https://www.scmp.com/rss/279462/feed en https://assets.i-scmp.com/static/img/icons/scmp-meta-1200x630.png https://www.scmp.com Wang Huiyao Wang Huiyao For much of the post-war era, the architecture of global governance rested on the simple assumption that the United States would support the systems it largely designed and uphold the rules it helped to create. The first Trump administration was no isolated incident. Now, from the vantage point of 2026, amid the US-Israel attack on Iran and the subsequent closing of the Strait of Hormuz, it is quite clear that there is little sign of an appetite in Washington for the US to once again safeguard... https://www.scmp.com/opinion/world-opinion/article/3346975/middle-powers-are-taking-mantle-multilateral-leadership?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/opinion/world-opinion/article/3346975/middle-powers-are-taking-mantle-multilateral-leadership?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 25 Mar 2026 12:30:07 +0000 Carol Yang,Kandy Wong Carol Yang,Kandy Wong China has expressed “serious concerns” regarding a trade agreement signed last month between Malaysia and the United States, and some analysts suggest it might be related to how the pact could force the Southeast Asian nation to align with Washington’s sanctions regime. The official reaction on Thursday followed a meeting between Chinese and Malaysian commerce officials earlier in the week. While Beijing did not publicly specify the offending clauses, critics point to provisions that ostensibly... https://www.scmp.com/economy/global-economy/article/3334525/why-china-alarmed-new-us-malaysia-trade-deal-poison-pill-provisions-explained?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/economy/global-economy/article/3334525/why-china-alarmed-new-us-malaysia-trade-deal-poison-pill-provisions-explained?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 28 Nov 2025 13:00:11 +0000 Lam Ka-sing Lam Ka-sing One of Hong Kong’s largest business chambers is taking on a bigger role in leading trade delegations to help local and mainland Chinese firms reach new markets at home and abroad, with plans to visit Osaka this week and Hangzhou in December, according to its new chairman. Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu highlighted in his policy address last week the Federation of Hong Kong Industries’ recent business trip to Vietnam as an example of how the city was pooling industry strengths to support... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3326310/hong-kong-business-chamber-spearheads-local-mainland-chinese-firms-push-abroad?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3326310/hong-kong-business-chamber-spearheads-local-mainland-chinese-firms-push-abroad?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 22 Sep 2025 00:30:15 +0000 Ralph Jennings Ralph Jennings Wendy Cutler comes from a three-decade career in shaping US trade policy. She worked in the Office of the US Trade Representative from 1988 to 2015 before moving into the think tank space. Today, she is vice-president of the Asia Society Policy Institute. Cutler uses this accumulated experience to offer a view on the fractious US-China trade relationship at a time when trade ties remain tense despite landmark talks between the two powers, followed by a sharp reduction in tariffs, earlier this... https://www.scmp.com/economy/global-economy/article/3311591/truth-truce-wendy-cutler-mulls-if-us-china-trade-can-find-lasting-peace?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/economy/global-economy/article/3311591/truth-truce-wendy-cutler-mulls-if-us-china-trade-can-find-lasting-peace?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 25 May 2025 22:00:22 +0000 Ralph Jennings Ralph Jennings This latest interview in the Open Questions series features Wendy Cutler, a trade expert and the vice president of the Asia Society Policy Institute. Cutler previously spent nearly three decades as a diplomat and negotiator in the Office of the US Trade Representative, where she worked in areas including US-China trade negotiations and the Trans-Pacific Partnership. In this interview, Cutler talks about the US-China trade war pause, the future of global trade and China’s push for economic... https://www.scmp.com/plus/article/3311324/china-us-tariff-truce-likely-carry-if-talks-make-progress-cutler-says?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/plus/article/3311324/china-us-tariff-truce-likely-carry-if-talks-make-progress-cutler-says?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 22 May 2025 06:00:22 +0000 Maria Siow Maria Siow Japan’s Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba’s visit to two Southeast Asian countries this week signals Tokyo’s desire to “strongly anchor” itself in the region and “reassure” Vietnam and the Philippines of its support amid growing Chinese maritime assertiveness, analysts have said. After Ishiba’s meeting with Vietnamese leaders in Hanoi this week, both sides agreed to boost bilateral trade, deepen political and security ties, and uphold global rules on the free flow of goods. “The world economy is... https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/politics/article/3308612/japan-seeks-regional-sway-pm-ishiba-courts-vietnam-philippines-trade-and-security?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/politics/article/3308612/japan-seeks-regional-sway-pm-ishiba-courts-vietnam-philippines-trade-and-security?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 01 May 2025 03:00:14 +0000 During his first term in office, US President Donald Trump swiftly moved to pull the United States out of the Trans-Pacific Partnership – an ambitious free trade agreement aimed at cementing America’s position in the Asia-Pacific region. Now, the reinstated US leader may be opening the door to China to join the successor to that agreement, as countries around the world seek to counter his sweeping reciprocal tariff regime, analysts said. Trump shocked the world by placing steep new duties on... https://www.scmp.com/economy/china-economy/article/3305527/trumps-liberation-day-opening-door-china-join-cptpp?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/economy/china-economy/article/3305527/trumps-liberation-day-opening-door-china-join-cptpp?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 08 Apr 2025 04:10:23 +0000 Could Donald Trump’s “Make America Great Again” policies end up instead making Asia – East Asia especially – greater than ever? Things appear to be moving in that direction as the US president’s alienating trade and tariff policies create an incentive for East Asia and Europe to move into each other’s arms. Such a marriage, increasingly speculated upon, within the framework of the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) could create one of the world’s... https://www.scmp.com/opinion/asia-opinion/article/3305128/trump-could-end-making-asia-not-america-great-again?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/opinion/asia-opinion/article/3305128/trump-could-end-making-asia-not-america-great-again?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 05 Apr 2025 08:30:08 +0000 As Donald Trump settles back into the White House for a second term and the rest of the world readies itself for a reprisal of US threats and transactionalism, Southeast Asia has been put on notice where it stands with Washington. A day after he was sworn in on January 21, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio spoke to his counterparts in the Philippines and Indonesia – a promising indication that at least some countries in the region matter. Rubio’s first meeting, however, was with the foreign... https://www.scmp.com/opinion/asia-opinion/article/3296470/trump-tech-titans-geopolitical-traps-await-southeast-asia?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/opinion/asia-opinion/article/3296470/trump-tech-titans-geopolitical-traps-await-southeast-asia?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 30 Jan 2025 21:30:08 +0000 The US must strengthen relations with the Global South and increase its military presence in the Indo-Pacific to counter the growing China-Russia partnership, two authors said at a Washington think tank on Wednesday. A panel hosted by Council on Foreign Relations came after the think tank released a report with policy recommendations to address the increasing cooperation between Moscow and Beijing, which it said posed the greatest threat to US national interests since the Cuban Missile Crisis in... https://www.scmp.com/news/china/article/3293979/us-urged-bolster-global-south-ties-counter-china-russia-partnership?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/china/article/3293979/us-urged-bolster-global-south-ties-counter-china-russia-partnership?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 08 Jan 2025 22:24:09 +0000 Britain officially became the 12th member of a trans-Pacific trade pact which includes Japan, Australia, and Canada on Sunday as it seeks to deepen ties in the region and build its global trade links after leaving the European Union. Britain announced last year it would join the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) in its biggest trade deal since Brexit. The accession means Britain will be able to apply CPTPP trade rules and lower tariffs with eight of... https://www.scmp.com/news/world/article/3290844/britain-joins-trans-pacific-pact-biggest-post-brexit-trade-deal?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/world/article/3290844/britain-joins-trans-pacific-pact-biggest-post-brexit-trade-deal?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 15 Dec 2024 02:08:22 +0000 Manila should strengthen coordination with Southeast Asian nations on its policy towards China, a retired Philippine naval officer said on Monday, as engagement with Washington alone risks potential stronger resistance by Beijing over the contested South China Sea. “I believe that we made some mistakes … we could have engaged at least most of the Asean member states that are surrounding the South China Sea more effectively [and] we could have consulted them [about] our action because they do not... https://www.scmp.com/news/china/article/3289059/help-asean-nations-counter-china-unlikely-ex-philippine-navy-officer?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/china/article/3289059/help-asean-nations-counter-china-unlikely-ex-philippine-navy-officer?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 02 Dec 2024 22:08:09 +0000 I support Donald Trump, but not for the reasons you might think. Supporting the Republican presidential nominee and former US president exclusively based on a four-year term loses sight of the possible impact of his protectionist policies and his preference for withdrawing the United States from its traditional spheres of influence in global commerce and diplomacy, and from its military commitments. This has allowed other players, like China and Russia, to fill the void, democratising the... https://www.scmp.com/opinion/world-opinion/article/3284431/how-trump-victory-could-benefit-world?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/opinion/world-opinion/article/3284431/how-trump-victory-could-benefit-world?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 01 Nov 2024 12:30:11 +0000 Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump on Thursday said he would take steps to prevent Chinese carmakers from selling vehicles in the US as part of his plan to save the American auto industry. “They’re going to pay a 100 per cent or maybe even a 200 per cent tariff because we’re not going to let them come into our country and destroy what’s left of our auto industry”, Trump said on Thursday, addressing the Detroit Economic Club in the manufacturing state of Michigan. Trump was referring... https://www.scmp.com/news/china/politics/article/3281934/donald-trump-doubles-down-china-carmakers-being-unwelcome-us-market?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/china/politics/article/3281934/donald-trump-doubles-down-china-carmakers-being-unwelcome-us-market?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 10 Oct 2024 22:59:08 +0000 Southeast Asian countries are expected to be a low priority for former US president Donald Trump should he return to the Oval Office and could even encounter trade protectionism from Washington, according to a new report from the Lowy Institute. Trump might not have any time for the region if he were re-elected while countries such as Vietnam which had been major beneficiaries of the relocation of tech supply chains from China prompted by the US-China trade war would be wary of being targeted... https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/politics/article/3274777/southeast-asia-low-priority-donald-trump-event-us-election-win-report?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/politics/article/3274777/southeast-asia-low-priority-donald-trump-event-us-election-win-report?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 16 Aug 2024 09:05:55 +0000 As the US presidential race takes one twist after another, one constant remains: Donald Trump’s relentless pursuit of a return to the Oval Office. Despite losing some momentum as donors and Democrats rallied behind Kamala Harris after Joe Biden dropped out of the running for November’s election, the prospect of a potential “Trump 2.0” scenario continues to weigh heavily on policymakers and observers across Asia. The anxieties reached new heights in the aftermath of Biden’s disastrous debate... https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/politics/article/3272034/making-asia-grimace-again-idea-trump-20-white-house-fuels-regional-unease?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/politics/article/3272034/making-asia-grimace-again-idea-trump-20-white-house-fuels-regional-unease?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 27 Jul 2024 01:00:11 +0000 “I revere this office, but I love my country more,” said outgoing US President Joe Biden after abandoning his re-election bid. “So I’ve decided the best way forward is to pass the torch to a new generation. That’s the best way to unite our nation.” No rivals were named but Biden made clear his excruciating decision was part of a bigger struggle to prevent Donald Trump’s return to the White House. His decision was a relief for many Americans, including fellow Democrats and long-time political... https://www.scmp.com/opinion/world-opinion/article/3271907/world-will-look-back-us-foreign-policy-under-biden-nostalgia?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/opinion/world-opinion/article/3271907/world-will-look-back-us-foreign-policy-under-biden-nostalgia?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 26 Jul 2024 21:30:11 +0000 Washington’s strategy for the Indo-Pacific region is heavily focused on defence and lacks a robust economic agenda promoting regional development, an influential US Senate panel heard on Wednesday. The US should present “alternatives to what our competitors are offering”, said Maryland Democrat Ben Cardin, chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations committee, referring to partnerships China has forged with countries in the region. A commitment to promoting better infrastructure and investment in... https://www.scmp.com/news/china/article/3259390/us-strategy-indo-pacific-region-must-promote-economic-development-not-just-defence-senate-panel?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/china/article/3259390/us-strategy-indo-pacific-region-must-promote-economic-development-not-just-defence-senate-panel?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 17 Apr 2024 20:55:27 +0000 US President Joe Biden faces many international challenges, such as reducing US dependence on China, managing South China Sea disputes, supporting Ukraine against Russia’s invasion and the backlash over his stance on Israel. These issues are reminiscent of America’s geopolitical dilemmas during the Cold War, when Henry Kissinger was a key figure in shaping diplomatic and strategic relations. Can Biden learn from Kissinger’s approach? The answer depends on what kind of legacy Biden wants. His... https://www.scmp.com/comment/opinion/article/3244074/how-bidens-foreign-and-trade-policy-flip-flops-are-confusing-us-allies?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/comment/opinion/article/3244074/how-bidens-foreign-and-trade-policy-flip-flops-are-confusing-us-allies?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 08 Dec 2023 21:30:08 +0000 We live in an era where conflict can destabilise even the most robust international relations and affect global social and economic development. It has rarely been more important for governments, business leaders and people of influence to promote dialogue for the betterment of humanity and to focus on the significant issues we face. Amid the narrative fuelling geopolitical tensions between the world’s pre-eminent superpowers, there has been an alarming appetite within media factions to promote... https://www.scmp.com/comment/opinion/article/3243277/dont-buy-narrative-us-china-clash-or-chinese-economic-crash?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/comment/opinion/article/3243277/dont-buy-narrative-us-china-clash-or-chinese-economic-crash?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 01 Dec 2023 01:30:09 +0000 An influential American business group on Monday urged President Joe Biden’s administration to move forward with trade negotiations as part of the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework, a US-led initiative to encourage allies and partners in the strategically significant region to reduce their reliance on China. “It would be a terrible blow to US credibility after we negotiated and then withdrew from the TPP if we were to do something similar” with the trade portion of the IPEF, said John Murphy of... https://www.scmp.com/news/china/article/3241411/us-business-group-calls-progress-trade-pillar-indo-pacific-economic-framework-talks-hit-snag?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/china/article/3241411/us-business-group-calls-progress-trade-pillar-indo-pacific-economic-framework-talks-hit-snag?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 13 Nov 2023 20:56:26 +0000 Washington needs a “serious, clear-eyed” economic approach to China as it seeks to expand trade and diversify supply chains across allies and partners, US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen said on Thursday. Speaking at the Asia Society in Washington in a speech reviewing the White House’s economic strategy for the Indo-Pacific, Yellen reiterated that the US did not seek to decouple from China. “We have no interest in such a divided world and its disastrous effects,” she said. But Yellen stressed... https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3240153/us-economic-approach-china-must-be-serious-clear-eyed-says-treasury-secretary-janet-yellen?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3240153/us-economic-approach-china-must-be-serious-clear-eyed-says-treasury-secretary-janet-yellen?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 02 Nov 2023 21:45:25 +0000 With relations between China and Australia improving in the lead-up to Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s long-anticipated visit next week, sources said Canberra will not stand in the way of Beijing joining one of the world’s biggest multilateral trade deals. Australia “will not oppose China joining the CPTPP” – the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership – and will “consider China’s application on its merits”, one source said, emphasising that this is not a vow to... https://www.scmp.com/economy/china-economy/article/3239166/china-australia-relations-anthony-albaneses-visit-canberra-will-not-oppose-beijings-cptpp-bid?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/economy/china-economy/article/3239166/china-australia-relations-anthony-albaneses-visit-canberra-will-not-oppose-beijings-cptpp-bid?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 26 Oct 2023 01:30:42 +0000 The United Arab Emirates and South Korea have concluded talks towards a bilateral trade deal, known as a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), the two countries said on Saturday. Trade and investment ties between the Gulf state and South Korea have been steadily advancing; in the first half of 2023, bilateral non-oil trade reached US$3 billion, similar to the same period last year, but up 21 per cent over 2021, a statement said. The Korea Electric Power Corporation and a... https://www.scmp.com/news/asia/east-asia/article/3237964/south-korea-uae-complete-talks-bilateral-cepa-trade-deal?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/asia/east-asia/article/3237964/south-korea-uae-complete-talks-bilateral-cepa-trade-deal?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 14 Oct 2023 11:38:13 +0000 The European Union’s call to investigate Beijing’s use of state subsidies in the production of Chinese electric vehicles, along with the possibility of tariffs on EV exports to Europe, comes as Chinese carmakers diversify their manufacturing of EVs into Southeast Asia. Chief among Chinese EV makers’ prospective hubs is Thailand. The country has by far the largest automobile sector within the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, and is luring Chinese EV carmakers under an ambitious government... https://www.scmp.com/comment/opinion/article/3236563/thailand-chinas-ev-makers-have-found-refuge-eu-subsidy-probe?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/comment/opinion/article/3236563/thailand-chinas-ev-makers-have-found-refuge-eu-subsidy-probe?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 03 Oct 2023 07:30:08 +0000 Brics, the bloc compromising Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa, has long been accused of geopolitical incoherence and irrelevance. The five countries differ among themselves on several global questions and have varied equations with the West, ranging from friend to foe. Yet, that incoherence has not dimmed the developing world’s interest in joining them. Last month at the Johannesburg summit, the grouping inducted six new nations from Asia, Africa and Latin America. Over 40 countries... https://www.scmp.com/comment/opinion/article/3234170/us-should-counter-chinas-dominance-global-south-trade-not-more-arms?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/comment/opinion/article/3234170/us-should-counter-chinas-dominance-global-south-trade-not-more-arms?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 15 Sep 2023 11:30:12 +0000 A summit on August 18 that brought together the leaders of Japan, South Korea and the United States at the US president’s Camp David country retreat was rightly hailed as a breakthrough moment in consolidating trilateral security ties, especially after years of near-frozen relations. US officials stressed the importance of creating enduring institutions and structures among the three countries. These institutions could be nested within other Indo-Pacific regional creations like the Quadrilateral... https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/opinion/article/3233031/us-japan-south-korea-security-ties-still-face-domestic-hurdles-and-fukushimas-only-start?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/opinion/article/3233031/us-japan-south-korea-security-ties-still-face-domestic-hurdles-and-fukushimas-only-start?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 01 Sep 2023 06:00:25 +0000 For years, Beijing has counted on the historic animosity between Japan and South Korea as part of its divide and conquer playbook, even as Washington has worked to bolster its alliances and counter China’s growing footprint. At this week’s summit between the leaders of Japan, South Korea and the United States, Washington is hoping to permanently blunt with a show of unity that Chinese advantage on the geopolitical chessboard. On Friday, US President Joe Biden, Japanese Prime Minister Fumio... https://www.scmp.com/news/china/article/3231213/joe-bidens-us-summit-japanese-south-korean-leaders-looks-send-unity-message?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/china/article/3231213/joe-bidens-us-summit-japanese-south-korean-leaders-looks-send-unity-message?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 15 Aug 2023 20:20:57 +0000 The decision by members of the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) in mid-July not to take action on China’s application to join the trade pact, was disappointing and took many in China by surprise. The CPTPP operates on the principle of consensus. The existing members must give unanimous support before any other country is allowed into the trading club. It was clear before the meeting that members were divided in their positions on China’s application.... https://www.scmp.com/comment/opinion/article/3230475/china-joining-cptpp-will-benefit-everyone-so-why-wont-west-let-it?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/comment/opinion/article/3230475/china-joining-cptpp-will-benefit-everyone-so-why-wont-west-let-it?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 11 Aug 2023 17:00:15 +0000 The United States enjoys greater soft power and popularity in Southeast Asia than China, presenting Washington a distinct advantage as the two giants face off in the strategically vital region, a comprehensive polling analysis released on Tuesday found. A majority of citizens, particularly in the region’s most populous nations – Indonesia, the Philippines and Vietnam – trusted US policies and intentions more than China’s, according to the white paper by the Centre for Strategic and International... https://www.scmp.com/news/china/article/3230442/us-beats-china-soft-power-and-popularity-southeast-asia-giving-it-regional-edge-analysis?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/china/article/3230442/us-beats-china-soft-power-and-popularity-southeast-asia-giving-it-regional-edge-analysis?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 08 Aug 2023 20:01:02 +0000 China’s southern city of Shenzhen is intensifying efforts to improve the local market environment, making it more appealing to investors and boosting the region’s prowess, which a reform expert said could help it survive Washington’s technology siege and open new doors in the country’s economic transition. The city, the forefront of China’s reform and opening up, issued three documents with 55 measures over the weekend to optimise its business environment by enhancing the rules of law, appealing... https://www.scmp.com/economy/china-economy/article/3230273/china-innovation-hub-shenzhen-poised-lead-economic-rejuvenation-drive-55-point-plan?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/economy/china-economy/article/3230273/china-innovation-hub-shenzhen-poised-lead-economic-rejuvenation-drive-55-point-plan?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 07 Aug 2023 11:30:18 +0000 The UK government on Sunday announced it had formally signed a treaty to join a major Indo-Pacific bloc, as it looks beyond Europe for trading opportunities post-Brexit. Business and Trade Secretary Kemi Badenoch signed the accession protocol for the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) in New Zealand. It makes the United Kingdom the first new member and first European nation to join the bloc since it was created in 2018. The United Kingdom has come... https://www.scmp.com/news/world/europe/article/3227871/uk-formally-signs-cptpp-trading-bloc-it-looks-beyond-europe-trade-post-brexit?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/world/europe/article/3227871/uk-formally-signs-cptpp-trading-bloc-it-looks-beyond-europe-trade-post-brexit?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 16 Jul 2023 01:58:37 +0000 The UK is set to sign a Pacific trade deal in Auckland next weekend, formally becoming the first new member since the framework came into force, and shifting attention to a list of other applicant countries headed by China. The signing will take place at a ministerial meeting of members of the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership, hosted by New Zealand, according to a press release from the country’s ministry of foreign affairs and trade. The event is expected to... https://www.scmp.com/news/asia/australasia/article/3227002/uk-sign-pacific-trade-deal-auckland-next-week-shifting-focus-china?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/asia/australasia/article/3227002/uk-sign-pacific-trade-deal-auckland-next-week-shifting-focus-china?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 08 Jul 2023 00:02:44 +0000 China has unveiled new measures to help its bid to join an Asia-Pacific trade agreement as Beijing presses on with its goal to reach the standards of the 11-nation deal, despite the thresholds for entry deemed by some members to be too high for the world’s second-largest economy. The measures, part of a document on opening up, will be introduced on a trial basis in some of China’s free-trade zones and ports, and are aimed at aligning with “high-standard international economic and trade rules”,... https://www.scmp.com/economy/global-economy/article/3226158/china-ease-economic-and-trade-rules-aid-cptpp-pact-bid-amid-scepticism-over-reform-commitment?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/economy/global-economy/article/3226158/china-ease-economic-and-trade-rules-aid-cptpp-pact-bid-amid-scepticism-over-reform-commitment?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 30 Jun 2023 11:30:11 +0000 In November 2011, US president Barack Obama announced that United States foreign policy would make a “pivot” to Asia. But then in January 2017, a key part of that pivot – greater economic interaction – was reversed, as just-inaugurated president Donald Trump launched his “America First” agenda by yanking the US out of what he labelled the “job-killing” Trans-Pacific Partnership. Damage from the abandonment of the TPP was hefty. The prospects for the US to seriously boost trade with Asia were... https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/opinion/article/3224310/why-us-must-look-beyond-its-rivalry-china-and-engage-southeast-asia-its-own-merits?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/opinion/article/3224310/why-us-must-look-beyond-its-rivalry-china-and-engage-southeast-asia-its-own-merits?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 17 Jun 2023 00:30:09 +0000 Washington’s top trade official acknowledged encountering resistance and “anxiety” in promoting the Biden administration’s new vision of a trade policy focused on American workers while it slashes reliance on China. US Trade Representative Katherine Tai on Thursday said “fragile supply chains” and “an unsustainable version of globalisation” were negative outcomes from decades of championing market liberalisation and low prices for consumers as domestic manufacturing suffered. “When efficiency... https://www.scmp.com/news/china/article/3224257/anxiety-over-new-us-trade-policy-focused-american-workers-cutting-china-reliance-katherine-tai?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/china/article/3224257/anxiety-over-new-us-trade-policy-focused-american-workers-cutting-china-reliance-katherine-tai?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 15 Jun 2023 22:16:29 +0000 When Detroit filed for bankruptcy in 2013, many news outlets used the ruins of Michigan Central Station as an illustration of the city’s long, slow collapse. Last month, less than two miles from the 20th century rail junction, US President Joe Biden’s top trade official hosted counterparts from 21 Asia-Pacific economies to pitch a new vision of American trade policy. “Detroit has experienced first-hand some of the most negative impacts of an aggressive liberalisation of trade and... https://www.scmp.com/news/china/article/3222994/detroit-host-city-recent-apec-meetings-embodies-joe-bidens-trade-policy-goal-renewal?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/china/article/3222994/detroit-host-city-recent-apec-meetings-embodies-joe-bidens-trade-policy-goal-renewal?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 05 Jun 2023 15:00:19 +0000 South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol hosted the country’s first summit with leaders of Pacific islands on Monday, as Seoul seeks to boost its influence in a region that has become the focus of intense geopolitical rivalry. As the leaders agreed to increase efforts to fight climate change, South Korea will also consider additional funding initiatives to support the Pacific region, Yoon’s office said. Yoon launched his administration’s Indo-Pacific strategy last year, pledging to foster a “free,... https://www.scmp.com/news/asia/east-asia/article/3222221/south-korea-hosts-its-first-summit-pacific-island-leaders-amid-concerns-over-chinas-security?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/asia/east-asia/article/3222221/south-korea-hosts-its-first-summit-pacific-island-leaders-amid-concerns-over-chinas-security?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 29 May 2023 12:26:41 +0000 Washington is engaging with its allies around the world to surmount China’s recent ban of American semiconductor company Micron from its key infrastructure projects, US Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo said on Saturday. “We see it as, plain and simple, economic coercion,” said Raimondo of the blacklisting as a ministerial meeting of the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF) ended in Detroit, Michigan. “We won’t tolerate it, nor do we think it will be successful.” The US was “closely engaging... https://www.scmp.com/news/china/article/3222070/amid-micron-ban-us-working-allies-beat-chinas-economic-coercion-commerce-secretary?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/china/article/3222070/amid-micron-ban-us-working-allies-beat-chinas-economic-coercion-commerce-secretary?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 27 May 2023 20:15:33 +0000 US President Joe Biden recently backed out of a Quadrilateral Security Dialogue summit in Australia, instead meeting Quad leaders briefly on the sidelines of the G7 summit in Japan. This decision was prompted by urgent debt ceiling talks in Washington. Some analysts suggest this divided attention reflects America’s reduced commitment to the Indo-Pacific – but this may be only partially true. Since identifying China as a major competitor, the US has indeed focused on “America first”, withdrawing... https://www.scmp.com/comment/opinion/article/3221568/firm-allies-japan-and-australia-us-can-afford-take-its-eye-indo-pacific-when-it-needs?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/comment/opinion/article/3221568/firm-allies-japan-and-australia-us-can-afford-take-its-eye-indo-pacific-when-it-needs?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 25 May 2023 19:30:15 +0000 This year, two pivotal states in Asia faced their most consequential elections in recent memory. Although perched at opposite ends of the continent, Thailand and Turkey share much in common, prompting some political scientists to describe them as “unlikely twins”. Turkey and Thailand are regional powers with dynamic export-oriented economies. They are also US treaty allies. Yet, Turkey and Thailand have maintained warm ties with China and other Eastern powers. Crucially, the nations share a long... https://www.scmp.com/comment/opinion/article/3220912/political-shake-ups-thailand-and-turkey-unlikely-spring-foreign-policy-surprises?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/comment/opinion/article/3220912/political-shake-ups-thailand-and-turkey-unlikely-spring-foreign-policy-surprises?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 21 May 2023 00:15:13 +0000 China’s on-again, off-again image as a destination for foreign investors may brighten in the coming weeks as debt-ceiling talks in Washington fan global worries about the stability of US assets, according to economists. Even if President Joe Biden and the US Congress reach a deal that raises the current US$31.4 trillion debt ceiling and thwarts an international credit crisis, their tense negotiations paired with other news from Washington could make China look relatively attractive, some... https://www.scmp.com/economy/global-economy/article/3221018/chinas-chance-shine-us-debt-ceiling-impasse-raises-global-fears?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/economy/global-economy/article/3221018/chinas-chance-shine-us-debt-ceiling-impasse-raises-global-fears?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 18 May 2023 17:00:18 +0000 I remember watching a short video about two men balanced at opposite ends of a see-saw that was somehow on the high seas. As one man with a sword moved towards the other to kill him, the see-saw tilted, throwing both men off balance – and into the sea. It was deadly foolish. Washington’s actions to effectively decouple economically from China fall into the same category. Contrary to its professed disinterest in decoupling, Washington has pushed ahead with it in a bid to isolate and contain... https://www.scmp.com/comment/opinion/article/3218349/all-its-protestations-us-set-decoupling-china-act-will-cause-global-economic-harm?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/comment/opinion/article/3218349/all-its-protestations-us-set-decoupling-china-act-will-cause-global-economic-harm?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 27 Apr 2023 17:00:18 +0000 Beijing is ramping up its call for admission into the world’s highest-standard trade bloc at a time when US-initiated decoupling efforts are increasingly damaging bilateral trade and threatening the latter’s industrial chains. “China is willing to join the CPTPP … and has the capability to fulfil relevant obligations,” vowed Wang Shouwen, a vice-commerce minister and China’s international trade negotiator, at a media briefing on Sunday. “We hope that all 11 member countries can support our... https://www.scmp.com/economy/china-economy/article/3218183/chinas-cptpp-trade-aspirations-still-hinge-blocs-support-external-pressures-mount?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/economy/china-economy/article/3218183/chinas-cptpp-trade-aspirations-still-hinge-blocs-support-external-pressures-mount?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 24 Apr 2023 10:59:28 +0000 US Trade Representative Katherine Tai said on Thursday that Indo-Pacific Economic Framework trade negotiations could deliver results by the end of the year to set economic rules and standards in the fast-growing region. The US-led initiative comprising 14 nations is widely viewed as a counterweight to China’s growing clout in the Indo-Pacific region, which accounts for about 40 per cent of the global economy. Tai told reporters at the Foreign Correspondents’ Club of Japan in Tokyo that... https://www.scmp.com/news/asia/east-asia/article/3217729/indo-pacific-trade-negotiations-could-deliver-results-year-end-us-says?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/asia/east-asia/article/3217729/indo-pacific-trade-negotiations-could-deliver-results-year-end-us-says?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 20 Apr 2023 09:19:06 +0000 Canada and South Korea plan to launch talks on an information security agreement to facilitate intelligence-sharing and promote security ties, a Canadian government source said on Thursday. Canadian Foreign Minister Melanie Joly will make the announcement during an official trip to Seoul this week, said the source, who requested anonymity on the grounds they were not authorised to speak publicly about the plan. The proposed agreement would allow for intelligence-sharing and greater levels of... https://www.scmp.com/news/world/united-states-canada/article/3216937/canada-south-korea-eye-intelligence-sharing-pact?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/world/united-states-canada/article/3216937/canada-south-korea-eye-intelligence-sharing-pact?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 13 Apr 2023 09:40:18 +0000 Britain reached an agreement to join an 11-member trans-Pacific trade pact on Friday, an important milestone in its efforts to build new trading partnerships since its exit from the European Union three years ago and to play a larger role in the Indo-Pacific region. After British officials hinted a deal was close this week, UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak confirmed in the early morning hours in London on Friday that a deal had been reached to join the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for... https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3215485/britain-reaches-agreement-join-trans-pacific-trade-pact?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3215485/britain-reaches-agreement-join-trans-pacific-trade-pact?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 31 Mar 2023 00:41:08 +0000 The 11 members of a trans-Pacific trade pact, which includes Japan and Australia, are expected to soon reach broad agreement with Britain on it joining the partnership, two sources familiar with the matter said on Wednesday. An announcement is expected to be made soon, the sources added, declining to be identified because the information has not been made public. Britain said negotiations with the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) had been going well.... https://www.scmp.com/news/world/europe/article/3215314/britain-expected-reach-broad-agreement-joining-pacific-trade-pact-soon?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/world/europe/article/3215314/britain-expected-reach-broad-agreement-joining-pacific-trade-pact-soon?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 29 Mar 2023 15:00:30 +0000 Six years ago, Donald Trump blundered away from the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) after describing it as “a rape of our country”. These days, UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s government is more kindly disposed to the trade bloc. After three years of negotiations, Sunak is on the cusp of winning Britain membership of this 11-country trade group centred on the Asia-Pacific, which has rebadged itself as the CPTPP – the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific... https://www.scmp.com/comment/opinion/article/3214034/why-britain-joining-cptpp-clearly-not-about-economy?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/comment/opinion/article/3214034/why-britain-joining-cptpp-clearly-not-about-economy?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 19 Mar 2023 14:00:12 +0000 The Quad’s top diplomats made clear this month that they view their four-way security grouping as a “positive alternative” to China, whose influence in the region they also expressed growing unease about. “Our proposition is not to say to countries in the region: ‘you have to choose,’” said US Secretary of State Antony Blinken on March 3 in a panel discussion with the foreign ministers of Australia, India and Japan at the Raisina Dialogue in New Delhi. “Our proposition is to offer a choice, a... https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/politics/article/3213142/quad-says-its-positive-alternative-china-what-can-it-deliver-asia?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/politics/article/3213142/quad-says-its-positive-alternative-china-what-can-it-deliver-asia?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 12 Mar 2023 00:30:09 +0000