Bronwen Maddox is in Japan this week, and is joined from Taipei by journalist Bethany Allen to discuss China's National People's Congress and the political calculations of Beijing's neighbours. Joining them are Robert Ward from The International Institute for Strategic Studies and Dr Yu Jie – a Senior Fellow with our Asia-Pacific programme. Read our latest: Why Egypt’s improved economic outlook is mostly down to luck, not skill This time Haiti really is on the brink. The US and UN must act to restore order The EU’s new AI Act could have global impact Presented by Bronwen Maddox. Produced by John Pollock. Listen to The Climate Briefing podcast ?  Listen to Africa Aware podcast ? Subscribe to Independent Thinking wherever you find your podcasts - please listen, review and subscribe.