Latest news, breaking stories, and expert analysis on Asia Pacific. Stay informed with comprehensive coverage from trusted sources.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese dismissed comparisons between American and Chinese missile activities, citing China's lack of respect for firing a nuclear-capable missile with minimal notice. Palauan President Surangel Whipps Jr appealed to regional leaders at the Pacific Islands Forum to explicitly condemn the test, though a unified statement remains out of reach due to pushback from pro-Beijing member nations.
Rahul Ghosh of Moody's argues that Asia is shifting from multilateral climate alignment to a 'pragmatic transition' prioritizing energy security. Geopolitical shocks, including conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East, drive nations like Japan and Singapore to balance renewable investments with continued fossil fuel reliance.
Australian asset manager IFM Investors plans to allocate up to 50% of its roughly $1 billion private credit fund to Asian markets. The firm intends to direct 25-35% of the capital to Southeast and South Asia, citing untapped opportunities and favorable deal structures.
Asian countries are shifting from domestic instant payment rails to cross-border frameworks like Project Nexus and mBridge. These initiatives connect national systems across Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Indonesia, the Philippines, China, UAE, and Saudi Arabia to facilitate international transactions.
The author argues that Pacific Island states should adopt collective security through international institutions to mitigate great power rivalry. Citing Chinese military drills and US policy shifts, the piece contends that small nations can better protect their sovereignty by sheltering together rather than choosing between competing powers.
Singapore Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan proposed a regional power grid connected to Australia during the Pacific Islands Forum in Palau. He cited the ASEAN Power Grid as a model, arguing that interconnection would provide economies of scale and collective energy security for island nations currently reliant on expensive diesel generation.