There is an expression in Mandarin that translates to English as “Hearing it a hundred times is not as good as seeing it with your own eyes once.” I couldn’t agree more. I read reports on Asia all the time, but understanding the region requires time on the ground.
I spent the last two weeks of May catching up with partners and clients in Malaysia, Singapore, China, and Hong Kong. Following are some reflections on those conversations.
- Clients in Asia were not surprised that tariffs would be used as leverage by the United States. President Trump had promised as much during last year’s election campaign.
What did surprise them has been the rapidly shifting tariff landscape. New levies are proposed, and then deferred days later. Exceptions are belatedly granted for more essential items. Threats escalate, and then negotiations bring things back from the brink. Accords are typically temporary, creating a string of expiries that keep stakeholders on edge. Courts are beginning to weigh in on the legality of trade measures.
The schedule for my visit was packed, but I did have the chance to enjoy some memorable meals. Our team in Singapore arranged a dinner in a local place that specializes in fresh seafood, taken from saltwater tanks on the premises. No white tablecloths: we were seated at a big round plastic table set on the boundary of the parking lot. The clams in lemongrass broth and the chili crab were amazing, and the spirit at the table was high.
In Beijing, our new country head led us out for a simple meal of char siu, steamed chicken, and roast goose. In Malaysia, we enjoyed beef rendang and whole snapper in chili sauce. Lunch in Hong Kong included dan dan xiao long bao, soup dumplings with a fiery filling. And during a hawker center crawl on a Saturday morning in Singapore, we concluded with fresh durian. Many are turned away by the odor that emanates from the fruit, but I have come to enjoy it very much.
One day, I hope to enjoy some leisure travel in Asia. A more relaxed pace will allow for a deeper connection with the region, its people, and its cuisine. Until then, I hope that the tone surrounding trade with the area will become more relaxed and that the connections we share will remain strong.
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