Union address: Rhetoric, reality and the push for a reset
In the longest State of the Union address in modern history, US President Donald Trump laid out his achievements and made the economy a key pillar of his speech. Over nearly two hours, Mr Trump also touched on immigration, national security and foreign policy as he aimed to put his Republican Party in a position of strength ahead of the November midterm election. But beyond the headline claim
From revolution to reset: What's next for Bangladesh after its historic election?
The Bangladesh Nationalist Party won a landslide victory in a long-awaited general election. Voters were promised a fresh start for democracy, jobs and the country's power structures. However, can the South Asian country move forward given some old, entrenched forces still hold sway? Genevieve Woo speaks with senior correspondent Afifah Ariffin on the CNA Correspondent podcast.See omnystudio.com/l
After Thailand's election: Deal-making and coalition-building
Thailand's recently concluded election delivered a decisive lead for Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul’s Bhumjaithai Party, setting the stage for intense coalition bargaining in the weeks ahead. With voters expressing fatigue and exasperation after years of political instability, will this new government be the change that Thailand seeks? Genevieve Woo speaks with CNA Correspondent Sak
Takaichi's time: Where is Japan headed under its emboldened 'Iron Lady' leader?
A snap election bet paid off in a very big way for Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi. She and her Liberal Democratic Party now hold a supermajority in the country’s Lower House. This gives them the power to override the opposition, push through legislation and even amend the Constitution. Ms Takaichi has made bold pledges on everything from industry and the economy to immigration and na
The long emergency: Myanmar since 2021’s military coup
Five years after Myanmar’s military coup ended a decade of democratic rule, the country remains deeply divided and scarred from its ongoing civil war. CNA's Genevieve Woo and Senior Correspondent Leong Wai Kit revisit the day the coup unfolded, the brutal crackdown that followed and how Myanmar’s politics arrived at an uneasy state of limbo.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy infor
The hidden costs of Indonesia's seaweed success
Indonesia is the world’s second-largest producer of seaweed, supporting tens of thousands of coastal families. Yet behind the strong export numbers are farmers struggling with unstable incomes, environmental pressures and a precarious dependence on a single overseas market – China. Genevieve Woo speaks with Correspondent Chandni Vatvani on what this rapid growth means for the seaweed f
The Greenland showdown: 2026’s hottest real estate bid
Greenland has become the hottest geopolitical real estate of 2026. The United States wants it. Denmark and Greenland say it’s not for sale. Now European allies are sending troops to the Arctic, not to fight, but to send a message. Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump has raised the stakes with tariffs. In this episode, Genevieve Woo and Correspondent Ross Cullen unpack why Greenland matters
How the US handed control of rare earth minerals to China
After ceding the rare earth market to China, the US is playing catch-up as it tries to loosen Beijing’s grip on global supply chains for these minerals. These are critical to manufacturing everything - from smartphones to wind turbines and missile defence systems. Arnold Gay speaks to Executive Producer Pearl Forss and Senior Correspondent L
How safe is Japan's nuclear comeback?
Japan plans to restart the world's biggest nuclear plant, Kashiwazaki-Kariwa, sending nuclear power back to Tokyo and its surrounding prefectures for the first time since the 2011 Fukushima accident. The plant has been offline for more than a decade amid safety concerns and mistrust of operator TEPCO. Supporters say Japan needs the energy. Critics argue that the risks remain. Genevieve Woo speaks
Best of: The last surviving Taiwan-born Japanese of WWII
When Japan retreated from occupied lands after its surrender in World War II, a large group of Japanese citizens was painfully repatriated to a land they didn’t identify as home. They are the wansei, those who were born in Taiwan during the 50 years of colonisation. Genevieve Woo speaks to Michiyo Ishida and Victoria Jen about their quest to meet the surviv
Best of: Why South Korea is pinning its economic hopes on BTS’ return
One BTS concert has the power to inject hundreds of millions of dollars into the South Korean economy. It's that star power that businesses are banking on as the K-pop sensation regroups after a military service hiatus. Teresa Tang speaks to Lim Yun Suk about the economic potential of the band's return. Credit: TikTok/@Marilynbooth786See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Best of: Why does Bangkok want to replace street food stalls with hawker centres?
Food vendors are a fixture on the streets of the Thai capital, often crowding pedestrian pathways. Officials now want to tidy things up by moving the stands to central, open-air food courts. But not everyone agrees with the idea. Teresa Tang speaks to CNA correspondent Jack Board to find out why.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Best of: From mango pits to rocks, how peculiar ‘pets’ bring comfort to the lonely in China
The definition of "pet" has taken on a whole new meaning in China with some youths adopting mango seeds and even jars of yeast for companionship. It’s an unconventional pastime aimed at helping to cope with societal pressures and loneliness. CNA's Melody Chan speaks to Teresa Tang about the trend.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Best of: High-speed rail dreams and realities in China and Japan
Journeys that once took hours now take only half the time. Bullet trains and high-tech infrastructure have changed the way we think about time and distance. And the evolution continues, as Beijing and Tokyo move forward with their visions of the future. CNA's Tan Si Hui and Michiyo Ishida join Teresa Tang in this episode. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Brewed in China: How a tea nation got hooked on coffee
In a country where tea has reigned for thousands of years, a new aroma is taking over the streets - coffee. From Shanghai’s dizzying array of cafes to the tech-fuelled rise of coffee brands and the new wave of local roasters, coffee has become China’s new cultural currency. Genevieve Woo speaks with CNA senior correspondent Tan Yew Guan to learn more about China’s java scene.&nbs
Will the Johor-Kuala Lumpur electric train service live up to the hype?
Who doesn't want to save time and money? That's what proponents of the new Johor Bahru-Kuala Lumpur electric train service are looking forward to when the line opens at the end of the year. But critics question if the track will be ready on time. Teresa Tang speaks to CNA digital correspondent Amir Yusof about just how revolutionary the new transport link will be. See omnystudio.com/listener
Young and jobless: Why some youth in China are pretending to be employed
For many young people in China, graduation has become synonymous with being unemployed. In a dire job market some are turning to pretend workplaces to maintain a sense of routine and motivation. Fake boss, fake office and fake company, but there could be some real benefits. CNA digital correspondent Bong Xin Ying tells Teresa Tang what pretending to work is all about.See omnystudio.com/listener fo
Fast cities, slow lanes: Asia’s traffic trap
Asia’s fastest-growing cities are on the move — but not always forward. From Bengaluru’s tech boom to Kuala Lumpur’s car-first legacy and Singapore’s long-term road map, prosperity in some Asian cities often comes with gridlock. What’s driving the congestion crisis? Can technology or political will finally turn things around? Genevieve Woo speaks with correspond
Trump gives ASEAN its moment in the sun
US President Donald Trump attended the ASEAN Summit for the first time in seven years, injecting new life into the gathering in Kuala Lumpur. Mr Trump witnessed the signing of a peace agreement between Thailand and Cambodia, which he co-brokered with Malaysian Prime Minister and ASEAN Chair, Anwar Ibrahim. The summit also marked the official admission of Timor-Leste as the newest member of the reg
New leader, old problems: What’s next for Japan under Sanae Takaichi?
Sanae Takaichi takes office as Japan's first female prime minister, but she faces immediate headwinds. Stepping up amid a sluggish economy and rising prices, she confronts a restless public tired of inflation and the high costs of living. Genevieve Woo speaks with CNA's Michiyo Ishida to unpack what her win means for Japan’s future as she navigates tense foreign relations and domestic pressu
Can Thailand become Asia’s next big stage for global events?
From F1 to the Tomorrowland music festival, Thailand is looking to make its mark as the destination for marquee events in Asia. But challenges stand in the way. CNA correspondent Saksith Saiyasombut joins Teresa Tang to discuss the hurdles and payoffs of playing host.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Dynasties and destinies: Women and the future of politics in Asia
Paetongtarn Shinawatra. Sara Duterte. It is daughters - not sons - who appear to be carrying on their fathers' political legacies. Teresa Tang speaks to CNA's Lim Yun Suk, Afifah Ariffin and Saksith Saiyasombut to find out why. Credits: Instagram/@n_izzah Office of the Vice President of the PhilippinesSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
80 years on, does the world still need the United Nations?
Impotent and irrelevant: That’s what US President Donald Trump calls the United Nations, accusing it of failing to live up to its mandate. Teresa Tang speaks to CNA senior editor Liling Tan and Toni Waterman about the debate surrounding the significance of the international body. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The tussle for power in Indonesia between President Prabowo and regional leaders
Along with President Prabowo Subianto, power is scattered among 961 regional leaders throughout the vast Indonesian archipelago. In a bid to maintain their popularity, some of these leaders have introduced unconventional programmes, including vasectomies for social aid. Teresa Tang sits down with CNA's Kiki Siregar to discuss the eyebrow-raising schemes. See omnystudio.com/listener for privac
A growing pet population is spurring the rise of mobile veterinarians in Jakarta
Indonesia's declining birth rate and growing economy are just some reasons why more people are looking to own pets. But when these furry companions fall ill, finding medical treatment can be a challenge. Mobile vets are soon being launched in the capital to deal with the shortfall. Correspondent Nivell Raya tells Teresa Tang what impact the service could have on public health. See omnystudio.
Billionaire behind bars: Thailand’s top court sends ex-PM Thaksin back to jail
A watershed ruling has sent former leader Thaksin Shinawatra to jail for one year. The verdict comes shortly after the daughter of the once self-exiled icon was ousted from the prime minister's office. Is political stability finally on the horizon? Teresa Tang sits down with CNA’s Saksith Saiyasombut to dissect the developments.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
China’s WWII victory parade: A show of strength and strategy
Eighty years after the end of World War II, China commemorated the day with a grand military parade, right after hosting a high-profile regional gathering, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit. With leaders from Russia, North Korea and two dozen other nations in attendance, the parade showcased China’s growing military prowess. Genevieve Woo speaks to China correspondents Olivia
The last surviving Taiwan-born Japanese of WWII
When Japan retreated from occupied lands after its surrender in World War II, a large group of Japanese citizens was painfully repatriated to a land they didn’t identify as home. They are the wansei, those who were born in Taiwan during the 50 years of colonisation. Genevieve Woo speaks to Michiyo Ishida and Victoria Jen about their quest to meet the surviv
Why South Korea is pinning its economic hopes on BTS’ return
One BTS concert has the power to inject hundreds of millions of dollars into the South Korean economy. It's that star power that businesses are banking on as the K-pop sensation regroups after a military service hiatus. Teresa Tang speaks to Lim Yun Suk about the economic potential of the band's return. Credit: TikTok/@Marilynbooth786See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
A closer look at China's Greater Bay Area - thriving or trying?
The Greater Bay Area in China is a giant economic hub, home to more than 87 million people. The central government has pegged the region as key to the country's economic growth. Some regions in the integrated zone though are struggling. Teresa Tang speaks to Deborah Wong about the challenges and why it's still a critical part of President Xi Jinping's plans for China. See omnystudio.com/liste
Why the world can’t quit the US despite the highest trade tariffs in decades
The US accounts for less than 15 per cent of world trade but President Donald Trump has managed to force levies on America’s biggest trading partners. Arnold Gay speaks to trade expert Deborah Elms, along with Leong Wai Kit and Toni Waterman, to understand why many countries caved to Mr Trump’s demands. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
On the ground at the Thai-Cambodian border with a fragile truce in place
Amid a ceasefire agreement, those living along the Thai-Cambodian border are expressing cautious optimism on whether peace will last. Teresa Tang speaks to CNA correspondents Jack Board and Leong Wai Kit as they cover developments on the ground.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
To burn or bury? Dealing with Malaysia’s growing landfills
Malaysia's landfills will be full by 2050. Officials are weighing their options as advocates push for better compost and recycling systems in the country. CNA correspondent Rashvin Bedi digs into the problem with Teresa Tang.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Why are Thailand and Cambodia locked in a deadly clash?
Thailand and Cambodia have a long-standing agreement to resolve border issues bilaterally. But on Jul 24, simmering tensions boiled over when troops on both sides exchanged fire, with reports of several civilian casualties. Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet has called on the United Nations Security Council to intervene. But who will lay down arms first to begin a diplomatic solution? Genevieve Wo
What's next for Japan after PM Ishiba’s Upper House election loss?
The leader of Japan has vowed not to step aside despite his ruling coalition losing its majority in the Upper House election. What does the outcome mean for Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba domestically? What impact will his weakened position have on looming US trade negotiations? Teresa Tang sits down with CNA’s Michiyo Ishida.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
A tale of two rice-growing countries: The quest for grain stability in Japan and South Korea
The price of rice in Japan has more than doubled since 2024, while in neighbouring South Korea the grain is practically being given away for free. Teresa Tang speaks to correspondents Michiyo Ishida and Lim Yun Suk about what's behind the disparity. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Why does Bangkok want to replace street food stalls with hawker centres?
Food vendors are a fixture on the streets of the Thai capital, often crowding pedestrian pathways. Officials now want to tidy things up by moving the stands to central, open-air food courts. But not everyone agrees with the idea. Teresa Tang speaks to CNA correspondent Jack Board to find out why.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
High speed rail dreams and realities in China and Japan
Journeys that once took hours now take only half the time. Bullet trains and high-tech infrastructure have changed the way we think about time and distance. And the evolution continues, as Beijing and Tokyo move forward with their visions of the future. CNA's Tan Si Hui and Michiyo Ishida join Teresa Tang in this episode. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
What’s being done to save Busan from extinction?
Busan is South Korea's second-largest city and biggest port. But despite its reputation as a vibrant metropolis, it's facing the threat of extinction. As the population ages and young people leave for better opportunities, city officials are doing all they can to prevent it from turning into a ghost town. CNA's Lim Yun Suk sits down with Teresa Tang in this episode.See omnystudio.com/listener for
The Shangri-La Dialogue: Speed dating for defence officials
Tensions, absences and quiet chats at Asia’s premier security summit. The US sent Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth but China left its defence minister at home for this year’s summit. CNA’s Olivia Siong and Leong Wai Kit tell Arnold Gay whether Dong Jun’s absence affected Beijing’s messaging and why the summit is similar to speed dating, with defence officials meeting an
G7 Summit: Trump leaves amid Israel-Iran conflict but his shadow lingers
Host Canada and world leaders put on a brave face after US President Donald Trump left the G7 Summit early to attend to the Israel-Iran conflict. But his premature departure leaves questions on tariffs, Ukraine and NATO unanswered. Nick Harper explains what happens next. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
From mango pits to rocks, how peculiar ‘pets’ bring comfort to the lonely in China
The definition of "pet" has taken on a whole new meaning in China with some youths adopting mango seeds and even jars of yeast for companionship. It’s an unconventional pastime aimed at helping to cope with societal pressures and loneliness. CNA's Melody Chan speaks to Teresa Tang about the trend.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The sacrifices and struggles of migrant workers in Southeast Asia
Millions of migrants leave their native countries each year in search of opportunity. But the psychological and social price is immense. Teresa Tang speaks with CNA's Nivell Rayda about the challenges facing migrant workers in Southeast Asia.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
What you need to know about South Korea’s snap presidential election
After Yoon Suk Yeol's failed martial law decree and his ouster from the presidency, South Korea is looking to recover from the political turmoil. Citizens are set to vote for their next leader in less than a week. CNA's Lim Yun Suk sets the stage with Teresa Tang.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Japan’s growing akiya phenomenon points to more empty homes as the population ages
An increasing number of homes in rural Japan are being abandoned due to urban migration and depopulation. These empty structures are attracting foreigners, lured by their cheap prices. CNA's Michiyo Ishida tells Teresa Tang what some communities are doing in the face of an existential crisis. (Credit: TikTok/@shumatsuopost) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
How IKEA is drawing China’s lonely elderly
Seniors living in urban China often find themselves at a loss when they want to meet new people. Unfamiliar with the city and disconnected from social media, many are flocking to places such as IKEA to find companions. Teresa Tang sits down with CNA's Tan Yew Guan to discuss why the trend may help improve longevity among China's aged.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Why are India and Pakistan on the brink of war?
Another violent chapter in a decades-long rift between two nuclear-armed neighbours. On 7 May, India carried out deadly strikes in Pakistan and Pakistan-administered Kashmir, two weeks after a terror attack in Indian-administered Kashmir. New Delhi blames Pakistan, something Islamabad denies. Is diplomacy an option or is war inevitable? Teresa Tang breaks it down with Ishan Garg in New Delhi and H
What does tin mining have to do with Indonesia's crocodile attacks?
Saltwater crocodiles sit atop the food chain and few can stand in their way. But tin mining in Indonesia has triggered deadly clashes between the ancient reptiles and locals. CNA's Kiki Siregar speaks to Teresa Tang about why these attacks are on the rise and what's being done to keep both animals and people safe. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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