Politics

Police dispersed a protest in Hanoi in June over the draft special economic zone law, which was viewed as favoring China.
International relations

Vietnam's economic zones derailed by anti-China protests

Government says policies do not favor Beijing, but public's concern grows

3 September 2018
The Chinese yuan has been used illegally in Vietnamese border towns for years. (Getty Images)
Economy

Vietnam to let traders use yuan along China border

Central bank appears to be striving to reduce risks from dollar transactions

29 August 2018
A freight train linking China's Nanchang and Vietnam's Hanoi departs Henggang railway station, marking the launch of the service, in Nanchang, China in 2017. 
Economy

Vietnam ministry wants government to avoid Chinese-aided projects

High interest rate and overrun costs prompt Hanoi to rethink Chinese assistance

15 August 2018
A decision by Vietnam’s parliament to enforce the local storage of data might be challenged by its trade partners in the TPP-11 grouping.
Opinion

Vietnam's cybersecurity law threatens free trade

Economic partners must challenge protectionist compulsory data localization rule

15 August 2018
The father of Le Thi Nhat Linh speaks during a news conference in Chiba Prefecture on July 6 after the sentencing of her murderer.
International relations

Vietnamese outraged as girl's killer in Japan escapes death

Social media flooded with anger after court verdict allows possibility of parole

11 July 2018
Japan's Ground Self-Defense Force provided training to local troops in Cambodia as "capacity-building support."
Politics

Japan expands peacekeeping support in Africa and ASEAN

Medical and construction training aims to counter rising Chinese influence

2 July 2018
The leaders of Myanmar, Vietnam, Thailand, Cambodia and Laos as well as an ASEAN official show they are united in their desire cut some of the strings that are often attached to foreign infrastructure loans.
Politics

Mekong nations get started on their own infrastructure fund

China intimates that it must be involved in the five countries' efforts

16 June 2018
Vietnamese soccer fans celebrate after the victory of Vietnam's under-23 soccer team against Qatar in the Asian Cup semifinals.
Politics

Vietnam moves to allow sports betting as World Cup kicks off

Government hopes to stop outflow of money via international websites

15 June 2018
Vietnamese legislators voted overwhelmingly in favor of a controversial new cybersecurity law on Tuesday, sparking an outcry from human rights organizations and business lobbies. 
Politics

Vietnam's cybersecurity law sparks concerns from businesses

Google, Facebook and local companies say restrictions will harm investment climate

12 June 2018
A worker uses a blowtorch at the Nam Tha 1 hydroelectric dam construction site that is being built by a Chinese company in Laos.
International relations

Thailand plans regional infrastructure fund to reduce China dependence

The venture with Vietnam, Cambodia, Myanmar and Laos will start operation in 2019

4 June 2018
U.S. Defense Secretary James Mattis addresses the Shangri La Dialogue on June 2. (Photo by Simon Roughneen).
International relations

US and China trade barbs over South China Sea island-building

Chinese general fires back at Mattis as Vietnam blasts recent militarization

2 June 2018
Siam Cement Group is now the sole owner of what is to become Vietnam's first petrochemical complex. (Photo by Ken Kobayashi)
Companies

Siam Cement takes over stalled $5.4bn Vietnam petrochemical project

Thai conglomerate now sees 2023 start to production at Long Son

31 May 2018
Indonesian trainees harvest cabbages at a farm in Ibaraki Prefecture. (Photo by Ken Kobayashi)
The Big Story

Famous for its resistance to immigration, Japan opens its doors

Number of foreign workers doubles in five years as nation faces labor crisis

30 May 2018
A Taiwanese student, right, practices serving customers at a Lawson convenience store in Tokyo. (Photo by Ken Kobayashi)
The Big Story

Part-time saviors: Foreign students help plug Japan's labor gap

Convenience stores and delivery companies are among the biggest beneficiaries

30 May 2018
Linh loved feeding wild birds, and treasured this ornamental bird, her mother told Nikkei in late May.
International relations

Vietnam girl's murder in Japan stirs cry for justice

Over 1m sign petition seeking death penalty for third-grader's alleged killer

28 May 2018
Stream article image
International relations

Protectionism left out of APEC trade ministers' statement

Members call for 'removal of market-distorting subsidies'

26 May 2018
Vietnamese President Tran Dai Quang told The Nikkei on Friday that Japan had an important role to play in maintaining peace in Asia. (Photo by Atsushi Tomiyama).
International relations

Vietnam's leader urges more active role for Japan in South China Sea

President Quang sends warning about growing Chinese military presence

25 May 2018
Under Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, Japan is on track to become the second of the 11 TPP member countries to ratify the agreement, after Mexico.
International relations

With TPP ratification in sight, Abe raises banner of free trade

Thailand, South Korea and Taiwan show interest in joining

19 May 2018
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un is looking for options to shake up his country's economy, like China in the 1970s and Vietnam in the 1980s.
Economy

Is Kim a reformer? Leader looks to Vietnam and China for ideas

North Korea wants Trump Towers and McDonald's, says South Korea adviser

18 May 2018
Vietnamese President Tran Dai Quang speaks during a press conference at the Presidential Palace in Hanoi on March 23.
International relations

Vietnamese president to visit Japan on May 29

Quang likely seeks to show he is healthy, following absence from public eye

16 May 2018
Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad shows his ink-marked finger after voting in the May 9 election that saw his opposition coalition swept into power.
International relations

Japan welcomes return of Malaysia's Mahathir

Tokyo hopes former ally will bolster regional bulwark against China's influence

14 May 2018
Vietnamese President Tran Dai Quang.
International relations

Speculation swirls over fate of Vietnamese president

Retirement or dismissal seen as reasons for Quang's absence from key events

11 May 2018
Stream article image
The Big Story

Mekong River nations face the hidden costs of China's dams

Dozens of projects threaten agriculture and fishing in Southeast Asia

9 May 2018
Rice farmers in the Mekong Delta rely on the river for irrigation and nutrient-rich sediment, both of which are under threat.
The Big Story

Investment floods into Mekong Delta

Vietnam seeks to foster high-tech agriculture, renewable energy

9 May 2018
Asian finance ministers and central bank governors gathered in Manila this week to deepen cooperation amid geopolitical tensions in the region and protectionism.
Politics

Asian nations stop short of deal to boost no-strings currency swaps

Finance chiefs take more measured steps to improve $240bn Chiang Mai Initiative

5 May 2018