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The imposition of tariffs on Chinese goods by US President Trump threatens not only wrenching changes to the largest bilateral trading relationship in the world, but also undermines efforts to deter China from action against Taiwan. As such, the tariffs make the world a much more dangerous place. The trade war Discussion of the tariffs…
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A propensity in the media to see Taiwan as little more than a piece on a geopolitical chessboard fails to do justice to its thriving society, and to its arts – especially the striking films produced in recent decades. The single-dimensional nature of that coverage is something to bear in mind, as talk of war…
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The deployment of North Korean troops to Russia has drawn attention to the relationship between Beijing and Pyongyang – long known to be as close as “lips and teeth” Old associations These ties are old. The Ming dynasty intervened in support of Korea in 1592, for instance, in order to fight off a Japanese…
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The inauguration of a new Chief Executive in Macau presages closer integration into mainland China, and policy shifts that could rein in the city’s vast casino sector, at the expense of investors. It also hints at a comparable future for Hong Kong. A new Chief Executive Sam Hou Fai (岑浩輝) (“Sam”) will run in…
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A series of recent reports have raised the prospect of major technology companies, and other businesses, moving production out of China. However, these reports often understate the challenges involved in any such restructuring, and the timeframe within which it can take place – as the case of Vietnam makes clear. De-risking is certainly happening, but…
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Tensions between the Philippines and China have highlighted how key the South China Sea has become in the regional strategic contest between Washington and Beijing. This situation poses acute risks, notwithstanding some recent declines in tensions. The lord giveth and taketh away… Of particular note in recent weeks has been that Manila and Beijing…
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Pressures on strategically important companies in Hong Kong have grown of late, in response to a rising market scepticism and a desire to fortify the economy in mainland China. This trend is weakening the traditions not only of “enlightened non-interference” in Hong Kong, but also of Deng Xiaoping’s reform and opening up policies in mainland…
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A current exhibition at the Hong Kong Palace Museum is showing some pictures from Ming Dynasty artists, such as Zhang Hong (张宏), an artist who lived from 1577 to sometime after 1652, at the turbulent tail end of the Ming Dynasty. Zhang Hong Zhang Hong was from Suzhou in Jiangsu province, but worked for a…
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Reports in late April 2024 in the Wall Street Journal suggested that the US government was preparing financial sanctions against a Chinese bank, in response to alleged support for Russia in its war in Ukraine. Subsequent reporting claimed that the move merely sought to put pressure on Beijing in the context of diplomatic talks, however. …
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Efforts by American allies to strengthen ties amongst themselves in the face of pressure from China may enhance US deterrence in East Asia. However, the linkage of hitherto compartmentalised issues is resulting in the emergence of a single “theatre of operations” in East Asia. Such a shift may yet prompt a response from China, which…
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Living with the Dragon 