Latest Articles about Economics

Dreams Deferred in Xi’s New Year’s Speech

Executive Summary: Xi Jinping’s New Year’s speech hinted at weaknesses in the People’s Republic of China. The speech emphasized the many hardships that people are currently facing at home while acknowledging fears about a turbulent external environment. Xi did not mention “national rejuvenation” and he... MORE

Russia Seeks to Extend Transport Routes to Afghanistan

Executive Summary: Western sanctions against Russia have hampered northern cargo transportation routes used by most Eurasian states, leading Russia to increase relations with the Taliban government on transport communications to connect to the South Asian market. Extending the International North-South Transport Corridor to Afghanistan and... MORE

PLA Steps up Security Cooperation With Russia in 2024

Executive Summary: This year’s second joint aerial patrol between the People’s Republic of China (PRC) and Russia marked the debut of the nuclear-capable H-6N bomber, demonstrating Beijing’s intent to project nuclear deterrence and challenge Western strategic dominance. The two countries have expanded security cooperation this... MORE

Hong Kong’s Pivotal Role in RMB Internationalization

Executive Summary: The People’s Republic of China (PRC) continues to use Hong Kong to test policies and build support for the internationalization of its currency, the renminbi (RMB). The city is now the world’s largest offshore RMB clearing center. The Cross-border Interbank Payment System (CIPS)... MORE

Xi Jinping Challenged Following Spate of Violent Attacks

Executive Summary: Xi Jinping faces mounting challenges to his legitimacy from multiple directions, with economic troubles, mass killings, and corruption in the military eroding his grip on power. A spate of unrelated violent incidents and rising social protests across the People’s Republic of China (PRC)... MORE

Russia Faces Increasing Troubles Financing its War Against Ukraine

Executive Summary: Russia faces a severe economic crisis, with inflation rates significantly exceeding official figures. Efforts to combat inflation through high interest rates have slowed economic growth and investment, leading to risks of an economic downturn. The Kremlin is prioritizing war funding at the expense... MORE