Asia Specific

BBC World Service

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 podcast episodes twice a week.

Get in touch: asiaspecific@bbc.co.uk

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27 episodes
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Avg 18 min
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Episodes 27

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Yesterday · 17 min
What if leaving your bedroom felt impossible?
More younger people in Asia are shutting themselves at home
Thursday · 15 min
Bonus: What caused Nepal’s deadly flash floods?
What we know about the devastating Nepal floods and the search for survivors
Tuesday · 21 min
Why are lab monkeys so expensive?
What's behind the high prices for lab monkeys?
August 21 · 17 min
The fight to define ‘Asian pop’ at the Grammys
BTS rejects the Grammys’ new Asian pop category
August 18 · 23 min
Why North East Asia is wary of immigration
Japan tightens immigration rules amid population decline
August 14 · 21 min
The politics around China’s own ‘manosphere’
China has a growing “manosphere” but it looks nothing like the West
August 11 · 24 min
Why Thailand welcoming Myanmar’s leader caused anger
Thailand rolls out the red carpet for Myanmar’s leader as war rages
August 7 · 17 min
Are the glory days of cheap flights in Asia over?
Rising fuel prices are squeezing Asia’s budget airlines - what happens next?
August 6 · 20 min
Bonus: Why does Trump care about the Japanese yen?
In a highly unusual move, the US has stepped in to back Japan's currency, the yen.
August 4 · 17 min
Can China deal with a huge graduate glut?
A record 12.7 million university students enter a strained job market
July 31 · 17 min
What is behind Vietnam’s counterfeit crackdown?
Fake goods are a bad fit for Vietnam’s lofty economic ambitions
July 28 · 15 min
Why people in China aren’t spending
China wants its people to spend more. So why aren't they?
July 24 · 17 min
Why more countries are favouring China over the US
Why is China more popular than the US?
July 21 · 18 min
China's humanoid robot boom
China leads the humanoid robot race - but are they finally useful?
July 17 · 17 min
Inside a major baby trafficking trial in Indonesia
Could adopted babies from Indonesia have been trafficked into Singapore?
July 14 · 16 min
Why armed men killed a US pilot in Indonesia
What’s behind one of Asia’s longest-running insurgencies?
July 10 · 17 min
Why can’t Japan have a female emperor?
The controversial plan to ensure Japan's imperial family doesn't run out of heirs
July 7 · 19 min
Thailand’s sex worker legal limbo
A teen's death in Pattaya sparks debate over whether legalising sex work could save lives
July 3 · 17 min
Are microdramas the future of entertainment?
Short, addictive and highly lucrative, microdramas are reshaping storytelling in China
June 30 · 16 min
Why cancer patients are travelling to China
Cancer patients are travelling to China for faster and cheaper CAR-T therapy

Showing 1–20 of 27 episodes