While arguments continue in Washington about tax rates and government spending, it’s not the only place such discussions are going on. Vietnam is taking a series of steps to cut government spending—including one unusual focus. HPR’s Bill Dorman has more in today’s Asia Minute.

It’s been a busy week for politics in East Asia. Both Japan and South Korea elected new leaders…who share some similarities but are operating in very different environments. HPR’s Bill Dorman has more in today’s Asia Minute.

There’s news this week that may affect some of Hawaii’s top tourism markets in the present--and in the future. Japan is planning a big increase in government spending to boost the economy. And the World Bank has taken a fresh look at the economy of China. HPR’s Bill Dorman has more in today’s Asia Minute.

A quiet revolution is underway this week in the Philippines. It has to do with sex, government, and the Catholic Church. HPR’s Bill Dorman has more in today’s Asia Minute.

When it comes to tourism in Hawaii, no one spends like the Chinese. State figures show they lay out more dollars per day than any other group. So local businesses may be interested in a new survey about the financial habits of China’s wealthiest people. HPR’s Bill Dorman has more in today’s Asia Minute.