https://www.scmp.com/rss/510197/feed Riaz Khokhar is a political science graduate from the University of Gothenburg and a former research officer at the Centre for International Strategic Studies (CISS) and an Asia studies visiting fellow at the East-West Centre in Washington. His analysis on Asian geopolitics and security issues has featured in numerous publications. LinkedIn: /in/riazkhokhar en https://assets.i-scmp.com/static/img/icons/scmp-meta-1200x630.png https://www.scmp.com Riaz Khokhar Riaz Khokhar China switched on 21 gigawatts of new coal power capacity in the first half of this year, the highest since 2016, according to a recent energy report. This came after electricity demand hit a historic high in July, driven by extreme heatwaves. Hydropower faltered, and coal plants were fired up to meet the load. At first glance, this looks like a step backwards for climate policy. But China’s clean-energy engine is still accelerating, adding 212GW of solar power capacity in the first six months,... https://www.scmp.com/opinion/china-opinion/article/3324092/why-it-makes-sense-green-tech-exporter-china-ramp-coal-power?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/opinion/china-opinion/article/3324092/why-it-makes-sense-green-tech-exporter-china-ramp-coal-power?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 07 Sep 2025 12:30:08 +0000 Riaz Khokhar Riaz Khokhar Indian think tank NITI Aayog recently made a striking recommendation to ease the near-total restrictions on Chinese investment imposed during the 2020 border crisis. It suggested that Chinese companies be allowed to acquire up to a 24 per cent stake in Indian firms without any vetting. If implemented, it would represent a significant U-turn on New Delhi’s part. Since 2020, India has required screening for all investments from neighbouring countries, effectively targeting China. With the backing... https://www.scmp.com/opinion/asia-opinion/article/3319144/why-economic-ties-are-missing-ingredient-china-india-detente?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/opinion/asia-opinion/article/3319144/why-economic-ties-are-missing-ingredient-china-india-detente?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 24 Jul 2025 01:30:14 +0000 Riaz Khokhar Riaz Khokhar On June 22, the US military launched an attack on Iran, striking nuclear sites like the deeply buried Fordow enrichment plant with massive bunker-busting bombs. In tandem with an Israeli air campaign, this was the biggest Western military action against Tehran since 1979. US President Donald Trump immediately hailed the raid as a “spectacular military success”, boasting on national television that Iran’s key enrichment installations had been “completely and totally obliterated”. Some quickly... https://www.scmp.com/opinion/world-opinion/article/3316043/us-attack-iran-shakes-east-asias-faith-non-proliferation-norms?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/opinion/world-opinion/article/3316043/us-attack-iran-shakes-east-asias-faith-non-proliferation-norms?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 29 Jun 2025 21:30:08 +0000 Riaz Khokhar Riaz Khokhar When the leaders of Asean, the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and China gathered for an inaugural summit in Kuala Lumpur last week, it marked a historic convergence – the three economic powerhouses represent over 2 billion people and a combined economy of nearly US$25 trillion. Emphasising deeper cooperation in trade, supply chains, infrastructure and finance, the summit’s key areas of focus included green energy, the digital transformation, connectivity and sustainable agriculture to address... https://www.scmp.com/opinion/world-opinion/article/3312800/asean-gcc-china-partnership-can-kick-start-shift-away-us-centric-trade?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/opinion/world-opinion/article/3312800/asean-gcc-china-partnership-can-kick-start-shift-away-us-centric-trade?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 03 Jun 2025 08:30:08 +0000 At a recent US-China Economic and Security Review Commission hearing, experts argued that in strengthening its position in Southeast Asia, Washington should focus on “swing sectors” such as artificial intelligence, critical minerals and telecommunications rather than geopolitical “swing states”. They also suggested that the US should leverage its comparative advantages in the service sector and hi-tech industries, such as advanced chip manufacturing and aerospace, to counter China’s regional... https://www.scmp.com/opinion/asia-opinion/article/3303945/why-us-could-lose-more-ground-southeast-asia?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/opinion/asia-opinion/article/3303945/why-us-could-lose-more-ground-southeast-asia?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 26 Mar 2025 21:30:07 +0000 Indonesia has become the first Southeast Asian country to join Brics as a full member. Together with its Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) counterparts Malaysia, Thailand and Vietnam, Indonesia was invited last October to be a Brics “partner country”, a category created at the Kazan summit with a path to full membership. Among them, only Vietnam has yet to accept. Mineral-rich Indonesia is the world’s largest producer of nickel and pivotal in the electric vehicle battery supply... https://www.scmp.com/opinion/asia-opinion/article/3294105/indonesia-brics-adding-southeast-asia-its-power-base?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/opinion/asia-opinion/article/3294105/indonesia-brics-adding-southeast-asia-its-power-base?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 12 Jan 2025 08:30:07 +0000 US Secretary of State Antony Blinken is visiting China this week and his agenda includes meeting China’s senior leadership to discuss issues such as the conflict in the Middle East. In the wake of Iran’s air strike on US ally Israel, Blinken is expected to be appreciative of Chinese efforts to engage with Iran and urge restraint. After Iran’s retaliatory strike, Beijing’s foreign policy chief, Wang Yi, talked to his Iranian counterpart, Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, on the phone, condemning Israel’s... https://www.scmp.com/opinion/china-opinion/article/3260027/why-cant-us-and-china-jointly-seek-middle-east-peace-and-still-compete?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/opinion/china-opinion/article/3260027/why-cant-us-and-china-jointly-seek-middle-east-peace-and-still-compete?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 25 Apr 2024 01:30:16 +0000 Pakistan’s new government is signalling a softening in attitude towards India, with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif saying he’s willing to enhance ties with India, defence minister Khawaja Asif expressing hope of better relations after India’s elections and foreign minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar considering the possibility of resuming trade ties. Pakistan suspended trade with India in August 2019 after New Delhi revoked the semi-autonomous status of Indian-administered Kashmir, part of a territory... https://www.scmp.com/opinion/asia-opinion/article/3258512/pakistan-must-get-its-house-order-it-can-rebuild-indian-ties?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/opinion/asia-opinion/article/3258512/pakistan-must-get-its-house-order-it-can-rebuild-indian-ties?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 12 Apr 2024 12:30:18 +0000 The United States is reportedly considering deploying two more aircraft carriers to its western Pacific fleet, which already consists of three carriers. These potential deployments, along with recent naval exercises involving Japan and South Korea in the East China Sea and the expected visit of US senators to Taiwan this week, underline Washington’s dedication to prioritising its strategic interests in the region. This commitment persists even as the US remains involved in safeguarding... https://www.scmp.com/comment/opinion/asia/article/3252195/why-china-prefers-diplomacy-military-pressure-middle-east?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/comment/opinion/asia/article/3252195/why-china-prefers-diplomacy-military-pressure-middle-east?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 18 Feb 2024 21:30:15 +0000 In December, Malaysia moved to bar Israeli-flagged or Israel-bound commercial ships from Malaysian ports. Many Malaysians have also boycotted businesses and products associated with or supporting Israel. Malaysia stands out as a rare example – apart from Iran and its Middle Eastern proxies – of a country showing unqualified support for Hamas and its narrative. Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has resisted calls from the West to withdraw support for Hamas in the wake of its October 7 attack on... https://www.scmp.com/comment/opinion/article/3247772/support-southeast-asia-hamas-odds-rejection-terrorism?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/comment/opinion/article/3247772/support-southeast-asia-hamas-odds-rejection-terrorism?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 09 Jan 2024 11:30:08 +0000 Leaders of Arab and Islamic countries have expressed disappointment over the US veto of the UN Security Council draft resolution calling for a ceasefire in Gaza, urging Washington to do more to end the conflict. During the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in November, Indonesia, Malaysia and Brunei issued a statement calling for a humanitarian truce leading to the end of hostilities in the Gaza Strip. Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has criticised the US, comparing its stance on... https://www.scmp.com/comment/opinion/article/3244905/israel-gaza-war-islamic-nations-ceasefire-focus-ignores-roots-conflict?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/comment/opinion/article/3244905/israel-gaza-war-islamic-nations-ceasefire-focus-ignores-roots-conflict?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 14 Dec 2023 21:30:15 +0000 On August 14, a roadside bomb targeted a convoy carrying Chinese engineers in Gwadar, Pakistan. While none were injured, the continued presence of Chinese workers in Gwadar, despite recurring terrorist attacks, might puzzle casual observers. By accepting Pakistan’s 40-year lease proposal for the Gwadar port’s construction and operation in 2013, Beijing also signed up to the inherent risks of working in Balochistan, a province marred by insurgency. The choice underscored a prioritisation of... https://www.scmp.com/comment/opinion/article/3231705/why-fears-chinese-naval-base-pakistans-gwadar-port-are-overblown?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/comment/opinion/article/3231705/why-fears-chinese-naval-base-pakistans-gwadar-port-are-overblown?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 21 Aug 2023 17:00:08 +0000 On July 28, Japan unveiled its annual defence white paper. The content echoes the language of Tokyo’s national security strategy released in December regarding the security threats posed by China, Russia and North Korea. For instance, it specifically underscores Beijing’s growing military assertiveness around Japan since 2013 and its attempts to unilaterally alter the regional status quo, particularly in relation to Taiwan. Unsurprisingly, China has reacted strongly to the paper, accusing Tokyo... https://www.scmp.com/comment/opinion/article/3229879/why-japan-should-spearhead-asia-centric-regional-security-group?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/comment/opinion/article/3229879/why-japan-should-spearhead-asia-centric-regional-security-group?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 04 Aug 2023 07:45:09 +0000 As Asean foreign ministers gather in Jakarta this week, the focus will be on discussions with China’s foreign policy chief Wang Yi on the South China Sea code of conduct. Wang is representing Beijing in place of foreign minister Qin Gang, absent because of health reasons. Wang’s presence shows China’s acknowledgement of the significance of the code of conduct talks and its engagement with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations. Since the 2018 adoption of the “single draft negotiating text”,... https://www.scmp.com/comment/opinion/article/3227449/what-south-china-sea-code-conduct-talks-should-focus-instead-dispute-resolution?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/comment/opinion/article/3227449/what-south-china-sea-code-conduct-talks-should-focus-instead-dispute-resolution?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 13 Jul 2023 17:00:13 +0000 It is no surprise that Chinese Defence Minister Li Shangfu did not meet his US counterpart Lloyd Austin at this month’s Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore. For one thing, Beijing has repeatedly cautioned Washington against arms sales to Taiwan, which it views as support for pro-independence forces. The 1982 US-China communique stated that arms sales to Taiwan would not be a long-term policy and signalled a phased reduction. However, Washington continues to justify these sales under the Taiwan... https://www.scmp.com/comment/opinion/article/3223536/how-beijing-seeking-counter-us-belligerence-over-taiwan-and-avoid-war?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/comment/opinion/article/3223536/how-beijing-seeking-counter-us-belligerence-over-taiwan-and-avoid-war?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 11 Jun 2023 17:30:15 +0000 US President Joe Biden recently backed out of a Quadrilateral Security Dialogue summit in Australia, instead meeting Quad leaders briefly on the sidelines of the G7 summit in Japan. This decision was prompted by urgent debt ceiling talks in Washington. Some analysts suggest this divided attention reflects America’s reduced commitment to the Indo-Pacific – but this may be only partially true. Since identifying China as a major competitor, the US has indeed focused on “America first”, withdrawing... https://www.scmp.com/comment/opinion/article/3221568/firm-allies-japan-and-australia-us-can-afford-take-its-eye-indo-pacific-when-it-needs?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/comment/opinion/article/3221568/firm-allies-japan-and-australia-us-can-afford-take-its-eye-indo-pacific-when-it-needs?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 25 May 2023 19:30:15 +0000 Last month, China and Singapore held maritime exercises aimed at enhancing their mine-sweeping abilities and maintaining security in the Malacca Strait. These drills were also intended to strengthen trust and cooperation between the two countries. China has also conducted military drills with Cambodia, featuring activities such as mine clearance, explosive removal and blockades, as well as naval manoeuvres. These drills were designed to improve the capabilities of both countries and display... https://www.scmp.com/comment/opinion/article/3219160/china-builds-military-ties-across-southeast-asia-one-factor-stands-way?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/comment/opinion/article/3219160/china-builds-military-ties-across-southeast-asia-one-factor-stands-way?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 07 May 2023 01:15:15 +0000 China has renewed its push to settle a code of conduct with Asean in the South China Sea, days after it said it was willing to pledge allegiance to the Southeast Asia Nuclear Weapon-Free Zone. In particular, the Chinese state-backed Global Times stressed that the code of conduct should focus on crisis management rather than dispute resolution. These proposals may seem questionable but they could pave the way for improved security and stability in the South China Sea. As it stands, the... https://www.scmp.com/comment/opinion/article/3216699/how-demilitarisation-can-ensure-peace-and-stability-south-china-sea?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/comment/opinion/article/3216699/how-demilitarisation-can-ensure-peace-and-stability-south-china-sea?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 12 Apr 2023 19:30:23 +0000 The United States has faced criticism for its military interventions and coercive tactics to garner support for the world order it dominates. Nations that oppose the US hegemony risk military and economic repercussions. China projects an alternative model. It has established itself as a partner mostly with a hands-off approach to others’ domestic politics. Its Global Security Initiative, which opposes military alliances, hegemony and unilateralism, has gained traction in regions in South... https://www.scmp.com/comment/article/3215167/china-must-practise-multilateral-security-it-preaches-its-disputed-borders-and-seas?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/comment/article/3215167/china-must-practise-multilateral-security-it-preaches-its-disputed-borders-and-seas?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 30 Mar 2023 19:30:19 +0000 The recently announced Aukus submarine deal between Australia, the United Kingdom and the United States faces two major challenges. First, the supply of a conventionally armed nuclear submarine to a non-nuclear weapon state and member of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) is not only unprecedented but threatens the international non-proliferation regime. Second, the trilateral deal could deepen geopolitical tensions in the region, setting the Australian navy against... https://www.scmp.com/comment/opinion/article/3213855/why-australias-aukus-submarine-deal-clear-threat-nuclear-non-proliferation?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/comment/opinion/article/3213855/why-australias-aukus-submarine-deal-clear-threat-nuclear-non-proliferation?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 19 Mar 2023 19:30:13 +0000 Last month’s fusion ignition breakthrough by scientists in the US reinforced the multilateral norm against live nuclear tests and advanced the earlier work of confining nuclear explosions to within simulation labs. However, it could be bad news for India, which has in the past argued for a resumption of testing to validate its nuclear weapon designs. The nuclear fusion breakthrough came on December 5, when physicists at the US Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory’s National Ignition Facility... https://www.scmp.com/comment/opinion/article/3206066/us-fusion-breakthrough-reinforces-case-against-live-nuclear-tests-and-india-should-take-note?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/comment/opinion/article/3206066/us-fusion-breakthrough-reinforces-case-against-live-nuclear-tests-and-india-should-take-note?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 09 Jan 2023 19:30:12 +0000 Geopolitics sits at the heart of foreign policy, and it’s also part of the current vaccine diplomacy. By distributing life-saving doses during the pandemic, China and other countries are essentially seeking to reap geopolitical dividends. Through its efforts to provide Covid-19 vaccines to others in the Asia-Pacific region and elsewhere, China has presented itself as a responsible global power, giving it an opportunity to deepen relations with recipient countries. On June 2, the foreign ministry... https://www.scmp.com/comment/opinion/article/3139292/chinas-vaccine-diplomacy-asean-will-be-rewarded?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/comment/opinion/article/3139292/chinas-vaccine-diplomacy-asean-will-be-rewarded?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 30 Jun 2021 21:15:08 +0000