Global News Podcast — Taiwan to Boost Defence Spending

Host: Celia Hatton, BBC World Service
Date: November 26, 2025

Episode Overview

This episode covers pressing international news stories, focusing on Taiwan’s announcement of a $40 billion increase in defence spending amid escalating regional tensions with China and Japan. Other key developments include a Palestinian-American teenager’s detention in Israel, shifts in Ukraine peace negotiations, catastrophic flooding in Thailand, gender bias experiments on LinkedIn, and a heartwarming story from Blackpool, UK.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

[01:08] Taiwan to Boost Defence Spending

• Announcement: Taiwan’s President, Lai Ching, has pledged an extra $40 billion for the military over eight years, bringing annual defence spending to over 5% of GDP by the decade’s end.
• Motivation: Driven by rising pressure from China—who continues to assert its claim over Taiwan—and new tensions involving Japan.
• Expert Insight: Fei Fan Lin, Deputy Head of Taiwan's National Security Council, explained:

  “Modern warfare is totally different from previous years... we must think about more asymmetric in defending ourselves. I think that's a consensus also what we are building.”
  (Fei Fan Lin, 02:45)

• Japan Factor: Following Japan’s announcement (PM Sanai Takaichi) that it might intervene militarily if China were to attack Taiwan, regional security dynamics have become more complex.
• US Position: The US believes China could be ready to invade by 2027, raising urgency for regional defence upgrades.
• Analysis:
  • Mariko Oi (BBC): “If you actually look at how much China has been spending ... it's almost nothing compared to what they've been doing. So, yes, it is a lot of money for Taiwan, but a lot of experts think that if China was to invade Taiwan… they would have the huge military power over Taiwan.” (03:38)
  • Noted Taiwan’s concerns regarding US support, especially with shifting rhetoric from President Trump.
• Japan Deploying Missiles:
  • Japan is proceeding with deploying missiles to Yonaguni Island (100km from Taiwan) to “defend Japan”, not attack others.
  • Chinese officials reacted with strong disapproval, particularly after Japanese PM Takaichi's comments linking Taiwan’s security to Japan’s own survival.

[06:50] Detention of Palestinian-American Teenager in Israel

• Case: Mohammed Ibrahim, a 15-year-old Palestinian-American, has been detained in Ofer prison without trial or public evidence for nine months, accused of throwing stones at settlers.
• Family Testimony:
  • Zaher Ibrahim, his father:

    “He confessed from the beating they gave him, no choice.” (08:45)

• US Reaction:
  • 27 US senators called on the State Department to push for Mohammed’s release.
  • Senator Chris Van Hollen:

    “If this were any other country, you would be seeing a much bigger effort... the Trump administration does not want to push the Netanyahu government.” (09:35)

• Context: Over 350 Palestinian minors are similarly detained; human rights groups allege widespread abuse.

[11:08] Ukraine Peace negotiations – Trump Plan and Russian Response

• Update: Moscow confirms receipt of President Trump’s revised Ukraine peace plan after objections from Ukraine and European partners.
• Key Points:
  • US envoy Steve Witkoff will travel to Moscow for talks.
  • Leaked audio reveals Witkoff coaching Russian officials on courting President Trump—a move seen as unorthodox or possibly troubling.
• Expert Analysis:
  • Paul Adams (Diplomatic Correspondent):

    “Wyckoff has a different way of conducting diplomacy... off the cuff, rather more personal... critics say it underlines this uncomfortably close relationship with the Russians.” (13:50)

  • New plan reportedly addresses Ukrainian concerns about territorial concessions.

[14:38] Rediscovery of Rare Indonesian Flower

• Discovery:
  • Indonesian conservationists Septayan Andriki and Dr. Chris Thorogood rediscovered Rafflesia haseltii in Sumatra—first sighting since 2011.
• Expedition:
  • Trek involved 20 hours by land and a 3-hour mountain climb.
  • Nightfall added risk from hunting tigers.
• Description:
  • Dr. Thorogood:

    “There are 40 or so species of rafflesia... but this one is a super rare one. It’s kind of like white with these big red spots... the buds take up to nine months to mature, and the flower only opens for a few days.” (16:06, 16:14)

[19:24] Australia’s Under-16 Social Media Ban Challenge

• Law: New legislation would ban under-16s from social media platforms, with fines for non-compliant companies.
• Court Challenge:
  • Two 15-year-olds, Noah Jones and Macy N, backed by the Digital Freedom Project, argue this curtails free speech and political engagement for youth.
  • Macy N:

    “Young people deserve to be engaged in political communication. If you stop them going on social media completely, then they won’t be able to do that... compared this ban to George Orwell’s book 1984...” (20:02)

• Government Stance: Ban aims to shield children from harmful content and misinformation; vows to continue pursuit despite opposition.
• Legal Question: Proportionality—balancing free speech rights versus online safety.

[22:03] Severe Flooding in Thailand

• Event: Southern Thailand suffers heaviest rainfall in 300 years; city of Hat Yai largely submerged, 33 dead, thousands stranded.
• Challenges:
  • Army appeals for boats and rescue equipment.
  • Many residents stranded on rooftops.
• Climate Change: Intensifying storms blamed, with officials acknowledging need for better preparedness.
• Correspondent Report:
  • Jonathan Head:

    “You’ve got the fifth largest city in the country... only the tops of roofs visible... people have been on their roofs for two or three days.” (22:39)

[24:25] Gender Experiments on LinkedIn

• Experiment:
  • Female professionals emulated male profiles and tone (“bro coding”) to test algorithmic bias.
  • Results: Posts got more visibility; “bro boost” noted.
• Expert Commentary:
  • Zoe Kleinman (Technology Editor):

    “Maybe more men have more powerful networks and they’re more likely to comment and share each other’s posts... maybe the algorithm is reflecting something that's happening in society.” (26:07)

  • Women did not enjoy having to adapt styles or change gender presentation for increased engagement.
• LinkedIn Response:
  • The company denies gender is a factor in algorithmic ranking, asserts regular checks for disparities.

[27:03] Heartwarming Story: ‘One Last Dance’ at Blackpool Tower

• Story:
  • Elderly couple Ron and Marilyn Hill, both former Tower Ballroom regulars, are given a surprise last dance at the famous venue by their granddaughter before Ron enters care for dementia.
• Memorable Moments & Quotes:
  • Ron:

    “I was gobsmacked. You know, I came in... I thought, yes, this is our place.” (29:08)
    “It's home from home to me... I’m really honored to actually sit at [the organ], let alone play it.” (28:36, 29:19)

  • Marilyn:

    “I absolutely love it and it's just exactly the same and it's absolutely fabulous. This is a beautiful, beautiful ballroom.” (29:33)

  • Olivia (granddaughter):

    “He wasn’t able to dance... but he came, he was dancing amazingly. Now he’s sat playing… but it is the power of music with dementia. It brings your memories back.” (30:29)

• Theme: The power of music, family, and cherished memories in the face of illness.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “[Taiwan must] think about more asymmetric in defending ourselves… that’s a consensus.”
  — Fei Fan Lin, Taiwan National Security Council (02:45)
• “Yes, it is a lot of money for Taiwan, but… China would have the huge military power over Taiwan.”
  — Mariko Oi (03:38)
• “He confessed from the beating they gave him, no choice.”
  — Zaher Ibrahim, father of Mohammed (08:45)
• “If this were any other country, you would be seeing a much bigger effort...”
  — Senator Chris Van Hollen (09:35)
• “There are 40 or so species of rafflesia... this one is a super rare one. Hardly anyone has seen it.”
  — Dr. Chris Thorogood (16:06)
• “Young people deserve to be engaged in political communication... compared this ban to George Orwell's book 1984.”
  — Macy N, teenage challenger to social media ban (20:02)
• “I was gobsmacked. You know, I came in... I thought, yes, this is our place.”
  — Ron Hill, Blackpool dancer (29:08)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Taiwan Defence Spending & Regional Tension: 01:08 – 06:50
• Palestinian-American Teen Detained: 06:50 – 11:08
• Ukraine Peace Plan Negotiations: 11:08 – 14:38
• Rediscovery of Rare Flower in Indonesia: 14:38 – 17:03
• Australia Social Media Ban Challenge: 19:24 – 22:03
• Thailand Flooding Crisis: 22:03 – 24:25
• Gender & LinkedIn Experiment: 24:25 – 27:03
• Last Dance at Blackpool Tower Ballroom: 27:03 – 31:05

Tone & Style

The episode maintains BBC’s authoritative yet accessible reporting style, blending expert analysis, human stories, and global perspectives. The host and correspondents ensure even complex issues are presented with clarity and empathy.

This summary omits ads, intros, and outros, focusing exclusively on main news and stories. For feedback, contact globalpodcast@bbc.co.uk.