Politics

Representatives of the 14 PACER Plus nations in Brisbane, Australia, on April 20 (Courtesy of Office of New Zealand Minister of Trade Negotiations)
Politics

New Pacific trade pact goes against the protectionist tide

But 14-nation deal may be largely symbolic without Fiji and Papua New Guinea

4 May 2017
Leaders pose during the 30th ASEAN summit in Manila on April 29.
4 May 2017
Asian Development Bank headquarters in Manila: The lender forecasts Asia will need $1.7 trillion per year in infrastructure improvements from 2016 to 2030.
Economy

The ADB faces up to new challenges

As the multilateral lender marks 50 years, its skills are more vital than ever

3 May 2017
Takehiko Nakao
Economy

ADB chief sees 'even bigger role' for multilateral lenders

Besides funding infrastructure, tackling climate change is on the agenda

3 May 2017
Stream article image
Economy

Talks kick off on 'TPP 11' pact minus US

New top dog Japan aims to keep deal's terms intact

3 May 2017
Leaders pose during the 30th Association of Southeast Asian Nations summit in Manila on April 29.
International relations

ASEAN makes concession to China

Summit statement drops references to South China Sea reclamation, arbitration

30 April 2017
ASEAN foreign ministers meet in Manila on April 28, ahead of the bloc's 30th summit on Saturday.
The Future of Asia 2017

ASEAN at 50: Carry on soul searching?

The bloc must streamline decision-making as global tensions rise

28 April 2017
Association of Southeast Asian Nations foreign ministers pose for a group photo during the ASEAN Foreign Ministers Meeting in metropolitan Manila on April 28.
Politics

ASEAN airs 'grave concern' over North Korea missile tests

Message likely to be reflected in chairman's statement on Saturday

28 April 2017
Japanese Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Taro Aso
Economy

Tokyo to push for TPP without US, says Aso

Japan's deputy PM confident of quick deal with 10 original signatory countries

27 April 2017
U.S. Vice President Mike Pence, left, and Japanese Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Taro Aso shake hands as they end the joint press conference at the prime minister's office in Tokyo on April 18.
Economy

TPP talks to get going -- with notable absentee

Japan aiming to lead, maintain rules in hope of Washington returning

27 April 2017
The Yangshan Deep Water Port in Shanghai
Economy

The long, frustrating quest for free trade in Asia

A defanged TPP and an undercooked RCEP make for a murky future

27 April 2017
A lone power shovel works at a road construction site in Yakawlang, Afghanistan.
Economy

Think the RCEP is about free trade? Think again

Beijing-led pact is aimed at saving China's own economy via the Belt and Road

27 April 2017
The Yangshan Deep Water Port in Shanghai
Economy

The long and frustrating quest for free trade in Asia

A defanged TPP and an undercooked RCEP make for a murky future

27 April 2017
A lone power shovel works at a road construction site in Yakawlang, Afghanistan.
Economy

Think the RCEP is about free trade? Think again

Beijing-led pact is aimed at saving China's own economy via the Belt and Road

27 April 2017
Former U.S. Trade Representative Michael Froman
Economy

If US won't lead on trade, China will: Ex-US trade rep

Michael Froman urges engagement in Asia-Pacific to counter Beijing's influence

27 April 2017
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has continued the country's missile development in spite of U.N. sanctions.
International relations

ASEAN countries at impasse on North Korea

Friendly ties soured for some by Kim Jong Nam murder

27 April 2017
China completed this artificial island in disputed territory in the South China Sea.
Economy

ASEAN easing stance on China's maritime encroachment

Philippines, host of summit this week, among those changing their tune

25 April 2017
U.S. Vice President Mike Pence, left, stands with Indonesia's President Joko Widodo as he talks to reporters at the Presidential Palace in Jakarta on April 20.
Politics

Pence puts Trump administration on right foot with ASEAN

News of presidential visit to regional summits in November sends positive signal to Asia

23 April 2017
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Politics

Foreign ministers of US, ASEAN to meet in May

Talks in Washington will focus on security cooperation

21 April 2017
The signing ceremony for the TPP was held in February 2016.
Economy

Japan pushing to preserve agreed-on TPP framework

In resurrecting the pact without US, Tokyo hopes to avoid renegotiation

21 April 2017
Representatives of 14 Pacific nations reached agreement on the PACER Plus regional trade pact in Brisbane, Australia on Thursday (Courtesy Office of New Zealand Minister of Trade Negotiations)
Politics

14-nation Pacific pact breaks through trade gloom

But critic doubts significance of deal without Fiji and Papua New Guinea

20 April 2017
President Trump's hardline on trade risks causing fractures with U.S. partners.
International relations

Southeast Asian capitals bristle at Trump's trade probe

Jakarta, Bangkok, others deny claims of currency advantage

18 April 2017
Vietnam's Da Nang Station, roughly halfway along the planned Hanoi-Ho Chi Minh City highway.
Economy

Vietnam looks abroad for infrastructure investors

Government appeals to Japanese businesses for money and know-how

12 April 2017
Leaders of the new ASEAN-Japan Innovation Network launched their alliance in Tokyo on Friday.
Politics

ASEAN-Japan Innovation Network formed to create new linkages

Japanese and Southeast Asian economic groups seal regional pact

7 April 2017
ASEAN flags at Bali Nusa Dua Convention Center in Bali, Indonesia
Politics

Michael Vatikiotis: ASEAN shows its age as it turns 50

Regional complexities, changing group dynamics pose new challenges

6 April 2017