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December 3rd, 2020

THE RETURN OF TEAM AMERICA

Once again, the U.S. is ready to lead. But is Asia ready to welcome it?

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International relations

Standoff over Huawei's Meng hits 2-year mark: 5 things to know

Canada eyes Biden factor as two of its citizens face spy charges in China

Huawei Technologies CFO Meng Wanzhou leaves her home to attend a court hearing in Vancouver on Nov. 23.
Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell, pictured on Sept. 23: the FOMC made two important decisions in interpreting the Fed's dual mandates.
Opinion

Low global interest rates are here to stay

The Fed's new monetary policy strategy has profound implications

A virtual meeting of the 4th Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership Summit, pictured on Nov. 15 in Hanoi: RCEP is the latest sign of a shift in economic power. eastward.
Opinion

Europe wakes up to the China challenge

But the search for 'strategic autonomy' faces obstacles

Chinese President Xi Jinping speaks at a CEO forum via video link ahead of the APEC leaders' summit on Nov. 19. 
The Nikkei View

China's TPP ambition should be viewed with caution

Members must avoid sacrificing standards to expand pact

Under a Biden presidency, "America First" promises to cede to a more traditional kind of alliance-building. But, just as with previous administrations, democratic high ideals are about to meet messy reality.
The Big Story

Team Biden says America is back. But is Asia ready to welcome it?

As U.S. looks to repair old alliances, democracy faces a crisis of credibility

Miniso stores, like this one in Singapore, typically stock more than 8,000 low-priced items, ranging from cosmetics to toys. The company aims to introduce 100 new items each week. (Photo by Kosaku Mimura) 
Business Spotlight

Chinese retailer Miniso shows strains in dash for global growth

Toasted for New York IPO and Paris debut, trendy discounter hits bumps elsewhere

The Line TV service developed by Line's Thailand unit has grown into a large international business servicing over 40 million subscribers in 19 markets. (Photo by Kaori Yuzawa)
Companies

Line Taiwan and Thailand units to lead SoftBank Z's Asia expansion

Local operations custom-develop new services that cater to their own markets

Tsinghua Unigroup has been a key player in Beijing's chip industry ambitions.
China tech

Beijing-backed Tsinghua Unigroup's chip projects hit by delays

Chipmaker faces cash crunch as local governments temper support

The animated film "Demon Slayer: Mugen Train" has grossed over 25 billion yen. (Photo by Shihoko Nakakoka) 
Media & Entertainment

'Demon Slayer' anime franchise continues to roll

Companies cash in on marketing tie-ups with blockbuster brand

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, left, and Chinese President Xi Jinping. India and China see a chance to deepen their geopolitical influence in cash-strapped and increasingly vulnerable Sri Lanka and the Maldives, both strategically located in the Indian Ocean.
Asia Insight

India and China compete over Indian Ocean debt-relief diplomacy

Sri Lanka and Maldives seek bailouts as Asian giants dangle dollars to gain edge

Internet giants are the target of efforts to tighten the tax net for digital services.
Economy

From Thailand to Indonesia, taxes tighten for digital businesses

E-commerce has boomed in Asia during pandemic but new levies challenge profits

Crown Prince Akishino turns 55 on Nov. 30. (Photo by Yuki Nakao)
Society

Japan crown prince accepts daughter's long-delayed marriage

Akishino says issues remain before people can congratulate the couple

A model of the Beidou navigation satellites system is seen at the 2020 China International Fair for Trade in Services in Bejing.
Century of Data

In 165 countries, China's Beidou eclipses American GPS

Beijing extends its data reach into space and sea

These yokan sweets from Toraya depict the four seasons. While seasonality has long been a defining feature of wagashi Japanese confectionery, makers are discovering that innovation may be crucial to their survival at a time when tastes are changing. (Courtesy of Toraya)
Life

Ancient confectionery hits Japan's sweet spot

Changing consumer tastes prompt shift to modern ingredients and techniques

A still from the South Korean hit drama "Crash Landing on You." Lighthearted fare like this is exactly what many people are looking for in these uncertain times. (Photo from Netflix India)
Tea Leaves

K-drama reaches across Asian cultures

For Indian viewers, South Korean soaps are perfect pandemic viewing