The paradise island nation caught between the US, Taiwan and China

Palau is a tiny Pacific nation of just 18,000 people but its location has made it a strategic prize in the diplomatic contest between China and Taiwan, and the broader strategic battle between Beijing and Washington.In this episode, BBC's Global China Unit reporter Shawn Yuan takes us inside Palau, where he found a country grappling with diplomatic pressure from Beijing and growing concerns about China from its long-time security guarantor, the USA. He joins Asia Specific host Mariko Oi as well as Asia Specific’s Bill Birtles, a former China and Taiwan correspondent.Asia Specific brings you essential insights and conversations on the stories shaping the Asia Pacific region - an economic powerhouse, geo-political flashpoint and the birthplace of global cultural trends.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 China and Donald Trump, the rise and fall of political dynasties in Thailand, Indonesia, and the Philippines, or South Korea’s K-pop inspired soft power strategy - we unpack 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/4iJyeVtGet in touch: [email protected]