Europe

Few big mergers took place in April to September in Europe, other than L'Oreal's purchase of Aesop. 
Business deals

Global M&As slow as central banks tighten monetary policy

Japan bucks trend with 16% rise in April-September on BOJ's easy stance

3 October 2023
President Vladimir Putin meets with Russian service personnel at the Kremlin in Moscow.
Ukraine war: Free to read

Ukraine Sept. 25 to Oct. 1: Putin signs decree calling up 130,000 in fall draft

U.S. government's temporary funding bill signed by Biden drops aid to Ukraine

2 October 2023
Finland's Foreign Minister Elina Valtonen says that while the country is seeking "like-minded" partners to invest in its critical minerals industry, all are welcome. (Photo by Rhyannon Bartlett-Imadegawa)
Interview

Finland hopes China will help end Russia's invasion of Ukraine

Helsinki keen to explore Indo-Pacific security and defense cooperation

1 October 2023
VPN services make it more difficult for third parties to spy on information exchanged online. (Photo by Takeshi Shiraishi)
Technology

VPN growth highlights global crackdown on internet freedom

Over 1.6 billion people use virtual networks for freer access, peace of mind

1 October 2023
Japanese and German air forces last year conducted joint training in airspace around Japan for the first time. (Photo courtesy of Japan's Air Self-Defense Force)
Defense

Japan, Germany to start negotiations on defense cross-servicing deal

Talks mark latest step toward deeper security cooperation

30 September 2023
The German government approved COSCO Shipping's purchase of a stake in a Hamburg port terminal earlier this year, a deal that was opposed by many politicians. (Photo by Jens Kastner)
International relations

Germany to tighten Chinese investment screening

Berlin blocks satellite startup buy, widens probe beyond critical infrastructure

29 September 2023
Wind turbines in Calahorra, Spain: Europe's biggest challenge lies in manufacturing the super magnets essential for sophisticated systems like electric vehicles and wind turbines.
Opinion

Europe can go green and rely less on China at the same time

Bloc must 'de-risk' clean energy supply chains to reduce dependence

28 September 2023
ASML's extreme ultraviolet lithography equipment and technical support are key to making cutting-edge semiconductors. (Photo courtesy of ASML)
Semiconductors

Chip tool maker ASML to open Japan support center for Rapidus plant

Overseas chipmakers, others spread their bets due to China tensions

26 September 2023
As it retrenches in Asia, Delivery Hero is scaling down its joint venture with South Korea's Woowa Brothers in Vietnam. (Screenshot from Delivery Hero's website)
DealStreetAsia

Foodpanda-owner Delivery Hero scales down Asia operations

Fallout hits company's Vietnam joint venture with South Korea's Woowa Brothers

26 September 2023
An influx of Chinese electric vehicles into the European market has raised the alarm among EU officials.
Automobiles

Chinese EV makers ramp up European production amid subsidy row

BYD, SAIC and others tout job-creating projects as EU tightens scrutiny

26 September 2023
Nissan is accelerating its electrification in Europe as the region embraces tougher emissions restrictions.
Automobiles

Nissan Motor to sell only EVs in Europe by 2030

Japanese automaker races ahead of EU's 2035 zero-emission rule

26 September 2023
Everbright Securities set aside bad loan provisions of $725 million in connection with the MPS investment.
Caixin

China's Everbright to pay $361m in British sports media fiasco

Settlement follows pledge to cover partners for losses if MPS deal went south

25 September 2023
Royal Air Force Typhoons are parked at in Linconshire, U.K. The U.K., Italy and Japan are jointly developing next-generation fighter jets for delivery in 2035.
Defense

U.K. 'exploring' Saudi entry to fighter jet project with Italy and Japan

British GCAP point man urges deal this year to launch 3-way government body

24 September 2023
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov attends a news conference after addressing the U.N. General Assembly in New York on Sept. 23.
24 September 2023
Toshiba's new research facility in Cambridge will focus on quantum-secure communications. (Photo courtesy of Toshiba)
Technology

Toshiba opens U.K. quantum tech hub with focus on encryption

Cambridge site to develop and produce miniature communication systems

23 September 2023
Estonian President Alar Karis says that the growing relationship between Russia and North Korea "doesn't make us very happy." (Photo by Mana Yumi)
Interview

Russia-North Korea nuclear cooperation danger to all: Estonian president

Karis calls on international community to step in against weapons development

22 September 2023
French President Emmanuel Macron and ProLogium CEO Vincent Yang visit the Aluminium Dunkerque factory in the city famous for a World War II battle that now aspires to help Europe reduce its dependence on China for electric cars.
Business Spotlight

Asian EV companies descend on Dunkirk as Europe courts investment

Influx from east is transforming France's automaking heartland into electric hub

22 September 2023
Eni Asia-Pacific President Ciro Antonio Pagano says Indonesia is "central" to the Italian energy company's new investment strategy. (Screenshot from Humas SKK Migas YouTube channel)
Energy

Italy's Eni focuses on Indonesia amid shift from Russian gas

Energy company bucks trend of oil majors exiting Southeast Asian country

21 September 2023
BYD shows off its Seal model ahead of the 2023 Munich Auto Show on Sept. 4. The Chinese automakers received 1.78 billion yuan in subsidies in the first half of the year.
Electric cars in China

China gives EV sector billions of yuan in subsidies

Brussels' targeted probe sheds new light on long-standing practices

21 September 2023
Police officers try to block an entrance of the government building during a protest against Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, demanding that authorities defend ethnic Armenians in the Nagorno-Karabakh region, in Yerevan on Sept. 20. (Photolure via AP)
International relations

Azerbaijan claims full control over the Nagorno-Karabakh region

Armenian forces agree to disarm after latest outbreak of decades-old conflict

21 September 2023
TotalEnergies, a long-time investor in Adani Group companies, has committed another $300 million to start a joint venture with Adani Green Energy. (NIKKEI montage/Source photo by AP. Logo from Adani Green Energy Ltd's website)
Adani Group

TotalEnergies invests $300m in green power JV with Adani Group

Project to generate 1,050 megawatts of solar and wind energy

20 September 2023
The Global Combat Air Programme, a collaboration between Japan, Italy and the U.K., is tipped to be the future of Japan's air force as part of the government's more proactive approach to defense. 
The Big Story

Japan's new jet fighter alliance pushes limits of defense policy

Collaboration with U.K. and Italy forces Tokyo to reconsider constitutional restrictions on arms exports

20 September 2023
French carmakers, such as Renault, stand to gain from a new government policy to give a "green bonus" to buyers of electric vehicles made using greener fuels.   
Automobiles

France reforms EV subsidy to freeze out China-made cars

A buyer will get up to $5,360 bonus for vehicle produced in low-carbon process

19 September 2023
Japanese Self-Defense Force members take part in Brunet Takamori 2023 in New Caledonia. (Photo courtesy of France’s Pacific Marine Infantry Regiment of New Caledonia)
Indo-Pacific

France, Japan ground troops conduct 1st joint drills in Pacific

New Caledonia exercise named after officer who inspired 'The Last Samurai'

19 September 2023
Finnair Vice President Jenni Suomela tells Nikkei Asia that the airline's South Korean business is recovering faster than its Japan operations. (Photo by Rhyannon Bartlett-Imadegawa)
Travel & Leisure

Finnair turns Asia focus to megacities due to Ukraine war

Russian airspace closure clips airline as it pins hopes on hubs like Shanghai

19 September 2023