China

Here's why Taiwan is watching the U.S. election closely

5:01am August 19, 2024

Security and semiconductors are among Taiwan's priorities, as the island considers the presidential candidates' policies and possible impacts on the island, which China repeatedly threatens to invade.

China's President Xi in Serbia to Bolster Relations With Europe's East

In China, Trump has cachet but few see U.S. ties improving under him or Harris

2:35pm July 31, 2024

by John Ruwitch

Former President Donald Trump thumps Vice President Harris in name recognition and cache, but analysts say Beijing sees both as bad news.

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Economy

Peacock, potassium and other Paris Olympics Indicators

5:32pm July 26, 2024

Indicators of the Week is BACK, and this time, we're going for the gold! (...In educating our listeners on the economics and business stories behind the Olympics.)

In this Olympics-themed episode, we'll learn what economic factors help countries win more medals, how NBCUniversal is betting on these games to support its streaming service, and what it takes to feed 15,000 hungry athletes. (Hint: A LOT of potassium. And pain au chocolat. And baguettes.)

Related Episode:
Why Host The Olympics?

For sponsor-free episodes of The Indicator from Planet Money, subscribe to Planet Money+ via Apple Podcasts or at plus.npr.org.

Music by Drop Electric. Find us: TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, Newsletter.

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Economy

China's luxury liquor indicator

8:50pm July 15, 2024

If you regularly listen to The Indicator, you know China's economy is not doing great. Over the last few years, indicators like unemployment and local debt are up, and consumption and property sales are down.

There is one big indicator that's been a bellwether for China's economy ... booze. One specific kind: Baijiu.

In today's episode, a quick history on baijiu and how the liquor is a potent symbol for consumer confidence in China.

Related Episodes:
China's weakening economy in two Indicators
The Beigie Awards: China Edition

For sponsor-free episodes of The Indicator from Planet Money, subscribe to Planet Money+ via Apple Podcasts or at plus.npr.org.

Music by Drop Electric. Find us: TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, Newsletter.

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A man is caught attempting to smuggle 100 live snakes into China in his pants

5:04pm July 10, 2024

by Alana Wise

The man's bizarre smuggling attempt included many non-native species of snakes stuffed into his pants, according to China's customs authority.

World News

5 years ago they protested for freedom in Hong Kong. They want us to remember them

12:58pm July 09, 2024

by John Ruwitch

Five years after mass protests disrupted Hong Kong, and were crushed by the government, people who took part are downsizing their dreams and ambitions — but keeping a small flame of hope alive.

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World News

A deadly fire exposes the lack of protection for migrant workers in South Korea

5:01am July 06, 2024

by Se Eun Gong

As South Korea's population shrinks, foreign migrant workers are joining the country's workforce. But a recent deadly fire exposed the risks some of them are facing.

Inside the Chinese-funded and staffed marijuana farms springing up across the U.S.

3:41pm June 24, 2024

by Emily Feng

Large numbers of migrants from China are crossing into the U.S. and finding work on marijuana farms. Some of the businesses are accused of exploiting workers and violating state growing rules.

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Nuclear powers are deepening their reliance on their nukes, a watchdog group says

4:36am June 17, 2024

by The Associated Press

The Stockholm International Peace Research Institute report says it hasn't seen nuclear weapons playing such a prominent role in international relations since the Cold War.

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China arrests a man in connection to stabbing of 4 U.S. college instructors

5:23pm June 11, 2024

by Emily Feng

The four instructors from a college in Iowa were injured in a rare stabbing attack in a public park in China.