US President Donald Trump says he believes China helped push Iran towards the two-week ceasefire. With Pakistan leading talks between Iran and the US, what role is China, Pakistan’s close friend and neighbour, playing behind the scenes? What will this conditional ceasefire mean for Asia’s energy shortage? And does a two-week truce mean Southeast Asian countries, grappling with high oil and gas prices, can expect things to return to normal soon? Host Mariko Oi is joined by Asia Specific Senior Journalist Bill Birtles and analyst Adam Samdin from Oxford Economics in Singapore. 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

The US Artemis II mission around the Moon is part of a plan to establish a long-term human presence beyond Earth. But it’s not alone. China has been steadily advancing its space programme, with plans to land its own astronauts on the moon by 2030 and develop a permanent lunar base in the years that follow.

More than half a century after the Apollo missions, the focus has shifted from symbolic firsts to sustained presence and strategic advantage. Both countries are investing heavily in lunar exploration, while also expanding capabilities in satellites, space stations, and deep space missions.

Presenter Mariko Oi speaks to astrophysicist Dr Brad Tucker and BBC journalist Kethaki Masilamani to unpack the significance of Artemis II, how China compares to the US in space, and what this growing competition could mean for the future of exploration, security and international co-operation.

This episode was recorded on 6 April at 2pm Singapore time.

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

When the Samsung chairman has a heart attack, his heir is pushed into the spotlight. The complex manoeuvring to secure his succession re-opens old family wounds, prompts one of the biggest scandals in South Korea’s history, and – eventually – helps to bring down a president.

Everyone’s heard of Samsung: more than a billion people have one of their smartphones. This is the drama behind the tech giant that changed the world.

From a fruit and vegetable store to a global empire, Samsung’s story is more than business - it’s an epic family saga. Behind the success lies a dynasty driven by ambition, wealth, tradition and rivalries, where power struggles shaped not just the company but South Korea’s economy.

In this brand new 10-part series from the BBC World Service, we take you behind closed doors - inside the billion-dollar deals and the family power struggles that shape global empires. When your relatives are also your business partners, every decision is personal. In these dynasties, the boardroom isn’t just about profit - it’s about survival.

You can hear episode 1 right here, but for the whole series, search Inheritance: Samsung wherever you get your podcasts. Host: Elise Hu Producers: Simon Tulett and Sally Abrahams Fact-checkers: Matt Toulson and Su-Min Hwang Music: Thomas Ross Fitzsimons Mixing and sound design: Charlie Brandon-King. Series editor: Matt Willis With special thanks to Geoffrey Cain, Sojin Lim, Jaeyeon Lee, Jake Kwon and Mary Wilkinson

Senior commissioning producer: Sarah Green Commissioning editor: Jon Manel

Inheritance is a BBC Long Form Audio production