Donald Trump is in Beijing for his much-anticipated trip to see President Xi - the leaders meet today. But with the US seemingly stuck in a frozen conflict in the Middle East, does Xi see Trump as a lame duck? Will he help Trump persuade Iran to end the war or could the conflict embolden Xi’s pursuit of Taiwan? And how could the trip affect the Asian pivot away from the USA and towards China?

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Guests:

• Professor Rana Mitter, S.T. Lee Professor of U.S.-Asia Relations, Harvard.
• Richard Spencer, China correspondent, The Times.

Host: Manveen Rana.

Producer: Olivia Case.

We want to hear from you - email: thestory@thetimes.com

Read more: Summit of the superpowers: what’s on the agenda for Trump and Xi?

Further listening: The end of the ceasefire in Iran…..or not

Clips: CNA, Fox, Reuters, Al Jazeera, Richard Nixon Foundation / YouTube.

Photo: Getty Images.

This podcast was brought to you thanks to subscribers of The Times and The Sunday Times. To enjoy unlimited digital access to all our journalism subscribe here.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This morning the Times broke the news that Wes Streeting had told allies he was preparing to resign as Health Secretary tomorrow to trigger a leadership contest. The story emerged just ahead of the King’s arrival in Westminster for the state opening of parliament. What do we know now? And what does this mean for Starmer’s future?

This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today: http://thetimes.com/thestory

Guests:

• Anna Mikhailova, political editor, Times Radio
• Aubrey Allegretti, chief political editor, The Times

Host: John Pienaar, Manveen Rana

Producers: Sandra Mitchell, Harry Bligh

We want to hear from you - email: thestory@thetimes.com

Read more: Keir Starmer latest - live page

Photo: Getty Images.

This podcast was brought to you thanks to subscribers of The Times and The Sunday Times. To enjoy unlimited digital access to all our journalism subscribe here.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As Keir Starmer clings on to his premiership, there’s one man continuing his victory laps. Nigel Farage’s party Reform UK was the big winner in last week’s local elections, picking up more than 1,450 council seats. So, what’s behind this? Is this just a blip – or the start of a new phase of British politics?

This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today: http://thetimes.com/thestory

Guest: Lara Spirit, deputy political editor, The Sunday Times.

Host: Luke Jones.

Producers: Callum Martin, Sophie McNulty.

We want to hear from you - email: thestory@thetimes.com

Read more: New Reform councillor suspended after racist posts emerge

Further listening: “Keir Starmer couldn’t run a bath.” What next for Labour?

Clips: BBC, Manchester Evening News, LBC, Reform UK, APT.

Photo: Getty Images.

This podcast was brought to you thanks to subscribers of The Times and The Sunday Times. To enjoy unlimited digital access to all our journalism subscribe here.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.