China
US panel's ruling clears path for hefty tariffs on solar imports
As a result of the ITC’s decision, the Department of Commerce will now issue orders enforcing countervailing and anti-dumping duties on those solar products. These tariffs were finalised by the department last month.
COMMENT: Vying for influence in Southeast Asia – Russia VS America
Although both nations have engaged with the region historically and continue to do so in the present day, their roles, influence, and staying power differ markedly.
Taiwan’s leader urges renewed dialogue with China as tensions rise
Lai warned that any armed conflict would be disastrous for all parties and reaffirmed Taiwan’s commitment to bolstering its defence capabilities to deter any attempt by Beijing to seize the island by force.
Thailand: Southeast Asia’s sleeping tiger
While countries like Indonesia and Vietnam stride forward, Thailand seems to be treading water, encumbered by internal strife, inconsistent foreign policy, and economic inertia.
EVs to account for one in four car sales this year
Global electric vehicle sales are expected to more than triple by 2030, reaching 45mn units annually, driven by expanding markets in China and strengthening policy support in advanced and emerging economies, according to the IEA.
HALLIGAN: Georgia on my mind — and China's too
Having long ignored the Caucasus region, China is now showing intense interest in developing Black Sea infrastructure, not least in Georgia. The West is pushing back.
COMMENT: China and Latin America forge ‘shared future’ as US wields coercive diplomacy
China hosted Latin American leaders at the China-CELAC Forum, pledging $9.2bn and deeper ties. As US influence fades, Beijing’s “shared future” vision gains ground, fueling a shift in global alliances and challenging Washington’s dominance.
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Brazil poultry sector hit as bird flu prompts global export bans
Brazil, the world's largest poultry exporter, has confirmed its first outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza on a commercial farm, triggering immediate import bans from major markets including China and the EU.
ASIA BLOG: South Korea needs political stability now more than ever
iKorea's current political crisis is deeply troubling. The ongoing impeachment proceedings against the disgraced former president Yoon Suk Yeol, regardless of one’s political leanings, are not merely a domestic affair.
China filling void left by USAID’s dismantling
Small and Beautiful marks next phase of Belt & Road Initiative.
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Latin American EV market accelerates threefold in 2024
The number of light electric vehicles in Latin America and the Caribbean saw a dramatic surge last year, tripling in size from 154,966 registered units at the end of 2023 to 444,071 vehicles by December 2024, according to data from Olade.
China’s growing gap to Paris pledge threatens meeting of climate targets
The introduction of new Chinese renewable electricity pricing rules in June threaten the country’s ability to meet its Paris Agreement 2030 climate commitments, according to a report by Carbon Brief.
China’s CO2 emissions go into reverse for the first time
For the first time, China, the world’s biggest emitter of greenhouse gases, has seen its CO2 emissions go into reverse and start falling, despite a rapid growth in demand for power.
Could BRICS redefine Asia’s power balance?
For Asian countries outside the current BRICS framework, the stakes are high. Membership could mean enhanced access to financial resources, a larger voice in global institutions, and strengthened ties with emerging powers.
The world is getting darker, absorbing more sunlight, which is accelerating the Climate Crisis
The world is getting darker as the ice melts and that means it is absorbing more and more sunlight, which is accelerating the process.
United States has image problem in Central Asia
Public perceptions toward Washington rapidly swing from positive to negative.
India asserts regional air superiority with Operation Sindoor success
Between May 7 and 10 during what it dubbed Operation Sindoor, India executed a swift and precise air campaign against Pakistan, showcasing its advanced indigenous aerial capabilities and shifting regional perceptions of air superiority.
Nissan’s global retrenchment: factories close, jobs lost
The seeds of Nissan’s current predicament were sown back in fiscal year 2019. The company’s global vehicle sales fell by over 10% to just under 5mn units, with major slowdowns across critical markets.
Colombia officially joins China's "Belt and Road" initiative amid private sector concerns
Colombia has formally joined China's Belt and Road Initiative despite strong opposition from the country's private sector, which warns the decision could severely damage domestic industries.
Lula presses Putin to attend Ukraine peace talks as Russian leader sends deputies instead
Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva joined the chorus of voices piling pressure on his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin to personally attend proposed peace talks with Ukraine in Istanbul, but to no avail.