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In Taiwan's election, young voters focus on inflation, wages and war

Jan 12, 2024
The U.S. and China loom large over Taiwan's presidential and legislative elections on Jan. 13, but so do domestic bread-and-butter issues.
A man wearing a Team Taiwan jacket from the governing DPP party takes a photo of a group of supporters at a political rally in central Taipei.
Jennifer Pak/Marketplace

Economy and cost of living at top of mind in Taiwan's election

Jan 12, 2024
The U.S. ally's increasingly tense relationship with Beijing has dominated the election campaign. But many ordinary people in Taiwan are struggling to earn enough money.
A man sells fruit at Fu De Market ahead of the general election in Taipei, Taiwan.
Annice Lyn/Getty Images

In Shanghai, vacant storefronts abound, but it's still a struggle to find space

Jan 9, 2024
China's housing bubble has popped, and the commercial property market is going through a rough patch.
For lease signs are posted on an empty Shanghai coffee shop. The commercial property market is going through a transition after the city's severe pandemic lockdown.
Charles Zhang/Marketplace
An iron ore mine near Kathu, South Africa. With 70% of global demand for iron ore coming from China, prices are partially dictated by the Chinese property market.
Emmanuel Croset/AFP via Getty Images

Inside Malaysia's $100 billion "ghost city"

Dec 14, 2023
In 2016, Country Garden unveiled a $100 billion project in Malaysia called Forest City. It was supposed to accommodate nearly 1 million people. Eight years on, the complex is virtually empty.
Forest City, a development in Malaysia that was supposed to house nearly 1 million people, now sits largely empty.
Mohd Rasfan/AFP via Getty Images

Who's better at my job, Chinese AI or me?

Dec 4, 2023
Makers of AI chatbots have promised it would change how we work. Our reporter put that theory to the test with China's Ernie Bot.
Baidu's AI chatbot, Ernie Bot, gives an error message on Aug. 31 in response to a question about a potential war over Taiwan.  It reads, "Try another question."
Greg Baker/AFP via Getty Images

How easy is it for foreign visitors to use Chinese apps?

Nov 21, 2023
Chinese apps are becoming more embedded in daily life in China, but many obstacles remain for foreign visitors to use them.
Thailand's Napatr Morin learned some Chinese before visiting China for the first time to sell her rice cracker snacks. She says knowing the language, or bringing someone who speaks Chinese is crucial for business and to use Chinese apps to get around.
Charles Zhang/Marketplace

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Biden and Xi likely to discuss semiconductor dispute at APEC

Nov 15, 2023
Over the past few years, the U.S. and China have engaged in a tit-for-tat trade spat over semiconductors.
Chinese President Xi Jinping arrives at San Francisco International Airport for the the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation on Tuesday.
Frederic J. Brown/AFP via Getty Images

Why would China sell off its U.S. debt — if that's what it's doing

Nov 7, 2023
There's a hot debate about what it's doing with its holdings, and the answer could affect how much it costs Americans to borrow money.
"We care about whether foreign governments or entities are buying U.S. Treasurys because it impacts the cost of borrowing in this country," said Jesse Wheeler of Morning Consult.
Mark Schiefelbein/POOL/AFP via Getty Images

In China, marriage numbers have fallen, but those who choose to marry have their reasons

Oct 17, 2023
People get married for love, traditional cultural beliefs and to have a social safety net.
A couple takes wedding photos in a Shanghai park.
Charles Zhang/Marketplace