CNA Correspondent

The 2026 FIFA World Cup began amid fears of immigration raids, political hostility and a tournament defined by controversy rather than competition. But something else entirely played out when football lovers from across the globe showed up. Norway fans did Viking rows, Scotland fans drank cities dry and Americans fell in love with a sport they had barely noticed before. But the politics never went away. US President Donald Trump's infamous call to FIFA chief Gianni Infantino to overturn US striker Folarin Balogun's red card dominated headlines. But the final matches and Spain's eventual victory, refocused attention. Arnold Gay speaks to Correspondent Mitch McCann in New York and Sports Correspondent Matthew Mohan about the heartbreak, joy and the questions this tournament leaves unanswered heading into 2030.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For years, China's presence in Africa was defined by railways, roads and mega infrastructure projects. But a quieter transformation is underway. Through the lens of South Africa, Genevieve Woo and Senior China Editor and Senior Correspondent Olivia Siong explore how Chinese companies are shifting from building projects to building businesses, manufacturing locally and putting down deeper roots. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

From robot patrol dogs to AI doctors, Hangzhou is fast producing some of China's most talked-about tech companies. The city is best known as the home of Alibaba and, more recently, DeepSeek. But beyond the headlines, what makes Hangzhou such a powerful engine for innovation? CNA Senior Correspondent Tan Yew Guan speaks with Genevieve Woo about the talent, capital and government support behind one of China's most dynamic tech ecosystems.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As the United States marks its 250th anniversary, it stands as the world's largest economy and commands the most powerful military. Yet confidence in its institutions has eroded, political divisions run deep and many question the nation's trajectory. From symbolic shifts on the White House grounds to the rise of China and the heavy cost of global leadership, Genevieve Woo and Senior Correspondent Simon Marks examine what these domestic and global tensions reveal about the state of the superpower.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

China has a new buzzword: Emotional value. It is used to explain everything from blind box obsessions and AI companions to why young people are hiring strangers to climb mountains with them. In this episode of the CNA Correspondent podcast, Genevieve Woo and Correspondent Krystal Chia explore the rise of China’s emotional economy and examine what this growing search for comfort and connection reveals about modern Chinese society.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The FIFA World Cup 2026 was always going to be unprecedented. Three host nations, 16 cities and 48 teams across an entire continent. What nobody quite expected was how much drama would happen off the pitch. The tournament kicked off amid an ongoing US-Iran conflict, Africa's top referee was denied entry to America, fans have paid record prices for tickets and the three co-hosts - the US, Canada and Mexico - are fighting a trade war of their own. Arnold Gay speaks to correspondents Matthew Mohan, Mitch McCann and Toni Waterman to unpack the politics, problems and blemishes behind the beautiful game.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Almost six months ago, two gunmen opened fire on hundreds of Jewish families celebrating Hanukkah near Sydney’s Bondi Beach. Fifteen people were killed and more than 40 wounded in the December 14, 2025 attack - Australia's worst mass shooting in nearly 30 years. In the aftermath, Parliament passed stricter hate crime and gun ownership laws, announced a national buyback scheme and launched a Royal Commission into antisemitism. But since then, the gun buyback initiative has faltered and a provision to criminalise inciting racial hatred has been quietly dropped. On this episode of the CNA Correspondent podcast, Arnold Gay speaks to Natashya Gutierrez and Jack Board to ask: Do Australian Jews feel any safer today? And have the nation's leaders truly matched their words with action?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The numbers going into 2026 were some of the best in aviation history. Then, US and Israeli strikes on Iran led to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, choking off a fifth of the world's oil supplies. Carriers saw jet fuel prices surge by more than 120% and braced for supply shortages, cancelling thousands of flights and raising airfares. Some budget airlines have already shut down, and others could follow.The aviation industry's annual gathering in Rio was supposed to celebrate record profits and chart a greener future. Arnold Gay speaks with Yasmin Jonkers to find out who will survive, who pays for cleaner skies and what kind of world we are flying into.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Traditional rice farming is a major climate problem. Flooded paddy fields release methane, a greenhouse gas 27 times more potent than carbon dioxide. But a Singapore-led project in Indonesia is testing a new way forward. By changing the way rice is planted and grown, researchers say emissions can be cut by up to half, without hurting farmers’ incomes. Arnold Gay speaks to CNA Senior Correspondent Saifulbahri Ismail about the science behind low-methane rice, the challenges of changing long-held farming practices and if consumers will go for a more climate-friendly grain.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jensen Huang is one of the most influential men in the world right now - the CEO and face of Nvidia, the company powering the global AI boom. But beyond the black leather jacket and rockstar status is a deeply candid story about immigrant sacrifice, fear of failure and relentless ambition. In this special episode of the CNA Correspondent podcast, Genevieve Woo speaks to Senior Correspondent Victoria Jen after her wide-ranging interview with the Nvidia co-founder, covering everything from AI anxiety and job losses to China, Taiwan and what really drives the world’s most powerful chipmaker.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In the 1960s and 70s, tens of thousands of South Koreans went to what was then known as West Germany as miners and nurses under a labour-for-loan deal. They were meant to stay for three years. Many never left. Genevieve Woo speaks to CNA Senior Correspondent Lim Yun Suk about the sacrifices behind South Korea’s rise - and the lives built between two countries.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Trump–Xi summit has just wrapped in China. But beyond the handshakes and official statements, what really happened behind closed doors? We break down the key moments, the surprises and the strategic stakes with insights from Beijing and Washington. From trade and tech rivalry to the Taiwan question, the shadow of Iran and global energy tensions, we ask - who came in with the upper hand and did that balance of power shift by the end? Genevieve Woo unpacks the two-day meeting with Tan Si Hui in Beijing and Nick Harper in Washington. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

China has raced ahead in electric vehicle adoption, building vast charging networks, scaling production and reshaping how cars are bought and used. But across the rest of Asia, the shift is unfolding in far more uneven ways. From Mongolia’s hybrid-driving herders to Indonesia’s nickel boom and the Philippines’ copper reserves, the EV revolution is creating new opportunities alongside environmental strain, social tensions and questions over long-term sustainability. Arnold Gay speaks with CNA correspondents Bong Xin Ying and Jack Board about China’s dominance, the hidden costs of the transition and whether the rest of Asia can build its own EV ecosystems. Editor's note: This episode of CNA Correspondent has been edited to remove an incorrect soundbite.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Wang Fuk Court fire left 168 people dead and thousands displaced, making it one of Hong Kong’s deadliest disasters in decades. Months on, investigations are uncovering deeper failures, from alleged substandard materials to possible corruption in the tendering process. As the inquiry continues, Genevieve Woo speaks to CNA correspondent Deborah Wong to understand what went wrong.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Japan’s tourism industry is back, with a record 10 million visitors in early 2026. But a major shift is underway: Chinese arrivals, once the backbone of Japan’s tourism boom, remain well below pre-pandemic levels. With visitor arrivals from South Korea, Southeast Asia, Europe and the US surging, can these new markets make up for the drop from China? And how are they reshaping the Japanese tourism industry’s growth, earnings and competitiveness? Arnold Gay finds out from senior correspondent Michiyo Ishida. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When it comes to social media policing, governments are no longer waiting for tech companies to act - they’re stepping in. Australia has an under-16 social media ban, Indonesia is cracking down on non-compliant platforms and pressure is growing in India, as a new wave of regulation takes shape. But do these measures actually work? Or are the authorities always a step behind the tech giants and curious young people? Arnold Gay speaks to Natashya Gutierrez, Chandni Vatvani and Neha Poonia about what’s driving this shift, how enforcement is playing out and if these bans can really reduce the risks. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The war on Iran was expected to showcase military might, but it quickly turned into a battle over energy. With oil and gas flows disrupted, the crisis is rippling across the globe, hitting economies and households from Asia to the US. Why does the world remain so vulnerable to energy shocks? Could this accelerate the shift away from fossil fuels or deepen dependence? And how might the conflict reshape the balance of power in favour of China? Arnold Gay speaks to Roland Lim and Toni Waterman about how the war will impact economies, geopolitics and the search for energy security. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Fans are rejoicing over the long-awaited return of boy band BTS. But beyond the spectacle, the ultra-famous K-pop group is expected to bring in billions of dollars to South Korea. Genevieve Woo speaks to Lim Yun Suk and Grace Shin about the Bangtan Boys' growing role at the intersection of culture, economics and global influence.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The conflict in Iran has pushed Iraq into a precarious position. Oil exports have been impacted and the country is caught in the middle of US-Israeli attacks on Iran-backed militia based in Iraq. Many of Iran's retaliatory attacks on US and coalition assets have taken place in the Kurdish region of northern Iraq. Arnold Gay speaks to Olly Barrett in this episode to understand what the Kurds and Iraqis fear most, even after the war ends.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

China is fast becoming a global leader in producing cutting-edge medicine, with nearly half of the world’s new drugs in testing now emerging from its labs. But can it replicate in pharmaceuticals what it has achieved in electric vehicles and robotics with faster and cheaper innovation? CNA Senior Correspondent Tan Yew Guan joins Otelli Edwards in this week’s episode of the CNA Correspondent podcast to explore China’s biotech ambitions and its push to make breakthrough treatments both accessible and affordable. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Taiwan’s long-standing debate over the death penalty has resurfaced after a landmark court ruling and the island's first execution in five years. In this week’s episode of the CNA Correspondent podcast, Genevieve Woo sits down with Senior Correspondent Victoria Jen to discuss her reporting on people caught in between, from victims’ families seeking justice to those who say the risk of irreversible error is too great to ignore. Through their stories, we examine why trust, fallibility and competing ideas of justice continue to divide Taiwanese society. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Amid rising global tensions and economic uncertainty, China’s biggest annual political event - the Two Sessions - has laid out the playbook for the world’s second-largest economy. From navigating the rise of AI to creating new jobs and enhancing childcare subsidies, domestic priorities took centre stage. What do these signals reveal about Beijing’s next moves? And why should the rest of the world be paying close attention? Senior Correspondent Olivia Siong sits down with CNA’s China correspondents to unpack the key takeaways and what they mean for Asia and beyond.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Once seen as unstoppable, northern China’s deserts are now being reclaimed by forests, sprawling solar farms and even tropical fruit plantations. While officials hail it as a triumph, how durable is this green transformation? Genevieve Woo sits down with correspondent Tan Si Hui to discuss the scale of China’s long-running anti-desertification drive, the people on the front lines and the trade-offs involved. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In the longest State of the Union address in modern history, US President Donald Trump laid out his achievements and made the economy a key pillar of his speech. Over nearly two hours, Mr Trump also touched on immigration, national security and foreign policy as he aimed to put his Republican Party in a position of strength ahead of the November midterm election. But beyond the headline claims, what does this speech mean for American alliances, global stability and trade with the rest of the world? Genevieve Woo breaks it down with senior correspondent Simon Marks.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Bangladesh Nationalist Party won a landslide victory in a long-awaited general election. Voters were promised a fresh start for democracy, jobs and the country's power structures. However, can the South Asian country move forward given some old, entrenched forces still hold sway? Genevieve Woo speaks with senior correspondent Afifah Ariffin on the CNA Correspondent podcast.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Thailand's recently concluded election delivered a decisive lead for Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul’s Bhumjaithai Party, setting the stage for intense coalition bargaining in the weeks ahead. With voters expressing fatigue and exasperation after years of political instability, will this new government be the change that Thailand seeks? Genevieve Woo speaks with CNA Correspondent Saksith Saiyasombut and Senior Correspondent Leong Wai Kit to parse through the fine print of Thai politics.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A snap election bet paid off in a very big way for Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi. She and her Liberal Democratic Party now hold a supermajority in the country’s Lower House. This gives them the power to override the opposition, push through legislation and even amend the Constitution. Ms Takaichi has made bold pledges on everything from industry and the economy to immigration and national security. But how quickly and aggressively will she move, and what does it mean for Japan and its neighbours? Arnold Gay gets insight from CNA's Senior Correspondent Michiyo Ishida.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Five years after Myanmar’s military coup ended a decade of democratic rule, the country remains deeply divided and scarred from its ongoing civil war. CNA's Genevieve Woo and Senior Correspondent Leong Wai Kit revisit the day the coup unfolded, the brutal crackdown that followed and how Myanmar’s politics arrived at an uneasy state of limbo.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Indonesia is the world’s second-largest producer of seaweed, supporting tens of thousands of coastal families. Yet behind the strong export numbers are farmers struggling with unstable incomes, environmental pressures and a precarious dependence on a single overseas market – China. Genevieve Woo speaks with Correspondent Chandni Vatvani on what this rapid growth means for the seaweed farmers. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Greenland has become the hottest geopolitical real estate of 2026. The United States wants it. Denmark and Greenland say it’s not for sale. Now European allies are sending troops to the Arctic, not to fight, but to send a message. Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump has raised the stakes with tariffs. In this episode, Genevieve Woo and Correspondent Ross Cullen unpack why Greenland matters so much strategically and why this dispute has become a test of alliance unity within NATO. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After ceding the rare earth market to China, the US is playing catch-up as it tries to loosen Beijing’s grip on global supply chains for these minerals. These are critical to manufacturing everything - from smartphones to wind turbines and missile defence systems. Arnold Gay speaks to Executive Producer Pearl Forss and Senior Correspondent Leong Wai Kit, to see what it would take to wean the world off China’s rare earth minerals. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Japan plans to restart the world's biggest nuclear plant, Kashiwazaki-Kariwa, sending nuclear power back to Tokyo and its surrounding prefectures for the first time since the 2011 Fukushima accident. The plant has been offline for more than a decade amid safety concerns and mistrust of operator TEPCO. Supporters say Japan needs the energy. Critics argue that the risks remain. Genevieve Woo speaks with Senior Correspondent Michiyo Ishida to find out if Japan is ready to deal with any nuclear fallout.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When Japan retreated from occupied lands after its surrender in World War II, a large group of Japanese citizens was painfully repatriated to a land they didn’t identify as home. They are the wansei, those who were born in Taiwan during the 50 years of colonisation. Genevieve Woo speaks to Michiyo Ishida and Victoria Jen about their quest to meet the surviving wansei and others whose lives were changed during this period of history. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

One BTS concert has the power to inject hundreds of millions of dollars into the South Korean economy. It's that star power that businesses are banking on as the K-pop sensation regroups after a military service hiatus. Teresa Tang speaks to Lim Yun Suk about the economic potential of the band's return. Credit: TikTok/@Marilynbooth786See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Food vendors are a fixture on the streets of the Thai capital, often crowding pedestrian pathways. Officials now want to tidy things up by moving the stands to central, open-air food courts. But not everyone agrees with the idea. Teresa Tang speaks to CNA correspondent Jack Board to find out why.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The definition of "pet" has taken on a whole new meaning in China with some youths adopting mango seeds and even jars of yeast for companionship. It’s an unconventional pastime aimed at helping to cope with societal pressures and loneliness. CNA's Melody Chan speaks to Teresa Tang about the trend.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Journeys that once took hours now take only half the time. Bullet trains and high-tech infrastructure have changed the way we think about time and distance. And the evolution continues, as Beijing and Tokyo move forward with their visions of the future. CNA's Tan Si Hui and Michiyo Ishida join Teresa Tang in this episode. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In a country where tea has reigned for thousands of years, a new aroma is taking over the streets - coffee. From Shanghai’s dizzying array of cafes to the tech-fuelled rise of coffee brands and the new wave of local roasters, coffee has become China’s new cultural currency. Genevieve Woo speaks with CNA senior correspondent Tan Yew Guan to learn more about China’s java scene. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Who doesn't want to save time and money? That's what proponents of the new Johor Bahru-Kuala Lumpur electric train service are looking forward to when the line opens at the end of the year. But critics question if the track will be ready on time. Teresa Tang speaks to CNA digital correspondent Amir Yusof about just how revolutionary the new transport link will be. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For many young people in China, graduation has become synonymous with being unemployed. In a dire job market some are turning to pretend workplaces to maintain a sense of routine and motivation. Fake boss, fake office and fake company, but there could be some real benefits. CNA digital correspondent Bong Xin Ying tells Teresa Tang what pretending to work is all about.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Asia’s fastest-growing cities are on the move — but not always forward. From Bengaluru’s tech boom to Kuala Lumpur’s car-first legacy and Singapore’s long-term road map, prosperity in some Asian cities often comes with gridlock. What’s driving the congestion crisis? Can technology or political will finally turn things around? Genevieve Woo speaks with correspondents Ishan Garg in India and Afifah Ariffin in Malaysia on what it will take to clear the path ahead for Asia's traffic woes.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

US President Donald Trump attended the ASEAN Summit for the first time in seven years, injecting new life into the gathering in Kuala Lumpur. Mr Trump witnessed the signing of a peace agreement between Thailand and Cambodia, which he co-brokered with Malaysian Prime Minister and ASEAN Chair, Anwar Ibrahim. The summit also marked the official admission of Timor-Leste as the newest member of the regional bloc. Arnold Gay speaks to CNA senior correspondents Melissa Goh and Leong Wai Kit to find out what's changed for ASEAN and the role Mr Trump and Mr Anwar's charismas played at the 47th Summit.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.