Bonus: What an Iran US ceasefire means for Asia

Bonus: What an Iran US ceasefire means for Asia

From Asia Specific by BBC World Service

April 8, 2026 · 13 min

About this episode

The episode discusses the implications of the Iran US ceasefire for Asia, focusing on energy shortages and geopolitical dynamics involving China and Pakistan.

US President Donald Trump says he believes China helped push Iran towards the two-week ceasefire. With Pakistan leading talks between Iran and the US, what role is China, Pakistan’s close friend and neighbour, playing behind the scenes? What will this conditional ceasefire mean for Asia’s energy shortage? And does a two-week truce mean Southeast Asian countries, grappling with high oil and gas prices, can expect things to return to normal soon? Host Mariko Oi is joined by Asia Specific Senior Journalist Bill Birtles and analyst Adam Samdin from Oxford Economics in Singapore. Asia Pacific, unpacked by those who know it best. Bringing you essential insights and conversations on the stories shaping the region - an economic powerhouse, geo-political flashpoint and the birthplace of global cultural trends. Hear 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 the US and China, the rise and fall of political dynasties in Thailand, Indonesia, and the Philippines, or South Korea’s K-pop inspired soft power strategy, we find out what key players are thinking and dive…

People in this episode

Host: Mariko Oi

Guests: Bill Birtles, Adam Samdin

Topics covered

  • Iran US ceasefire
  • China's role
  • energy shortage
  • oil prices
  • Southeast Asia
  • geopolitical analysis

Keywords

  • Iran
  • US
  • ceasefire
  • China
  • Pakistan
  • energy
  • oil prices
  • Southeast Asia

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: BBC World Service

Places: Iran, US, China, Pakistan, Singapore, Southeast Asia

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