Nikkei Markets
Sime Darby's net profit rises on strong equipment sales
Robust demand for mining equipment in China to help sustain earnings
Pacific Islands
Companies
Australia's Westpac loses top two exes in money-laundering scandal
Bank accused of enabling 23m illegal payments as pressure on sector builds
Commodities
US and Australia form scrum to break China's rare-earth grip
Washington looks to ally to end reliance on trade war rival
Energy
LNG prices in Asia plunge 43% as new US supply hits market
Production at new fields in Australia and Russia adding to glut
International relations
Australia investigates Chinese spy ring allegation
Intel agency looks into claim Beijing tried to recruit parliamentary candidate
Business deals
Kirin to sell Australian dairy unit to China's Mengniu
Japanese brewer continues streamlining to focus on alcoholic beverages
Agriculture
Japan to strengthen IP protections for its high-end produce
Move will curb foreign growers so Japanese farms realize the fruits of their labor
Life
Modern Australian cuisine makes waves in Bali
Expatriate chefs rule culinary roost on Indonesian resort island
Tea Leaves
Australians confront 'trial by fire'
Unprecedented bush blazes disrupt politics and social norms Down Under
Huawei crackdown
Huawei back in New Zealand's 5G plans despite security concerns
Country's No. 2 carrier addresses unease with smaller role for Chinese supplier
Transportation
Tokyo Metro tackles $87bn global market with IPO in mind
Subway operator seeks new growth engine as aging population cuts local business
International relations
RCEP trade deal can take effect without India, Thailand confirms
China, Japan, ASEAN and others to write up treaty for ratification by June
International relations
Trump's ASEAN snub signals US-led Asia order is in decline
Southeast Asian leaders see presidential envoy as sign of disrespect, expert says
International relations
Five things to know about India's cool stance on RCEP
Face-saving document raises questions about New Delhi's future in trade deal
International relations
16 Asia-Pacific nations fail to seal RCEP trade deal
India blocks agreement; talks pushed to next year in blow for trade-war-weary China
International relations
China, Japan and ASEAN await India's nod to seal RCEP trade deal
Negotiators in last-minute effort after ministerial talks ended without breakthrough
International relations
Asia ministers end RCEP trade talks without breakthrough
Leaders of 16 nations to release joint statement on deal's status Monday
International relations
RCEP: Five things to know about Asia's mega trade talks
India frustrates China, demanding its farmers and industries be protected
Life
New-style whaling industry draws tourists Down Under
Watching the world's biggest mammals is big business in Australia
Politics
Uluru climbing ban takes effect as indigenous peoples make strides
Governments and business increasingly recognize rights of native populations
