This episode, we look at China's media and political influence efforts, which are only just starting to be taken seriously by the rest of the world. We bring in the expertise of Josh Kurlantzick, author of the new book Beijing's Global Media Offensive: China's Uneven Campaign to Influence Asia and the World. Click here or head to s.nikkei.com/3feonH8 to get 3 months of Nikkei Asia coverage for just $9. First, host Waj Khan walks us through Beijing's uses of soft and sharp power. Then, correspondent Monica Hunter-Hart interviews Kurlantzick about Beijing's motivations, the biggest mistakes it's making, how world leaders should respond, and the recent protests in China. Asia Stream is hosted by Wajahat S. Khan, our digital editor, and produced by Monica Hunter-Hart. Related to this episode: China builds global media muscle to amplify its message, by Pak Yiu

This episode, we look at the immigration trends Asia is experiencing and how the world population may rearrange itself over the next few decades. Our guide is Parag Khanna, author of Move: Where People Are Going for a Better Future. Click here or head to s.nikkei.com/3feonH8 to get 3 months of Nikkei Asia coverage for just $9. After host Waj Khan opens the show, correspondent Alice French joins for a Tokyo Dispatch segment (6:37) on women's wealth in Asia. Then correspondent Monica Hunter-Hart interviews Khanna (10:11) about which Asian countries people are leaving, and where they're going, how anti-immigration movements across the world are being stymied by labor shortages, and why this current moment is a golden age for skilled young migrants. Asia Stream is hosted by Wajahat S. Khan, our digital editor, and produced by Monica Hunter-Hart, with a regular Tokyo Dispatch segment by Alice French. Related to this episode: Japan to require four times more foreign workers, study says, by Mitsuru Obe Japan is finally facing up to its economic need for immigrants, by Toshihiro Menju Sri Lankans chase foreign jobs to help families survive inflation, by Prabhu Mallikarjunan Why relocating Chinese see Singapore as a safe haven, by Yang Min, Zhou Wenmin, and Cai Xuejiao 'Fortress Australia' seeks to become immigration nation again, by Mitch Ryan Lack of immigrants risks population decline in rich countries, by Kazuya Manabe and Kaori Yoshida 'A great war for talent' awaits post-COVID world: Parag Khanna, by Eri Sugiura From Pakistan to the Philippines, women break open closed industries, by Lien Hoang, Kiran Sharma, Francesca Regaldo and Cheng Ting-Fang

This episode, we discuss the appointment of Pakistan's new army chief. After months of drama and debate, Gen. Asim Munir has taken the helm of the world's sixth-largest fighting force and only nuclear-armed Islamic military. But what exactly is the big deal in a general taking charge? Well, considering that the army's ruled Pakistan for over three decades and continues to influence its governance from behind the throne, the most powerful man in the country is the army chief, not the prime minister. So when the Pakistani military's top gun changes, the world takes notice. Click here or head to s.nikkei.com/3feonH8 to get 3 months of Nikkei Asia coverage for just $9. First, host Waj Khan and correspondent Monica Hunter-Hart discuss the profile of the new general and the challenges facing him. Then, Monica interviews The Atlantic Council's Uzair Younus about the dire economic climate in the country, as well as the political outlook over the coming months. Asia Stream is hosted by Wajahat S. Khan, Nikkei Asia's digital editor, and produced by Monica Hunter-Hart. Related to this episode: Pakistan nominates next army chief as incumbent blasts Imran Khan, by Adnan Aamir Pakistan nears moment of truth in army chief sweepstakes, by Wajahat Khan

This episode, we investigate the online scamming industry that is plaguing Southeast Asia -- particularly Thailand. The Chinese underworld is trafficking people into Cambodia, Myanmar and Laos and forcing them to swindle victims young and old. And it's gotten much worse since the pandemic began, with Thailand's scam calls jumping 270%. Click here or head to s.nikkei.com/3feonH8 to get 3 months of Nikkei Asia coverage for just $9. After host Waj Khan opens the show, we hear from a Thai scammer who was held against his will for six months (04:42). Next, Alice French explains why scams increased during the pandemic in her Tokyo Dispatch (07:43). And finally, Monica Hunter-Hart interviews Dominic Faulder, the reporter behind the "scamdemic" investigation, with details about how the scam gangs operate, how different countries are responding, and what can be done to solve the problem (10:25). Asia Stream is hosted by Wajahat S. Khan, our digital editor and executive producer, and produced by Monica Hunter-Hart and Alice French. Related to this episode: Asia's scamdemic: How COVID-19 supercharged online crime, by Dominic Faulder Cyber slavery: inside Cambodia's online scam gangs, by Shaun Turton

This episode, we discuss the results (so far) of the U.S. midterm election and how they will change Washington’s foreign policy in Asia, touching on China, Japan, the Korean Peninsula, Iran, Russia and beyond. Click here or head to s.nikkei.com/3feonH8 to get 3 months of Nikkei Asia coverage for just $9. First, the German Marshall Fund’s Tobias Harris returns to the pod to discuss the elections’ ripples in Asia with Monica Hunter-Hart (05:21). Then, Monica and Waj Khan cover the specifics of the election results with an audio diary they updated across the first 48 hours of the midterms (21:35). Asia Stream is hosted by Wajahat S. Khan, our digital editor and executive producer, and produced by Monica Hunter-Hart. Related to this episode: Republicans fall short of U.S. midterm election goals, by Marrian Zhou U.S. voters decide on Biden agenda as midterm election day arrives, by Jack Stone Truitt U.S. warns of election interference by Russia, China in midterms, by Ryo Nakamura Asian Americans hold vital swing votes in U.S. midterm elections, by Marrian Zhou Opinion: Asia has much at stake in U.S. midterm elections, by John Kachtik

We discuss the ongoing Chinese Communist Party congress, where paramount leader Xi Jinping is expected to secure himself a third term in power. We break down what you should know about the congress, why the zero-COVID policy looms so large over it, and what Xi might do in the coming years. Click here or head to s.nikkei.com/3feonH8 to get 3 months of Nikkei Asia coverage for just $9. First, Monica Hunter-Hart and Waj Khan go over the basics of the event (2:35). Then Alice French explains the worsening toll Xi's zero-COVID policy is taking on the Chinese economy and population (9:33). Finally, Monica interviews the Lowy Institute's Richard McGregor about Xi's influence and what he might do next (13:20). Asia Stream is hosted by Wajahat S. Khan, our digital editor and executive producer, and produced by Monica Hunter-Hart, with a regular Tokyo Dispatch segment by Alice French. Related to this episode: Self-isolated: China's lonely zero-COVID battle in spotlight as Xi seeks third term, by Nikkei staff writers Analysis: Xi's coronation ceremony opens on date of China's first atom bomb, by Katsuji Nakazawa Opinion: Xi Jinping is preparing the Communist Party to face new realities, by Yu Jie Transcript: President Xi Jinping's report to China's 2022 party congress

We discuss the ongoing protests in Iran following the death of Mahsa Amini, who was allegedly beaten to death for failing to follow the mandatory hijab law. Click here or head to s.nikkei.com/3feonH8 to get 3 months of Nikkei Asia coverage for just $9. First, host Waj Khan and correspondent Monica Hunter-Hart break down the latest updates. Then Monica interviews a protester in Mashhad about what she's witnessing (11:13); Cornelius Adebahr about where the protests are headed (19:05); and the Atlantic Council's Gissou Nia about Iran's discriminatory laws and how the international community can support demonstrators (29:20). Asia Stream is hosted by Wajahat S. Khan, our digital editor and executive producer, and produced by Monica Hunter-Hart. Related to this episode: Calm days but furious nights in Iran as protests spiral, by Tala Taslimi

We interview Pakistani Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari about the challenges his country is facing, including terrorism, a heavy debt burden, the rivalry with India, and the worst environmental disaster Pakistan has ever experienced. We also compare the approaches that Asia's central banks are taking to deal with this difficult economic moment. Click here or head to s.nikkei.com/3feonH8 to get 3 months of Nikkei Asia coverage for just $9. First, digital editor and host Wajahat S. Khan talks to Bhutto-Zardari (5:50), and then deputy editor Alice French interviews reporter Mitsuru Obe about the central banks' tactics, focusing on Japan, China and South Korea (21:41). Asia Stream is hosted by Wajahat S. Khan and produced by Monica Hunter-Hart, with a regular Tokyo Dispatch segment by Alice French. Related to this episode: Pakistan foreign minister: China debt is price of development, by Wajahat Khan The money blizzard: Asia's central banks reckon with the aftermath of COVID-19, by Mitsuru Obe, Kim Jaewon and Francesca Regalado

We discuss why many Asian countries are still dealing with Russia. In stark contrast to much of Europe and the U.S., most Asian countries -- with the notable exceptions of Japan and Singapore -- continue business as usual with the Russians. Is this about weapons? Oil? Policy? Or old habits from the Cold War? Click here or head to s.nikkei.com/3feonH8 to get 3 months of Nikkei Asia coverage for just $9. Digital editor and host Wajahat S. Khan talks to Asia Stream correspondent Monica Hunter-Hart about the broader strategy to play both sides, then interviews Akriti Vasudeva of the Stimson Center about India's position, and then chats with Josh Kurlantzick of the Council on Foreign Relations about Southeast Asia's role. Finally, deputy editor Alice French sends in her Tokyo Dispatch, this time interviewing our Pakistan contributor Adnan Aamir about the devastating floods in that country. This episode is hosted by Wajahat S. Khan, and was produced by Monica Hunter-Hart. Related to this episode: Thailand, Vietnam, Myanmar deepen Russia ties to blunt economic woes, by Yohei Muramatsu and Tomoya Onishi Opinion: China and Russia to showcase alternative world order at SCO Summit, by Raffaello Pantucci China threatened by unbreakable bond with Russia, Nikkei graphics team U.S., Japan step up India courtship despite its Russia juggling act, by Kiran Sharma and Ken Moriyasu

We discuss Turkey's growing influence as it plays both sides in the Russia-Ukraine war and courts powers in Central Asia, the Middle East and Africa. Click here or head to s.nikkei.com/3feonH8 to get 3 months of Nikkei Asia coverage for just $9. Monica Hunter-Hart interviews Sinan Tavşan, Nikkei Asia's correspondent in Istanbul, about Turkey's ascendancy. She also shares interviews she recently recorded with Turkish bazaar vendors about the inflation crisis. This episode is hosted by Jack Stone Truitt, and was produced by Monica Hunter-Hart. Related to this episode: Making Turkey great again: Erdogan throws out the rule book, by Ken Moriyasu and Sinan Tavsan Location, hard power underpin Turkey's geopolitical renaissance, by Ken Moriyasu and Sinan Tavsan Turkey scores with NATO brinkmanship, flexing geopolitical veto, by Ken Moriyasu and Sinan Tavsan

This month marks the one-year anniversary of the Taliban's takeover of Afghanistan and the withdrawal of U.S. forces. What is life in Afghanistan like right now, and where does the country go from here? In this episode, Monica Hunter-Hart brings back a previous guest -- a woman secretly running a network of schools for girls -- to discuss the state of girls' education in Afghanistan. Then, Jack Stone Truitt interviews retired U.S. diplomat Annie Pforzheimer on what the international community can practically do to help Afghanistan. This episode of Asia Stream is hosted by Jack Stone Truitt and produced by Monica Hunter-Hart. Click here or head to s.nikkei.com/3feonH8 to get 3 months of Nikkei Asia coverage for just $9. Related to this episode: Afghan women still facing difficulties, one year on, by Momoko Kidera Taliban 2.0, one year on: Afghanistan withers under iron-fist rule, by Zia Ur Rehman

Wajahat S. Khan joins Jack Truitt to discuss the multitude of crises Pakistan faces and his latest reporting from Washington (03:15). Then Waj takes a deeper look into why Pakistan has found itself in debt time and time again in a conversation with Dr. Aparna Pande and Uzair Younus (10:55). Finally, Nikkei Asia’s tech reporters in Taiwan, Annie Ting-Fang and Lauly Li, speak with Alice French for the Tokyo Dispatch about the hidden flaws in the global semiconductor supply chain (41:55).  Click here or head to s.nikkei.com/3feonH8 to get 3 months of Nikkei Asia coverage for just $9. This episode was hosted by Jack Stone Truitt, and produced by Monica Hunter-Hart Wajahat S. Khan, and Jack Stone Truitt.

This episode, we discuss the impact former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe had on Japan and on the world, with a focus on his national security and economic agendas. We discuss his legacy, analyzing both his popularity and his divisiveness. Click here or head to s.nikkei.com/3feonH8 to get 3 months of Nikkei Asia coverage for just $9. First, Monica Hunter-Hart interviews Nikkei Asia diplomatic correspondent Ken Moriyasu about how Abe reshaped Japan’s defense policy (05:10), and then Tobias Harris, an Abe biographer (23:19). Next, Jack Stone Truitt interviews Takuji Okubo about the legacy of Abenomics (35:31). This episode of Asia Stream is hosted by Jack Stone Truitt and produced by Monica Hunter-Hart. Related to this episode: Japan after Abe: Political stability under threat?, by Naoya Yoshino Abe forged unique conservative path for Japan in Asia diplomacy, by Hiroshi Minegishi Shinzo Abe made Japan an ever closer ally: ex-U.S. diplomats, by Yukihiro Sakaguchi and Tomoko Ashizuka Abe's assassination transforms Japan's political landscape, by Shunsuke Shigeta and Rieko Miki In pictures: Shinzo Abe, the scene of his assassination, by Nikkei staff writers

This episode, we take measure of the economic impact of China's stringent laws in Hong Kong and then take a deep dive into the social and political costs of Beijing's crackdown on the special administrative region. First, digital editor Waj Khan lays out the big picture: What ails the relationship between Beijing and Hong Kong? (02:25) Next, business and markets reporter Jack Stone Truitt crunches the numbers of the economic impact of the crackdown (05:49). Then, Asia Stream correspondent Monica Hunter-Hart reports on how activism, academia and the media have been affected (10:19), interviewing former Hong Kong legislator and student protest leader Nathan Law (13:03), professor Isabella Ng (18:16) and journalist Lam Ying-pong (24:18). Finally, our deputy Big Story editor, Alice French, reports with the weekly Tokyo Dispatch on the Hong Kong diaspora as she talks to Pak Yiu (29:22). Click here or head to s.nikkei.com/3feonH8 to get 3 months of Nikkei Asia coverage for just $9. Asia Stream is hosted by Wajahat S. Khan, our digital editor and executive producer, and produced by Monica Hunter-Hart and Jack Stone Truitt. Related to this episode: Hong Kong's identity in crisis after 25 years of Beijing rule, by Pak Yiu Hong Kong press freedom bruised a year after Apple Daily shutdown, by Takeshi Kihara and Frances Cheung Brain drain: Hong Kong political crackdown sparks scholar exodus, by Frances Cheung and Takeshi Kihara

Abortion is the talk of the United States right now as the Supreme Court prepares to release a decision that could overturn Roe v. Wade, the case that enshrined abortion rights nationally. But what's happening in the places where abortion is a quieter conversation? What about the state of reproductive rights in Asia? This episode, we survey the laws and attitudes regarding abortion in Asia. We place special attention on four countries: China, Indonesia, India and Japan. Our reporters Marrian Zhou, Ismi Damayanti and Kiran Sharma fill us in, while host Waj Khan and producers Alice French, Monica Hunter-Hart and Jack Stone Truitt guide the story.  Click here or head to s.nikkei.com/3feonH8 to get 3 months of Nikkei Asia coverage for just $9.  Asia Stream is hosted by Wajahat S. Khan, our digital editor and executive producer, and produced by Monica Hunter-Hart and Jack Stone Truitt. Related to this episode: Abortion in Asia: The limits of choice, by Ismi Damayanti, Kiran Sharma and Arisa Kamei China's three-child policy aims to head off demographic crisis, by Iori Kawate

This episode, we discuss evidence of human rights abuses against Uyghurs in China's Xinjiang region as a new collection of leaked documents rocks the world and U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights Michelle Bachelet returns from a controversial visit to the region. Monica Hunter-Hart interviews Michael Clarke, Adrian Zenz and Sophie Richardson about the history of Xinjiang, the Xinjiang Police Files leak and Bachelet's visit. She also talks to a Uyghur man who spent a month in pretrial detention in 2017. Then, Jack Stone Truitt interviews Darren Byler on Xinjiang's surveillance tech. Finally, Alice French sends in her Tokyo Dispatch, this time interviewing Ken Moriyasu about China's threat to Taiwan.  Click here for an exclusive offer to save 83% on a Nikkei Asia subscription  Asia Stream is hosted by Wajahat S. Khan, our digital editor and executive producer, and produced by Monica Hunter-Hart and Jack Stone Truitt. Mehmet's voice was re-created by Eric Francisco. Related to this episode: Xi tells U.N. rights chief that China doesn't need lectures, by CK Tan and Pak Yiu U.N. rights head Bachelet starts landmark tour of China's Xinjiang, by Pak Yiu All for one: U.S. enlists its Asian allies in defense of Taiwan, by Ken Moriyasu

This episode, we report on three inflation stories of the moment that have similar causes -- particularly supply chain issues related to the pandemic and the Russia-Ukraine war -- but different results.  Akhil Bery of the Asia Society Policy Institute joins us to discuss Sri Lanka, which is on the brink of economic collapse. Then USC's Saori Katada, along with our own Alice French and Mitsuru Obe, analyze the situation in Japan, which is experiencing rising prices for the first time in decades. Finally, Koc University's Selva Demiralp discusses Turkey, where inflation is threatening the president's reelection chances. Asia Stream is hosted by Wajahat S. Khan, our digital editor and executive producer, and produced by Monica Hunter-Hart and Jack Stone Truitt. Click here for an exclusive offer to save 83% on a Nikkei Asia subscription Related to this episode:  Nepotism, bad policy push Sri Lanka to brink of economic ruin, by Toru Takahashi How 'transitory' is Japanese inflation?, by Mitsuru Obe Turkey holds key rate at 14% even with inflation at 61%, by Sinan Tavsan 'Let's pray it holds': Turkey's lira gamble keeps investors guessing, by Sinan Tavsan

This week, we focus on one of Asia’s most dynamic but flawed democracies: the Philippines. With the election just days away, we get under the hood of the electoral system and investigate the powerful role that dynasties play in the country, with a special focus on Ferdinand Marcos Jr., the front-runner on the cusp of taking power. We then take into account that other essential, if dangerous, tenet of modern Philippine democracy: disinformation, and how it is being used to gain support among the country’s most vulnerable populations. In this episode, Asia Stream correspondent Monica Hunter-Hart reports on the dynasty and disinformation dyad with Cliff Venzon, our correspondent in Manila, and Regine Cabato of the Washington Post. Also, Alice French, deputy editor of our Big Story, sends in her Tokyo Dispatch about Japan’s energy dilemma triggered by the war in Ukraine, featuring Rurika Imahashi.  Asia Stream is hosted by Wajahat S. Khan, our digital editor and executive producer, and produced by Monica Hunter-Hart and Jack Stone Truitt.  Click here for an exclusive offer to save 83% on a Nikkei Asia subscription Related to this episode: South China Sea issue will weigh on next Philippine president, by Cliff Venzon 'Bongbong' Marcos cements lead in Philippine presidential race, by Cliff Venzon Marcos return looms large as Philippines remembers 'People Power', by Cliff Venzon

This week we examine the state of the pandemic in East Asia, which has been caught in an unprecedented COVID surge from the omicron variant. In particular, China's zero-COVID strategy has faced its stiffest challenge as lockdowns in Shanghai have stoked rare civic unrest. In this episode, Monica Hunter-Hart speaks with Nikkei data journalist Grace Li about how COVID is hitting Asia right now, Nikkei reporters CK Tan and Pak Yiu, who give us the latest from the ground in Shanghai and Hong Kong, and epidemiologist Eric Feigl-Ding, who breaks down the recent surge and what might happen next. Finally, Alice French returns with the Tokyo Dispatch focusing on the nuclear power debate within Asia just ahead of Earth Day. Click here for an exclusive offer to save 83% on a Nikkei Asia subscription Asia Stream is hosted by Jack Stone Truitt and produced by Monica Hunter-Hart and Nikkei Asia digital editor Wajahat S. Khan. Related to this episode: Nikkei Asia COVID-19 Recovery Index How virus-free Shanghai turned into China's COVID-19 epicenter, by CK Tan Locked-down Shanghai residents scramble to find food, by CK Tan Asia's COVID success stories become the world's worst hot spots, by Shin Watanabe, Kotaro Hosokawa and Tomoya Onishi China scrambles as COVID exposes cracks in Hong Kong leadership, by Pak Yiu

This week, it’s lights, camera, action! Asia Stream has gone Hollywood. Following an Oscars that made headlines for all the wrong reasons, we take a deeper look at the biggest awards in film and ask why they do such a poor job reflecting the scope of global cinema. Then, Asia Stream correspondent Monica Hunter-Hart takes a deeper dive into the history of Asian cinema, with a focus on Japan in particular, speaking to studio veterans, film critics, and historians. Click here for an exclusive offer to save 83% on a Nikkei Asia subscription Asia Stream is hosted by Jack Stone Truitt and produced by Monica Hunter-Hart and Nikkei Asia digital editor Wajahat S. Khan. Related to this episode: Japan's 'Drive My Car' wins Oscar for best international film, by Wajahat Khan A win for this Indian documentary would make Oscars history, by Mythily Ramachandran Oscar buzz builds for breakthrough Bhutanese film, by Nidup Gyeltshen and Phuntsho Wangdi Can Japanese director Ryusuke Hamaguchi follow renowned Kurosawa?, by Shigeki Koga Japan's 'Drive My Car' stokes 'Parasite'-esque Oscar buzz, by Shigeki Koga

Since it gained independence 75 years ago, not one of Pakistan's elected prime ministers has completed a full term of office. Assassinations, coups and resignations have seen to that. Consequently, this has created one of the world's most volatile polities, in one of the world's roughest neighborhoods. Now, Pakistan's 22nd Prime Minister, Imran Khan, faces a parliamentary crisis. From cricket superstar and international playboy, to a jet setting philanthropist, to a populist Islamist, Imran Khan's ascent to the highest office in Pakistan has been a remarkable case-study in professional evolution. Now he's in a fight for political survival as he faces a vote of no-confidence in a raucous parliament. Click here for an exclusive offer to save 83% on a Nikkei Asia subscription In this episode, Asia Stream Correspondent Monica Hunter-Hart reports on Khan's political ascent. Then, Asandyar Mir of USIP, Madiha Afzal of Brookings and Uzair Younis of the Atlantic Council weigh in about what ails Pakistan's democracy. Asia Stream is hosted by Wajahat S. Khan, our digital editor and executive producer, and produced by Monica Hunter-Hart and Jack Stone Truitt. Related to this episode: Pakistan PM Khan faces ouster amid fears of failing economy, by Adnan Aamir China takes wait-and-see stance on Pakistan's political turmoil, by Adnan Aamir

This week, we host our first Editors' Roundtable for the year, bringing together our most seasoned journalists to understand the political, economic, diplomatic and tech impact that the war is having. Click here for an exclusive offer to save 83% on a Nikkei Asia subscription In this episode, Monica Hunter-Hart reports on the latest from South Asia (02:10), our editors -- Michael Peel, Stephen Foley and Andy Sharp -- participate in the Editors' Roundtable (06:50), and Alice French sends in her Tokyo Dispatch (41:55).  Asia Stream is hosted by Wajahat S. Khan, our digital editor and executive producer, and produced by Monica Hunter-Hart and Jack Stone Truitt. Related to this episode: Player or played? Xi-Putin alliance faces defining moment in Ukraine, by Marrian Zhou and Tsukasa Hadano Strong NATO, weak U.S., puzzled China: Ukraine war hints at new order, by Mikio Sugeno Ukraine war tests Japan's refugee policy that admits just 1%, by Shunsuke Shigeta

This week, we account for the cost of the fighting in Ukraine. These include the sanctions on Russia; the closures in Ukraine; the energy shortages in Europe; and surging global oil prices, commodities rates and inflation. Which sectors are feeling the most pressure? How exposed is Asia? And what’s the impact on the street? Click here for an exclusive offer to save 83% on a Nikkei Asia subscription In this episode, Jack Stone Truitt reports on the state of the global sanctions regime (02:55), Alice French reports on rising prices in Japan as she debuts with our new segment, "The Tokyo Dispatch," (07:55) and J.P. Morgan’s managing director of emerging-markets strategy, Saad Siddiqui, assesses the big picture of the macroeconomic impact of the war (12:22). Asia Stream is hosted by Wajahat S. Khan, our digital editor and executive producer, and produced by both him and Jack Stone Truitt. Related to this episode: From Samsung to Sony, Asia tech grapples with Russia sanctions Ukraine from Feb. 24 to March 9: Over 2.1m people have fled country, UNHCR estimates Global chip shortage may soon turn into an oversupply crisis

This week, we look at China and India, the major powers that still haven't condemned Russia's invasion of Ukraine and chose to abstain from reprimanding Moscow at the United Nations. What factors are compelling Beijing and New Delhi to stand by Russia?  We report the latest on Russia's China connection, while Dhruva Jaishankar of the Observer Research Foundation America tells us about India's delicate balancing act. Click here for an exclusive offer to save 83% on a Nikkei Asia subscription Asia Stream is hosted by Wajahat S. Khan, our digital editor and executive producer, and produced by both him and Jack Stone Truitt. Related to this episode:  Quad urges India to condemn Russia over Ukraine, by Rintaro Tobita and Reiko Miki  Analysis: China's CIPS cannot rescue Russian banks from SWIFT ban, by Peng Qinqin, Denise Jia, and Kelsey Cheng from Caixin

This week, we use the anniversary of Richard Nixon's famous 1972 trip to China to launch a discussion of how we got to this current moment in U.S.-China-Russia relations. How did a "honeymoon" period between China and the United States in the 1970s and '80s veer into chilly competition? And as Russia invades Ukraine and China stands by, we examine how the Sino-Soviet rivalry transformed into the current Sino-Russian partnership. The new great-power contest has its roots in the Cold War; is history doomed to repeat itself? In this episode, we speak to Richard McGregor of Australia's Lowy Institute about the history of relations between China, the U.S. and Russia, and about the emerging great-power struggle. Click here for an exclusive offer to save 83% on a Nikkei Asia subscription Asia Stream is hosted by Wajahat S. Khan, our digital editor and executive producer, and produced by Monica Hunter-Hart and Jack Stone Truitt. Related to this episode: Nixon in China, 50 years on, by Richard McGregor INFOGRAPHIC: A handshake that changed the world: 50 years after Nixon's trip to China, by Nikkei staff writers 50 years after Nixon-Mao handshake, Asia preps for new world order, by Nikkei staff writers U.S. engagement with China a 'strategic blunder': Mearsheimer, by Masahiro Okoshi India and China stay on sidelines as Russia invades Ukraine, by Kiran Sharma and Ken Moriyasu

This week, we take a look at three cities: Hong Kong, Gwadar and Jakarta (as well as Jakarta's forthcoming replacement, Nusantara), cities that were once the focus of big dreams, but are now facing major disappointments. They are cases of governments investing enormous sums of political and financial capital, without the intended benefits. Cases of when top-down planning and governance fall short. In this episode, we begin with an analysis of Hong Kong's fall from grace with Monica Hunter-Hart (02:35). Then Uzair Younus of the Atlantic Council joins us for a discussion of what's going wrong with the development in Gwadar (06:06). Then our correspondent in Jakarta, Erwida Maulia, comes in with a report about Indonesia's forthcoming new capital (18:32). We end with a quick update on the 1MDB trial in New York City from Jack Stone Truitt (27:53).  Click here for an exclusive offer to save 83% on a Nikkei Asia subscription Asia Stream is hosted by Wajahat S. Khan, our digital editor and executive producer, and produced by Monica Hunter-Hart and Jack Stone Truitt. Related to this episode: Indonesia's new capital, Nusantara, sparks controversy, by Erwida Maulia So long, Hong Kong: Asia's business hub loses its luster, by Pak Yiu Too big to fail: China eyes Afghanistan investment amid fears of state collapse, by Betsy Joles

This week, we report on President Xi Jinping and the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing. The last time the Olympics were held there, the Games acted as China’s coming-out party on the world stage, but these Games serve a very different purpose for the world’s most populous country. What image is Xi trying to project? How do the Games tie into his larger political goals? And is he playing in the spirit of the Olympics, or playing to win? In this episode, we speak to professor Kerry Brown of King’s College and our chief Shanghai correspondent CK Tan about Xi, the Olympics, and China’s “zero-COVID” strategy. Click here for an exclusive offer to save 83% on a Nikkei Asia subscription Asia Stream is hosted by Wajahat S. Khan, our digital editor and executive producer, and produced by Monica Hunter-Hart and Jack Stone Truitt. Related to this episode: On thin ice: Winter Olympics reveal cracks in China's zero-COVID policy, by Shin Watanabe China warns Olympic athletes to keep quiet on politics, by Shin Watanabe and Shunsuke Tabeta Beijing Winter Olympics reveal a very different China, by Richard McGregor

This week, one year after the military declared an emergency and assumed control there, we report on the escalating political, military and humanitarian crises in Myanmar. In this episode, we report on the latest developments within Myanmar, as well as the regional and international diplomacy underway. We talk to Nikkei Asia’s editor-at-large, Gwen Robinson, and contributor Thin Lei Win, both of whom have recently reported from the ground. Click here for an exclusive offer to save 83% on a Nikkei Asia subscription Asia Stream is hosted by Wajahat S. Khan, our digital editor and executive producer, and produced by Monica Hunter-Hart and Jack Stone Truitt. Our theme music is “What's the Angle?” by Shane Ivers. Related to this episode: U.S., U.K. and Canada slap new sanctions on Myanmar, 1 year on, by Jack Stone Truitt Yangon calm masks Myanmar's pain 1 year after military takeover, by Gwen Robinson How Myanmar's post-coup violence is transforming a generation, by Thin Lei Win Cambodian PM's embrace of Myanmar military rulers splits ASEAN, by Toru Takahashi Japan's Myanmar expats remit restaurant profits to defy military, by Yuji Kuronuma

This week, we conclude our two-part special report on Afghanistan. What was once America's longest war is now the world's worst humanitarian crisis. Yes, the Taliban are a de facto reality in Afghanistan. But should international sanctions against the Islamists target all Afghans? And what about the millions who face starvation and death due to a collapsed economy? In this episode, Jack Stone Truitt and Monica Hunter-Hart report on the regional and political solutions prescribed by those who are wary of the Taliban, as well as those who want to help the country. Truitt talks to the ambassadors of two of Pakistan’s closest neighbors, Iran and Pakistan. Hunter-Hart connects with the Afghan resistance on the ground, as well experts in Washington. Click here for an exclusive offer to save 83% on a Nikkei Asia subscription Asia Stream is hosted by Wajahat S. Khan, our digital editor and executive producer, and produced by Monica Hunter-Hart and Jack Stone Truitt. Our theme music is “What's the Angle?” by Shane Ivers. Related to this episode: Taliban prepares to segregate sexes in Afghan universities, by Tahir Khan Too big to fail: China eyes Afghanistan investment amid fears of state collapse, by Betsy Joles Afghan poppy season returns in force under Taliban rule, by Moyuru Baba

This week, we report on Afghanistan. What was once America's longest war is now one of the world's worst humanitarian crises. But what ails the Taliban government? What is stopping the world from saving Afghanistan's broken economy? And what about the millions who face starvation and death? In this episode, Monica Hunter-Hart reports on Afghanistan's most immediate problems. She talks to leading experts, diplomats, journalists on the ground, and refugees who have left to escape the crisis. Click here for an exclusive offer to save 83% on a Nikkei Asia subscription Asia Stream is hosted by Wajahat S. Khan, our digital editor and executive producer, and produced by Monica Hunter-Hart and Jack Stone Truitt. Our theme music is “What's the Angle?” by Shane Ivers. Related to this episode: Too big to fail: China eyes Afghanistan investment amid fears of state collapse, by Betsy Joles Afghan poppy season returns in force under Taliban rule, by Moyuru Baba

This week, we examine the recent protests in Kazakhstan from the local, economic and geopolitical perspective. Joining us are our correspondents Paul Bartlett, Monica Hunter-Hart and Jack Stone Truitt, with professor Luca Anceschi of the University of Glasgow and Katrina Keegan of Harvard University weighing in with expert analysis. Asia Stream is hosted by Wajahat S. Khan, our digital editor in New York City, and produced by Monica Hunter-Hart and Jack Stone Truitt. Our theme music is “What's the Angle?” by Shane Ivers. Click here for an exclusive offer to save 83% on a Nikkei Asia subscription From this episode: Kazakhstan unrest rattles region as Russia steps in: What to know by Paul Bartlett Kazakhstan's crypto mining boom fizzles over power supply strain by Paul Bartlett

This week, we examine Asia’s evolving electoral landscape and list the crucial political battles that are coming up this year, with a deep dive into the upcoming election in the Philippines. And we appraise the mood in Washington one year after the January 6, 2021 storming of the U.S. Capitol and ten months before the midterm elections. Joining us this episode is renowned journalist and Columbia University Professor Sheila Coronel, as well as our own Monica Hunter-Hart and Jack Stone Truitt. Asia Stream is hosted by Wajahat S. Khan, our digital editor in New York City, and produced by Monica Hunter-Hart and Jack Stone Truitt. Our theme music is “What’s the Angle?” by Shane Ivers. Click here for an exclusive offer to save 83% on a Nikkei Asia subscription Mentioned in this episode: -Nikkei Asia guide to a busy election year -Nikkei Asia’s 2022 Philippine elections coverage -On Jan. 6, Biden vows to save democracy from ‘dagger’ at its throat, by Jack Stone Truitt

This week, we take a look back at 2021 and the most crucial stories to emerge from the Indo-Pacific. Up first, our business and markets reporter Jack Stone Truitt reviews the year's most popular stories. Then, our feature presentation -- Asia Stream's first Editors & Reporters Roundtable: an in-depth discussion with an all-star panel about what's ticking in Asian news. From Brussels, we are joined by executive editor Michael Peel From New York .U.S. editor Ken Moriyasu weighs in. And our award winning duo of tech reporters, Cheng Ting-Fang, and Lauly Li will join us from Taiwan. Read Nikkei Asia's most read stories of the year Click here for an exclusive offer to save 83% for a Nikkei Asia subscription Asia Stream is hosted by Wajahat Khan, our digital editor in New York City, and produced by Monica Hunter-Hart and Jack Stone Truitt. From this episode: China PCR test orders soared before first confirmed COVID case by Masaya Kato Young, creative and angry: Myanmar's youth pushes back by Thin Lei Wen Cyber slavery: inside Cambodia's online scam gangs by Shaun Turton US-China tech war: Beijing's secret chipmaking champions by Cheng Ting-Fang and Lauly Li All-Turkic corridor heralds rise of new Eurasian political bloc by Sinan Tavsan  China's Luxshare builds iPhone mega-plant to challenge Foxconn by Lauly Li, Cheng Ting-Fang, and Shunsuke Tabeta

This week we examine the ongoing supply chain crisis and its implications for holiday season shoppers, as well as leading companies like Apple and Toyota. Joining the show today are business editor Stephen Foley and chief business correspondent Akito Tanaka. Click here for an exclusive offer to save 83% on a Nikkei Asia subscription Mentioned in this episode: --Apple's nightmare before Christmas: Supply chain crisis delays gift deliveries by Cheng Ting-Fang and Lauly Li --Chipmakers' nightmare: Will shortages give way to a supply glut? by Akito Tanaka, Cheng Ting-Fang, and Lauly Li --Automakers hit limits of 'just-in-time' supply chain management by Eri Sugiura and Akito Tanaka --Intel CEO warns chip shortage to last until 2023 as demand soars by P Prem Kumar Asia Stream is hosted by Wajahat Khan, our digital editor, and produced by Monica Hunter-Hart and Jack Stone Truitt. Our theme music is "What's the Angle?" by Shane Ivers.

Welcome to Asia Stream, from Nikkei Asia. Every week, Asia Stream will track and analyze the Indo-Pacific with a mix of interviews with experts and original reporting from our team of correspondents from across the globe. Our first episode explores India's democratic backsliding as the U.S. holds the first-ever 'Summit for Democracy.' Asia Stream is hosted by Wajahat Khan, our digital editor in New York City, and produced by Monica Hunter-Hart and Jack Stone Truitt. Out theme music is “What’s the Angle” by Shane Ivers. Click here for an exclusive offer to save 83% on a Nikkei Asia subscription