Yesterday
Xi to bolster regional alliances in Trump’s trade war
The Chinese president is under pressure to shore up relationships with South-East Asian allies who are trying to appease Donald Trump and escape his tariffs.
The man who got Trump to do a ‘liberation day’ U-turn
Scott Bessent, described by the president “as one of the most brilliant men on Wall Street” helped change Trump’s tariff stance. His next moves will be crucial.
This Month
Only Trump’s tariffs can fix a rigged global trading system
After decades of cheating the United States, world leaders should know this: tariffs are just the beginning.
Trump’s tariff ‘medicine’ injects fresh turmoil into global markets
The president says foreign governments will have to pay ‘a lot of money’ to lift sweeping tariffs.
‘All-round blockade’: Trump tariffs hit China’s offshore factories
Chinese companies that shifted operations to South-East Asia to save costs while getting around Trump tariffs during his first mandate are back in the firing line.
Sports shoe supply chain a pain point in Trump’s tariff war
The US lacks factories with the specialised equipment to make running shoes and workers with the knowhow to operate them, meaning higher prices for trainers.
March
Hegseth hits back after China declares ‘we’re ready’ for war
The US defence secretary says “those who long for peace must prepare for war”.
February
This is the place to go if you need a pick-me-up
From herbal remedies to acupressure treatments, a new luxury wellness resort in Vietnam is set to restore your wellbeing.
December 2024
The hottest travel spots as the economy turns cold
Japan is cool, Bali is always warm, but Vietnam is so hot right now. The cost-of-living pinch is driving Australians to make sure their overseas holiday hits the mark.
November 2024
Three ways to tackle Trump’s looming tariff war
Canada, Mexico and China have options to avoid a trade war with the US president-elect. Here’s what they could do.
October 2024
LEGO the next brick in Vietnam’s investment story
As market observers ponder China’s latest stimulus package, Hanoi is hopeful attention will shift to its fast-growing economy.
What Indonesia’s new president has to do to promote economic growth
With the right policies, there is ample opportunity for Prabowo Subianto to build a stronger, more inclusive economy.
Albanese to press China on trade
The Association of South-East Asian Nations leaders’ summit will take place in Vientiane, Laos this week, the latest international push by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.
September 2024
‘The kingmaker seat’: The former Uber exec tasked with taking on the teals
Returning to Australia after almost a decade as an executive with Uber in Asia, Liberal candidate for Curtin Tom White says the ride-share giant helped shape his free market approach to politics.
Vow to release secret Queensland report into Star’s HK partner
The report into Star Entertainment’s marquee Brisbane casino examined possible criminal links with one of its business partners.
How China’s coast guard is ‘trying to occupy the ocean’
In most countries, coast guards are there to do just that: guard domestic coasts and territorial waters. China’s, however, is more like a second navy.
Why has a long-term understanding with Asia eluded us?
Even as Australia has become more multicultural, the best we can manage is a pragmatic relationship punctuated with fits of enthusiasm.
August 2024
Philippines, China trade blame after vessels collide
China’s Coast Guard said a Philippine vessel that had ignored its repeated warnings “deliberately collided” with a Chinese vessel. Manila saw it differently.
July 2024
China’s low-tech manufacturers hanging on by their fingernails
China is shifting more to high-tech and EV manufacturing as its clothing, toy and furniture factories struggle against anaemic orders, trade restrictions and competition.
China and the Philippines sign deal to avert clashes at sea
The rare deal with the Philippines sparks hope that similar arrangements could be forged by Beijing with other countries to avoid clashes while thorny territorial issues remain unresolved.