China
India accelerates pivot to Western defence platforms, away from Russia
India, historically one of Russia’s largest military equipment buyers, is increasingly pivoting towards Western defence platforms. This shift comes amid supply chain delays from Russia and the impact of Western sanctions.
China’s AI chatbot DeepSeek – just don’t mention Taiwan, the Uyghurs or Tiananmen Square
Sorry, I’m not sure how to approach this type of question yet. Let’s chat about math, coding and logic problems instead!
Where are the world’s rare earth metals?
US President Donald Trump has said once again he wants to buy Greenland for its strategic location, but Greenland is known to have an abundance of important rare earth elements that the US is missing.
ING: Beyond the hydrogen hype it is all about execution
The hydrogen sector is shifting from announcements to execution. The US leads with blue hydrogen, while Europe is focused on green hydrogen despite cost and trade challenges.
Japan hikes rates in a move that goes largely unnoticed
In the hour or so after Japan hiked interest rates to what is the highest level in 17 years, nobody seemed to care.
Death sentence for Chinese killer
A Chinese court has sentenced Zhou Jiasheng, a 52-year-old man, to death for his role in a brutal knife attack in June 2024.
Sanctions have created opportunities for Chinese tech companies in Russia
Chinese IT companies are rapidly expanding their footprint in Russia, capitalising on new opportunities created by the ongoing war and extreme Western sanctions that have banned tech exports to Russia.
URUS-ClearPic: Across Eurasia, China is leveraging supply risk successfully – so could others
In late 2001, when much of the world – especially the US and the West – was preoccupied by 9/11 and the resulting military campaigns, China acceded to the World Trade Organisation. This marked a shift in its global trade and China’s playbook.
China’s satellite internet provider Spacesail sets up in Kazakhstan
"Mega-constellation" company emerging as potential rival to Elon Musk's Starlink.
Aluminium prices dip as Trump considers 10% tariff on Chinese imports
Aluminium prices took a hit on January 22 after US President Donald Trump announced his administration was contemplating a 10% tariff on Chinese imports, effective February 1.
China's Shanghai SUS Environment secures $497mn contract for waste-to-energy project in Iraq
Iraq has awarded China's Shanghai SUS Environment Co. Ltd a $497mn contract to build the country's first waste-to-energy plant, which will process 3,000 tonnes of waste daily and generate 100 MW of electricity.
India on the brink of a new oil shock
India is facing the very real threat of an oil shock as new US sanctions targeting Russian crude come into force.
Chinese power projects under CPEC leave Pakistan struggling with debt
The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), once hailed as a transformative initiative for Pakistan’s economy, has left the nation grappling with substantial debt and soaring electricity costs.
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Trump labels North Korea a 'nuclear power' as he eyes diplomatic revival
In a significant remark made on January 20, US President Donald Trump called North Korea a "nuclear power" and expressed confidence that leader Kim Jong-un would be “happy” to see his return to the White House.
Putin and Xi reaffirm partnership just hours after Trump’s inauguration
Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping publicly reaffirmed their nations’ “no limits” partnership during a phone call on January 20, shortly after Donald Trump’s inauguration as the 47th president of the US.
Trump announces 25% tariffs on Mexico and Canada from February 1
US President Trump has announced plans to impose 25 per cent tariffs on Mexico and Canada from February 1, citing concerns over immigration and fentanyl flows into the United States, while also taking steps to rename the Gulf of Mexico.
China, US strive for balance as Vice President Han Zheng meets key figures in Washington
As tensions between the US and China continue to simmer over trade and technology, Chinese Vice President Han Zheng’s visit to Washington has sparked a significant dialogue between the two countries.
The Philippines takes a stand against China's maritime aggression in the South China Sea
The Philippine Coast Guard has vowed to continue its efforts to challenge China’s increasing presence in the South China Sea, asserting its determination to prevent Beijing from normalising illegal maritime patrols.
Analysts expect ‘perfect storm’ of political risks in 2025
Global political risk is set to intensify in 2025 with international trade becoming a geopolitical battleground after Trump’s return to office, said Verisk Maplecroft analysts.
Trump vows to “take back” Panama Canal in inauguration speech
Donald Trump used his inauguration address on January 20 to double down on his assertion that the United States would "take back" the Panama Canal, claiming that China had gained control of the strategic waterway.