CNA Correspondent

Pope Francis recently wrapped a historic 11-day trip, making stops in four nations in Asia and Oceania for the first time. CNA's Leong Wai Kit covered the Pope’s entire trip and shares with Teresa Tang his firsthand account of what it's like to witness the leader of the Catholic Church at work.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Kiribati is a picturesque, Pacific Island nation struggling to survive. It's one of the lowest-lying countries in the world and climate change is threatening its very existence. Migrating all its people to a plot of land on nearby Fiji had been an option. Teresa Tang asks CNA's Jack Board why that’s been put aside in this episode.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Canines, swine and a lot of blood. Wild boar hunting in West Sumatra, Indonesia is a controversial tradition turned popular past-time. Animals that were once considered a nuisance are now hunted down for sport, causing ecological fallout down the food chain. Teresa Tang speaks to CNA's Nivell Rayda in this week's episode. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Being at a loss for words is taking on a whole new meaning. Thousands of languages around the world are on the brink of extinction, including in South Korea and Japan. Teresa Tang speaks to CNA's Lim Yun Suk and Michiyo Ishida about efforts to preserve them. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Some education systems in East Asia are getting a failing grade when it comes to protecting the wellbeing of teachers. In South Korea and Japan, abuse and stress have caused some to reach breaking point. Teresa Tang speaks to CNA's Lim Yun Suk and Michiyo Ishida about why it's become so bad. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In a span of a week, the popular Move Forward Party was dissolved, Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin was dismissed and ex-premier Thaksin Shinawatra's daughter Paetongtarn was installed as the new PM. Teresa Tang breaks down all the developments with CNA's Saksith Saiyasombut.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Students aspiring to become medical professionals in India are furious because the crucial NEET-exam has been hit by accusations of fraud and paper leaks. Teresa Tang discusses who is responsible and what's next with correspondent Ishan Garg in New Delhi. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

He is one of the most recognisable diplomats in the world today. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken spoke exclusively to CNA’s Teresa Tang during his whirlwind six-nation tour of Asia. She shares behind-the-scenes moments and gets analysis from correspondents Simon Marks and Leong Wai Kit.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Maldives is increasingly making headlines for the negative impact climate change is having on its pristine environment. It’s also catching the attention of world superpowers for its political significance. In this week’s episode, Teresa Tang unpacks the archipelago’s challenges with CNA's Afifah Ariffin. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It could be the most tumultuous lead-up to a US presidential election ever. The Democratic incumbent, Joe Biden, has dropped out of the race, endorsing Vice President Kamala Harris as his replacement. Teresa Tang speaks with Nick Harper to ask all the burning questions, including who could be Ms Harris’ running mate and can she take on Republican nominee Donald Trump.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Despite questions and controversy, Indonesian officials insist Nusantara will be ready to host Independence Day on Aug 17. It is meant to replace the current capital, Jakarta, which is beset by pollution, congestion, and is also considered the world's fastest sinking city. Teresa Tang gets insight from CNA's Saifulbahri Ismail and Lewa Pardomuan.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The infamous Yakuza in Japan and the 15,000 refugees in Hong Kong have something in common. They are outliers who find it hard to reintegrate into society. But as Teresa Tang finds out from CNA's Michiyo Ishida and Deborah Wong, they are being given a second chance, though not without some deep challenges. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The once isolated nation of Bhutan, nestled deep in the Himalayas, is now being forced to reckon with reality. Its government is eyeing cutting-edge technology to stem a brain drain and growing economic unhappiness. Teresa Tang speaks to CNA's Saksith Saiyasombut about how the country can hold onto its past even as it forges a new future.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Host city Paris promises a sporting spectacle at the 2024 Summer Olympic Games but faces challenges ranging from a dirty river Seine and sweltering weather to doping scandals and terrorism threats. Arnold Gay speaks to Paris correspondent Ross Cullen as the French capital begins its 30-day countdown to the Games.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Shores that were once welcoming are now hostile to Rohingya refugees looking for a better life. CNA’s Chandni Vatvani tells Teresa Tang about her visit to a refugee camp in Aceh, Indonesia and what authorities are doing to maintain the peace.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Scarborough Shoal is an increasingly sensitive point of tension between China and the Philippines. CNA's Buena Bernal boarded a boat bound for the contested site. In this episode, Teresa Tang finds out what happened and why more and more Filipino fishermen are reluctant to go near it.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Leaders from around the world gathered in Singapore to discuss some of the world’s most pressing security challenges. Teresa Tang takes us behind-the-scenes with CNA's Olivia Siong and Leong Wai Kit to give a glimpse of what happens at these high-level meets, and how plans changed after a surprise appearance by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There are nearly one billion eligible voters across India and polling happens in a staggering seven phases over six weeks. Teresa Tang sits down with India correspondents Rebecca Bundhun and Ishan Garg to find out how a heatwave, religion and an alleged corruption scam could affect the final outcome and whether Prime Minister Narendra Modi will win a historic third term in power. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Last year, 2.5 million migrants entered the United States illegally via its southern border with Mexico. Nearly 40,000 of them were from China. What did Beijing's zero-Covid policy have to do with this? Teresa Tang speaks to CNA's Wei Du about her new documentary, ‘Walk the Line’. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Four months after being elected Taiwan’s next president, William Lai officially takes on the role next week. He’s got a lot on his plate, namely safeguarding peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait. Teresa Tang looks at what to expect from him and from Beijing with correspondents Victoria Jen and Olivia Siong. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Essential medicines cost at least three times more than international prices in the Philippines. Nurses are overworked and underpaid. The sick have resorted to camping on hospital sidewalks as they wait to be seen. Teresa Tang sits down with CNA’s Buena Bernal to talk about the state of the healthcare system in the Philippines and why it’s falling short.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Corruption scandals and changing lifestyles see Muslims in Malaysia turning to Islamic party, PAS, and influential religious leaders for guidance, while the recent presidential election in Indonesia suggests political Islam is waning there. Arnold Gay speaks to CNA's Nivell Rayda and Amir Yusof to find out what’s shaping these religious trends.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Build Your Dreams (BYD), the Chinese automaker, is on a mission to create a zero-emission energy ecosystem. It is shifting to a higher gear by lowering prices, with one model available for less than US$10,000. In this episode of CNA Correspondent, Teresa Tang looks at the race to rule the road in China and abroad. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

East Asia has been called the centre of gravity in the Asia Pacific. That’s why a new hour-long CNA programme will focus on the region’s economic and political reach. In this week’s episode of CNA Correspondent, Teresa Tang goes behind-the-scenes with host Otelli Edwards and Supervising Editor Jeremy Koh.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

South Korean voters choose a new National Assembly on April 10, with the result of the election widely seen as a referendum on President Yoon Suk Yeol’s first two years in office. On his watch, thousands of junior doctors have walked off the job, leading to major delays at public hospitals. Arnold Gay speaks to CNA's Lim Yun Suk to find out how the country’s leader is dealing with this crisis. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A 90km route that cuts across the narrowest part of Thailand in the south could turn the country into a maritime transit hub. At least that’s the hope of Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin. But locals are worried about the environmental and security risks the megaproject could pose. CNA’s Teresa Tang and Jack Board discuss what’s at stake. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Farmers in India are out on the streets protesting, claiming the government has reneged on promises to guarantee prices for their crops. People in this sector make up as much as 40 percent of India’s voters, but Prime Minister Narendra Modi is showing little sign of backing down, even as he seeks a third term in office. Rebecca Bundhun explains why they’re upset and why they may not get their way this time. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This year's presidential election in Russia might be a non-starter. Vladimir Putin’s main rivals are all out of the running -- or dead -- and he could potentially hold on to power for another decade. What do ordinary Russians make of the man who rules with an iron fist? CNA's Teresa Tang talks to former Moscow correspondent Julia Chapman to find out.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A decade since it disappeared, no one knows what happened to MH370 after it took off just after midnight on March 8, 2014. Families continue to pressure officials to keep searching. In this episode of CNA Correspondent, Teresa Tang speaks to Malaysia correspondent Melissa Goh and China correspondent Olivia Siong about where the case stands today. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

China has long been home to the largest population on the planet, but that’s starting to change. Fewer babies and a super-aged society could spell trouble for the country’s economy. China correspondents Olivia Siong and Low Minmin talk about the potential items on the agenda for the nation’s most important political event of the year – the upcoming “Two Sessions” meetings. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It has been a grinding war. But two years after Russia invaded Ukraine, resilience has emerged as a key trait among Ukrainians. CNA’s Lim Yun Suk travelled to Ukraine to find out how robust the war effort has been, and how its economy is trying to post growth despite the conflict. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Some fishermen on Malaysia’s west coast have no catch for sale and are selling their vessels instead, just to make ends meet. Climate change and overfishing are two reasons for the falling numbers. Teresa Tang speaks to Rashvin Bedi about what options fishermen have.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A quarter of a million candidates are running for posts in this year’s general elections in Indonesia. Legislators, councillors and a new president are all being chosen by some 205 million voters. And more than half of those voters are young people. Teresa Tang speaks to our correspondents to find out why the battleground has moved online for the presidential hopefuls. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Thais made up the largest number of foreign nationals abducted by Hamas when the militants attacked Israel on Oct 7, 2023. Nearly two dozen Thais have since been released and returned home. Thai correspondent Saksith Saiyasombut shares some of their stories with host Teresa Tang in this episode of CNA Correspondent.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Iowa caucuses last week marked the official start of the US election season. But a lot can happen between now and November 5, when American voters head to the polls. Nick Harper joins Teresa Tang with a look at the issues, the hopefuls and the possible roadblocks candidates will face heading to the White House. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Myanmar has been under military rule since a coup nearly three years ago. But on Oct 27, 2023, resistance and ethnic armed groups came together to launch an offensive against the military. CNA’s Leong Wai Kit tells Teresa Tang how they’ve made progress and where the country is headed from here. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The race to Taiwan’s highest office is on. Three contenders are vying for ballots with different approaches to Beijing. The youth vote and growing dissatisfaction over the rising cost of living makes this election one to watch. Deborah Wong and Tan Si Hui give us the state of play. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Here's the last of our three top episodes from our archives this year. CNA’s Leong Wai Kit gets rare access to the USS Nimitz, one of the largest warships in the world. He tells Steve Lai about its mission and the complex nature of disputes in the South China Sea. Plus, the thrill of take-off and landing on a runway less than 100 meters long. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Here's the second of our top three episodes of The CNA Correspondent podcast. Where can you find possibly the emptiest airport in the world? Look no further than Sri Lanka. The US$113 million airport project was backed by China as part of its massive BRI investments in the country. But was the money more debt trap than development opportunity? Chandni Vatvani sits down with Teresa Tang in this episode of the CNA correspondent podcast. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Here's the first of our top three episodes of The CNA Correspondent podcast. In this episode, Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim sat down with CNA’s correspondents Melissa Goh and Afifah Ariffin for an interview in Singapore. Steve Lai gets a peek into all the behind-the-scenes action and what’s next for Mr Anwar’s future and that of his country. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The leaders of the world’s two biggest economies met on the sidelines of the APEC Summit in San Francisco. Steve Lai speaks to Simon Marks and Low Minmin about the current state of the US-China relationship and the challenges that lie ahead.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Imagine getting paid to get a haircut. The demand for human hair has led to a complete makeover of the economic fortunes of some people in Asia. So what makes some strands more valuable than others? CNA's Teresa Tang sits down with Low Minmin and Tung Ngo for an in-depth look at the production chain in China and Vietnam.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It’s a reclusive country that regularly makes the headlines, but North Korea is now reopening to a post-pandemic world. Teresa Tang talks to CNA correspondent Lim Yun Suk about the country’s defectors, Kim Jong Un’s young daughter and the potential for families separated by the Korean War to be reunited. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Thai citizens are among the highest number of foreign fatalities in the ongoing Israel-Hamas War with 23 currently held hostage in Gaza. Thai correspondent Saksith Saiyasombut speaks to Steve Lai about the nation’s efforts to rescue them and repatriate its 30,000 citizens.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

First, they disappeared from public life, then from China's Cabinet lineup. Qin Gang was dropped as the country’s top diplomat and shortly after, Li Shangfu was removed as defence minister. Theories abound as to why they fell out of favour. Beijing correspondent Olivia Siong sits down with Teresa Tang in this episode.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For decades, well-known Japanese talent manager Johnny Kitagawa sexually abused young men and boys who were desperate to make it big in Japan’s entertainment industry. Michiyo Ishida talks to Steve Lai about the reckoning that his agency – which created popular boy bands SMAP and Arashi - is going through now that the country’s worst-kept secret is finally out. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In the deepest parts of Mongolia, Google Maps doesn’t work. The vast country is also the most sparsely populated in the world. But China’s Belt and Road Initiative is set to change that, with massive transport projects in full swing. Olivia Siong takes us there in this episode of CNA Correspondent.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Where can you find possibly the emptiest airport in the world? Look no further than Sri Lanka. The US$113 million airport project was backed by China as part of its massive BRI investments in the country. But was the money more debt trap than development opportunity? Chandni Vatvani sits down with Teresa Tang in this episode of the CNA correspondent podcast. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ten years since it was first launched at a university in Kazakstan, projects under China’s Belt and Road Initiative have affected lives and livelihoods across Central Asia. CNA’s Lim Yun Suk tells Steve Lai how Beijing is reinventing the Silk Road for the 21st century with an ambitious agenda. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim sat down with CNA’s correspondents Melissa Goh and Afifah Ariffin for an interview in Singapore. Steve Lai gets a peek into all the behind-the-scenes action and what’s next for Mr Anwar’s future and that of his country. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.