Asia Pacific
Three things to consider about Trump’s plan to brand China as a ‘currency manipulator’
The US dollar rallied after Trump’s victory, forcing the People’s Bank of China (PBOC) to lower the yuan’s reference rate for 11 consecutive trading days.
Japan faces Russia on the diplomatic path to Central Asia
Japan’s interests in the Far East and Central Asia are increasingly linked with Russia standing tough on the Kuril Islands dispute.
BRICS caught between India and China
The 8th BRICS summit, held in Goa, once again exposed geopolitical fault lines which divide the diverse grouping — most notably between India and China.
Six political trends shaping China today
In China, a number of significant political events have materialised. These will play a monumental role in defining the global political landscape in years to come.
ASEAN faces banking union problems
While the ASEAN Banking Integration Framework (ABIF) shows great promise, the insistence on sticking to the so-called “ASEAN Way” threatens to undermine it.
Donald Trump’s presidential victory signals an end to America’s engagement in Southeast Asia
Trump’s unexpected victory could change how America interacts with Southeast Asia on issues concerning security, human rights and trade.
Prospects for unrest in Thailand’s rice bowl
Collapsing agricultural prices have forced the junta to offer loans to rice farmers. Rice subsidisation in Thailand has historically proven ill-fated.
Rakhine state violence threatens Myanmar’s reform
Renewed conflict in Rakhine state highlights important structural risks to Myanmar’s reform project. Military influence over politics in Rakhine could ensure that the Rohingya dilemma remains a burden for many
Not just a corruption case: the South Korean Presidential Scandal
South Koreans were swept off their feet with tidings of possibly the worst political corruption scandal in recent history. Initial reports of Sun-sil Choi, a businesswoman unaffiliated with the government,
Green dreams: Duterte and the Philippine mining industry
Throughout its history, the Philippine mining industry has been defined by its diverse set of political risks relating to governance, inequality, elitism, foreign export and absent contribution towards the country’s
