The Economist (November 16, 2013)
“Xi Jinping has made himself the most powerful leader since Deng Xiaoping. That is probably a good thing.” His predecessor Hu Jintao proved unable to surmount the numerous obstacles to real reform. President Xi will need this increased muscle to overcome entrenched interests. “Too many people do too well out of today’s system to make change easy,” but change it should.
Tags: Deng Xiaoping, Entrenched interests, Hu Jintao, Leader, Obstacles, Power, Reform, Xi Jinping
Wall Street Journal (March 21)
“The TPP will go ahead with or without Japan. For Tokyo, sitting on the sidelines would only serve to isolate the country at a time when it needs to open up. Japan would lose benefits as high as $295 billion by 2025.” Despite Prime Minister Abe’s recent moves, membership is hardly a done deal. “To secure his country’s future, Shinzo Abe will have to overcome entrenched interests at the party, state and international levels.”
Tags: Abe, Entrenched interests, Free trade, Isolation, Japan, Membership, TPP
