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March 14th, 2024

China's growth dilemma

Anxious to avoid past mistakes, Beijing chooses caution as economy slows

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The Big Story

China faces familiar growth dilemma as economy slows

Anxious to avoid reinflating a property bubble, Beijing chooses caution over expansion

A nearly empty shopping mall in central Beijing: China is grappling with weak consumption, youth unemployment and huge local government debts as the economy continues to slow. (Photo by Mizuho Miyazaki)
A survey by Japan's education ministry found only 8% of universities in Japan have programs to support the launch of new businesses by researchers.
Datawatch

Japan's universities fail to make the most of intellectual property

Due to lack of support, patents earn only 2% compared to U.S. schools

Neon signs illuminate Chinese company names in Hong Kong in 2018.
Opinion

Being a 'connector' for China is no longer working for Hong Kong

City needs to rethink economic role to show it can still be relevant

Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida faces questions in the Diet about LDP funding controversies, but the real scandal of 2024 may be economic malpractice.
Opinion

New Nikkei 225 high should be an unmissable cue for Kishida

With growth slumping, Japanese prime minister needs to lay out reform plan

Chinese President Xi Jinping is pictured at the closing session of the National People's Congress at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on March 11.
The Nikkei View

China must rethink emphasis on 'national security'

Heightened focus on this area hurts economic and cultural exchanges

Trucks wait for loading around a container terminal in Yokohama, near Tokyo, on March 7. (Photo by Sae Kamae)
Business Spotlight

Japan's driver shortages spur innovation at warehouses

Japan-China competition heats up in autonomous forklifts for logistics

A woman walks past a McDonald's in Jakarta on Feb. 29: The fast food chain's growth has slackened amid a boycott of Western brands amid the Israel-Gaza conflict. (Photo by Nana Shibata) 
Business trends

Indonesia, Malaysia consumer boycotts hit McDonald's, Starbucks and others

Muslims protest Western brands over perceived pro-Israel stance on Gaza

JSW also plans to invest in a more-than-30% stake in MG Motor's Indian subsidiary. (Photo by Ryosuke Hanada)
Automobiles

Tesla-free India becomes EV battleground as JSW enters fray

Steel conglomerate plans annual production of 400,000 vehicles

SM Group operates dozens of malls across the Philippines, including SM Mall of Asia in metro Manila.
Retail

Philippine retail empire SM expands reach outside major cities

Group targets fast-growing middle class ahead of incoming foreign competition

A ship transports containers down the Mekong River. Recently installed Cambodian PM Hun Manet said the $1.7 billion China-backed canal project would allow his country to "breathe through our own nose," diverting its goods for export directly to its own coast rather than via the Vietnam-controlled Mekong Delta. (Photo by Jack Brook)
Asia Insight

Cambodia to divert Mekong trade via China-built canal, vexing Vietnam

Planned Phnom Penh-coast link raises alarms amid regional influence tussle

Malaysia has revived a high-speed rail plan to connect Kuala Lumpur and Singapore. (Nikkei montage/Source photos by Hiroki Endo and Akira Kodaka)
Transportation

Malaysia revives 'ambitious' high-speed rail plan amid hurdles

China Railway Construction, Hyundai unit among companies showing interest

Medical personnel walk outside Seoul National University hospital in Seoul on March 5. (Photo by Ahn Seong-bok)
Politics

South Korea doctors' strike sets up political test for Yoon

As dispute intensifies, analysts say president's goal is electoral gains in April

VinFast Auto Chairwoman Le Thi Thu Thuy speaks during the Asia Green Tech Summit in Singapore on March 7. (Photo by Hiroki Endo)
Climate Change

From EVs to hydrogen, Asia's green tech sector perseveres amid financing hurdles

Nikkei-Financial Times summit highlights transition urgency amid climate change

The Mekong and other rivers are the lifeblood of Laos. (All photos by Zinara Rathnayake)
Life

Remote boat: Traveling the rivers of northern Laos

Life in landlocked country is inextricably linked to its waterways

The beaches of the Iranian resort island of Kish have been largely empty despite the arrival of peak tourism season. (Photo by Shuntaro Fukutomi)
Tea Leaves

How sanctions sank Iran's Persian Gulf tourism dream

Failed Kish Island resort comes a dreary second to neighboring Dubai