https://www.scmp.com/rss/519195/feed en https://assets.i-scmp.com/static/img/icons/scmp-meta-1200x630.png https://www.scmp.com The United States is backing a new undersea internet cable connecting several Pacific islands, according to a plan for the project seen by Reuters, boosting Washington’s interests in a region where it is vying for influence with China. The Central Pacific Cable would connect American Samoa with Guam – two US territories – and extend to up to 12 more Pacific islands, according to a document showing the cable route. Guam is home to a key US military base. Details of the cable were displayed at an... https://www.scmp.com/news/asia/australasia/article/3236070/us-throws-weight-behind-new-undersea-internet-cable-rival-china-pacific?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/asia/australasia/article/3236070/us-throws-weight-behind-new-undersea-internet-cable-rival-china-pacific?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 28 Sep 2023 03:42:07 +0000 At a China-France dialogue in Beijing last month, Chinese Vice-Premier He Lifeng expressed hope that France “will stabilise the tone of friendly cooperation” with the European Union. This comes as French President Emmanuel Macron tries to promote Europe’s strategic autonomy amid the great power contest between the US and China. Beijing’s promise of increased economic cooperation suggests it wants help from Paris to repair its deteriorating ties with the EU. But the manoeuvre could fail if China... https://www.scmp.com/comment/opinion/article/3230091/why-china-should-tread-carefully-around-french-interests-africa-and-pacific?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/comment/opinion/article/3230091/why-china-should-tread-carefully-around-french-interests-africa-and-pacific?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 07 Aug 2023 16:30:10 +0000 Japan and France are expected to discuss a defence cooperation agreement amid shared concerns about China’s growing influence in the Indo-Pacific, when their foreign and defence ministers hold a “2 plus 2” virtual meeting on Thursday. Kyodo News Agency reported that the agreement is aimed at easing restrictions on the transport of weapons and supplies for joint training and disaster relief operations. Japan PM Kishida vows to bolster defence of islands near Taiwan The last “2 plus 2” talks –... https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/politics/article/3163947/japan-france-plan-2-plus-2-security-talks-amid-chinas-growing?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/politics/article/3163947/japan-france-plan-2-plus-2-security-talks-amid-chinas-growing?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 19 Jan 2022 09:01:51 +0000 “When can Tara leave this place,” the girl asked, her eyes shining like a newborn galaxy. “You’ll know when the time comes,” Miki said to the girl. What she didn’t say was, Tara, you shouldn’t be here at all. The double-masted icebreaker Akira was frozen into a piece of Arctic sea ice, drifting along with the other floes. But this was no disaster, the vessel had been deliberately grounded there, and during the span of more than a year in the ice, the crew had been collecting polar ice samples... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/post-magazine/books/article/3163441/climate-change-chinese-sci-fi-authors-new-short-story?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/post-magazine/books/article/3163441/climate-change-chinese-sci-fi-authors-new-short-story?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 16 Jan 2022 08:15:09 +0000