China
Blinken warns Taiwan crisis could trigger global economic turmoil
Taiwan is not just a regional issue; it’s everyone’s business, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken emphasised in a recent address, highlighting the global implications of a potential crisis in the Taiwan Strait
Iran boosts oil, gas output amid US crackdown on sales
Iran’s oil and gas output has ramped up over the past three months, Deputy Oil Minister Hamid Bovard said on December 18, as the country is poised to face heightened pressure under a second Trump administration.
Russia sells stakes in Kazakhstan uranium JVs to China
Move kicks off debate on whether move illustrates a loss of Kremlin influence in Central Asia.
Taiwan boosts defence with advanced Abrams tanks amid rising Chinese tensions
Taiwan's military capabilities have received a significant boost with the arrival of 38 advanced M1A2 Abrams battle tanks from the United States, the first of 108 tanks ordered by Taiwan in 2019
China’s leftover “gutter” cooking oil becomes bio-sustainable aviation fuel wonder
China’s notorious “gutter oil” was once a source of food safety scandals, but has undergone a green revolution that has made it worth more than kerosene.
Iranian oil sales to China nosedive as fresh sanctions bite
Iran’s oil exports to China have dropped to a record low in two years, a senior analyst at consultancy HedgePoint said, an indication that recent US sanctions cracking down on Iranian crude have been delivering.
South Korean president impeached, Constitutional Court to sit December 16
South Korea's National Assembly has voted to impeach President Yoon Suk Yeol over his highly controversial imposition of martial law, in the process suspending him from all duties associated with the office of president.
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China eyes yuan depreciation to tackle Trump’s tariff threat in 2025
China is reportedly considering allowing the yuan to weaken in 2025 as part of its response to the looming threat of higher US tariffs under a second term for former President Donald Trump
China slams South Korean president's espionage accusations
China has expressed its "deep surprise and dissatisfaction" with South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol’s recent remarks that appeared to implicate Chinese nationals in espionage activities
Japan plans tax hike to fund $280bn military buildup
Japan is gearing up to increase taxes as early as April 2026 to finance its ambitious plan to double its defence budget to 2% of GDP. This move comes as the nation seeks to bolster its military capabilities amid growing regional tensions
US boosts military aid to Taiwan in 2025
The United States is poised to significantly bolster its military support for Taiwan, with the inclusion of substantial funding and initiatives
COMMENT: Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan and China accelerate efforts to expand the Middle Corridor
Pressing need for expanded infrastructure as freight traffic along the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route increases.
Xi warns 'no winners' in US-China trade war amid economic struggles
Chinese President Xi Jinping has cautioned that trade wars between the United States and China will yield "no winners" as tensions between the two countries escalate ahead of a new presidential term for Donald Trump
Paraguay stands firm with Taiwan amid growing Chinese pressure
Paraguay’s diplomatic ties with Taiwan remain intact despite increasing pressure from China, following the expulsion of Chinese diplomat Xu Wei.
Serbia signs €720mn contract with PowerChina on first phase of Belgrade metro
Significant step towards construction of the Belgrade metro, which has been under consideration for nearly a century.
Where does nuclear power-use stand in post-COP29 Asia?
It is now a month since COP29 opened its doors to delegates from around the world in the city of Baku, Azerbaijan on November 11
COMMENT: Trump’s White House picks signal rocky start with Latin America
Trump's return to power sets up a confrontational start with Latin America, threatening tariffs and strict border controls. Mexico pushes back firmly against US pressure, while China quietly expands its regional influence challenging US dominance.