Five percent economic growth would be welcome news for the state of Hawaii---or for the United States. But in southeast Asia, that can be a disappointing number. And in Vietnam, a slowing economy may be one factor behind a recent crackdown on the press. HPR’s Bill Dorman has more in today’s Asia Minute.

A territorial dispute in the East China Sea is dividing China and Japan. While protests and politics linger, some Japanese businesses are already paying a high price. In today’s Asia Minute, HPR’s Bill Dorman has the story of one Japanese company that others are watching closely …

U.S. Defense Secretary Leon Panetta is in China this morning … holding several days of talks with high-level officials. It’s part of an Asian trip that’s taking place against a dramatic backdrop of rising tensions in the region. HPR’s Bill Dorman has more in today’s Asia Minute.

The Maui Electric Auto Association is celebrating “National Plug In Day” this Friday. Along with UH Maui College, the group will highlight the growing use of electric vehicles around the islands. Electric vehicles still have only a tiny portion of the market, but it’s growing. And in Asia, electric vehicles may be the future of taxi cabs in at least one major city.

A territorial dispute involving islands in the Pacific has continued to develop all week. The latest flareup centers on Japan and China---and could start to have an impact on regional trade. HPR’s Bill Dorman has more in today’s Asia Minute.