In simulating a blockade of Taiwan during military exercises, Beijing took advantage of a rare strategic window of opportunity to seize the geopolitical upper hand, striking at the heart of US influence in the region.

Hopes the US-China relationship will improve ignore the many underlying factors driving the two sides apart. Domestic politics, slowing growth and increasing nationalism are not conducive to normalising relations and will only further erode ties.

Putin’s threat has sparked doomsday scenarios in the media but it is no more than propaganda, meant not so much for the world but for the Russian public. No one can guarantee against a nuclear war but, for now, our world remains in a state of nuclear equilibrium.

Hong Kong’s importance to the yuan and Congress’ new bill show that the trade war has turned into a financial conflict. China’s goal to internationalise the yuan may require greater diversification in the face of such scrutiny.

Trade war, rising costs and economic reforms deemed too little, too late are behind China’s latest foreign capital flights. What is different this time is that the withdrawals are part of a migration of the industrial chain out of China.

Cambodia and Vietnam are two examples of complicated business environments in Southeast Asia where the foreign investor needs to tread with care: rising costs, a less efficient workforce, and stronger labour movements are just a few of the risks.