Emily Feng, an NPR correspondent, provides a deep dive into the heartbreaking story of Abdullatif Kucar, a Uyghur man searching for his wife and children detained by Chinese authorities. She unravels the emotional upheaval that families endure amid government repression and surveillance. Feng's journey also reveals the dark reality of detention camps in Xinjiang, exploring the struggles for identity and cultural preservation within the Uyghur community. This narrative sheds light on the broader human rights violations faced by this marginalized group.

Political correspondent Susan Davis, defense correspondent Tom Bowman, and foreign correspondent Emily Feng discuss US interest in the Indo-Pacific region, Taiwan's involvement, historical significance of the US-Taiwan alliance against China, escalating tensions between China and Taiwan, bipartisan support for Taiwan, comparisons with Ukraine, and complexities of U.S.-Taiwan relations and South China Sea tensions.

Emily Feng, an NPR Correspondent experienced in Uyghur affairs, shares gripping insights into the oppression faced by this community in Xinjiang. She profiles two Uyghur men caught in a web of complicity, revealing the moral dilemmas they confront while navigating survival under a repressive regime. Feng highlights the emotional conflicts encountered by both victims and enforcers, tackling themes of trust, betrayal, and the emotional toll on families enduring governmental crackdowns. Their stories serve as a poignant reminder of a culture under siege.

Emily Feng, an NPR reporter, shares her rare experience on Thitu Island in the disputed Spratly Islands, home to a resilient Filipino community. She highlights the challenges these residents face amid rising geopolitical tensions with China. Feng captures personal stories of islanders, like fisherman Larry Hugo, who strive for sustainability while preserving their culture. The conversation reveals how local efforts toward community development and tourism are intertwined with the larger narrative of territorial disputes, showcasing the island's unique blend of tranquility and turmoil.

Secretary of State Antony Blinken cancelled his trip to China after the U.S. spotted a Chinese surveillance balloon near a military base in Montana. The Air Force popped the balloon off the coast of South Carolina over the weekend. Blinken's meeting with President Xi Jinping would have been first high-level visit to the country by a U.S. official in more than five years.This episode: White House correspondent Tamara Keith, China correspondent Emily Feng, and congressional correspondent Deirdre Walsh.This episode was produced by Elena Moore and Casey Morell. It was edited by Eric McDaniel. Our executive producer is Muthoni Muturi. Research and fact-checking by Devin Speak.Unlock access to this and other bonus content by supporting The NPR Politics Podcast+. Sign up via Apple Podcasts or at plus.npr.org. Connect:Email the show at nprpolitics@npr.orgJoin the NPR Politics Podcast Facebook Group.Subscribe to the NPR Politics Newsletter.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy