Hong Kong
FBI disrupts attempt by Chinese academics to smuggle crop-killing fungus into US
Upon investigation, the material was identified as Fusarium graminearum, a fungus known to devastate crops such as wheat, barley, maize and rice, and to produce toxins harmful to humans and livestock.
COMMENT: Chinese firms carving up Tesla's once solid brand recognition
While Tesla remains a powerful player in the EV market, its star has dimmed, particularly in China, today the world’s largest EV market and increasingly its most competitive.
Indonesia's Batam raises COVID-19 alert level as virus surges in Singapore, elsewhere
The Batam municipal government in Indonesia’s Riau Islands has heightened its COVID-19 alert status following a notable rise in cases in neighbouring Singapore, a key regional transit hub just across the strait.
China launches international mediation organisation in Hong Kong
China has launched a new international mediation organisation in Hong Kong on May 30, signed by 31 countries
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Bolivia's $2bn lithium deals with China and Russia suspended by court ruling
A court in Potosí halts $2bn lithium projects with Russia’s Uranium One and China’s CBC in Bolivia, home to the world’s largest lithium reserves, over legal and environmental concerns tied to direct lithium extraction plans.
Combined effort to tackle Asian climate change gaining momentum
Over the past five years Asia has witnessed unprecedented heatwaves, with countries like Bangladesh recording temperatures up to 43.8°C in 2024, leading to nationwide school closures affecting tens of millions of children
Gulf States, China dominate ASEAN Summit with a pledge to strengthen ties
Meeting in the Malaysian capital, Kuala Lumpur, the GCC, China and the 10-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations issued a joint declaration committing to “chart a unified and collective path towards a peaceful, prosperous and just future.
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China shifts from global banker to leading debt collector
Once the primary provider of capital across much of the world, Beijing now finds itself at the receiving end of record repayments, particularly from some of the world’s poorest and most vulnerable nations.
ASIA BLOG: Taiwan on the international stage – inclusion is not a concession, it is common sense
It is increasingly absurd – and even dangerous – that Taiwan continues to be excluded from key international organisations such as the WHO, Interpol, ICAO and most prominently, the UN.
COMMENT: How Nepal and Bhutan navigate the India-China rivalry
While New Delhi flexes its military posture to signal resolve both to Beijing and Islamabad, neighbouring microstates like Nepal and Bhutan find themselves compelled to recalibrate their security interests and economic alignments.
US tariffs: threat or opportunity for ASEAN’s clean energy ambitions?
In April, when US President Donald Trump announced steep import tariffs targeting a swathe of sectors, reigniting concerns among many ASEAN countries that have flourished under the China+1 strategy.
COMMENT: Ranking the top 60 economies’ exposure to US tariffs
US President Donald Trump’s threat to impose a 50% tariff hike on the EU has put the cat amongst the pigeons again. If he follows through then Europe, which is highly dependent on US trade, will be amongst the most damaged economies in the world.
COMMENT: Why Japan-China relations remain key to Asian economic and regional stability
While headlines often dwell on the China-United States rivalry or regional disputes in the South China Sea, it is Sino-Japanese relations that may well determine the trajectory of Asia’s economic prosperity.
MACRO ADVISORY: Mongolia rising, but critically linked to China
Three years ago, Mongolia was broke and facing a possible debt default. It suffered a big drop in the volume and value of copper and coal exports to China during 2020-2021. Now it is doing better, but its fate is tied to China.
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.
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.
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.
Could BRICS redefine Asia’s power balance?
For Asian countries outside the current BRICS framework, the stakes are high. Membership could mean enhanced access to financial resources, a larger voice in global institutions, and strengthened ties with emerging powers.
CK Hutchison stresses legal compliance in Panama port sale amid US-China tensions
Hong Kong’s CK Hutchison has reiterated that its planned sale of major global port assets, including key terminals at the Panama Canal, will move forward only under strict legal and regulatory compliance.