China
Rail link to supercharge Mongolia’s coal exports to China
Mongolian trade minister tells bne IntelliNews the mega-project is a “game-changer” due to his country’s historic reliance on trucking.
Chinese threat to submarine cables emerges in Indo-Pacific
Taiwan's coast guard detained the Hong Tai 168, a Chinese-owned freighter, on suspicion of severing an undersea communications cable off its western coast. The incident is suspected to be part of China's "grey zone" tactics.
As China bears down, US and European Parliament show support for Taiwan
The US has reiterated its opposition to any forced change to the status quo in the Taiwan Strait, with Secretary of State Marco Rubio saying Washington does not seek conflict while standing by its long-standing policies on Taiwan.
Brazil hosts first BRICS Sherpas meeting with expanded membership
Brasilia hosted the first BRICS Sherpas meeting under the Brazilian Presidency on February 24-25, bringing together representatives from all 11 member countries at the Itamaraty Palace.
Russia and China remain rivals in the Arctic, and now the US is knocking at the door
Russia and China’s “no limits” partnership has strengthened considerably over the past three years. They have been driven together by the geopolitical clash between East and West. But there is one place they remain rivals: the Arctic.
China’s stare-down of Trump’s energy tariffs will not end well – for the US
In a swift response to President Donald Trump's imposition of a 10% tariff on Chinese imports, Beijing has retaliated by levying tariffs on US energy exports. The Chinese government announced a 15% tariff on US coal and LNG, alongside 10% on crude.
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.