SOUTHEAST ASIA: An important month ahead for the continental countries
Several continental Southeast Asian countries are dealing with an increase in Covid-19 cases and increased public apprehension of variants and potentially strained health care systems. Recognizing the economic cost of broad lockdowns, most of these governments are attempting… Become a member to read the rest of this article Username or E-mail Password Remember Me […]
CHINA: Politburo sees window of opportunity for painful reforms
The Communist Party’s top decision-making body, the 25-person Politburo, held its quarterly meeting on economy policy on 30 April. Significant shifts in economic policy generally require a decision by the Politburo, so these quarterly meetings are worth watching. While the latest… Become a member to read the rest of this article
CHINA: Alleged population decline is less than meets the eye
China’s statistics bureau has denied a Financial Times report claiming that China’s yet-to-be released 2020 census shows a decline in population for the first time in 60 years.Several technical issues cast doubt on the FT report; decennial census figures are not direct… Become a member to read the rest of this article
MYANMAR: Still at square one, even after ASEAN summit
A statement released yesterday, 27 April, by the State Administrative Council (SAC), as the junta calls itself, hedged its cooperation with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) following a weekend summit that sought to de-escalate the conflict. It said that it would… Become a member to read the rest of this article
US/CHINA: US legislation to counter China unlikely to spark retaliation
Two pieces of legislation focused on US competition with China are likely to pass the US Congress with broad bipartisan support. The bills are an outgrowth of strong anti-China sentiment among US policymakers but are unlikely to trigger direct retaliation by Beijing. Th… Become a member to read the rest of this article
INDIA: Government tries to regain control of the pandemic
As India prepares to vaccinate everyone above the age of 18 against Covid-19 from 1 May amid a serious challenge to its crumbling medical infrastructure, public anger, so far dormant, is growing at the government’s slow response, both federal and local. Public health is under … Become a member to read the rest of […]
ASIA: Weekly politics update
Below is the weekly update of political developments across East Asia. Please do not hesitate to contact us if you want to discuss any of the countries mentioned in more detail. CHINA: Xi’s coal message signals willingness to make tough choices Chinese President Xi Jinping said… Become a member to read the rest of […]
CHINA: Wen Jiabao’s censored essay hints at elite dissatisfaction with Xi
Former premier Wen Jiabao published a personal essay in a Macao newspaper on 15 April that appeared to obliquely criticize Chinese political trends under President Xi Jinping. While the essay suggests a degree of discontent among some political elites, there is no sign that such … Become a member to read the rest of […]
JAPAN/US: Biden and Suga use first meeting to offer new vision
US President Joe Biden welcomed Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga to the White House on Friday, 16 April, Biden’s first in-person summit with a foreign leader since his inauguration and Suga’s first visit to the US as prime minister. Despite Japanese concerns about Su… Become a member to read the rest of this article
US/CHINA: Climate cooperation is no gamechanger for bilateral relations
A joint US-China statement on climate change projects a tone of cooperation but contains no new specific policies or emissions reductions targets by either country. Even if Beijing and Washington are willing to set aside other disputes and treat climate change as a standal… Become a member to read the rest of this article