Tag: Asia Pacific
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China’s Electric Vehicle Surge Threatens U.S. Auto Industry
China’s electric vehicle (EV) industry has reached a critical turning point, producing cars that rival or surpass those made in the West, at a fraction of the cost, according to a stark warning from former General Motors executive Michael Dunne. In a recent New York Times op-ed, Dunne paints a…
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U.S. Eases Tariff Plan in Trade Deal with Vietnam Ahead of Deadline
The United States will impose a 20 percent tariff on many Vietnamese exports, a lower rate than initially proposed, President Donald Trump announced, easing trade tensions just days before a July 9 deadline to increase tariffs on most imports. Transshipments from third countries through Vietnam, however, will face a 40…
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Thailand Prime Minister Paetongtarn Suspended over Leaked Phone Call
Thailand’s Constitutional Court on Tuesday suspended Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra from her duties, marking a serious blow to her administration less than a year into her term. The court accepted a petition from 36 senators accusing her of dishonesty and ethical breaches, stemming from a leaked June 15 phone call…
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Thailand-Cambodia Border Clash Raises Regional Concerns
A brief exchange of gunfire between Cambodian and Thai troops along a contested section of the border on Wednesday left one Cambodian soldier dead and several others injured, according to Cambodian military officials. Royal Cambodian Army spokesperson Mao Phalla confirmed the death, saying that fighting broke out while Cambodian soldiers…
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India and Pakistan Agree to Ceasefire after Four Days of Fierce Conflict
After four days of escalating military confrontation, India and Pakistan have reached a ceasefire agreement, halting what had become the most intense clash between the two nuclear-armed rivals since the Kargil War in 1999. The conflict, sparked by the April 22 killings in Pahalgam that killed 26 civilians, saw India…
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India Launches Missile Strikes on Pakistan, Raising Fears of Full-Scale War
Tensions between India and Pakistan escalated sharply today, as India launched a series of missile strikes inside Pakistani territory under Operation Sindoor, targeting what it alleged were militant infrastructure sites responsible for the April 22 Pahalgam killings in India-administered-Kashmir. The attack, which left 26 tourists dead, was blamed by India…
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Malaysia to Launch New Search for MH370 Wreckage
In a significant development for the long-unsolved mystery of Malaysia Airlines Flight MH370, Malaysia’s Transport Minister Anthony Loke announced that the government has agreed in principle to a new search for the plane’s wreckage, marking the latest chapter in the decade-long quest for answers. The new search will be conducted…
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Quest for critical minerals: China’s dominance, Southeast Asia’s leverage
[Kavi Sampson, Shongjog columnist] In his recent research paper for the Hinrich Foundation, Stewart Paterson examines China’s strategy for securing critical minerals through domestic management and overseas investments, particularly in Southeast Asia. He highlights both the opportunities and challenges this presents for ASEAN countries as they navigate global supply chains…
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India-China border accord: Diplomacy amid mistrust
[Raghavendra Sharma, Shongjog columnist] The recent agreement between India and China to de-escalate their border dispute along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in October 2024 is a noteworthy development in the complex tapestry of Asian geopolitics. This cautious détente reflects both countries’ recognition of the urgent need to manage…
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U.S.-China trade imbalances in the wake of pandemic
[Vikram Rajesh, Shongjog columnist] The current state of global trade balances, marked by China’s widening trade surplus and the growing U.S. trade deficit, serves as a crucial touchstone for understanding the dynamics of post-pandemic economic recovery. The interplay between these two superpowers has reignited debates about the causes and consequences…
