Showing 1 - 10 of 26
Rethinking finance beyond aid
Oped, Justin Yifu Lin & Yan Wang, Published on 06/11/2025
» Traditional donors have sharply scaled back their aid commitments to developing countries over the past year. Some, like the United States, have virtually eliminated their aid programmes. According to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), official development assistance (ODA) from member countries declined by 7.1% in 2024, its first annual drop in six years.
Wall Street risks shorting freedom in HK
Oped, Mark L Clifford, Published on 31/10/2025
» In early November, Wall Street's big guns will head to Hong Kong for a global financial summit, dining at the Palace Museum (featuring Chinese imperial works on loan from Beijing) before meeting at the nearby Rosewood Hotel -- one of the city's swankiest. There, the top brass from Goldman Sachs, Morgan Stanley, JPMorgan and another 100 financial firms will enjoy delicious food and breathtaking views as Hong Kong's leaders pitch them on the profits to be made in the former British colony.
Indonesian democracy on brink
Oped, Lili Yan Ing, Published on 11/09/2025
» Less than 11 months into his term, Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto faces a stark choice. He can be remembered either as a leader whose presidency was defined by public anger and discontent, or as one who recognised the challenges facing his country and acted in the national interest.
Will Indonesia regret its trade deal with Trump?
Oped, Lili Yan Ing, Published on 23/07/2025
» Be careful what you wish for, lest it come true. That ancient proverb comes to mind when considering the eagerness of America's trade partners around the world to negotiate deals with US President Donald Trump's administration. Four countries already have, with Indonesia the latest to do so -- and possibly the first to regret it.
This UN debt initiative is different
News, Mahmoud Mohieldin, Paolo Gentiloni, Trevor Manuel and Yan Wang, Published on 07/04/2025
» Economic development requires financing that is affordable, accessible and has maturities matched to development outcomes. Yet for most developing countries, none of the above apply. Instead, an escalating "debt disaster" is unfolding across much of the developing world, exacerbated by a series of cascading global crises.
Buddhism is always oddly political
Oped, Guanxiong Qi, Published on 29/11/2024
» On the upcoming Wednesday, a grand ceremony will be held at Sanam Luang to welcome a sacred tooth relic of the Lord Buddha. China is sending a precious piece of Buddha relics to Thailand for a 72-day procession in celebration of His Majesty King Maha Vajiralongkorn Phra Vajiraklaochaoyuhua's 72nd birthday and the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Thailand. This piece of Buddha's remains, referred to as the "Buddha Tooth Relic from the Lingguang Temple", is arguably one of the most important Buddhist treasures ever discovered in China.
Sam Yan shows need to save history
Oped, Netiwit Chotiphatphaisal & Settanant Thanakitkoses, Published on 23/05/2024
» What distinguishes Thailand from many other countries is our rich diversity in culture and history. Yet slowly but surely, the distinctive heritage of our local communities is disappearing. Often property developers destroy historic buildings in pursuit of profit. But why do their rights always seem to come first? Why do we have to beg to protect our cultural assets?
G7's campaign against China could backfire
News, Lili Yan Ing, Published on 23/10/2023
» On Oct 28–29, Japan will host the G7 Trade Ministers' Meeting in Osaka. The primary focus of the gathering will be improving supply-chain resilience and strengthening export controls on critical minerals and technologies. But China's "economic coercion", particularly the widespread disruption caused by its non-transparent and market-distorting industrial policies, is also expected to be high on the agenda.
Return of Russia warlords stokes memories of China
Oped, Rana Mitter, Published on 05/07/2023
» The turmoil in Russia unleashed by Yevgeny Prigozhin's Wagner Group has drawn rapt attention in capitals throughout the world, but probably nowhere more so than in Beijing. The reason is not only that Russia is a trusted partner for China, but also that there are clear historical parallels between Russia this insurrectionary weekend and events a century ago that weakened China and left it vulnerable to invasion.
Mean streets of the capital
Oped, Editorial, Published on 28/04/2023
» The recent death of a pedestrian in Bangkok who was knocked down on a zebra crossing illustrates this country's severe lack of road safety.