China up close
Analysis: China flip-flop on Japanese visas highlights further policy confusion
Efforts to save face for Xi show same traits as abrupt cancelation of zero-COVID policy
Coronavirus
Economy
Hong Kong economy shrinks 3.5% in 2022 on COVID blues
Weak global outlook also weighs as city property prices sink
Caixin
Where do fake COVID drugs come from in China?
Source of counterfeit pills may be Indian generic drug makers, distributors say.
Economy
Japan's GDP rebounds 2.3% in Q4, analysts estimate
Reopening from pandemic lifts spending, with exports also expected to rise
Economy
China manufacturing PMI tops 50 1st time in 4 months in January
Pandemic pressures ease, world's No. 2 economy regains vigor
Travel & Leisure
Foreign tourist spending in Japan rebounds close to pre-COVID levels
Credit card use surged after easing of entry restrictions in October
International relations
China resumes visas for Japanese on apparent economic concerns
Business travel viewed as essential for smooth transition after Lunar New Year
Comment
Japan exits COVID chapter marked by lack of science
As downgrade nears, government should take stock of its response
Transportation
U.S. airlines stay cautious on China and Japan despite COVID exit
Global forecast strong as other regions expected to fuel growth
Coronavirus
Japan businesses seek COVID exit strategy ahead of May downgrade
Stadiums, stores and hotels try to balance freedom and safety
Economy
China posts tourism and spending jump over Lunar New Year
Holiday travel spending soars 30% after Beijing dismantles zero-COVID curbs
Opinion
The time for COVID-19 travel restrictions is over
Chinese are ready to go abroad again and global tourism industry wants them to
Coronavirus
What Japan's COVID threat downgrade means: 5 things to know
Masks, expense coverage, border controls to be reviewed alongside shift to flu status
Caixin
China ups ante against false online content over Lunar New Year
Cyberspace agency also on lookout for displays of ostentatious wealth
Opinion
Chinese tourists are back and so is Beijing's tourism diplomacy
Visitor flows and spending being used again to reward friends and punish foes
Your Week in Asia
Thai central bank, South Korea GDP, China New Year travel data
Your weekly lineup of Asia's biggest business and political events
Travel & Leisure
Tokyo-based Hato Bus to resume foreign-language sightseeing tours
First Chinese tours in 3 years to coincide with Lunar New Year
Datawatch
COVID disrupts measles and other vaccinations in Asia, elsewhere
Pandemic saps resources to protect infants from contagious diseases
Travel & Leisure
China kicks off Lunar New Year as COVID explosion fears loom
Year of the Rabbit spending fuels hopes for rebound in world's No. 2 economy
Economy
Shanghai economy shrinks 1st time ever on COVID lockdown
China's key financial hub logs 0.2% dip in 2022
Coronavirus
Hong Kong tourism pins hopes on mainlanders' return
Disneyland to recruit 600 more workers; taxi drivers see good times ahead
Coronavirus
Japan to downgrade COVID-19 as seasonal flu in spring
Government also looks to scrap its indoor mask recommendation
Caixin
China homegrown COVID pill included in national subsidy program
Price negotiations with Pfizer break down over more expensive Paxlovid
Trade
Japan logs record $155bn trade deficit for 2022 as fuel costs jump
Import growth outpaces export rise, with weak yen compounding pressure
Politics
New Zealand PM Jacinda Ardern to step down in February
Prime minister also announces general election set for October