Kamala Harris, trailing Trump, chose Tim Walz as VP to appeal to rural voters. The Bank of Japan is maintaining easing policies to steady markets. In Bangladesh, the army defied curfew orders amid protests, while HP plans to shift 50% of production from China to mitigate risks.
In the 2024 U.S. presidential race, Kamala Harris, now the Democratic nominee, selected Minnesota Governor Tim Walz as her running mate on August 6.
Walz's stance on critical Asian issues like China trade, Taiwan defense, and the South China Sea will influence the campaign's Asian policy focus.
Polls show Harris trailing Trump by 15 points among non-college voters, a group that constitutes a significant portion of the electorate, especially in swing states.
Harris' choice of Walz is seen as an attempt to strengthen appeal to rural, working-class voters.
Trump, contrasting Harris, has a history of personal diplomacy with leaders like North Korea's Kim Jong Un and has hinted at a more transactional approach to U.S. alliances, including expectations for Taiwan to contribute financially for defense.
Bank of Japan Eases Speculation on Rate Hikes
The Bank of Japan (BOJ) downplayed immediate rate hikes, stating that it would maintain monetary easing to stabilize market volatility.
The BOJ's recent rate increase and currency interventions had caused investors to back out of yen-based carry trades, impacting the currency market.
Bangladesh Army Refuses to Enforce Curfew Amid Protests
Amid escalating protests in Bangladesh, the army refused orders to fire on civilians to enforce a government-imposed curfew.
Prime Minister Hasina, who fled to India, previously built strong ties with India, which had supported Bangladesh’s independence in 1971.
Hasina’s secular approach and close ties to India’s leadership made her a key regional ally and protector of Bangladesh’s Hindu minority population.
HP to Shift Production Away from China
HP plans to relocate more than half of its production from China within the next two to three years, setting up an alternative design hub in Singapore to reduce geopolitical risks.
The company is negotiating with suppliers and has an internal target to eventually produce up to 70% of its notebooks outside of China, addressing risks linked to China-Taiwan tensions.
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