China
China accelerates push into “low-altitude economy” of drone deliveries and flying taxis
China is rapidly advancing plans to build a “low-altitude economy”, where groceries are delivered to your door by drone and workers can avoid the crowds by taking flying taxis home. It sounds like science fiction, but China is building it.
China launches first offshore carbon capture project to support emissions goals
China National Offshore Oil Corporation has commenced operations at the country’s first offshore carbon capture and storage facility, located in the Pearl River Mouth Basin.
COMMENT: China’s debt-trap diplomacy - lessons from Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and beyond
For the nations affected this results in economic dependence on China and often the surrender of strategic assets - or both.
Countdown to disaster: timelines to cross temperature thresholds tabulated
The Climate Crisis is accelerating and all the main players predict that the world will warm by more than the 1.5C Paris Agreement target by next year and the 2C maximum will be broached by 2037 – far earlier than previously forecast.
BERTRAND: US criminalises using non-US AI microchips anywhere in the world
Anyone, anywhere using Huawei Ascend chips could be prosecuted for violating US export restrictions according to new rules issued by the White House in May.
Sunlight heating effect on earth more than doubles in the last decade
Global warming results from man-made greenhouse gas emissions that have doubled the heating effect from incoming sunlight, which is now more than the heat radiated by earth into space in the last decade, according to a research paper.
Vietnam rising - the future powerhouse of Southeast Asia
Looking ahead to the next 50 years, there is strong reason to believe that Vietnam will not just keep pace with Southeast Asia's leading economies – it may well outstrip most of them in influence and innovation.
India poised to become world's third-largest economy by FY2030–31
Despite this, India continues to maintain its status as the fastest-growing large economy, even amid a moderation in real GDP growth projected for FY2024–25.
Lee VS Kim; a look at South Korea’s leading presidential candidates on foreign policy issues
Whichever way it goes, the result of the presidential election in Korea will play a crucial role in shaping both South Korea and the wider East Asia region’s geopolitical landscape for the foreseeable future.
Uzbekistan: Hub for electric vehicles in Central Asia – report
China expanding share of global EV market.
COMMENT: A protracted Sino-US trade war is good news for Russia
The United States and China may have agreed to a temporary pause in their escalating tariff battle, but the underlying trade war shows no signs of abating. While markets remain wary of further shocks, one country – Russia – is the big winner.
COMMENT: How Europe can win the digital nomad race
Record levels of immigration are dominating political debate in the world’s wealthiest countries. But there is a latent trend, still bubbling under the surface, which might soon occupy the minds of Western policymakers: emigration.
US panel's ruling clears path for hefty tariffs on solar imports
As a result of the ITC’s decision, the Department of Commerce will now issue orders enforcing countervailing and anti-dumping duties on those solar products. These tariffs were finalised by the department last month.
COMMENT: Vying for influence in Southeast Asia – Russia VS America
Although both nations have engaged with the region historically and continue to do so in the present day, their roles, influence, and staying power differ markedly.
Taiwan’s leader urges renewed dialogue with China as tensions rise
Lai warned that any armed conflict would be disastrous for all parties and reaffirmed Taiwan’s commitment to bolstering its defence capabilities to deter any attempt by Beijing to seize the island by force.
Thailand: Southeast Asia’s sleeping tiger
While countries like Indonesia and Vietnam stride forward, Thailand seems to be treading water, encumbered by internal strife, inconsistent foreign policy, and economic inertia.
EVs to account for one in four car sales this year
Global electric vehicle sales are expected to more than triple by 2030, reaching 45mn units annually, driven by expanding markets in China and strengthening policy support in advanced and emerging economies, according to the IEA.
HALLIGAN: Georgia on my mind — and China's too
Having long ignored the Caucasus region, China is now showing intense interest in developing Black Sea infrastructure, not least in Georgia. The West is pushing back.
COMMENT: China and Latin America forge ‘shared future’ as US wields coercive diplomacy
China hosted Latin American leaders at the China-CELAC Forum, pledging $9.2bn and deeper ties. As US influence fades, Beijing’s “shared future” vision gains ground, fueling a shift in global alliances and challenging Washington’s dominance.
_0_1747734818.jpg)
Brazil poultry sector hit as bird flu prompts global export bans
Brazil, the world's largest poultry exporter, has confirmed its first outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza on a commercial farm, triggering immediate import bans from major markets including China and the EU.