This Month
‘All-round blockade’: Trump tariffs hit China’s offshore factories
Chinese companies that shifted operations to South-East Asia to save costs while getting around Trump tariffs during his first mandate are back in the firing line.
Vale Gwen Robinson, intrepid journalist who could tame huge egos
The Asia expert was known for her network of contacts, bold reporting and extraordinary kindness to young journalists and anyone needing help.
March
Myanmar quake death toll hits 1700 as aid scramble intensifies
The devastation has piled more misery on Myanmar, already in chaos from a civil war that grew out of a nationwide uprising after a 2021 military coup.
Trump’s trade ‘Liberation Day’ explained
The US has said it wants to impose tariffs on a “country by country” basis, hitting any trading partners that have higher levies on the US than it imposes back.
Chinese company faces probe over Bangkok skyscraper quake collapse
The death toll from an earthquake that hit Myanmar and Thailand passed 1600, as authorities launched an investigation into the toppling of a partly built high-rise.
Earthquake rocks Myanmar and Thailand, Bangkok high-rise collapses
The 7.7 magnitude quake struck on Friday with an epicentre near Mandalay. The death toll has risen to nearly 700 and one agency says it could top 1000.
February
Pack your kaftan or run for cover? White Lotus effect hits Thailand
These are the four luxury hotels featured in the HBO anthology’s third season – plus a few others for the vibe but avoiding the rush.
December 2024
‘Verging on criminal’: Questions over concrete wall in plane crash
Experts have questioned the location and composition of a runway wall after the South Korean plane smashed into the barrier and burst into flames this week.
We check into the next White Lotus resort
The third series of the streaming hit is set in the exclusive Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui. Here’s what it’s like.
October 2024
Albanese to press China on trade
The Association of South-East Asian Nations leaders’ summit will take place in Vientiane, Laos this week, the latest international push by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.
September 2024
Why has a long-term understanding with Asia eluded us?
Even as Australia has become more multicultural, the best we can manage is a pragmatic relationship punctuated with fits of enthusiasm.
August 2024
Young, Instagram-friendly heir becomes Thailand’s new PM
Paetongtarn Shinawatra, the 37-year-old daughter of the political power broker Thaksin Shinawatra, is becoming prime minister at a chaotic time.
July 2024
How China upends a country’s entire car market
The overseas push is the next phase in Beijing’s long-term strategy to focus on new energy vehicles and upend the balance of power in the automobile industry.
May 2024
How sanctions played havoc with Iran’s ageing helicopters
The US-made Bell 212 carrying the country’s president and foreign minister was almost 30 years old when it crashed into a mountainside.
April 2024
China set to launch high-stakes mission to moon’s ‘hidden’ side
China has made leaps forward in its lunar exploration, narrowing the technological chasm with the United States and Russia.
February 2024
History’s hand on Prabowo’s shoulder
The new president, steeped in Indonesian nationalism, is likely to hew closely to Joko Widodo’s middle path between the US and China.
January 2024
Australia Day has always been controversial
It’s nothing new for the national holiday to be plagued by debates over its meaning and significance. Indeed, that’s become part and parcel of the day itself.
November 2023
Hamas seeks to extend ceasefire as it releases third hostage group
Most of the hostages were handed over directly to Israel, waving to a cheering crowd as they arrived at an air force base on Sunday local time.
Dusk finds itself in the sight of a Thai hedge fund demanding cash
BNG Special Situations says the candle and diffuser retailer has plenty of cash, no debt and is trading cheaply. Its annual meeting is scheduled for Monday.
Hamas frees Israeli, Thai hostages in second stage of truce deal
Television images showed hostages on the Egyptian side of the Rafah border crossing after leaving Gaza, as Hamas handed the captives to the Red Cross.