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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 Indonesia Now Has Two State-Owned Investment Funds
By James Guild
Danantara and the Indonesia Investment Authority differ considerably in terms of their function within Indonesia's political economy.

Is China Entering Its ‘Japan Moment’?
By David Tingxuan Zhang
China’s economy is nowhere near a breaking point – but it is unmistakably slowing down.

Trump’s New Tariffs Say More Than Just Numbers
By Pham Quang Hien
A foreign policy based on coercion, but lacking predictability and institutional commitment, could see the United States cut itself off from the global network of trust.

Reflecting on the Vietnam Communist Party’s Soliloquy to the Private Sector
By Nick J. Freeman
If Resolution 68 is to be believed, state-owned enterprises are about to lose what remains of their special privileges.

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.
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