Trump tariff threats, Country Garden meltdown, Taiwan GDP

Welcome to Your Week in Asia.

Donald Trump takes office for the second time this week after repeatedly threatening to impose fresh tariffs on Chinese goods. In Hong Kong, Chinese property developer Country Garden faces a liquidation hearing just days after reporting one of the biggest losses in corporate history, while a court in South Korea holds hearings on the impeachment of President Yoon Suk Yeol.

Japan, Malaysia and Singapore hold policy meetings, LG Electronics and SK Hynix report earnings and chip powerhouse Taiwan posts full-year GDP figures. Samsung is expected to release its newest smartphone.

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MONDAY

Trump inauguration

Donald Trump will be sworn in by Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts as the 47th U.S. president at a ceremony at the Capitol Building. The 78-year-old Trump then delivers his inaugural address. On day one, Trump has pledged to sign a host of executive orders on a raft of matters ranging from border security to oil and gas production.

China rates

China sets its one-year and five-year loan prime rates -- the benchmarks for corporate loans and mortgages. Market watchers will be looking for signals on how the central bank balances a commitment to easing with a desire for currency stability.

Country Garden in court

Embattled Chinese property developer Country Garden faces a liquidation hearing in Hong Kong days after it reported delayed financial results for 2023 that showed a $24 billion loss -- one of the biggest splashes of red ink ever.

Davos meeting

The World Economic Forum hosts its annual meeting in the town of Davos, Switzerland. The event brings together over 2,500 people from business, government, international organizations, civil society and academia to discuss pressing global issues.

TUESDAY

South Korea impeachment

South Korea's Constitutional Court holds hearings on Tuesday and Thursday in the impeachment trial of embattled President Yoon Suk Yeol. Last week, Yoon became the first sitting president in South Korean history to be arrested, but he is still fighting all charges and refusing to attend court hearings.

Quad meeting

Foreign ministers of the Quad nations -- Australia, India, Japan and the U.S. -- meet in Washington to discuss regional security issues.

WEDNESDAY

Samsung's newest smartphone

Samsung Electronics unveils its new flagship smartphone in the U.S. with the Galaxy S25 expected to offer more advanced AI services. The South Korean giant is locked in a pitched battle with Apple to lead the global smartphone market, which is expected to grow 8% this year.

Monetary policy: Malaysia

THURSDAY

Japan trade

Japan publishes trade data for 2024. Export growth last year was largely driven by the weak yen, while key sectors -- including vehicles and semiconductors -- continue to face challenges.

Thai same-sex marriage

Thailand begins registering same-sex marriages, making it the first Southeast Asian country and just the third in Asia, after Taiwan and Nepal, to legalize gay unions.

Earnings: LG Electronics, SK Hynix

Monetary policy: Turkey

FRIDAY

Taiwan GDP

Taiwan reports annual economic growth figures. The semiconductor giant is expected to have a strong showing thanks to booming demand for artificial intelligence chips.

BOJ policy meeting

The Bank of Japan wraps up its latest policy meeting after its top policymakers signaled that they will consider a rate hike, depending on wage growth, prices and other economic conditions. The decision will take into account Japan's December consumer inflation data, which is due on Friday.

Indonesia's Prabowo in India

Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto visits India as it celebrates Republic Day and the two countries mark 75 years of diplomatic relations. The Indonesian leader has embarked on a whirlwind of overseas tours since taking office in October.

Japan PM's policy speech

Japan's Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba delivers his first policy address at the start of a new parliamentary session, after the ruling coalition lost its majority in October polls. Ishiba is expected to announce Japan's biggest-ever budget bill with debate expected over possible changes to income tax rates.

Monetary policy: Singapore