On Backchat, Taiwan. Tsai Ing wen has been sworn in as the new President, and a time when economic problems, social issues, and cross strait relations pose challenges. She spoke of the need for a united, pragmatic and efficient democracy. Can she de...

On Backchat, dementia and our aging population. There have been warnings that we are not well prepared for the number of people likely to be affected by Alzheimer's and other conditions in the future, with up to a third of those over 80 suffering r...

On Backchat, more on Zhang Dejiang's visit, his meetings with pan dems and his speeches. What have we learned about Beijing's attitude to Hong Kong and CY Leung's administration? After 9.20 how to choose a hospital. (8:30-9:30am, call in on 233 88 ...

On Backchat, Zhang Dejiang's visit. He has said that he would listen to “all sectors of society” on “what recommendations and requirements they have” regarding the implementation of ‘one country, two systems’ . Is this a good sign of a non-confron...

On Backchat, Brexit. In a few weeks the UK will vote on whether to withdraw from the European Union. What are the pros and cons, who are the significant personalities, and how are the 'leave' and 'stay' campaigns going? After 9.20, public housin...

On Backchat, the Cultural Revolution. Upheaval on a massive scale marked the 60s and 70s in China - a terrifying mixture of authoritarianism, idol-worship and anarchy. Do we understand better now its causes and consequences? How much responsibil...

On Backchat, China's economic policy. Recent comments in official media suggest debate at the highest level about how to run the economy. Will there actually be a change from recent stimulus-fueled policy? What would that mean for Hong Kong? Is th...

On Backchat, we talk about the weather. The Observatory, the Education Bureau and schools are in hot water over their reaction to bad weather on Tuesday. Was the red rainstorm warning badly timed, or was it simply because of a sudden storm? Was it...

On Backchat, elections in the Philippines.Rodrigo Duterte was elected President on Monday and he is a controversial figure. What is his appeal, and what are likely to be the foreign policy consequences of his victory? Will he really change the ...

On Backchat, Hong Kong politics since Occupy. How has political culture developed since our streets were occupied in the autumn of 2014? New parties have emerged, and some new ideas have come to the surface. But are the changes significant and w...