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US Secretary of State Marco Rubio speaks at the Munich Security Conference on February 14 in Munich, southern Germany. Photo: Pool / AFP
Diplomacy

Opinion | Why China steers clear of the West’s transactional diplomacy

Strains in transatlantic ties show the limits of quid pro quo diplomacy – and the appeal of Beijing’s relationship-first approach.

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War and conflict

Opinion | US-Israeli strike on Iran signals new phase of global escalation

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Taiwan

As I see it | Taipei must break free of its abusive relationship with Washington

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United States

Opinion | Trump’s State of the Union report underlines shift to ‘world minus one’

In his address to Congress, Trump emphasised that America ‘is back’. However, the US’ financial position tells a different story, one with global implications.

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US President Donald Trump delivers the State of the Union address to a joint session of Congress at the US Capitol in Washington on February 24. Photo: The New York Times via AP
US President Donald Trump delivers the State of the Union address to a joint session of Congress at the US Capitol in Washington on February 24. Photo: The New York Times via AP
Artificial intelligence

Outside In | Everyone agrees that AI is big. No one agrees on what comes next

Job fears, environmental strain and security threats are fuelling the botlash, yet experts remain divided over its net impact – and our ability to contain the risks.

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European Union

Opinion | Europe is ready for strategic autonomy, but at what cost?

The EU post-war project left Europe lagging behind the US and China. Now, without American protection, the continent must reclaim its edge.

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United States

Opinion | US’ 250th anniversary should be about ideals, not aggressive fundraising

The star of America’s 250th anniversary celebrations in Asia should be its most enduring export – its founding principles.

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US Ambassador to Poland Thomas Rose (second right) and President of the Kosciuszko Mound Committee Piotr Dobosz (left) participate in the ceremonial unveiling of a plaque commemorating the 250th anniversary of the US Declaration of Independence on Kosciuszko Mound in Krakow, Poland, on February 12. Photo: EPA
US Ambassador to Poland Thomas Rose (second right) and President of the Kosciuszko Mound Committee Piotr Dobosz (left) participate in the ceremonial unveiling of a plaque commemorating the 250th anniversary of the US Declaration of Independence on Kosciuszko Mound in Krakow, Poland, on February 12. Photo: EPA
Ukraine war

Opinion | Don’t expect Russia’s war on Ukraine to end in its fifth year

Barring Moscow or Kyiv reaching breaking points in their war efforts, neither side will make any steps to end or ‘freeze’ the conflict.

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United States

Macroscope | Normalisation of Trump’s chaos can only go so far

Markets assuming Trump will chicken out and downplaying risks contribute to the normalisation of the US president’s chaotic behaviour.

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Hutchison’s Panama ports deal

Opinion | Panama’s ports grab may be politically expedient, but at what cost?

In global logistics, reliability is currency. When commitments become provisional, the cost is measured not only in legal fees but in confidence.

Illustration: Craig Stephens
India

Opinion | How India can lead the charge for inclusive AI

The AI Impact summit showcased India’s commitment to placing human well-being at the heart of the global artificial intelligence conversation.

A visitor checks a Jio intelligence bot on display at Bharat Mandapam, one of the venues for the AI Impact Summit in New Delhi, India, on February 17. Photo: Reuters
A visitor checks a Jio intelligence bot on display at Bharat Mandapam, one of the venues for the AI Impact Summit in New Delhi, India, on February 17. Photo: Reuters
Middle East

Opinion | How Saudi diplomacy is thwarting Trump’s desire for war with Iran

China helped broker a detente between Riyadh and Tehran in 2023, which has no doubt factored into Saudi Arabia’s stance on US-Iran tensions.

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United States

As I see it | Chomsky’s legacy should be understood beyond the Epstein files

Despite recently revealed close ties to the convicted sex offender, Chomsky’s contributions to linguistics and philosophy are undeniable.

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European Union

Opinion | EU has a key role to play in the new world order in the making

In an uncertain global environment, the European Union remains committed to mutually beneficial relations with Hong Kong.

Three flags of the European Union fly in front of the Berlaymont building in Brussels, the seat of the European Commission, on July 28, 2025. Photo: dpa
United States

Opinion | Despite Supreme Court ruling, Trump has legal cards for tariffs in hand

The US’ trading partners are understandably taking a wait-and-see approach to the tariff landscape after the court decision.

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Illustration: Craig Stephens
Illustration: Craig Stephens
China-Latin America relations

The View | Venezuela and Panama aren’t the whole story of China in Latin America

While recent events highlight the risks in volatile states, China’s position in Latin America is rooted in deep trade and investment links with the region’s largest economies.

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Hong Kong courts

Opinion | A speedy pardon in the Jimmy Lai case is unlikely

Foreign governments campaigning for the former media boss’ release should thoroughly look into the nuances of the case as the legal process plays out.

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China-Africa relations

Opinion | China’s zero-tariff offer to Africa is a game changer

In contrast to Western proposals that come with strings attached, China has turned its own market into the main instrument of partnership.

A volunteer grinds coffee beans with children during a hands-on experience session at the Ethiopian pavilion of the China-Africa Economic and Trade Cooperation Promotion Innovation Demonstration Park in Changsha, Hunan province on August 30, 2024. Photo: Xinhua
A volunteer grinds coffee beans with children during a hands-on experience session at the Ethiopian pavilion of the China-Africa Economic and Trade Cooperation Promotion Innovation Demonstration Park in Changsha, Hunan province on August 30, 2024. Photo: Xinhua
China-EU relations

Opinion | Germany’s outreach to China signals a reckoning, rather than a shift

The German chancellor realises that while China poses a long-term economic challenge, the United States is currently the more disruptive partner.

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Food and agriculture

Opinion | How China’s national food security push could reshape global markets

Amid increasing pressure from trade wars and climate change, Beijing is reframing agriculture as a matter of national security.

Banking & finance

Opinion | Why the Fed credibility crisis will hit emerging markets harder

As confidence in US monetary stewardship falters, inflation risks rise and capital flows become more volatile. Emerging markets with fewer policy buffers will bear the brunt.

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US Federal Reserve chair Jerome Powell speaks during a press conference at the Federal Reserve Board Building in Washington on January 28. Photo: AFP
United States

As I see it | An America without independent institutions cannot stay No 1

If reviving a country and the international order means institutional reform and renewal, Donald Trump is deliberately doing the opposite.

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Workers check The John F. Kennedy Memorial Centre for the Performing Arts in Washington after the signage was updated to include US President Donald Trump’s name, on December 19, 2025. Photo: AFP
Workers check The John F. Kennedy Memorial Centre for the Performing Arts in Washington after the signage was updated to include US President Donald Trump’s name, on December 19, 2025. Photo: AFP
US-China relations

Opinion | Pax Sinica vs Pax Silica: how China-US mineral war is taking shape

The US approach of deploying capital and diplomatic leverage must make up for China’s years-long head start in building its reserves.

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Trade

Outside In | Try as it might, the US alone can’t reverse the tide of globalisation

Accounting for a significant share of world trade, Europe and Asia are far more decisive players in the fast-changing globalised economy.

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Diplomacy

Opinion | The 21st-century order has outgrown 20th-century institutions

Despite international tensions, countries still seek cooperation based on shared interests. Institutions must embrace this trend.

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Illustration: Craig Stephens
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