Asia Pacific
Russia and China extend energy ties at APEC
With another major energy deal reached on the fringes of APEC Summit in Beijing, Russia and China continue to strengthen their energy ties with significant geopolitical consequences for both countries.
Shanghai free trade zone takes it slow
One year after the establishment of Shanghai Pilot Free Trade Zone, foreign investors have become impatient for more financial liberalization measures. Yet, this is not a convenient time for China to
What does China’s 4th Plenum mean for investors?
As China implements rule of law with Chinese characteristics, the main question is whether it will shift to a more economically liberal investment environment, or whether little will change. When China’s Fourth
Japan de-escalates the Senkaku-Diaoyu dispute
Japan seeks to improve the tense situation in the run-up to the APEC meeting in December. Prime Minister Shinzo Abe cannot afford risking trade relations with China. Japanese Prime Minister
Protests jeopardise Hong Kong’s leverage with Beijing
Hong Kong protestors demand that Chief Executive Leung Chun-ying step down and for Beijing to allow free elections in 2017. Yet, volatile financial markets undermine some of the city’s leverage with Beijing.
Unrest threatens Hong Kong’s status as Asia’s financial hub
Known for its capitalistic free economy advocating no barriers to trade and a low corporate tax rate, Hong Kong as entrepôt offers vital strategic importance to Beijing’s trade with the
China’s corruption crackdown leads to Zhou’s arrest
In his fight against corruption, Chinese President Xi Jinping vowed to target both “tigers and flies.” But his next target appears to be a tiger, as Zhou Yongkang, one of the
Samsung’s predicament puts South Korea at economic crossroad
With his hospitalization, the family of Lee Kun-hee, Chairman of Samsung Electronics, risks losing management of the company. The South Korea’s National Assembly will soon face a crossroads on Chae-bols, South
Abenomics has a silver lining
Japanese GDP took another tumble in the second quarter, but Abenomics has not been for naught. Although Japanese GDP actually fell by less than analyst expectations in the second quarter,
Is China’s economy too big to transform?
China’s growing debt-to-GDP ratio raises concerns for investors. Investment in traditional pollution-heavy and overcapacity-ridden industries is strong, despite many policy tools that help finance more lucrative sectors. Inertia has been haunting China ever
