China
Kazakh president’s pet project gets boost from China
China-Central Asia Monitor: June 5-11, 2026.
South Korea ICT exports hit record high on AI chip demand
South Korea’s exports of information and communication technology (ICT) products reached a record monthly high in May, driven by strong demand for semiconductors and other products linked to the artificial intelligence ecosystem.
Taiwan curbs advanced AI chip trade with China
The policy shift highlights Taiwan's delicate geopolitical position, where the necessity to secure its vital semiconductor monopoly and appease Western partners must be balanced against the commercial realities of its massive cross-strait trade.
LONG READ: The Post-Pax Americana Interregnum has already started
Empires tend to last about a hundred years, and true to form the Pax Americana has passed its peak. What follows is decades of instability and lower growth as the leading countries of the world vie to fill the void. The Interregnum has started.
Europe eyes Brazil’s rare earth rush
The European Union is stepping up efforts to secure access to Brazil’s rare earth reserves as Brussels seeks alternatives to Chinese supply chains and responds to growing US interest in the sector, according to diplomats and EU officials.
Inside the growing speculation around Kim Jong Un’s daughter as heir apparent
According to various intelligence sources, Kim Ju-ae is understood to be the daughter of Kim Jong Un and Ri Sol-ju, although North Korea has never formally confirmed her full biographical details.
Illicit gold networks fuelling conflict, organised crime across Africa and global south, GI-TOC warns
Illicit gold has become a critical source of financing for organised crime, armed groups and sanctioned regimes across Africa, a Global Initiative Against Transnational Organized Crime report finds.
Where do deaths outnumber births? - OWID
For most of human history, more people were born each year than died. Populations grew very slowly for most of this history, then rapidly in recent centuries, as child mortality plummeted and people lived longer.
The demographic point of no return: the world is running out of mothers
China and the EU have crossed the threshold beyond which population decline is mathematically irreversible. Once the median age of women passes 40, a country no longer has enough potential mothers to keep the population stable.
Chinese EV giant BYD quietly shelves plan for billion-dollar plant in Turkey
Confirmation of move comes after lawmaker revealed not a single shovel had hit the ground at the project site.
India's many territorial disputes and their impact on its economic potential
For much of the 26 years since the beginning of the millennium, India has aimed at becoming a rising economic power by way of first becoming a service centered hub and gradually shifting towards becoming a centre of manufacturing.
New Pakistan-Iran road routes and Central Asian trade
A Eurasianet partner post from the Central Asia-Caucasus Analyst.
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Supply chain disruptions are back at 2022 levels – Statista
Global supply chain pressures have risen again in recent months, returning to levels last seen during the height of pandemic-related disruptions, Statista reports.
The world's record heatwaves - Statista
According to NASA, there is “unequivocal evidence that Earth is warming at an unprecedented rate”, Statista reports.
Hong Kong delegation to Uzbekistan promotes "hub-to-hub" cooperation
Visa-free travel, direct flights and trade and investment ramp-ups could be on the way.
Asia needs Azerbaijan as Hormuz risks grow
The escalating crisis in the Middle East and severe disruptions to energy transportation through the Strait of Hormuz have once again demonstrated how vulnerable the global oil and gas market remains to instability.
South China Sea tensions drive a quiet realignment against Beijing
The Philippines is not alone as other countries bordering the South China Sea are also starting to push back. Surprisingly given shared Communist ideals is Vietnam, which has become one of the region's most active challengers of Chinese claims.
China’s BYD captures 35% of Africa EV market, as latecomer rival Tesla bets on Morocco
Chinese EV giant BYD upped its market share from just 4% in 2023 as electric vehicle sales on the continent accelerated. Tesla is betting on Morocco, Africa’s leading EV manufacturing hub.
Kazakhstan taking on lots of debt to China
China-Central Asia Monitor: May 22-28, 2026
Chinese mining giant Zijin wins Canadian approval for $4bn takeover of Africa-focused Allied Gold
Allied Gold operates producing gold assets and development projects across Côte d’Ivoire, Mali and Ethiopia