Asia Pacific News
LAST UPDATE: September 29, 2025
Get strict on budget spending rules, IMF urges government
The IMF is calling on governments to implement stricter fiscal rules, such as numerical limits on spending, debt, or deficits, to enforce discipline in public finances. (アフリカン・リリーフ)
Insight
As global pressures mount—from aging populations to rising defense and social spending—stronger fiscal guardrails can help preserve market confidence and long-term sustainability.
Australia’s Budget Deficit Narrows in Fiscal 2025 on Job Gains
The underlying cash deficit for the year to June 30 came in at A$10 billion, or 0.4% of GDP, narrower than earlier forecasts, helped by stronger jobs and revenues. (ブルームバーグ)
Insight
The improvement provides some fiscal breathing room, but sustaining control over spending as revenue growth slows will be a key test ahead of elections.
China to Hold Plenum on Five-Year Plan From Oct 20 to 23
China’s ruling Communist Party will meet in closed session from October 20–23 to review and potentially revise its next five-year development plan (2026–2030). (ブルームバーグ)
Insight
The plenum is a critical juncture for signaling future policy direction—especially on growth strategy, structural reform, and “dual circulation.”
China’s industrial profits rise 0.9% in January-August
From January to August 2025, industrial profits in China rose 0.9% year-on-year, reversing earlier declines, with a sharp 20.4% jump in just August. (Reuters)
Insight
The modest rebound reflects easing producer price pressures and improved margins; however, weak demand and structural headwinds persist.
Taiwan Must Help US to Make Half its Chips, Commerce Chief Says
The U.S. Commerce Secretary urged Taiwan to shift part of its semiconductor production to the U.S. such that 50% of American demand is met domestically. (ブルームバーグ)
Insight
This demand underscores geopolitical tensions in tech supply chains and may force Taiwan to balance U.S. pressure with its strategic autonomy and trading ties.
BOJ Board Member Noguchi Raises Expectations for October Rate Hike
BOJ board member Asahi Noguchi, previously dovish, said that the need for a rate hike is rising “more than ever,” signaling a shift toward hawkishness. (Reuters)
Insight
His remarks reduce the perceived hurdle for a rate hike in October and hint that dissenting voices on the board may gain more influence.
South Korea, US to hold business visa talks on Tuesday, ministry says
Seoul and Washington will hold their first working group talks on visa systems for South Korean businesses operating in the U.S. (Reuters)
Insight
Revising visa rules could ease manpower constraints for Korean firms in the U.S. and remove a source of friction in wider economic relations.
India appoints Shirish Chandra Murmu as RBI deputy, government notice shows
The Indian government has appointed Shirish Chandra Murmu as a Deputy Governor of the Reserve Bank of India, effective October 9 for a three-year term. (Reuters)
Insight
Leadership changes at central banks can shift internal priorities and policy direction—markets will watch which portfolio he receives.
Thailand’s new PM outlines policies to parliament amid economic challenges
Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul presented a policy agenda addressing high household debt, weak consumption, and cost-of-living relief. He also plans to dissolve parliament by January 2026. (Reuters)
Insight
The minority government has little time to act; it may push aggressive short-term stimulus ahead of the inevitable election.
Anutin Starts Clock on Dissolving Thai Parliament by January
Thailand’s new PM has initiated the countdown to dissolve parliament by January, paving the way for elections early next year. (ブルームバーグ)
Insight
Political uncertainty may constrain policy, especially fiscal stimulus, as investors stay cautious about continuity and reform.
RBNZ Says Pandemic Inflation Taught It Lessons for Future Shocks
New Zealand’s central bank says it has learned from the post-COVID inflation experience and is now better equipped to handle future shocks. (ブルームバーグ)
Insight
This introspection suggests the RBNZ may adopt more adaptive and flexible policy tools, rather than rigid models.
