China
Japan’s Self-Defence Forces are much more capable than many think
During the past decade Japan has quietly but steadily modernised its defence apparatus. While Tokyo avoids the loud rhetoric of some of its neighbours, its actions speak volumes.
What comes after Xi? China's future in a post-Xi era
A system built so tightly around a cult centered on one man, however powerful, invites uncertainty once that man disappears. It also invites opportunity...
Myanmar - four months on from the M7.7 earthquake
In late March, a 7.7-magnitude quake struck central Myanmar - devastating regions such as Mandalay, Sagaing, Naypyidaw and Shan State - killing at least 3,700 people and injuring nearly 5,000, with thousands more missing
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ASIA BLOG: The global fallout of a Chinese invasion of Taiwan
There have already been rumblings in Taiwan that self destruction of key infrastructure would be preferential to Chinese takeover.
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Racial profiling in Japan
A 2025 survey by the plaintiffs' legal team found that over 71% of obviously foreign nationals who had lived in Japan for more than five years had been questioned by police on the street.
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Taiwan’s president plans visit to Paraguay amid diplomatic pressure from Beijing
Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te is set to visit Paraguay next month, a move which could include transit stops in the United States and is already drawing criticism from Beijing.
IMF: The debate over falling fertility
A decline in global population later this century may threaten human progress, or it may lead to better lives.
Russia’s relegation in Central Asia trade complete as China takes Tajikistan export-import crown
Moscow now playing second fiddle to Beijing across the ex-Soviet space.
China and Serbia to hold first joint military training exercise
China and Serbia will conduct their first-ever joint military training exercise later this month in northern China’s Hebei Province.
COMMENT: Bogotá summit marks Global South’s legal break with the West over Gaza
At the Bogotá summit, the Global South takes charge – no longer waiting for Western permission to enforce international law. From South Africa’s ICJ case to Colombia cutting ties with Israel, countries are defying US pressure over Gaza.
COMMENT: What will Trump’s Russian 100% secondary sanctions do to the oil markets?
US President Donald Trump announced on July 14 that the US could impose 100% secondary sanctions on any country that does business with Russia if no ceasefire deal in Ukraine is reached within 50 days.
US and Panama launch joint military exercises amid canal security concerns
US helicopters have arrived in Panama to begin collaborative training exercises with local security forces, as tensions mount over the strategic waterway's future amid competing US and Chinese interests.
Japan, France call for downgrading ties with the US as tariff hikes loom
Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba said at the end of last week his country needs to “wean itself from US dependence” in such key areas as security, food and energy.
Melting icecaps will cause more and bigger volcanic eruptions, study shows
As the weight of melting ice is lifted off volcanos, eruptions will become more common and more violent, according to a new study of volcanos in Chile’s Patagonia region.
Tipping Point: when populations peak – Statista
As July 11 marks World Population Day, celebrating the approximate date that the world's population reached 5bn in 1987, we're taking a closer at one of the population trends that will affect many countries sooner or later in the 21st Century.
Global warming may create a "permanent El Nino", changing the world's weather patterns
Scientists are warning that global warming is disrupting the natural rhythm of the El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO), potentially creating the conditions for a “permanent El Niño”-like climate state, with significant weather consequences.
Uzbekistan taps China’s Shandong Group to upgrade Tashkent substations
China’s Shandong Electrical Engineering & Equipment Group is set to modernise two electrical substations in Tashkent under a deal aimed at improving the reliability of Uzbekistan’s power grid.
Czech government bans DeepSeek in public administration, warning the AI company products pose 'High' threat
The Czech government has banned the use of the Chinese artificial intelligence company DeepSeek and its products in the country’s public administration.
ASIA BLOG: Vietnam – a rising star among Asia’s emerging markets
The transformation of Vietnam over the past three decades has been nothing short of remarkable – from a primarily agrarian economy to one driven by manufacturing, services and exports.