Back to April 2016, at the Qingfeng steamed bun restaurant in Beijing’s bustling Xicheng district, Jin Liqun lunched with the Asia editor of the Financial Times to introduce himself and China’s newly created Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB).
Beijing’s decision to establish a development bank reflected in part a deep frustration with the reluctance of the world’s leading economies to give China (and other leading developing economies) more influence in Bretton Woods institutions such…
No more Alice Guos? Philippine lawmaker seeks new law against fake citizenship
A new bill that seeks to establish a new civil registration system in the Philippines in a bid to prevent “more Alice Guos” is a step in the right direction, but may not be adequate to address the country’s deep-seated patronage politics and bribery, observers warn.
Filed by Philippine Senator Sherwin Gatchalian, the bill proposes to create a new civil registration and vital statistics system that aims to prevent foreigners from acquiring Philippine citizenship through fraudulent means, such as…
Building safety and decarbonisation for property owners in Britain
Property owners in Britain are facing increasing regulation following the Grenfell Tower fire in London and because of policy reactions to the climate emergency.
The Brics paradox: expanding influence, patchwork progress
Even as internal divisions and absent leaders hung over proceedings, this week’s Brics summit in Brazil delivered an unmistakable message: the world’s emerging economies are intent on shaping their own destiny, seeking consensus where once there was only Western dominance.
In a joint declaration adopted on Sunday, Brics leaders warned of the threat posed to the global economy by the “indiscriminate” use of tariffs and “proliferation of trade-restrictive actions” – thinly veiled references to US…
Thailand to require cannabis shops to convert into clinics staffed by doctors
Thailand is poised to close most of its cannabis shops by the end of the year under sweeping new rules requiring retailers to operate as licensed medical clinics with on-site doctors – a move that could roll back much of the country’s brief experiment with decriminalised marijuana.
The new regulations – set to be enforced by the end of the year – will leave around 2,000 of Thailand’s estimated 18,000 cannabis shops in operation, a Ministry of Public Health official said on Tuesday.
That is…
New EU energy platform will enhance security of supply and enable decarbonisation
The European Commission’s new EU Energy and Raw Materials Platform will enhance security of supply and support the EU’s 2030 renewable hydrogen targets, experts have said.
Singapore politicians lead sold-out durian tours to Malaysia as peak season hits
Singaporean politicians are leading their constituents on sold-out tours across the causeway to indulge in Malaysia’s peak durian season, with itineraries featuring all-you-can-eat buffets, shopping and multi-course dinners.
At least seven members of parliament (MPs) have organised trips this month for Singaporean citizens to get their fill of the spiky and pungent fruit in neighbouring Malaysia, where prices are expected to fall this month in light of abundant supply.
The outings, some lasting…
Bali named world’s second most crowded island – residents aren’t cheering
Indonesia’s Bali is now officially the second most crowded island in the world after neighbouring Java, as residents feel squeezed out by the influx of tourists and even their compatriots in their backyard.
Measuring 5,780 sq km (2,230 square miles) in size, Bali is home to 731 people per sq km, excluding tourists, according to national newspaper Kompas citing data from online market researcher Visual Capitalist.
More than 60,000 daily visitors arrive on the island with a population of 4.2…
Saudi Arabia takes steps to further strengthen arbitration practices
The recently passed set of resolutions aimed at enhancing the arbitration ecosystem in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) will further help to align the Kingdom with international standards and best practices, experts have said.
How China, Japan and South Korea can be titans of tech innovation
Just ahead of the July 9 deadline to reach an agreement on tariffs, US President Donald Trump announced his decision on the tariffs levels for 14 countries – including a rate of 25 per cent on Japan and South Korea – effective August 1.
Trump accused Japan of not buying enough rice and cars from the US. It’s worth noting that the American car industry is simply not competitive in Japan. Germany, Japan and China are the top three auto exporters. Those countries, along with South Korea, have…