Politics
South Korea doctors' strike sets up political test for Yoon
As dispute intensifies, analysts say president's goal is electoral gains in April
East Asia
Belt and Road
Chinese investment in Asia rose 37% in 2023, led by Indonesia
Report shows construction contracts also up 14%; Philippines, Pakistan among losers
Japan immigration
Japan races to court foreign talent as it doubles skilled worker cap
Better support and pay key to attracting up to 820,000 workers in 5 years
China debt crunch
China work report pledges to tackle local debt, without specifics
Annual document avoids contentious proposal to raise retirement age
China tech
JD.com shares surge 16% on $3bn buyback plan, Q4 revenue beat
Chinese e-commerce group vows to boost price competitiveness but stay 'disciplined'
Politics
U.S. Senate bill targeting China's BGI, WuXi AppTec moves forward
'Protectionist' legislation 'takes advantage of anger towards China,' GOP senator says
China up close
Analysis: Post-Tiananmen 'openness' fades from Chinese politics
Xi advocates for a 'high-standard opening-up' but his regime is backsliding
Transportation
Porsche EV battery blamed for ship fire in Mitsui O.S.K. lawsuit
$32m in damages sought for 2022 sinking of car carrier Felicity Ace
Technology
Samsung SDI to start mass-producing solid-state batteries in 2027
South Korean manufacturer sends samples from pilot line to global automakers
Technology
U.S. nuclear fusion startup draws investment from Itochu, SoftBank
Blue Laser Fusion advances R&D with eye on commercial viability in 2030
Pharmaceuticals
Japan's Eisai to invest in U.S. Alzheimer's blood testing firm C2N
Expanded use of tests could boost drugmaker's lecanemab medication
China People's Congress
China central banker sees full toolbox as planners vow to hit GDP goal
Top economic officials hold rare joint news conference in attempt to shore up confidence
Business trends
Job cuts at Japanese companies jump, hinting at strategy shift
Voluntary retirement offers through February top annual total in 2023
Opinion
Cleanup of China Evergrande collapse calls for coordination and clarity
HNA and GITIC bankruptcies underscore value of transparent resolution process
Markets
Japan's stock market has room to go even higher, analysts say
Experts split on whether tech space is overheating
Transportation
Malaysia revives 'ambitious' high-speed rail plan amid hurdles
China Railway Construction, Hyundai unit among companies showing interest
Companies
Bicycle parts maker Shimano seeks growth with new Singapore plant
Chairman expects Southeast Asia to become major market for sports bikes
Food & Beverage
Vietnam's baby food market draws Japanese brand for another bite
Asahi Group Foods to emphasize health in Southeast Asian country
Trade
EU exempts Japanese sake from packaging recycling rules
Requirement covering sake bottles would amount to non-tariff barrier, Tokyo argued
China People's Congress
China's Premier Li keeps first work report low key and under 1 hour
Xi Jinping's No. 2 headlines opening day of maskless National People's Congress
China tech
U.S. lawmakers seek to force ByteDance to divest TikTok or face ban
Bill would give Chinese company 165 days to unload app used by 170m Americans
The Big Story
Asia's menopause challenge: The economic case for better female health
Aging societies from Japan to Singapore rush to safeguard mature women's wellness
Interview
India's top diplomat points to 'new phase' in Japan defense ties
Jaishankar weighs in on awkward relations with China, Pakistan, Maldives
Automobiles
Chinese self-driving car developers slash California test drives
Didi pulls out of program as U.S. scrutiny of China tech mounts
Opinion
South Korea's economic future at stake in doctors' strike
Yoon is curbing rowdy unions while seeking to increase labor market flexibility