Commentary

The Asia Group and Koan Advisory offer a set of targeted policy recommendations to help accelerate the growth of India’s burgeoning EV industry. The report is based on extensive consultations with private-sector stakeholders across the EV ecosystem as part of Electrify Bharat, a new thought leadership group.

The high degree of Congressional attention on the challenges China poses to U.S. values and interests did not translate into new lawmaking last year. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer’s (D-NY) early plans to pull together a China Competition Bill 2.0 – the third such effort since the 2021 legislation that eventually resulted in passage of

Singapore made progress toward establishing region-wide digital standards at the meeting, but implementation will likely be sporadic and vary by country. The ASEAN Guide on AI Governance and Ethics is a highly practical step – part policy document and part guidebook – emphasizing values and principles for governments and businesses rather than dictating binding measures.

Each trend poses risks and opportunities that will directly affect the operating environment for multinational corporations. Understanding the dynamics behind each issue and staying alert to key watchpoints will be crucial to navigate the shifting regional business environment. 

Energy prices have remained largely stable since Hamas’s October 7 attacks. But regionalization of the conflict or non-military retaliation by Arab governments would likely drive up prices.

China‘s initial posture following Hamas’ surprise terrorist attack in Israel on October 7 reflected a familiar strategy of minimizing risk by avoiding involvement and any sharp public statements. Notably, China has not specifically condemned Hamas’ October 7 actions, but has condemned violence against civilians and called for restraint by “all parties.”  

The CAC, which was founded in 2011 as the country’s internet regulator and enforcer, is not a typical administrative agency in the executive branch of the government. Instead, the CAC is a party-state entity, closely intertwined with the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), and thus holds more power than most ministries under the leadership of Premier

Beijing seeks to promote the BRF as an event on par with other high profile multilateral engagements – and China as the leader of the Global South. Media rreporrtts, however, suggest that fewer high-level Western officials will attend the 2023 BRF than in years past.

Over the last few years, European leaders have switched their approach to Beijing from primarily one of forward-leaning engagement to one of select and uneven “de-risking.”

Kishida decided to retain Secretary-General Motegi, to box him in and make it more difficult for him to mount a presidential bid next year.