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This article was independently developed by The Economy editorial team and draws on original analysis published by East Asia Forum. The content has been substantially rewritten, expanded, and reframed for broader context and relevance. All views expressed are solely those of the author and do not represent the official position of East Asia Forum or its contributors.

This article is based on ideas originally published by VoxEU – Centre for Economic Policy Research (CEPR) and has been independently rewritten and extended by The Economy editorial team. While inspired by the original analysis, the content presented here reflects a broader interpretation and additional commentary. The views expressed do not necessarily represent those of VoxEU or CEPR.

Trump Signs Stablecoin Legalization Bill China’s CBDC Adoption Permanently Prohibited U.S.-China Diverge in Strategy, Enter Full-Scale Currency Hegemony Rivalry On July 18, U.S.

Philly Shipyard Branding and Korea-U.S. Joint Construction Model Accelerating Technology Transfer to Target the MRO Market

China’s State-Owned Shipping Giant Acquires Stake in Spanish Port EU Commission’s Warnings Fail to Stop Chinese Capital Penetration Existing Global Shipping and Logistics Structure Undergoes Accelerated Shift COSCO SHIPPING

Expanding Its Global Payment PresenceBuilding Real-World Transaction Networks with Stablecoins

Taiwan maintains strict anti-dumping duties on stainless steel from China and South Korea. South Korea may follow suit as pressure mounts to defend domestic producers. Japan's shift toward inflation and pricing controls adds complexity to regional steel policy. A new fault line is emerging in Northeast Asia’s economic landscape, not in politics, but in the realm of stainless steel.

Podgorica and Tivat airport concessions at stake Defeats European contenders such as CAAP and TAV-ADP consortium If finalized, secures up to 30-year operating rights Incheon International Airport Corporation (IIAC) has been selected as

OpenAI is turning ChatGPT into a full-service commercial and civic platform. By internalizing e-commerce and funding nonprofits, it’s building its own AI ecosystem. Profit, power, and public trust now converge at a single, expanding hub: OpenAI. SAN FRANCISCO. OpenAI, the trailblazing force behind ChatGPT, is entering a defining chapter in its evolution, not only as an AI research lab but as a full-fledged commercial and civic ecosystem.

RFK Jr. halts U.S. funding to Gavi, triggering global health concern. Critics argue that his vaccine views lack a scientific foundation. The world braces for ripple effects as immunization efforts falter. In a stunning policy reversal, President Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has ended federal support for Gavi, the international vaccine alliance that has protected millions of children in vulnerable nations. Citing concerns over transparency and billionaire influence, Kennedy argues the move reclaims U.S. autonomy in global health spending.

Samsung’s slimmer Galaxy Z Fold 7 surprises with better battery life. Market response signals a shift toward premium foldables, especially in Korea. A rebranding could redefine Samsung’s place in the high-end smartphone world. Samsung is no stranger to innovation, but its latest iteration of foldable smartphones may be its most pivotal yet. The Galaxy Z Fold 7 introduces a sleeker form factor without compromising performance, battery life, or appeal.

This article is based on ideas originally published by VoxEU – Centre for Economic Policy Research (CEPR) and has been independently rewritten and extended by The Economy editorial team. While inspired by the original analysis, the content presented here reflects a broader interpretation and additional commentary. The views expressed do not necessarily represent those of VoxEU or CEPR.

This article was independently developed by The Economy editorial team and draws on original analysis published by East Asia Forum. The content has been substantially rewritten, expanded, and reframed for broader context and relevance. All views expressed are solely those of the author and do not represent the official position of East Asia Forum or its contributors.

This article is based on ideas originally published by VoxEU – Centre for Economic Policy Research (CEPR) and has been independently rewritten and extended by The Economy editorial team. While inspired by the original analysis, the content presented here reflects a broader interpretation and additional commentary. The views expressed do not necessarily represent those of VoxEU or CEPR.

The most revealing number in first‑quarter 2025 was not a blockbuster yield or a spectacular default. It was 3.1 basis points—the average bid‑ask spread recorded across forty‑one sovereign and supranational bonds issued as fully tokenised instruments on permissioned ledgers. Their matched conventional twins traded at 6.6 basis points, more than double the friction. That 3.5-basis-point delta may look microscopic, yet every basis point saved on a standard USD 100 million ten-year bond removes roughly USD 100,000 in intermediation costs.

CXMT and YMTC Expand Production Rapidly to Capture Market Share Will Rising DDR4 Prices Provide Additional Tailwinds? Chinese Firms Also Eye High-Value Products Like DDR5 and HBM The influence of Chinese memory semiconductor companies—Changx

Battle for Sovereignty in Treasury Yields and Currency Circulation Dollar-Backed Banking Ambitions Emerge "Trust vs. Innovation"—Profitability Under Scrutiny U.S.

$177 Billion Invested in World’s Largest Hydropower Project Harnessing High-Altitude Terrain for Maximum Energy Efficiency India and Bangladesh React with Strong Protests over 'Survival Threat' The Yarlung Tsangpo

Ukraine’s drones pierced Moscow’s illusion of safety. Russia now faces mounting costs just to defend its cities. Zelenskyy’s “simple drone army” may have won Ukraine more than just airspace; it won support. KYIV — The impact of a Ukrainian drone strike that temporarily closed Moscow’s Vnukovo Airport is reverberating far beyond the airspace over the Russian capital.

Rising debt and yields are tying the Bank of Japan’s hands. Inflation is climbing, but policy tools are running out. Without serious reform, Japan’s economic stability is at risk. Japan’s deepening fiscal woes and rising bond yields are limiting the Bank of Japan’s ability to raise interest rates. Inflation is up, but policy options are narrowing. Without reform, economic stability remains at risk.