CHINA: ‘Common prosperity’ is more reform than revolution
A newly published speech by President Xi Jinping and a pilot project in Zhejiang province are important signals about the Communist Party’s “common prosperity” agenda to address social inequality. These signals suggest a long-term program of tighter regulation, improved pu… Become a member to read the rest of this article Username or E-mail Password […]
JAPAN: Spend-and-defend manifesto continues LDP’s buy now, pay later approach
The ruling LDP’s Lower House election manifesto contains new policy emphases in several areas including the economy, health crisis response, and energy, but omits key proposals in each area. On foreign policy, there are notable developments relating to Taiwan, China, and d… Become a member to read the rest of this article
SOUTHEAST ASIA: Reopening to tourists, plus some vaccine hesitancy
Across much of the region, countries are accelerating their plans to reopen their economies to foreign tourists. Several factors — but primarily rising rates of vaccination and pressure from business groups and small and medium enterprises — are raising policymakers’ willingnes… Become a member to read the rest of this article
CHINA: “Negative list” may force private capital to divest from news media
China’s state planning agency updated its Market Entry Negative List with what appear to be tighter restrictions on private investment in news media and internet livestreaming. The Negative List is not new policy, but annual changes to the list can signal shifts to Beijing… Become a member to read the rest of this article
JAPAN: Kishida, Abe, and the quid pro quo
The first set of public opinion polls show only lukewarm support for new Prime Minister Fumio Kishida’s administration, and a large majority does not favor his economic plans. Even so, the Hallowe’en Lower House election won’t turn into a horror show for Kishida and the LD… Become a member to read the rest of […]
CHINA/TAIWAN/US: PLA flyovers are about deterrence not invasion
China’s People’s Liberation Army (PLA) set three consecutive daily records for aircraft incursions into Taiwan’s air defense identification zone (ADIZ) on 2-4 October. The PLA incursions continue a long-term trend of increasing naval and air force activity near Taiwan but … Become a member to read the rest of this article
PHILIPPINES: As Marcos Jr. enters the race, the wait for Duterte continues
The 2022 picture will remain incomplete until Sara Duterte clarifies her intentions. The outlook for the presidential contest has changed since our initial assessments in the spring — a wide open race is now a greater possibility, especially if Marcos can weather the init… Become a member to read the rest of this article
US/CHINA: Biden’s new China trade strategy sidesteps tough questions
US Trade Representative (USTR) Katherine Tai announced that the Biden administration will relaunch the exclusion process for Trump-era trade war tariffs and restart trade talks with Beijing. But Tai did not commit to any rollback of Trump-era tariffs, nor did she announce … Become a member to read the rest of this article
JAPAN: New PM Kishida calls 31 October election
New Prime Minister Fumio Kishida has called the Lower House election for 31 October, in a move designed to capitalize on his initial poll bounce and the current low Covid-19 case numbers. The new cabinet sees both continuity and change, with Taro Aso being replaced after a… Become a member to read the rest […]
INDONESIA: Widodo wins parliamentary approval for tax changes
Parliament’s Commission XI on Finance this week approved substantial changes to the country’s tax laws, with formal passage of the Bill on Harmonizing Tax Regulations expected next week. The most important part of the legislation in the near term is the VAT increase, as it improv… Become a member to read the rest of […]