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June 25th, 2020

SIDE EFFECTS

Amid coronavirus, U.S. reliance on Chinese medical gear shows the difficulty of decoupling

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The Big Story

How Trump's China obsession undermined the coronavirus effort

As the US scrambles for life-saving gear, White House shuts out the world's largest supplier

The shortage of protective gear at a time of utmost need has revealed the fragility of global supply chains -- and the extent of the U.S.'s reliance on China. © Illustration by Michael Tsang
Mahindra & Mahindra's Funster Electric Concept SUV on display at Auto Expo 2020 in February. The Indian government has rolled back expectations for EV sales.
Business Spotlight

Asia's electric car sales drift into the slow lane

China and India markets stalled by government policy U-turns

Valentina Avalon drops a speaker into water to test its waterproofing. Influencers such as Avalon are part of Alibaba's international growth plans. (Photo courtesy of Valentina Avalon)
Technology

Alibaba recruits army of 'influencers' for global ecommerce drive

Livestreaming captivates China but foreign markets pose their own challenges

 A bus passenger has his temperature checked in Tokyo on June 19: The previous day the Japanese government announced the lifting of all travel restrictions. (Photo by Kei Higuchi) 
Coronavirus

Japan reopens for business, pinning hopes on tracing app

Despite risks of new outbreak, domestic travel resumes; bars back in action

A customer shows the new AIRism face masks at a Uniqlo in Ginza, a shopping district in Tokyo, on June 19. (Photo by Kento Awashima)
Most read in 2020

Uniqlo flooded with customers for its 'cool and dry' masks

Consumers overwhelm servers while others put up with long lines and rain

KKday expanded into online souvenir sales after the huge downturn in its travel business. (Photo by Yuki Kohara)
Travel & Leisure

Asia's travel startups battle for survival as investors pull back

Companies show entrepreneurial drive with pivot to souvenirs and meals

The pandemic-induced slowdown may offer the Asia-Pacific region a prime opportunity not only to catch up on environmental targets, but also to lay the groundwork for a greener future. © Illustration by Hiroko Oshima
Asia Insight

Asia risks missing 'green' economic reset after coronavirus

Except in South Korea, experts see absence of environmental resolve in region

Maria Ressa said Monday she would welcome backing from the Japanese government, days after being convicted of libel. (Screenshot from FCCJ's Vimeo page)
Politics

Facing jail, Philippine journalist will welcome backing from Tokyo

Maria Ressa: 'Your support has helped me stay out of prison'

An aerial view of shipping containers stacked at a port in Hainan Province's Yangpu Economic Development Zone in May.
Economy

China's Hainan to be tariff-free to rival Hong Kong

Southern province aims to become world-class trading hub by 2050

An Indian army soldier stands guard atop a vehicle on the Srinagar-Ladakh highway in Gagangeer, India on June 17.
A TV screen shows Xi Jinping attending the closing ceremony of the National People's Congress on May 28: dictatorship is a brake on innovation.
Opinion

China is not the only candidate for a 21st century superpower

US, Europe, even tech companies can all claim to set global norms

A family wait outside a railway station in New Delhi on June 1: COVID-19 has laid bare the weakness of South Asia's economies.
Opinion

South Asia risks coronavirus lost decade

India and Pakistan's poor disease management will cost them dearly

Anti-government protesters run away from tear gas during a march against Beijing’s plans to impose national security legislation in Hong Kong on May 24.
The Nikkei View

China must rethink Hong Kong security law

Loss of judicial independence puts territory's prosperity at risk

Ng Chi-sum, left, and Tsang Chi-ho play the Dowager Empress and her palace eunuch in a segment of "Headliner," a popular satirical show that has been suspended by the authorities. (Courtesy of RTHK)
Life

Hong Kong satire forced off air as China clamps down on free speech

'Headliner' poked fun at authorities for 30 years until police force objected

The author, second from right, and photographer wife Kit Yeng Chan, right, enjoy a pasta meal they prepared for their Couchsurfing hosts in Guwahati, Assam, India, in 2018. (Photo by Kit Yeng Chan)
Tea Leaves

Pandemic hits 'couchsurfing' travel bug

Decline of social hospitality platforms takes spontaneity out of tourism in developing Asia