Booming foreign tourist arrivals have provided a significant boost to Japan’s economy — and this is being driven by more than just the weak yen. It reflects Japan’s strong competitiveness in attracting global visitors and its ability to diversify its exposure, although there is also the drawback of too much tourism. Japan’s economy is finally… Continue reading What’s behind Japan’s post-pandemic tourism surge?
The Vietnamese Communist Party lost its long-ruling chief earlier this month, and his death could spell trouble for the EU’s cordial relationship with Hanoi. Vietnam’s new leaders, including recently installed President To Lam, have little interest in breaking with Hanoi’s tried-and-tested foreign policy of finding a balance between all powers, analysts say. But their lack of… Continue reading With Nguyen Phu Trong gone, are EU-Vietnam ties at risk?
Thailand’s working-age population could decline by around a fifth by 2050, but things are not as grim as they look. China’s demographics alone – even if you ignore its increasing marginalization from global trade, its dependency on food and energy imports, and President Xi Jinping’s utter gutting of the bureaucracy of anyone who might bring… Continue reading Some reasons not to panic about a Thai demographic collapse
The 2024 European Parliament (EP) election results raised more questions than answers for Chinese commentators. The rise of far-right parties was mostly seen as the advent of a new age of disorder, while Chinese analysts expect to see less unity within the bloc, more NATO skepticism, and more pro-Russian voices. Moreover, they perceive the right-wing… Continue reading Chinese Media Watch: A Less United Europe Expected After EP Elections
National Assembly elections showed low support for the ruling party and President Yoon Suk-Yeol. He will now face even fiercer opposition to his domestic reforms and criticism of his foreign policy activities than he did in his first two years in office. The 22nd parliamentary election in South Korea took place on April 10, 2024.… Continue reading Will the parliamentary election impact South Korea’s foreign relations?
