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October 26th, 2023

Better together

Thaw in China-Australia relations reveals limits of Beijing's economic coercion

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The Big Story

China-Australia thaw reveals limits of Beijing's economic coercion

Ahead of Albanese's first China visit, relaxation of punitive trade measures proves Xi will not sacrifice economy for politics

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese will meet Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing next month, as the two countries cast aside some noisy prior disagreements over trade and the COVID-19 pandemic.
With the growing availability of skilled freelancers, many businesses in Japan outsource core management work, including corporate planning and personnel reform.
Datawatch

Japan Inc. entrusts key management tasks to outside experts

Pool of freelance specialists jumps threefold over 4 years

Chinese President Xi Jinping, center, and then-counterpart Mahinda Rajapaksa, left, at the 2014 groundbreaking for a $1.4 billion artificial island project off Colombo.
Opinion

BRI is only first step in China's strategy for a new world order

Xi Jinping's ambitions for global leadership are becoming clearer

Selective purges of online content will do no favors to Hong Kong's efforts to improve its image on the world stage.
Opinion

Bit by bit, the internet is getting smaller in Hong Kong

City authorities are trying out new methods to eliminate 'undesirable' content

The second summit this year between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping, pictured here in Beijing on Oct. 17, underscored their close ties.
The Nikkei View

China-Russia challenge to the global order cannot be allowed

Autocratic countries overlook violence while undermining stability and freedom

An advanced chip from a Huawei Mate 60 Pro smartphone. In some ways, the U.S. clampdown on Huawei has been a success, but the Chinese tech giant has still managed to thrive. (Nikkei Montage/Source photos by Getty Images)
Business Spotlight

How China's tech ambitions slip through the U.S. export control net

Experts reveal weak points and strengths of America's clampdown

A satellite terminal opened at Thailand's Suvarnabhumi Airport near Bangkok in September. (Photo by Ken Kobayashi)
Transportation

Thailand, Vietnam and neighbors compete in airport expansion race

Airlines' passenger capacity for seven Southeast Asian nations to double by 2030

Pokemon Co. President Tsunekazu Ishihara has been involved in creating the games from the start. (Photo by Satoko Kawasaki)
Interview

Pokemon aims to expand its unique position as a global brand

President says new, established technologies alike used for fresh ways to have fun

Tourists look toward North Korea from an observatory on the South Korean side of the Demilitarized Zone, Oct. 18, 2023. (Photo by Steven Borowiec) 
Asia Insight

Hamas' Israel assault reverberates on tense Korean border

Experts see new security jitters in South, no obvious chance of DMZ escalation

Thai workers who were evacuated from Israel arrive at a military airport in Bangkok on Oct. 16. Thailand has been a big source of labor for Israel's agricultural sector.
Middle East crisis

How Thai workers became integral to Israel's economy

Experts say arrangement was 'strategic decision' to replace Palestinian labor

Indonesian soccer chief Erick Thohir, left, and FIFA President Gianni Infantino in Jakarta in October 2022. Indonesia has dropped plans for a bid to jointly host the 2034 World Cup.
Sports

Southeast Asia misses 'best shot' for 2034 World Cup bid

Indonesia gives surprise backing for Saudia Arabia's pitch to host soccer showcase

Indonesia accounts for about 60% of the global production of an oil that finds its way into processed foods, cosmetics and a host of other consumer products. (Photo courtesy of Musim Mas)
Commodities

Singapore-based Indonesia palm oil exporter grapples with EU law

Musim Mas reviews supply chain to comply with deforestation reporting requirement

India's Adani Ports and local partner Gadot Group bought Israel's Port of Haifa for $1.2 billion. 
Middle East crisis

Adani Group 'very confident' in Israel port as conflict rages

Indian conglomerate's maritime unit reportedly eyeing Mediterranean investment

Heritage buildings built during Portuguese colonial rule of Goa (1510-1961) can be found across the western Indian state. Some have been impeccably restored, while others lie in disrepair. (All photos by Kalpana Sunder)
Life

Goa's colonial mansions open doors on faded past

Indian state's heritage architecture offers a glimpse of Portuguese legacy

Tokyo's Koenji district is home to cozy nightspots where fashion, music and art collide. (Nikkei montage/Source photos courtesy of Edward M. Gomez and Botchy-Botchy)  
Tea Leaves

In a retro suburb of Tokyo, nightclubs are second homes

Koenji's diverse music dives double as refuges for patrons