chinese​ Automakers Launch Price‌ War at Thailand Motor Expo as EV Sales Lag

BANGKOK – Chinese electric⁣ vehicle manufacturers are ⁤aggressively promoting low-cost EVs at the Thailand International⁢ Motor Expo, which began Saturday in bangkok, in a‌ bid to stimulate demand in a Thai automotive market experiencing a sluggish recovery.Geely is among the brands offering meaningful​ discounts,‍ including a special‍ price on its compact model, as reported at the expo.

The push ⁢comes⁤ as Thailand’s auto sales have struggled to rebound fully, despite⁣ government incentives aimed at boosting‌ EV adoption.Chinese⁣ automakers are hoping to‌ capitalize on price ‌sensitivity, offering⁢ compelling options to Thai consumers while competing with established Japanese adn European brands. The⁣ expo provides a key platform for these companies to showcase their offerings and gain market⁣ share.

Several Chinese brands are leveraging the event to ⁣highlight affordable EV models, aiming to attract buyers with lower price tags⁤ than many ‌existing options. This competitive pricing strategy reflects a​ broader trend ‍in the Southeast Asian automotive landscape, where Chinese manufacturers are increasingly challenging customary industry leaders.

The Thailand international Motor Expo runs ​through December 10th ⁣and is expected to ​draw significant⁤ attention from ​both industry professionals and ‍potential ​car⁢ buyers. The event’s success in ‍driving EV sales will be a‍ key indicator of the market’s trajectory in⁤ the coming year.

Japan’s New Policy chief Eyes Abe-Era Tactics to Reset China Ties

Tokyo – Sanae Takaichi, ‍recently appointed as Japan’s policy chief, is signaling a‌ potential ⁢shift in approach ⁣toward China, drawing on the ‍diplomatic playbook ​of her mentor, former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. The move comes ‍amid heightened tensions following ⁤Takaichi’s recent remarks⁤ concerning a potential Taiwan⁤ contingency, which prompted a sharp rebuke from Beijing, adn ⁤a subsequent ​phone ​call between Chinese‌ President Xi Jinping and U.S. President Donald‌ Trump on November 24th.

Takaichi’s appointment and initial statements represent a calculated attempt⁤ to recalibrate Japan’s relationship with ‌China,⁤ balancing security concerns with the economic realities of a vital trading partnership. While maintaining a ⁣firm ​stance on regional​ security, particularly regarding Taiwan, ‌she appears poised‌ to leverage Abe’s⁤ strategies of ⁢high-level dialog and economic ‍cooperation to manage the increasingly complex dynamic with Beijing.⁣ This approach is particularly crucial⁤ given the potential for escalating tensions in the region and the need for‌ stable ‌communication channels.

The diplomatic friction sparked by Takaichi’s comments – where she acknowledged the necessity of considering options regarding Taiwan,including a potential military response in conjunction with the U.S. – underscored the sensitivity surrounding the issue. China’s strong reaction highlighted ⁤its‌ unwavering position on Taiwan’s sovereignty. ⁤However,⁣ the subsequent‍ conversation between‍ Xi ​and Trump suggests both sides​ recognise the importance of maintaining⁢ communication, even amidst disagreements.

Abe, during his two terms as⁢ prime⁤ minister, pursued a multifaceted strategy toward China.He prioritized building personal⁣ relationships with Xi jinping, engaging in frequent summits despite⁢ ongoing territorial‌ disputes and historical grievances. Simultaneously, Abe strengthened Japan’s alliance with the United States⁤ and actively ‌promoted the ⁣”Free and Open Indo-Pacific” vision, aimed at countering China’s growing influence.

Sources⁤ close to Takaichi indicate ​she intends to replicate this balancing act. She is expected to prioritize establishing‌ direct communication channels with Beijing,focusing on areas of mutual interest ‍such as trade and regional ​stability.A key ⁢element‍ of Abe’s strategy was separating ​contentious issues like territorial disputes from broader​ economic cooperation.Takaichi​ is highly likely to adopt a similar approach,seeking to compartmentalize disagreements while pursuing opportunities for collaboration.

However, replicating Abe’s success will‍ not be without challenges. The geopolitical landscape has shifted ⁣considerably since​ Abe’s time in office. China is now more assertive ⁢on the‌ global stage, and ⁤the U.S.-China relationship is increasingly competitive. Moreover,​ domestic political ⁤pressures in both Japan and china could constrain Takaichi’s maneuvering room.

Despite these hurdles, Takaichi’s willingness to explore⁤ a more nuanced approach to China offers ⁤a ​potential pathway⁤ to de-escalate tensions⁤ and foster a more stable regional ⁤environment. Her success will depend on her ability to navigate the complex interplay of⁢ security concerns, economic interests, and domestic political considerations, all while​ drawing ⁤upon the lessons learned‍ from her mentor, Shinzo Abe.

Katsuji ‍Nakazawa
November 27, 2025 04:00 JST

Taiwan ⁢President Proposes $40 Billion defense Boost Amid China Tensions

TAIPEI – Taiwan’s President ⁣Lai Ching-te unveiled a proposed $40 billion special budget⁤ on Wednesday to⁢ significantly ‌enhance the ⁤island’s defense capabilities, a move directly responding to escalating military pressure from China adn repeated requests from the United States for increased defense spending.

The considerable‌ budget ⁤allocation signals ​Taiwan’s commitment⁢ to bolstering its self-defense posture as Beijing ⁢continues to assert its sovereignty claims over the‍ democratically governed island. This investment⁤ aims to modernize ​Taiwan’s military, ‍improve its‍ readiness, and⁤ deter potential ⁢aggression. The⁢ move ‍also ‍seeks to reassure Washington, a key ally, that taiwan is​ taking concrete steps to strengthen⁤ its defenses, a critical factor in‍ the complex geopolitical landscape of the region. the proposal now faces parliamentary review, where its passage is not‌ guaranteed given the current political arithmetic.

Lai’s proposal comes as China has intensified its military activities near Taiwan, including frequent incursions into the island’s‍ air defense identification zone and large-scale military exercises simulating an invasion. These​ actions have raised ​concerns in Washington and among​ Taiwan’s ‍other allies about Beijing’s intentions.

The $40 billion budget will be used ⁢to ⁤acquire new military equipment, enhance existing defense systems, and improve Taiwan’s overall defense infrastructure. Defense Minister Wellington Koo ⁤was present alongside President Lai during a military equipment⁤ exhibition in September, underscoring the management’s⁢ focus ⁣on modernization.

The United States has consistently urged taiwan to increase its defense⁢ spending, arguing that a ⁤stronger taiwan is essential for maintaining regional stability and deterring ​Chinese aggression. This budget proposal represents a critically important step in that direction, demonstrating Taiwan’s willingness to ‍invest in its‍ own defense and contribute to regional security.

Japan Launches Collaborative Effort to Secure Lead in Next-Generation Shipbuilding

TOKYO – Facing intensifying ‌competition from China,Japanese‌ shipbuilding and maritime shipping companies have united under the Planning and Design ‍Center⁣ for Greener Ships (GSC)⁣ to accelerate the development‍ of vessels powered by hydrogen,ammonia,and other⁣ option fuels. The initiative, announced November 24,⁤ 2025, aims to position Japan as a leader in environmentally⁣ friendly maritime‍ technology and safeguard it’s crucial ‍shipbuilding industry.

The move comes as China aggressively invests in green shipbuilding,threatening to overtake Japan’s historically dominant position in the‍ global market. Japan, heavily reliant on imports for energy, recognizes the strategic importance of maintaining a robust domestic shipbuilding capability and transitioning to enduring fuels for its maritime sector. Shinjiro Mishima, representative director of the GSC, ‍emphasized the need for a “team Japan” approach to ‌tackle ⁢the complex challenges of developing and deploying ⁣these new technologies.

The GSC will serve as a central hub‌ for collaboration, pooling‍ expertise and resources from across the industry to design and engineer next-generation ships. The focus will be on overcoming technical hurdles and reducing costs associated with alternative fuel systems, including hydrogen and ammonia propulsion. This collaborative effort seeks to ensure Japan remains competitive and contributes to global decarbonization efforts in the shipping industry.

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Sabah Election Heats Up as Thailand Motor Expo Showcases EV Shift, India Reports GDP Growth

KOTA KINABALU, MALAYSIA – November 25, 2023 ⁣ – East MalaysiaS Sabah state is bracing for a fiercely contested election with 73​ seats and a ​record 596 candidates, highlighting a fragmented political landscape. The vote is considered a key test of sentiment regarding the Malaysia Agreement 1963 -⁤ the document establishing the federation including Sabah – ⁤and demands for greater autonomy and resource control.The ‍outcome is widely ⁤anticipated ‍to⁣ influence the direction of Malaysian politics ahead of ‍the next general election.

Meanwhile, the annual Thailand International Motor Expo ‍is underway in Bangkok, running through December 10th. The event features global automakers including BYD (China), Toyota ⁣(Japan), and​ Hyundai (South⁤ Korea). A surge in chinese electric vehicles is notably impacting the market share of Japanese manufacturers, with companies ⁣expected ‍to showcase their latest models.

In economic news,⁣ India’s GDP grew 7.6% in the second quarter, exceeding expectations and‌ solidifying its position as one‍ of the world’s fastest-growing major economies. The growth is attributed to strong‍ government spending and private ⁢consumption.