China Executive Insights
John Lee's new national security powers cast fresh doubt on courts delivering independent justice Chow Hang-tung, vice-chair of Hong Kong Alliance in Support of Patriotic Democratic Movements of China, attends a news conference in Hong Kong on Sept. 5, 2021. © Reuters Patrick Poon is a board member of the Asian Lawyers Network, and East Asia lead of the Human Rights Measurement Initiative.
Company eyes fiscal 2030 for robots that can walk around, paint and coat walls Shimizu is testing out the ability of this robot from China's Unitree to patrol construction sites on foot. (Photo by Kohei Okuyama) TOKYO -- Japanese general contractor Shimizu plans to introduce AI-powered humanoid robots at its construction sites by around fiscal 2030, aiming to have them handle such work as painting and plastering in a bid to alleviate the industry's severe labor shortages, Nikkei has learned.
New system promises to reduce labor-intensive evaluations for loans to small businesses MUFG Bank is considering sharing its planned system with regional banks, many of which are struggling with labor shortages. (Photo by Akira Kodaka) TOKYO -- MUFG Bank plans to combine satellite imagery data and artificial intelligence in a system to inspect real estate used as loan collateral starting in fiscal 2027, shaving up 10,000 hours annually from time devoted to on-site inspections.
Studios scramble to secure talent as streaming services stoke demand Crunchyroll hosts the Anime Awards. The streamer is busy acquiring distribution rights for Japanese anime. (Crunchyroll) TOKYO -- The growing worldwide popularity of Japanese anime has driven up production costs by more than 50% over the past several years, with streaming services spending more on content in a bid to gain subscribers.
Nvidia's Vera CPU compute tray is displayed during Nvidia GTC in Taipei on June 3. (Photo by Ken Kobayashi) US chipmakers lead, but China players aim to increase local market share TAIPEI/PALO ALTO, California -- The global AI boom is reshaping one of the semiconductor industry's most important battlegrounds: CPUs.
Japan, South Korea, Saudi investors break ground on new hub near Tashkent A model of the new airport near Tashkent. (Press Service of the President of Uzbekistan) TASHKENT -- Uzbekistan's plan to build a new airport near the capital Tashkent is part of a drive to liberalize its aviation industry that also includes a planned listing of the state airline in 2027, as experts see a boom in arrivals to Central Asia.
Startup with 9 of world's top 10 carmakers as clients raises over $750m in IPO A Momenta robotaxi is displayed at the booth of the Chinese autonomous driving startup at the Auto Shanghai show in April 2025. © Reuters HONG KONG -- Shares of Chinese self-driving startup Momenta opened up nearly 2% on their debut in Hong Kong on Wednesday, as investors weighed hopes that its technology will define the future of autonomous vehicles against worries about profitability.
Cheapest model yet comes as Hanoi tightens rules on gasoline-powered motorcycles VinFast has priced the VF2 at 188 million dong ($7,148), making it the company's cheapest EV. (Vingroup) HANOI -- EV maker VinFast has announced its cheapest model so far, aiming to broaden car ownership in Vietnam through mass market affordability.
Data center orders spur turnaround on conservative forecasts that had rattled shares Japanese cable maker Fujikura is betting on growing demand for optical fiber in the U.S. (Photo by Takahiro Yamamoto) TOKYO -- Japanese wire maker Fujikura is investing heavily in fiber-optic cable production as an influx of orders brightens its outlook, helping the company start to shed the cautiousness that marked its management since a failed expansion several years ago.
CSBC chairman says first homegrown sub ready soon, urges legislature to back drones The CSBC Endeavor Manta, introduced last year, is one of Taiwan’s first military uncrewed surface vessels. It is designed to conduct a range of missions, including rescues, patrols, combat operations and attacks. (CSBC) KAOHSIUNG, Taiwan -- The leading shipbuilder in Taiwan is emerging from choppy waters and ready to capitalize on the government's ambitious plans to expand its maritime forces to counter vessels from China that are "constantly lurking around," its chairman told Nikkei Asia in an interview.
State-owned Ningbo Zhoushan in tie-up with Esbjerg Port, a EU wind power hub Denmark's Esbjerg Port was designated a NATO port in 2022 and also is recognized as a wind energy hub for the European Union. (Screenshot from Port of Esbjerg's website) HAMBURG, Germany -- A cooperation deal between a NATO port in Denmark and Ningbo-Zhoushan Port Group has raised concerns about Chinese influence over the European Union's strategic hubs, underscoring the clash between the bloc's push for rapid green-energy expansion and its ability to protect critical infrastructure.
Vietnamese conglomerate aims to turn isolated coastal area into new urban hub Vingroup has begun constructing a bridge that would make Vung Tau accessible within 10 minutes for residents of the conglomerate's Vinhomes located in the mangrove reserve area of Can Gio in Ho Chi Minh City. (Vingroup illustration) HO CHI MINH CITY -- Vingroup has broken ground on a sea bridge linking its massive Can Gio urban development project with neighboring Vung Tau, deepening the Vietnamese conglomerate's push into infrastructure as it seeks to build a new urban hub across the southern part of Ho Chi Minh City.