Trade

People walk at the venue of the China International Import Expo (CIIE) in Shanghai, China, 6 November 2023. (Casey Hall/Reuters)

China International Import Expo: A good start amid challenges and criticism

The annual China International Import Expo (CIIE) is back this year as a fully in-person event after three years of the pandemic. However, while the authorities say that the results are looking good, participants may not be saying the same thing. Despite positive attendance numbers, is the CIIE truly effective at expanding global business activities and promoting market openness in China?
A logo of Tik Tok is seen during a media tour at the company's headquarters in Singapore on 7 September 2023. (Roslan Rahman/AFP)

[Big read] How Chinese enterprises de-risk by ‘Singapore-washing’ amid China-US tensions

Singapore has become a favoured business hub to set up headquarters for foreign companies, especially Chinese enterprises. However, this may come at a cost for the country, including a negative reputation and soaring real estate demand. Lianhe Zaobao senior correspondent Chew Boon Leong speaks with analysts to find out why international businesses are moving from their home base and the implications.
An employee works on a large construction equipment at a factory in Haian, Jiangsu province, China, on 16 October 2023. (AFP)

China’s family-run businesses face succession issues

China's economic boom has driven the flourishing of private entrepreneurship and led to the emergence of tens of millions of family businesses in the country. But many of these businesses are facing a challenge now: who will be their successor? Caixin journalists tell us more.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese walks into the House of Representatives at Parliament House in Canberra, Australia, on 16 October 2023. (David Gray/AFP)

Australia-China relations have stabilised, thanks to efforts from both sides

As Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese heads to China this weekend, Australia-China relations appear to have improved from their fractious state just a year and a half ago. But it’s too soon to bring out the champagne, says University of Sydney academic Yuan Jingdong.
Tourists navigate an open air market in Bangkok on 16 October 2023. (Lillian Suwanrumpha/AFP)

Thailand’s exposure to Northeast Asia’s slowdowns

World events have not been kind to Thailand’s economic plans. Besides high oil prices and US interest rates, Thailand faces prolonged slowdowns in its Northeast Asian economic partners. The challenges and opportunities are many, and ultimately hinge on stable democratic leadership.
This handout photograph taken on 11 October 2023 and released by Australia's Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade shows Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong (left) and Australian journalist Cheng Lei upon her arrival at the airport in Melbourne, Australia. (Sarah Hodges/Australia's Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT)/AFP)

China-Australia relations warm up again, but will it last?

The recent release of Chinese Australian news anchor Cheng Lei and the lifting of tariffs on key Australian exports into China are signalling a detente in China-Australia relations. But given the impact of external geopolitical issues and China-US relations on China-Australia bilateral relations, will the warming relations and resumption of exchanges and trade stay the course? Lianhe Zaobao’s China Desk looks into the issue.
Russian President Vladimir Putin shakes hands with Chinese President Xi Jinping during a meeting at the Belt and Road Forum in Beijing, China, on 18 October 2023. (Sputnik/Sergei Guneev/Pool via Reuters)

Russia’s reliance on China is growing, but will China benefit?

The outside world predicts that China and Russia are set to demonstrate a “no limits” relationship and join hands to counteract the US and its Western alliance. However, China seems to be gaining dominance in China-Russia relations as Moscow is trying to strengthen its already deep economic, military and energy cooperation with Beijing. Lianhe Zaobao’s China Desk and journalist Miao Zong-Han tell us more.
Visitors pass through the Maritime Silk Route Vessels gallery featuring models of boats which have travelled through the route in the past. These include the Chinese Junk (left), Javanese Jong (background right), and Borobudur (right). (SPH Media)

Southeast Asia in the forgotten history of the Maritime Silk Road?

Southeast Asian countries need to do more to ensure that their historical contributions in developing China-Europe trade through the Maritime Silk Road are not lost amid contemporary narratives giving prominence to China’s centrality. This is not just a matter of historical accuracy but of sovereignty and identity, say RSIS academics Kwa Chong Guan and Han Fook Kwang.
India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi (left) talks to Indonesia's President Joko Widodo (right) prior to a photo session during the 20th ASEAN-India Summit as part of the 43rd ASEAN Summit in Jakarta on 7 September 2023. (Adek Berry/Pool via Reuters)

India’s expanding global influence has limited reach in ASEAN

India is seizing strategic opportunities to emerge as a new global power, but its influence in Southeast Asia is not keenly felt yet. Recent diplomatic accolades that India has achieved with ASEAN, appear to hold more significance in form than in substance. India’s lagging influence in Southeast Asia is also closely associated with its limited economic engagement and protectionist policies towards the region.