HONG KONG/SHENZHEN -- Chinese lidar maker Robosense Technology plans to open its first overseas factory in Southeast Asia in the second half of this year, in response to its foreign clients' mounting demands for protection against geopolitical tensions.

TAIPEI -- Taiwan President Lai Ching-te has been forced to call off a visit to the small southern African nation of Eswatini this week, his administration said on Tuesday, blaming China's powerful international sway.

SHANGHAI -- China on Tuesday cut gasoline prices for the first time this year to reflect the decline in global oil prices since the Iran war ceasefire, easing pressure on its refining sector.

KUALA LUMPUR -- Shares in a major Malaysian shipping player made a lackluster stock market debut on Tuesday, as the company aims to expand regionally and plug gaps in the country's container transport industry, even as geopolitical tensions in the Middle East disrupt key trade routes.

SEOUL -- South Korea's benchmark stock index hit a record high Tuesday in response to easing Middle East tensions and a sustained rally in the tech sector.

TOKYO -- The Bank of Japan is expected to leave its policy rate unchanged at 0.75% as it seeks more time to assess the economic impact of disruptions to Middle East oil supplies following the conflict between the U.S., Israel and Iran.

TOKYO -- Japan's decision on Tuesday to ease restrictions on defense equipment exports is expected to open the door to overseas sales, prompting local companies such as IHI and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries to ramp up production and accelerate capital investment.

JAKARTA -- Indonesia-based cybersecurity company Itsec Asia is aiming to tap connections with Islamic countries to accelerate expansion into the Middle East, citing opportunities from the overall spread of online attacks as well as growing hesitation among businesses in the region to utilize Israeli and U.S. services, CEO Patrick Dannacher told Nikkei Asia.

OSAKA/TOKYO -- Panasonic Holdings has developed an automated system for culturing induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells that is anticipated to slash the cost of related medical treatments.