Asia Pacific
Despite Uber raid, Chinese e-commerce remains friendly
The raid on Uber’s offices in China does not herald a clampdown on e-commerce in China, but rather demonstrates the importance of understanding China’s internal stability concerns. Meanwhile foreign firms continue
Indonesian president Widodo using executions to demonstrate authority
In the face of international reproach, the executions of Australian citizens Andrew Chan and Myuran Sukumaran are intended to make Joko Widodo appear decisive. More than anything, they are an
Clean energy: China’s new strategy for growth
China has been investing large sums of money into clean energy – in fact, more than any other country in the world. The reasons for this are strategic, and can
How should investors respond to China’s SOE reform?
Beijing’s recent reforms on State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs) are likely to alter these companies’ investment activities overseas. In the short run, current partners of Chinese SOEs should be cautious of their
Could Asia’s debt torpedo growth?
Debt-to-GDP ratios have built up rapidly across Asia and may start impeding growth. Even more worrisome than the absolute levels of debt is the pace of the increase. While the
Is the Sino-Pakistani alliance a threat to India?
President Xi Jinping’s recent trip to Pakistan has cemented the strategic and economic imperative of Sino-Pakistani relations. With $46 billion of Chinese financing slated to be invested in Pakistan, both
China: Lender of first (and last) resort
Contemporary political analysis, though firmly focused on the yet to be created AIIB, should be equally as focused on the poorly covered Chinese bilateral lending relationships that already exist. China’s
“Made in Indonesia” smartphone law presents uphill battle for investors
A regulation due to come into effect later this year will shake up the Indonesian smartphone market. Global brands seeking access to Indonesia’s fast-growing and potentially vast mobile market will
Myanmar’s Kokang rebels threaten trade with China
A growing ethnic insurgency along Myanmar’s border with China is presenting a host of problems for the country. Ethnic Chinese Kokang rebels have resumed their conflict in the country’s northeast,
AIIB membership is about business, not politics
Following Beijing’s announcement on April 15th, 57 nations will become founding members of the AIIB. With around $100 billion already earmarked for the bank, many countries joined based on the opportunity
