Some people here have urged the Hong Kong government to try and join the Trans-Pacific Partnership since the U.S.-led free trade pact became official earlier this year.　Those who support this idea include three types. The first type is those who are politically naive and think it is necessary and easy for Hong Kong to join the TPP simply because it is one of the freest open market economies in the world. The second is those who are capable of political thinking, but only to a certain point. They

Viewpoints Dec. 18, 2015

Earlier this week, markets made clear how little they think of China’s attempts to revamp the giant, state-owned companies that dominate its economy. After the government approved the merger of two massive shipping groups, two of their listed subsidiaries swiftly shed more than $850 million in value Monday. Investors appear to appreciate something the regime doesn’t: Simply tweaking the structure of state-owned enterprises -- professionalizing their management, inviting in private investors and

Viewpoints Dec. 18, 2015

Russian President Vladimir Putin’s intervention in the Syrian conflict has been welcomed by some as a moment for the Kremlin to “come in from the cold.” Russia’s conflict with the Islamic State, the argument goes, has aligned the country’s interests with those of the West. Even Turkey’s downing of a Russian warplane does not seem to have deflated this optimism.　Indeed, at a recent press conference, U.S. President Barack Obama again urged Putin to join the alliance against the Islamic State. And

Viewpoints Dec. 4, 2015

Was the San Bernardino shooting an act of terrorism or workplace rage? It doesn’t really matter, in terms of the need for better regulation of assault rifles and semiautomatic weapons.　The growing evidence that this latest attack was terrorism should galvanize a citizen movement to demand better protection against such mass shootings, whether they’re the work of Muslim extremists, enraged antiabortion militants or mentally unstable loners. 　“Enough is enough,” said President Obama after the shoo

Viewpoints Dec. 4, 2015