March 29th, 2018
Belt and roadblocks
China’s grand plan hit by delays and debt fears
The Big Story
Is China's Belt and Road working? A progress report from eight countries
Beijing's infrastructure push clouded by project delays and mounting debt
International relations
Linking China to the EU's 'gateway' for exporters
Kazakhstan seeks to become part of China's supply chain, while Poland seeks infrastructure funding
CEO in the news
Poaching scandal piles pressure on Thailand's construction mogul
President of Italian-Thai on bail as debate grows about privileges for wealthy
Asia300
AirAsia had talks with cash-strapped HNA over asset purchases
CEO Fernandes to move to Tokyo to battle regulatory red tape
Asia300
Siam Cement sees opportunities along Belt & Road
Thai conglomerate's CLMV investments will pave way to China and India, CEO says
Economy
Semiconductors are the latest fashion in China
Foreign and local chipmakers eye big opportunities as Beijing champions sector
Business
Ricoh's troubles extend beyond massive write-downs
Japanese copier maker faces shrinking market and stiff competition
Companies
Grab gets Uber onboard, eyeing Chinese competition
Rival becomes 'strategic partner' for further growth
Asia Insight
Vietnam's most powerful man strives to put stamp on economy
Party chief Trong is vanquishing political foes; can he tackle vested interests?
Economy
In rural Japan, immigrants spark a rebirth
Newcomers fill the labor and tax void as young Japanese bolt to Tokyo
Economy
Tighter rules on foreign workers put Singapore's growth at risk
Government struggles to balance economic dynamism with job security
Economy
US-South Korea steel deal tests WTO rules
What the Trump administration calls a 'win-win' borders on a quantitative restriction
International relations
China's stealth wars in the Himalayas
Beijing's military advance into Bhutan-claimed territory leaves New Delhi floundering
International relations
Australia right to huddle closer to Southeast Asia
With the US in retreat and China ascendant, chances grow for future ASEAN accession
Politics
India must get real about electric vehicles
Green transport subsidies should not be prioritized over health and education
The Nikkei View
Trump's flawed trade policy threatens the global economy
International effort needed to convince Washington to rethink its approach
Business trends
The secret to G-Shock's renaissance -- being the toughest in luxury
Only the most skilled professionals are allowed to assemble Casio's top-of-the-line timepieces
Tea Leaves
In Cambodia's construction frenzy, size does matter
Extravagant and questionable projects risk overwhelming Phnom Penh