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December 1st, 2022

China's chip industry fights to survive

As the U.S. crackdown tightens, Chinese tech champions seek self-sufficiency

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The Big Story

China's chip industry fights to survive U.S. tech crackdown

Battered by sanctions, Huawei leads the way in stealthily building a domestic semiconductor supply chain

As the U.S. continues to attack China's chipmaking industry with sanctions, domestic tech champions such as Huawei are quietly working to build self-sufficient supply chains at home. 
Japan's banks are racing to go digital to fend off challenges such as demographic shifts and low lending margins. (Source photo by Yuki Kohara) 
Business Spotlight

Japan's banks prepare to meet the digital challenge

Legacy lenders and net-only newcomers tussle for dominance in a changing industry

Since the 2019 pro-democracy protests, Twitter has played a vital role for the Hong Kong people to share information with the outside world. (Source photos by AP and Reuters) 
Politics

Twitter, Meta layoffs spur political safeguard fears across Asia

Authoritarian regimes could strengthen grip on social media platforms

On the ground floor of a local shopping mall in the heart of Bangkok's bustling Chinatown: One goal is to turn Mister Loo paid toilet outlets into a kind of health clinic. (Photo by Kenji Kawase)
Startups

Thai startup to build over 1,000 public toilets across Asia

Swiss entrepreneurs turn COVID setbacks into growth engine

With the North ramping up provocations, recent surveys show that around 70% of South Koreans support the country developing its own nuclear weapons.
Asia Insight

South Korea's nuclear option: Calls grow for weapon development

More lawmakers, voters see need for homegrown program as North's threat grows

Padmanabhaswamy Temple, pictured here, and Venkateswara Temple each hold wealth estimated to exceed $20 billion.
Politics

Indian temples' billions stir calls to use gold for greater good

Political, religious sensitivities leave riches stashed despite poor masses

Malaysia's newly appointed Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim -- leader of Pakatan Harapan or the Alliance of Hope -- waves to supporters in Selangor on Nov. 24.
Malaysia election

Anwar, at last Malaysia's PM, aims to turn 'hope' into reality

After rising from prison to the top, can he bring stability and prosperity?

Heavily dependent on imports for their wheat supply, many Asian countries are facing growing risks of food security in the wake of Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
Datawatch

Growing appetite for wheat exposes Asia's soft underbelly

Consumption up 30% in 10 years but Ukraine war threatens food security

Vladimir Putin shakes hands with a soldier at a military training center for mobilized reservists on Oct. 20: Russia's president has backed himself into a corner. (Handout photo from Kremlin Press Office)
Opinion

The risk that Russia will go nuclear in Ukraine is real

Still unclear what might trigger move by Vladimir Putin

Park Ji-sung in action against Portugal in June 2002: After South Korea's electrifying World Cup showing, the midfielder became a household name around the world.
Opinion

Asia should make the most of the return of World Cup

2002 tournament had tremendous impact on game's development in region

Fatih Tutak, owner-chef of the Michelin two-starred TURK Fatih Tutak in Instanbul, says his current success is the culmination of 16 years of restaurant experience in Asia. (Courtesy of TURK Fatih Tutak) 
Life

Istanbul star-struck as first Michelin Guide is launched

Local restaurants set sights on post-pandemic gastro-tourists

A man poses on a warrior horse at War Land, a sprawling theme park commemorating one of Japan's most decisive battles, fought in Gifu prefecture in the autumn of 1600. (All photos by Stephen Mansfield)
Tea Leaves

Keeping it unreal in Japan

Do the country's many theme parks imitate life, or vice versa?