The Western Pacific remains a highly active theater defined by sustained U.S.-led military exercises and escalating great power competition. Key evidence includes continuous joint operations, such as RIMPAC 2026 in Hawaii and the deployment of CSGs into the South China Sea, juxtaposed with increased naval activity from both China (PLAN task groups) and Russia near Japan's critical straits. These movements underscore a strategic push by non-allied powers to assert presence and challenge regional norms. Policy implications dictate that allied nations must maintain robust multilateral cooperation and interoperability to safeguard freedom of navigation and manage escalating tensions in the Indo-Pacific.
Scaling China’s Hidden Intervention In the Foreign Exchange Market
English Summary
This CFR analysis argues that China’s central bank (PBOC) is engaging in a significant, though obscured, intervention in the foreign exchange market. While the PBOC claims rising foreign assets of state banks are simply the result of increased domestic foreign currency deposits, the evidence suggests otherwise. Specifically, the surge in state bank foreign currency deposits, coupled with the behavior of the foreign exchange settlement data, mirrors intervention activity – rising when the yuan faces downward pressure and falling when it appreciates. Historical examples of similar patterns, including interventions in 2005-2008 and 2012-2023 linked to interest rate differentials and economic events, bolster this suspicion. Consequently, the PBOC’s actions regarding foreign exchange purchases and settlement need further scrutiny to fully understand the extent of its influence on the yuan’s value.
中文摘要
本智利戰略與政策研究所（CFR）的分析認為，中國人民銀行（PBOC）正在對外匯市場進行顯著但隱蔽的干預。儘管中國人民銀行聲稱國有銀行資產增加僅僅是國內外匯存款增加的結果，但證據表明情況並非如此。具體而言，國有銀行外匯存款激增，以及外匯結算數據的行為，與干預活動相似——在人民幣面臨下行壓力時上升，在人民幣升值時下降。類似模式的歷史案例，包括與利率差異和經濟事件相關的2005-2008年和2012-2023年的干預，強化了這種懷疑。因此，需要對中國人民銀行關於外匯購買和結算行為進行進一步審查，以充分了解其對人民幣價值影響的程度。
Related Entries
-
1.
-
2.
The article argues that the post-Cold War era of U.S. unipolarity, established by the perceived invincibility demonstrated during the Gulf War, has ended. This decline is driven by globalization and technological diffusion, which have democratized advanced military capabilities, allowing regional actors to challenge major powers. Consequently, policymakers must prepare for a more volatile international order marked by frequent crises, heightened costs for securing global trade chokepoints, and reduced predictability from American power. The new rules dictate that great powers can no longer effortlessly impose their will through force.
-
3.
Despite recent trade setbacks, the U.S. retains fundamental structural economic leverage over China, particularly in high-tech sectors and intermediate goods. While Beijing can temporarily weaponize specific resources like rare earths, these chokepoints are vulnerable to diversification efforts by the West. The article argues that the most effective strategy is not unilateral action but coordinated multilateral pressure from U.S. allies across Asia and Europe. Washington must therefore coordinate its economic statecraft with partners to maximize damage to China’s export-dependent model.
-
4.
The author argues that the new 'Section 301' tariffs, ostensibly targeting forced labor, are not a genuine human rights measure but rather an attempt to re-establish a broad, punitive tariff wall. Key evidence supporting this claim includes the rushed nature of the investigation (98 pages for 60 economies), the lack of specific economic harm analysis, and the imposition of disproportionately high tariffs that far exceed any proportional response. Strategically, the use of human rights language to generate revenue sets a dangerous precedent, potentially allowing future administrations to bypass legislative processes and misuse trade law. The article concludes by urging Congress to reform these laws before they cause further damage to international trade frameworks.
-
5.U.S. Navy Orders Low-cost Missiles to Expand Fleet, Allied Long-Range Maritime Strike Capabilities (USNI)
The U.S. Navy is prioritizing the procurement of low-cost, long-range cruise missiles through programs like CHAOS and CAMS to significantly expand strike capabilities for both its own fleet and allied partners. This strategic shift provides affordable precision munitions capable of striking targets up to 1,000 nautical miles, addressing critical stockpiles depleted by recent conflicts. By developing these systems, the U.S. aims to overcome procurement delays faced by allies (such as Japan and Taiwan) who rely on older missile designs. Ultimately, this initiative strengthens allied deterrence and bolsters long-range maritime strike capabilities necessary for potential conflict with China.