ISLAMABAD -- China's efforts to mediate between Pakistan and Afghanistan are showing little progress after deadly cross-border tensions escalated this week, casting a shadow over Beijing's influence in South Asia.

TOKYO -- Japanese optical equipment maker Konica Minolta will spend 1.8 billion yen ($11.3 million) to expand production capacity for optical components used in chip-testing equipment by 2.6 times this fiscal year under plans laid out Wednesday.

GUANGZHOU -- Chinese electric vehicle leader BYD will invest 300 million reais ($56.9 million) to build an EV research and development facility in Brazil.

TOKYO -- Japanese toy and game company Bandai Namco Holdings is seeing a sharp rise in sales related to its "Mobile Suit Gundam" intellectual property and is seeking to boost recognition abroad to grow sales, including through a Hollywood adaptation.

TOKYO -- Japanese energy provider JERA does not intend to change a liquefied natural gas procurement contract signed with QatarEnergy in early February, despite the Iranian war launched by the U.S. soon after, as the company seeks to maintain ties with resource-rich Qatar.

WASHINGTON -- Japanese leader Sanae Takaichi's statement that a Taiwan crisis could constitute a survival-threatening situation for Japan represents "a significant shift for a sitting Japanese prime minister," the U.S. Office of the Director of National Intelligence said in a new report.

DALIAN, China/TOKYO -- China's shipbuilding industry is enjoying a rebound in orders, with a growing presence in high-value-added vessels such as liquefied natural gas tankers, after the threat of U.S. port fees made for a tumultuous 2025.

TOKYO -- The Bank of Japan's share of Japanese government bond holdings fell below 50% for the first time in three and a half years, according to data released on Wednesday, indicating progress in the central bank's effort to normalize monetary policy.