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February 24th, 2022

Asia's arms race

Will the region's elevated military spending lead to war?

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The Big Story

Asia's arms race: China spurs military spending spree

The region's biggest players are shelling out on defense at an alarming rate. Is war on the horizon?

Asia's military expenditure has surged more than 50% in the last decade, with China leading the pack. But will that spending result in actual conflict? 
(Photo courtesy of National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University) 
Business Spotlight

Chip talent war: Taiwan faces critical staffing shortage

Semiconductor giants hike salaries to lure island's dwindling number of graduates

”Ghost towns” abandoned in the process of construction are spread across China, with more than 80 in Yunnan Province alone. (Photo by Yusuke Hinata)
The age of 'Great China'

Concrete 'ghost towns' make China's real estate bubble visible

Land prices over twice those in U.S.; many trapped in unfinished homes

The two main presidential candidates -- Yoon Suk-yeol of the main opposition People Power Party, left, and Lee Jae-myung of the ruling Democratic Party -- are pledging to run the economy in a way that facilitates innovation while providing a safety net.
Asia Insight

Innovate or die: Korea Inc. faces harsh choice as election looms

Nation's next president tasked with reshaping export-oriented economy

Central Group and Signa Holding plan to develop the site around Selfridges' flagship department store at London's Oxford Street. (Photo courtesy of Selfridges)
Retail

Thailand's Central Group bets on Europe with Selfridges bid

Tourists want luxury shopping destinations, says CEO of retail giant

IATA says Asia's airline industry will narrow its net loss in 2022 as more planes take to the skies. (Source photo by Kosaku Mimura and Reuters)
Transportation

Asian airlines ramp up overseas flights as borders reopen

Carriers restart routes, rehire staff as COVID restrictions ease

Travelers walk at the arrival lobby at Japan's Narita International Airport. (Photo by Karina Nooka)
Coronavirus

Kishida announces limited reopening of Japan's borders

Relaxation comes amid fierce pressure from businesses

U.S.-born Eileen Gu celebrates winning the silver medal for China in the women's slopestyle event on Feb. 15.
Beijing Winter Olympics

Star skier Eileen Gu faces slippery slope after Beijing success

Global Times' Hu Xijin highlights risks to teen medalist's trans-Pacific appeal

A bank clerk counts dollar banknotes next to stack of 100 yuan notes at a bank outlet in Haian: China faces some difficult choices because it does not have true monetary independence.
Opinion

China's dangerous dollar addiction should worry Asia

Concerns behind Xi Jinping's Davos speech are becoming clearer

Kuala Lumpur's central business district, pictured on Jan. 30: the shortfall of homegrown, dynamic Malay enterprises remains unfinished business.
Opinion

Ismail Sabri's Malay action plan is a big deal

Policy is not a game changer but it can make a difference

Chinese leader Mao Zedong and U.S. President Richard Nixon greet each other in Beijing in February 1972. Asia has undergone huge geopolitical shifts in the intervening 50 years.
The Nikkei View

50 years after Nixon-Mao handshake, Asia preps for new world order

Battle for preeminence disrupts U.S.-China collaboration, with consequences for all

Moderna, which developed one of the main COVID-19 vaccines used worldwide, is looking to begin production in Asia. (Source photo by Akira Kodaka and Reuters)
Interview

Moderna taps Singapore, Hong Kong for COVID era expansion

Taiwan, Malaysia also picked; CEO Bancel eyes vaccine plants in Asia

Japanese director Ryusuke Hamaguchi’s “Drive My Car” was nominated in four categories, including best picture, for this year’s Academy Awards.
Media & Entertainment

Can Japanese director Ryusuke Hamaguchi follow renowned Kurosawa?

'Drive My Car' is first Japanese film ever to be nominated for best picture

Stream article image
Life

Aging gracefully: Japanese men who refuse to die young

How 'ikigai' and the 'Shiga rhythm' are boosting lifespans

Up close and virtual: Bangkok Naughty Boo is among a new generation of influencers making an impact in Thailand. (Courtesy of BDA World Service)
Tea Leaves

In Thailand, virtual celebrities wield real influence

Amplified through hip and lavish lifestyles, avatars outshine flesh-and-blood social media stars