https://www.scmp.com/rss/507878/feed The Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) is a free-trade agreement (FTA) involving the 10 member states of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) bloc and five of their FTA partners. The RCEP will eliminate as much as 90 per cent of the tariffs on imports between its signatories within 20 years of coming into effect. Fifteen Asia-Pacific nations signed the agreement on November 15, 2020. en https://assets.i-scmp.com/static/img/icons/scmp-meta-1200x630.png https://www.scmp.com Xinlu Liang Xinlu Liang Cheng Li-wun, chairwoman of Taiwan’s biggest opposition party, the Kuomintang, highlighted the need for peace as she spoke to the media in Beijing on Friday afternoon after her historic meeting with Communist Party chief Xi Jinping. It is the first time the leaders of the KMT and the Communist Party have met in nine years and comes at a time of heightened cross-strait military tensions. Here are the main takeaways from the press conference. A ‘choice of war or peace’ In a clear reference to the... https://www.scmp.com/news/china/politics/article/3349640/takeaways-cheng-li-wuns-press-conference-about-meeting-xi-jinping?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/china/politics/article/3349640/takeaways-cheng-li-wuns-press-conference-about-meeting-xi-jinping?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 10 Apr 2026 08:25:02 +0000 Syed Munir Khasru Syed Munir Khasru Today, double-digit tariffs imposed by the United States are the new baseline. Breaking decades of low single digits norms, the US rolled out a “reciprocal tariff” framework in April 2025, setting a 10 per cent baseline and layering on higher rates for specific countries. Embedded in the US’ national security strategy, this reorientation leaves little scope for a full rollback and turns global trade into a test of power: of whether World Trade Organization (WTO) rules still bind or leverage now... https://www.scmp.com/opinion/world-opinion/article/3341496/trumps-tariffs-reveal-hidden-fault-lines-global-trade?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/opinion/world-opinion/article/3341496/trumps-tariffs-reveal-hidden-fault-lines-global-trade?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 29 Jan 2026 21:30:09 +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 Alexander Wehry Alexander Wehry Pundits the world over are pointing to a new cold war – the defending champion United States versus a rising China. Deglobalisation and great power rivalry dominate headlines while world leaders prepare for chaos. Fortunately, a different picture emerges when we look at the data. A century of globalised trade has levelled the economic playing field. Countries are now closer in relative strength, far more interdependent and far less willing to pick sides. The “great powers” of the 21st century... https://www.scmp.com/opinion/world-opinion/article/3332761/has-us-china-rivalry-killed-globalisation-hardly?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/opinion/world-opinion/article/3332761/has-us-china-rivalry-killed-globalisation-hardly?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 18 Nov 2025 01:30:09 +0000 Azeem Khalid,Asma Khalid Azeem Khalid,Asma Khalid The signing of the Asean-China free trade agreement upgrade last month looked procedural. It wasn’t. The protocol adds chapters on digital trade, the green economy, supply chain connectivity, and the nuts and bolts of trade facilitation. These elements matter more than tariff cuts. As US tariffs on Chinese goods remain high, including on electric vehicles (EVs), batteries and solar cells, agreements that reduce friction, harmonise standards and streamline certification are becoming strategic... https://www.scmp.com/opinion/china-opinion/article/3332246/how-asean-quietly-became-chinas-buffer-against-us-tariffs?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/opinion/china-opinion/article/3332246/how-asean-quietly-became-chinas-buffer-against-us-tariffs?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 12 Nov 2025 08:30:09 +0000 Ji Siqi Ji Siqi As Beijing continues advocating for deeper regional economic cooperation in East Asia amid ongoing tensions with Washington – including by working towards a free-trade agreement (FTA) with Japan and South Korea – analysts say that making substantial progress remains challenging, given the existing trade framework and conflicting interests. In a meeting with South Korean Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy Kim Jung-kwan on Saturday on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation... https://www.scmp.com/economy/global-economy/article/3331365/beijing-pushes-china-japan-south-korea-trade-pact-amid-us-tensions-hurdles-remain?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/economy/global-economy/article/3331365/beijing-pushes-china-japan-south-korea-trade-pact-amid-us-tensions-hurdles-remain?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 04 Nov 2025 01:00:15 +0000 David Dodwell David Dodwell Despite the superficial conviviality of Donald Trump’s whistle-stop tour through Asia this week, we watched first-hand the dysfunctional reality of the US’ disengagement from the world of multilateralism. Trump delivered a speech at the US-Asean Summit in Malaysia, but skipped the main Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (Apec) leaders’ meeting in South Korea. Overall, he was more interested in cutting bilateral deals on the sidelines of the summits. In Malaysia, he finalised unilateral tariff... https://www.scmp.com/opinion/world-opinion/article/3330940/trumps-asia-tour-made-us-distaste-multilateralism-obvious?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/opinion/world-opinion/article/3330940/trumps-asia-tour-made-us-distaste-multilateralism-obvious?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 31 Oct 2025 08:30:15 +0000 Peiman Salehi Peiman Salehi The arrival of United States President Donald Trump in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, may appear to be a routine diplomatic gesture, but it carries far greater symbolic weight. His visit marks a turning point in Washington’s struggle to remain relevant in a world where its power no longer defines the terms of engagement. For decades, Asia listened when America spoke. Today, it still listens, but it no longer obeys. The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) was born in an era when the Global... https://www.scmp.com/opinion/asia-opinion/article/3330749/gone-are-days-unlimited-us-power-southeast-asia?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/opinion/asia-opinion/article/3330749/gone-are-days-unlimited-us-power-southeast-asia?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 30 Oct 2025 12:30:09 +0000 SCMP Editorial SCMP Editorial At the East Asia Summit in Kuala Lumpur, regional leaders faced each other amid the unprecedented challenges posed by the United States and China. On one side, members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations are confronted with high tariffs and uncertain security commitments from the US. On the other, they face China, their indispensable trading partner which is also ever ready to assert what it perceives as its territorial and maritime rights in the region. Added to the mix are the... https://www.scmp.com/opinion/comment/article/3330592/caught-between-china-and-us-asean-could-act-go-between?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/opinion/comment/article/3330592/caught-between-china-and-us-asean-could-act-go-between?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 28 Oct 2025 23:15:11 +0000 Brian Rhoads,Raymond Ma Brian Rhoads,Raymond Ma China signed an expanded trade deal with the 11-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean), broadening cooperation with the bloc at a time when the US is pursuing bilateral deals in the region. The updated China-Asean free trade agreement expands into areas including product quality, environmental protection and help for small businesses, according to a Chinese government statement. Signed at the Asean summit in Kuala Lumpur, the deal marks version 3.0 of a trade pact that was first... https://www.scmp.com/plus/article/3330606/china-tightens-asean-ties-trump-divides-group?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/plus/article/3330606/china-tightens-asean-ties-trump-divides-group?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 28 Oct 2025 09:00:26 +0000 Joseph Sipalan,Aidan Jones Joseph Sipalan,Aidan Jones The world’s largest trade agreement was given a jump-start on Monday, as leaders met in Kuala Lumpur at a “pivotal” time for the global economy, desperate to turn the pact into tangible gains as sweeping US tariffs threaten to slow growth across Asia-Pacific. The Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) covers 30 per cent of the global economy, with Asean members at its core alongside East Asian giants China, Japan, South Korea, as well as Australia and New Zealand. The pact was signed... https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/economics/article/3330498/asean-summit-worlds-no-1-trade-bloc-holds-pivotal-meeting-face-tariffs?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/economics/article/3330498/asean-summit-worlds-no-1-trade-bloc-holds-pivotal-meeting-face-tariffs?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 27 Oct 2025 10:43:00 +0000 Joseph Sipalan Joseph Sipalan Malaysia is set to host one of the most consequential Asean summits ever as US President Donald Trump and a coterie of world leaders converge on Kuala Lumpur this weekend, bringing fresh urgency to talks on trade, security and the shifting global order. Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, this year’s chair of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, is expected to use the three-day summit starting on Sunday to ease tensions with Trump over trade imbalances, while also pursuing deals with other... https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/politics/article/3330132/5-things-look-out-trump-jets-asean-summit?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/politics/article/3330132/5-things-look-out-trump-jets-asean-summit?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 24 Oct 2025 03:24:28 +0000 Daryl Ng Daryl Ng The Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) is the world’s largest trade bloc. Including all 10 economies of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean), mainland China, Australia, Japan, South Korea and New Zealand, the group contributes to 30 per cent of global gross domestic product and over 25 per cent of global exports. In September, Asean’s economic ministers issued a joint statement affirming their desire to accelerate the addition of four new members into the RCEP –... https://www.scmp.com/opinion/hong-kong-opinion/article/3327919/how-joining-rcep-will-boost-hong-kongs-role-superconnector?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/opinion/hong-kong-opinion/article/3327919/how-joining-rcep-will-boost-hong-kongs-role-superconnector?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 07 Oct 2025 01:30:08 +0000 Joseph Sipalan Joseph Sipalan Southeast Asia’s economies need to quickly open new markets for their exports through trade groups such as the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), experts say, as US tariffs begin to bite. Economic ministers of the 10-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) will meet in Kuala Lumpur next week to discuss the way ahead, weeks after US tariffs of between 10 and 40 per cent on their exports took effect. They will meet RCEP counterparts during the week-long meeting, and... https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/economics/article/3326149/us-tariffs-bite-asean-urged-embrace-rcep-economic-shield?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/economics/article/3326149/us-tariffs-bite-asean-urged-embrace-rcep-economic-shield?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 19 Sep 2025 08:50:34 +0000 Joseph Sipalan Joseph Sipalan Malaysia will host a summit of the Asean-led Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) in October, as Asia’s economies seek greater trade to offset US tariffs that have slashed growth forecasts. The summit, called by Malaysia’s Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, is being billed as a chance for countries representing 30 per cent of the global economy – and more than 2 billion people – to tear down their own trade barriers as the United States restricts access to its giant economy. “The aim is... https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/economics/article/3323366/malaysia-host-asias-trade-bloc-rcep-october-amid-us-tariff-tensions?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/economics/article/3323366/malaysia-host-asias-trade-bloc-rcep-october-amid-us-tariff-tensions?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 27 Aug 2025 09:56:56 +0000 Neville Lai,Wai-Hong Tang Neville Lai,Wai-Hong Tang The evolving dynamics between China and India, the world’s most populous nations and rising economic powers, are at a critical juncture. Recent developments have shown encouraging signs in bilateral relations, with both sides expressing a willingness to re-engage constructively. Foreign Minister Wang Yi recently visited New Delhi, where he met Prime Minister Narendra Modi, External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar and National Security Adviser Ajit Doval. This has renewed the momentum of... https://www.scmp.com/opinion/china-opinion/article/3322748/china-must-accept-india-looking-after-itself?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/opinion/china-opinion/article/3322748/china-must-accept-india-looking-after-itself?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 24 Aug 2025 08:30:08 +0000 Letters Letters Feel strongly about these letters, or any other aspects of the news? Share your views by emailing us your Letter to the Editor at letters@scmp.com or filling in this Google form. Submissions should not exceed 400 words, and must include your full name and address, plus a phone number for verification Hong Kong’s business environment is undergoing a profound transformation. Once defined by its buzzy street life and guaranteed foot traffic, the city now faces a new reality shaped by digital... https://www.scmp.com/opinion/letters/article/3320919/forget-long-term-leases-heres-how-hong-kong-can-reinvent-retail?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/opinion/letters/article/3320919/forget-long-term-leases-heres-how-hong-kong-can-reinvent-retail?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 07 Aug 2025 03:30:07 +0000 Asma Khalid Asma Khalid US President Donald Trump’s return to tariff diplomacy is on full display in Southeast Asia as he boasts of trade deals with first Vietnam, then Indonesia. The region faces some of the world’s steepest US tariffs come August 1, and many countries have rushed into last-minute talks to avoid economic fallout. Trump has announced a 19 per cent tariff on all Indonesian goods entering the United States under a deal, down from 32 per cent, with Indonesia agreeing in return to buy 50 Boeing jets and... https://www.scmp.com/opinion/asia-opinion/article/3318816/trade-deals-show-us-now-seeks-rent-asean-not-partnership?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/opinion/asia-opinion/article/3318816/trade-deals-show-us-now-seeks-rent-asean-not-partnership?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 20 Jul 2025 12:30:11 +0000 Li Cheng,Zhang Chi (張馳) Li Cheng,Zhang Chi (張馳) USAID, long one of the foremost tools of US soft power, ended its six decades as an independent agency on July 1, with no details on how it had been reviewed disclosed. Meanwhile, the China-initiated International Organisation for Mediation (IOMed), made a high-profile debut in Hong Kong in May. Foreign Minister Wang Yi attended the inauguration and stressed looking for ways to resolve issues “so as to lend our thoughts to countries seeking to resolve problems or disagreements with others”. This... https://www.scmp.com/opinion/china-opinion/article/3317250/hong-kong-uniquely-placed-help-fill-global-public-goods-gap-left-us?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/opinion/china-opinion/article/3317250/hong-kong-uniquely-placed-help-fill-global-public-goods-gap-left-us?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 09 Jul 2025 01:30:08 +0000 Riaz Khokhar Riaz Khokhar When the leaders of Asean, the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and China gathered for an inaugural summit in Kuala Lumpur last week, it marked a historic convergence – the three economic powerhouses represent over 2 billion people and a combined economy of nearly US$25 trillion. Emphasising deeper cooperation in trade, supply chains, infrastructure and finance, the summit’s key areas of focus included green energy, the digital transformation, connectivity and sustainable agriculture to address... https://www.scmp.com/opinion/world-opinion/article/3312800/asean-gcc-china-partnership-can-kick-start-shift-away-us-centric-trade?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/opinion/world-opinion/article/3312800/asean-gcc-china-partnership-can-kick-start-shift-away-us-centric-trade?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 03 Jun 2025 08:30:08 +0000 Agnes Sui-kuen Chan Agnes Sui-kuen Chan In the wake of Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu’s successful visits to Qatar and Kuwait, Hong Kong’s efforts to deepen connections with emerging markets are gaining strong momentum. The signing of 59 memorandums of understanding and agreements has laid the groundwork for advancing the city’s economic and cultural links with the Middle East. The visit underscores Hong Kong’s strategic role as a gateway connecting the Chinese mainland and the world and reflects the city’s strategy to diversify... https://www.scmp.com/opinion/hong-kong-opinion/article/3311562/how-hong-kong-can-reassert-its-global-edge-uncertain-world?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/opinion/hong-kong-opinion/article/3311562/how-hong-kong-can-reassert-its-global-edge-uncertain-world?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 26 May 2025 01:30:08 +0000 David Dodwell David Dodwell In the mad scramble to understand the narrative around the latest US-China trade “deal”, almost no one has raised the question of why discussions were held in Geneva. The answer is simple. It goes a long way towards helping one understand the outcome. It explains why, despite narratives to the contrary, there was no winner, with the journey to any resolution likely to be long and fraught. In having the meetings in Geneva at the gated residence of Switzerland’s UN ambassador, the Chinese message... https://www.scmp.com/opinion/world-opinion/article/3310529/chinas-message-trade-deals-clear-multilateral-only-way?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/opinion/world-opinion/article/3310529/chinas-message-trade-deals-clear-multilateral-only-way?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 16 May 2025 08:30:07 +0000 Bangladesh’s interim leader Muhammad Yunus concluded a four-day visit to China last month, marking his first state visit since assuming office. Significantly, he chose to be in Beijing on Bangladesh’s independence day. During his trip, Beijing committed to US$2.1 billion in investments, loans and grants, including US$400 million to modernise Mongla Port and US$350 million to develop an industrial zone to host Chinese manufacturing and boost Dhaka’s capacity. Yunus also sought Chinese support to... https://www.scmp.com/opinion/asia-opinion/article/3305570/how-china-can-help-bangladesh-escape-indias-foreign-policy-grip?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/opinion/asia-opinion/article/3305570/how-china-can-help-bangladesh-escape-indias-foreign-policy-grip?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 12 Apr 2025 21:30:07 +0000 Instead of retaliating, China should celebrate: US President Donald Trump’s economic and tariff plans are making China great again. What Trump called “Liberation Day” – as he announced global import tariffs ranging from 10 per cent to as much as 34 per cent for China, 46 per cent for Vietnam and 49 per cent for Cambodia – House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries denounced as “recession day”. Indeed, economists expect Trump’s tariffs to accelerate inflation and dampen US economic growth, causing... https://www.scmp.com/opinion/china-opinion/article/3305731/trumps-targeting-china-will-only-spur-its-economic-recovery?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/opinion/china-opinion/article/3305731/trumps-targeting-china-will-only-spur-its-economic-recovery?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 10 Apr 2025 12:30:07 +0000 Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi was in Tokyo recently for the 11th China-Japan-South Korea Trilateral Foreign Ministers’ Meeting – the first since November 2023. During the visit, he also co-chaired the Sixth China-Japan High-Level Economic Dialogue with Japan’s Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya. The results were promising: 20 consensus points emerged from the economic dialogue, spanning trade to green development, alongside a commitment to hold a trilateral summit by the end of the year. Just... https://www.scmp.com/opinion/asia-opinion/article/3304376/broken-world-china-japan-korea-cooperation-asias-backbone?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/opinion/asia-opinion/article/3304376/broken-world-china-japan-korea-cooperation-asias-backbone?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 31 Mar 2025 21:30:07 +0000 Speaking at a think tank event in New Delhi last week, New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon acknowledged that “geopolitical calculations are being totally upended”. Amid US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin having direct peace talks over the Ukraine war, the conflict in Gaza and the looming threat of a global trade war, Luxon’s remarks come at a pivotal moment. Global power dynamics are rapidly shifting, and the Indo-Pacific could soon find itself at the... https://www.scmp.com/opinion/asia-opinion/article/3303579/trumps-policy-u-turn-pushing-indo-pacific-nations-cooperate?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/opinion/asia-opinion/article/3303579/trumps-policy-u-turn-pushing-indo-pacific-nations-cooperate?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 24 Mar 2025 21:30:07 +0000 It was 2013, the night before the launch of UOB’s foreign direct investment (FDI) advisory unit in Indonesia. The rupiah had weakened due to global and domestic factors and while this was not representative of Indonesia’s vast hinterland and growing economy, there were understandably concerns. At the launch, local media asked why investors should still invest in Indonesia and the region. I replied: “The answer is in the room.” After the puzzled silence, I said FDI would continue to flow into... https://www.scmp.com/opinion/asia-opinion/article/3293376/asean-remains-investment-bright-spot-messy-global-economy?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/opinion/asia-opinion/article/3293376/asean-remains-investment-bright-spot-messy-global-economy?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 09 Jan 2025 01:30:08 +0000 Britain has officially become the 12th economy to join the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) as part of its efforts to build post-Brexit relations, but how much will it boost the UK economy? The CPTPP, which also includes Australia, Canada and Japan, is the successor to the Trans-Pacific Partnership, cobbled together after the US withdrew from the pact in 2017. Britain is the first non-founding member and the first European country to join the free... https://www.scmp.com/opinion/world-opinion/article/3292775/after-britain-will-china-be-next-join-cptpp-free-trade-pact?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/opinion/world-opinion/article/3292775/after-britain-will-china-be-next-join-cptpp-free-trade-pact?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 31 Dec 2024 08:30:08 +0000 In 2025, Malaysia will again assume the chairmanship of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, population 676 million. While our region and the world have changed so much since Asean’s founding via the Bangkok Declaration of 1967, I would argue that Asean is more relevant than ever before. As we approach six decades of existence, Asean has every reason to take pride in how far it has come, where it is now and where it is headed. Together, its member states form the world’s fifth-largest... https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/opinion/article/3290622/why-aseans-neutrality-our-greatest-asset-divided-world?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/opinion/article/3290622/why-aseans-neutrality-our-greatest-asset-divided-world?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 13 Dec 2024 04:45:49 +0000 Officials at China’s Ministry of Commerce have been kept busy recently as they navigate a hectic agenda of trade talks. As well as continuing to engage in negotiations with the European Union on electric vehicle tariffs, they have been monitoring tariff threats from United States president-elect Donald Trump, and working on strengthening trade ties with other countries and relationships with international bodies. It was a busy start to the week on those fronts for ministry officials. On Monday... https://www.scmp.com/economy/china-economy/article/3290521/china-busy-bolstering-other-trade-ties-amid-tensions-us-eu?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/economy/china-economy/article/3290521/china-busy-bolstering-other-trade-ties-amid-tensions-us-eu?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 12 Dec 2024 15:00:09 +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 Edith Lin Edith Lin Hong Kong will sign a free-trade agreement with Peru, Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu has said after arriving in Lima for an Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (Apec) summit. Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development Algernon Yau Ying-wah on Wednesday afternoon Lima time also met his Thai and Indonesian counterparts to explore collaboration opportunities. Yau thanked them for supporting the city’s bid to join the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), the world’s biggest... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3286479/hong-kong-commerce-chief-meets-thai-indonesian-counterparts-explore-partnership?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3286479/hong-kong-commerce-chief-meets-thai-indonesian-counterparts-explore-partnership?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 14 Nov 2024 02:31:21 +0000 As China navigates a post-pandemic slump and geopolitical headwinds, the future of its economy looks precarious, especially as the property sector – once deemed the economic backbone – has crumbled. Rushing to rebalance its economic landscape, Beijing has rolled out several stimulus plans to boost market confidence while doubling down on its self-reliant model to create a “dual circulation” economy. Four years in, the global economy remains lacklustre, anticipation of a recession mounts, and... https://www.scmp.com/opinion/china-opinion/article/3281972/chinas-drive-tech-self-sufficiency-already-paying?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/opinion/china-opinion/article/3281972/chinas-drive-tech-self-sufficiency-already-paying?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 13 Oct 2024 12:30:08 +0000 Connor Mycroft Connor Mycroft This is the fifth in a series of interviews with consuls general of emerging and belt and road economies with which Hong Kong is keen to build ties. Here are the previous ones. Hong Kong’s new trade office in Kuala Lumpur is set to open “as early as next month” and the move will allow more direct engagements between both sides, according to the country’s top envoy in the city who spoke exclusively to the Post. Consul General Muzambli Markam also said the growing integration within China’s... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3278534/hong-kongs-trade-office-kuala-lumpur-open-early-october-malaysian-envoy-says?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3278534/hong-kongs-trade-office-kuala-lumpur-open-early-october-malaysian-envoy-says?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 15 Sep 2024 00:30:08 +0000 Natalie Wong,Amy Sood,Kimberly Lim Natalie Wong,Amy Sood,Kimberly Lim Hong Kong’s leader has vowed to do “everything” possible to expand cooperation with the Asean bloc of Southeast Asian countries and increase support for trade multilateralism, while revealing that a new economic office in the Malaysian capital of Kuala Lumpur would open “soon”. Sources told the Post on Friday the new Economic and Trade Office (ETO) could be launched before the end of the year. Speaking at the Hong Kong-Asean Summit organised by the South China Morning Post, Chief Executive John... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3278336/hong-kong-primed-bring-singular-and-significant-value-rcep-free-trade-pact-john-lee?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3278336/hong-kong-primed-bring-singular-and-significant-value-rcep-free-trade-pact-john-lee?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 13 Sep 2024 01:57:53 +0000 Hong Kong must push for stronger business ties with Southeast Asian economies to prevent the city from “withering on the vine” amid growing geopolitical tensions, an adviser to the chief executive has said. Frederick Ma Si-hang, a member of the Chief Executive’s Council of Advisers, said on Sunday that city leader John Lee Ka-chiu’s recent visit to Laos, Cambodia and Vietnam had helped with lobbying efforts to allow Hong Kong to join the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), the... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3274061/hong-kong-must-push-firmer-business-ties-asean-or-wither-vine-ex-official?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3274061/hong-kong-must-push-firmer-business-ties-asean-or-wither-vine-ex-official?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 11 Aug 2024 07:01:00 +0000 The third plenum of the Communist Party of China’s 20th Central Committee, which concluded on July 18, provided a clear long-term development plan for the country over the next five years and beyond. Comprehensive in scope, large in scale, broad and deep in reach and consequential in all respects, the plenum’s visionary grand design has promising implications for Hong Kong. Reform is central to the plenum and road map, as it has been since setting the country on an impressive growth trajectory... https://www.scmp.com/opinion/hong-kong-opinion/article/3273521/how-hong-kong-can-fulfil-its-crucial-role-chinas-modernisation?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/opinion/hong-kong-opinion/article/3273521/how-hong-kong-can-fulfil-its-crucial-role-chinas-modernisation?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 07 Aug 2024 22:30:10 +0000 Enoch Yiu Enoch Yiu A majority of the members of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) have responded positively to Hong Kong’s application to join the trade bloc, the city’s Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu said at a conference on Wednesday. For the past two years, Hong Kong officials including Lee have been advocating for the city to join the RCEP, which is the world’s largest free-trade pact, encompassing all 10 Asean member states plus China, Japan, South Korea, Australia and New Zealand. “Hong... https://www.scmp.com/business/article/3269883/hong-kong-chief-executive-citys-bid-join-rcep-trade-bloc-receives-warm-response?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/business/article/3269883/hong-kong-chief-executive-citys-bid-join-rcep-trade-bloc-receives-warm-response?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 10 Jul 2024 06:33:22 +0000 China, Japan and South Korea have agreed to further talks for a trilateral free trade agreement (FTA) but analysts are divided over its prospects with views ranging from a “death knell” to a “protracted” process for the FTA. The FTA might come to fruition if its scope covers less sensitive sectors such as services, the analysts say. Chinese Premier Li Qiang, Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol said at their summit in Seoul last month that their... https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/explained/article/3266464/talks-china-japan-south-korea-fta-merely-symbolic-given-us-and-public-opposition?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/explained/article/3266464/talks-china-japan-south-korea-fta-merely-symbolic-given-us-and-public-opposition?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 13 Jun 2024 08:45:48 +0000 After a hiatus since 2019, the leaders of China, Japan and South Korea met in Seoul late last month. This complex trilateral relationship is one of the most important for these neighbours. Together, their gross domestic product is 30 per cent higher than the European Union’s. They are important trading partners to each other, focused on high-value, often hi-tech, goods. Beyond the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), the three economies are resuming negotiations on a free-trade... https://www.scmp.com/opinion/asia-opinion/article/3265681/what-stands-way-china-japan-south-korea-free-trade-deal?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/opinion/asia-opinion/article/3265681/what-stands-way-china-japan-south-korea-free-trade-deal?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 11 Jun 2024 08:30:47 +0000 China’s Premier Li Qiang made his inaugural official visit to Seoul, South Korea on Sunday to attend the first trilateral summit between leaders of his country, South Korea and Japan since 2019. Li met his host, President Yoon Suk-yeol, and Japan’s Prime Minister Fumio Kishida separately on the first day of his visit, with trade and Taiwan as highlights of the meetings. Following were topics covered during the bilateral meetings and issues that form the backdrop of the summit or are likely... https://www.scmp.com/plus/article/3264268/china-south-korea-japan-talk-trade-cooperation-seoul?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/plus/article/3264268/china-south-korea-japan-talk-trade-cooperation-seoul?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 27 May 2024 09:12:27 +0000 Building a community with a shared future for mankind is the noble goal pursued by China in advancing major-country diplomacy with Chinese characteristics for the new era. The world has entered a new period of turbulence and transformation with emerging hotspot issues and intensifying geopolitical conflicts, as well as rising instability and uncertainty. We humankind are at a new crossroads. Bearing the future of the world in mind, President Xi Jinping put forth the vision of building a... https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/opinion/article/3264054/closer-asean-china-community-shared-future-will-lead-trend-times-building-community-shared-future?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/opinion/article/3264054/closer-asean-china-community-shared-future-will-lead-trend-times-building-community-shared-future?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 26 May 2024 03:00:29 +0000 On May 26, the leaders of China, Japan and South Korea will gather in Seoul for a trilateral summit, the first since 2019. Chinese Premier Li Qiang, Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol will come to the long-delayed meeting with differing agendas but a common desire to stabilise relations in the face of a turbulent security landscape. First held in 2008, the meeting was originally intended to be an annual affair with a heavy economic focus. The format is... https://www.scmp.com/opinion/asia-opinion/article/3263610/china-south-korea-and-japan-are-talking-again-us-should-take-note?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/opinion/asia-opinion/article/3263610/china-south-korea-and-japan-are-talking-again-us-should-take-note?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 23 May 2024 21:30:08 +0000 The Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), which entered into force on January 1, 2022, encompasses all 10 Asean member states plus China, Japan, South Korea, Australia and New Zealand. It represents 30 per cent of the world’s population and 30 per cent of global gross domestic product, and epitomises the virtues of open and dynamic trade relations, the very foundation on which Hong Kong was built into a global logistics, trading and financial hub. Hong Kong filed an application to... https://www.scmp.com/opinion/hong-kong-opinion/article/3260686/hong-kong-poised-be-bigger-force-regional-prosperity?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/opinion/hong-kong-opinion/article/3260686/hong-kong-poised-be-bigger-force-regional-prosperity?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 30 Apr 2024 01:30:23 +0000 Hong Kong is expected to join the world’s biggest free-trade pact this year despite past delays, as Beijing lobbies all member states to speed up the approval process for the city, the local commerce chief has said. Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development Algernon Yau Ying-wah said on Friday that Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) members were still discussing assessment procedures for candidates after a string of meetings. “All the members could only start vetting new... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3259615/beijing-lobbying-worlds-biggest-free-trade-pact-admit-hong-kong-year-minister?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3259615/beijing-lobbying-worlds-biggest-free-trade-pact-admit-hong-kong-year-minister?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 19 Apr 2024 07:41:15 +0000 Back in 2021, amid a raging pandemic, the US National Intelligence Council warned of a more contested world in its Global Trends 2040 report. It highlighted the themes of global challenges, fragmentation, disequilibrium, contestation and adaptation. Post-Covid, a world that has experienced vaccine and digital divides between the West and rest does appear to be fragmenting into blocs reinforced by nationalism and polarisation and which feature deepening inequalities, failed international... https://www.scmp.com/comment/opinion/world/article/3252899/trade-barriers-go-west-rest-are-reglobalising?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/comment/opinion/world/article/3252899/trade-barriers-go-west-rest-are-reglobalising?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 23 Feb 2024 07:30:11 +0000 Hong Kong’s chief executive has promised more collaboration between the city and Malaysia as the financial centre continues to strengthen its free-trade agreements with the Asean group of nations. John Lee Ka-chiu, speaking at a reception organised by the Malaysian Chamber of Commerce to mark its 10th anniversary, said the “much valued cooperation can be counted in more than trade numbers”. “And there is much to look forward to in the coming years,” he added. “We have, for example, been... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3249800/hong-kongs-john-lee-says-he-wants-closer-ties-malaysia-celebration-10-years-countrys-chamber?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3249800/hong-kongs-john-lee-says-he-wants-closer-ties-malaysia-celebration-10-years-countrys-chamber?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 25 Jan 2024 14:30:07 +0000 As China seeks to build closer ties with Japan and South Korea amid lower capital flows, political tensions with the United States, coupled with economic security problems, thwarting its hopes for strengthening supply chain and investment links among the major East Asian economies. In November, the top diplomats of China, Japan and South Korea met for the first time in four years, agreeing to revive long-shelved plans for a summit. China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi called on the countries to... https://www.scmp.com/economy/global-economy/article/3246602/japanese-korean-investors-dial-back-china-can-beijing-find-common-ground-trade?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/economy/global-economy/article/3246602/japanese-korean-investors-dial-back-china-can-beijing-find-common-ground-trade?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 01 Jan 2024 22:00:12 +0000 Chinese President Xi Jinping’s visit to Hanoi last week underpinned Vietnam’s growing global profile, with major powers courting the Southeast Asian country. Vietnam recently upgraded its ties with the United States and Japan to “strategic comprehensive partnerships”. During Xi’s trip, it endorsed China’s vision of a community with a “shared future”. Beijing’s three new projects – the Global Development Initiative, Global Security Initiative and Global Civilisation Initiative – also reportedly... https://www.scmp.com/comment/opinion/article/3245635/amid-us-china-rivalry-vietnams-sweet-spot-diplomacy-master-class?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/comment/opinion/article/3245635/amid-us-china-rivalry-vietnams-sweet-spot-diplomacy-master-class?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 22 Dec 2023 01:30:16 +0000 Feel strongly about these letters, or any other aspects of the news? Share your views by emailing us your Letter to the Editor at letters@scmp.com or filling in this Google form. Submissions should not exceed 400 words, and must include your full name and address, plus a phone number for verification. The economic narrative of Hong Kong unfolds in a dialectic between caution and confidence: Moody’s articulates a restrained view, while the Hong Kong government offers a more optimistic projection... https://www.scmp.com/comment/letters/article/3245129/moodys-vs-hong-kong-officials-whos-right-about-economy?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/comment/letters/article/3245129/moodys-vs-hong-kong-officials-whos-right-about-economy?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 18 Dec 2023 03:30:07 +0000