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Chinese firms will expand presence in South-east Asia

Location:

CHINA/SOUTH-EAST ASIA

South-east Asia maintained its position as the largest recipient (40%) of China’s total Asia-Pacific engagement, which was valued at USD14.8bn, up USD12.4bn from 2022. In recent…

South-east Asia may align more with China in near term

Location:

SOUTH-EAST ASIA

A key finding is that 50.5% of respondents would pick China if forced to take sides in US-Chinese rivalry, up from 38.9% in 2023. China continues to be regarded as the most…

Tough economic challenges await Taiwan president-elect

Location:

TAIWAN

The election in January of Lai Ching-te as president signalled continuity in economic policy, and economic pressure from Beijing has to date had limited effect. However, Lai faces…

Papua New Guinea instability will increase

Location:

PAPUA NEW GUINEA

Marape's government is attempting to manage growing political fallout from widespread rioting in January, economic dislocation arising from fuel shortages and a spiralling…

ASEAN-Australia relations will grow

Location:

ASEAN/AUSTRALIA

Besides a leaders’ plenary and retreat, there were events linked to four thematic tracks: business; climate and clean energy; maritime cooperation; and emerging leaders…

South Korea will regain growth momentum

Location:

SOUTH KOREA

Separately, the head of Samsung Electronics -- the cornerstone of the Samsung Group, which contributes around 20% of South Korea’s GDP -- has been cleared of wrongdoing in a…

Thai search for investors in land bridge will be tough

Location:

THAILAND

The road-and-rail project, which could end up costing around USD30bn, would link deep-water ports on either side of the Kra Isthmus, in effect connecting the Andaman Sea and the…

US trade exposure to China will remain high

Location:

CHINA/UNITED STATES

In January-November, imports of Chinese goods dropped more than 20% year-on-year. China’s share of total US imports plunged to 13.9% from 16.7% in the same period in 2022, while…

Thailand will pursue a more proactive foreign policy

Location:

THAILAND

Thailand is devoting more attention to foreign policy under Srettha. The fallout from the 2006 and 2014 coups adversely affected its foreign relations, but it retains an important…

Brunei will step up efforts to diversify economy

Location:

BRUNEI

The IMF recently recommended structural reforms to bolster the economy, which has struggled to recover from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Brunei has long been reliant on…