Economics
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.
China in Europe: reshaping trade relations with Central Eastern Europe
China, who has been systematically and intentionally bypassed by the most important regional trade agreements, is now making history by building its way into the Western markets. For China, Central
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.
Contradictions of Brexit overshadow May’s India visit
Intended as a platform to deliver a positive, global statement on Britain’s future after Brexit, Theresa May’s trade mission to India ultimately underscored the dilemma at the heart of the post-Brexit vision.
2017 will see more EU division over Russia sanctions
Russia’s counter-sanctions are hurting various European economies while major investment projects in Russia are being blocked by EU sanctions. This situation has led to enhanced tensions within the EU, thus increasing the risk of disunity regarding its policy towards Moscow.
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.
The Moldovan election: A quiet country at an important crossroads
Europe is full of loud stories, and yet beneath the noise there are first time democratic elections shifting the tide of East-West relations, like Moldova.
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.
Russia’s coal expansion is running out of steam
Despite changing markets, Russia is betting on coal consumption as it moves to develop its eastern regions and pivot from Europe. Will the strategy work?
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
