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June 16th, 2022

Abortion in Asia

The limits of choice

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The Big Story

Abortion in Asia: The limits of choice

The overturning of Roe v. Wade could be a watershed for U.S. women's rights. Is the same true in Asia?

Abortion laws in Asia reflect demographic trends, the sway of religion and social traditions. In South Korea (pictured), abortion was illegal until 2019, when it was decriminalized despite opposition from the Christian community.
The apparel industry dumps 92 million tons of textiles a year. The European Union hopes new rules will increase recycling, repair and second-hand retail. (Source photos by Ken Kobayashi and AFP/Jiji)
Business Spotlight

From China to India, Asia braces for EU plan to kill fast fashion

Supply chains may have to shift to recyclable, durable clothes -- with uncertain consequences

Alibaba Group is facing tougher competition and a Chinese government crackdown on internet businesses.
Companies

Ailing Alibaba tries to heal itself from within

Founding member Dai emerges as key to Chinese tech giant's future

A consumer checks out an electric motorbike at the Indonesia International Motor Show in April. (Photo by Erwida Maulia)
Technology

Indonesia's e-motorbike makers hit the accelerator

Foxconn, Gogoro, Grab join locals to fill gap in charging infrastructure

Nikkei Asia spoke to Hong Kong attorneys, diplomats and legal scholars who warn of a gradual erosion of judicial independence, which could have implications for the city's appeal as a business destination.
Asia Insight

Hong Kong judicial independence fears threaten city's business case

Under security law, doubts grow over finance hub's key selling point

Ukrainian singer Ruslana gives a concert in the Turkish city of Antalya to support people from her country affected by the war with Russia. (Photo by Anadolu Agency)
Ukraine war

Turkey becomes magnet for Russians and Ukrainians alike

Country has been attracting staff, business from two sides of conflict

Jose C. Laurel V, the Philippines' ambassador to Japan, makes an unusual request in Tokyo on June 8: He wants Japanese consumers to pay more for bananas. (Photo by Kentaro Iwamoto)
Inflation

Philippines asks Japanese retailers to raise banana prices

Embassy says farmers are suffering amid an 'unrealistic and unfair' situation

Protesters condemn Indian officials' derogatory references to Islam and the Prophet Muhammad in Lahore, Pakistan, on June 8.
International relations

India does damage control in Muslim world over anti-Islam remarks

Economic partners no longer turning blind eye to Modi government's divisive record

Thailand decriminalized medical marijuana cultivation and possession on June 9, a step toward possible full legalization of the psychotropic. (Source photo by Reuters)
Politics

Thailand's 'marijuana wonderland': 5 things to know

Cannabis can only be grown and consumed for medical purposes or health promotion

Wang Yi, left, lock arms with Solomon Islands Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare in Honiara, Solomon Islands, on May 26: Wang's strategic overreach put him off balance.
Opinion

China loses its way in the South Pacific

Wang Yi's eight-nation tour fails to impress

A woman whose farming land had been transferred to build a solar power plant grazes her cow near the plant in Mikir Bamuni village, Assam state, on Feb. 18: Nowhere is the transformation of economy more dramatic than in India.
Opinion

India should rethink plans to become a semiconductor hub

Other more important goals deserve Narendra Modi's attention

The retention pond at Bangkok's Chulalongkorn University Centenary Park acts as a leisure amenity. (Courtesy of Chulalongkorn University/Landprocess)
Life

Central Bangkok redevelops around new green heart

Major public open space projects aim to transform urban face of Thai capital

Tourists and locals in Bangkok celebrate Songkran by spraying each other with water guns and partying on Khaosan Road on April 13. Much of Southeast Asia is disconnected from the far-off war in Ukraine. (Getty Images)
Tea Leaves

Not everyone sees Ukraine as the main issue

Emerging countries accuse the West of hypocrisy