Economy
China factory activity slows to six-month low in August
Missed PMI forecast could fuel hopes for economic stimulus measures
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Society
Tokyo's Shibuya cracks down on public drinking as tourist crowds swell
District to impose year-round nighttime ban with patrols targeting unruly behavior
Natural disasters
North Korea dismantling flooded farm hamlets, photo evidence shows
Kim's comments hint at building more modern community from scratch
Companies
Alibaba's 3-year antitrust 'rectification' is over, Beijing says
Regulator vows 'solid protection' for e-commerce giant to enhance competitiveness
Finance
China's top insurers log $169bn bond portfolio boost as PBOC intervenes
Central bank foray into bond trading comes as buyers show hunger despite bubble fears
China debt crunch
China real estate crisis batters state developers seen as better off
Units of 'central companies' hold edge on private peers but log double-digit sales drops
Inflation
Core inflation in Japan's capital rises 2.4% in August
Consumer price data backs case for more BOJ interest rate hikes
Natural disasters
Japanese typhoon weakens but train and flight disruptions continue
Shinkansen service between Nagoya and Shin-Osaka resumes; Tokyo-Nagoya still suspended
Climate Change
Court orders South Korea to specify carbon emission cut plans through 2049
Decision hands partial victory to activists who say climate change affects 'fundamental rights'
Business Spotlight
With 7-Eleven on buyout menu, Japanese owner Seven & i reaches crossroads
Couche-Tard targets food business, U.S. market; regulatory, antitrust issues weigh
Politics
South Korea's Yoon vows to reform pension plan set to run dry in 2055
Facing aging population, government eyes benefit adjustments and higher premiums
Politics
Japan interest rates, defense buildup push budget requests above $800bn
Record spending could go even higher on wage, inflation measures
Commodities
Antimony, gallium prices soar as China widens rare-metal export curbs
Buyers scramble to stock up on minerals amid uncertainties over tighter controls
Finance
Japanese banks' lending rates rise for 7th straight month
Trend seen expanding from floating-rate loans to mortgages and other debt
Trade
China will not impose anti-dumping measures on EU brandy, for now
European producers remain concerned tariffs could still come in future
Natural disasters
Toyota extends production halt as strong typhoon pounds southern Japan
Other manufacturers follow suit as Typhoon Shanshan causes damage and injuries
Companies
South Korea delivery company Yogiyo to offer buyouts, media say
Competition in sector has grown in recent months as top players cut prices
Commodities
Gold buying soars on India tax reforms as prices near record high
Central banks in emerging markets also increase purchases on geopolitical concerns
China up close
Analysis: Elders stay faithful to Deng over 'reformer Xi Jinping'
Summer rebellion forces Xinhua to delete a commentary that rewrote party history
Climate Change
Extreme heat in China triggers power warnings, factory stoppages
Shopping centers and supermarkets turn off air conditioning during peak hours
Energy
Central Japan nuclear reactor fails to pass safety review
Tsuruga plant's No. 2 reactor may lie above active fault in Fukui, watchdog says
Education
South Korea birth rate squeezed by entrance exam pressures: central bank
Bank of Korea urges reform of college admissions to ease burden on families
Trade war
China accuses Canada of protectionism over 100% tariffs on electric vehicles
Commerce Ministry says Beijing will take any measures needed to defend Chinese companies
Asia Insight
China's kindergarten closures foreshadow economic hit from falling births
20,000 schools shut in two years; Beijing seeks urgent solutions as workforce shrinks
Economy
Cash-strapped Chinese cities bring in over $50bn from fines
Penalties from traffic violations to unwashed dishes aim to offset lost land revenue