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April 30th, 2020

FORWARD LIMITS

India's attempt to regulate Facebook could change the whole internet

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The Big Story

Friend request: How India's battle with Facebook will change the internet

WhatsApp encryption targeted as tech giant navigates fake news and hacked accounts

In India, Facebook sees colossal untapped value -- but the company is also locked in conflict with the government on privacy, security and online misinformation.
Taiwan Stanch makes up to 1 million masks a day to support the island’s fight against the coronavirus outbreak. (Photo by Lauly Li)
Business Spotlight

Taiwan's 'hidden champions' help coronavirus fightback

Machine tool makers' race to boost mask output underlines importance to economy

Thai Airways aircraft are parked at Suvarnabhumi airport in Bangkok after the company has suspended most of its international and domestic passenger services. (Photo by Akira Kodaka)
Transportation

Thai Airways on financial brink as government debates rescue

Cash-strapped national flag carrier asks state to guarantee $2.2bn bridge loan

This NEC-developed satellite is scheduled to be sent into orbit in 2023. (Image courtesy of NEC)
Aerospace & Defense Industries

NEC wins $190m deal to supply satellite to Vietnam

Export package reveals edge large companies have over startups during crisis

It takes about one month to ship LNG from the Middle East to Japan. If the coronavirus outbreak prevents ships from docking in Japan, it could have a big impact on the country's power supply. (Photo courtesy of JERA)
Energy

Hidden threat: Japan has only 2-week stockpile of LNG

Coronavirus exposes nation's post-Fukushima vulnerability

© Illustration by Yoko Nakamura
Asia Insight

Vietnam power struggle enters critical stretch after virus victory

Economy and China top agenda as Communists prepare to pick 'Four Pillars'

A supermarket in Singapore in mid-March: The city-state's government has repeatedly assured consumers that food will not run out, but that does not mean supplies are immune to disruption.
Coronavirus

Fragile ASEAN food supply chains creak under strain of pandemic

Lockdowns and export curbs lead to scrawny chickens and shortage fears

The Bank of Japan, led by Gov. Haruhiko Kuroda, enacted stimulus measures April 27 to combat the pandemic's effects on the Japanese economy. 
Economy

Bank of Japan vows to buy government bonds 'without upper limit'

Tokyo stocks rise 2.7% after central bank acts to help companies weather pandemic

Many eateries and other small businesses have been asked to shut down or keep shorter hours for now.
Economy

Japan to subsidize 100% of salaries at small companies

Program aims to pay 10m laid-off workers their full wages

TraceTogether has released no information about how many cases it has identified. (Photo by Mayuko Tani)
Opinion

Beware of over-hyping contact tracing apps in coronavirus fight

Technology has to integrate with health services and protect civil liberties

Shinzo Abe, second from right, declares state of emergency during a meeting of Novel Coronavirus Response Headquarters on Apr. 7: the task force is composed of the members of his cabinet.
Opinion

Taiwan has a lot to teach Japan about coronavirus response

Shinzo Abe should have followed Tsai Ing-wen's model and recruited experts

Overview of the 2nd Preparatory session of the 2020 NPT Review Conference at the United Nations in Geneva, Switzerland on April 23, 2018.
The Nikkei View

A golden opportunity to turn the tide on nuclear arms

Delay of UN nonproliferation conference grants time to work out differences

Three yakuza in Tokyo's Kabukicho entertainment and red-light district in 1971. (Katsumi Watanabe)
Arts

Revisiting 'Tokyo Underworld,' book that lifted lid on crime in Japan

With a TV series in prospect, its author reflects on how lawbreaking has changed

Sculptures strike the traditional Thai wai pose in a Bangkok shop closed due to the coronavirus. (Photo by Akira Kodaka)
Tea Leaves

Covid-19 spawns both new and old-style Asian etiquette

Pandemic-inspired social changes point to shifts in modern manners