China
ASIA BLOG: Southeast Asia should pivot away from Trump’s America and steer in the direction of Europe
Trump's confrontational approach to China, while superficially aligned with concerns within ASEAN, is neither strategic nor consultative. It is built more on spectacle than substance, more on division than dialogue.
Short-term forecast for global offshore wind downgraded, says industry report
The Global Wind Energy Council has downgraded its short-term forecast by 24% for 2025-2029 compared with its prediction last year.
ETF investment trends in Asia in 2025
While ETF markets in Asia have historically lagged behind those in North America and Europe in terms of depth and diversity, 2025 is witnessing a decisive maturing of the regional ETF ecosystem.
COMMENT: Critical minerals pose new test for global energy security
As the world’s energy system transforms at unprecedented speed, so too must our understanding of energy security. While governments continue to focus on securing supplies of traditional fuels, new critical mineral vulnerabilities are emerging.
COMMENT: Iran new rail link to China played a role in provoking the 12-day war
Iran launched its first-ever direct railway connection to China in May, its first rail link to Asia that does not rely on transshipment through seaports or Russia, significantly improving its national security by avoiding the seaborne exports.
Tosyali dethrones Eregli to become largest Turkish steelmaker
Company owner Fuat Tosyali became a favourite businessman of president Erdogan. Projects he’s involved in include making Turkey’s “native and national” Altay battle tank.
East Asia’s regional embrace of nuclear power sees Taiwan sitting alone in the corner
In a baffling turn, Taiwan, long a technological and economic powerhouse, has allowed populist politics to sideline science and logic.
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Putin to skip Rio BRICS summit over ICC warrant as Xi signals no-show
Brazil's hosting of next month's BRICS summit is being overshadowed by the likely absence of two of the bloc's most powerful leaders, threatening to dent the gathering's geopolitical significance.
East Asia’s petrochemical industry: stuck between tradition and transition
As the global economy begins its gradual but determined pivot towards decarbonisation and renewable energy, East Asia's petrochemical giants now find themselves straddling two competing imperatives – legacy industries and a low-carbon future.
Asia’s fruit boom: how the continent is feeding the world’s sweet tooth
Asian growers are now tapping into global markets more aggressively than ever before.
How President Trump clinched a ceasefire between Israel and Iran
Following twelve days of intense warfare between Iran and Israel, a ceasefire has been reached through direct US intervention and diplomatic support from other countries.
COMMENT: The long road to a BRICS-led world order hits familiar obstacles
Brazil's upcoming BRICS summit exposes the bloc's growing pains as 21 members wrestle with deep divisions. The group's ambitious challenge to US financial dominance hits reality as internal disagreements threaten its push for global clout.
A Chinese invasion of Taiwan would cripple the global semiconductor supply chain - and the planet
Diplomacy, deterrence, and international cooperation are the only viable path forward. The alternative is not just a local war - it is a global tech blackout.
Farmers powerless to prevent five of the six staple crop yields from plummeting – New Scientist
Efforts by farmers to adapt to rising temperatures will not be enough to prevent severe losses in global staple crop production due to climate change, according to a new study published in New Scientist on June 18.
“Project 816”: China also has secret underground nuclear weapons facilities
China also maintains underground nuclear weapons facilities, similar to those found in Iran, according to defence analysts and intelligence agencies. The most famous is “project 816”, and other secret sites are thought to be working still.
Where the world is losing tree cover fastest – Statista
North America is close on the heels of Latin America when it comes to tree cover loss, according to data published by the World Resources Institute, Statista reports.
China’s curb on rare earth magnet exports could significantly impact Indian EV manufacturing
India’s automotive sector is navigating an emerging supply-side challenge as China’s recent export controls on rare earth elements and magnets begin to disrupt shipments and strain global supply networks.
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Huawei and ByteDance plan significant Brazil tech investments amid US-China rivalry
Chinese technology major Huawei Technologies and TikTok owner ByteDance are preparing substantial investments in Brazil's cloud infrastructure and artificial intelligence sectors.
ASIA BLOG: Which side leading Asian nations would back if Iran VS Israel escalates
In the event of an escalation, Beijing would likely call for restraint and push for a negotiated settlement. It may be doing so already behind the scenes. However, its silence or perceived tilt towards Tehran could provoke criticism from the West.
Central Asia has become “like a girl whose house is full of suitors”, analyst says
Powers including China, Russia, the US and the EU “all promise something to the bride” in scramble for resources such as critical minerals.