https://www.scmp.com/rss/523098/feed The latest news and top stories on Shanghai Institutes for International Studies (SIIS). A prominent Shanghai, China-based government-affiliated think tank, SIIS is dedicated to informing government decision-making through policy-oriented studies in international relations, foreign policy and global security. Established in 1960, its main areas of focus include international politics, economics and security strategy, with a particular emphasis on major power relations and China’s external... en https://assets.i-scmp.com/static/img/icons/scmp-meta-1200x630.png https://www.scmp.com Jevans Nyabiage Jevans Nyabiage China is prioritising “strategic material security” under its new five-year plan, which elevates the supply and domestic stockpiling of critical resources to a matter of national security. Under its 15th five-year plan, Beijing has placed “key commodities” on the same strategic level as food and energy security, pledging a more proactive approach to bolstering “energy and resource supply security” by “preventing and mitigating major risks in systemically important areas”. To achieve this, the... https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3347132/china-stockpile-critical-resources-and-strengthen-energy-security-avoid-trade-shocks?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3347132/china-stockpile-critical-resources-and-strengthen-energy-security-avoid-trade-shocks?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 22 Mar 2026 04:00:10 +0000 Cao Jiaxuan,Orange Wang Cao Jiaxuan,Orange Wang As Tehran signalled that Beijing could serve as a diplomatic broker in its intensifying war with the United States and Israel, analysts cautioned that the Saudi-Iranian rapprochement of 2023 could prove “hard to replicate”. They also highlighted the difficulty of Washington accepting third-party mediation, after US President Donald Trump confirmed that a planned meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing would be delayed by “five or six weeks” because of the armed conflict. Beijing has... https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3347202/can-china-broker-peace-iran-again-2023-was-different-analysts-say?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3347202/can-china-broker-peace-iran-again-2023-was-different-analysts-say?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 20 Mar 2026 04:00:09 +0000 Shi Jiangtao Shi Jiangtao For decades, the US security umbrella was the bedrock underpinning the Gulf states’ prosperity and stability. Today, Iranian missiles and drones have paralysed the Strait of Hormuz and hit civilian airports, ports, hotels and refineries across every Gulf country, despite thousands of American troops and advanced interceptors on the ground. The armed conflict has forced the region to confront a stark new reality. A Chinese scholar argued that the US-Israel war on Iran and ensuing Hormuz crisis... https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3347189/severely-damaged-how-us-israel-war-iran-decoupling-gulf-security?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3347189/severely-damaged-how-us-israel-war-iran-decoupling-gulf-security?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 19 Mar 2026 14:00:09 +0000 Laura Zhou Laura Zhou China plans to further strengthen its strategic transport network in sensitive border regions over the next five years to fortify and better project power along its remote frontiers amid rising geopolitical uncertainty. One project involves building a 394km (245-mile) highway linking the northern and southern sides of the rugged Tianshan Mountains in far-western Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region, according to the draft 15th five-year plan released last week. The route will run parallel to a... https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3346094/how-china-plans-greater-power-projection-xinjiang-and-tibet-over-next-5-years?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3346094/how-china-plans-greater-power-projection-xinjiang-and-tibet-over-next-5-years?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 10 Mar 2026 09:10:04 +0000 Cao Jiaxuan Cao Jiaxuan China is expected to rebalance its ties with Israel as US-Israeli air strikes on Iran reshape the region’s security landscape, but analysts say it is unlikely to abandon its long-standing “balanced diplomacy” in the Middle East. The strikes began on Saturday after nuclear talks between Washington and Tehran reached a stalemate and tensions spiralled. Iran’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, the 86-year-old cleric who had dominated the Islamic Republic’s political system for nearly four... https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3345308/how-will-china-adjust-israel-ties-us-led-strikes-iran-reshape-middle-east?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3345308/how-will-china-adjust-israel-ties-us-led-strikes-iran-reshape-middle-east?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 03 Mar 2026 15:00:10 +0000 Fan Chen Fan Chen China has promised to send more aid to Cuba and deepen cooperation with Uruguay as it reaches out to its Latin American allies to fend off renewed American interest in the region. Cuba became the second Latin American country to send a high-ranking official to China this week. Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez Parrilla’s arrival in Beijing follows that of Uruguayan President Yamandu Orsi, the first regional leader to travel to China since the US assault on Venezuela in early... https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3342705/china-keeps-cuba-and-uruguay-fold-puts-panama-out-cold?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3342705/china-keeps-cuba-and-uruguay-fold-puts-panama-out-cold?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 06 Feb 2026 15:00:10 +0000 Cao Jiaxuan Cao Jiaxuan Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said it all in a phone call to his Iranian counterpart, Abbas Araghchi, last week. With Tehran in turmoil and Washington threatening to intervene, Wang was holding Beijing’s long-standing line. “[China] opposes the use or threat of force in international relations, opposes imposing one’s own will on others and opposes a return of the world to the law of the jungle,” he said, adding that Beijing was willing to play a “constructive role” in resolving differences... https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3340787/why-china-playing-long-game-iran-despite-trumps-fresh-threats?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3340787/why-china-playing-long-game-iran-despite-trumps-fresh-threats?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 22 Jan 2026 11:00:10 +0000 Jevans Nyabiage Jevans Nyabiage China is rolling out hundreds of activities across Africa, including study trips and AI competitions, as part of what experts have described as a “soft power” charm offensive designed to deepen its influence across the continent. In moving beyond its traditional focus on infrastructure and high-level finance, Beijing is expanding its engagement through the 2026 China-Africa Year of People-to-People Exchanges – an initiative dedicated to cultural and social diplomacy. Announced by Chinese Foreign... https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3340092/how-china-stepping-africa-charm-offensive-boost-cultural-ties-deepen-influence?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3340092/how-china-stepping-africa-charm-offensive-boost-cultural-ties-deepen-influence?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 18 Jan 2026 12:00:18 +0000 Jevans Nyabiage Jevans Nyabiage Authorities in Mogadishu had cleared the roads for a historic visit, yet on Friday Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi travelled to Tanzania instead of Somalia as planned. It would have been the first high-level Chinese mission to Mogadishu in four decades. The last-minute decision not to include the capital on Wang’s itinerary came as Somalia seeks shows of diplomatic support after Israel recognised the breakaway region of Somaliland last month. A source at the presidential palace told local media... https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3339584/wang-yi-cites-severe-risks-after-somalia-dropped-africa-itinerary-last-minute?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3339584/wang-yi-cites-severe-risks-after-somalia-dropped-africa-itinerary-last-minute?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 12 Jan 2026 08:37:40 +0000 Jevans Nyabiage Jevans Nyabiage China and the African Union issued a joint call to uphold an international law-based order, with particular respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity, in a display of unity against Washington’s raid on Venezuela. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and African Union chief Mahmoud Ali Youssouf expressed concerns over the events in Venezuela in a statement released after their meeting in Ethiopia on Thursday. The United States raided Venezuela on Saturday and abducted its leader Nicolas... https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3339294/china-fm-wang-yi-opens-africa-tour-united-call-rules-based-order?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3339294/china-fm-wang-yi-opens-africa-tour-united-call-rules-based-order?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 09 Jan 2026 06:34:20 +0000 Alyssa Chen Alyssa Chen Lee Jae-myung is set to become the first sitting South Korean president to travel to China since 2019 with a visit scheduled for early January. Analysts said Lee was expected to engage Beijing on security issues, including North Korea’s nuclear ambitions and the enforcement of international sanctions, while seeking to build on his meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping in October. Neither side has confirmed the visit, but preparations are under way, highlighted by a recent strategic... https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3337847/south-korean-president-set-visit-china-next-month-north-korea-high-agenda?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3337847/south-korean-president-set-visit-china-next-month-north-korea-high-agenda?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 27 Dec 2025 04:00:11 +0000 Fan Chen,Laura Zhou Fan Chen,Laura Zhou An inherent “asymmetry” of power poses a challenge to resolving South China Sea disputes via the quiet diplomacy traditionally favoured by Southeast Asian nations, a leading Malaysian security expert has said. Chinese analysts said Beijing supported the “Asean way” too, so long as sovereignty claims were resolved bilaterally. They also warned against external interference and “power politics” standing in the way of consensus within the bloc. Ruhanas Harun, an international relations professor at... https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3336082/why-are-south-china-sea-disputes-hard-resolve-power-asymmetry-says-malaysian-expert?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3336082/why-are-south-china-sea-disputes-hard-resolve-power-asymmetry-says-malaysian-expert?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 12 Dec 2025 01:00:14 +0000 Alyssa Chen Alyssa Chen Talks between the Chinese and South Korean leaders have renewed diplomatic momentum, but what happens next could hinge on how Seoul balances its relations with Washington, according to analysts. Chinese President Xi Jinping – on his first visit to South Korea in 11 years – met his counterpart Lee Jae-myung in Gyeongju last Saturday, on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit. A lighthearted exchange before their state banquet drew media attention. After Xi presented Lee... https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3331860/can-china-and-south-korea-build-their-diplomatic-momentum?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3331860/can-china-and-south-korea-build-their-diplomatic-momentum?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 07 Nov 2025 03:07:28 +0000 Alyssa Chen Alyssa Chen For the first time in more than a decade, Chinese President Xi Jinping will visit South Korea next week, travelling to the historic city of Gyeongju for talks with South Korean President Lee Jae-myung as well as to attend the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (Apec) summit. While the trip carries limited expectations for immediate breakthroughs, it is seen as a carefully calibrated step towards resetting strained China-South Korea ties, according to experts. Xi’s last visit in 2014, at the... https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3330223/beyond-apec-xis-south-korea-visit-signals-symbolic-restart-strained-ties-experts?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3330223/beyond-apec-xis-south-korea-visit-signals-symbolic-restart-strained-ties-experts?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 25 Oct 2025 03:00:12 +0000 Zoey Zhang Zoey Zhang A terminally ill father in eastern China has inspired millions online by teaching his daughter to face death with courage and peace. A Shanghai woman known online as Dong Sanbai has shared the story of her 67-year-old father, Dong, who loves music, books and fishing. Born into poverty, Dong worked in a factory as a young man but spent his nights teaching himself Japanese. His determination paid off when he was accepted into the prestigious Shanghai International Studies University. After two... https://www.scmp.com/news/people-culture/trending-china/article/3329896/death-journey-dying-china-dad-inspires-teaching-daughter-face-fate-courage?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/people-culture/trending-china/article/3329896/death-journey-dying-china-dad-inspires-teaching-daughter-face-fate-courage?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 24 Oct 2025 10:00:10 +0000 Zhao Ziwen Zhao Ziwen Saudi Arabia’s recent mutual defence pact with nuclear-armed Pakistan is widely seen as a strategic move by the kingdom as it seeks alternatives to its traditional security guarantees from the United States. However, it also poses a dilemma for China, which has strong relations with both countries, including a long-standing collaboration with Riyadh on its civilian nuclear programme. Analysts suggested Beijing would not wish this nuclear partnership to develop further to avoid provoking the US... https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3327778/saudi-pakistan-defence-pact-poses-nuclear-dilemma-china?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3327778/saudi-pakistan-defence-pact-poses-nuclear-dilemma-china?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 04 Oct 2025 04:00:09 +0000 Zhao Ziwen Zhao Ziwen China is closely monitoring social unrest in Nepal, a strategic partner and key point in Beijing’s global infrastructure and investment initiative, following the resignation of prime minister K.P. Sharma Oli. Observers warned that Beijing should be prepared for further instability in the region, citing weak governance and potential external influence in political transitions. The unrest was initially triggered by a social media ban last week, and soon grew into a wider anti-corruption movement... https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3325088/beijing-weighs-risks-social-unrest-rocks-strategic-partner-nepal?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3325088/beijing-weighs-risks-social-unrest-rocks-strategic-partner-nepal?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 10 Sep 2025 14:44:15 +0000 Fan Chen Fan Chen Third parties should not interfere with – and were not a factor in – the relationship between China and South Korea, Beijing said on Wednesday following suggestions that Seoul would not act counter to Washington’s policy. “The China-South Korea relationship is based on mutual interests, is not targeted at a third party, and should not be interfered with,” Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun said. “China’s policy is consistent and stable, and we hope that South Korea will work with... https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3323395/china-warns-against-external-interference-ties-south-korea?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3323395/china-warns-against-external-interference-ties-south-korea?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 28 Aug 2025 06:00:11 +0000 Alyssa Chen Alyssa Chen Last month’s US strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities could strengthen North Korea’s view that nuclear weapons are vital for its survival, deepening Pyongyang’s distrust and reinforcing its commitment to nuclear arms, security experts have warned. They added that the attacks were likely to undermine denuclearisation efforts on the Korean peninsula, a goal shared by Beijing, and that increasing US pressure on North Korea risked destabilising the region and encouraging nuclear... https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3317103/will-us-strikes-iran-tighten-north-koreas-nuclear-resolve-why-china-might-be-worried?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3317103/will-us-strikes-iran-tighten-north-koreas-nuclear-resolve-why-china-might-be-worried?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 05 Jul 2025 15:00:08 +0000 Kawala Xie Kawala Xie Last month’s Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) defence meeting served not only as a curtain-raiser for the bloc’s summit in the autumn, but also as a test of Beijing’s broader ambition to promote a Global South-empowered multipolar world order. Like Brics – the grouping of developing countries established by Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa – the Global South-oriented SCO is a showcase for China’s home-ground diplomacy. Beijing has increasingly relied on these platforms to... https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3317031/can-india-block-chinas-leadership-global-south-based-alliances-sco?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3317031/can-india-block-chinas-leadership-global-south-based-alliances-sco?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 04 Jul 2025 22:00:12 +0000