In The News

The New York Times: China’s Ambitious New “Port” in Landlocked Kazakhstan

Andrew Higgins January 15, 2018
The China Ocean Shipping Company, the country’s biggest, state-owned shipping company, invested billions in the Khorgos Gateway, located in the arid terrain of Kazakhstan. “The gamble is not only reshuffling global transport routes, but also shaking up Kazakh and global politics as China inserts itself deeper into a region that Russia considers squarely within its area of influence,” writes...

Spiegel Online: Eastern Europeans Tire of Being Sold Inferior Products

Nils Klawitter December 22, 2017
Some products taste better in some places as some manufacturers cut back on expensive ingredients for products destined for less wealthy regions. So there may be less chocolate, sugar or cheese in products sold in Eastern Europe than Western Europe though labels and prices are the same. Slovakian Prime Minister Robert Fico has threatened sanctions, speaking out “for 103 million EU citizens who...

Caixin: As Global Power Shifts, US Must Win Beijing’s Cooperation

David M. Lampton December 14, 2017
Global institutions and alliances supported by the United States since 1945 have added to economic growth, lifting emerging economies and deterring conflicts, explains David M. Lampton for Caixin of Johns Hopkins University. He urges three priorities: addressing the North Korea nuclear program, trade reciprocity and economic balance of power in Asia. The United States should not ignore the One...

Financial Times: Trump Demands End to Asia’s “Chronic Trade Abuses”

Demetri Sevastopulo and John Reed November 10, 2017
In addressing the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in Vietnam, Donald Trump said the United States would not tolerate chronic trade abuses and he urged fair and reciprocal economic relationships. The talk came after his visit to China, the country that has the biggest trade deficit with the United States. Yet the presidents of both countries flattered each other, and Trump said he did not...

The Diplomat: US Allies in the Age of Trump

Robert Dujarric November 3, 2017
Barack Obama had emphasized a “pivot to Asia," but the Trump administration promotes "America First" policies. US allies in the region will listen closely during Donald Trump’s 12-day trip to Asia for any signals on priorities. His policies, especially termination of the Trans-Pacific Partnership and baiting of Kim Jong Un in North Korea, do not align with the allies’ interests,...

Financial Times: Poisoning of Global Trade

Edward Luce November 2, 2017
Mexico and Canada are trying to save the North American Free Trade Agreement, which has delivered trade, efficiency and jobs to three nations. The Trump administration views the trade agreement as unfair. Edward Luce, writing for the Financial Times, describes three demands that suggest the United States is not serious about negotiating an improved agreement: imposing a “sunset” clause every five...

BBC: The US and Iranian Battle Over Pistachio Trade

Zoe Thomas October 31, 2017
Tensions run high between Iran and the United States. The Trump administration, criticizing the terms, claims that Iran is not in compliance over the nuclear deal and decertified what is known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action. Other signatories – China, Russia, France, Germany and the United Kingdom – do not agree and remain in the agreement with Iran. The tensions affect trade, and Iran...