In The News

China Space Program Makes US Anxious

Joshua Eisenman September 12, 2003
China plans to launch a man into space and eventually land on the moon. While such pursuits aim at heightening national pride and legitimizing the communist party's rule, they also spread fears over China's underlying intentions. Putting a man in space would confirm not only China's technological advance, but also its military capabilities, missile technology in particular. While...

Why China Should Not Revalue Its Currency

Linda Lim September 12, 2003
Many Americans are searching for someone to blame for their currently struggling economy. Higher unemployment, a drop in the value of the dollar, and low consumer confidence have made the booming 1990s a distant dream. Some US industries have reacted to the economic slowdown by accusing a top exporter, China, of purposefully undervaluing the yuan. Demands to decouple the yuan from the dollar...

Two Years on, ASEAN Breaks Terrorism’s Deadly Lock

Daljit Singh September 11, 2003
In the two years since the September 11 attacks on the US, Southeast Asian nations have taken significant steps to eliminate terrorism, despite the serious obstacles that they must contend with. Many governments have struggled to crack down on terrorism and maintain relations with Muslim groups. For example, Thailand and Indonesia have made some headway with the recent arrests of Al-Qaeda and...

Hong Kong Entrepreneurial Spirit Shines On

Pana Janviroj September 10, 2003
Hong Kong's economy is not simply recovering in the wake of Sars, but remains vibrant and growing. By withdrawing the anti-subversion bill that motivated massive protests earlier this summer, the government seems to be prioritizing the revitalization of Hong Kong's economy. Many countries in Asia had closely watched the anti-subversion bill, because its handling had the potential to...

China Girds for Wider Influence in Asia

Frank Ching September 6, 2003
Last month's meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization demonstrated China's growing influence across Asia. Following 9/11, this six-nation group, which also includes Russia and many Central Asian countries, agreed to establish a regional antiterrorism center in Uzbekistan. The reason for this move may have been strategic. Ever since the country agreed to host US troops engaged...

US Said to Shift Approach in Talks With North Korea

David E. Sanger September 5, 2003
In nuclear disarmament talks last week with North Korea, the US negotiators appeared to adopt a more moderate incentive-based approach advocated by the US Department of State. While any major benefits to North Korea would come only after it fully and verifiably disarms, the mention of reducing sanctions, increasing aid, and even a peace treaty has provided a clearer vision of where talks could...

Economic Worries in China as Companies Pile Up Debt

Keith Bradsher September 4, 2003
The Chinese economy's 8% annual growth rate has made it one of the most impressive development stories of the past decade, but its dynamism may be getting out of control. Economic analysts from J.P. Morgan to Goldman Sachs, from US government officials to even China's Central Bank leadership are concerned about overcapacity and bad bank loans. Chinese banks are notoriously unconcerned...