Blog
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.
What Is Happening at Indonesian State-Owned Pharmaceutical Company Indofarma?
By James Guild
The company has recently come under investigation for its involvement in a long list of fraudulent activities.
From Tsai to Lai: Taiwan’s Economic Security Reforms Amid the AI Chip Surge
By Jeremy Chih-Cheng Chang and Chiang Min-yen
Reviewing past achievements and highlighting three unfinished challenges.
Myanmar Growth to Remain Stagnant As Conflict, Displacement Spreads
By Sebastian Strangio
The World Bank predicts the country's economy to grow by 1 percent this fiscal year, but even that seems optimistic in the current circumstances.
Why Southeast Asian Telcos Are Taking Losses on Their Overseas Holdings
By James Guild
The region's firms are suffering as governments begin tightening their control over strategically sensitive sectors.
Does the Sanctioned Daughter of the Kremlin’s Press Chief Have a Kazakh Bank Account?
By Catherine Putz
A recent report suggests that Elizaveta Peskova may have registered for an individual identification number in Kazakhstan -- that in turn may have enabled her to access the Kazakh banking system.
Shenzhen, China: The World Pioneer in Electric Vehicles
By Takahashi Kosuke
The public and private sectors work together to promote the spread of EVs, as evidenced by the city’s fully electric bus and taxi fleets.
The Other Half of ‘Chip 4’: Japan and South Korea’s Different Paths to De-risking
By Charles Mok
As Japan's semiconductor revival is firing on all cylinders, South Korea must move past its dependence on China to find its groove again.
Lessons From Lithuania: How ASEAN Can Manage Economic Risks With China
By Shay Wester
Lithuania’s experience provides a wake-up call for Southeast Asia about the risks of economic coercion.
Malaysia Unveils Plans to Become Next Global Chip Hub
By Sebastian Strangio
Anwar Ibrahim has pitched Malaysia to foreign chipmakers as "the most neutral and non-aligned location for semiconductor production."
Semiconductor Agreement at Japan-US Summit
By SUZUKI Kazuto
The two countries move forward with cooperation, despite some diverging interests.
Did Illegal Tin Mines Really Steal $26 Billion From the Indonesian State?
By James Guild
The Indonesian government recently brought corruption charges against Harvey Moeis, a wealthy businessman with interests in the mining sector.
New Energy Competition: It’s Politics First for Both US and China
By Rakshith Shetty
Both China and the U.S. are looking to tariffs and other trade barriers to protect their clean energy industries. The outcome is likely to be a more protectionist world economy.