Asia Pacific
China’s march westward and the ISIS challenge
China is making inroads geopolitically by claiming strategic wins, but terrorism and ISIS remain a threat that can undo it all. In recent years, China is slowly returning to its
China’s monetary and exchange rate problems increase with reform
The recent cuts in Chinese interest rates underline the economic headaches that China is facing. Between long-term reforms and short-term weakening, there appears to be no easy solution for China’s monetary policy.
South China Sea dispute prompts defense spending boom
The unresolved status of islands, shoals and atolls combined with hints of immense hydrocarbon and fisheries wealth has prompted a race among countries bordering the South China Sea. Overlapping territorial
China’s anti-corruption campaign means business
What should businesses expect as China’s anti-corruption campaign continues? Businesses with investments or trade interests in China are understandably alarmed by the scope of the expanding anti-corruption campaign. If they themselves have
China forced to rethink role in Middle East
In recent years, China’s presence in the Middle East has taken on greater significance through deepening economic ties. China is now the second largest trading partner with Arab nations, jumping to
#coinforAbbott: Why Indonesians are Collecting Pocket Change for Australia’s Prime Minister
Australia incited the ire of the Indonesian people this week after Prime Minister Tony Abbott referenced Australia’s aid for the 2004 tsunami, in an attempt to influence Jakarta’s decision to
Thailand’s coup is not what the generals had hoped for
Instability looms in Thailand as the army fails to deliver on promises following its 2014 coup. On the May 22, 2014, the Royal Thai Army overthrew a democratically elected government on
How China’s internet censorship affects foreign business
Control over the Internet has gradually tightened in China since President Xi Jinping came to power. What is the effect on foreign businesses, and will they keep operating in this
Despite tariffs, China pushes photovoltaic manufacturing
Despite the new U.S. anti-dumping and anti-subsidy tariffs on their solar products, Chinese photovoltaic (PV) manufacturers enjoy an enormous domestic market supported by government policies. Meanwhile, Beijing’s industrial upgrading agenda
Xi Jinping’s reforms a sign of the Chinese state maturing
Leadership transitions in China are often marked by radical departures from existing policy and the imposition of policy diametrically opposite to the status quo. The “China Dream” is a version 3.0
