Access Asia

Massive wildfires in Indonesia show no sign of letting up. The environmental disaster is turning into a pollution crisis across Southeast Asia, as toxic haze from the blazes spread to neighbouring countries. 

In this edition of Access Asia, we find out why multiple protests have broken out in India after an investigation by The Indian Express raised concerns about the integrity of the country's Election Commission. Journalist Faye D'Souza joins us to unpack how Narendra Modi's government is facing mounting pressure from the political opposition and the Gen Z-led Cockroach Janta Party. She also discusses the wider sense of discontent in India.

In India, thousands of women have been taking to the streets calling for better protection of female students, following the suspected gang rape of a 17-year-old girl. The alleged incident in an upscale neighbourhood of New Delhi prompted authorities to beef up protective measures, but the women say limiting their access to public spaces is not the answer. 

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. 

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.  

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. 

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.

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.

On this edition of Access Asia, we find out why anger is brewing in South Korea after the country's national team was eliminated from the World Cup. We also ask our Sports Editor why China hasn't managed to make it to football's top tier despite massive investment. Plus, Japan's prime minister heads to India as both countries seek to strengthen ties.

Japan's imperial family is running out of male heirs, and a debate over how to preserve the hereditary lineage that has continued unbroken for centuries is dividing the nation. Meanwhile, Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako wrapped up their two-week trip to Europe, and Japan took note that their royal Dutch and Belgian hosts both have women in line for the throne. FRANCE 24's Aurore Dupuis breaks down the looming succession crisis in the world's oldest monarchy.