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July 4th, 2024

Myanmar's fuel dilemma

As gas shortages hit civilians, the military's reliance on imported fuel could be its downfall

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The Big Story

Myanmar's reliance on imported fuel squeezes military as civilians suffer

Economic crisis likely to hit generals harder than sanctions as insurgents gain ground

Myanmar's military regime is almost entirely dependent on imported fuel to kill and terrorize civilians, and to power all aspects of its war machine. With revenue from natural gas sales to Thailand and China falling off dramatically, this is proving an unaffordable vulnerability.  (Photo by Ken Kobayashi)
Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, right, welcomes Chinese Premier Li Qiang for a bilateral meeting in Putrajaya, Malaysia, on June 19. (Photo courtesy of Prime Minister's Office of Malaysia)
International relations

Malaysia and Thailand keen to join BRICS: 5 things to know

Middle power nations hedge to mitigate effects of major power rivalry, analysts say

Students at Universiti Teknologi Mara in Shah Alam in 2008: Students recently donned black to protest a proposal to allow ethnic Chinese and Indians temporary entry.
Opinion

Malaysia has to find its way to a middle ground on racial privilege

Absolute bar to minority students at UiTM ultimately impacts all citizens

A C919 lands at Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport on June 14: The COMAC model has been safely used for thousands of flights by Chinese airlines since May 2023. (VCG via AP)
Opinion

Steady C919 flights show China's potential to reshape jet market

COMAC focused on meeting domestic demand rather than tackling Western barriers

Republican presidential candidate former President Donald Trump and President Joe Biden speak simultaneously during a presidential debate hosted by CNN on June 27 in Atlanta. 
The Nikkei View

World left anxious after U.S. presidential debate

Neither candidate offers realistic plan for improving global stability

Lower delivery fees are making life harder for food delivery drivers in South Korea, as the big platforms engage in a fierce battle for customers in a stagnant market.
Business Spotlight

South Korea delivery giants lock horns in post-pandemic price war

Cutthroat competition hits drivers' wallets and raises safety concerns

Australia's Labor government has a legislated target of generating 82% of the country's electricity from renewable sources by 2030 to meet its commitments under the Paris Agreement on climate.
Energy

Renewable backers anxious as Australia's energy debate goes nuclear

Proposal adds uncertainty to wind and solar projects already facing hurdles

Shares have generally performed well in Asia so far this year. But for dollar investors, weak Asian currencies translates to smaller gains. (Photo by Satoko Kawasaki)
Market Spotlight

Strong dollar hits Asian stock gains in first half of 2024

Japan, India equities top picks for global investors, while Southeast Asia's luster dims

Chinese Communist Party officials are expected to accelerate a push toward President Xi Jinping's goal of technological self-sufficiency by 2035 when they convene this month for a long-awaited meeting known as the third plenum.
Asia Insight

China's leaders to choose economic path at high-pressure third plenum

Historically pivotal policy gathering expected to focus on tech as property woes fester

India's cow vigilantes set up roadblocks to catch Muslims and others transporting cattle. Cows are sacred in Hinduism and beef is banned or restricted in many states. 
Society

Hindu mob lynchings stoke fear and anger among India's Muslims

Brutal killings come days after Modi's nationalist BJP clinches third term

Pakistani police officers take position during a counterterrorism training session.
Terrorism

Pakistan eyes new counterterror operations as security deteriorates

Government unveils plan after Chinese official warns future investment at risk

Cashews must undergo a lengthy procedure before they turn into the delicious nuts the globe craves, but Cambodia has never been able to carry out this process on its own. Until now.
Agriculture

Japan helps Cambodia toward its goal of being top cashew exporter

Real estate developer Mirarth completes ASEAN country's processing center

A lush pasture in Bhutan's Phobjikha Valley in springtime. From October to February, the glacial valley provides roosting grounds for hundreds of black-necked cranes migrating from Tibet. (All photos by Zinara Rathnayake)
Life

Exploring Bhutan's hidden valleys and nature trails

Weeklong visit reveals a largely unknown Buddhist kingdom

Shanghai's Lujiazui business district symbolizes both China's rapid economic rise and the challenges it faces. 
Tea Leaves

Goodbye Shanghai: reflections on five years at China's gateway

Covering tech, pandemic and social issues in commercial hub yields insights into national trajectory