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December 9th, 2021

Apple's nightmare before Christmas

Supply chain crisis delays gift deliveries

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The Big Story

Apple's nightmare before Christmas: Supply chain crisis delays gift deliveries

Two years of lockdowns, chip shortages, and energy cuts have finally caught up with the iPhone maker

Pandemic lockdowns, energy restrictions and chip shortages across Asia have led to an ongoing supply chain crisis, causing delivery delays for many electronic gifts this festive season.
A government policy to improve the pay and working conditions of delivery personnel was described as an embodiment of President Xi Jinping's love for the "delivery brothers." (Source photos by Xinhua/AP and AP) 
Business Spotlight

Xi policy eases price war among China's parcel delivery services

Companies can no longer cut wages to subsidize grab for market share

Sunday's referendum in New Caledonia is the final of three votes on gaining independence from France. A split was rejected in the first two plebiscites.
Asia Insight

China looms over New Caledonia vote on independence from France

Most indigenous Kanaks favor a split, but European residents tend to favor status quo

Grab CEO Anthony Tan celebrates on stage during the Grab Bell Ringing Ceremony at a hotel in Singapore on Dec. 2.
White House press secretary Jen Psaki speaks in the daily briefing at the White House on Dec. 6.
International relations

U.S. announces diplomatic boycott of Beijing Olympics

New Zealand won't send representatives; Japan, Australia yet to decide

The summit between Russian President Vladimir Putin, left, and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi may see the start of Indian production of Russian AK-203 assault rifles. (Nikkei montage/AP/Gettty Images)
International relations

India, Russia deepen defense ties with AK rifle production deal

Agreement signed on sidelines of Modi-Putin summit and 2-plus-2 talks

A production line is seen at Myanmar Brewery, Kirin's joint venture with a Myanmar military-linked conglomerate.
Myanmar Crisis

Kirin says leaving Myanmar is 'last resort' as it tries arbitration

Japan brewer, military-linked partner both want control of lucrative beer venture

The railway was built by a Chinese state-owned company at a cost of around $6 billion, 70% of which was borne by China.
International relations

China-Laos railway begins with limited service

Southeast Asia's first high-speed link to stop at Chinese border for now

Passengers at Kualanamu International Airport in 2019: Indonesia wants to expand the facility on the island of Sumatra to compete with bigger airports in Singapore and Malaysia.
Transportation

Indonesia aims to rival Changi, Kuala Lumpur in $6bn airport deal

Sumatra airport focal point of new partnership with Indian and French firms

Despite Indonesia's reopening, Bali's Nusa Dua beach remained empty in mid-November. (Photo by Shotaro Tani)
Interview

Indonesia prioritizes pandemic over tourism as omicron worries swirl

Minister says tough controls will help country as it gears up to chair G-20

Myanmar's military is working hard to remove former leader Aung San Suu Kyi from the political stage before any new elections are held.
The Nikkei View

Myanmar's scripted 'guilty' ruling on Suu Kyi is unacceptable

Ousted leader may face over 100 years in prison under rigged system

Joe Biden participates in a virtual meeting with Xi Jinping at the White House on Nov. 15: the outcome of the rivalry should become clear in the next 10 years.
Opinion

Domestic politics, not conflict, will settle U.S.-China competition

Dangers at home the more pressing threat to each side's worldview

A charging station in Liuzhou, pictured on Sept. 6: policymakers need to ensure that electricity grids are carbon-neutral.
Opinion

Electric vehicles are not the greenhouse silver bullet many think

Increased EV usage will lead to higher emissions in fossil-fuel reliant countries

Nazeer Ahmad Zaroo, whose family have been making rifles in Kashmir since the middle of last century. The Zaroo Gun Factory is one of only two remaining in Indian-controlled Kashmir.
Life

A Kashmir gunsmith's last stand

Storied Zaroo firearms manufacturer nears the end of the line

Film nostalgia at the Katsushika Shibamata Tora-san Museum. (All photos by Stephen Mansfield)
Tea Leaves

The meaning of Tora-san

More than five decades on, unique Japanese film series remains relevant