Asia Pacific
China’s central bank stands alone against inflation
Renminbi internationalization may work against the Chinese central bank’s effort to tighten liquidity and curb rising inflation. Commercial banks will also have bigger leverage over the central bank as more
Fukushima amplifies Japanese energy import dependence
The Fukushima disaster demonstrates Japan’s reliance on energy imports as Tokyo shuts down its reactors and spends billions on stop-gap energy production. When Typhoon Wipha flooded Japan with heavy rains last
China-Australia FTA blocked by industry fears
Australia now is growing impatient in cementing a free trade agreement (FTA) with China. In early October, new Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott indicated his intention for securing a watered
Will Abe finally lead Japan towards labour reform?
During an interview with the Financial Times last week, the Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe warned that labour reforms in Japan might be delayed due to fears of strong opposition
Will South China Sea exacerbate Asia’s slowdown?
With rising regional tensions, speculation is rampant as to whether the situation in the South China Sea will hasten Asia’s economic slowdown. The global community has recently been confronted by
Asian Development Bank Predicts Slowdown in China and India
In a report released 2nd October, the Asian Development Bank (ADB) cut its growth forecasts for the region in both 2013 and 2014. Slow growth in China and India as
Amid Myanmar’s Reforms, Unresolved Issues Remain
In reaction to political reforms, Myanmar’s once-hefty sanctions have been lifted by both the EU and US, and investors from around the world have stampeded into the market. Often being
Shanghai’s Free-Trade Zone Unclear on Key Details
Last Sunday, China’s newest free-trade zone was officially launched in Shanghai. This development demonstrates the government’s willingness to open up the financial system, internationalize its currency and ease restrictions to
Is PetroChina’s Lack of Performance Simply Bad Business?
PetroChina is one of the globe’s foremost producers of crude oil and China’s largest company. Following its establishment in 1999, the oil giant has experienced a number of ‘ups’, but
China’s North Korea Investments Safe Despite Export Ban
Investing in a place like North Korea is always fraught with danger, yet China’s assets in the hermit kingdom remain safe despite the export ban. Political risks are the major
