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A new virus is fast infecting the world, creating one of the biggest global health crises since Ebola and SARS.
Editor: Lin Jinbing. Producer: Yu Zhuyangyang
Cover Story: Shanghai Fights a New Covid Enemy With Old Weapons
China’s playbook of lockdowns, mass testing and quarantines can’t keep up with BA.2 variant as city experiences shortages of food and medical care
Singapore and Malaysia bolster ties with rail, special economic zone
A planned commuter line seeks to ease border congestion while the 3,500-square-kilometer area aims to promote investment
Japanese Hotels Scout Talent Across Asia Amid Labor Crunch
A major industry group held its first Jakarta job fair this month, as hospitality companies look overseas to fill a ‘serious’ shortage stemming partly for pandemic-era cuts
Lee Hsien Loong: A Two-Decade Political Legacy That Earned Singapore a ‘Unique Standing’
As prime minister, Lee provided the country ‘with a voice of reason and a principled commitment to the international rule of law and the global good,’ Singaporean President Tharman Shanmugaratnam says
HSBC CEO Noel Quinn Unexpectedly Steps Down
The bank’s board has begun a formal process to find a successor, and will consider both internal and external candidates, according to a statement
South East Asian Countries Hand Out Cash to Ease Inflation Pain
For politicians in Singapore, Thailand and Indonesia, distributing money directly to households can be used to help avoid political turmoil or win over voters
China Vows to Keep Up Spending in 2024 After Stimulus Cut
Fiscal spending will be maintained at a ‘necessary intensity’, say finance officials aware of the need to balance the risks from debt-laden local councils
Hong Kong No Longer Has the World’s Longest Life Expectancy
Women in the financial hub were expected to live until 86.8 years old on average in 2022, and men in 80.7, after reporting the lowest levels of physical, mental, social and occupational wellbeing among 12 markets
China’s Industrial Profits Jump, but Deflation Concerns Linger
November’s 29.5% surge marked a sharp pickup from October’s 2.7% increase, boosted by a low base of comparison last year
Cambodia Opens $1.1 Billion China-Funded Airport
Siem Reap-Angkor International Airport is one of many local Belt and Road projects that reflect China’s growing influence in the Southeast Asian nation
China mRNA Vaccine-Maker Stemirna Struggles With Debt Crisis
One-time investor darling seeks fresh capital as CEO admits it is in a ‘difficult’ position as it awaits final Covid vaccine approvals in China
Citi Raises China GDP Forecast, Saying Economy Has Bottomed Out
This week is a critical period for activity, with analysts watching the combined mid-autumn and National Day holiday period for signs of increased consumer confidence
In Depth: China Struggles to Wean Itself off Bear Bile Farming
Amid growing concerns about the suffering that extraction causes the animals, the government has supported research into synthetic substitutes, but regulations are hampering the registration of alternatives to what some have dubbed ‘medicinal gold’
U.S.-China Flights to Double Under Government Agreement
Each country will gain an additional six weekly round-trip flights as of September, rising to 24 by October-end, as they relax restrictions set during the pandemic
China Allows Group Tours to U.S., U.K. in Test for Travel Demand
Beijing also removes ban on group tours to Australia, South Korea and Japan
China Holds Off on Major Stimulus as It Signals Property Easing
Top decision-making body promises ‘counter-cyclical’ policy, which suggests more economic support as well as an adjustment to restrictions on the property sector