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Asia-Pacific Economics

Asia-Pacific Economics
The latest news and top stories on Asia-Pacific Economics. A Singapore-based entity in the economic research and consulting sector, Asia-Pacific Economics Pte Ltd specialises in geopolitical and macroeconomic analysis and forecasts for global and Asia-Pacific economies. It primarily serves businesses, financial institutions and governments and is known for its market position bolstered by CEO Rajiv Biswas’s experience.
Li Yun spent 21 years in the banking industry. Photo: Handout
Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation

Banking veteran Li Yun fills senior Shenzhen posts in countdown to Apec

Li takes over from Qin Weizhong as China prepares to showcase the city to the world in November summit.

US-China relations

US pushes ‘America first’ agenda in Apec talks ahead of Chinese leader’s visit

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Japan

What does the first visit to the Kuril Islands by Vladimir Putin mean for China?

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Vietnam

Vietnam’s To Lam eyes trade, defence boost during trip to Australia, New Zealand

China’s actions in the South China Sea will be discussed but unlikely to be explicitly condemned, observers say.

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Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese (right) greets Vietnamese President To Lam at Parliament House in Canberra on Tuesday. Photo: AAP/dpa
Hong Kong economy

Mega-events drive HK$5.8 billion spending in first half of year, Paul Chan says

Finance chief says more than 1.75 million people attended over 130 events from January to June, calling Hong Kong ‘an event capital’ rich in culture, arts and sports.

Mainland China

Perfume ban, no-fly zone – as Apec summit looms, Shenzhen ramps up security

The southern city has prohibited more items from the subway and outlawed drones from the downtown area.

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2026 Xi-Trump summits

China and US still in contact on Xi summit trip despite Trump’s election claims

‘Head-of-state diplomacy provides irreplaceable strategic guidance’, foreign ministry says, after Marco Rubio downplays derailment fears.

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US President Donald Trump holds talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping at the Mar-a-Lago estate in West Palm Beach, Florida, in 2017. Photo: AFP
China shipbuilding

China’s grip on global ship repair worries Japan. Can Tokyo end its dependence?

Tokyo’s new industrial strategy reflects growing concern over economic security amid frayed bilateral ties with Beijing, analysts say.

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Hong Kong politics

Exclusive | Loss of fugitive transfer deals a ‘pity’ and only helps criminals: Chris Tang

Security minister tells SCMP it’s up to countries that suspended agreements whether to resume them.

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China-Russia relations

Putin left China, with no pipeline deal. Why is the valve still closed?

Though this week’s China-Russia summit featured many agreements, none progressed the long-delayed Power of Siberia 2 natural gas pipeline.

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Illustration: Lau Ka-kuen
Japan

Takaichi bound for Australia to strengthen economic, security ties

The Prime Minister’s three-day visit will focus on defence, critical minerals and broader economic security as Japan takes a more assertive military stance.

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Japan’s Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi waves as she departs on an official trip to Vietnam and Australia, at Haneda Airport in Tokyo on Friday. Photo: AFP
Asia travel

Lack of fuel reserves forces Southeast Asian flight cuts amid Hormuz crisis

Airlines are cutting flights, as dependence on Middle Eastern fuel hits operators from Pakistan to New Zealand.

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Boao Forum for Asia

As Iran war rages, China links peace to economic growth at Boao Forum

Beijing will continue promoting free trade, openness and a sound legal system for business, top legislator says.

China trade

Not just oil: Iran war disrupts China’s imports of key industrial material

The closure of the Strait of Hormuz is choking off China’s imports of methanol – a vital input for the country’s industrial sector.

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Smoke rises over Tehran after US and Israeli strikes on March 1. The growing conflict in the Middle East is disrupting shipping flows, affecting China’s imports of key materials. Photo: Getty Images
Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation

Outside In | Apec’s quiet cooperation still matters in a noisy, divided world

Year-round, multiple intensive working meetings keep the forum an ‘engine room’ of cooperation, reflecting its commitment to multilateralism.

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A group photo at the Apec informal senior officials’ meeting in Shenzhen, China on December 12, 2025. Photo: Xinhua
US-China relations

What Xi’s calls with Trump and Putin reveal about China’s balancing act

Beijing holds rare same-day talks with Kremlin and White House as powers face headwinds at home, energy uncertainties and nuclear pact’s end.

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China energy security

Can China’s cheap, renewable energy help it outrun the US in the AI race?

China’s energy buildout means cheap, green and reliable electricity fuels its manufacturing and tech industries, giving it an edge over rivals.

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China trade

Will Trump’s Iran tariffs send China searching for new oil sources?

Analysts urge China to protect strategic interests abroad after unexpected announcement, which is likely to push up oil import costs.

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China, Iran’s largest trading partner, would be among the countries most affected by new US tariffs targeting Tehran’s commercial ties. Photo: Reuters
China trade

Japan firms seen ‘stockpiling’ rare earths as Tokyo looks to G7 amid China row

Amid fears of potential mineral export curbs by Beijing, Japanese industry is bracing, and Tokyo appears keen on a united international response.

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China trade

Battle for China’s durian market gets even juicier as Laos enters the fray

Laos could present a real challenge to other players in China’s vast durian market due to its low costs and logistical advantages.

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China trade

China sellers brace as EU moves to tighten rules on low-value parcels, as US did

Merchants warn that margins will be squeezed, consumer prices may rise, and firms may shift markets as compliance costs and customs hits bite cross-border trade.

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The European Commission said that 91 per cent of all e-commerce shipments valued under €150 (US$174) came from China last year. Photo: Getty Images
Rare earths

Baotou set to become China’s rare earth hub under Inner Mongolia’s 10-year plan

Initiatives include a boost to mining, refining and magnet production to supply new-energy industry and global markets while firms and nations race to diversify.

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Inner Mongolia’s second-largest city, Baotou (pictured), has plans to become a world-leading hub for critical materials. Photo: Getty Images
US-China trade war

Soybeans: China’s new bargaining chip in trade war with US?

Beijing seen holding a lot of cards in trade negotiations with Washington, while US treasury secretary says next round of talks should ‘show a pretty big breakthrough’.

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China trade

Malaysia flexes rare earth muscle as mineral-hungry US seeks non-Chinese sources

Kuala Lumpur’s new ban on exports of unprocessed rare earth metals reflects how Malaysia is carving out its own path in the rare earth supply chain.

China trade

China launches anti-dumping investigation into imports of Canadian pea starch

The latest tit-for-tat trade move comes after Canada imposed tariffs targeting Chinese steel last month.

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China has launched an anti-dumping investigation into pea starch imported from Canada. Photo: Shutterstock
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