APEC leaders pose for a group photo in Danang, Vietnam, on Nov. 11.
Economy

Trump's tour of Asia shows just how powerful Xi has become

'America first' takes second place to trade deals being crafted by China

23 November 2017
President Joko Widodo, left, met with Prime Minister Najib Razak in Kuching on Tuesday to discuss warming relations between Indonesia and Malaysia.
Economy

Malaysia and Indonesia mull free trade zone in Borneo at annual summit

Joint actions on palm oil exports to EU, mutual recognition of halal certificates

22 November 2017
China has created concrete landscapes on reclaimed islands in the South China Sea that were previously little more than reefs and sand bars. REUTERS/Erik De Castro
International relations

China, ASEAN still far from South China Sea code of conduct

Leaders endorse framework after 17 years, but the 'legally binding' question remains

17 November 2017
CIMB, Malaysia's No. 2 lender by assets, sees "tremendous opportunity" in the Philippines.
17 November 2017
Singapore has announced a complete embargo on trade with North Korea as Southeast Asia steps up pressure on Kim Jong Un's government over Pyongyang's nuclear and missile programs.
Politics

Singapore's ban on North Korea trade highlights tougher line

Southeast Asia hardens its stance toward Pyongyang over nuclear development

16 November 2017
Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte addresses the ASEAN Business and Investment Summit in Manila on Nov. 12. (Photo by Yukako Ono)
Politics

Duterte says the South China Sea dispute is better left untouched

Philippine president echoes China's opposition to a 'useless war'

16 November 2017
U.S. President Donald Trump speaks on the final day of the APEC CEO Summit in Danang, Vietnam on Nov. 10.
Politics

Can an 'America first' approach restore US leadership in Asia?

Trump embraces Indo-Pacific vision but remains fixated on 'fair' bilateral deals

16 November 2017
A worker collects freshly harvested palm fruits in Sepang, Malaysia
Commodities

Indonesia and Malaysia fire back at EU in palm oil war

European import curbs have the two big producers considering their options

15 November 2017
U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping make joint statements at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on Nov. 9.
Economy

Xi Jinping bests Trump in Asia-Pacific diplomacy

US push for bilateral trade deals could make or break its regional influence

15 November 2017
Chinese Premier Li Keqiang, left, shakes hands with Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte before the opening ceremony of the 31st Association of Southeast Asian Nations Summit in Manila on Nov. 13. (Pool)
Politics

South China Sea dispute 'toned down' at ASEAN meeting

China shuns Trump's offer to mediate on rival maritime claims

14 November 2017
Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte chairs a meeting on the RCEP trade deal in Manila on Nov. 14.
Economy

After delay, RCEP leaders resolve to wrap up pact in 2018

Duterte stresses Asia-Pacific framework is not just another trade deal

14 November 2017
Trade ministers and delegates from the remaining members of the Trans-Pacific Partnership attend the TPP Ministerial Meeting in Danang, Vietnam, on Nov. 9.
Economy

TPP 11 trade agreement is a deal to build on

US-less pact can help set standards for an even broader high-quality trade zone

14 November 2017
Leaders at the ASEAN+3 meeting make a show of unity in Manila on Nov. 14.
Economy

ASEAN+3 pledges to fight deglobalization, protectionism

Leaders vow to work together in face of' 'inward-looking' politics

14 November 2017
The Association of Southeast Asian Nations, which began a summit in Manila on Monday, turned 50 this year.
Politics

'ASEAN way' confronts new realities of US, Chinese power

Testing times for region that grew its economy by advancing trade in all directions

14 November 2017
Thai Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha, Vietnamese Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc, U.S. President Donald Trump, Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte and Singaporean Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong pose for a family photo during the ASEAN-U.S. 40th Anniversary Commemorative Summit in Manila on Nov. 13.
Economy

Trump's devotion to trade puts North Korea issue on hold

ASEAN meetings proving to be missed chance to secure China's commitment

14 November 2017
Trade ministers and delegates from the 11 members of the Trans-Pacific Partnership attend the TPP ministerial meeting during the APEC 2017 summit in Danang, Vietnam.
Economy

Vietnam and Malaysia play vital roles in making TPP 11 happen

Two ASEAN members see big economic gains in multilateral trade pact

13 November 2017
U.S. President Donald Trump participates in the U.S.-ASEAN Summit in Manila, Philippines November 13.
Trump's Asian Visit

Trump pitches 'reciprocal' trade to ASEAN

US president had plenty of sugar for 'strong and prosperous' partners

13 November 2017
U.S. President Donald Trump participates in the opening ceremony of the ASEAN Summit in Manila on Nov. 13.
Economy

Trump to press ASEAN on North Korea and to fix lopsided trade

South China Sea also could be on agenda on US president's last leg of trip

13 November 2017
Trade ministers pose for a photo during the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) Ministerial Meeting in Manila on Nov. 12.
Economy

RCEP trade agreement delayed till 2018

Japan signs deal with ASEAN covering services and investment

12 November 2017
Japan's Economy Minister Toshimitsu Motegi, right, and Vietnam's Industry and Trade Minister Tran Tuan Anh shake hands at a press conference announcing an agreement in principle for the Trans-Pacific Partnership trade deal in Danang, Vietnam on Nov. 11.
Economy

TPP nations reignite multilateral trade hopes as Trump looks on

11-nation agreement could have knock-on effects on future trade deals

12 November 2017
National leaders pose during group photo session at the APEC Summit in Danang, Vietnam on Nov. 11.
Economy

Trump's isolation stands out as APEC leaders embrace multilateralism

Gathering focused on trade, leaving China unchecked on South China Sea issue

12 November 2017
Vietnam's Trade Minister Tran Tuan Anh and Japan's Economy Minister Toshimitsu Motegi attend a news conference on the TPP Ministerial Meeting in Da Nang on Nov. 11.
Economy

'TPP 11' nations reach agreement in principle, to take effect by 2019

Members aim to ratify and sign by next spring, despite absence of US

12 November 2017
Japan's Minister of Economic Revitalization Toshimitsu Motegi, right, and Vietnam's Industry and Trade Minister Tran Tuan Anh shake hands after a news conference at the TPP Ministerial Meeting in Da Nang, Vietnam on Nov. 11.
Economy

TPP aims to set template for future trade deals

Agreement's 11 signatories hope to counter growing protectionist moves

12 November 2017
Country leaders pose during the family photo session at the APEC Summit in Danang, Vietnam on Nov. 11.
Economy

APEC statement addresses Trump criticism of 'unfair trade'

Leaders call for removal of 'market distorting subsidies'

11 November 2017
Ministers from the 11 Trans-Pacific Partnership member states discuss the trade deal in Danang, Vietnam on Nov. 9.
Economy

TPP ministers affirm agreement in principle but no summit

Details to be laid out Saturday at news conference, Japanese minister says

11 November 2017