China
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Malaysia backs Iran’s retaliation against Israel, markets in Asia react
In a bold diplomatic stance, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim declared Malaysia’s support for Iran’s retaliation against Israel, citing the country’s right to defend its national dignity.
Xi signs treaty to elevate China's ties with Central Asia at Astana summit
Document refers to "permanent good-neighbourliness and friendly cooperation". Chinese leader takes jab at US, saying trade and tariff wars "produce no winners".
What the Iran-Israel war could mean for much of Asia
From energy security and trade disruptions to political polarisation and rising tensions among Muslim-majority nations such as Indonesia, Malaysia and nuclear armed Pakistan, the consequences for Asia could reshape regional dynamics.
COMMENT: Middle East oil shock scenarios pose inflation risk, but economic hit seen as modest
The threat of escalating conflict between Israel and Iran has returned geopolitical risk to the heart of the global oil market. Yet according to Oxford Economics, the macroeconomic fallout – even in the most extreme case – may be mild.
Number of recorded disasters up 50-fold since 1970 – OWID
Tracking the occurrence of natural disasters can save lives by helping countries prepare for future ones, Our World in Data (OWID) reports.
China’s delicate dance in the Iran-Israel war
Beijing has long pursued a foreign policy of non-intervention in the domestic affairs of others, and multipolar diplomacy, particularly in the Middle East. But the deepening crisis between Iran and Israel has tested these principles.
Kazakhstan awards Russia, China one nuclear plant project each, Uzbekistan revises its plan to include large facility
Solution favoured by Astana will help balance relations with Moscow and Beijing.
Falsehoods and fabrications: the flood of fake media in modern warfare
A close look by a German news agency reveals that a considerable volume of the content circulating online is fabricated, manipulated, or taken from unrelated events. Most was generated in Iran.
Only Iranians can shake off oppression – but Israel ally Taiwan can serve as an example how
As long as millions of Iranian men opt to sit in silence, knowingly oppressed, year after year, nothing will change.
Why South Korea must prioritise bilateral nuclear research over fragmented one-off projects
Should South Korea continue spreading its efforts across short-term, individual projects – often tied to specific, time-consuming contracts – or should it double down on long-term, bilateral nuclear research partnerships?
Asia surges ahead in global EV race as the West struggles to keep pace
Asia has firmly established itself as the epicentre of the global electric vehicle revolution, driven by a powerful combination of vast consumer markets, robust infrastructure and unparalleled control over essential raw materials.
The hidden cost of Indonesia’s nickel ambitions
Indonesia ranks among the top global producers of nickel, a critical component in electric vehicle batteries, smartphones, and wind turbines - making the country central to the global shift toward clean energy
COMMENT: What Japan, Southeast Asia and the US can expect from South Korea’s new president
While he has not shied away from criticising Tokyo, Lee has sensibly signalled a willingness to compartmentalise some issues in order to foster cooperation on trade, technology and regional security.
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Taiwan courts Guatemala with tech aid as China pressure mounts
Taiwan has pledged to deepen technological cooperation with Guatemala as the self-ruled island races to shore up diplomatic support against Beijing's relentless campaign to isolate it internationally.
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ASIA BLOG: How US tariffs are driving Asia closer to itself – and China
What’s striking right now is how ASEAN is operating on two levels. Publicly, it champions inclusivity and dialogue. Privately, it’s hedging harder than ever.
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Google signs deal with Chile for Pacific submarine cable to Asia
Google has signed a groundbreaking agreement with Chile's government to deploy a 14,800km submarine data cable across the Pacific Ocean, connecting Chile with Australia and Asia by 2027.
Global energy investment to reach a record $3.3 trillion in 2025, but problems with grids remain – IEA
Global energy investment is projected to reach a record $3.3 trillion in 2025, despite continued economic uncertainty and heightened geopolitical risks, according to the International Energy Agency.
COMMENT: Asian unity in a fragmenting world boosted by the RCEP
In the face of renewed US protectionism and the use of tariffs as economic weapons, RCEP offers the Indo-Pacific region something far more strategic: a framework for resilience, integration and independence.
COMMENT: Asia's team lists in the Washington VS Beijing bout
While fewer in number, some Asian nations have displayed clear signs of alignment or strategic proximity to China.
COMMENT: US military sales to Taiwan – a necessary shield or forced purchases by an economic bully?
Amid growing concern over the cross-Strait balance of power therefore, the US Secretary of Defence, Pete Hegseth recently drew headlines for his stark warning of an “imminent” Chinese move against Taiwan.