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November 26th, 2020

ASIA'S NEW LEVIATHANS

The rise of big government in the COVID-19 era

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China tech

China moves to rein in big tech: Five things to know

Beijing asserts more control over internet companies with new anti-monopoly rules

The guidelines were announced on Nov. 10 -- one day ahead of Alibaba's Singles Day event -- and target platforms operated by China's internet companies.
"For many businesses forced to close their doors during lockdowns, Facebook and Instagram have been a lifeline," writes Facebook Chief Operating Officer Sheryl Sandberg. (Photo courtesy of Facebook)
Opinion

How an open internet can power Asia-Pacific's economic recovery

Everyone should have the opportunity to be part of the digital future

Vietnam's Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc chairs the 4th RCEP Summit on Nov. 15: the agreement is poised to become a critical platform for the discussion of trade and economic issues.
Opinion

RCEP agreement will transform trade in Asia, for Asia

First time China, Japan, and South Korea connected via one trade pact

A photo of Group of 20 leaders is projected onto Salwa Palace in the At-Turaif District, a UNESCO World Heritage site, in Diriyah, Saudi Arabia, on Nov. 20.
The Nikkei View

Now is the time to restore international cooperation

Coordinated action is crucial to ending pandemic and creating new prosperity

In the famous cover engraving of Thomas Hobbes' "Leviathan," the state is embodied in an authority-bearing figure presiding over a serene European landscape. But as the world tries to reimagine the state in the aftermath of COVID-19, it makes sense to look toward governments like South Korea and Taiwan, which have mixed high state capacity with plenty of technological innovation.
The Big Story

Coronavirus: Asia embraces big government to battle recession

Lavish spending, deep debt, high-tech surveillance. Is this the end of the small state tradition?

Unicharm operates in more than 80 countries but has struggled to catch on big in regions beyond Asia.
Business Spotlight

Unicharm takes on COVID-19 and rivals with 'made in Japan' masks

CEO wants to sell to Indonesia and Thailand to build on success with diapers

A lone woman in an arrival zone at Tokyo's Narita international airport this month. A resurgence in coronavirus cases threatens the resumption of more travel ties.
Travel & Leisure

Vaccine hopes lift Asia travel sector worried by COVID-19 rebound

Regional industry expects faster recovery, but prospects dimmer in Europe and US

An illustration of Phnom Penh's planned international airport is displayed at the construction site outside the capital. (Nikkei photo)
Construction

China bags Cambodian airport contract in blow to French operator

State-owned MCC lands $400m construction deal for new gateway in Phnom Penh

A Reliance store in Mumbai. The parent company of Reliance Retail has sold a 10.09% stake in the unit as it gears up for a protracted fight for a bigger slice of India's e-commerce market.
Business deals

Ambani-run Reliance Retail completes $6.4bn fundraising spree

India's top retailer expands its war chest to compete with Amazon and Flipkart

Aung San Suu Kyi's fervid supporters show a clear contrast from the cool attitude of western media and human rights organizations. (Nikkei montage/Source photo by Reuters)
Asia Insight

Suu Kyi's Myanmar election win fails to excite foreign investors

Overseas companies put off by red tape, poor infrastructure and plight of Rohingya

A BrahMos supersonic cruise missile launcher rolls past during a Republic Day parade in New Delhi in January 2015.
International relations

Philippines set to be first buyer of India-Russia cruise missile

BrahMos will boost Manila's coastal defenses, raising concern for China

Former Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad speaks with Nikkei Asia in Kuala Lumpur. (Photo by Wong Ying Xian)
Interview

Mahathir on Biden and China: It 'couldn't be worse' than Trump

95-year-old talks APEC, Twitter controversy and Malaysia's next election

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Indo-Pacific

US Navy chief wants Indian Ocean '1st Fleet,' possibly in Singapore

Secretary Braithwaite says 7th Fleet in Japan not enough to check China

The Shanghai Sisters, formed by Yon Lynn, left, Janet Lee, center, and Winnie Ho, deliver retro tunes in Mandarin, English and Malay. (Courtesy of Janet Lee)
Arts

Malaysian jazz swings on despite pandemic

Performers and venues join forces to sustain live music

Mishima addresses members of the Self-Defense Forces in Tokyo shortly before his suicide on Nov. 25, 1970.(Photo by Nikkei) 
Tea Leaves

Yukio Mishima in the 21st century

Fifty years after his suicide, controversial Japanese novelist's popularity soars