NEWSWORTHY
Malaysian island city in trouble as PM targets China-linked projects
An ambitious $100 billion island city being built off Malaysia has found itself in troubled waters as the new government takes aim at the development, the latest in a series of China-linked mega-projects started under the scandal-plagued ex-premier to come under attack. Forest City's futuristic ...
China's massive and expanding "Belt and Road" trade infrastructure project is running into speed bumps as some countries begin to grumble about being buried under Chinese debt. First announced in 2013 by President Xi Jinping, the initiative, also known as the "New Silk Road" envisions ...
When financiers can be agents of positive change
With Strategy 2030, the Asian Development Bank has a crucial chance to make a difference in achieving a better quality of growth in the region.
Laos investigates why dam collapsed during floods, killing 27
Laotian authorities have ordered closer monitoring of hydroelectric facilities as they investigate why a dam in the country's southeast collapsed earlier this week, killing at least 27 people and leaving 131 missing. Floodwaters that rose to rooftops were slowly receding Thursday as villages began digging ...
Chinese President Xi Jinping pledged during a visit to Senegal on Saturday to strengthen economic ties with Africa, a continent already awash with cheap Chinese loans in exchange for minerals and huge construction projects. Xi arrived in Senegal on Saturday for a two-day visit to ...
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un's strident rebukes of officials during recent trips to industrial sites were aimed at rallying support at home for his economic drive and convincing outsiders about his willingness to denuclearize. After racing toward his goal of developing a nuclear-tipped missile ...
Inclusive approach needed as Kansai pushes U.N. development goals
Over the past six months or so, efforts have been underway by local governments and private businesses to promote the 2030 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Numerous speeches are being made about what Kansai might do to contribute to lofty ideals like ensuring the ...
Ambitious plans for megalopolis in southern China trigger hopes and fears in Hong Kong
Some Hong Kong officials and lawmakers are encouraging younger residents to consider living across the border in mainland China so they can escape the territory's sky-high apartment prices and find more job opportunities. It is not an easy sell, but some pro-China business leaders ...
Taro Kono announces Japan aid for development of fishing facilities on remote Indonesian islands
Tokyo said Monday it will provide ¥2.5 billion in grant aid to Indonesia for the development of fishery facilities on remote islands, at a time when China's influence in the region is increasing. The signing of a document regarding the aid was witnessed in Jakarta ...
Under new leader Mahathir, China's infrastructure projects in Malaysia are under threat
Malaysia was once a loyal partner in China's globe-spanning infrastructure drive but a new government is now pledging to review Beijing-backed projects, threatening key links in the much-vaunted initiative. Kuala Lumpur's previous regime, led by scandal-mired Prime Minister Najib Razak, had warm ties with China ...
Germany's unification lessons for Korea
The sooner negotiations with North Korea shift from the threat of war to the potential "win-win" of economic modernization and shared prosperity, the more confident we can be that true peace has been won.
'Smart crops' replacing rice as Asian wealth and health grow
Lunchtime in Taipei's Ximending district is a test of wills and patience as tourists and locals jostle at restaurants and street stalls to choose from steamed and fried dumplings, flat and thin noodles, stuffed pancakes, grilled foods and desserts. In this foodie haven, one item ...
