China

TPP Could Help Vietnam Capture Untapped Opportunities in Latin America

May 2, 2012 (Vietnamica) — Much of the focus on the Asian presence in Latin America is given to China. Vietnam – a market-oriented economy which grew at nearly 6 percent in 2011 – is quietly courting Latin American countries (Americas Society, May 4). The SEA country expects to increase its exports to the region three-fold to US$6 billion by 2015 and gain access to the region’s valuable commodity markets.

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CFR: Bo Xilai Spied on Top Chinese Officials

April 27, 2012 (Vietnamica) — Ousted Chinese Communist Party official Bo Xilai wiretapped the phone conversations of senior Chinese officials, including President Hu Jintao, the New York Times reported. When officials discovered the wiretapping, conducted by local allies of Bo in the city of Chongqing, an investigation was launched that ultimately led to Bo’s downfall. Bo was removed from power last month amid allegations that his wife orchestrated the murder of British businessman Neil Heywood.

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The India-China Rivalry

April 25, 2012 (Vietnamica) — As the world moves into the second decade of the 21st century, a new power rivalry is taking shape between India and China, Asia’s two behemoths in terms of territory, population and richness of civilization. India’s recent successful launch of a long-range missile able to hit Beijing and Shanghai with nuclear weapons is the latest sign of this development.

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Dutch Debt “On Edge of Downgrade”, Central Banks Add to Gold Reserves

April 25, 2012 (Vietnamica) — Spot market gold prices climbed to $1643 an ounce Tuesday lunchtime in London – a 1.2% gain from yesterday’s low, but still below Friday’s close – as Eurozone concerns focused on the Netherlands after yesterday’s government collapse.

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Gold, Stocks and Euro All Down after China Manufacturing News, Bullion Refiners “Stocking Up” for Europe but Concerns Over Liquidity “Cap Upside” for Gold

April 23, 2012 (Vietnamica) — Prices to buy gold bullion on the wholesale market dropped to $1630 an ounce during Monday morning’s London session – a 2.3% drop from where they started the month – while stock markets and industrial commodities also traded lower following the release of preliminary Chinese manufacturing data.

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Laos Rejects Chinese Rare Earth Plant Because of Environmental Concerns

April 21, 2012 (Vietnamica) — After mulling for a year, Laos has rejected a bid by a company from China to build a rare earth minerals plant in the Southeast Asian state, citing the company’s refusal to disclose the source of its minerals and potential adverse environmental impact (RFA, Apr 20).

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