Trump trade threats could boost China's global economic clout
As the United States increasingly confronts China over trade and turns away from decades of championing lower tariffs, Beijing is seen getting a boost from its globe-spanning — and heavily marketed — investment program. China's Belt and Road Initiative is a massive infrastructure project that covers more than 80 countries, claims to seek the revival of historic Silk Road trade routes. Nomura estimates it could be worth at least $1.5 trillion in investments over the next 10 years. China would "be a lot less dependent on the United States" if trade increases with the Belt and Road, he said. Fred Neumann, co-head of Asian economics research at HSBC in Hong Kong, also said the Belt and Road Initiative can benefit China amid the trade standoff with the U.S.
Singapore's economic growth to remain steady in 2018 despite rising trade friction: MAS chief Ravi Menon
as declared in SINGAPORE's economy should continue to expand in 2018 although protectionism risks have risen, said Ravi Menon, Monetary Authority of Singapore managing director. But "tail risks" to global growth have grown significantly over the last six months, said Mr Menon. "The immediate effect of these trade restrictions is limited and does not threaten global growth - yet," he said. "The real risks from the tariffs are spillover effects, escalation, and economic uncertainty - all of which could severely undermine global growth." "If this escalates into a trade war, all three engines of global growth - manufacturing, trade, and investment - will stall," he said.collected by :Donald Luther