Tag: China

Singapore becomes a haven for companies and investors fleeing tensions between the US and China.
24Jan mmBy Brian ThompsonNo Comments
China, Market, Singapore, USA

Singapore becomes a haven for companies and investors fleeing tensions between the US and China.

Its reputation of political neutrality — and strength in life sciences — is making Singapore a favoured launchpad for western investors and Chinese startups. Two years ago, Polaris Partners, the investment arm of US pharmaceutical company Polaris, opened an office in Singapore as it started to ramp up investments in the Asian country. “Singapore has an extraordinary ecosystem,” says Amy Schulman, managing partner at Polaris Partners. “It has first rate science that gets a good amount of government support. It has terrific intellectual property protection, and it has organised rule of law system that makes things very appealing.” Singapore’s favourable tax system and English-speaking business community have also made it an ideal jumping off point for international companies se...
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Trump warns China that further tariffs will be imposed on February 1.
22Jan mmBy Joe RodriguezNo Comments
China, World

Trump warns China that further tariffs will be imposed on February 1.

President Donald Trump on Tuesday warned that even more tariffs could be coming as soon as next week: This time China was his target, as Trump threatened to unleash a wave of higher taxes on imports from America’s second-biggest trading partner. In an Oval Office press conference that echoed similar off-the-cuff remarks on Monday, Trump said that he is considering a 10% across-the-board tariff on all Chinese goods starting as early as February 1. On Monday, Trump threatened 25% tariffs on Mexico and Canada but deflected on China, noting that former President Joe Biden left in place extensive tariffs that Trump imposed during his first administration. It’s unclear what prompted such a rapid change in Trump’s tariff policy, although he had promised as much as a 60% tariff on all g...
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China’s soft diplomacy and economic necessity Seeking a reversal on admission without a visa
22Jan mmBy Joe RodriguezNo Comments
China

China’s soft diplomacy and economic necessity Seeking a reversal on admission without a visa

It was once a privilege afforded to only Singapore, Brunei and Japan but now travel rules have been relaxed for dozens of countries. But are many people coming? Afew years ago, getting a visa to visit China was a “ball ache”, says Kate Murray. The Australian was going for a four-day trade show, but the visa required a formal invitation from the organisers and what felt like “a thousand forms”. “They wanted so many details about your life and personal life,” she tells the Guardian. “The paperwork was bonkers.” But were she to go back again now, Murray could just jump on the plane. Australians are among citizens of almost 40 countries for which China now waives visas for business, tourism or family visits for up to four weeks. It’s a dramatic change in Beijing’s approach to ...
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As tensions between the US and China increase, Malaysia links its fortunes to Singapore.
22Jan mmBy Brian ThompsonNo Comments
Asia, China, Singapore, USA

As tensions between the US and China increase, Malaysia links its fortunes to Singapore.

New special economic zone paves way for closer relations between one-time south-east Asian rivals As tensions ratchet up between two of Malaysia’s biggest trading partners, the US and China, the south-east Asian nation is increasingly looking to hitch its wagon to its more successful neighbour, Singapore. A special economic zone straddling the two countries — along with a raft of initiatives to build stronger ties — has been designed to help the pair withstand tougher global economic trading conditions. “We are entering a new era where global tensions are here to stay,” warned Singapore’s Prime Minister Lawrence Wong this month at the signing of an agreement to create the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone. “The world is becoming a more dangerous and troubled place. This...
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The Bigger Threats to China’s Economy
21Jan mmBy Joe RodriguezNo Comments
China, USA, World

The Bigger Threats to China’s Economy

China’s economy rebounded in the last quarter of 2024, achieving the government’s growth target of 5%, as announced by Beijing on Friday. China’s economy rebounded in the last quarter of 2024, achieving the government’s growth target of 5%, as announced by Beijing on Friday. However, this marks one of the slowest growth rates in decades, underscoring the challenges facing the world’s second-largest economy. Amid a prolonged property crisis, mounting local government debt, and persistent youth unemployment, China’s rebound remains fragile. The head of the country’s statistics bureau described China’s economic achievements as “hard won,” acknowledging the significant stimulus measures launched late last year. Historically, Beijing has been adept at meeting its growth targets, but exp...
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<strong>Mass Layoffs at Foxconn China: A Closer Look at the Ongoing Crisis</strong>
15Jan mmBy Walter ParezNo Comments
China

Mass Layoffs at Foxconn China: A Closer Look at the Ongoing Crisis

In recent months, Foxconn's factories across China have been witnessing waves of mass layoffs and resignations. This has led to long lines of workers, clutching their luggage and accompanied by their families, painfully leaving the premises. In Zhengzhou, large crowds of employees have gathered along Factory Avenues to process their resignations. Videos circulating online show distressed workers standing in queues from morning until midday, highlighting the magnitude of the issue. Social media discussions are abuzz with reports of widespread downsizing, with some speculating that Foxconn may leave China altogether. Footage shows Foxconn dormitories completely emptied, their rooms and windows abandoned. The once-bustling areas filled with street vendors and lively crowds now res...
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Economic Strain Leads Chinese Youth to Abandon Marriage and Family
13Jan mmBy Joe RodriguezNo Comments
China

Economic Strain Leads Chinese Youth to Abandon Marriage and Family

China is witnessing a significant shift in its social fabric, with an increasing number of young people choosing to remain single. The total number of unmarried individuals in China has now surpassed 230 million. This trend has given rise to a generation that values freedom and autonomy over traditional marriage and family life. For many young Chinese, choosing not to marry offers numerous benefits. Staying single provides freedom, allowing individuals to live as they please without worrying about societal expectations. It also brings a sense of mental and physical liberation, as they aren't weighed down by marital responsibilities. China's sluggish economy, high unemployment rates, and intense workplace competition have made it difficult for many young people to see a hopef...
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The China Financial Index of the SEB indicates a decline in market sentiment.
9Jan mmBy Joe RodriguezNo Comments
China, Market

The China Financial Index of the SEB indicates a decline in market sentiment.

SEB's China Financial Index, which measures the business outlook among northern European companies' subsidiaries in China, dropped to 52.0 at the end of the year 2024, from 55.3 in June. The survey shows that respondents consider the business environment to be increasingly challenging.  “Renewed pessimism among the survey respondents reflects the sentiment swings seen among other foreign business players in China. Despite a series of announcements from the Chinese government about its intention to support the economy forcefully, the view seems to be that the measures implemented so far have not been sufficient. Customer demand and local Chinese competition remain top concerns for northern European companies in China. In addition, there are elevated fears in China of a poss...
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<strong>Meltdown in real estate sector exposes the Achilles heel of Chinese economy</strong>
6Feb mmBy Mike TrudellNo Comments
China

Meltdown in real estate sector exposes the Achilles heel of Chinese economy

With a Hong Kong court ordering on January 29, 2024, the real estate giant of China Evergrande to undergo liquidation following a failed effort to restructure $300 billion in debt owed to banks and bondholders, it is clear that the crisis in the real estate sector in China is far from over. With the growth rate in the Gross Domestic Product in China restricted to only 5.2 percent in 2023 amid mounting concerns, waning investor confidence and a protracted property market slump, it is evident that there is no chance of an immediate recovery either in the real estate sector in China or of the Chinese economy. In this situation, the assertion made by U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken in Davos on January 17 that India’s is an “extraordinary success story’ will not be music to the ears ...
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<strong>The Reality of China’s Investments in Developing Nations</strong>
9Jan mmBy Mike TrudellNo Comments
China

The Reality of China’s Investments in Developing Nations

In the complex landscape of global geopolitics, the involvement of major powers in the development of smaller nations has often been a double-edged sword. China's increasing presence in countries like the Maldives, Africa, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and others has sparked debates about the nature and consequences of its investments. Critics argue that China's strategy involves leveraging economic opportunities to extend its influence, creating a debt trap that may ultimately lead these nations to financial instability and ultimate bankruptcy. Therefore, it is important to delve into the unfolding narratives in the Maldives and explore parallels with South Asian and African nations, examining the implications of China's predatory economic engagement. The Maldives, often glamorized as a picturesq...
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