Candidates for Japan's ruling Liberal Democratic Party's presidential election sit on stage during a debate in Tokyo on Sept. 14.
Japan's leadership race

Japan PM candidates eye ties with friendly nations as China rises

Koizumi says he will pursue talks with China, North Korea if he becomes PM

14 September 2024
People stand near a building overlooking the Taiwan Strait, at the 68-nautical-mile scenic spot, one of mainland China's closest points to the island of Taiwan, in Pingtan island, China.
Taiwan tensions

China condemns German navy's transit of Taiwan Strait

People's Liberation Army says passage of two ships is "public hyping"

14 September 2024
Chinese President Xi Jinping's books, in various languages, are displayed on the sidelines of a Belt and Road event in Hong Kong -- one of several international forums in the city this week. (Photo by Kenji Kawase)  
Hong Kong security law

Hong Kong hosts flurry of forums, cozying up to non-Western partners

U.S.-led democracies conspicuously absent as city woos mainland, ASEAN, Middle East

14 September 2024
Malaysia plans to introduce a heavier 'sugar tax' as the government tackles diabetes and other non-communicable diseases in the country.
Politics

Malaysia prepares heavier 'sugar tax' in bid to combat diabetes

Government to propose new levy on sweetened drinks in 2025 budget

14 September 2024
A Great Lakes Works sign is seen at the U.S. Steel Great Lakes Works plant in Ecorse, Michigan.
Business deals

Nippon Steel bid for U.S. Steel faces Sept. 23 review deadline, sources say

National security panel could grant request by companies to extend review another 90 days

14 September 2024
Electric vehicle models on display in Beijing. The U.S. enacts a 100% duty on electric vehicles imported from China as well as a 50% tariff on EV batteries, effective Sept. 27.
US-China tensions

U.S. to start steep China tariff hikes on EVs, solar cells, on Sept. 27

Industry group warns of potential for disrupting chip-related supply chains

14 September 2024
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un stands between what are believed to be centrifuges during an inspection of a uranium enrichment facility. (KCNA via Kyodo)
North Korea tensions

North Korea provides first peek inside nuclear weapons facility

Kim Jong Un signals what is seen as warning to U.S. ahead of November vote

14 September 2024
Shein and Temu account for over 30% of shipments qualifying for de minimis exemptions from tariffs, according to a congressional report.
Retail

China's Shein and Temu face end to tariff-free imports into U.S.

White House to propose rules to limit 'loophole' for small shipments

14 September 2024
The 7-Eleven operator has been designated as particularly critical to Japanese security. (Photo by Yuji Murakami)
Retail

Japan's Seven & i now a 'core business,' with tighter investment rules

But addition to security list seen having little impact on Couche-Tard's buyout offer

14 September 2024
With a debt repayment due next month, the Maldives has signed a bilateral agreement with China to bolster the economy. 
International relations

China and Maldives sign financial cooperation agreement

Countries to establish framework to support local currency settlement

13 September 2024
A game of mahjong in Beijing. China is raising its retirement age to cope with its demographic decline.
Economy

China raises retirement age as workforce shrinks

Government strives to avert pension crisis by extending contribution years

13 September 2024
U.S. President Joe Biden delivers remarks at the United Steel Workers headquarters in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, on April 17.
Business deals

Nippon Steel and U.S. Steel send letter to Biden on merger plans

Move followed reports president was preparing to block deal; contents not disclosed

13 September 2024
The German navy replenishment ship Frankfurt am Main is pictured in Incheon, South Korea, on Sept. 6. 
Taiwan tensions

German navy makes rare transit of sensitive Taiwan Strait

First such move in two decades comes amid soaring Taipei-Beijing tensions

13 September 2024
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Podcast: News Roundup

Sri Lankans vote after years of economic suffering

Tune in to Nikkei Asia's podcast, bringing the region's key news to global listeners

13 September 2024
Analysts say Tokyo Garden Terrace Kioicho, above, would be expected to fetch more than 300 billion yen if sold. (Photo by Hideki Yoshikawa)
Editor-in-Chief’s Picks

Letter from Nikkei Asia's editor: Japan Inc.'s treasure trove

Shin Nakayama shares his weekly reflections and recommendations

13 September 2024
Chinese Defense Minister Dong Jun delivers a keynote speech at the Beijing Xiangshan Forum on Sept. 13.
Defense

China's defense minister calls for military cooperation pacts

Dong Jun says big powers must lead on security, all have right to pursue interests

13 September 2024
An LDP presidential election poster featuring its party leaders, past and present. (Photo by Ryuto Imao)
13 September 2024
Bangladesh's national flag flies at half-mast at the Supreme Court in Dhaka. The country's judiciary is a key target of a major reforms push.
Bangladesh turmoil

Bangladesh pushes 'groundbreaking' reforms after Hasina exit

Overhaul of elections, judiciary and anti-graft agency among changes planned

13 September 2024
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Taiwan under Lai

Taiwan's opposition parties target judiciary in bruising political battle

Top judges accused of being DPP 'thugs'; lawyers fear for faith in rule of law

13 September 2024
Samsung Electronics union members shout slogans during a strike. South Korea is developing legislation to provide targeted support for workers who do not belong to labor unions.
Work

South Korea crafts legislation to support unorganized workers

Despite urgency, road to passage appears rocky amid political party divisions

13 September 2024
Elon Musk 
Media & Entertainment

Elon Musk calls Australian government 'fascists' over bill on falsehoods

Canberra could fine social media firms for failing to prevent spread of misinformation

13 September 2024
Ly Yong Phat, president of the L.Y.P. Group, far left, attends a ceremony marking the return of artifacts at Peace Palace in Phnom Penh on Aug. 22. 
13 September 2024
China sees renewable energy sources like solar as key to its energy security.
Energy

China drafts law on energy security, renewables amid U.S. tensions

Proposed law urges resource development to ensure steady supply in emergencies

13 September 2024
Macao's former top judge, Sam Hou-fai, announces his candidacy for chief executive on Aug. 28.
Politics

Macao's former top judge to run unopposed in leadership race

Sam Hou-fai nominated by 96% of voting committee

13 September 2024
An Iranian worker in southeastern Iran, near the Pakistani border welds two gas pipes at the beginning of construction in March 2013 of a pipeline to transfer natural gas between the two countries.
Opinion

Pakistan needs to learn lessons from failed Iran gas pipeline project

Islamabad should take a more strategic and realistic approach to its energy challenges

13 September 2024