Laura Bicker

Home Secretary Yvette Cooper outlines Labour's ambitious plans to address the UK's migration crisis, including new degree requirements for workers and stricter English tests for visa applicants. BBC economic editor Faisal Islam and China correspondent Laura Bicker dive into the recent US-China agreement to reduce tariffs, shedding light on intriguing trade dynamics. Ben Connah, Secretary to the COVID Inquiry, discusses the ongoing investigation and the emotional 'Every Story Matters' initiative, emphasizing the importance of personal experiences in shaping future policies.

Laura Bicker, BBC’s China correspondent, and Cindy Yu, host of the Spectator’s Chinese Whispers, dive into the escalating trade war between the U.S. and China. They analyze Trump's tariffs and China's strategic responses, exploring how the tension shapes global economic dynamics. Joining them is Ben Westhoff, investigative journalist discussing the opioid crisis, linking it to political decisions like tariffs. Together, they unveil the intricate web of trade, politics, and the pressing need for solutions to the addiction epidemic.

Laura Bicker, the BBC's correspondent in Guangdong, sheds light on China's surprising 90-day pause on tariffs affecting American companies. This has sparked a rush in shipping as businesses scramble to send products before the deadline. Bicker also discusses the impact this pause has on Chinese industries and workers facing uncertainty. Switching gears, the podcast delves into the economic excitement surrounding the Eurovision Song Contest in Basel, exploring how it prepares to boost the local economy by attracting hundreds of thousands of fans.

Laura Bicker, BBC's China correspondent with extensive experience in reporting on Chinese affairs and global trade, shares insights on Birmingham's bin crisis and potential nationwide repercussions from striking workers. The conversation touches on China's strategic responses to trade tensions with the US and its evolving approach to soft power. Bicker also discusses the influential role of Chinese social media in exposing luxury product origins, giving listeners a glimpse into the complexities of global trade dynamics and domestic unrest.

Laura Bicker, the BBC's China correspondent, offers a deep dive into China's evolving strategies amid Donald Trump's return to power. She discusses the recalibration of China's ties with tech giants, especially the saga of Jack Ma, highlighting his rise and dramatic fall. The conversation also explores how Beijing is maneuvering geopolitically, particularly in relation to the Ukraine war and its quest for global influence. Bicker emphasizes the opportunities and challenges facing China in a shifting international landscape.