Yesterday
China warns Blinken over ‘negative factors’ in US ties
China’s top diplomat told his US counterpart the relationship is “facing all kinds of disruptions”, signalling Beijing’s impatience with Washington’s policies as the presidential election looms.
- Iain Marlow
This Month
AI could kill call centres, says boss of Tata IT business
Chief executive K Krithivasan says chatbots would soon be able to analyse a customer’s transaction history and do much of the work done by call centre agents.
- Benjamin Parkin and Chris Kay
- Analysis
- South China Sea
Xi’s armada is winning the battle for energy in the South China Sea
A fleet of Chinese fishing boats, coast guard cutters and a giant vessel dubbed the “Monster” are making sure of it.
- Philip Heijmans
Chinese general uses naval gathering to restate hard line on Taiwan
‘We do not provoke trouble, but we will never flinch in face of provocation,’ said the vice chairman of the Communist Party’s Central Military Commission.
- Ng Han Guan
One dead, seven missing after Japanese navy helicopters crash
The cause of the crash was not immediately known.
- Mari Yamaguchi
- Opinion
- World elections
India’s global power ambitions come down to economic reform
Without reform, India will continue to be marked by the paradox that characterises China – having a large economic mass that does not translate into high levels of distributed prosperity.
- Ashley Tellis
- Opinion
- AUKUS
Japan’s ‘cowardly’ media fails to take on corporate giants
As he leaves Japan as the AFR’s North Asia correspondent, Michael Smith reflects on a media that is often too scared to hold its government and CEOs to account.
- Updated
- Michael Smith
In six and a half years I witnessed a dark pivot in China
When I first landed in Shanghai on a freezing winter’s night in January 2018, China felt like a place bursting with optimism and opportunity.
- Michael Smith
TSMC outlook beats estimates as AI demand helps propel business
The better-than-projected outlook follows its first profit rise in a year, after strong AI demand revived growth at the world’s biggest contract chipmaker.
- Jane Lanhee Lee
US, Chinese defence chiefs hold talks
The phone call comes as US President Joe Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping have sought to manage tensions; the two leaders resumed direct military talks last year.
- Idrees Ali
- Opinion
- Manufacturing
Manufacturers must face up to new wave of Chinese competition
The US and Europe have focused heavily on the need to “de-risk” supply chains away from China. But it’s hard for international industrial players to leave.
- Thomas Hale
- Opinion
- East Asia Forum
How long before the yen is again a safe-haven bet?
If inflation remains positive and interest rates continue to rise, the yen is likely to eventually strengthen.
- Shiro Armstrong
The man who cracked Japan’s crime gangs is back for a sequel
Jake Adelstein’s Tokyo Vice exposed Japan’s yakuza. Now he’s out of police protection and releasing a new book.
- Michael Smith
China GDP grows faster than expected on fresh stimulus
The Chinese government is drawing on infrastructure work - a well-used playbook - to help lift the economy, as consumers remain wary of spending and businesses lack confidence to expand.
- Updated
- Joe Cash and Kevin Yao
China’s bubble tea brands look to create a stir overseas
Best known for the 1980s Taiwanese variety that includes tapioca balls or “bubbles”, flavoured milk tea beverages are a hit worldwide. Chinese companies are cashing in.
- Thomas Hale, Wang Xueqiao, Chan Ho-him and Gloria Li
- Opinion
- China
China stifles the debate it needs to have
What is the point of attending China’s most important public forum if foreign delegates are instructed before going on stage not to say anything negative about the economic outlook.
- Stephen Roach
Asahi eyes US, cuts down on the booze as consumers go teetotal
CEO Atsushi Katsuki said the company wants to expand its line-up of alcohol-free beverages in the US through investments in start-ups.
- Kana Inagaki and David Keohane
Modi’s party vows growth, development in election manifesto
The BJP won the last two Indian elections with big majorities, and has promised to expand its mandate even further. It faces a struggling 20-plus party opposition alliance.
- Santosh Kumar, Sudhi Ranjan Sen and Dan Strumpf
John Wylie bumps into Lendlease’s Andrew Gauci
A shareholder activist and a Lendlease executive walk into a bar. The results are, thankfully, benign.
- Updated
- Jessica Sier
Red tape warning despite booming Japan-Australia deals
Japanese investment in Australia is rising, but a new report shows data is mixed, and Australia is warned about policy uncertainty and delays in approving deals.
- Michael Smith