Topic
Economy
A New Dawn for Afghanistan’s Mes Aynak Copper Mine?
By Catherine Putz
With a ribbon-cutting ceremony marking the start of work on an access road, the Taliban and China aim to get the Mes Aynak project underway again.
Crucial July Politburo Meeting Conveys Rare Sense of Urgency for China’s Leaders
By Lizzi C. Lee
The CCP leadership pledged to prioritize domestic consumption and demand, but markets remain skeptical.
Why the Philippines Chose to Privatize Its Largest Airport
By James Guild
Once again, Manila has demonstrated its willingness to turn vital national infrastructure over to the private sector.
China’s Third Plenum Wants to Raise Household Income. That’s Good News for the US.
By Fuxian Yi
Planned reforms could indirectly help balance China-U.S. trade by boosting consumption, thereby reducing political hostility between the two major powers.
Skyrocketing Power Bills Draw Protests Near Pakistan’s Capital
By Munir Ahmed
The increases in power tariffs were needed to meet conditions set by the IMF for a $7 billion loan deal made earlier this month.
China’s Third Plenum: Political Control Drives Economic Reforms
By Mercy A. Kuo
Insights from Benjamin Tsai.
Some Reasons Not to Panic About a Thai Demographic Collapse
By David Hutt
Thailand’s working-age population could decline by around a fifth by 2050, but things are not as grim as they look.
Germany Is Phasing out Chinese Tech From 5G Networks. Is It the Right Call?
By Aparna Divya
Germany’s decision to exclude ZTE and Huawei parts from its 5G networks stems from geopolitical anxieties and strategic concerns.
Monitoring China’s Mineral Stockpiling and Understanding Its Military Implications
By Gregory Wischer and Morgan Bazilian
Discerning when China is stockpiling – and why – is increasingly challenging given China’s increasing secrecy about mineral-related information.
North Korea’s Market Dilemma: Balancing Control and Revenue Generation
By Lee Sang Yong
While markets remain regulated to varying degrees across regions, authorities appear focused on stimulating rather than shutting them down, likely as a means to raise funds.
Who Cares If Malaysia and Thailand Join BRICS?
By David Hutt
As it expands, the grouping has become increasingly incapable of articulating a coherent political, security, or economic vision.
Vietnam Allows Big Companies to Buy Clean Energy Directly to Meet Their Climate Targets
By Aniruddha Ghosal
The government has lifted a regulation requiring all consumers of power to purchase it at fixed prices from the state utility EVN.