The United States’ economic recovery and its debt ceiling topped a survey conducted among 28 Asia experts, business leaders and economists, with more than 60 per cent of respondents voting for the global issue as one they would be keeping the most tabs on in...
The year 2013 has seen more and more devastating environmental disasters in many parts of Asia. The worst haze in history blanketed Southeast Asia in June. Heavy air pollution hit new highs in Shanghai. One of the most powerful typhoons on record struck the Philippines...
China’s new fishing regulations over a disputed swathe of the South China Sea took effect on 1 January, and were promptly criticised by the Philippines and Vietnam. The South-East Asian claimant states demanded that Beijing clarify the new law, which states that all foreign vessels...
Since President Xi Jinping came to power at the start of 2013, the “Chinese dream” has become his marching slogan. When in December, China’s rover mission the Yutu (Jade Rabbit) became the first spacecraft in almost 40 years to land on the moon, it seemed...
In the aftermath of the 2008 global financial crisis, two key buzzwords that conveyed the essence of the recovery strategy were “unconventional monetary policy” and “the new normal”. The developed world would pump up credit and lower interest rates to try to resuscitate failing companies and...
As the new year begins, several ASEAN countries are heading into highly contentious elections. What lies ahead for Thailand, Indonesia and Myanmar? Stalemates and Protests: Thailand Thailand’s crisis will continue well into 2014. Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra’s caretaker government is so far resisting calls to delay the...
I probably travelled too much this year. I went to New York, Europe, and as far away as South America, and to most of the capitals of Asia. There are limits to what telephone and video calls can do. Information is plentiful today but insight requires...
More than a month after Typhoon Haiyan struck the Philippines, human casualties are still being counted and 3.88 million people are without permanent homes. Government efforts, earlier criticised for being too slow, are underway and multinational assistance has been ramped up. The economic and political consequences...
Mr President, Congratulations on handling the domestic crisis of the government shutdown and debt ceiling. The problem will recur, but most see you as a winner for holding your ground. Now, about that trip you cancelled to Asia. Yes, Secretary of State John Kerry filled in but,...
More attention was given to United States President Barack Obama’s late decision to cancel his trip to Asia than to what the region did without him. This is testimony to America’s enduring power and the President’s prestige. Focus intensified also because of the circumstances that triggered...