A new study suggests 1.55 million people could die if China abandons zero-Covid, with the intensive-care system needing 15.6 times existing capacity.
Beijing's hand-picked candidate, John Lee, takes over as head of Hong Kong, which continues to bleed emigrants and stock market red ink.
Bongbong Marcos has operated almost exclusively through social media during his campaign, calling for 'unity' and glossing over his father's dictatorship.
The impact of the war in Ukraine on food supplies and the effect of Fed rate hikes on the pace of the economy are big concerns moving forward.
Tech-focused investors in Hong Kong responded in negative fashion to real news and rumors alike.
Xiaomi, India's top-selling phone brand, has had US$725.8M seized by the Indian financial-crimes regulator in an investigation into allegedly illegal remittances.
Alibaba and JD.com climbed and led the way in Hong Kong after Chinese officials pledged to soon "compete the special rectification" to the tech sector.
Asian shares fell across the region except in mainland China, where official pronouncements drove heavy-industry stocks higher.
The CSI 300 plunged to its lowest level in two years as residents of the Chinese capital stripped grocery store shelves bare amid lockdown fears.
Southeast Asia's largest economy is going strong and offers a contrast to lockdown-battered China.