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May 13th, 2021

Biden's Asia puzzle: an A to Z guide

There are no right answers, and lots of wrong ones

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The Big Story

Biden's big Asia challenge: An A to Z survival guide

US has its work cut out in the world's biggest continent

From Australia to ZTE, the Asia-Pacific is a puzzle with few right answers and lots of wrong ones.
As Rodrigo Duterte's presidential term enters its final year, many Filipinos see his daughter Sara as his logical successor.
Asia Insight

Duterte's daughter Sara in focus as his presidency winds down

Sea change Philippine elections in store as China and US face off in disputed waters

Areas such as Akita Prefecture, in northern Japan, have attracted interest from a number of offshore wind power producers.
Business Spotlight

Suga plan for greener Japan stirs hope in wind energy sector

Carbon targets boost confidence of companies behind tricky offshore projects

Zomato, the Indian online food delivery unicorn, has filed a draft IPO prospectus with India's securities regulator. Other tech companies could follow. (Photo by Rie Ishii)
Market Spotlight

India emerges as China's tech challenger with record unicorn run

Startup valuations soar as pandemic boosts online services

Success in containing the coronavirus pandemic has helped Taiwan's economy -- and its stock market -- stay healthy.
Market Spotlight

Taiwanese flock to stocks as economy shrugs off pandemic

COVID containment and strong tech exports push trading volume to record high

China is hoping to be able to produce 70% of the semiconductors it needs by 2025, as it tries to cut reliance on overseas manufacturers.
Semiconductors

China's progress in advanced semiconductor technology slows

Struggle of chip equipment makers indicates difficulty in becoming self-sufficient

From left, Singaporean cabinet ministers Ong Ye Kung, Lawrence Wong and Chan Chun Sing have all been floated as potential candidates for prime minister. (Source photos by Mayuko Tani and AP)
Politics

Singapore searches for next prime minister: 3 names to know

After Heng bows out, rising politicians aim to prove themselves in new posts

South Korean President Moon Jae-in is entering his final year in office, bruised by corruption scandals among his administration and public disapproval of his handling of the economy.
Politics

Young South Korean men turn against Moon ahead of 2022 election

President enters final year of office with approval rating at new low

Health workers carry wood to prepare a funeral pyre for a COVID-19 victim during a mass cremation in New Delhi on April 26.
The Nikkei View

India's COVID-19 crisis offers lessons for other nations

Administrative roadblocks and overconfidence led to spike in cases

Pham Minh Chinh, pictured in Hanoi on Mar. 24: Vietnam's new Prime Minister will be under huge pressure to deliver strong growth rates.
Opinion

The economic agenda taking shape under Vietnam's new leader

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh under pressure to deliver rapid growth

Buildings at the Lujiazui Financial Center in Shanghai, pictured on Apr. 15: China's economy will likely surpass that of U.S.'s in dollar terms within a decade.
Opinion

China is its own worst enemy

High likelihood that hubris will push Beijing toward folly

Grab Holdings plans to go public in the U.S. by merging with a listed SPAC called Altimeter Growth. (Source photo by Ken Kobayashi)
IPO

The boom in SPAC deals -- five things to know

Pandemic-fueled uncertainty drives popularity of this shortcut to IPO

A person dressed as the child of a god dances next to exploding firecrackers at an event celebrating the Dajia Mazu Pilgrimage. (Photo by Naomi Goddard)
Life

Young Taiwanese flock to reinvigorated goddess festival

Popularity reflects growing interest in the island's distinct identity

Volunteers at the Lost Food Project sort fresh produce at a warehouses before sending the food out to charity partners. (Photos by the Lost Food Project)
Tea Leaves

'Lost food' project shows developing Asia how to tackle hunger

Small idea with big impact gives hope and nutrition for Malaysia's poor, and lessons for the world