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September 21st, 2023

Defending Japan

Jet fighter alliance signals Tokyo's new approach to security

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The Big Story

Japan's new jet fighter alliance pushes limits of defense policy

Collaboration with U.K. and Italy forces Tokyo to reconsider constitutional restrictions on arms exports

The Global Combat Air Programme, a collaboration between Japan, Italy and the U.K., is tipped to be the future of Japan's air force as part of the government's more proactive approach to defense. 
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Datawatch

Japan's world-leading chip materials makers risk being acquired

Their relatively small scale makes them ideal targets for foreign competitors

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken visits the headquarters of the Vietnamese Communist Party with General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong in April. (Pool via REUTERS)
Opinion

Vietnam needs more than an upgraded U.S. partnership

Hanoi has to remake its 'safety net' for changed geopolitical environment

Move Forward Party leader Pita Limjaroenrat with supporters in Bangkok on July 9: The party and the new Thailand it stands for are seen as the greatest threats to the establishment.
Opinion

Thaksin no longer scares Thailand's establishment

Ex-prime minister's return and pardon accepted as price of keeping reform at bay

Russian President Vladimir Putin shakes hands with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un during a meeting at the Vostochny Сosmodrome in Russia's far eastern Amur region on Sept. 13
The Nikkei View

Russia-North Korea military ties are cause for concern

Democracies must work together to counter authoritarian coercion

Stalls for DTAC and its competitor AIS at Suvarnabhumi Airport in Thailand on Sept. 13. (Photo by Ken Kobayashi)
Business Spotlight

Norwegian telecom giant Telenor fights to defend its ground in Asia

Telenor targets digital services after Thailand, Malaysia mergers and Myanmar loss

Construction is progressing on Indonesia's new capital of Nusantara, with some government functions slated to begin moving next year to the site on Borneo. (Photo by Nana Shibata) 
Business trends

Indonesian companies show fresh interest in new capital project

But foreign investors still mostly taking wait-and-see approach on Nusantara

Although Vietnam's role in electronics supply chains is ballooning, a current slowdown is pushing many factory hands to take on gig work. (Photo by Lien Hoang)
Supply Chain

Vietnam's factory doldrums show limits of shift out of China

Export contraction continues into eighth month, but Biden deals bring hope

Military vehicles during a parade in Beijing carry hypersonic missiles, one of many high-tech fields where China leads the world.
China tech

China leads high-tech research in 80% of critical fields: report

Aggressive investment puts country far ahead of U.S., Europe, Japan

The Taipei government has kept all specifications and images of its homemade submarine, represented here by an artist's impression, under strict lock and key. That changes at the end of this month.
Asia Insight

Taiwan submarine dream surfaces as China tensions rise

Taipei to unveil island-made sub despite years of Beijing pressure on suppliers

Russian President Vladimir Putin speaks about a special military operation in Ukraine in a televised address on Russian state TV on Feb. 24, 2022. 
Ukraine war

Putin psychological analysis shows anger and disgust but no fear

U.S. company uses AI-driven tech to monitor Russian leader's emotions

The Taliban only permits girls in Afghanistan to go to school until sixth grade. (Photo by Kanika Gupta)
Afghanistan turmoil

Afghanistan's secret schools for girls defy Taliban ban

Teachers and students share stories of underground education

HIgh-rise buildings in the northeastern Chinese city of Tianjin: New home prices dropped more Chinese cities in August. 
Economy

China home prices drop in more cities in August, extending slump

Industrial and retail data improved, but official says still facing 'difficulties'

Architect Renzo Piano was born in Genoa, Italy, and although he now travels to building sites around the world, he spends one week of each month there. (Photo by Masahiko Takeda)
Life

Renzo Piano reflects social change through architecture

Famed Italian architect brings spirit of Genoa to buildings around the world

Women wear yukata, or summer kimonos, at a shrine in Tokyo. The traditional garment is a refreshing example of slow fashion in today's age of hyper-consumerism.
Tea Leaves

Japan's 'yukata' boom is more than a fashion statement

Tourism-driven revival of traditional costume rekindles old values