Tuesday, 10 June 2025

[Post 736] Will Vietnam Deepen Ties With China Because Of Trump Tariffs? | China & The Global South


Summary

China has set its sights on the Global South, and on ASEAN - the Association of Southeast Asia Nations - one of the fastest growing regions in the world. 

ASEAN’s fastest growing economy is now facing serious headwinds from Trump tariffs. As Vietnam sent a team to Washington to negotiate, China stepped up its diplomatic efforts here. Trade and investment between the 2 countries had been steadily growing despite differences in the South China Sea. Is this a new chapter in complex Vietnam-China relations? 

[Post 735] Taiwan-style Bento Meals With Old-School Touch & Retro Vibe | Lunch With Us: Taipei


Summary

What makes Taiwan-style bento meals different from the Japanese original? And how did it become a national obsession? Literary writers Hsieh Yi An and Chu Yu Hsun take us on a retro lunch experience at Dong Yi Pork Chop in Zhongzheng District, Taipei City – a surreal old-school venue that once served as a glitzy dance hall. We chat with its 75-year-old co-founder to find out why they’ve kept their bento meals as retro as the decor. 

Monday, 9 June 2025

[Post 734] How Trump Tariffs Hit US Allies Hong Kong, South Korea, Taiwan: Beyond Imports & Exports | Insight


Summary

Donald Trump's second term as President has upended trade flows, as a mercurial tariff strategy leaves trade partners and rivals guessing, 

In Asia, traditional American partners like Taiwan and South Korea are left scrambling after tariffs were announced on steel, auto parts and agricultural exports. Taiwan may also face restrictions on semiconductors. Meanwhile, Hong Kong's status as a free port did not shelter it from tariffs applied to China. And as the tit-for-tat tariffs with China escalates, in the background is the opioid crisis that had swept through America. 

As Asia grapples with an upended global trade order, Trump's tariffs may end up realigning trade in the region. China is already seeking closer ties with its East and Southeast Asian neighbours. What happens to American and Asian trading relations once Trump's tariffs truly begin to bite?

[Post 733] USAID Out, China Aid In: Is US Foreign Policy Pushing Laos Towards China? | China & The Global South


Summary

China has set its sights on the Global South, and on ASEAN - the Association of Southeast Asia Nations - one of the fastest growing regions in the world. 

The exit of USAID in Laos has created a vacuum that is being filled by China. China is also doubling down on investments in the country - including the Lao-China railway, special economic zones, and property development projects. But is Laos overdependent on China for its economic growth? With national debt piling up, how will Laos pay China for its infrastructure project bill?

Sunday, 8 June 2025

[Post 732] Taiwan’s Karaoke Cabbie Takes Us To Comfort Food ‘Club’ | Lunch With Us: Taipei


Summary

We hop on a ride with cabbie Tu Ching-liang, 61, whose unique taxi is an entire karaoke booth. Some of his passengers have even gone viral on YouTube for crooning in his cab.  

He takes us to the old-time Drivers’ Club in Songshan District, Taipei City. It was started to service busy motorists as a lunch stop nearly 40 years ago, with meals costing as little as US$0.30. These days, foreign hostel guests are part of the clientele too. 

[Post 731] Budget ‘Fast-Food’ Hopping In Taiwan: From Vegetarian to Pork Cheap Eats | Lunch With Us: Taipei



Summary

Fast-food Taiwanese style consists of cheap and satisfying meals that are served double-time quick. Food entrepreneur Matt Chen is our guide to the best value-for-money food in the district of Banqiao, in New Taipei City.  

We sample everything from vegetarian chicken, to pork innards, to delicious MSG-free pork ball soup simmered for 16 hours at a mere US$0.60 a bowl! And of course, we can’t forget the ubiquitous bubble tea. 

Friday, 6 June 2025

[Post 730] Viral Scooter Coffee Vibes: Indonesia Gen Z Travels 1,000KM To Sell Slow Bar Coffee | Money Mind


Summary

How far can you go with US$185 in your pocket? One young Indonesian’s journey took her 1,000km from home – and to a new life of being a business owner. And all, on just two wheels.