Today
- Analysis
- Global economy
China’s unhappy consumers have even given up on shopping sales
E-commerce sales declined for the first time during the “618 festival” this year, reflecting pressures on retailers already locked in a gruelling price war.
- 1 hr ago
- Casey Hall
China’s faltering tech giants push workers to the limit
As Chinese technology executives face a new reality of low growth, rising competition and investor apathy, many are making tough demands on staff.
- Updated
- Ryan McMorrow and Nian Liu
Yesterday
Suspected Houthi attack suggests widening operation
The attack happened near the outer reaches of the Gulf of Aden where it becomes the Arabian Sea and then ultimately the Indian Ocean.
- Jon Gambrell
Japan-Australia ties ‘as much about security as business’
“The Japan-Australia relationship has become broader and more sophisticated than before,” Tokyo Gas chairman Michiaki Hirose says.
- Jessica Sier
- Analysis
- Regional security
Why China is using axes, fists to fight border disputes
Experts say that China’s use of simple weapons rather than firearms has been a tactical choice, but it may not always prevent escalation.
- Updated
- Anika Arora Seth
Japan using Australian gas to shore up regional influence
Japanese energy companies are on-selling surplus Australian gas to allies in South-East Asia.
- Updated
- Jessica Sier
She was made a trade leader at 28 and pregnant
The winner of the Young Leader category in the Women in Leadership awards has honed her leadership skills straddling two vastly different cultures and Australia’s most important trade relationship.
- Jessica Sier
This Month
Marcos vows to ‘stand firm’ after clash with China
The president told his military chief, top generals and troops involved in the South China Sea confrontation that the Philippines has never “yielded to any foreign power”.
- Jim Gomez
- Opinion
- East Asia Forum
Global supply chains at risk without new WTO rules for digital trade
The World Trade Organisation, despite its flaws, remains the only single vehicle able to attract multilateral participation, and business needs it more than ever.
- John Denton
Japanese eye investment in Australian nuclear rollout
Japan’s giant energy trading houses would actively consider helping to pay for a nuclear rollout in Australia in return for decades-long investment returns, industry insiders say.
- Jessica Sier
Putin’s Asia tour seen as show of defiance to the West
Analysts are scrambling to assess the significance of agreements struck by the Russian leader in North Korea and Vietnam.
- David Brunnstrom and Jasper Ward
This secret action by the Philippines will ‘infuriate’ China
It has secretly reinforced a dilapidated warship marooned on a South China Sea reef that’s at the centre of recent clashes with China.
- Demetri Sevastopulo
Putin signs deals with Vietnam to offset Moscow’s growing isolation
The visit by the Russian President follows fly-ins by Chinese and American leaders last year, with Vietnam’s “bamboo diplomacy” on full display.
- Aniruddha Ghosal
Warship deployed as China, Philippines clashes raise tensions
The navy has dispatched its most powerful warship to exercise with Asian navies, in a test for improved communications with China to avoid dangerous incidents at sea.
- Andrew Tillett
Chinese carmakers urge Beijing to hit back at EU tariffs
Carmakers reportedly called on their government to retaliate by imposing tariffs on imported European vehicles with high-powered engines.
- Matt Oliver
Putin and Kim sign mutual defence pact
The pact could be a dramatic shift in the strategic balance in Northeast Asia by placing Russia’s heft behind North Korea.
- Josh Smith and Ju-min Park
China’s copper glut soars in sign of stuttering economy
Copper inventories in Shanghai warehouses have reached their highest levels since 2020, as manufacturers rein in demand.
- Updated
- Harry Dempsey and Wenjie Ding
Kim vows ‘full support’ for Putin’s war
The Russian president arrived for his first visit to the DPRK in 24 years, amid warnings of more arms transfers to Moscow for its war in Ukraine.
- Kim Tong-Hyung
Putin vows trade, security with North Korea
The Russian president pledged his unwavering support in a letter published by North Korean state media on Tuesday ahead of his planned visit to the country.
- Hyonhee Shin and Josh Smith
Premier Li Qiang’s visit has Malaysia wanting more from China pivot
The absence of President Xi Jinping, who sent his number two in his place, has dejected some in the government, according to Malaysian officials and observers.
- Kathrin Hille and Mercedes Ruehl