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Pacific Money
The 21st century is commonly referred to as the 'Pacific Century.' For such a prediction to materialize, the economies of the Asia-Pacific must lead the globe. What challenges will the region face? What nations stand to benefit most? The Diplomat's economics and business blog, Pacific Money, will try to tackle these questions and more.

Why South Korea Needs a Trade Deal With the United States
By Troy Stangarone
Without a new deal or an extension to the talks, South Korea will face a series of new tariffs from the United States that will significantly impact its economy.

Asian Universities Rise in Global Sustainability Leadership Rankings
By Bayu Arie Fianto
Amid global SDG funding gaps, Asian universities are stepping up as leaders in sustainable finance, driving research and innovation to shape a more sustainable future.

How Indonesia Is Using Its Green Sukuk
By James Guild
The increasing use of these Islamic financial instruments reflects the growing sophistication of Indonesia's capital markets.

Silicon Statecraft Alignment: Taiwan’s Strategic Bet on US-Led Export Controls
By Ching-Fu Lin and Han-Wei Liu
Taiwan’s June 10 entity list update is no mere technical fine-tuning – it marks a shift in both regulatory burden-sharing and further security alignment with the U.S.

Not Just Shock Absorbers: How ASEAN Is Shaping the China Trade Balance
By Marcus Loh
Even as China turns to the region to manage overcapacity and geopolitical headwinds, Southeast Asia will continue to shape trade on its own terms.

Why Thailand Shelved the ‘Digital Wallet’ Scheme
By James Guild
The multibillion-dollar stimulus plan did little to address the longer-term structural challenges facing the Thai economy.

Is a Broad Free Trade Coalition Possible?
By KAWASHIMA Shin
Or are we doomed to repeat the rise of economic blocs that preceded the world wars?

Tariffs Put Extra Pressure on Workers in Both China and the US
By Li Qiang
Revitalizing U.S. manufacturing and improving ordinary Americans’ lives requires a structural solution. Raising global labor standards – including in China – is the answer.

Why the National Energy Transition Roadmap Makes Sense for Malaysia
By James Guild
As in other areas of the country's energy sector, the state is playing a leading role in developing renewable energy projects.

Indonesia, EU to Conclude Free Trade Negotiations By End of June
By Sebastian Strangio
The two sides have strong economic and strategic incentives to finalize an agreement that has been under negotiation for nearly a decade.

Japanese Economic Nationalism and the Seven & i Holdings Takeover
By Aitana de Pablo Valero and Jean-Marc F Blanchard
At issue is not only the future of one of Japan’s most recognizable retail giants, but also the extent to which Tokyo's economic nationalism will prevent majority foreign ownership of Japanese firms.

A Chance for India to Return to RCEP?
By SUKEGAWA Seiya
A strategic approach by Japan and ASEAN could ofer a golden opportunity.
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