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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.
Foreign Companies in China Face Growing Scrutiny, Pressure
By Joe McDonald
New crackdowns are a jarring backdrop for official efforts to reverse a decline in foreign business interest in China.
Avoiding a Costly China-US Conflict
By Sara Hsu
A direct China-U.S. conflict would cause hundreds of billions or trillions of dollars’ worth of economic damage through business disruptions alone.
2022 Was a Good Year for Petronas
By James Guild
Malaysia's state-owned energy giant has benefited from the global spike in oil and gas prices, but its long-term future is less certain.
The Garment Dilemma in Indonesia-Bangladesh Trade Talks
By Fajar Hidayat
Like many preferential trade agreements, the one between Dhaka and Jakarta has involved a delicate balancing between promoting trade and protecting important industries.
What Did the INA, Indonesia’s Sovereign Wealth Fund, Do in 2022?
By James Guild
In seeding its state-owned fund with capital, Jakarta is hoping to target investments in strategic sectors.
Australia Suspends WTO Case Against China on Barley Tariffs
By Rod McGuirk
Australia suspended a complaint to the World Trade Organization in the Albanese government’s latest step toward repairing relations with Beijing.
What China’s RM 170 Billion Investment Commitment Means for Malaysia
By James Guild
Does the recent eye-popping investment pledge from Beijing stack up against the country's recent economic history?
Southeast Asian Tech Giants Continued Losing Money in 2022
By James Guild
After a single-minded focus on growth and expansion, the region's leading tech firms face a rocky transition to sustained profitability.
Why the Thai Economy Grew Slower Than Its Neighbors’ in 2022
By James Guild
The country's economy continues to be heavily dependent on foreign demand for goods and services.
The Future of State-Sponsored AI Research in China
By Shaoshan Liu
The fundamental mindset of Chinese tech companies is still driven by short-term profit, and they have always looked to the state to sponsor technological leaps.
A Reality Check on China-US Decoupling
By Tamás Mészáros
Decoupling rhetoric masks the fact that the United States and China play very different economic roles in East Asia and possess very different sources of economic power.
Southeast Asia’s Post-Pandemic Tourism Revival
By James Guild
Regional tourism is finally rebounding from the impacts of COVID-19. Will Southeast Asian government do things differently this time around?