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July 21st, 2022

Asia's odd couple

The U.S. and Vietnam find common ground in resisting China

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The Big Story

Asia's odd couple: Vietnam and the U.S. find opposites attract

As China threat looms, Washington weighs up democracy with dominance in Pacific

Kamala Harris became the first-ever U.S. Vice President to visit Vietnam in August 2021, when she met with Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, in Hanoi.
American education companies such as Chegg are eyeing growth in Asia at the same time as Indian startups like Byju's are seeking growth in the U.S. (Source photos by AP, screenshot from Chegg's YouTube page and Kosaku Mimura) 
Business Spotlight

Indian and U.S. edtech companies battle for global dominance

Grab for market share takes on extra urgency as valuation woes and job cuts bite

Mr DIY Plus stores feature 20,000 products. (Photo by Takashi Nakano)
Retail

Malaysian retailer Mr DIY fuels growth with cheap, diverse offerings

Balancing online sales and physical store traffic key to expansion

Emperador is the largest liquor company in the Philippines, and is part of tycoon Andrew Tan's Alliance Global Group. (Photo by Minoru Satake)
Food & Beverage

Philippine distiller Emperador lists in Singapore amid global push

World's bestselling brandy aims to increase international sales to 50% by 2025

Uber has had a bumpy ride in India since it started operating there in 2013. Now, the government is looking to bring in new rules for Big Tech. (File photo by EPA/Jiji) 
Technology

Indian minister promises new rules to rein in Big Tech

Says leaks from Uber indicate some companies are gaming the system

Gulls fly over Kabushima Shrine in Hachinohe, in Japan's Aomori Prefecture, on July 13. A U.S. travel magazine called the city "woefully overlooked." (Photo by Ken Kobayashi)
Asia Insight

Japan tourism after COVID: Industry aims for more sustainable boom

After Abe-era surge overwhelmed some areas, can Kishida spread the wealth?

A laborer shovels coal on the outskirts of Kabul: Pakistan wants cheaper energy supplies, while the Taliban aims to maximize its revenue.
International relations

Taliban throws wrench into Pakistan's plans for cheap coal power

Afghan rulers hike price right after Islamabad shows interest in imports

U.S. Ambassador to Japan Rahm Emanuel speaks to Nikkei Asia at the ambassador's residence in Akasaka, Tokyo, on July 15. (Photo by Yuki Kohara)
Indo-Pacific

Amb. Emanuel chases commercial deals to cement U.S.-Japan ties

Ambassador facilitated deal that brought Panasonic's Tesla battery plant to Kansas

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese hugs Solomon Islands counterpart Manasseh Sogavare on the sidelines of the Pacific Islands Forum in Suva, Fiji, on July 13.
International relations

Pacific forum signals reset with Australia, U.S. as China hovers

Albanese and Solomon Islands' Sogavare hug it out after neighbors' security spat

Hong Kong's importance as a conduit for capital flowing into and out of China has increased, but its standing as an Asian financial center has declined. (Source photo by Reuters) 
Datawatch

Hong Kong is transformed from Asia's financial hub to Xi's 'wallet'

City attracts more Chinese money, professionals but foreign exodus continues

Boris Johnson reads a statement outside 10 Downing Street on July 7: He was more interested in holding the great offices of state than achieving a substantial political legacy.
Opinion

Boris Johnson's undignified exit confirms his flawed premiership

Tenure marked by political instability not seen since high inflation 1970s

Fumio Kishida, left, and Shinzo Abe in September 2020: Kishida is a rare survivor of the winnowing process.
Opinion

Shinzo Abe's greatest achievement may turn out to be Fumio Kishida

The LDP's first liberal prime minister in 30 years could be its last

Thick cuts of char siu at The Legacy House. (© Tory Ho)
Life

Four of Hong Kong's best places for 'char siu'

Where to find the local barbecue-pork staple at its most succulent

A Japanese Brazilian girl gives a "taiko" drum performance during a cultural festival in Sao Paulo.
Tea Leaves

Japanese Brazilians move beyond 'Little Tokyo'

Drive and determination of forebears provide lessons for Japan