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Opinion /

World Opinion

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My Take
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Illustration: Craig Stephens
China-UK relations

Opinion | With China visit, Starmer makes clear he’s putting Britain first

The prime minister’s visit to China is a declaration that the UK will no longer be a simple passenger in a contest defined in Washington and Beijing.

European Union

Opinion | On EV targets, Europe should take a page from China’s playbook

Asean

Opinion | Why Southeast Asia should not fear Trump’s disruption

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China economy

Opinion | China’s slowing overseas investment reflects caution, not retreat

Amid rising protectionism and increased pushback in advanced economies, Beijing is strategically recalibrating its investments abroad.

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A container is lifted by a crane backdropped by the construction of the Chinese-funded mega port, in Chancay, Peru, on October 29, 2024. Photo: AP
A container is lifted by a crane backdropped by the construction of the Chinese-funded mega port, in Chancay, Peru, on October 29, 2024. Photo: AP
China economy

Opinion | How a rising China is becoming a provider of global public goods

When China provides the hi-tech, low-cost hardware of development and multilateral banks provide regulatory oversight, the Global South wins.

US-China tech war

My Take | Steadfast state support is key to China winning tech race with US

America is shooting itself in the foot by defunding basic research and manpower under the Trump White House.

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European Union

Opinion | Trump has laid bare the ‘Scramble for Europe’

Faced with an aggressive Trump administration, an unapologetic Russia and a rising China, European efforts towards strategic autonomy may be too little, too late.

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Illustration: Craig Stephens
Illustration: Craig Stephens
Diplomacy

Opinion | Canada’s Carney charts a ‘third path’ for middle powers

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has offered a principled and pragmatic agenda for nations navigating a new era of great power rivalry.

Diplomacy

Opinion | Why UK Prime Minister Starmer’s visit to China could be historic

The British prime minister must decide whether Britain has the strength to look east and west, and not simply look inward.

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European Union

Opinion | In dealing with Trump, Europe must realise power respects power

Instead of outsourcing its defence capacity to Washington and limiting economic ties with Beijing, the EU should focus on building leverage.

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Illustration: Craig Stephens
United States

Opinion | US disregard of international law must not be tolerated

Principles such as sovereign equality and the peaceful resolution of disputes are the bedrock of international relations – and must be protected.

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A sign reading “Greenland is not for sale!” is seen in Nuuk, Greenland, on January 20. Photo: AFP / Getty Images / TNS
A sign reading “Greenland is not for sale!” is seen in Nuuk, Greenland, on January 20. Photo: AFP / Getty Images / TNS
United States

Macroscope | Distracted at Davos, leaders are ignoring one critical issue

More attention needs to be paid to the state of US and global finances.

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Canada

As I see it | Too much egalitarianism is ruining Canada

Enforced equality in Canada and extreme inequality in the US can both be corrosive to democratic society and governance.

US-China relations

Opinion | As US retreats into ‘sphere of influence’, China looks outwards

By disrupting China’s global initiatives and relying on brute force to achieve its goals, US actions are ultimately self-defeating.

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Illustration: Craig Stephens
United States

Outside In | Why Trump’s Davos farce may come to be seen as a watershed

Whatever his motivations, he’s alarmed allies and made clear the old order based on a benign US is gone, even as his popularity slips at home.

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US President Donald Trump speaks during a Board of Peace charter announcement at the annual meeting of the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, on January 22. Photo: AP
US President Donald Trump speaks during a Board of Peace charter announcement at the annual meeting of the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, on January 22. Photo: AP
United States

Opinion | From Venezuela to Greenland, Trump is using US power to rewrite the rules

What troubles many is the inconsistency emanating from Washington. When power underwrites rules, principles become negotiable.

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Environment

Opinion | How China can strengthen High Seas Treaty governance

Xiamen’s recognised coastal management approach underpins its bid to host the treaty secretariat.

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US-China relations

Opinion | China has Trump 2.0 to thank for emerging stronger in tech and trade

As intense US-China competition becomes the new normal, pressure has strengthened China’s capacity to adapt rather than deter it from its long-term ambitions.

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President Xi Jinping attends a high-level reception to ring in the Lunar New Year at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, on January 27, 2025. Photo: Xinhua
President Xi Jinping attends a high-level reception to ring in the Lunar New Year at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, on January 27, 2025. Photo: Xinhua
European Union

Macroscope | Why Europe struggles to stand up to Trump

Despite being equipped with powerful tools in its economic arsenal, Brussels lacks the leverage needed to keep Washington in check.

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Denmark

Opinion | Cultural exchange with rivals isn’t capitulation. It’s pragmatism

Middle powers must keep their diplomatic options open and recognise that engagement with a country isn’t an endorsement of it.

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US-China relations

Opinion | Why China’s response to Trump’s chaos will be to wait and watch

Although the US president’s destabilising actions might seem like an opportunity for Beijing, it is likely to opt for strategic patience.

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Illustration: Craig Stephens
Diplomacy

Opinion | Why so many states reject bloc rivalry to choose partnership with China

It’s a calculated choice to keep growth, infrastructure momentum and policy space alive in a world that punishes the economically exposed.

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African Union Commission chairman Mahmoud Ali Youssouf welcomes Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, on January 8. Photo: Handout from African Union via EPA
African Union Commission chairman Mahmoud Ali Youssouf welcomes Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, on January 8. Photo: Handout from African Union via EPA
Canada

As I see it | How Donald Trump could break up Canada

While the US president has focused on intimidating Canada’s federal officials, he might be better served by concentrating on Alberta.

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United States

Opinion | Why isn’t Trump learning from past foreign policy mistakes?

From Venezuela and Iran to Greenland and Canada, US interventions and threats risk spillovers and retaliation – as history shows.

Poverty

Opinion | Why we should aspire to raising living standards for all

Our history of progress shows we can care for a growing population, but only if we tackle inequality and protect the environment.

Young people enjoy the waves on a beach near the Nouakchott Artisanal Port in Mauritania on July 17 last year. The UN projects that the world population will grow to 11.2 billion by 2100. Photo: Reuters
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