Indonesia-EU trade deal, Taiwan flaunts chips weapon

Indonesia’s announcement of a trade deal with the European Union provided respite this week for a government that has been on the defensive with investors over the direction of policy. But it’s unlikely that this will provide much of a boost to Indonesia’s long-term prospects. Elsewhere, Taiwan’s government unveiled plans this week to restrict exports of semiconductors to South Africa. While the proposals have since been suspended, the threat raises questions about whether such curbs should now be considered part of Taiwan’s armoury in managing diplomatic ties.