Japan
Tokyo signals readiness to act as yen nears 10-month low
Japan’s finance minister, Satsuki Katayama, has signalled that the government is prepared to step into the foreign-exchange market as the yen edges towards its weakest level in nearly ten months.
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Tokyo unveils $136bn stimulus
Japan has approved an economic stimulus package of roughly JPY21.3 trillion ($136bn) in an effort to counter rising living costs and reinforce domestic demand, marking the first major policy initiative under Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi.
Asian utilities locked into coal as long-term contracts slow transition
Asia’s shift towards cleaner energy is being hampered by decades-long coal power agreements that continue to bind utilities to fossil-fuel generation, even at times when cheaper renewable supplies are readily available.
China blocks Japanese film releases in latest anti-Tokyo moves
China has postponed the release of at least two Japanese films as political tensions between Beijing and Tokyo intensify over Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s recent comments on Taiwan.
COMMENT: Head-to-head – China vs Japan. Who wins?
With the latest China – Japan spat having been blown up exponentially by Beijing in recent days, many in East Asia are asking what would happen if hostilities break out between Beijing and Tokyo.
Tokyo refuses to kowtow to China’s latest round of anti-Japanese bullying
China has once more escalated a minor diplomatic skirmish with Japan, by urging its citizens to avoid travelling to the country and hauling in Tokyo’s ambassador over Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s recent remarks about Taiwan.
COMMENT: Japan and Europe come together in support of Taiwan
Over the past week, two moves in East Asia and Europe clearly signal that the handling of the Taiwan question is entering a new phase - one in which neither Tokyo nor Brussels is prepared to abide by a Beijing-centric diplomatic equilibrium.
Yen-pegged stablecoin issuer anticipates major holdings in Japan’s government-bond market
JPYC emphasises that its stablecoin is fully convertible to the yen and backed by domestic savings deposits and Japanese government bonds.
Japan’s Nintendo predicts sales of 19mn Switch 2 units to March
The Switch 2 marks Nintendo’s most expensive hardware platform to date and represents the company’s principal long-term base for its extensive roster of first-party franchises.
APEC meeting closes in South Korea, WTO dead and buried
This was not a summit. It was a eulogy for the WTO, and APEC just lowered the flag to half-mast.
COMMENT: For Asia, dealing with Europe isn’t about achieving success; it’s about concealing failure
To be taken seriously in Asia, Europe must rediscover the courage to deliver, not merely declare. Asia has moved on to execution. Europe is still editing its initial policy draft.
South Korea opens APEC summit focusing on connectivity and growth
South Korean President Lee Jae Myung chaired the opening session of the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Leaders’ Meeting on the morning of October 31 in Gyeongju, North Gyeongsang Province.
Global leaders gather in Gyeongju to shape APEC cooperation
Global leaders are arriving in Gyeongju, the cultural hub of North Gyeongsang Province, as South Korea hosts the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation summit. Delegates from 21 member economies are expected to discuss trade, technology and security.
The Arctic and Antarctica record "off the charts" heat as polar warming accelerates
Parts of both the Arctic and Antarctic have experienced historically high temperatures in recent weeks, with weather stations in East Antarctica recording record-breaking warmth for the month of October, alarming climate scientists.
US–South Korea investment deal on ice – for now
After a triumphant round of investment pledges in Tokyo, Donald Trump’s state visit to South Korea presents a far more challenging negotiation.
US, Japan sign rare earths deal to ‘secure’ supply chains
The two leaders signed an agreement establishing a framework for cooperation in the mining and processing of rare earths and other essential minerals; a move that underscores growing anxieties over China’s dominance in the sector.
Asian economies weigh their options amid fears of over-reliance on Chinese rare-earths
Just how control over these critical minerals plays out will be a long fought battle lasting decades, and one that will increasingly define Asia’s industrial future.
Sanae Takaichi makes history as Japan’s first female prime minister
In her first press briefing as leader, the 64-year-old pledged to drive reform with confidence and determination, describing her administration as one “ready to decide and move forward.”
India’s finance minister to miss upcoming IMF and World Bank meetings
India’s Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will not attend this week’s annual meetings of the International Monetary Fund and World Bank in Washington, as trade negotiations between New Delhi and Washington remain unresolved.
China increasing its lead in robot technology use
China is consolidating its dominance in the global industrial robotics market, accounting for 41% of the world’s operational robot stock and more than half of all new installations in 2024, according to the International Federation of Robots.