China
Lockheed Martin unveils Vectis drone for collaborative combat missions
US-based Lockheed Martin Skunk Works has introduced the Vectis, a Group 5 collaborative combat aircraft designed to operate alongside fifth-generation and next-generation fighter jets.
South Korea-US defence pact could be strengthened
In recent weeks, Seoul has held internal discussions about expanding joint defence commitments, including revisiting missile defence cooperation and rotational stationing of American forces.
Taiwan’s ruling DPP rocked by Chinese espionage within its own ranks
Wu Shang-yu, formerly attached to Taiwanese President William Lai’s office, was sentenced to four years.
EU’s influence declines in its neighbourhood as China and Russia gain ground
Chinese presence growing in Western Balkans, while Russia makes gains in Turkey, shows new index developed by wiiw, Bertelsmann Stiftung and ECIPE.
BERTRAND: The return of geopolitical gravity
Four extraordinary events happened last week within the span of just 72 hours; a week which may well be remembered as one of the most consequential in the transition from Pax Americana to the multipolar world.
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Skull discovered in China may – or may not – rewrite human history
Questions are already being raised, with China having made at least half a dozen claims in recent years on much more recent historical issues that have little to no archaeological evidence to back them.
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Argentina reinstates grain export taxes after $7bn sales cap reached
Argentina has restored export taxes on grains and their derivatives after reaching its predetermined $7bn sales threshold in just three days, bringing an abrupt end to a tax holiday that had triggered intensive Chinese buying.
Paraguay presses for Taiwan’s UN membership
Paraguay’s President, Santiago Peña, has urged the UN General Assembly to admit Taiwan as a full member, calling its exclusion a "long-standing injustice that undermines the credibility of the multilateral system."
China-Iran rail link slashes transit time to 17 days, official says
A new rail route through Central Asia has reduced freight transit time between China and Iran to 17 days, with car parts following in record time.
China pushes gold custody to bolster financial influence
The initiative comes against a backdrop of record bullion purchases by central banks, heightened geopolitical risk and a recent surge in gold prices above $3,700 an ounce.
COMMENT: China trumps Trump on soy
Beijing has used a third party – Argentina - as a bit-player of sorts with which to score points.
China deploys new power pricing regime to balance clean energy mix
Introduced in June, the framework abandons the uniform tariffs that once rewarded all renewable generation equally, regardless of local demand or grid capacity.
How India sees the Pakistan-Saudi defence pact
While the practicality of the pact is doubted in New Delhi’s policy circles, it adds a fresh layer of complexity to South Asia’s security environment and creates potential ripple effects across the Middle East and the Indian Ocean region.
China sets first binding target to cut emissions
China has announced its first economy-wide commitment to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, pledging a cut of between 7 and 10% by as soon as 2035.
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TikTok pitches $10bn data centre investment to Brazil's Lula
Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva held talks with TikTok chief executive Shou Zi Chew on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly to discuss a proposed $10.3bn data centre investment in Ceará state.
China sends its first east-west cargo ship via Russia’s Arctic Northern route
The first ever Chinese cargo vessel departed from the massive Ningbo-Zhoushan port on September 22 bound for Felixstowe in the UK via Russia’s frozen Northern Route, in an experiment that could have a major impact on Sino-European trade.
Super typhoon Ragasa wreaks havoc across Asia
At least 14 have died in Taiwan after a barrier lake, swollen by heavy rains, burst its banks. The flood released more than 60mn tonnes of water into Guangfu township, destroying a bridge, submerging homes, and leaving 124 people missing.
US moves to retake Bagram would have “catastrophic consequences”
The Taliban military chief said Afghans had “fought well to defend their independence” and should the US consider a military operation, would continue to do so in the face of any challenge to the country’s sovereignty.
COMMENT: Uncertainty and geopolitics plague Russia’s negotiations with China on gas supply deals
China is now the only potential buyer of Russian Arctic gas and the only customer with the capacity to absorb significant amounts of gas from the Yamal Peninsula, home to some of the country’s largest reserves.
Global Alliance commits $7.5bn to clean energy in developing world
Analysts have repeatedly warned that clean energy investment in developing economies such as Afghanistan, but excluding China, remains dangerously below levels required to meet international climate objectives.