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Big Take Asia

Big Take Asia

141 episodes — Page 1 of 3

China’s Instagram Gets Ready to Go Public

Jun 23, 202618 min

The Iran War’s Lasting Scars Across Asia

Jun 16, 202620 min

China Tightens Its Grip on Billions in Offshore Wealth

Jun 9, 202618 min

Huge AI Bonuses Spark South Korea Tech Wealth Fight

Jun 2, 202617 min

Indonesia’s $15 Billion Free Lunch Experiment

May 26, 202617 min

Weekend Listen: China vs the US: Kishore Mahbubani on a Zero-Sum Rivalry

May 24, 202634 min

SoftBank’s $60 Billion OpenAI Bet Sparks Concerns

May 19, 202620 min

The Biggest Takeaways from the Trump-Xi Summit

May 15, 202621 min

Modi Is More Powerful Than Ever — Even as India’s Economy Strains

May 12, 202619 min

Weekend Listen: Will the Xi-Trump Summit Be Over Before It Starts?

May 10, 202627 min

Beijing’s Veto of Meta’s Manus Deal Signals Shift in the Global AI Race

May 5, 202618 min

Weekend Listen: Writer Amitav Ghosh on Why India Has Lost Its Way

May 3, 202633 min

North Korea’s Nuclear Program Reaches Tipping Point for the US

Apr 29, 202621 min

China’s Tech Grip Threatens India’s Manufacturing Ambitions

Apr 21, 202619 min

How Hormuz Closure Could Squeeze Asia’s Staple Crop

Apr 14, 202618 min

BONUS: ユニクロ・柳井正氏を直撃、アメリカ内陸部への執念と後継者

日本のアパレル王者、ユニクロ。アジアや米国の沿岸部で成功を収めた同社が、今まさに挑もうとしているのが、ブランド認知がまだ低い「フライオーバー・カントリー(内陸部)」と呼ばれる広大なエリアです。ここを制覇することは、創業者の柳井正氏にとってグローバルNo.1への「最後の難関」を意味します。 今回のエピソードでは、テキサス州ダラスの店舗取材に加え、銀座の旗艦店で柳井氏の買い物に同行した様子を披露。柳井氏本人のインタビュー音声を交え、なぜこのエリアを攻略しようとしているのか、そしてなぜ経営の第一線に留まり続けるのか、その真意に迫ります。 関連記事:ユニクロ柳井正、不屈の野心-米国攻略に向けた成長戦略の真髄「売上3兆円はいける」 ユニクロの東京旗艦店を柳井氏と歩く「買う立場で考える、全部」−世界26市場を支える経営哲学 制作・ホスト: 野上英文、 取材:リード・スティーブンソン 、編集:岩井春翔 、ファクトチェック:香月夏子 、サウンドデザイン・エンジニア: 安澤隆比古 、シニアプロデューサー: Naomi Shavin、デピュティ・エグゼクティブプロデューサー: Julia Weaver、エグゼクティブプロデューサー: Nicole BeemsterboerSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Apr 8, 202617 min

Uniqlo Is Coming for Middle America

Japan’s richest man — Uniqlo founder Tadashi Yanai — has struggled to win over the US, despite owning the world's third-largest clothing retailer by sales. On today’s Big Take Asia podcast, Yanai takes Bloomberg’s Reed Stevenson to a store in Tokyo and explains why he’s betting big on America one more time. Read more: Uniqlo's Billionaire Founder Wants Tenfold US Growth. Early Signs Are GoodUniqlo Founder and Japan’s Richest Man Loves a $32 Pair of Slacks Hosted by K. Oanh Ha; Produced by Yang Yang, Naomi Ng; Reported by Reed Stevenson; Edited by Paddy Hirsch. Fact-checking by Eleanor Harrison-Dengate; Engineering by Alex Sugiura. Senior Producer: Naomi Shavin; Deputy Executive Producer: Julia Weaver. Executive Producer: Nicole Beemsterboer.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Apr 7, 202619 min

Meet OpenClaw: The AI Craze Sweeping China

Fueled by a powerful mix of FOMO and a government drive to accelerate AI adoption, OpenClaw has exploded in popularity across China. But as these agentic systems gain sweeping access to personal data, reports of them “going rogue” are beginning to surface. On today’s Big Take Asia podcast, host K. Oanh Ha sits down with Bloomberg’s Luz Ding and Bloomberg Opinion’s Catherine Thorbecke to dig into the rapid rise of agentic AI in China, why it has taken hold so quickly and the mounting security concerns pushing users and regulators to reassess the risks. Read more: There’s Method to China’s OpenClaw Madness China’s OpenClaw Obsession Is a Risky Gamble on Experimental AI Hosted by K. Oanh Ha; Produced by Naomi Ng, Yang Yang; Reported by Sohee Kim, Lucas Shaw; Edited by Paddy Hirsch. Fact-checking by Eleanor Harrison-Dengate; Engineering by Taka Yasuzawa. Senior Producer: Naomi Shavin; Deputy Executive Producer: Julia Weaver. Executive Producer: Nicole Beemsterboer.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mar 31, 202618 min

BTS Leads Netflix’s Push for Growth in Asia

BTS is back. After a near four-year hiatus, the K-pop icons returned with a historic Netflix event – the platform’s first concert live streamed from Asia.  On today's Big Take Asia Podcast, host K. Oanh Ha joins Bloomberg’s Sohee Kim and Lucas Shaw to discuss Netflix’s power move and how global streamers are fighting for dominance in the competitive Asian market. Hosted by K. Oanh Ha Produced by Naomi Ng, Yang Yang Reported by Sohee Kim, Lucas Shaw Edited by Patrick Hirsch Fact-checking by Eleanor Harrison-Dengate Engineering by Taka Yasuzawa Deputy Executive Producer: Julia Weaver Executive Producer: Nicole BeemsterboerSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mar 24, 202618 min

The Sixth Bureau Episode 6: Nothing Is Holy

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In Episode 6 of The Sixth Bureau, a series from The Big Take, with spy Xu Yanjun in prison, the US government pursues some of his collaborators. Plus, host Jordan Robertson gets an unexpected call which leads to a big discovery. The Sixth Bureau from Bloomberg News follows an MSS intelligence officer whose mission was to acquire the crown jewels of American aerospace companies. With aliases, blackmail and the occasional break-in, he targeted corporate giants. That is, until his sloppiness — and a cunning FBI sting — led to a stunning reversal: Xu Yanjun became the first Chinese intelligence officer ever convicted on American soil. The Sixth Bureau is the story of superpowers, their secrets and how one Chinese spy got caught. Listen to Episodes 1 - 5 here.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mar 20, 202635 min

Asia Is Bearing the Brunt of the Iran War Energy Crisis

From soaring fuel prices in Pakistan to a shortage of cooking gas in India, Asia is bearing the brunt of the energy crunch sparked by the Iran War. On today’s Big Take Asia podcast we look at how war in the Middle East has pushed Asia to the forefront of a global crisis. Host K. Oanh Ha speaks with Bloomberg’s Faseeh Mangi about the impact of soaring fuel prices in Pakistan and Clara Ferreira Marques about how the least economically resilient countries are feeling the most pain.  Hosted by K. Oanh Ha; Produced by Yang Yang, Naomi Ng;  Reported by Faseeh Mangi, Clara Ferreira Marques;  Edited by Paddy Hirsch. Fact-checking by Naomi Ng, Eleanor Harrison-Dengate;  Engineering by Taka Yasuzawa. Senior Producer: Naomi Shavin; Deputy Executive Producer: Julia Weaver; Executive Producer: Nicole Beemsterboer.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mar 17, 202618 min

The Rise and Fall of an Alleged Scam Boss

By any account, Chen Zhi's ascent was meteoric. At a young age he founded a real estate company in Cambodia, which quickly became the sprawling Prince Group conglomerate. But beneath this legitimate facade, Chen allegedly ran a vast criminal network, building an empire on scams, human trafficking and high-level political protection. On today’s Big Take Asia podcast, K. Host Oanh Ha and Bloomberg’s David Ramli look into the rapid rise and sudden downfall of an alleged criminal mastermind. Hosted by K. Oanh Ha; Produced by Yang Yang; Reported by David Ramli, Low De Wei; Edited by Paddy Hirsch, Serena Ng, Matthew Thomas. Fact-checking by Eleanor Harrison-Dengate; Engineering by Taka Yasuzawa. Senior Producer: Naomi Shavin; Deputy Executive Producer: Julia Weaver. Executive Producer: Nicole Beemsterboer.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mar 10, 202619 min

The Sixth Bureau Episode 5: One Way In, One Way Out

In Episode 5 of The Sixth Bureau, a series from The Big Take, a spy from China’s Ministry of State Security travels to an overseas meeting with a valuable source. He has no idea he is walking into a trap that the FBI has been setting up for months. The Sixth Bureau from Bloomberg News follows an MSS intelligence officer whose mission was to acquire the crown jewels of American aerospace companies. With aliases, blackmail and the occasional break-in, he targeted corporate giants. That is, until his sloppiness — and a cunning FBI sting — led to a stunning reversal: Xu Yanjun became the first Chinese intelligence officer ever convicted on American soil.The Sixth Bureau is the story of superpowers, their secrets and how one Chinese spy got caught. Listen to Episodes 1 - 4 here.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mar 7, 202633 min

War in Iran Is Exposing Oil Risks Across Asia

The war in the Middle East is rattling global oil markets, raising the risk of supply disruptions and price shocks for energy‑hungry Asian economies. On today’s Big Take Asia podcast, host K. Oanh Ha speaks with Bloomberg’s Daniel Ten Kate and Fereidun Fesharaki, founder and chairman of FGE, about how tensions involving Iran are being watched by energy markets — and which Asian economies are most exposed if the crisis escalates.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mar 5, 202617 min

The Escalating Conflict With Iran

Targets in Iran, Israel and in the Middle East are under attack in an unprecedented escalation in the conflict between the US and Iran. The combat operations come after weeks of negotiations between the US and Iran over what remains of its nuclear program. On today’s Big Take, Bloomberg’s Jeff Mason and Joumanna Bercetche join host David Gura to discuss the timing and goals of this weekend’s strikes — and the risk of a widening, regional conflict. This is a developing story. We are live blogging at Bloomberg.com with the latest from across the globe. Read more:  Diplomacy Shifts to War: How Trump’s Team Decided to Attack Iran Oil Market’s ‘Worst Fears’ Are Here as Gulf Conflict Hits Hormuz  Hosted by David Gura; Produced by David Fox and Rachael Lewis-Krisky; Reported by Jeff Mason and Joumanna Bercetche; Edited by Naomi Shavin. Fact-checking by Rachael Lewis-Krisky. Senior Producer: Naomi Shavin; Deputy Executive Producer: Julia Weaver. Executive Producer: Nicole Beemsterboer.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mar 1, 202615 min

The Sixth Bureau Episode 4: The Duck Analogy

In Episode 4 of The Sixth Bureau, a series from The Big Take, we follow a spy from China’s Ministry of State Security as he tries to plan a delicate overseas meeting with a valuable source. But the person he’s talking to isn’t working alone. The Sixth Bureau from Bloomberg News follows an MSS intelligence officer whose mission was to acquire the crown jewels of American aerospace companies. With aliases, blackmail and the occasional break-in, he targeted corporate giants. That is, until his sloppiness — and a cunning FBI sting — led to a stunning reversal: Xu Yanjun became the first Chinese intelligence officer ever convicted on American soil. The Sixth Bureau is the story of superpowers, their secrets and how one Chinese spy got caught. Listen to Episodes 1 - 3 here.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Feb 27, 202633 min

Tariff Turmoil Hits China, India Again

From Brussels to Beijing, the United States’ largest trading partners are digesting the Supreme Court’s decision to overturn President Trump’s signature tariffs — along with his threats to impose new levies by other means.  On today’s Big Take Asia podcast, host K. Oanh Ha sits down with Bloomberg’s North Asia economy and government editor Jenni Marsh and Bloomberg’s top trade editor Brendan Murray to discuss how countries across Asia are reacting to Trump’s tariff setback — and how it could boost China’s leverage at the negotiating table ahead of a high-stakes summit next month. Hosted by K. Oanh Ha; Produced by Naomi Ng and Julia Press; Reported by Jenni Marsh and Brendan Murray; Edited by Paddy Hirsch; Fact-checking by Eleanor Harrison-Dengate and David Fox; Engineering by Katie McMurran Senior Producer: Naomi Shavin; Deputy Executive Producer: Julia Weaver; Executive Producer: Nicole BeemsterboerSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Feb 24, 202616 min

SCOTUS Strikes Down Trump’s Tariffs

The US Supreme Court on Friday handed President Donald Trump one of the biggest losses of his second term, striking down his signature tariff plan. On today’s Big Take podcast, Sarah Holder talks to one of the people at the heart of the drama: Rick Woldenberg, the CEO of Learning Resources, a toy company that was a lead plaintiff in the case. And she unpacks the decision and its implications with Supreme Court reporter Greg Stohr and global trade editor Brendan Murray. The Big Take Asia followed Learning Resources throughout 2025 as it formulated its legal response to the new US tariffs and grappled with the challenges of shifting its supply chain from China to some lower-tariff neighbors.  To hear more, listen to these Big Take Asia episodes: Tariffed: The Toymaker That Took on Trump Part One  Tariffed: The Toymaker That Took on Trump Part Two  Tariffed: The Toymaker That Took on Trump Part Three The American Toymaker Suing Trump Over Destructive Tariffs Hosted by Sarah Holder; Produced by Julia Press and David Fox; Reported by Greg Stohr and Brendan Murray; Edited by Tracey Samuelson. Fact-checking by Rachael Lewis-Krisky; Engineering by Alex Sugiura. Senior Producer: Naomi Shavin; Deputy Executive Producer: Julia Weaver. Executive Producer: Nicole Beemsterboer.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Feb 20, 202618 min

The Sixth Bureau Episode 3: Suck, Squeeze, Burn, Blow

In Episode 3 of The Sixth Bureau, a series from The Big Take, we follow a spy from China’s Ministry of State Security to the Paris Air Show, and then watch him develop a valuable source, despite his bosses constantly getting in his way. The Sixth Bureau from Bloomberg News follows an MSS intelligence officer whose mission was to acquire the crown jewels of American aerospace companies. With aliases, blackmail and the occasional break-in, he targeted corporate giants. That is, until his sloppiness — and a cunning FBI sting — led to a stunning reversal: Xu Yanjun became the first Chinese intelligence officer ever convicted on American soil. The Sixth Bureau is the story of superpowers, their secrets and how one Chinese spy got caught. Listen to Episode 1 and 2 here. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Feb 20, 202621 min

The Sixth Bureau, Episode 2: The Spy’s Diary

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In Episode 2 of The Sixth Bureau, a limited-run series from The Big Take, we learn how China’s Ministry of State Security recruits experts in the West — and why intelligence officers shouldn’t keep their secrets backed up to the cloud.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Feb 13, 202630 min

The Sixth Bureau, Episode 1: Your Friend From Nanjing

It’s an open secret that the Chinese government has engaged in a global campaign to acquire intellectual property from foreign rivals. At the center of that campaign is the Ministry of State Security, China’s elusive intelligence agency. The US has apprehended hundreds of people accused of giving information to the MSS, but the agency’s inner workings have been a mystery — until now. Today, we’re bringing you Episode 1 of The Sixth Bureau, a limited-run series from The Big Take. The series follows an MSS intelligence officer whose mission was to acquire the crown jewels of American aerospace companies. With aliases, blackmail and the occasional break-in, he targeted corporate giants. That is, until his sloppiness — and a cunning FBI sting — led to a stunning reversal: Xu Yanjun became the first Chinese intelligence officer ever convicted on American soil. The Sixth Bureau is the story of superpowers, their secrets and how one Chinese spy got caught. The limited-run series will publish on Fridays in The Big Take. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Feb 13, 202612 min

What Takaichi’s Landslide Election Win Means for Japan

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi secured a historic election win, positioning her as the nation’s strongest leader in the postwar era. On today's Big Take Asia Podcast, host Oanh Ha sits down with Bloomberg’s Sakura Murakami to discuss the reaction to Takaichi’s election gamble, her vision for a more assertive Japan and the uphill battle she faces to deliver her ambitious agenda. Read more: Takaichi Triumphs With Japan's Biggest Post-War Election Victory Further listening: All Eyes on Japan and China Tensions After Taiwan Hosted by K. Oanh Ha; Produced by Naomi Ng, Eleanor Harrison-Dengate and Yang Yang; Reported by Sakura Murakami; Edited by Paddy Hirsch;Fact-checking by Eleanor Harrison-Dengate; Engineering by Taka Yasuzawa and Alex Sugiura.Senior Producer: Naomi Shavin; Deputy Executive Producer: Julia Weaver. Executive Producer: Nicole Beemsterboer.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Feb 10, 202618 min

Why the US-India Trade Deal Hinges on Russian Oil

This week, the US and India announced a surprise new trade deal that slashes tariffs on Indian goods. It has one major possible catch: a commitment from India to stop buying cheap Russian oil — which will be easier said than done.  On today's Big Take Asia Podcast, Bloomberg’s Sudhi Ranjan Sen joins host Oanh Ha to break down the deal and explain what it means for India’s economy and its relationships with the US, Russia and China. Read more:  Trump’s Surprise Trade Deal With India Resets Fractured Ties - Bloomberg  Further listening: India Wanted to Become The World’s Toymaker. Then Tariffs Happened  India Won’t Stop Buying Russian Oil. Now It’s Paying the Price.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Feb 5, 202620 min

Behind Thailand’s Push to Recriminalize Cannabis

Four years after Thailand became the first country in Asia to decriminalize cannabis, its booming market is at a crossroads. Initial high hopes for a tourism surge and a billion-dollar industry have been replaced by an oversupply of shops and a fierce public backlash. On today’s Big Take Asia Podcast, host K. Oanh Ha talks to Bloomberg’s Patpicha Tanakasempipat about what went wrong and whether the industry can weather a political firestorm. Read more: Weed Backlash Grows in Thailand as Kids Turn to CannabisHosted by K. Oanh Ha; Produced by Yang Yang, Naomi Ng; Reported by Patpicha Tanakasempipat; Edited by Paddy Hirsch, Julia Weaver Fact-checking by Eleanor Harrison-Dengate; Engineering by Taka Yasuzawa Senior Producer Naomi Shavin; Deputy Executive Producer Julia Weaver; Executive Producer Nicole BeemsterboerSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Feb 3, 202619 min

Japan’s Bond Crash Sent Shockwaves Through Global Markets

From sinking Treasuries to global selloffs, the turmoil in Japan’s bond market is being felt far beyond its borders.  On today’s Big Take Asia Podcast, host K. Oanh Ha sits down with Bloomberg’s Ruth Carson to unpack what’s rattled international investors and why markets are still on tenterhooks. Read more: Japan Bond Crash Unleashes a $7 Trillion Risk for Global Markets Further listening: The Dollar’s Dominance Is Unwinding in Asia Carry Trades, Explained Hosted by K. Oanh Ha; Produced by: Naomi Ng, Yang Yang; Reported by Ruth Carson; Edited by Paddy Hirsch, Julia Weaver;  Fact-checking by Eleanor Harrison-Dengate; Engineering by Taka Yasuzawa; Senior Producer Naomi Shavin; Deputy Executive Producer Julia Weaver; Executive Producer Nicole BeemsterboerSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jan 27, 202618 min

Japan’s $2 Trillion ‘Dementia Money’ Cliff

Japan is home to the world’s oldest population and a growing share of the country’s financial assets – about $2 trillion – are controlled by seniors who are showing signs of cognitive decline. On today’s Big Take Asia podcast, host K. Oanh Ha talks with Bloomberg’s Alice French about the staggering “dementia money” at risk, the toll of frozen accounts and the haphazard solutions that serve as a stark warning to the rest of the world.  Read more: Japan's 'Dementia Money' Problem Puts Trillions at Risk - Bloomberg Further listening: The Rise of Japan’s ‘Iron Lady’ and Its Political Shift to the Right Hosted by Produced by Naomi Ng, Eleanor Harrison-Dengate; Reported by Alice French, Kentaro Tsutsumi; Edited by Patrich Hirsch, Emma O’Brien; Fact-checking by Yang Yang, Eleanor Harrison-Dengate; Engineering by Taka Yasuzawa Senior Producer: Naomi Shavin Deputy Executive Producer: Julia Weaver Executive Producer: Nicole BeemsterboerSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jan 20, 202618 min

The Domino Effect of the ‘Donroe Doctrine’

For Beijing, the US capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro was a mixed bag -- an embarrassing surprise, a wake-up call over its alliances in Latin America and an opening to step up on the world stage, according to Nicholas Burns, the former US ambassador to China. On today’s Big Take, host David Gura and Ambassador Burns discuss how President Donald Trump’s military actions and threats are reshaping China’s relationships across the Pacific and the Taiwan Strait—and how the so-called “Donroe Doctrine” could ultimately hand China a global edge. Read more: How Maduro’s Removal Could Help China in Venezuela and Latin America Hosted by David Gura; Produced by Rachael Lewis-Krisky; Edited by Jeffrey Grocott. Fact-checking by Yang Yang and Naomi Ng; Engineering by Alex Sugiura. Senior Producer: Naomi Shavin; Deputy Executive Producer: Julia Weaver. Executive Producer: Nicole Beemsterboer.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jan 16, 202619 min

Punishing Iran Could Alienate China and India — Again

Amid Iran’s brutal crackdown on protesters, President Trump threatened to slap a 25% tariff on its trading partners, including China and India. This comes as both countries try to deescalate their own trade wars with the administration. On today’s Big Take Asia Podcast, host K. Oanh Ha speaks to Bloomberg’s Daniel Ten Kate about why the path to punishing Iran’s government runs through Asia – China and India in particular.  Read more: Trump Risks Imploding China Trade Truce With Iran Tariff VowSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jan 13, 202618 min

How Venezuela Shifts China’s Calculus

The US strike on Venezuela and capture of President Nicolás Maduro sent shockwaves across the globe — particularly in China, Venezuela’s top crude buyer and creditor. On today’s Big Take Asia Podcast, Bloomberg’s Jenni Marsh and host K. Oanh Ha talk through what the intervention means for China’s strategic ties and oil supplies and how the military strike could change Beijing’s stance toward Taiwan. Read more: Xi Faces Higher Costs in Taiwan Than Trump Does in Venezuela Further listening: How the Fall of Maduro Could Echo Around the World Hosted by K. Oanh Ha; Produced by Naomi Ng, Eleanor Harrison-Dengate, Rachael Lewis-Krisky; Reported by Jenni Marsh; Edited by Jeff Grocott, Emma O’Brien, Daniel Ten Kate, John Liu. Fact-checking by editorial team; Engineering by Alex Sugiura. Senior Producer: Naomi Shavin; Deputy Executive Producer: Julia Weaver. Executive Producer: Nicole Beemsterboer.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jan 6, 202618 min

How China Defied the Odds in 2025

China started 2025 with deflation, a property crisis and fears of a “lost decade” damping sentiment. By year’s end, it had stunned the world with an AI breakthrough, a trillion-dollar trade surplus and rare earth dominance. On today’s Big Take Asia Podcast, host K. Oanh Ha talks with Bloomberg Executive Editor John Liu and Bloomberg Opinion’s Shuli Ren about how China navigated Trump’s tariff war, revived investor confidence and what risks could derail its momentum in 2026. Read more: Repeat After Me: Never, Ever Underestimate ChinaXi’s Triumphant Year Staring Down Trump Belies Woes in China Hosted by: K. Oanh Ha; Produced by: Naomi Ng and Yang Yang; Reported by: Shuli Ren and John Liu; Edited by: Paddy Hirsch; Fact-checking by: Rachael Lewis-Krisky; Engineering by: Katie McMurran. Senior Producer: Naomi Shavin. Deputy Executive Producer: Julia Weaver. Executive Producer: Nicole Beemsterboer.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dec 30, 202520 min

Toymaker Battles Trump’s Tariffs in Stores and in Court

Since the start of his second term, President Donald Trump has imposed sweeping tariffs – especially on China, where most toys are made.  On today’s Big Take Asia Podcast, host Oanh Ha talks with Rick Woldenberg, CEO of four‑generation toymaker Learning Resources, about his company’s battle against tariffs in stores and in court – and what it reveals about the true cost of America’s trade war. Read more: Cutting Ties With China Is Harder Than Companies Expected  Further listening:  An American Toymaker Struggles to Break Up With ChinaIndia Wanted to Become The World’s Toymaker. Then Tariffs HappenedSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dec 24, 202523 min

The $2 Billion Flood Control Scandal Rocking the Philippines

The Philippines is no stranger to typhoons, but this year’s storms exposed something far uglier: a vast corruption scandal. On today’s Big Take Asia Podcast, host K. Oanh Ha speaks to Bloomberg’s Andreo Calonzo and Rosalind Mathieson about how billions of dollars earmarked for flood control vanished and what the crisis means for the country’s political and economic stability.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dec 16, 202519 min

Tariffed: The Toymaker That Took on Trump Part Two

The US tariff war with China sent American companies scrambling to find alternative manufacturing hubs. India looked promising until the White House upended everything.  On today’s Big Take Asia podcast, K. Oanh Ha heads to India, where she goes inside two toy factories scrambling to adapt to Washington’s shifting trade policies. How sky-high tariffs are undercutting India’s ambitions to take China’s crown as the world’s factory floor and forcing American manufacturers to make a tough choice.  Read more: Cutting Ties With China Is Harder Than Companies Expected Further listening: An American Toymaker Struggles to Break Up With ChinaThe American Toymaker Suing Trump Over Destructive TariffsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dec 9, 202522 min

Hong Kong's Catastrophic Fire Provokes Questions and Fury

Hong Kong’s worst fire disaster in decades has stirred up public anger over negligence, safety standards and official accountability. On today’s Big Take Asia podcast, host K. Oanh Ha talks to Bloomberg’s Shawna Kwan and Jenni Marsh about the devastation, the political fallout and how the public outcry is causing unease in Beijing.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dec 2, 202519 min

All Eyes on Japan and China Tensions After Taiwan Remark

After a rare public comment on Taiwan from Japan’s new prime minister, Sanae Takaichi, relations between the two nations are at a historic low — and Beijing is ramping up its economic retaliation. On today’s Big Take Asia podcast, host Oanh Ha talks with Bloomberg’s James Mayger and Isabel Reynolds about the political calculation behind Takaichi’s move, the historical grievances fueling the dispute and the real economic risks facing Tokyo. Read more: China Asks Airlines to Extend Japan Flight Cuts Until March 2026 - Bloomberg Further listening: How APEC Become a Battleground for US-China InfluenceSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nov 25, 202517 min

Nvidia Silences AI Skeptics (For Now)

Nvidia released its third quarter earnings Wednesday, crushing estimates and easing Wall Street’s concerns about an AI bubble. On today’s Big Take podcast, Bloomberg Tech’s Ed Ludlow sits down with David Gura to discuss his post-earnings interview with Jensen Huang – what the Nvidia CEO had to say about the company’s breakneck growth, so-called circular deals, and potential expansion into China. Read more: Nvidia’s Huang Says Company Has Plenty of New Chips to Sell It's OK, Nvidia Says There's No AI Bubble See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nov 20, 202518 min

China Tests the Limits in the Race for Biotech Power

China is investing heavily in cutting-edge genetic experiments. It’s part of their quest to become a biotech superpower. On today’s Big Take Asia Podcast, host K. Oanh Ha, Bloomberg’s Karoline Kan and Oxford University geneticist Andy Greenfield discuss China’s pharmaceutical ambitions and the loose regulatory environment that allows the animal testing industry to thrive. Read more: China Pushes Boundaries With Animal Testing to Win Global Biotech RaceSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nov 18, 202519 min

Wall Street Speeds Up India Expansion

Wall Street banks are on a hiring spree across India, recruiting workers for everything from software engineering to risk management as part of a decades-long shift away from support roles toward high-skill positions. On today’s Big Take Asia Podcast, host David Gura sits down with Bloomberg’s Siddhi Nayak to look at India’s changing job landscape. What to expect as Wall Street continues to expand into its tech hubs – and how Donald Trump’s H1-B visa crackdown could accelerate that push. Further listening: Trump’s H-1B Visa Fee Dashes Indian Workers’ American DreamsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nov 11, 202518 min

How APEC Become a Battleground for US-China Influence

Asian nations are walking a tightrope between Washington and Beijing – juggling trade, tech and security pressures as the heavyweights vie for influence. On today’s Big Take Asia Podcast, host K. Oanh Ha speaks with Adam Farrar, Bloomberg’s senior geoeconomics analyst for Asia Pacific, to unpack what may have been overlooked at the APEC summit as the Xi-Trump show came to town. Read more: Xi Calls for Stable Supply Chains After Sealing Trump Truce  Further listening: Trump Got an ‘Amazing’ Meeting. China Got Much-Needed Time  Listen and follow The Big Take Asia on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcastsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nov 4, 202519 min

Trump Got an ‘Amazing’ Meeting. China Got Much-Needed Time

On Thursday, President Donald Trump and President Xi Jinping of China announced a one-year truce in their trade war, capping six contentious months of negotiations and retaliatory tariffs between the world’s two largest economies. On today’s Big Take podcast, Bloomberg’s Global Trade Editor Brendan Murray and Executive China Editor John Liu join host David Gura to parse the details of the new US-China trade agreement — and why both countries are moving forward without a permanent deal. Read more: Trump and Xi Put Limits on Their Trade War in a ‘12 Out of 10’ SummitSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Oct 30, 202514 min