This Month
Whisky and the coal mining ‘shack’: Taiwan election is not only about China
Beijing is far from the sole issue debated at rallies, press conferences and on television talk shows where the uncensored exchanges are a major contrast to China.
- Ben Blanchard
Xi touts alternative to Western capitalism in speech on Mao
Mr Xi, whose government eliminated term limits in 2018, has spent his first decade-plus in office consolidating power to levels unseen since Mao.
- Josh Xiao
Xi Jinping and the year of the foreign policy headache
He wants to repair relationships with the West while at the same time challenging US dominance in Asia. It’s a schizophrenic foreign policy that will be hard to pull off.
- Michael Smith
Canada poised to pay settlements to two men imprisoned in China
Canada is concerned by a potential lawsuit from one of the two men that could put a spotlight on a government security program, The Globe and Mail reported.
- Reuters
China quietly rebuilds secret base for nuclear tests
Satellite images reveal an old military base in China is being upgraded and expanded, possibly preparing for a new era of nuclear tests.
- William J. Broad, Chris Buckley and Jonathan Corum
Singapore loses its sheen as its first family fights over legacy
Lee Kuan Yew united Singapore, but his death sparked a spectacular unravelling of his family that has left Singaporeans divided and asking questions about the future.
- Emma Connors
Top US, Chinese military officials speak in sign of warming ties
Future steps include plans to hold talks on defence policy in January and a round of maritime consultations several months later.
- Courtney McBride
‘The golden geese are cooked’: Why Xi Jinping needs a new plan
With confidence sliding fast, Xi Jinping has a monumental task to kick-start an economy that’s no longer delivering on the China dream.
- Michael Smith
Diplomatic pressure builds on Hong Kong over Jimmy Lai trial
The British and US governments have called for Mr Lai’s immediate release, saying the trial is politically motivated.
- James Pomfret and Jessie Pang
- Analysis
- Trade wars
‘Third World’: Why locals don’t share investor enthusiasm for Japan
Japan is enjoying an investment and tourism boom, but many ordinary Japanese are struggling to make ends meet.
- Updated
- Michael Smith
Forget year-end bonuses for working hard – this firm rewards joggers
A Chinese paper maker has decided to scrap annual payouts for something healthier – a monthly wad of cash based on how much its employees exercise.
- Shirley Zhao
Landmark national security trial of media mogul opens in Hong Kong
The closely watched case is widely seen as a trial of press freedom and a test for judicial independence in the Asian financial hub.
- Kanis Leung
- Opinion
- World elections
Indonesia’s election bears the signs of weakening democracy
It does not bode well for Indonesia’s democratic future that a new president with an authoritarian pedigree is likely to take office thanks to a judicial fix.
- Edward Aspinall
China asks bloggers to stop badmouthing the economy
The request came as economic data showed China’s recovery after the pandemic remained slow, with weak consumer confidence and a lingering real estate crisis.
- Zen Soo and Elaine Kurtenbach
- Opinion
- World politics
Japan is tired of Prime Minister Kishida, a man who tries too hard
Fumio Kishida’s knack for associating with controversial policies has turned him into one of the most unpopular leaders of the past two decades.
- Gearoid Reidy
- Exclusive
- Retail
7-Eleven sticks with petrol as new owners pump up food offerings
Japanese retail conglomerate Seven & i says there are growth opportunities from merchandising as it expands the convenience store network.
- Michael Smith
China’s leaders send mixed signals on how to fix economy
A key meeting of Xi Jinping and his top policy advisers has left investors confused about how far Beijing is prepared to go to bolster economic growth.
- Michael Smith
- Opinion
- Global economy
China faces the risk of a debt-deflation spiral
If deflation continues to eat into corporate profits, companies will cut wage growth, creating a vicious ‘loop’ of even weaker aggregate demand and deflation.
- Chetan Ahy
Hong Kong voter turnout slumps to record low after Beijing purge
Only 27.5 per cent of the 4.3 million eligible voters cast ballots on Sunday in the local elections, David Lok, chairman of the Electoral Affairs Commission said on Monday.
- Kiuyan Wong
US slams China’s ‘reckless’ moves in South China Sea
Chinese and Philippine vessels faced off in multiple clashes in the South China Sea over the weekend as tensions continued to escalate.
- Andreo Calonzo
