Pakistan

Japan's newborns had the lowest mortality among the 184 countries ranked by UNICEF.
International relations

Japan the safest place to give birth: UNICEF

New report calls for universal health coverage to lower infant mortality

21 February 2018
The competition between China and India over a stake in the Dhaka Stock Exchange is seen as part of a geopolitical power struggle in South Asia.
International relations

Dhaka Stock Exchange picks China's bid for stake over India's

Decision by Bangladeshi bourse could intensify Beijing-New Delhi rivalry

20 February 2018
People walk past the Dhaka Stock Exchange in the Bangladeshi capital.
Economy

China and India take battle for influence to Dhaka stock market

Bangladeshi bourse's 25% stake offer highlights regional economic rivalry

19 February 2018
Iranian President Hassan Rouhani and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi appear in front of reporters in New Delhi, India, on February 17, 2018.
International relations

Iran to help India make an end-run around China and Pakistan

Nine deals signed; Chabahar port will give India access to Central Asia

17 February 2018
Sri Lanka's former president Mahinda Rajapaksa, center, smiles as he speaks during a media briefing in Colombo, Sri Lanka on Feb. 12.
Politics

China debt worries grow in Sri Lanka as ex-president regains clout

After victory in local elections, Rajapaksa calls for new national vote

16 February 2018
Stream article image
Economy

Japan promotes energy-saving devices in Bangladesh

Efficient gear to offset rising fossil fuel use and preserve competitiveness

16 February 2018
In the evenings, people travel through the streets of Thamel, the popular tourist district of Kathmandu.
Politics

Nepal gives up its hippy zeitgeist

New rules and new hotels transform the once-seedy tourist district of Thamel

15 February 2018
In the evenings, people travel through the streets of Thamel, the popular tourist district of Kathmandu.
Tea Leaves

Nepal gives up its hippy zeitgeist

New rules and new hotels transform the once-seedy tourist district of Thamel

15 February 2018
An aerial view of Male, the Maldives' capital.
International relations

China hits back at ex-Maldives president's 'land grab' claim

Mohamed Nasheed has no right to speak of bilateral partnership, says Beijing

14 February 2018
Former Maldivian President Mohamed Nasheed (Photo by Yuji Kuronuma)
Most read in 2018

Maldives faces Chinese 'land grab' over unpayable debts, ex-leader warns

Political crisis worsens cash-strapped island nation's plight

13 February 2018
An Indonesian Muslim holds up a poster during a rally calling for the arrest of Jakarta's then-incumbent governor Basuki Purnama.
Politics

Democracy rankings put Asia in poor standing

Six of seven regions around the world slipped in freedoms for 2017

8 February 2018
Large crowds at an election rally of Mahinda Rajapaksa's in Ampara town, some 350km away from Colombo (Photo courtesy of Office of Mahinda Rajapaksa)
Politics

China's shadow looms large in Sri Lanka local election

Former leader Rajapaksa attempts comeback as corruption probes falter

2 February 2018
An Indonesian Muslim holds up a poster during a rally calling for the arrest of Jakarta's then-incumbent governor Basuki Purnama.
Politics

Democratic conditions 'fall sharply' in Asia

Region regresses as minorities suffer in Indonesia and Myanmar, says think tank

1 February 2018
Pakistani Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi speaks to the Nikkei Asian Review.
Economy

Pakistan's prime minister brushes off Chinese 'debt trap' worries

Leader says country will benefit greatly from Belt & Road infrastructure projects

1 February 2018
Bhutan’s economy is among Asia’s fastest growing, but private companies like Gagyel Lhundrup Weaving Centre lack sufficient access to capital. (Courtesy MyBhutan.com)
Finance

Private equity comes to Bhutan

Foreign investors see opportunity in the kingdom's cash-strapped companies

1 February 2018
A boy sells umbrellas printed with Pakistan's flag at a market in Karachi last July. Safety in the city has improved dramatically.
Economy

Pakistan keeps terrorists on the run and the economy on a roll

Sweeping security push helps improve growth and business sentiment

1 February 2018
Indonesian President Joko Widodo, who has expressed his country's willingness to host a meeting between US President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un.
International relations

Widodo cements Muslim credentials during South Asia tour

Indonesian president turns away from insular policy and strives for world leadership

29 January 2018
Pakistan's overcrowded railways offer investment opportunities to Japan as well as China.
Opinion

Japan must muscle into Chinese-led investments in Pakistan

Tokyo can dilute Beijing's influence by sharing costs of infrastructure schemes

25 January 2018
Pakistani Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi speaks to the Nikkei Asian Review.
Interview

Pakistan PM brushes off worries about Chinese 'debt trap'

Abbasi stresses broad economic benefits of joint infrastructure projects

25 January 2018
The Song electric vehicle made by Chinese automaker BYD
Stocks

Lauren Compere: Socially responsible companies are proving good investments in Asia

Governance standards and environmental diligence pay off in the long run

25 January 2018
An aerial view of the Haveli Bahadur Shah LNG power plant in Jhang, Pakistan
Economy

Russia seeks gas buyers in South Asia as sanctions bite

Plans include a pipeline in Pakistan and joint development with India

25 January 2018
Workers load carts at a brick factory in Dhaka, Bangladesh, in April 2017.
Economy

Nearly one billion Asians in vulnerable jobs, says ILO

High growth, low unemployment mask precarious work conditions for many

23 January 2018
Rohingya refugees stand in a queue to collect aid supplies in Kutupalong refugee camp in Cox's Bazar on Jan. 21.
International relations

Myanmar's rush to resolve Rohingya crisis backfires

Logistics, security issues remain over return of refugees from Bangladesh

23 January 2018
Soldiers of China's People's Liberation Army stand on a ship sailing off from a military port in Zhanjiang, Guangdong province on July 11, 2017.
International relations

Japan's military chief warns on China naval expansion

New Indian Ocean bases will support military activity in region

19 January 2018
A boy sells umbrellas printed with Pakistan's flag at a market in Karachi last July. Safety in the city has improved dramatically.
Economy

Pakistan keeps terrorists on the run and economy on a roll

Businesses' focus shifts from bombs and kidnappings to taxes and policy

19 January 2018