China
New search for MH370 begins a decade after mysterious disappearance
A renewed effort to locate Malaysia Airlines flight MH370 is underway, more than ten years after the aircraft vanished in one of aviation’s most baffling mysteries.
Taiwan expresses concern for Pope Francis' health as Vatican-China relations warm
President Lai Ching-te has conveyed Taiwan’s concern for Pope Francis' condition and extended wishes for his speedy recovery, according to the nation's Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Ukraine agrees to a revised US mineral deal offer
Ukraine has agreed to sign off on a third version of a minerals deal with the US after Washington softened the terms, the Financial Times reported on February 25.
Tokyo appeals for G7 unity over Ukraine
Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba has urged his fellow leaders from the Group of Seven nations to remain united in their efforts to bring peace to Ukraine.
Putin opens the door to the return of Western business to Russia
President Vladimir Putin has opened the door to Western companies’ return to the Russian market, but only on the Kremlin’s terms and only after sanctions are lifted, the Russian president said on February 21.
Brazil's Lula backs Ukraine peace mission but rules out sending troops
Brazil will not send troops to Ukraine but would support a peacekeeping mission, President Lula da Silva said in a joint statement with Portuguese Prime Minister Luís Montenegro.
Latin America faces growth hit as trade tensions escalate, warns Moody's
Trade conflicts and new tariffs could reduce Latin American economic growth by 0.3 percentage points in 2025 and 0.4 percentage points in 2026, with recovery delayed until 2028, Moody's Analytics warned in a recent report.
EU eyes “strategic autonomy” partnership with Latin America amid deepening rift with US
The European Union is seeking to deepen its relationship with Latin America and the Caribbean, framing the partnership as one built on "strategic autonomy" rather than as a counterbalance to China's growing influence in the region.
AIIB to extend $5bn in infrastructure loans to Turkey
Country is Beijing-based AIIB’s second largest market after India. Turkish finance minister launched charm offensive to attract funds from development banks.
Brazil to host expanded BRICS summit in July amid US dollar tensions
Brazil will host leaders from the BRICS nations and their new members in Rio de Janeiro on July 6-7, as the burgeoning bloc faces growing pressure from the US over plans to reduce dollar dependence in trade.
Brazil drops BRICS currency plan in favour of local payment push
Brazil will not pursue a common BRICS currency during its presidency of the bloc this year, focusing instead on facilitating trade in local currencies despite warnings from US President Donald Trump about challenging dollar dominance.
Bolivia courts controversy with lopsided lithium deals favouring China and Russia
Environmental groups and economic analysts have raised fresh concerns about Bolivia's recent lithium extraction agreements with Chinese and Russian firms, highlighting potential risks to national interests and environmental sustainability.
Foxconn VS Trump’s tariffs - how a global electronics giant plans to duck and dive
With the world waiting to see if 25% tariffs on Canada and Mexico with come into play in early March, Apple's leading assembler, Foxconn is ready - and able - to work with or around whatever comes to pass.
Tajikistan’s loss of critical USAID funding brings China, EU “soft power” budgets into focus
Officials weigh impacts on work in countering tuberculosis, HIV and malaria and providing maternal and child healthcare.
Trump’s USAID retreat from Latin America opens door to Chinese influence
The Trump administration's sweeping plans to axe USAID are poised to deliver a significant blow to humanitarian and development programmes across Latin America, paving the way for Beijing's increased activity.
China’s President Xi to visit Moscow for Victory Day parade in May
Chinese President Xi Jinping will visit Moscow on May 9, 2025, to attend the Victory Day parade, marking 80 years since the Soviet Union’s victory in World War II.
INTERVIEW: Lee Chun-Li – Taiwan Energy Administration
Taiwan's Ministry of Economic Affairs Energy Administration Deputy Director General sits down to talk power generation, renewable energy goals and if nuclear power has a future in Taiwan
DeepSeek: The Chinese AI start-up worrying governments around the world
What is DeepSeek afraid of in being asked questions about Taiwan and Tiananmen Square?
Taiwan reports increase in Chinese balloon activity amid rising tensions over sovereignty
Taiwan's Ministry of Defense reported a significant rise in Chinese military activity on February 6, with six Chinese balloons detected near the island within a span of 24 hours.
Panama rebuffs US claim of free canal transit and cuts China ties
Panama has strongly rejected US claims that Washington secured free passage for government vessels through the Panama Canal, while withdrawing from China's Belt and Road Initiative.