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China's dispute with its neighbours over the Spratly Islands in the South China Sea threatens regional stability, according to the United States. China has announced it is building artificial islands and reclaiming land in the area, in order for protection against typhoons. But Kenneth Lieberthal, former US National Security Council Asia director, believes they are trying to develop the area for military purposes.

Banks founded by African Americans, which serve the black community in the US, have been closing down at a rapid pace, including two just earlier this year. But nearly a fifth of all African American households in the US still don't have bank accounts, so many argue that minority banks are still much needed. Yogita Limaye reports from New York.

President Obama has been in Jamaica for the Caricom regional summit. But how interested is the US in the Caribbean? Up to now, Venezuela, which sees itself as a rival to Washington in the region has been using cheap oil to win influence. That has changed as the global oil price has dropped. At the same time China is beginning to invest in the island states. We ask, what is America now looking for in the Caribbean?

This month marks the anniversary of an unprecedented occupation of Taiwan's parliament by activists. This year there are smaller protests and rallies being held but, as we hear from our correspondent Cindy Sui, the underlying issues have not gone away.

And they say any publicity is good publicity, but will the Clintons be thinking that as a musical celebrating America's 42nd President premiers in New York? We hear from the man who wrote the music and lyrics for the show.