As China and Russia unite, look to India

Rapprochement between Russia and China has dramatically accelerated since the former suspended its participation in the New START treaty. Chinese senior diplomat Wang Yi met with Russian President Vladimir Putin to affirm the flourishing relations between the two countries and their mutual desire to see a multipolar international order. The Communist Party of China’s new […]Continue Reading

In SVB collapse, Asia sees 1997 all over again

A mournful Thai holds a Thai baht note. Photo: NurPhoto via AFP Forum/Anusak Laowilas

To understand the Silicon Valley Bank (SVB) collapse spooking markets, look no further than events in Jakarta. The Indonesian rupiah’s 3.2% drop since February 1 demonstrates how quickly Asia has resigned itself to the fact that the US Federal Reserve isn’t done tightening. Another batch of too-strong-for-Fed-comfort US employment figures in February only increased the […]Continue Reading

Hokkaido to become Japan’s new silicon island

Rapidus, Japan’s advanced logic foundry venture company, has chosen Chitose as the site for a new 5 trillion yen (US$37 billion) semiconductor production facility, a move that will pull the island nation’s northernmost region more firmly into its technology supply chain. Chitose, located 40 kilometers and 30 minutes by express train southeast of Sapporo on […]Continue Reading

US business investment a needed inducement in IPEF 

Trade negotiators from 14 countries convene in Bali this week to talk about a Framework for Prosperity in the Indo-Pacific. How much the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF) secures the interest of businesses and attracts foreign direct investment (FDI) will be a key question on the minds of non-US negotiators. FDI becomes a “carrot” in signing […]Continue Reading

Feds try to stop bank crisis of their own making

NEW YORK – US bank regulators Sunday announced a massive response to last week’s run on Silicon Valley Bank (SVB) and the risk of copycat runs against other regional banks. The Federal Reserve will provide one-year loans against banks’ security portfolios through a new Bank Term Funding Program, eliminating the risk that banks might be […]Continue Reading