Politics
Japan expands peacekeeping support in Africa and ASEAN
Medical and construction training aims to counter rising Chinese influence
International relations
RCEP trade pact members seek year-end deal despite differences
16 Asia-Pacific countries hope for agreement to combat US protectionism
Politics
US ranks Myanmar among worst for human trafficking
Laos also downgraded for failure to tackle traffickers and complicit officials
Companies
Japan utilities team up to build power grids in Asia
Tepco and Chubu Electric pick Philippines and Cambodia as initial candidates
Business trends
Myanmar races to feed a growing Yangon
Modern farmers' market opens and transport services start
Hun Sen's Cambodia
12 officers close to Cambodia's Hun Sen accused of rights abuses
Human Rights Watch seeks international action as election nears
International relations
Myanmar sanctions should target top military brass, report says
Amnesty International accuses 13 officials of crimes against humanity in Rakhine
Trade war
Soybean showdown: China removes tariffs in Asia
Beijing touts alternatives to US, but effect may be limited
Hun Sen's Cambodia
US and EU bolster threat of sanctions before Cambodian elections
As China makes Hun Sen rich, the West reminds him who buys his country's exports
Arts
Once-thriving Myanmar cinema readies for new wave
Independent filmmakers seek to challenge risk-averse industry
Companies
Telenor bets on Asia's bottom-of-the-pyramid market
Norway's telecom operator expands presence in Myanmar, Bangladesh and Pakistan
Politics
Mekong nations get started on their own infrastructure fund
China intimates that it must be involved in the five countries' efforts
The Future of Asia 2018
Laos stresses the need to borrow as West raises debt alarm
Prime minister admits missing target for graduating world's poorest countries
The Future of Asia 2018
Myanmar's 'semi-isolation' shows danger of rejecting multilateralism, minister says
Veteran diplomat stresses the country is 'investing in peace'
Business
Startups thrive in Myanmar as smartphone usage skyrockets
Vast mobile network drives tech innovators to target ordinary consumers
The Future of Asia 2018
Laos 'not concerned' about debt from China's Belt and Road
Prime minister downplays fiscal risk from $5.8bn high-speed rail project
Companies
Myanmar and Vietnam militaries launch MyTel mobile carrier
Holding companies push 4G and fiber-optic advantage with Myanmar's fourth operator
Economy
China's curbs on imported waste sow turmoil in the market
Beijing's ban on used paper is seen as a poke at the US as trade tensions fester
Economy
Myanmar's insurance sector set for help from Japan
Spread of car ownership offers business opportunities
International relations
Myanmar accepts UN's help for Rohingya repatriation
Suu Kyi's decision tests shaky relations with military
Asia Insight
China emerges as wild card in elections across Asia
Incumbents draw on Beijing's support as opponents tap resentment of its influence
International relations
Thailand plans regional infrastructure fund to reduce China dependence
The venture with Vietnam, Cambodia, Myanmar and Laos will start operation in 2019
Economy
Cambodia's rail back on track after four decades of woe
Interest from Chinese companies in expansion plans fuels debt concerns
International relations
Myanmar reviews $9bn China-backed port project on cost concerns
Officials in the country fear a default could force the venture into Chinese hands
