https://www.scmp.com/rss/520218/feed en https://assets.i-scmp.com/static/img/icons/scmp-meta-1200x630.png https://www.scmp.com Kandy Wong Kandy Wong As China looks to central Asia for more energy supplies to offset shipping disruptions amid the Iran war, Vice-Premier Ding Xuexiang will travel to Turkmenistan to visit local gas fields and to attend a bilateral cooperation meeting. Ding, who is China’s top-ranking vice-premier, will kick off his three-day visit on Wednesday by attending the groundbreaking ceremony for the fourth phase of the Galkynysh gas field as President Xi Jinping’s special representative, Xinhua reported. Ding will also... https://www.scmp.com/economy/global-economy/article/3350028/china-turns-central-asia-us-blockade-hormuz-chokes-global-energy-flows?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/economy/global-economy/article/3350028/china-turns-central-asia-us-blockade-hormuz-chokes-global-energy-flows?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 14 Apr 2026 08:30:02 +0000 Emil Avdaliani Emil Avdaliani The war in Iran is not just a regional crisis. It is reshaping global energy flows, disrupting shipping routes and forcing governments to reassess the vulnerability of their supply chains. For China, the conflict has exposed an increasingly urgent problem: the risks of heavy reliance on maritime energy imports from the Gulf. The Strait of Hormuz remains one of the world’s most critical chokepoints, carrying roughly a fifth of global oil and gas under normal conditions. Any sustained disruption –... https://www.scmp.com/opinion/asia-opinion/article/3349234/why-china-looking-central-asia-middle-east-grows-riskier?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/opinion/asia-opinion/article/3349234/why-china-looking-central-asia-middle-east-grows-riskier?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 12 Apr 2026 12:30:08 +0000 Agence France-Presse Agence France-Presse Afghanistan aims to increase trade with Central Asian countries to US$10 billion within the next three or four years, Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi said on Sunday. Trade with Central Asian countries to Afghanistan’s north came to about US$2.7 billion in 2025, itself a significant increase over previous years, Muttaqi said. He stated Afghanistan’s new trade goal with its neighbours at a “constructive dialogue” meeting in Kabul with representatives from Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Kyrgyzstan,... https://www.scmp.com/news/world/russia-central-asia/article/3349095/afghanistan-wants-us10-billion-trade-deals-central-asia?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/world/russia-central-asia/article/3349095/afghanistan-wants-us10-billion-trade-deals-central-asia?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 05 Apr 2026 13:26:29 +0000 Cao Jiaxuan Cao Jiaxuan Central Asian governments are leveraging the diplomatic fallout from the US-Israel war on Iran to assert their autonomy and reinforce their long-standing strategy of balancing major powers, according to analysts. For decades, the five former Soviet republics have been seen as Russia’s “backyard”. However, as the conflict in Iran deepens, these nations are moving to recalibrate their geopolitical ties, signalling a shift away from their role as a passive buffer zone for great powers. The shift... https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3346611/beyond-buffer-zone-how-iran-war-recalibrating-central-asian-ties?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3346611/beyond-buffer-zone-how-iran-war-recalibrating-central-asian-ties?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 15 Mar 2026 06:00:14 +0000 Jianne Soriano Jianne Soriano In Ali Nuraly’s words, meeting fellow Kazakhs Xeniya Tregubenko and Marat Zakaryayev in Hong Kong, of all places, was his “destiny”. The trio are the founding team behind Yurt, the new modern Central Asian restaurant in Hong Kong. Located on Elgin Street, in Central, it’s an ode to the cuisines of the region that comprises Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan. Each had vastly different reasons for moving to Hong Kong: Tregubenko came for university and stayed to work... https://www.scmp.com/postmag/food-drink/article/3345679/yurt-hong-kong-restaurant-putting-central-asian-cuisine-map?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/postmag/food-drink/article/3345679/yurt-hong-kong-restaurant-putting-central-asian-cuisine-map?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 10 Mar 2026 03:00:09 +0000 Emily Hung Emily Hung Hong Kong’s public airmail services to 24 countries across the Middle East, Africa and Central Asia have been affected after a joint US-Israeli attack on Iran forced flight cancellations to two Gulf states and disrupted transit journeys. A Hongkong Post spokesman said on Sunday evening that the department’s airmail services to Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates were suspended with immediate effect until further notice. “Airmail services transiting through these locations will also be... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/article/3345053/hongkong-posts-airmail-services-24-countries-affected-strikes-middle-east?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/article/3345053/hongkong-posts-airmail-services-24-countries-affected-strikes-middle-east?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 01 Mar 2026 15:45:39 +0000 Tom Hussain Tom Hussain Central Asia has long been someone else’s crossroads. Squeezed between an overbearing Russia to the north and an increasingly unstable Iran to the west, the region’s landlocked ex-Soviet republics have settled on a different solution: send railways south, through Taliban-controlled Afghanistan, all the way to the Arabian Sea. Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan – Central Asia’s two largest economies – have in recent months struck preliminary multilateral agreements for the construction of two... https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/economics/article/3344798/central-asias-plan-bypass-russia-and-iran-railways-through-afghanistan-and-pakistan?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/economics/article/3344798/central-asias-plan-bypass-russia-and-iran-railways-through-afghanistan-and-pakistan?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 28 Feb 2026 02:00:14 +0000 Cao Jiaxuan Cao Jiaxuan Central Asian governments are forging ahead with ambitious “smart city” mega-projects to tackle rapid population growth and ageing Soviet-era infrastructure. They are also pulling in much-needed foreign investment, and China’s strong visibility in these projects – while Russia is notably absent – is fuelling debate over whether the region is trying to reduce its economic dependence on Moscow. It comes as competition among major powers in Central Asia is intensifying, with the US-led C5+1... https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3343192/central-asia-builds-smart-cities-china-it-moving-away-russia?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3343192/central-asia-builds-smart-cities-china-it-moving-away-russia?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 11 Feb 2026 12:00:08 +0000 Maria Siow Maria Siow Japan will host the leaders of five Central Asian countries in Tokyo this week, a meeting analysts say is meant to show that “Japan is back” as an active player in a region where global powers are competing for influence, minerals and transport routes. The summit with Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan and Turkmenistan, scheduled for Friday and Saturday, is also expected to consolidate Tokyo’s long-standing but “often underestimated role” in Central Asia as a trusted and non-coercive... https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/economics/article/3336861/japan-back-central-asia-new-summit-ai-minerals-and-transport?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/economics/article/3336861/japan-back-central-asia-new-summit-ai-minerals-and-transport?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 18 Dec 2025 06:00:32 +0000 Associated Press Associated Press The Trump administration announced on Tuesday that it was expanding travel restrictions to an additional 20 countries and the Palestinian Authority, doubling the number of nations affected by sweeping limits announced earlier this year on who can travel and emigrate to the US. The Trump administration included five more countries as well as people travelling on documents issued by the Palestinian Authority to the list of countries facing a full ban on travel to the US and imposed new limits on... https://www.scmp.com/news/world/united-states-canada/article/3336687/trump-expands-us-travel-ban-and-restrictions-include-another-20-countries?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/world/united-states-canada/article/3336687/trump-expands-us-travel-ban-and-restrictions-include-another-20-countries?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 16 Dec 2025 23:49:56 +0000 Reuters Reuters The Trump administration on Tuesday said it paused all immigration applications, including green card and US citizenship processing, filed by immigrants from 19 non-European countries, citing concerns over national security and public safety. The pause applies to people from 19 countries that were already subjected to a partial travel ban in June, placing further restrictions on immigration – a core feature of US President Donald Trump’s political platform. The list of countries includes... https://www.scmp.com/news/world/united-states-canada/article/3334983/us-pauses-all-immigration-applications-19-countries?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/world/united-states-canada/article/3334983/us-pauses-all-immigration-applications-19-countries?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 03 Dec 2025 02:16:14 +0000 Nikola Mikovic Nikola Mikovic As a result of Russia’s war in Ukraine, Moscow has lost much of its influence in Central Asia. In the coming months and years, the United States is expected to expand its presence in this strategically important region. But given that China has developed close economic ties with regional actors, how does Beijing view Washington’s ambitions? Coincidentally or not, on November 6, the US and China both held important meetings with Central Asia. In Washington, US President Donald Trump hosted the... https://www.scmp.com/opinion/asia-opinion/article/3332544/us-and-china-turn-their-eyes-central-asia-russia-loses-out?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/opinion/asia-opinion/article/3332544/us-and-china-turn-their-eyes-central-asia-russia-loses-out?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 17 Nov 2025 21:30:10 +0000 Reuters Reuters US President Donald Trump on Thursday called critical minerals a key priority as he hosted the leaders of five Central Asian nations at the White House, emphasising his administration’s efforts to expand and secure US supply chains through new global agreements. The meeting with leaders of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan came as Washington sought to expand its influence in a resource-rich region long dominated by Russia and increasingly courted by China. Trump... https://www.scmp.com/news/world/united-states-canada/article/3331856/trump-hosts-central-asian-leaders-us-eyes-sources-critical-minerals?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/world/united-states-canada/article/3331856/trump-hosts-central-asian-leaders-us-eyes-sources-critical-minerals?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 07 Nov 2025 02:17:17 +0000 Ji Siqi Ji Siqi A slew of foreign leaders took China’s signature high-speed railway from the northern port city of Tianjin to Beijing on Monday and Tuesday, having departed from the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit to attend a Victory Day parade. Seven state leaders arrived on Monday night: President of Belarus Aleksandr Lukashenko, Prime Minister of Pakistan Shehbaz Sharif, President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev, President of the Maldives Mohamed... https://www.scmp.com/economy/global-economy/article/3324061/foreign-leaders-ride-rapid-rails-chinas-technological-prowess-after-sco-summit?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/economy/global-economy/article/3324061/foreign-leaders-ride-rapid-rails-chinas-technological-prowess-after-sco-summit?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 02 Sep 2025 09:31:46 +0000 The Star The Star As night gave way to day along Iran’s uncertain highways, a convoy of Malaysians pressed eastward from the capital, racing against the spectre of violence to reach the safety of the Turkmenistan border. The evacuation of 17 Malaysians from conflict-hit Iran unfolded as a day-long odyssey spanning more than 1,000km (620 miles) as tensions mounted. Among them was Khairi Omar, Malaysia’s ambassador to Iran, who called the operation “challenging but successful” amid the precarious security situation... https://www.scmp.com/news/asia/southeast-asia/article/3315576/malaysian-evacuees-1000km-escape-conflict-torn-iran?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/asia/southeast-asia/article/3315576/malaysian-evacuees-1000km-escape-conflict-torn-iran?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 24 Jun 2025 04:26:07 +0000 Nikola Mikovic Nikola Mikovic As Israel’s war on Iran rages and Russia intensifies its missile and drone strikes on Kyiv, China is quietly expanding its influence in Central Asia. The second China-Central Asia Summit, held in Astana in Kazakhstan last week, was an ideal opportunity for Beijing to strengthen economic and political ties not only with the host country but also with Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan and Tajikistan. The Astana Times reported that a total of 58 agreements worth nearly US$25 billion were signed... https://www.scmp.com/opinion/asia-opinion/article/3314892/why-chinas-central-asian-footprint-about-get-bigger?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/opinion/asia-opinion/article/3314892/why-chinas-central-asian-footprint-about-get-bigger?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 22 Jun 2025 08:30:07 +0000 SCMP Editorial SCMP Editorial Amid wars in the Middle East and Eastern Europe and geopolitical tensions, Central Asia is a comparative oasis of peace, stability and cooperation. This was reflected this week in the second China-Central Asia Summit. The six countries signed a landmark permanent friendship pact, and President Xi Jinping pledged 1.5 billion yuan (HK$1.6 billion) in livelihood and development assistance to China’s five partners – Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan. China shares land... https://www.scmp.com/opinion/comment/article/3315305/central-asia-friendship-pact-bolsters-stability?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/opinion/comment/article/3315305/central-asia-friendship-pact-bolsters-stability?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 20 Jun 2025 22:30:07 +0000 Alyssa Chen Alyssa Chen At a high-level summit this week, China and its Central Asian partners voiced their shared security concerns and showed a united front amid a turbulent global landscape. The close ties between Beijing and the five Central Asian countries – whose leaders met at the China-Central Asia Summit in Kazakhstan on Tuesday – have sparked questions about whether Russia’s regional dominance is waning as it remains preoccupied with the Ukraine war. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov dismissed this possibility... https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3315092/chinas-influence-growing-central-asia-what-does-mean-russia?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3315092/chinas-influence-growing-central-asia-what-does-mean-russia?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 20 Jun 2025 02:00:08 +0000 Alyssa Chen Alyssa Chen China wrapped up its latest engagement effort in Central Asia on Tuesday with a 1.5 billion (US$209 million) yuan pledge towards livelihood and development projects in the region. The six participating countries in the second China-Central Asia Summit also signed a landmark permanent friendship pact. “China is willing to provide 1.5 billion yuan in grant assistance to Central Asian countries this year to support livelihood and development projects of common concern to each country,” Chinese... https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3314828/china-and-central-asian-leaders-cap-summit-friendship-pact-and-aid-pledge?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3314828/china-and-central-asian-leaders-cap-summit-friendship-pact-and-aid-pledge?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 17 Jun 2025 14:04:55 +0000 Holly Chik Holly Chik Chinese President Xi Jinping has called for de-escalation in the Israel-Iran conflict to avoid further tensions, while emphasising that Beijing is prepared to “play a constructive role” in restoring peace, according to state news agency Xinhua. “All parties should work to de-escalate the conflict as soon as possible and avoid further escalation of tensions,” Xinhua reported Xi as saying on Tuesday. “China stands ready to work with all parties to play a constructive role in restoring peace and... https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3314808/chinas-xi-calls-israel-iran-de-escalate-says-beijing-ready-play-peacemaker?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3314808/chinas-xi-calls-israel-iran-de-escalate-says-beijing-ready-play-peacemaker?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 17 Jun 2025 12:06:03 +0000 Brian Rhoads,Raymond Ma Brian Rhoads,Raymond Ma Chinese President Xi Jinping is meeting with five Central Asian leaders on Tuesday, looking to deepen ties in a region rich in natural resources and strategically located at the crossroads of Europe and Asia. The heads of energy-rich Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan are all attending the second China-Central Asia Summit in Astana, the Kazakh capital. The gathering, which comes two years after China hosted the first summit in Xian, was expected to focus on security... https://www.scmp.com/plus/article/3314768/xi-boosts-china-ties-resource-rich-central-asia?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/plus/article/3314768/xi-boosts-china-ties-resource-rich-central-asia?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 17 Jun 2025 09:04:16 +0000 Alyssa Chen Alyssa Chen Chinese President Xi Jinping has arrived in Kazakhstan ahead of Tuesday’s China-Central Asia Summit as Beijing aims to firm up ties in the energy-rich and strategically important region. The trip is Xi’s third abroad this year and his sixth to Kazakhstan in the decade or so since he became president, making it Xi’s second most visited country after Russia. He is accompanied on the trip by top aide Cai Qi and Foreign Minister Wang Yi, and was greeted on arrival in Astana on Monday by Kazakh... https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3314637/xi-jinping-heads-energy-rich-kazakhstan-china-central-asia-summit?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3314637/xi-jinping-heads-energy-rich-kazakhstan-china-central-asia-summit?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 16 Jun 2025 13:00:15 +0000 Agence France-Presse Agence France-Presse US President Donald Trump’s sweeping new travel ban came into effect early Monday immediately after midnight, barring citizens from a dozen nations from entering the United States and reviving a divisive measure from his first term. The move was expected to disrupt refugee pathways and further restrict immigration as the Trump administration expands its crackdown on illegal entries. Many of the nations covered by the restrictions have adversarial relations with the United States, such as Iran... https://www.scmp.com/news/world/united-states-canada/article/3313605/trumps-new-travel-ban-takes-effect-citizens-12-nations-barred-us?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/world/united-states-canada/article/3313605/trumps-new-travel-ban-takes-effect-citizens-12-nations-barred-us?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 09 Jun 2025 04:53:29 +0000 Nikola Mikovic Nikola Mikovic For Russian President Vladimir Putin, celebrating Victory Day on May 9 appears to be a top priority. Unable to defeat Ukraine after more than three years of war, Putin is preparing to bask in the glory of the Soviet Union’s triumph over the Nazi Germany – a victory for which he can claim no credit. This year, leaders of several former Soviet republics – Belarus, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Azerbaijan, Armenia – and the presidents of Brazil, Burkina Faso,... https://www.scmp.com/opinion/china-opinion/article/3309152/how-china-became-central-russias-victory-day-parade?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/opinion/china-opinion/article/3309152/how-china-became-central-russias-victory-day-parade?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 06 May 2025 12:30:08 +0000 Emil Avdaliani Emil Avdaliani While China’s economic ties with Central Asia are mostly visible in terms of investments and commercial deals, Beijing is also making inroads into the region’s arms market as part of its greater overall security engagement there. For much of the post-Soviet period, Russia held a near-monopoly over arms sales to Central Asian countries, particularly Kazakhstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan. However, the war in Ukraine has pulled in Russia’s military resources and sapped its arms export... https://www.scmp.com/opinion/asia-opinion/article/3308328/how-central-asia-embracing-chinese-arms-sales?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/opinion/asia-opinion/article/3308328/how-central-asia-embracing-chinese-arms-sales?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 29 Apr 2025 21:30:08 +0000 China, the world’s leading consumer of natural gas, diversified its energy imports last year enough to reduce its risk exposure to any individual market – a move which analysts said has reduced the short-term likelihood of launching the controversial Power of Siberia 2 pipeline, a joint project with Russia. Observers said Beijing could instead buy more liquefied natural gas (LNG) from the United States to address the bilateral trade imbalance US President Donald Trump has used as pretext to levy... https://www.scmp.com/economy/global-economy/article/3298490/china-hedges-its-energy-bets-russia-pipeline-plan-remains-hold?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/economy/global-economy/article/3298490/china-hedges-its-energy-bets-russia-pipeline-plan-remains-hold?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 13 Feb 2025 06:00:28 +0000 Respect is a core sporting value, yet it was sadly lacking during a men’s ice hockey match between Hong Kong and Turkmenistan at the Asian Winter Games in Harbin on Sunday. A shocking assault on players from the city must be investigated so disciplinary action can be taken and to remind all of the importance of good sportsmanship. Officials from Hong Kong have rightly demanded action after the incident where postgame handshakes turned violent following the city’s 5-1 win over Turkmenistan. It... https://www.scmp.com/opinion/comment/article/3298121/cooler-heads-must-prevail-when-tempers-heat-ice-hockey?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/opinion/comment/article/3298121/cooler-heads-must-prevail-when-tempers-heat-ice-hockey?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 11 Feb 2025 00:15:08 +0000 Hong Kong claimed a point from their final Fifa World Cup qualifier following a stalemate with Turkmenistan in steamy Ashgabat on Tuesday night. The scoreless draw was enough for the hosts to stay off the bottom of Group E, owing to their marginally superior goal difference over Hong Kong. Wolfgang Luisser, the interim head coach, gave a first senior international start to forward Anson Wong Ho-chun, while there was a return to the starting 11 for Yu Wai-lim, two years after the Lee Man... https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3266220/fifa-world-cup-2026-qualifiers-hong-kong-claim-point-following-turkmenistan-stalemate?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3266220/fifa-world-cup-2026-qualifiers-hong-kong-claim-point-following-turkmenistan-stalemate?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 11 Jun 2024 17:10:02 +0000 Hong Kong’s footballers have been contending with inadequate training facilities and stifling temperatures ahead of their Fifa World Cup qualifier in Turkmenistan on Tuesday night. Barely 24 hours after slugging out a high-intensity contest with Iran last Thursday, Wolfgang Luisser’s squad undertook an epic 19-hour journey to reach the Central Asian country, where they will aim for Hong Kong’s first World Cup away win since November 2015. Luisser, the interim head coach, has been leaning on the... https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3266022/world-cup-hong-kong-coach-luisser-blasts-training-facilities-ahead-turkmenistan-clash?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3266022/world-cup-hong-kong-coach-luisser-blasts-training-facilities-ahead-turkmenistan-clash?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 11 Jun 2024 00:00:11 +0000 China and Turkmenistan have pledged to expand strategic cooperation, including on energy and security, as Beijing looks to boost its influence in resource-rich Central Asia. Speaking in Ashgabat on Wednesday, Chinese Vice-Premier Ding Xuexiang said bilateral relations took a “significant leap” when Turkmen President Serdar Berdimuhamedov visited Beijing in January and ties were elevated to a “comprehensive strategic partnership”. Ding told a meeting of the China-Turkmenistan Cooperation... https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3243356/china-turkmenistan-vow-strengthen-cooperation-energy-and-security?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3243356/china-turkmenistan-vow-strengthen-cooperation-energy-and-security?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 30 Nov 2023 09:00:15 +0000 Jorn Andersen said Hong Kong delivered the best display of his near two-year reign in Tuesday’s rip-roaring World Cup qualifying draw with Turkmenistan. The Norwegian head coach is wedded to an assertive, hard-running brand of football, and since his appointment in December 2021 has been up front about his desire to create a Hong Kong team in his own image. There was initial success, in terms of results, at least, when Andersen led the city’s national team to its first AFC Asian Cup finals... https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3242393/fifa-world-cup-2026-andersen-hails-hong-kongs-best-yet-praises-players-fight-and-mentality-after?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3242393/fifa-world-cup-2026-andersen-hails-hong-kongs-best-yet-praises-players-fight-and-mentality-after?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 22 Nov 2023 04:00:21 +0000 Hong Kong had to settle for a 2-2 World Cup qualifying draw with Turkmenistan after equalising twice and launching a late assault on the visitors’ goal, on a night of breathless, exhilarating action at the national stadium. The only shame was that only 6,601 fans were there to see it, albeit they created the racket of a crowd 10 times that size in So Kon Po. Ruslan Mingazov, the Kitchee winger, whose name was roundly booed before kick-off, was the almost inevitable source of both Turkmenistan... https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3242372/hong-kong-make-their-point-late-assault-not-enough-turkmenistan-hold-world-cup-qualifying-draw?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3242372/hong-kong-make-their-point-late-assault-not-enough-turkmenistan-hold-world-cup-qualifying-draw?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 21 Nov 2023 14:25:40 +0000 To cries of “Glory to the Protector!”, Turkmenistan on Thursday inaugurated Arkadag, a US$5 billion “smart” city, built in honour of former strongman leader Gurbanguly Berdymukhamedov, cementing one of the most extraordinary personality cults in the world. Serdar Berdymukhamedov, his son and current president, unveiled the city around 30km (18 miles) southwest of the capital, Ashgabat, during a grandiose ceremony. The ex-Soviet Central Asian nation is one of the most secretive countries in the... https://www.scmp.com/news/world/russia-central-asia/article/3226016/turkmenistan-unveils-arkadag-new-smart-city-honour-former-strongman-leader?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/world/russia-central-asia/article/3226016/turkmenistan-unveils-arkadag-new-smart-city-honour-former-strongman-leader?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 30 Jun 2023 02:46:39 +0000 China and Turkmenistan elevated their diplomatic ties on Friday as Chinese President Xi Jinping rolled out the red carpet for his Central Asian counterpart in an apparent effort to boost energy security. With the upgrade to a “comprehensive strategic partnership”, China’s relations with all five Central Asian nations are now at the same diplomatic level, signalling more strategic cooperation not only in trade but also in security and politics. Turkmen President Serdar Berdimuhamedov – the... https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3205900/china-turkmenistan-upgrade-ties-xi-jinping-urges-more-cooperation-energy?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3205900/china-turkmenistan-upgrade-ties-xi-jinping-urges-more-cooperation-energy?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 06 Jan 2023 12:22:10 +0000 Turkmenistan’s new president pledged on Saturday to continue the tightly controlled country’s political course, including international neutrality, at an inauguration ceremony confirming the Central Asian state’s father-son leadership transition. Official results showed Serdar Berdymukhamedov, 40, winning last Saturday’s ballot with 73 per cent of the vote, beating eight token candidates. It marked the beginning of a new era after 64-year-old strongman Gurbanguly Berdymukhamedov announced plans... https://www.scmp.com/news/world/russia-central-asia/article/3171137/turkmenistans-new-president-inaugurated-pledges-keep?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/world/russia-central-asia/article/3171137/turkmenistans-new-president-inaugurated-pledges-keep?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 19 Mar 2022 19:29:20 +0000 Turkmenistan established a political dynasty Tuesday, as authorities said the son of the Central Asian country’s leader won its presidential election after an unusual vote-counting delay. Serdar Berdymukhamedov, 40, was the overwhelming favourite in Saturday’s election to lead the isolated, gas-rich country and succeed his father, Gurbanguly. The central election commission said Serdar Berdymukhamedov won 72.97 per cent of the votes. His nearest rival in a field of nine candidates was university... https://www.scmp.com/news/world/russia-central-asia/article/3170532/son-turkmenistans-all-powerful-leader-wins?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/world/russia-central-asia/article/3170532/son-turkmenistans-all-powerful-leader-wins?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 15 Mar 2022 08:36:53 +0000