Big Take Asia

In this episode, Karishma Vaswani, a Bloomberg Opinion columnist based in Singapore, delves into the explosive rise of Gen Z protests across South Asia. She discusses the frustration over youth unemployment, social media restrictions, and corruption that fuels these uprisings in Nepal and Indonesia. Vaswani highlights the disconnection between young citizens and their governments, drawing parallels to movements like the Arab Spring. She offers insights into what it will take for lasting political change and the quest for greater representation and agency among Asian youth.

In this discussion, guest Daniel Ten Kate, Bloomberg's executive editor for Asia Economy and Government, unpacks Xi Jinping's surprising diplomatic strategies, challenging Trump's world order. They delve into the implications of China, Russia, and India's newfound unity, especially during the recent summit. The conversation highlights strategic alliances and energy deals among these nations, showcasing how Modi's diplomatic engagement is redefining global relationships. Additionally, they explore the rising tensions and complexities as these countries navigate their roles on the international stage.

In this engaging discussion, John Liu, Bloomberg's expert on Greater China, unpacks the significant military purge initiated by President Xi Jinping. He reveals how this unsettling shift mirrors Mao's era, showcasing military advancements during a recent parade. The conversation dives into the impact on Xi’s power consolidation, trust within the armed forces, and the complex political landscape. Liu also highlights the emerging implications for U.S.-China relations, emphasizing the need for modernization in military strategies against rising global tensions.

Weilun Soon, a Bloomberg reporter specializing in shipbuilding, shares insights on South Korea's bustling shipyards, particularly Hanwha Ocean. He discusses a pivotal $150 billion trade deal aimed at boosting U.S. shipbuilding dreams. The conversation dives into the strategic importance of strengthening U.S.-South Korea maritime ties to counteract China's growing dominance. Soon also explores the competitive dynamics of global shipbuilding, highlighting the historical rise and fall of major powers and the future implications of this partnership.

In a compelling conversation, Mishal Husain speaks with Weijian Shan, a Chinese economist and co-founder of a major private equity firm in Asia. Weijian shares his remarkable journey from the Gobi Desert during the Cultural Revolution to Wall Street. He reflects on the implications of Hong Kong’s National Security law, the impact of President Trump’s trade war on China, and the importance of education versus the struggles his childhood friends continue to face. His insights offer a unique perspective on resilience and adaptability in a rapidly changing world.

Timothy McLaughlin, a journalist based in Singapore, dives into the complexities of Myanmar's rare-earth supply chain. He discusses how the Kachin Independence Organization has gained control of many mines, reshaping political dynamics in the region. The podcast highlights the geopolitical ramifications of this shift, particularly for China and global supply chains. McLaughlin also explores the environmental impacts of mining and the broader tensions between the U.S. and China regarding these crucial resources.

Joe Deaux, Bloomberg's economic statecraft reporter, sheds light on the surprising agreement allowing Nvidia and AMD to sell some AI chips to China. He discusses the intricate deal that requires companies to pay 15% of their revenue to the U.S. government, highlighting the blend of national security concerns and business interests. Deaux explains how this move reflects Trump's unique approach to trade, balancing competitiveness with geopolitical tensions in the semiconductor sector. Tune in to discover the implications for U.S.-China relations and the tech industry.

Dave Sebastian, who covers Asia's equity capital markets for Bloomberg from Hong Kong, discusses the resurgence of Hong Kong's IPO market after years of stagnation. He highlights that Chinese companies are increasingly turning to Hong Kong, raising nearly $17 billion this year. The revival is influenced by supportive government policies and investor confidence. Sebastian also delves into the geopolitical challenges impacting investment and the contrasting regulatory environments between Hong Kong and mainland China, underscoring the implications for global markets.

Sudhi Ranjan Sen, a Bloomberg reporter based in New Delhi, dives into India's complex relationship with Russian oil amid rising U.S. pressures. He discusses the historical ties drawing India and Russia together since the Cold War era. The conversation highlights the economic and geopolitical challenges Prime Minister Modi faces as he balances India's oil dependence with international relations, notably with the U.S. The implications of U.S. tariffs and the risk of alienating key allies are key themes in this insightful discussion.

In a fascinating discussion, Dan Murtaugh, a Bloomberg Energy reporter based in Beijing, dives into China's ambitious $167 billion hydropower dam project in Tibet. He highlights the massive scale and potential of this engineering marvel, but also raises red flags about environmental risks and geopolitical tensions with neighboring countries like India. Murtaugh shares insights into how this project aims to rejuvenate China's economy post-COVID while sparking a heated debate on water resources and ecological impact.