East Asia
Bank of Japan Holds Rates at 0.5% amid Global Uncertainty
The Bank of Japan (BOJ) held its short-term interest rate at 0.5% in its March 19 meeting. The decision was widely expected, reflecting the central bank’s cautious approach as U.S. trade policies and a slowing Chinese economy weigh on Japan’s outlook.
TSMC’s Tightrope: Navigating Silicon Supremacy amid U.S.-China Rivalry
As geopolitical tension escalates, TSMC is expanding overseas while reaffirming its domestic roots. Caught between American pressure and Taiwanese interests, the chipmaker must balance global ambition with its role as Taiwan’s silicon shield.
APEC Summit: Biden’s Bittersweet Meeting with Xi Jinping
On Wednesday, Nov. 15, US President Joe Biden hosted Chinese President Xi Jinping at the Filoli Estate in San Francisco for a four hour one-on-one discussion. The meeting comes amidst the backdrop of this year’s Asian-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit where leaders from twenty-one Asian-Pacific nations gather to discuss economic cooperation and trade integration.
A New Chapter: Japan and South Korea Soften Relations
On Sunday Oct. 21, Japan, South Korea, and the US conducted their first joint aerial exercise near the Korean Peninsula. The exercise comes on the heels of revived tensions between North Korea and its two Northeast Asian neighbors, as well as continued efforts to soften South Korean-Japanese relations due to the growing threat of China.