Firm, moving 10 per cent of global cargo, plans to invest hundreds of millions of dollars in decarbonisation strategy and says population’s needs can be met sustainably.

Pakistan’s new coalition government is struggling to secure finance for the initiative promised by former PM Imran Khan; negotiations with IMF continue; Beijing has financed US$25 billion of infrastructure since 2015.

Inventories have been running low due to financial pressure caused by spiking international edible oil prices, following the loss of sunflower oil supplies from Russia and Ukraine, and the volatility in the exchange rate of the rupee.

While three Chinese were killed in the attack, observers say Beijing and its belt and road projects in Pakistan are a collateral damage of Balochistan’s separatist bid.

The Chinese foreign ministry says it will continue to urge Pakistani officials to follow up, treat the injured and crack down on terror groups.

A van carrying four people, including the director of Karachi University’s Confucius Institute, exploded after a suicide attacker blew herself up.

Efforts to extend the country’s first ceasefire for years, and create an opportunity to negotiate an end to the conflict, continue despite setbacks; move signifies ‘the most significant step in a while’.

Sharif played a key role in setting up some infrastructure projects in the CPEC’s initial stages, and resuming work on the scheme will be like a ‘homecoming’, an analyst says.

Shehbaz Sharif faces an uphill battle as he seeks to stabilise a shaky economy, mend ties with New Delhi and Beijing – and fend off his predecessor’s claims of US interference in Pakistan’s politics.

Asia’s economies will have to compete with the EU for LNG supplies from the Gulf and the US. Fears are growing of the knock-on effect on economic growth, political stability and climate change.

Moves to keep the besieged leader in power by dissolving parliament and calling early elections were declared illegal in a unanimous decision by the Supreme Court. The no-confidence vote will take place on Saturday.

As the Supreme Court is set to weigh a petition by the opposition over the cancelled no-confidence vote, analysts say Pakistan’s new leaders will need to stave off challenges including crippling debt and rising militancy.

A deal has left Khan eight votes shy of the 172 he needs on Sunday, as his government loses the backing of powerful generals.

With the US preoccupied with Russia and Ukraine, a grand convergence of former foes is brewing in the Middle against the Ayatollahs as Iran inches towards an agreement with the West on reviving the 2015 nuclear deal.

No-confidence move against Khan comes after questionable visit to Moscow as Russia invaded Ukraine. PM is also facing criticism over the economy, with Western allies displeased with Chinese investment in Pakistan.

For Asian consumers, the high cost of fuel will exacerbate rising consumer price inflation that has been a problem since the pandemic started.

The Ukraine war has given Washington and Ankara an opportunity to revive their ties that have soured over stalled defence deals and human rights disputes.

Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Qatar have signalled they will not be boosting production or diverting cargoes to Europe as they maintain a neutral stance over the conflict in Ukraine.

‘The changing global geopolitical landscape, superpower competition, and the Abraham Accords are all bringing about a new reality in the Middle East.’

Israel’s keeping a low profile, Turkey won’t do anything to escalate the conflict and the Gulf Arab states have yet to react – even if the high price of oil has them smiling.

Since normalising ties in 2020, Israel and the UAE have forged ahead with a partnership built on investment and a shared distrust of Iran – amid US calls for both to turn away from Beijing.

Escalating tensions between competing powers have sparked questions of Washington’s commitment to the security of its Arab allies. Meanwhile, China is offering an alternative great power approach.

The presence of the global cricketing superstar offers China a PR boost as he says Western claims over rights abuses in Xinjiang are ‘not true’. But is there a quid pro quo?

Israel has promised to keep Washington ‘in the loop’ about its China dealings and takes US national security concerns very seriously, analysts say – but can it afford to upset one of its largest trading and infrastructure development partners?

Pakistan took delivery of 25 Chinese-built J-10Cs late last month, as India mulls buying up to 144 warplanes from the US, France or Sweden to defend itself against a simultaneous attack from both China and Pakistan.

Abu Dhabi froze negotiations on a US$23.4 billion American arms deal, leaving analysts to speculate that this was in reaction to pressure from Washington over the kingdom’s strong ties with China.

‘No one really wants to reward Assad and his regime. But the reality is that they are not going to be overthrown in the near term.’

Regional chapter of Islamic State becoming stronger; ‘may try to capture territory from Taliban if its numbers keep growing’, says analyst

China, France, Germany, Russia, Britain and the US will hold talks with Iran in Vienna on Monday, at a meeting chaired by the EU.

Gulf Arab monarchies in particular have begun to question US commitments to the region amid Washington’s growing determination to counteract China.