https://www.scmp.com/rss/317018/feed Professor Syed Munir Khasru is chairman of the international think tank IPAG Asia-Pacific, Australia, with a presence also in Dhaka, Delhi, Dubai, and Vienna. (www.syedmunirkhasru.org) en https://assets.i-scmp.com/static/img/icons/scmp-meta-1200x630.png https://www.scmp.com Syed Munir Khasru Syed Munir Khasru After more than 20 hours of high-level negotiations in Islamabad, US Vice-President J.D. Vance confirmed that Washington and Tehran were walking away without a deal. Iran reportedly refused to accept US terms on its nuclear programme, laying bare the deep strategic divides that continue to stall diplomatic solutions to the conflict. However, the venue tells a larger story. India has long been seen as South Asia’s most globally networked actor and has maintained ties with Washington, Tel Aviv,... https://www.scmp.com/opinion/asia-opinion/article/3349907/how-pakistan-outmanoeuvred-india-iran-war-diplomacy-chinas-help?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/opinion/asia-opinion/article/3349907/how-pakistan-outmanoeuvred-india-iran-war-diplomacy-chinas-help?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 14 Apr 2026 21:30:09 +0000 Syed Munir Khasru Syed Munir Khasru Today, double-digit tariffs imposed by the United States are the new baseline. Breaking decades of low single digits norms, the US rolled out a “reciprocal tariff” framework in April 2025, setting a 10 per cent baseline and layering on higher rates for specific countries. Embedded in the US’ national security strategy, this reorientation leaves little scope for a full rollback and turns global trade into a test of power: of whether World Trade Organization (WTO) rules still bind or leverage now... https://www.scmp.com/opinion/world-opinion/article/3341496/trumps-tariffs-reveal-hidden-fault-lines-global-trade?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/opinion/world-opinion/article/3341496/trumps-tariffs-reveal-hidden-fault-lines-global-trade?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 29 Jan 2026 21:30:09 +0000 Syed Munir Khasru Syed Munir Khasru On December 10, Australia began enforcing the world’s strictest social media age rule: platforms must now verify that users are aged 16 or above, or face fines of up to A$49.5 million (US$33 million), a bold experiment in returning oversight of childhood from Silicon Valley to democratically elected institutions. The relevant law, passed by the Australian parliament last year, represents more than protectionism or moral panic. It is a deliberate experiment in rebalancing the roles of state,... https://www.scmp.com/opinion/world-opinion/article/3335735/australias-social-media-ban-offers-path-between-excess-and-inaction?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/opinion/world-opinion/article/3335735/australias-social-media-ban-offers-path-between-excess-and-inaction?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 10 Dec 2025 21:30:08 +0000 Syed Munir Khasru Syed Munir Khasru At Cop30, the first UN climate summit held in the heart of the Amazon, the stage is set for a fundamental reframing of climate diplomacy. For too long, the Global South has been cast as a passive aid recipient, a problem to be managed rather than a partner in solutions. But as delegates gather in Brazil’s gateway to the world’s largest rainforest, they will confront a different reality: a tropical belt that holds the keys to our climate future and a generation of evidence showing that South-led... https://www.scmp.com/opinion/world-opinion/article/3331989/how-cop30-can-advance-new-template-south-south-climate-leadership?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/opinion/world-opinion/article/3331989/how-cop30-can-advance-new-template-south-south-climate-leadership?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 09 Nov 2025 21:30:08 +0000 Syed Munir Khasru Syed Munir Khasru Global energy investment is projected to reach US$3.3 trillion this year, with some US$2.2 trillion directed towards clean technologies, double the amount flowing into fossil fuels. Yet beneath these impressive figures, a crisis of confidence is unfolding. During the first half of this year alone, companies cancelled or scaled back more than US$22 billion in clean energy projects in the United States. These included high-profile battery facilities, storage systems and electric vehicle factories,... https://www.scmp.com/opinion/world-opinion/article/3328334/6-steps-democracies-must-take-match-china-climate-action?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/opinion/world-opinion/article/3328334/6-steps-democracies-must-take-match-china-climate-action?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 12 Oct 2025 01:30:08 +0000 Syed Munir Khasru Syed Munir Khasru The revival of techno-nationalism is reshaping strategies across continents. The European Union has embraced technological sovereignty with the EU Chips Act and investments in artificial intelligence (AI) and quantum technology. Japan and South Korea are diversifying supply chains and boosting domestic capacity. India is positioning itself as an alternative hub through the Make in India and Digital India initiatives, aimed at reducing reliance on both China and the West. Export controls,... https://www.scmp.com/opinion/world-opinion/article/3323778/techno-nationalism-now-critical-battlefront-geopolitics?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/opinion/world-opinion/article/3323778/techno-nationalism-now-critical-battlefront-geopolitics?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 03 Sep 2025 12:30:08 +0000 Syed Munir Khasru Syed Munir Khasru Asia’s relationship with the ocean represents one of the most complex environmental contradictions of our time. The region is home to some of the world’s largest maritime economies, with China, Japan, South Korea and India among those leading the global shipping, fishing and marine trade. It contains about 60 per cent of the world’s coastal population, and those people depend on the region’s coastal zones for their livelihoods, food security and economic survival. Yet, at the same time, the same... https://www.scmp.com/opinion/asia-opinion/article/3314617/how-asias-failure-cooperate-killing-its-rivers-and-oceans?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/opinion/asia-opinion/article/3314617/how-asias-failure-cooperate-killing-its-rivers-and-oceans?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 19 Jun 2025 01:30:22 +0000 Syed Munir Khasru Syed Munir Khasru The scale and intensity of the four-day India-Pakistan conflict beginning on May 7 was marked by the battlefield debut of China’s advanced military technology. At the onset of the conflict, US Vice-President J.D. Vance stated that the situation was “fundamentally none of our business”. But, in a dramatic reversal, US President Donald Trump soon announced that his administration had brokered a “historic ceasefire” between India and Pakistan. While India and Pakistan were still exchanging fire,... https://www.scmp.com/opinion/china-opinion/article/3311719/beijing-flexes-its-military-might-south-asia-and-beyond?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/opinion/china-opinion/article/3311719/beijing-flexes-its-military-might-south-asia-and-beyond?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 26 May 2025 21:30:09 +0000 Syed Munir Khasru Syed Munir Khasru In recent elections across the world, many right-wing politicians echoed US President Donald Trump’s political style, policies and even rhetoric, reflecting a rise in populism. But the tide is turning and in several instances, Trumpism has backfired. In Canada and Australia, an “anti-Trump bump” was in effect as voters rejected chaos and Trump-style protectionism in favour of stability and centrism. Thanks to the Trump effect, political parties previously expected to lose reversed their... https://www.scmp.com/opinion/world-opinion/article/3309459/trumpism-waning-leaders-still-need-address-voter-frustrations?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/opinion/world-opinion/article/3309459/trumpism-waning-leaders-still-need-address-voter-frustrations?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 09 May 2025 12:30:09 +0000 The era of hydrocarbons is accelerating under the second Trump administration, posing a direct threat to global climate goals and putting years of clean energy progress at risk. On his first day in office, US President Donald Trump declared a national energy emergency and signed an executive order establishing the National Energy Dominance Council. Headed by Interior Secretary Doug Burgum, its mandate revolves around fast-tracking oil, gas and coal development. This aggressive stance was... https://www.scmp.com/opinion/world-opinion/article/3306467/trump-making-fossil-fuels-great-again-has-global-implications?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/opinion/world-opinion/article/3306467/trump-making-fossil-fuels-great-again-has-global-implications?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 15 Apr 2025 12:30:07 +0000 Artificial intelligence (AI) has made quite the splash this year. Despite the many benefits its advancement can bring, a world where AI remains in the hands of a few elite corporations and nations will pose significant risks. Without democratisation, only a limited number of players will be able to afford AI-driven solutions. This could lead to increased economic inequality, with wealthy organisations gaining disproportionate advantages in productivity and efficiency while smaller businesses and... https://www.scmp.com/opinion/world-opinion/article/3302428/open-ai-access-will-make-once-exclusive-tool-empowering-all?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/opinion/world-opinion/article/3302428/open-ai-access-will-make-once-exclusive-tool-empowering-all?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 18 Mar 2025 12:30:09 +0000 US President Donald Trump is expected to take a far more aggressive approach in the Indo-Pacific than the Biden administration as America strengthens ties with Australia and Japan. Australia is deepening its security ties with the United States through the Aukus alliance (which includes Britain) and critical minerals agreements, while balancing its economic reliance on China. The US remains Australia’s largest investor and demand for Australian rare earths is growing parallel to China’s market... https://www.scmp.com/opinion/world-opinion/article/3299049/aukus-quad-will-have-step-under-trumps-indo-pacific-stance?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/opinion/world-opinion/article/3299049/aukus-quad-will-have-step-under-trumps-indo-pacific-stance?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 20 Feb 2025 21:30:09 +0000 Artificial intelligence (AI) has the potential to be a transformative force, reshaping industries, economies and societies while acting as a harbinger of revolutionary change. However, UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres cautioned the UN Security Council in a recent address that this technological revolution carries a double-edged promise: while it has the potential to drive progress, it also risks deepening existing inequality. His urgent call that “we must never allow AI to stand for... https://www.scmp.com/opinion/world-opinion/article/3293617/how-world-can-ensure-ai-revolution-doesnt-worsen-inequality?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/opinion/world-opinion/article/3293617/how-world-can-ensure-ai-revolution-doesnt-worsen-inequality?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 07 Jan 2025 21:30:08 +0000 As US president-elect Donald Trump returns to the White House for his second term next month, global markets and US trading partners are bracing for what could be one of the most dramatic reshapings of international commerce since World War II. His campaign promises suggest an even more aggressive stance on tariffs than his first term, with proposals for a universal baseline tariff of up to 20 per cent on most imports and potential tariffs as high as 60 per cent on Chinese-made goods. These... https://www.scmp.com/opinion/asia-opinion/article/3290635/trump-20-forcing-asian-economies-make-hard-choices-fast?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/opinion/asia-opinion/article/3290635/trump-20-forcing-asian-economies-make-hard-choices-fast?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 15 Dec 2024 21:30:08 +0000 The proliferation of social media platforms and digital tools has provided children with vast opportunities for learning, creativity and connection. However, alongside these benefits comes a growing set of challenges. The online space, particularly social media, seems to be increasingly fraught with dangers for children, ranging from cyberbullying to sexual exploitation. Striking a balance between the benefits of digital tools and protecting children from online risks is one of the most pressing... https://www.scmp.com/opinion/world-opinion/article/3288039/why-blanket-bans-are-not-answer-keeping-children-safe-online?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/opinion/world-opinion/article/3288039/why-blanket-bans-are-not-answer-keeping-children-safe-online?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 26 Nov 2024 21:30:08 +0000 As Azerbaijan’s capital Baku prepares to host the Cop29 climate conference from November 11, Asia stands at a crossroads in the global fight against climate change. The region, home to 60 per cent of the world’s population and 53 per cent of global emissions, is emerging as an unlikely champion in the race to net zero. While challenges remain formidable and estimates suggest meeting its goals by 2050 will cost about US$70 trillion, Asia’s commitment to climate action is reshaping the global... https://www.scmp.com/opinion/asia-opinion/article/3284444/asia-emerging-unlikely-champion-race-net-zero?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/opinion/asia-opinion/article/3284444/asia-emerging-unlikely-champion-race-net-zero?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 03 Nov 2024 12:30:08 +0000 Driven by industries ranging from finance to healthcare and manufacturing, worldwide demand for artificial intelligence infrastructure is rapidly increasing. Global AI spending is projected to reach US$632 billion by 2028. This rise is particularly evident in Southeast Asia, where governments and the private sector are embracing AI and cybersecurity to secure digital assets, improve automation and boost economic resilience. Cybersecurity is becoming a critical focus in the region. Global... https://www.scmp.com/opinion/asia-opinion/article/3282348/ai-takes-world-storm-asia-stands-benefit?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/opinion/asia-opinion/article/3282348/ai-takes-world-storm-asia-stands-benefit?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 16 Oct 2024 08:30:07 +0000 Inspired by the success of the student-led popular movement in Bangladesh resulting in the ouster of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, some Pakistanis were seen carrying Bangladeshi flags in rallies in solidarity. As Bangladesh’s South Asian neighbours gain inspiration, the role of the Bangladeshi army has unsurprisingly come under scrutiny. Their measured response and refusal to use force against civilians stands in stark contrast to the historical and contemporary actions of the Pakistan... https://www.scmp.com/opinion/asia-opinion/article/3278106/bangladeshs-uprising-offers-lessons-pakistans-democracy?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/opinion/asia-opinion/article/3278106/bangladeshs-uprising-offers-lessons-pakistans-democracy?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 13 Sep 2024 21:30:08 +0000 Amid the clanging of hammers and the glow of molten metal, an unexpected environmental revolution is taking shape. The steel industry, long perceived as a climate villain, is forging a new identity as a champion in the fight against global warming. This transformation isn’t just reshaping an age-old industry, it’s redefining our understanding of how even the most carbon-intensive sectors can pivot towards a sustainable future. Steel is fundamental to modern civilisation, used in everything from... https://www.scmp.com/opinion/world-opinion/article/3273249/steel-industry-forging-new-identity-champion-sustainability?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/opinion/world-opinion/article/3273249/steel-industry-forging-new-identity-champion-sustainability?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 14 Aug 2024 08:30:09 +0000 As Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to make a state visit to Russia on July 8, following his recent re-election, the world watches with keen interest. The coming summit will mark Modi’s first bilateral meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin since the invasion of Ukraine and his first to Russia since 2019, highlighting the enduring strength of India-Russia relations. India’s relationship with Russia dates back to the Cold War era, with the Soviet Union being a reliable partner... https://www.scmp.com/opinion/world-opinion/article/3269032/why-india-still-places-high-priority-good-ties-moscow?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/opinion/world-opinion/article/3269032/why-india-still-places-high-priority-good-ties-moscow?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 05 Jul 2024 21:30:09 +0000 India’s recent general elections were spread out over the course of six weeks but still managed to provide a thrill. The results suggest the Indian voter decided to humble the mighty and restore balance. The victory for Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Bharatiya Janata Party and its alliance partners has secured a mandate for political and economic reform, although they will have to engage in negotiations and are likely to face stronger opposition. Modi’s victory was widely expected, but... https://www.scmp.com/opinion/asia-opinion/article/3266045/can-modis-third-term-bring-india-and-asean-closer-together?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/opinion/asia-opinion/article/3266045/can-modis-third-term-bring-india-and-asean-closer-together?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 15 Jun 2024 21:30:09 +0000 India is in the midst of a pivotal general election. The potential continuity of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership could spark a renewed debate on the trajectory of India’s relations with China. Over the past decade, ties between the two Asian giants have been characterised by a complex interplay of cooperation and competition, marked by diplomatic engagements at the highest levels and border stand-offs underscoring enduring tensions. There have been several incidents that have tested... https://www.scmp.com/opinion/asia-opinion/article/3262275/india-china-thaw-may-be-horizon-if-modi-re-elected?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/opinion/asia-opinion/article/3262275/india-china-thaw-may-be-horizon-if-modi-re-elected?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 14 May 2024 21:30:16 +0000 As the world increasingly embraces renewable energy sources and sustainable practices, a new and dynamic sector has emerged: green jobs. These positions span a diverse array of industries from solar power to sustainable forestry. They are not only vital for addressing the pressing challenges of climate change but are also a driving force in the transformation of the global labour pool. According to the International Renewable Energy Agency and International Labour Organization, Asia dominated... https://www.scmp.com/opinion/asia-opinion/article/3258476/how-reskilling-asias-workforce-can-secure-more-sustainable-future?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/opinion/asia-opinion/article/3258476/how-reskilling-asias-workforce-can-secure-more-sustainable-future?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 12 Apr 2024 07:30:09 +0000 As ceasefire talks take place between Israel and Hamas, the possibility of an Israeli ground invasion of Rafah is causing global concern as it could lead to untold human tragedy. Israeli war cabinet member Benny Gantz stated that Israel may launch a ground offensive unless hostages are released before the month of Ramadan, which is expected to begin on March 10. Israel’s bombardment of Gaza has killed more than 30,000 Palestinians while Hamas-led attacks on October 7, 2023 resulted in about... https://www.scmp.com/comment/opinion/world/article/3253645/amid-israels-siege-hamas-scores-victories-beyond-battlefield?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/comment/opinion/world/article/3253645/amid-israels-siege-hamas-scores-victories-beyond-battlefield?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 29 Feb 2024 12:30:12 +0000 For decades, Pakistan’s military establishment has interfered with the democratic process of the country, influencing election outcomes to maintain its grip on power. While the public votes, the military ensures that only its preferred parties or leaders emerge victorious through various mechanisms. This managed political system has largely kept the transitions of power stable – but at the cost of establishing genuine representative governance. However, the recent ousting of former prime... https://www.scmp.com/comment/opinion/asia/article/3251943/pakistans-election-results-wake-call-its-power-hungry-military?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/comment/opinion/asia/article/3251943/pakistans-election-results-wake-call-its-power-hungry-military?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 14 Feb 2024 11:30:19 +0000 Last year was humanity’s hottest in at least 125,000 years. However, with warming trends predicted, it may turn out to be merely an average year rather than an anomaly. Last November, with the Cop28 UN climate summit commencing, the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) affirmed what already seemed inevitable – that 2023 would be the hottest year in human history. It is noteworthy that similar declarations – whether for the hottest year, years or decade – are made just about every year around... https://www.scmp.com/comment/opinion/article/3247836/2023-was-hottest-125000-years-it-wont-be-last?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/comment/opinion/article/3247836/2023-was-hottest-125000-years-it-wont-be-last?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 10 Jan 2024 21:30:12 +0000 As India braces for next year’s national elections, all eyes are on Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who seems to be heading for a third term as leader of the world’s largest democracy of about 1.4 billion people and more than 900 million eligible voters. Following his Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP) recent victories in crucial state elections in Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Chhattisgarh, Modi has cemented his position as the clear front runner. In the face of a slowing economy and unemployment... https://www.scmp.com/comment/opinion/article/3244957/why-indias-modi-looks-set-third-term-despite-economic-concerns?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/comment/opinion/article/3244957/why-indias-modi-looks-set-third-term-despite-economic-concerns?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 14 Dec 2023 11:30:15 +0000 As climate change depletes freshwater resources critical for human and ecological survival, the world faces an escalating water crisis. Droughts, heatwaves and glacial melt are exacerbating water scarcity globally. According to Unicef, more than 2 billion people already lack access to safe drinking water and 4 billion face severe water scarcity for at least one month per year. If this continues, half of the world’s population could live in areas experiencing water scarcity by 2025. COP27, last... https://www.scmp.com/comment/opinion/article/3242192/climate-change-water-scarcity-fuelling-new-crises-across-asia?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/comment/opinion/article/3242192/climate-change-water-scarcity-fuelling-new-crises-across-asia?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 22 Nov 2023 21:30:08 +0000 Artificial intelligence in healthcare is increasingly an important topic, and one that will be discussed at the World Health Summit next week in Berlin. AI has the potential to improve patient outcomes but it also poses risks – from data collection and use to biases that can skew patient outcomes. By 2025, more than US$30 billion is expected to be invested into AI for healthcare, a reflection of the growing trust in AI-driven healthcare solutions. A major driver of this investment is the... https://www.scmp.com/comment/opinion/article/3237481/our-ai-driven-healthcare-future-needs-one-vital-ingredient-human-touch?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/comment/opinion/article/3237481/our-ai-driven-healthcare-future-needs-one-vital-ingredient-human-touch?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 15 Oct 2023 07:30:11 +0000 As extreme climatic events such as the wildfires that ravaged the Hawaiian island of Maui and the bitter winter in Afghanistan dominate headlines, while being referred to by many as the new normal, it is a clear signal that climate change has taken hold. The current trajectory of carbon emissions puts the world on track for catastrophic events that impact both people and the planet. The latest report by the UN Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change warns that only a limited window of time... https://www.scmp.com/comment/opinion/article/3232981/can-india-be-net-zero-champion-global-south-needs?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/comment/opinion/article/3232981/can-india-be-net-zero-champion-global-south-needs?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 02 Sep 2023 00:15:12 +0000 Last Saturday, police in Pakistan arrested former prime minister Imran Khan after a court sentenced him to three years in prison. He was accused of buying and selling state gifts worth around US$500,000 during his premiership from 2018-22. Khan, a former Pakistan cricket captain turned politician, was taken into custody in May by paramilitary troops who stormed into at the Islamabad High Court to jail him on several corruption charges. Protests erupted around the country as word of Khan’s... https://www.scmp.com/comment/opinion/article/3230527/imran-khans-jailing-leaves-little-hope-pakistans-democracy-can-escape-ruling-elite-and-meddling?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/comment/opinion/article/3230527/imran-khans-jailing-leaves-little-hope-pakistans-democracy-can-escape-ruling-elite-and-meddling?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 11 Aug 2023 00:15:18 +0000 At a time when the Biden administration has secured voluntary commitments from seven top companies – Google, OpenAI, Amazon, Meta, Microsoft, Anthropic and Inflection – to address the risks posed by AI, the artificial intelligence industry is expected to reach US$1.8 trillion by 2030, growing at an annual pace of 37.3 per cent between 2023 and 2030. The companies have committed to testing their AI systems’ capability and safety, sharing their results as well as information on managing AI risks... https://www.scmp.com/comment/opinion/article/3229544/world-cannot-afford-ai-cooperation-falling-prey-us-china-geopolitical-strife?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/comment/opinion/article/3229544/world-cannot-afford-ai-cooperation-falling-prey-us-china-geopolitical-strife?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 02 Aug 2023 00:15:08 +0000 Many see Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to the United States as significant amid global economic and geopolitical headwinds. Once denied a US visa over human rights concerns, Modi is now viewed by Washington as a critical partner, and India as a counterforce against China’s rising assertiveness in the Indo-Pacific. Over the visit, India and the United States concluded discussions on a wide range of issues from defence and emerging technology to collaboration on space exploration.... https://www.scmp.com/comment/opinion/article/3226081/modis-much-hyped-us-visit-has-shifted-no-sand-indo-pacific-alliance?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/comment/opinion/article/3226081/modis-much-hyped-us-visit-has-shifted-no-sand-indo-pacific-alliance?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 03 Jul 2023 00:15:13 +0000 June 5 marks the 50th anniversary of World Environment Day, which the United Nations started in June 1972 at the Stockholm Conference on the Human Environment. Even after 50 years of efforts to preserve the environment, the effects of climate change are disproportionately felt by women. Female mortality rates from heat exposure have increased significantly since the 1970s. And inequalities in gender mortality rates from natural disasters have risen continuously from the 1970s to the 2000s. For... https://www.scmp.com/comment/opinion/article/3222434/global-climate-change-policy-still-failing-women-despite-50-years-meetings?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/comment/opinion/article/3222434/global-climate-change-policy-still-failing-women-despite-50-years-meetings?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 03 Jun 2023 19:00:18 +0000 At the EU Indo-Pacific Ministerial Forum in Stockholm on May 13, the European Union reiterated its commitment to strengthening ties and cooperation with the Indo-Pacific region through its Global Gateway initiative. Europe plans to make strategic investments in infrastructure development in the region, with more than 20 flagship projects set to be launched in 2023 and beyond. Just six days later, President Xi Jinping hosted the first China-Central Asia summit with the leaders of Kazakhstan,... https://www.scmp.com/comment/opinion/article/3221517/can-eus-infrastructure-initiative-be-better-greener-version-chinas-belt-and-road?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/comment/opinion/article/3221517/can-eus-infrastructure-initiative-be-better-greener-version-chinas-belt-and-road?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 26 May 2023 17:30:09 +0000 For nearly a quarter of its existence, the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) has not held a summit. When the term of its last secretary general ended last February, confusion reigned over his replacement. It was Afghanistan’s turn to put forth a candidate but none of the other SAARC members recognise the Taliban. In the end, it was decided that Bangladesh (the turns are carried out in alphabetical order) would put forth a candidate. Formed in 1985, the regional trade... https://www.scmp.com/comment/opinion/article/3217324/south-asian-association-regional-cooperation-still-relevant?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/comment/opinion/article/3217324/south-asian-association-regional-cooperation-still-relevant?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 18 Apr 2023 19:30:09 +0000 Traditionally, the Global South and middle powers have been under-represented in multilateral deliberations. But this year, Asian countries are at the helm of two powerful global platforms, with the Group of Seven led by the Japan and the G20 led by India. Under India’s presidency, three prioritised G20 agendas are terrorism, pandemics and climate change. Similarly, Japan’s G7 presidency emphasises economic recovery, climate change mitigation, public health and nuclear non-proliferation. Their... https://www.scmp.com/comment/opinion/article/3213121/g7-and-g20-japan-and-india-helm-must-ensure-global-south-has-voice-table?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/comment/opinion/article/3213121/g7-and-g20-japan-and-india-helm-must-ensure-global-south-has-voice-table?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 12 Mar 2023 19:30:11 +0000 After a trade break of more than two years, Australian coal ships have arrived at Chinese ports, indicating hope for goods such as barley, lobster, wine and others on which the Chinese government had imposed hefty sanctions. Last week’s virtual talks between Commerce Minister Wang Wentao and Australian Trade Minister Don Farrell, the first meeting between the country’s trade ministers since 2019, discussed resuming bilateral and commercial exchanges and improving relations. Ties have been... https://www.scmp.com/comment/opinion/article/3210063/trade-and-talks-return-australia-china-ties-need-clarity-ensure-thaw-relations-lasts?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/comment/opinion/article/3210063/trade-and-talks-return-australia-china-ties-need-clarity-ensure-thaw-relations-lasts?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 14 Feb 2023 19:30:10 +0000 Following the end of World War II, with the world split into a Western bloc led by the US and an Eastern bloc led by the Soviet Union, nations torn between the two established a new alliance known as the non-aligned movement. At the height of the Cold War and amid the rise of global independence movements, the first official summit of the non-aligned movement was held on September 1, 1961 as representatives from 25 countries and three observer states gathered in Belgrade, in part of what is now... https://www.scmp.com/comment/opinion/article/3207852/us-rivalry-russia-and-china-reawakening-politics-non-alignment?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/comment/opinion/article/3207852/us-rivalry-russia-and-china-reawakening-politics-non-alignment?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 24 Jan 2023 19:30:08 +0000 The United States and the Soviet Union started developing fusion weapons after US atomic bombs destroyed Hiroshima and Nagasaki in 1945. Nuclear stockpiles peaked in 1986 with more than 64,000 warheads. Today, the US and Russia own around 90 per cent of all nuclear warheads. The US, Russia, China, France, Britain, Pakistan, India, Israel and North Korea combined hold close to 13,000 nuclear weapons. An additional 27 countries “endorse” nuclear armament by allowing the potential use of nuclear... https://www.scmp.com/comment/opinion/article/3204074/japans-history-and-g7-presidency-make-it-ideal-champion-denuclearisation?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/comment/opinion/article/3204074/japans-history-and-g7-presidency-make-it-ideal-champion-denuclearisation?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 22 Dec 2022 18:30:10 +0000 On December 1, India took over the G20 leadership from Indonesia. A member of the group since its founding in 1999, India will now preside over the G20 into 2023. With its entrepreneurial spirit, abundance of talent, and ambitious foray into the global economy, India has solidified its position as a leader among developing economies in guiding international development cooperation and bolstering multilateralism. To be sure, the political and economic difficulties now facing the international... https://www.scmp.com/comment/opinion/article/3202254/india-must-play-its-strengths-lead-g20-through-another-year-geopolitical-challenges?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/comment/opinion/article/3202254/india-must-play-its-strengths-lead-g20-through-another-year-geopolitical-challenges?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 08 Dec 2022 19:30:08 +0000 The latest UN climate change conference, COP27, is taking place with record-breaking drought in the Horn of Africa, famine warnings in Somalia and one-third of Pakistan devastated by deadly floods. One of the central issues being debated is challenges that many developing countries face on the front lines of the climate disaster, despite accounting for a relatively smaller percentage of global emissions. These countries are advocating for a “loss and damage” fund for offsetting damage previously... https://www.scmp.com/comment/opinion/article/3199643/cop27-absent-leaders-and-fossil-fuel-lobby-weaken-climate-change-fight?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/comment/opinion/article/3199643/cop27-absent-leaders-and-fossil-fuel-lobby-weaken-climate-change-fight?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 16 Nov 2022 17:00:11 +0000 For the first time, Indonesia holds the G20 presidency. Its motto, “Recover Together, Recover Stronger,” selected in light of the pandemic, calls for collaborative and inclusive efforts for global recovery. Strengthening cooperation between the world’s major established economies and emerging economies is the G20’s main goal this year. Specialised task forces are working to identify gaps in recovery from the Covid-19 crisis, and promote inclusive and sustainable growth in G20 countries and... https://www.scmp.com/comment/opinion/asia/article/3197307/amid-global-divisions-indonesia-faces-daunting-task-achieve-g20-consensus?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/comment/opinion/asia/article/3197307/amid-global-divisions-indonesia-faces-daunting-task-achieve-g20-consensus?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 28 Oct 2022 01:15:11 +0000 The Commonwealth of Nations, a group of 56 member states comprising mostly former territories of the British Empire, is home to 2.5 billion people – a third of the global population – and represents US$13.1 trillion in gross domestic product. The group also hosts 32 of the world’s smallest 42 states. There are still 15 Commonwealth realms where the British monarch remains the head of state, including Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, and multiple island nations of the Pacific and... https://www.scmp.com/comment/opinion/article/3192706/under-king-charles-future-commonwealth-looks-uncertain?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/comment/opinion/article/3192706/under-king-charles-future-commonwealth-looks-uncertain?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 18 Sep 2022 01:45:10 +0000 Australia is one of the most susceptible places on Earth to the effects of climate change. Record-high monthly and seasonal temperatures across the continent have led to severe droughts, forest fires, floods and other extreme weather events. Rising sea levels threaten livelihoods, infrastructure and housing. In the future, we can expect more of the same. Australia’s surface temperature has increased by 1.4 degrees Celsius and open ocean regions have warmed by 1 degree, resulting in unbearable... https://www.scmp.com/comment/opinion/article/3189346/australias-climate-change-challenge-safeguard-jobs-while-moving?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/comment/opinion/article/3189346/australias-climate-change-challenge-safeguard-jobs-while-moving?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 20 Aug 2022 00:45:12 +0000 A year and a half after Myanmar’s military takeover, the country has carried out its first executions in decades. It announced on Monday that four men had been executed. Among them were a former National League for Democracy lawmaker and a pro-democracy activist, accused of aiding “terror acts” in a closed-door trial. Myanmar’s governing military defended the executions as “justice for the people”, while the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) has denounced them. A statement issued by... https://www.scmp.com/comment/opinion/asia/article/3187019/executions-myanmar-plight-rohingya-bangladesh-reflect-poorly?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/comment/opinion/asia/article/3187019/executions-myanmar-plight-rohingya-bangladesh-reflect-poorly?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 30 Jul 2022 17:30:18 +0000 Former Japanese prime minister Shinzo Abe was shot dead last week at an election rally. Despite his sudden and shocking death, Abe leaves a legacy for Japan and the world at large. He was Japan’s longest-serving leader in the post-war era – as prime minister from 2006-2007 and 2012-2020 – and was also president of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party. Abe was exceptional among Japanese politicians. He was committed to national policy reforms, particularly regarding the Japanese budget. Abe... https://www.scmp.com/comment/opinion/article/3184960/how-shinzo-abes-push-reform-home-and-abroad-made-japan-stronger-and?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/comment/opinion/article/3184960/how-shinzo-abes-push-reform-home-and-abroad-made-japan-stronger-and?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 12 Jul 2022 05:45:25 +0000 As host of the Group of 7 leaders’ meeting in the Bavarian Alps, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz underscored the importance of having a “climate club” for countries to come together in tackling climate change. Protesters have been demonstrating in Munich and calling on the G7 economies to take greater action against climate change. According to the World Meteorological Organization, the past seven years have been the warmest on record. Global sea levels have continued to rise amid constant ocean... https://www.scmp.com/comment/opinion/article/3183254/amid-heatwaves-and-floods-time-running-out-rich-nations-fulfil?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/comment/opinion/article/3183254/amid-heatwaves-and-floods-time-running-out-rich-nations-fulfil?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 28 Jun 2022 19:30:21 +0000 Since 2009, Bangladesh has maintained macroeconomic stability through prudent fiscal and debt management, along with expansion of its social security net and investment in infrastructure projects. Economic growth has been consistent over the past 40 years and gross domestic product growth has been outstripping South Asia’s – with the region contracting by 6.58 per cent as a whole and Bangladesh growing by 3.5 per cent in 2020. Agriculture used to contribute a third of Bangladesh’s GDP but fell... https://www.scmp.com/comment/opinion/asia/article/3179480/how-bangladesh-has-surged-past-india-road-south-asian-economic?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/comment/opinion/asia/article/3179480/how-bangladesh-has-surged-past-india-road-south-asian-economic?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 29 May 2022 08:15:13 +0000 After America’s civil war, the need for labour unions to protect workers’ rights grew rapidly and thousands unionised in the 1880s, most notably with the Knights of Labour. The riot in Chicago’s Haymarket Square on May 4, 1886, came a day after a clash between union workers and police in which one person was killed and several were injured during national protests that began on May 1 to demand a shift from 60-hour working weeks to eight-hour working days. What started out as a peaceful meeting... https://www.scmp.com/comment/opinion/world/article/3175878/labour-rights-more-important-ever-digital-economy-and-new?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/comment/opinion/world/article/3175878/labour-rights-more-important-ever-digital-economy-and-new?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 01 May 2022 01:15:12 +0000