Asia Specific

China has warned against the ‘law of the jungle’ after US-Israeli strikes on Iran, but will Iran's biggest oil buyer take any tangible measures?

The conflict in the Middle East is widening, with missile and drone strikes hitting Iran, Israel and neighbouring countries, and Washington is now warning its campaign could continue for weeks. China is often viewed as Tehran’s key international backer. It buys the majority of Iran’s crude oil, signed a sweeping 25-year strategic agreement in 2021, and has brought Iran into the Beijing-backed BRICS grouping.

So how is Washington’s biggest strategic rival responding now that Iran’s government is under direct attack from the US?

In this episode, host Mariko Oi is joined by Asia Specific’s Bill Birtles, a former China correspondent and James Dorsey of the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies to explore whether the China-Iran relationship is as deep as many assume and what the conflict means for China’s oil interests and long-term strategy.

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

Same-sex romance dramas are booming across Asia, but does that mean there’s growing tolerance towards LGBTQ communities? What began as a niche genre in Japan has become a regional phenomenon, with countries like Thailand producing hugely popular series that travel far beyond Asia. Streaming platforms and shows like The Boyfriend and Heated Rivalry have helped bring these stories to global audiences. But the rise of the “Boys’ Love” and “Girls’ Love” dramas in Asia raises bigger questions about representation, culture, and social change. In this episode of Asia Specific, host Mariko Oi speaks with the BBC’s Derek Cai and Nongnapat Patcham about the origins of BL in Japan, how Thailand built a thriving BL and GL industry and about who is watching these shows.

Asia Specific brings you Asia Pacific stories, unpacked by those who know it best. With essential insights and conversations on the stories shaping the region - an economic powerhouse, geo-political flashpoint and the birthplace of global cultural trends. Hear Asian perspectives on international issues and in-depth analysis on news from a region that’s home to nearly 2.5 billion people. Whether it is the latest on trade between the US and China, the rise and fall of political dynasties in Thailand, Indonesia, and the Philippines, or South Korea’s K-pop inspired soft power strategy, we find out what key players are thinking and dive into the stories that matter. Hosted in Singapore by Mariko Oi, alongside BBC experts in Beijing, Bangkok, and beyond – listen to new episodes twice a week. Episodes of Asia Specific are also available on YouTube, here: https://bit.ly/4iJyeVt Get in touch: asiaspecific@bbc.co.uk

The Vice-President of the Philippines Sara Duterte has announced she will run for the Presidency, more than two years out from the next election. While long expected that she would seek the top job, why is she announcing her bid so early? Is a bitter feud with the current President Ferdinand Bongbong Marcos Jnr a factor?

Four years ago she joined forces with Marcos and the pair won the Presidency and Vice-Presidency in a landslide. Now their relationship is a bitter power battle defined by accusations, impeachment attempts and the prosecution of Ms Duterte's father, a former President, at the International Criminal Court in Europe.

Meanwhile, protests are simmering over a massive corruption scandal involving a program to mitigate flooding, putting pressure on politcians throughout the government system.

In this episode, host Mariko Oi speaks to BBC South East Asia correspondent Jonathan Head and Manila-based journalist Regine Cabato about the deepening Marcos-Duterte rivalry, the return of protests, and what it all means for the future of Philippine politics.

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