A new study suggests that official Chinese lending has dropped in recent years. This stems from lessons learnt after a decade of mistakes in overseas lending. Despite the decline, the Chinese Belt and Road Initiative shows no signs of slowing.
Category Archives: Commentaries
Malaysia’s New Lockdown – But Where Is the Help for the People?
It is puzzling that the Prime Minister neglects to give assurance that relief will be delivered, if necessary, during this lockdown. Perhaps his government genuinely believes that the broader scope of essential services, along with stimulus programmes introduced in Budget 2021, will translate into a minimal downturn.
Hit the Covid Reset Button for Climate’s Sake!
Climate change and pandemics are interlinked. So should be the government responses to these human security threats.
The Curious Case of the Benjamin Franklins in Myanmar: A Deeper Understanding of the Meaning of Money?
The desire for clean and unmarked US dollar bills in Myanmar provides some food for thought as to the function of money.
Mobilising Skilled Labour in ASEAN
Removing national barriers to skilled labour mobility in ASEAN is difficult. RCEP and the AQRF can help.
Bersatu and Perikatan Nasional: Parlous State of Political Limbo
Bersatu, the party of Malaysia’s prime minister, is running out of options to keep itself at the reins of power.
Wang Yi’s African Tour: What it Means for Southeast Asia
Wang Yi’s first overseas trip this year to Africa has implications for Southeast Asia.
Seeing Through Smoke: Why the Debt-Trap Narrative Is a Distraction
The Belt and Road Initiative is many things, but there is little evidence that it is a debt trap. Observers should dispense with this grand narrative and focus on how to engage with the nuances of Chinese lending.
Agency Requires Action: Southeast Asia and Great Power Rivalry
The US-China rivalry means that Southeast Asia needs more integration and a more outcome-oriented ASEAN.
Navigating Vietnam’s Lending App Maze
Consumer protection and education is needed to tame the expanding digital lending industry.