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Pacific Money
The 21st century is commonly referred to as the 'Pacific Century.' For such a prediction to materialize, the economies of the Asia-Pacific must lead the globe. What challenges will the region face? What nations stand to benefit most? The Diplomat's economics and business blog, Pacific Money, will try to tackle these questions and more.
Making an Electric Car Battery, Minus China
By Abhimanyu Singh Rana
Building indigenous capacities to produce raw materials for lithium-ion batteries will be crucial for achieving energy transition goals.
What Indonesia’s 2025 Budget Tells Us About Prabowo’s Fiscal Outlook
By James Guild
To a large extent, fears about uncontrolled government spending have been overblown.
Taiwan’s TikTok Liberal Paradox
By Kai-Shen Huang
In contrast to the United States’ fiery debates over regulating TikTok, Taiwan’s policy discourse has remained conspicuously subdued.
Indonesia Scales Back Planned VAT Hike, Will Apply Only to Luxury Goods
By Sebastian Strangio
The last-minute shift by President Prabowo Subianto came in response to strong criticisms from business associations and labor unions.
China Is Dominating the Race for Generative AI Patents
By Rahul Pandey
The GenAI revolution is not merely a matter of innovation and economic growth. It’s a battle for geopolitical supremacy – and China is in the lead.
With Indonesia’s XL Axiata-Smartfren Merger, Telecom Consolidation Marches on
By James Guild
Amid both financial and geopolitical pressures, there has been a trend toward increased consolidation in Southeast Asia’s telecom industry.
The Good, the Bad, and the Uncertain of Australia’s Economic Outlook
By Luke Hartigan
The Australian economy has had a tough few years, but there are some reasons to be positive, and other reasons to be not so positive.
UK Officially Joins Trans-Pacific Trade Agreement
By Sebastian Strangio
The country has become the 12th member of the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership.
The Importance of the EU-Philippines Trade Deal
By Sophia Ordoña and Jonas Nitschke
The renewed interest from the EU underscores a positive shift under the new administration of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
Myanmar Economy to Shrink Further in 2025, World Bank Says
By Sebastian Strangio
Myanmar’s GDP is expected to contract by 1 percent in the fiscal year ending March 2025, a downward revision from the previous projection of modest growth.
The Taxman Cometh in Southeast Asia
By James Guild
In the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, many governments in the region are attempting to get deficits and public debt levels back under control.
Asia-Pacific Leads World in Crypto Adoption Amid Bitcoin’s $100,000 Rally
By Dmytro Spilka
Bitcoin’s surge helped uncover Asia’s sky-high enthusiasm for crypto adoption and development.