Yesterday
Pakistan asks IMF for more funds amid political protests
The country’s new government led by Shehbaz Sharif is trying to provide relief to its citizens grappling with Asia’s second-fastest inflation.
- Kamran Haider and Ismail Dilawar
Lockdown jitters hit Beijing as Shanghai virus deaths climb
Worries that the country’s strict adherence to a ‘COVID-19 zero’ policy will further damage the economy dragged down stocks to oil and iron ore.
- Jessica Sui
Expats furious over scrapping of overseas polling booths
Only a handful of overseas polling booths will be open for Australians wanting to vote this year. Postal voting is still available.
- Michael Smith and Emma Connors
Social media scandal costs top Chinese scientist $2.8b
Wu Yiling’s pharmaceutical company had enjoyed a meteoric rise. But a COVID warning by the of son of property billionaire Wang Jianlin sent its shares tanking.
- Venus Feng
This Month
China’s central bank pledges to support economy amid pandemic stress
Extended COVID-19 lockdowns in many of China’s big cities have clogged highways and ports, stranded workers and shut factories.
- Kevin Yao
- Opinion
- China relations
Australia is sleepwalking into an economic and strategic mess
Observers might be forgiven for wondering whether the will exists – on either side of Australian politics – to begin a mature discussion about the nation’s strategic direction in Asia, writes Tom Westland.
- Tom Westland
How Australia beat the UK to a trade deal with India
The Australia-India Economic Co-operation and Trade Agreement has been well-received in India, a country just emerging from a protectionist view of the world.
- Emma Connors
Why China’s Solomon Islands security deal is just the start
China’s security pact with the Solomon Islands is a strategic coup that caught Australia off guard and will have military and trading consequences for decades to come.
- Michael Smith
Chinese investment in Australia plunges 70 per cent
The latest decline makes five consecutive years of falling Chinese investment in Australia.
- Michael Smith
Thousands protest in Sri Lanka after police shooting
The country’s government has failed to resolve a deepening economic crisis that includes rising food and fuel prices.
- Bharatha Mallawarachi
Hong Kong jails activist for 40 months in first sedition case
Concerns are mounting that authorities are using a wide array of tools to restrict the rights of Hong Kong people.
- Kari Lindberg and Linda Lew
Ramos-Horta win could revive Greater Sunrise project
Victory for Mr Ramos-Horta could result in the return of Xanana Gusmao, who wants to push ahead with the ambitious offshore oil and gas development.
- Trudy Harris
New ‘electric’ chopsticks make food taste saltier
Scientists have teamed up with one of Japan’s largest drinks makers to develop a state-of-the-art solution for people who must avoid a high-sodium diet.
- Julian Ryall
Shanghai reports more COVID-19 deaths as growth downgrades pile up
Shanghai reported 20,416 new infections, a decline from a recent peak though still elevated as the coronavirus continues to spread through the city.
- Tania Chen
- Opinion
- Singapore
Singapore’s top job is Wong’s to lose
Singapore Finance Minister Lawrence Wong looks on course to become the city state’s first prime minister born after it separated from Malaysia as an independent state in 1965.
- Daniel Moss
Sri Lanka’s president expands cabinet ahead of IMF talks
The island nation is suffering from prolonged power cuts and fuel and medicines shortages, triggered by a sharp fall in its foreign exchange reserves.
- Uditha Jayasinghe and Devjyot Ghoshal
Shanghai reports first COVID deaths since citywide lockdown
The low number of deaths in China has cast suspicion on the reliability of the data.
- Krystal Chia
Steady China growth masks heavy hit from COVID-19 lockdowns
Analysts say April data could be worse, with lockdowns in commercial centre Shanghai and elsewhere dragging on, prompting some to warn of rising recession risks.
- Updated
- Kevin Yao, Stella Qiu and Ellen Zhang
Economic meltdown leaves Sri Lankans struggling to survive
The economic meltdown in Sri Lanka has ravaged through the country, destroying lives and businesses
- Joe Wallen
- Opinion
- China relations
Beijing claims a role as shaper of the postwar Pacific order
The history of World War II has become the latest front line between Washington and Beijing, as China asserts its role as a victor and traditional hegemon in the Pacific.
- James Curran
