China
China and EU step up climate leadership as Trump left out of pre-COP30 talks
Leaders of more than a dozen countries, including China’s President Xi Jinping and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, gathered virtually last week for high-level climate talks ahead of the Brazilian COP30.
Japanese official warns of wider Asian security impact of Trump tariffs
Former defence minister Itsunori Onodera, speaking in Washington at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, expressed particular concern about the potential impact on Southeast Asia.
COMMENT: Embracing “Greater Central Asia” has become a strategic imperative for US
Wider region increasingly seen as arena in which major powers’ interests, such as in sourcing critical minerals, collide and converge.
BERTRAND: China now accounts for 64% of world’s renewable energy output
According to the latest report by the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), an extraordinary 64% – nearly two-thirds – of all renewable energy capacity added globally in 2024 was installed in China.
Azerbaijan and China sign major renewable energy deals
Baku is accelerating its partnerships with major Chinese energy firms in developing large-scale renewable infrastructure, including offshore wind, floating solar and battery storage projects.
China creates world's thinnest chip with 5931 transistors
Researchers in China have created the most advanced microprocessor yet made from a two-dimensional material, boasting 5931 transistors crafted from molybdenum disulfide—just three atoms thick.
_1745520860.jpg)
Colombia’s import surge deepens trade deficit
Colombia's trade deficit expanded sharply in February 2025 to reach $1.24bn, a 63% increase from the same month in 2024, driven by a significant rise in imports, according to government agencies.
IMF: Enhancing financial stability for resilience during uncertain times
Capital markets are essential for driving economic activity, providing mechanisms for raising funds and allocating resources efficiently. The stability of these markets and the financial institutions that intermediate them are critical.
IMF: Global debt to exceed pandemic levels soon
Global public debt is set to rise to 95% of GDP this year and will continue to climb in the next years to top 100%, says the IMF.
Pakistan's headline-making 22 GW of solar panel imports
This development occurred with limited state intervention. The government, however, played a crucial role in facilitating adoption by removing import tariffs, approving net metering policies and allowing market dynamics to lead the transition.
India moves to cut reliance on Chinese solar modules and PV cells
India has taken significant strides when it comes to reducing import dependency for solar modules and PV cells, which is a result of expanding domestic manufacturing capabilities.
Rising CO2 and temperatures make rice more toxic – The Lancet
Rice, the most widely consumed grain in the world, is likely to become increasingly toxic as global temperatures and carbon dioxide levels rise, according to new research published in The Lancet on April 17.
Iran and China to exchange presidential visits soon
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi hailed his discussions with Chinese counterpart Wang Yi during his visit to Beijing on April 23.
China exports Xi Jinping Thought to Mongolia
Centuries of deep-rooted mistrust of Chinese mean many Mongolians will see release of translated key works as nothing more than propaganda.
IMF: Global growth is expected to decline and downside risks to intensify as major policy shifts unfold – WEO
After enduring a prolonged and unprecedented series of shocks, the global economy appeared to have stabilized, with steady yet underwhelming growth rates, the International Monetary Fund said in its latest World Economic Outlook.
Huawei expands into Brazil's energy storage market
Chinese tech major Huawei is targeting Brazil's energy storage sector ahead of the country's first battery auction expected in the second half of this year.
BRICS labour meeting in Brasilia tackles AI impact, green transition
The 4th BRICS Employment Working Group (EWG) Meeting concludes in Brasília today, following three days of discussions focused on artificial intelligence, digital transformation and just transition in the world of work.
China doubles down on Cambodia ties amid global trade tensions
Amid economic uncertainty, the world is redirecting investments toward Southeast Asia as countries increasingly recognise the strength of regional cooperation.
COMMENT: Five key trends in new global paradigm of narrow self-interest – Oxford Economics
A new global economic paradigm is taking shape as major economies pivot towards policies rooted in narrow national self-interest, a shift that political analysts at Oxford Economics believe will have lasting repercussions.
Azerbaijan’s president eyes China as key strategic partner
Baku is deepening ties with Beijing ahead of President Ilham Aliyev’s upcoming state visit to China as it seeks partners outside Western-dominated frameworks.