Asia Pacific News
LAST UPDATE: October 18, 2025
China’s PBOC Vows Steps to Promote Use of Yuan Around the World
China’s central bank pledges to support yuan usage by onshore and overseas institutions and to further open its financial markets. (ブルームバーグ)
Insight
This is part of China’s ongoing push to internationalize the yuan and reduce reliance on the US dollar.
China accuses US of trade discrimination, urges compliance with WTO rules
China said the US has repeatedly violated WTO rules through discriminatory policies, unilateral sanctions, and reciprocal tariffs. (Reuters)
Insight
China appears to be ramping up pressure on the US in multilateral trade forums to challenge US trade policies.
China sanctions on Hanwha threaten South Korea-US shipbuilding ties, officials say
China imposed sanctions on U.S.-linked subsidiaries of South Korea’s Hanwha, which officials say could disrupt cooperation in shipbuilding with the US. (Reuters)
Insight
The move may be intended to signal Beijing’s readiness to target third-party firms to influence geopolitical alignments.
Indonesia Adds $1.8b of Cash Handouts in Latest Stimulus
The government announced a stimulus involving cash handouts worth about $1.81 billion and expanded paid internships to support households and youth employment.
Insight
This direct stimulus signals efforts to boost consumption and counter social pressures amid economic challenges.
Western pressure to hit Asian buying of Russian oil from December, sources say
Western governments are pressuring Asian countries to curb or halt purchases of Russian oil starting December as part of sanctions enforcement.
Insight
These tactics could strain energy access for Asian importers and shift trade flows.
