Economy
Japan's unions demand biggest pay raises in 31 years
Higher wages could prompt the BOJ to starting hiking interest rates
Belt and Road
Chinese investment in Asia rose 37% in 2023, led by Indonesia
Report shows construction contracts also up 14%; Philippines, Pakistan among losers
Japan immigration
Japan races to court foreign talent as it doubles skilled worker cap
Better support and pay key to attracting up to 820,000 workers in 5 years
China debt crunch
China work report pledges to tackle local debt, without specifics
Annual document avoids contentious proposal to raise retirement age
China People's Congress
China central banker sees full toolbox as planners vow to hit GDP goal
Top economic officials hold rare joint news conference in attempt to shore up confidence
Business trends
Job cuts at Japanese companies jump, hinting at strategy shift
Voluntary retirement offers through February top annual total in 2023
Transportation
Malaysia revives 'ambitious' high-speed rail plan amid hurdles
China Railway Construction, Hyundai unit among companies showing interest
Trade
EU exempts Japanese sake from packaging recycling rules
Requirement covering sake bottles would amount to non-tariff barrier, Tokyo argued
China People's Congress
China sets GDP growth target of 'around 5%' for 2024
Premier Li says recovery 'not solid enough,' promises jobs and easier market access
Work
Japan's smaller companies gain leeway to raise pay on steady profits
With slower growth in labor costs, wage hikes poised to spread to more industries
Business deals
Nippon Steel executive to negotiate with union on U.S. Steel deal
Japan steelmaker aims to complete purchase before November presidential election
China People's Congress
China scraps Premier Li's NPC news conference, breaking tradition
Decision to nix briefing closes one of the few windows on Beijing's thinking
Economy
More young Japanese choosing flexibility over full-time jobs
Rising trend raises questions about social security programs
Opinion
Being a 'connector' for China is no longer working for Hong Kong
City needs to rethink economic role to show it can still be relevant
Interview
Turkey's ex-president slams U.S. 'double standards' on Israel, Ukraine
Abdullah Gul says West's policies on conflicts could benefit China
Your Week in Asia
China 'Two Sessions', ASEAN-Australia Summit, Malaysia rate decision
Your weekly lineup of Asia's biggest business and political events
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Food & Beverage
Wasabi exports grow as Japan cuisine gains fans overseas
Wasabi food makers tweak spiciness and products for foreign tastes
Bonds
China's record-low yields flash deflationary warning signs
Sluggish prices and population decline raise risk of Japanification
Trade
Sake, scallops and wagyu face hurdles in EU under packaging rules
Top Japanese food exports seen failing to meet proposals for recyclability
Bank of Japan
Odds rise that Japan will lift negative interest rates in March
BOJ Gov. Ueda says outcome of annual wage talks this month will be pivotal
Trade
Chinese e-commerce flood into U.S. raises safety concerns
Senators move to scrap duty-free status of sub-$800 shipments from China
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Opinion
Security is still China's top priority, not the economy
Premier Li Qiang in uncomfortable spot as National People's Congress opens
Economy
China's factory activity contracts for fifth straight month
After Lunar New Year seasonal factors, focus on legislative moves and March figures
Caixin
China intensifies efforts to curb risk in troubled trust sector
New regulatory ratings system switches focus to risk management, how businesses are run
Markets
Tokyo Electron, Kobe Steel court global investors as Japan stocks rally
Companies tap into soaring demand for Tokyo-listed shares