Hong Kong: Highest Alert, Major Flight Disruptions
HONG KONG – On July 20, Typhoon Wipha struck Hong Kong as a Category 10 storm with gusts up to 167 km/h, heavy rainfall, and powerful waves. Authorities reported over 450 fallen trees, more than 250 people sought shelter, and 26 hospitalized … Continue reading Hong Kong: Highest Alert, Major Flight Disruptions
Tourist Boat Capsizes in Vietnam’s Halong Bay
HANOI/HALONG BAY – On July 19, a tourist vessel named Wonder Sea carrying 53 people (48 passengers and 5 crew) capsized around 14:00 local time in Halong Bay, Quang Ninh province, as Storm Wipha approached Vietnam across the South China Sea. … Continue reading Tourist Boat Capsizes in Vietnam’s Halong Bay
Trump Tariff Ultimatum Sparks Global Alarm
WASHINGTON – The Trump administration has reignited global trade tensions with a sweeping series of letters to 14 countries, including key allies in Asia, warning of harsh tariffs unless bilateral trade agreements are reached within three weeks. The letters—some outlining … Continue reading Trump Tariff Ultimatum Sparks Global Alarm
Vietnam Emerges as Southeast Asia’s Brightest Star
HANOI – Vietnam is rapidly emerging as a powerhouse in international travel. As of 2024, the country received approximately 17.5 million international arrivals, overtaking Singapore to become Southeast Asia’s third-most-visited destination—behind Thailand (35 million) and Malaysia (25 million). Remarkably, Vietnam has reclaimed 98 % … Continue reading Vietnam Emerges as Southeast Asia’s Brightest Star
Southeast Asia Deepens Ties with Russia
Jakarta/Moscow — In a marked geopolitical pivot, key Southeast Asian nations are intensifying their partnerships with Russia, signaling a shift in the region’s diplomatic posture. Indonesia and Malaysia, two of ASEAN’s most influential members, have both demonstrated growing alignment with … Continue reading Southeast Asia Deepens Ties with Russia
US presses Hanoi to reduce dependence on China
WASHINGTON/HANOI – The US is urging Vietnam to lessen its reliance on Chinese tech in devices assembled locally—such as Apple iPhones, Samsung smartphones, and Meta/Google VR headsets—exported to the American market. Hanoi is hosting meetings with domestic manufacturers to boost … Continue reading US presses Hanoi to reduce dependence on China
Flood of Cheap Chinese Goods Disrupts Southeast Asia
KUALA LUMPUR – A new wave of economic disruption is sweeping across Southeast Asia, driven by an influx of cheap Chinese goods flooding regional markets. From wardrobes in Johor to garments in Jakarta, Chinese manufacturers—displaced by renewed US tariffs—are saturating … Continue reading Flood of Cheap Chinese Goods Disrupts Southeast Asia
Vietnam-Thailand: A New Era of Partnership
HANOI – At the Vietnam-Thailand Business Forum 2025, held on May 16 in the Vietnamese capital under the theme “One Plus One Equals Three Connections,” Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra sent a clear signal … Continue reading Vietnam-Thailand: A New Era of Partnership
Apple Shifts iPhone Production to India, Vietnam
Cupertino/New Delhi/Hanoi — Apple is accelerating the transformation of its global supply chain: The US tech giant will soon manufacture most iPhones sold in the United States in India, while iPads, Macs, Apple Watches, and AirPods will largely come from … Continue reading Apple Shifts iPhone Production to India, Vietnam
BASF Sharpens Focus on Asia’s Emerging Giants
LUDWIGSHAFEN/BEIJING/DELHI — BASF, the world’s largest chemical producer, is accelerating its pivot toward Asia’s booming economies. At the company’s recent Annual General Meeting, CEO Markus Kamieth underscored plans to intensify growth efforts not only in China but more aggressively in … Continue reading BASF Sharpens Focus on Asia’s Emerging Giants