In The News

Welcome to the Nuclear Club

July 19, 2005
A July 18 meeting between President Bush and Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh may signal a breakthrough in relations between the two countries, as the US officially recognized India as "a responsible state with advanced nuclear technology." The symbolic value of this statement was considerable: As The Economist explains, Bush is "offering to help India, which became a nuclear...

China Seeks to Build Regional Influence at Summit

July 7, 2005
In an attempt to gain greater access to the energy resources in Central Asia, China is stepping up its efforts to strengthen the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) – a regional security group featuring China, Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan. By developing the SCO into a major regional alliance, says expert Niklas Swanstrom, China is hoping not only to assure...

CNOOC Is Not Yet Ready for Unocal

July 4, 2005
As one of the countries that host Unocal's energy holdings, Thailand will experience the direct effects of the US oil company's acquisition by either American-owned Chevron or China's CNOOC. This editorial emphasizes that though Thailand values its relationship with the United States and its ties with China equally, the country's business community would prefer that Chevron...

Asian Reaction to Unocal Bid Is Muted

Wayne Arnold June 30, 2005
China’s pending bid for Unocal, a California-based oil company, has profound implications for several Southeast Asian countries, where about half of Unocal’s assets are located. And yet these countries – Vietnam, Indonesia, Thailand and Myanmar – appear less concerned about the possible transfer of power from the US to China than most American policy-makers are. Part of this lackadaisical...

Russia and Poland Seek Restored Relevance in the New Middle East

Jerzy Zdanowski June 28, 2005
Russia's role in the Middle East has always been a crucial part of its global strategy. During the Cold War, the Soviets sought allies amongst states that were alienated by the Americans. Now, Russian President Vladimir Putin is seeking to cash in on current economic and political possibilities in the Middle East. Russia is establishing important trade ties with countries like Turkey, as...

Chinese Oil Giant in Takeover Bid for US Corporation

David Barboza June 23, 2005
The first takeover battle by a Chinese company for an American corporation began on Thursday, triggered by a bid that the China National Offshore Oil Corporation (CNOOC) entered against Chevron's recent offer to Unocal. Within a growing and modernizing economy, China's largest corporations are striving to emulate their ruthless Wall Street counterparts. The New York Times reports that...

A New Asian Invasion

Dan Roberts June 23, 2005
Two high-profile deals have brought Chinese companies into the spotlight: The China National Offshore Oil Corporation (CNOOC) bid on the Unocal oil group, while appliance manufacturer Haier set its sights on Maytag. Several Chinese companies are actively pursuing US industrial assets, stirring debates within Washington regarding trade policy and job displacement. The Unocal bid has also...