Could BRICS redefine Asia’s power balance?

For Asian countries outside the current BRICS framework, the stakes are high. Membership could mean enhanced access to financial resources, a larger voice in global institutions, and strengthened ties with emerging powers.

South Korea, ASEAN launch first joint economic think-tank talks

ASEAN, comprising Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam, has become an increasingly vital partner for Korea in recent years.

COMMENT: China’s quiet power play in Southeast Asia

Singapore sees gold rush as investors flock to bullion amid global uncertainty

Physical gold sales in Singapore surged in the first four months of 2025, with bullion demand reaching 2.5 tonnes in the first quarter, up 35% year-on-year, marking the steepest increase since 2010.

COMMENT: Why Asia should not follow the failed European model

Over the past 15 years, Europe’s trade frameworks have faltered, integration has stalled, and a number of its core political and economic ideas have failed under real-world pressure.

ASIA BLOG: Beijing’s South China Sea strategy is about Taiwan — and the world needs to sit up and take notice

Even as Taiwan is described as potentially the most dangerous flashpoint in Asia, it is actually the fulcrum upon which the future of the Indo-Pacific — and by extension the global balance of power — may pivot.

ASEAN aligns with Japan, China and South Korea in warning against protectionist risks

Meeting on the sidelines of the recent Asian Development Bank’s annual gathering in Milan, Italy, the officials reiterated their support for a rules-based, free and fair multilateral trading system.

Japanese official warns of wider Asian security impact of Trump tariffs

Former defence minister Itsunori Onodera, speaking in Washington at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, expressed particular concern about the potential impact on Southeast Asia.

India moves to cut reliance on Chinese solar modules and PV cells

India has taken significant strides when it comes to reducing import dependency for solar modules and PV cells, which is a result of expanding domestic manufacturing capabilities.

China doubles down on Cambodia ties amid global trade tensions

Amid economic uncertainty, the world is redirecting investments toward Southeast Asia as countries increasingly recognise the strength of regional cooperation.

ASIA BLOG: Is China preparing to poke the paper tiger in the White House?

The US intimidates certain countries. But America is just a paper tiger. Don’t believe its bluff. One poke and it’ll burst!

Asian giants thrive in Russia despite sanctions

Maintaining a complex balance between profit, geopolitical alignment and risk management, the presence of Asian nations in Russia reveals a divergence between Western corporate exodus and Eastern mercantile strategy.

ASIA BLOG: China suddenly recognises need for community, in a region Beijing has long polarised

President Xi made no mention of long-standing territorial issues with China’s closest neighbours including Japan, South Korea and the self-governing country long claimed as an integral part of China by Beijing: Taiwan.

Vietnam gold prices hit record highs as global bullion rallies

Gold prices in Vietnam surged to historic highs on April 10, mirroring gains in global markets as investors flocked to the precious metal amid escalating US-China trade tensions and shifting tariff policies.

Southeast Asia's leading economies ponder possible US tariffs as 90-day pause takes effect

When the US administration under President Donald Trump announced sweeping import tariffs on ASEAN nations, it triggered an immediate ripple across Southeast Asia’s export-dependent economies.

Vietnam, US business groups urge delay of steep US tariffs as Hanoi wakes to 90-day reprieve

Vietnamese and US business communities calling on the administration of President Donald Trump to warn that the proposed 46% reciprocal tariff could wreak havoc on trade flows have met with a 90-day reprieve

COMMENT: Brazil’s Lula builds economic bridges across the Pacific

Brazil's President Lula boosted ties with Japan and Vietnam during his Asian tour last week, securing aircraft deals, beef markets and partnerships.

Survivors pulled from the rubble in Myanmar as the death toll rises following M7.7 earthquake

More people have been rescued from the rubble over two days after a powerful earthquake struck in neighbouring Myanmar, where the death toll in the country now exceeds 1,700 with some indicators that it may rise further.

M7.7 earthquake leads to Bangkok building collapse – fatalities confirmed

Two construction workers have been confirmed dead at a Bangkok building collapse with more fatalities expected.

Will Donald Trump throw Taiwan under the bus?

Taiwan and its 23.5mn residents might just need to prepare for being grasped by the scruff of the neck by a man in a long red tie as the People’s Liberation Army bus rounds the corner.