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Asia Pacific Politics

New government in the Maldives gets a shaky start

Despite surprising election results, a fractious political landscape will remain a challenge for the Maldives as the country tackles effects of climate change and growing international attention. Following Abdulla Yameen’s surprising victory

Asia Pacific Natural resources and energy

Part III of IV: Why Indonesia needs further energy subsidy reform

The Indonesian government has been hesitant to cut subsidies out of fear of public unrest and political backlash. As domestic energy demand continues its historic growth, however, the economic cost

Asia Pacific Economics

Abenomics goes ‘all in’ with April tax hike

While March’s wage hike by Japan came as a bright spot amidst growing concern over Abenomics, will April’s 3 percentage point tax hike rain on Abe’s parade? Since sweeping back

Asia Pacific Economics

Indonesia latest emerging market to reject investment treaties

Jakarta’s turn-around is only the latest in a growing chorus of opposition to bilateral investment treaties, meant to attract foreign investors by solidifying FDI protection at the price of curtailing sovereign policy space.

Asia Pacific Finance

China’s internet banking faces tightened regulations

China’s central bank is considering regulations that would curb the development of China’s internet banking innovation. Facing rising domestic financial risks, Chinese policy makers seem to be liberalizing the financial

Asia Pacific Security

Vietnam’s naval modernization could destabilize region

Vietnam’s recent military and naval modernization potentially puts it on a collision course with China. Aside from further destabilizing regional security, such tensions could scare off Chinese investors, a disastrous development

Asia Pacific Economics

Widening wealth gap threatens Vietnam’s stability

A joint report issued earlier this month by the Vietnam General Statistics Office and the World Bank has drawn attention to a growing wealth gap in the Southeast Asian nation.

Asia Pacific Economics

3 factors that will affect China’s GDP growth rate this year

Economists and China watchers alike have waited for news on whether China’s growth will remain high. Contrary to popular belief, a decline in growth would actually signify effective implementation of