Commodities Philippines, Malaysia and Vietnam hold promise for building China-free supply chain Sumitomo Metal Mining seeks to tap the Philippines’ rare-earth resources to step up production. (Sumitomo Metal Mining) ARATA SHIGENO and YUI SATO TOKYO — Japanese companies are targeting Southeast Asia in their efforts to build rare-earth supply chains that do not rely on…
Interview Like-minded countries need to pursue ‘geostrategic autonomy’ It’s important for defense-related startups to have owners in countries that are “like-minded” and “trustful,” says Helsinki Mayor Daniel Sazonov. (Photo by Subaru Tanaka) TOKYO — Helsinki, a hub for defense-related startups, is eager to work more with Japan to help develop “geostrategic autonomy” for their countries,…
Politics Rafizi and Nik Nazmi to contest next general election under new group Malaysia’s former Economy Minister Rafizi Ramli, right, and former Natural Resources and Environment Minister Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad shake hands during an event in Kuala Lumpur on May 17. (Photo by Norman Goh) KUALA LUMPUR — Two former Malaysian ministers said Sunday…
Welcome to Your Week in Asia. Following last week’s vote by the House of Representatives, the Philippines watches Vice President Sara Duterte face a senate impeachment trial on Monday. All eyes are on the outcome, which could be indicative of the Duterte clan’s future in national politics and have a significant bearing on the presidential…