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July 20th, 2023

NATO prepares for China … and Trump

Keeping U.S. interest may mean the alliance must pivot to Asia too

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The Big Story

Why is NATO edging into Asia?

Members still divided on Indo-Pacific mission, seen by some as key to U.S. interest in alliance

At the NATO summit held in Vilnius, Lithuania, on July 11-12, the alliance's cooperation with Asian countries such as Japan and South Korea was in the spotlight. 
Elon Musk's SpaceX launched more than 1,000 satellites in the first half of 2023, winning contracts from NASA and expanding its satellite-based internet business.
Datawatch

Elon Musk dominates orbit with Starlink satellites

Billionaire entrepreneur's SpaceX takes 60% share of global launch business

The official logo and catchphrase for the 50th year of ASEAN-Japan relations was unveiled at a foreign ministers' meeting in Phnom Penh in 2022.
Opinion

Japan will take forward its cooperation with ASEAN nations

New exchange initiatives will provide foundation for ties for next generation

An empty chair for the Myanmar delegation at the 2022 ASEAN summit in Phnom Penh: It was a mistake for the bloc to bar the junta from meetings.
Opinion

ASEAN needs to get back its old hardheaded realism

Bloc's handling of Myanmar and East Timor betrays erosion in strategic thinking

A man crosses the road near Beijing's central business district. China's economic growth rate in the April-June quarter fell short of market expectations.
The Nikkei View

China should not hesitate on needed economic stimulus

Risk of deflation rising as demand stagnates amid property slump

Mukesh Ambani's Jio Bharat phone is billed as the cheapest internet-enabled mobile on the Indian market. (Source photos by Getty Images and screenshot from Jio's website) 
Business Spotlight

Mukesh Ambani, India's richest man, bets on country's 'cheapest' phone

Reliance Jio Infocomm launches $12 internet-connected cellphone

Sony is aiming for 60% of game development costs for its PlayStation 5 to be in the live service field by fiscal 2026. (Image courtesy of Sony)
Companies

Sony dives into 'extended reality' with $2bn R&D war chest

Japan electronics giant to focus on live-game titles to catch up to Microsoft

In Thailand, the Yellow Line connecting the outskirts of Bangkok to neighboring Samut Prakan province began operations in July. (Photo by Kosuke Inoue)
Transportation

From Bangkok to Manila, Southeast Asia metro rail expands rapidly

Networks across region to grow 20% through 2024, helping to ease congestion

Foreign investors increased their holdings in "emerging" Asian bond markets outside China by over $20 billion in the first half of 2023. (Source photos by AP and Reuters) 
Market Spotlight

Indonesia, South Korea bonds benefit from China turmoil

Foreign investors favor Asian debt markets where currency gains are expected

Some 10 years after almost losing an election, Hun Sen, center, no longer tolerates competition from serious opponents as he maneuvers to transfer power to eldest son Hun Manet, left, in a reform-resistant, economically and politically fragile system.
Asia Insight

Cambodia democracy dream fades as Hun Sen eyes election walkover

Strongman to coast to July 23 victory, signaling start of handover to eldest son

A consortium of six conglomerates is making a bid to expand Manila's main airport, which is already stretched beyond capacity.
Transportation

Rival Philippine firms set aside differences to fix up Manila airport

Conglomerates revive renovation plan after COVID quashed previous bid

People gather around an ambulance carrying the body of a man killed in violence between ethnic groups in India's northeastern state of Manipur on June 29.
Politics

India's deadly Manipur conflict highlights impact of internet cuts

Shutdowns in name of safety offer few benefits, distort coverage, experts say

German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock in Beijing in April. "China remains a partner, a competitor and systemic rival, but the systemic rival position has gained ground in recent years," she said on July 13. 
Supply Chain

Germany lists grievances, seeks cooperation in first China strategy

Chinese embassy says challenges Berlin faces are not Beijing's doing

Vietnam's first imports of liquefied natural gas reached PetroVietnam Gas' Thi Vai terminal this month. (Photo by Yuji Nitta)
Energy

Vietnam, Philippines heat up LNG demand in Southeast Asia

With renewables lagging, countries seek more accessible alternative to coal

Popular Netflix series "Wave Makers" brilliantly evokes both the intensity of Taiwanese politics and the difficulties faced by party staffers -- especially women battling to resist and expose an institutional gender bias among party leaders. (Courtesy of Damou Entertainment)
Arts

Hit Netflix political drama makes waves in Taiwan

Show's focus on sexual harassment sparks surge of #MeToo claims

Punters show off their Japanese-style tattoos at this year's Thailand Tattoo Expo. (Photo by Tom Vater)
Tea Leaves

My second skin, made in Thailand

Tattoo convention celebrates living, breathing 'skin art'