Eastern Asia

Jobs at risk as China's services sector feels heat of trade war

The simultaneous downturn in the services and manufacturing industries poses a daunting challenge for authorities seeking to keep a lid on unemployment and prevent social unrest as economic growth slumps to near three-decade lows.

Hong Kong readies for more chaos as violence spreads citywide

Police have increased security around Hong Kong and its university campuses as they brace for more violence after sharp clashes overnight with anti-government protesters.

In pictures: Violence intensifies as protests continue in Hong Kong

Hong Kong protests started on March 31 over an extradition bill show no signs of abating, despite promises by the chief executive to withdraw the bill. Meanwhile, China seems adamant not to give in to the protesters' demands.

Protesters hit Hong Kong transport network as city spirals into chaos

Hong Kong's leader Carrie Lam has pledged to "spare no effort" in bringing an end to anti-government protests that have wracked the city for more than five months, following a day of violence in which one person was shot and another set on fire.

Alibaba Singles Day sales hit $23B in first nine hours

E-commerce giant Alibaba filled billions of dollars in orders during China's annual Singles Day shopping frenzy, the world's biggest 24-hour shopping event.

Hong Kong faces 24th weekend of protest after student's death

Pro-democracy lawmakers slammed the government clampdown as a calculated move to provoke more violence as an excuse to postpone or cancel November 24 district elections.

Japanese women fight for right to wear glasses to work

Hashtag "glasses are forbidden" trends after a Japanese TV show exposed businesses that were imposing bans on female staff.

Hong Kong student's death triggers fresh outrage

The Hospital Authority confirmed that Chow Tsz-lok, 22, an undergraduate student at the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, had died of injuries.

Japan seizes record 400kg of cocaine at Kobe port

The latest seizure, with an estimated value of $73 million, more than doubles the previous record set in a 177kg haul at another port.

Markets rally after thaw in US-China trade war

The two sides agreed to reduce tariffs on each other's goods in a move that might help reverse a slowing global economy.

Pro-Beijing lawmaker in Hong Kong stabbed while campaigning

A video circulating on social media showed a man giving flowers to Junius Ho and asking permission for a photo with him. The man then drew a knife from his bag and stabbed Ho in the chest but was quickly overpowered by the victim and several others.

Japan wants to go cashless, but elderly aren't so keen

The transition to digital transactions will help country cope with a shrinking population and a tight labour market.