The Big Story
Asia's femtech revolution: the quest for better women's health
Underserved by mainstream health care, women from India to Japan turn to technology
Laos
Interview
U.S. needs careful Mekong strategy to counter China: expert
Mekong Institute executive director says region is key focus for superpowers
International relations
China-Laos railway begins with limited service
Southeast Asia's first high-speed link to stop at Chinese border for now
Belt and Road
China-Laos high-speed railway set to roll through COVID cloud
Southeast Asian country's rising infections reduce pomp of Friday's launch
International relations
Chinese developer provokes ire in Laos with 100-meter Buddha statue
Locals who follow another sect protest structure set to become capital's tallest
Opinion
States can no longer turn a blind eye to jailed human rights defenders
Urgent issue concerns every United Nations-member state
Currencies
Laos enlists Japan startup for study on digital currency
ASEAN member is latest China-linked economy to seek new payment options
Belt and Road
China promises to raise imports from ASEAN ahead of new rail link
Train line to Vientiane, third connection for the bloc, due to open Dec. 2
Business deals
Thai unicorn Flash Express partners with AIF Group in Laos
E-commerce startup looks to expand later in Cambodia and Vietnam using Lao network
Tokyo 2020 Olympics
Sunisa Lee's gold medal stirs hopes for Hmong in US
Gymnast's grit in face of hardship resonates with Laotian group's past
Belt and Road
Laos deepens reliance on China for key transport projects
Construction cost could amount to around $18bn amid 'debt trap' concerns
Opinion
Why we should care about fate of the Mekong
Worsening environmental degradation will impact millions
Agriculture
Southeast Asia looks to Israeli tech to improve farming techniques
Israel companies offer ways to boost production as region faces supply threats
Climate Change
Laos to sell Vietnam its wind power with Mitsubishi's help
Cross-border power-sharing is expected to increase in Southeast Asia
Coronavirus
Vietnam fears COVID wave from Cambodia or Laos as holiday nears
Hanoi tightens borders and boosts pandemic preparations in southwest
Politics
Laos taps Xi classmate as presidential aide, deepening China tilt
Ex-commerce chief Khemmani offers personal link to Vientiane's top creditor
Politics
New Laos president faces rising China debt and battered economy
Party General Secretary Thongloun enjoys high support as 'clean' leader
International relations
Mekong's falling water level riles China's downstream neighbors
Jinghong Dam cuts flow bound for Thailand, Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam
International relations
Thailand challenges Laos dam building spree on Mekong River
Move threatens to pull plug on Vientiane's 'battery of Southeast Asia' vision
Politics
Laos' new leader to play balancing act between China and Vietnam
New secretary-general looks to largest lender Beijing despite strong ties with Hanoi
