In The News

China Wary as US Puts Lid on Textile Imports

Edward Alden November 20, 2003
The US can now import only limited quantities of brassieres, knit fabrics, and cotton dressing gowns from China – much to the relief of the US's domestic textile industry and to the ire of Chinese officials. Washington implemented the quotas in response to growing pressure from the US textile industry, which has lost 316,000 jobs in the past two years. Officials in the industry echo the...

Japan Heads to Iraq, Haunted by Taboo Bred in Another War

Norimitsu Onishi November 19, 2003
For the first time since the Second World War, Japan faces the possibility of entering a conflict where Japanese soldiers may kill or be killed. The nation has come a long way since World War II when kamikaze attacks were considered normal and honorable. As a result of Japan's Article 9 of its Constitution, which prohibits the use of force to solve disputes, the country is thought to abhor...

Superpower Dream Behind China's Heavy Industry Push

Guo Shiping November 19, 2003
Beijing's recent decision to invest in the development of heavy industries in northeastern China is not only an economically strategic move, says Chinese economist Guo Shiping. While heavy industry is a necessary backbone to long-term growth, Guo says, the shift away from a single-minded focus on light industry and service sectors will also better prepare China for true superpower status....

Seoul in Dilemma Over Iraq Troops

Seo Hyun-jin November 15, 2003
With the original goal of helping the United States to reconstruct Iraq, South Korea sent 675 army engineers and medics there over the summer. But now, citing security concerns, South Korea will most likely not meet a US request for 5,000 combat troops to help stabilize the country. Some Korean officials are worried that their country's reluctance to commit more troops in Iraq may damage the...

Thailand's Risk Level for Expatriates Raised

Marisa Chimprabha November 13, 2003
Due to political and security concerns, Thailand has joined Burma, Saudi Arabia, and Indonesia as a "medium risk" destination for Israeli and Western tourists. In recent years, the country has attracted more tourists and business people from the West and Israel than any other country in the region. Unfortunately, these tourists may become easy targets for terror groups like the...

Surprise Word on Nuclear Gains by North Korea and Iran

David E. Sanger November 12, 2003
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has issued reports stating that North Korea and Iran are both further along in the development of nuclear weapons than what was previously known or expected. Iran's program particularly has surprised experts, as its efforts to enrich uranium and to separate plutonium have been well-hidden for 18 years. The general consensus remains that North...

Asia's Elite Corps

Suzanne Sng November 6, 2003
Is there a global 'face' for female beauty? If so, it isn't Asian, say the heads of several Asian modeling agencies. As the Elite modeling agency gears up for its talent search in Singapore this weekend, only about one-fifth of the contestants are Asians. "There may be more and more Asian models," in the future, says the managing director of Carrie Models, which has...