Access Asia
Exclusive reports, features and analysis of political and social events from across the Asian continent. Friday at 3:45pm Paris time.
- Indexed episodes, last 90 days
- 5
- Latest publication
- Sep 18, 2026
- Audience
- Checking…
- Earliest in this view
- Jul 10, 2026
Latest episodes
AI safety: No, China will not hit the brakes (opens the original)
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A spate of warnings in recent days about the dangers of AI have sparked mixed reactions: from Donald Trump dismissing the fears as a hoax, to Beijing criticising calls for the US to block its advancement as fearmongering. As President Xi Jinping heads to Washington for talks, FRANCE 24's technology correspondent Peter O'Brien explains why the two superpowers are unlikely to forge binding agreements on AI regulation.
'My Feed My Way': Australia takes on the algorithm (opens the original)
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Australia, which became the first country to ban social media for minors, is planning to crack down on Big Tech further. The government introduced new legislation to force social media firms to allow users to opt out of algorithms. The proposed laws also aim to strengthen online child protection. Opposition lawmakers say such measures would amount to government censorship.
Himalayan hydropower buildout: Expert says risk management is key (opens the original)
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Following devastating floods in Nepal and Tibet, Access Asia takes a closer look at the fragile state of the Himalayan mountains. Dr Arun Bhakta Shrestha, an expert on the environment and risk management in the Himalayas, explains why it's so difficult to detect glacier movements in advance and says that the tragedy could serve as an opportunity to improve the way nations develop infrastructure in the resource-rich region.
Family of detained US scientist breaks silence after quiet diplomacy stalls (opens the original)
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On this edition of Access Asia, we speak to a former FBI official helping Youlin Chen's family. The 54-year-old American scientist has been detained on espionage charges in China since November 2024, when he was visiting relatives in Beijing. His family has chosen to speak out after quiet diplomacy failed to secure his release.
Foreign workers feel the heat as Japan hardens nationalist stance (opens the original)
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On this week's edition of Access Asia, we bring you a report from Japan, where visa fees have been increased for foreign nationals applying for permanent residency. The government is also considering introducing a language requirement. While Japan needs foreign workers to help offset an ageing population and a declining birth rate, the nationalist government has continued to tighten its immigration policies.
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