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 […]
CHINA: Power shortages reflect price controls, “campaign-style” climate efforts
The combination of surging coal prices and inflexible, government-controlled electricity prices has imposed financial losses on coal-fired power plants, prompting them to cut production. Political pressure on provincial governments to meet ambitious targets on cutting carb… Become a member to read the rest of this article
INDIA: Foreign e-retailing companies face legal pushback
Charges that Amazon might have bribed officials have prompted demands that the government probes the company’s operations in India. The challenges posed by e-commerce to the survival of small stores are viewed sympathetically by the government. The urge to get foreign i… Become a member to read the rest of this article
ASIA: What the Quad’s evolution means for Asia
The evolution of the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue into new areas of cooperation at this week’s summit has important implications for the delicate balance of political and economic relations across Asia. For Japan, the Quad represents an important component in a gradual til… Become a member to read the rest of this article
PHILIPPINES: The circus is coming to town
Sara Duterte is still the nominal front-runner for the presidency, although she disavows any intent to seek the office. Her recent ratings decline may be a cause of worry for her campaign and force her to disclose her real intent sooner. Manila mayor Francisco Domagoso … Become a member to read the rest of […]