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July 7th, 2022

The next wolf warriors

Beijing readies a new generation of diplomats

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The Big Story

The next wolf warriors: China readies new generation of tough diplomats

As party congress looms, Xi Jinping set to replace foreign policy leadership

China's top two diplomats, Yang Jiechi, left, and Wang Yi, right, are set to leave their positions within the year. President Xi Jinping hopes to override retirement norms and rule for a third five-year term. 
Under a clause in Vietnam's new Cinema Law, foreign producers must give script summaries to the government in their applications to film locally.
Business Spotlight

Vietnam lures Hollywood crews but censorship hangs over film sector

One-party state's Cinema Law bans 'reactionary ideas and social evils'

Michel Lamuniere, right, has broadened Tatler Asia's focus beyond high-society themes. (Courtesy Tatler Asia)
Interview

Media group Tatler Asia rebounds to profit with push beyond print

Digital ads, events power revenue for Hong Kong-based luxury lifestyle title

Indian billionaire Mukesh Ambani, right, is pushing for a frictionless transition of leadership at Reliance Industries, with his twin children Akash, center, and Isha, left, playing key roles. (Source photos by Getty Images and AP) 
Companies

Mukesh Ambani targets harmonious handover at India's Reliance

Asia's richest man desperate to avoid feuding that tainted his own succession

A breast cancer patient smokes a joint in Bangkok after marijuana was decriminalized last month. Across Asia, cannabis policies remain broadly restrictive, with some inconsistencies and loopholes.
Asia Insight

Smoke signals: Thailand blazes trail for cannabis in wary Asia

Recreational use still far-off prospect as taboos persist from ASEAN to Japan

A security guard is seen after a blast near the Confucius Institute at the University of Karachi in April.
International relations

China wants own security company to protect assets in Pakistan

Sources say Islamabad resisting pressure from Beijing after terrorist attacks

The Philippines' soon-to-be-former President Rodrigo Duterte speaks during a rally in Davao in May. (Photo by Ken Kobayashi)
Politics

Duterte's controversial legacy: Making Philippine strongmen 'cool'

Biographer expects firebrand to stay active after Marcos replaces him on Thursday

The Thai baht's plunge on July 2, 1997, touched off the Asian financial crisis. Twenty-five years later, the region's resilience is being put to the test.
Economy

COVID, inflation stress-test Asia 25 years after financial crisis

Risks simmer in smaller economies as debt burden swells

Group of Seven leaders gathered in Germany this week amid the Ukraine war, soaring global inflation and ever-present concerns about China.
International relations

5 takeaways from G-7 summit: Democracies in crisis management mode

With attention stretched between Ukraine and food crises, powers keep eye on China

Xi Jinping during the welcome banquet of the Belt and Road Forum in Beijing in April 2019: China has few good options to climb out of the hole it has dug for itself.
Opinion

China can turn debt trap of its own making into historic opportunity

Beijing should cut its losses and focus on salvaging its reputation

Russian soldiers guard fields of wheat in the southeast Ukrainian region of Zaporizhzhia on June 14: The current economic crisis is not mainly linked to an excess of demand but to insufficiency of supply.
Opinion

Inflation functions as a tax on the weakest

Serious shortages are taking hold of the essential elements of life

Colorful yukata are a staple of summer festivals and fireworks displays in Japan. (Photo by Akiyoshi Inoue)
Life

Japan's timeless yukata blend tradition and modern flair

Ancient dyeing techniques endure, even as summer kimonos enjoy new life

Anti-government protesters march down the street at Colombo's Galle Face Green park on May 28. (Getty Images)
Tea Leaves

Sri Lanka shows how places of protest shape new generation

Galle Face Green becomes symbol of hope amid economic despair