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Centre for Strategic and International Studies (US)

The Centre for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) is a prominent Washington, D.C.-based non-profit think tank, established in 1962. Dedicated to providing strategic insights and policy solutions on global issues, CSIS focuses on international relations, security, economics, trade, technology, and global health. It conducts extensive research and analysis, developing policy initiatives for decision-makers in government and other sectors. Recognised as a leading bipartisan institution, CSIS is highly influential in shaping foreign policy and national security discussions, contributing significantly to public understanding and policy development.

A tanker sits anchored in Muscat’s Port Sultan Qaboos in Oman on Thursday. Traffic is down in the Strait of Hormuz, amid the US-Israeli war with Iran. Photo: Reuters

China trade

Strait of Hormuz transiting ships flash ‘China owner’ signals to evade blockade

Analysts see ‘diplomatic bulletproofing’ in vessels leveraging Beijing’s neutrality, while some Chinese-linked ships clear chokepoint.

13 Mar 2026 - 8:45PMvideocam

South China Sea

What’s important about Antelope Reef in the South China Sea’s Paracel Islands?

13 Mar 2026 - 7:07PMvideocam

US, Israel war on Iran

American military bleeds US$11.3 billion in first week of Iran war: report

12 Mar 2026 - 11:33PMvideocam

India

Why US policy on India aims to avoid repeat of China ‘mistake’

Despite official saying the US wants to work with India, it is likely to maintain a ‘transactional approach’ towards New Delhi, analysts say.

11 Mar 2026 - 7:05PM

US President Donald Trump meets with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the White House in Washington in February last year. Photo: AFP

US-China relations

From ‘love and hate’ to nationalism, can Xi and Trump rebalance ties?

Chinese scholars say the US-China relationship has changed, and there’s a chance for the two powers to steer away from confrontation.

11 Mar 2026 - 12:58AMvideocam

US-China relations

Taiwan tensions No 1 in Beijing’s top 10 geopolitical risks of 2026: think tank

Most consequential external security variable may be uncertainty in the US ahead of the midterm elections in November, report warns.

9 Mar 2026 - 3:42PMvideocam

US, Israel war on Iran

Iran strikes on desalination plants threaten Arab states’ water supplies

In Kuwait, about 90 per cent of drinking water comes from desalination, along with roughly 86 per cent in Oman and about 70 per cent in Saudi Arabia.

9 Mar 2026 - 10:22AMvideocam

Smoke rises from Jebel Ali Port in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, on March 1. Photo: Planet Labs PBC via AP

Iran

How far could the war with Iran spread beyond the Middle East?

From Turkey and the Caucasus to South Asia, analysts warn the war could ignite new flashpoints along regional fault lines.

6 Mar 2026 - 6:29PMvideocam

US-China relations

Xi-Trump talk plans rattled by chaotic US team: ‘the worst I’ve ever seen’

Analysts warn thin US coordination and rushed timelines risk weak deliverables and surprises ahead of high-stakes Beijing meeting.

27 Feb 2026 - 1:57AMvideocam

US-China relations

Trump touts US ‘golden age’, avoids direct mention of China before Beijing trip

In nearly two-hour State of the Union speech, American leader focuses on economic strength and global leadership ahead of midterm elections.

25 Feb 2026 - 5:33PMvideocam

US President Donald Trump delivers the first State of the Union address of his second term to a joint session of Congress in the US Capitol in Washington on Tuesday. Photo: EPA

South China Sea

Chinese maritime militia in South China Sea hit ‘record high’ in 2025: US report

Deployments averaged 241 vessels per day, Asia Maritime Transparency Initiative report says, notes waning role for civilian fishing fleets.

24 Feb 2026 - 6:22PMvideocam

A vessel identified by the Philippine coastguard as Chinese maritime militia is seen near the contested Scarborough Shoal in the South China Sea in February 2025. Photo: AFP

Ukraine war

Where Ukraine and Russia stand as war enters fifth year

Europe’s biggest conflict since World War II shows no signs of stopping any time soon.

24 Feb 2026 - 3:19PM

US-China relations

US tariff ruling points to steadier US-China ties before April summit: analysts

Court decision lowers effective duties, easing tensions and steering Xi-Trump talks towards stability rather than escalation.

28 Feb 2026 - 6:47AMvideocam

US-China relations

China has ‘massively expanded’ its nuclear arsenal, claims US State Department

Beijing’s UN ambassador Shen Jian said China opposes the smearing of its nuclear policy and ‘would not engage in any nuclear arms race’.

24 Feb 2026 - 4:48AM

China’s UN ambassador Shen Jian at the annual United Nations Conference on Disarmament in Geneva, Switzerland on Monday. Photo: AFP

US-China trade war

Why looming US-China trade talks could hinge on an obscure metal: gallium

China’s ban on exports of the vital metal could kick in again in November – and the US still has no realistic alternative supplier.

20 Feb 2026 - 11:00PMvideocam

A block with the symbol, atomic number and mass number of Gallium. Illustration: Reuters

Israel-Gaza war

‘Plan B is war’: Gaza truce faces late April test despite Trump’s peace push

Observers say the unresolved question of Hamas’ disarmament leaves the fragile truce vulnerable to collapse.

20 Feb 2026 - 4:57PMvideocam

Cambodia

What US lifting of arms embargo on Cambodia means for defence ties

Analysts say Cambodia is likely to make only modest US arms purchases given its limited budget, and rely on Chinese weaponry for now.

10 Feb 2026 - 7:07PMvideocam

US-China relations

Trump balks at nuclear limit extension, calls for new US-China-Russia deal

For first time in half a century, the world is without a legally binding agreement to control nuclear weapons, as New Start accord expires.

6 Feb 2026 - 10:18AMvideocam

Russian soldiers load Iskander-M short-range ballistic missile launchers as part of a June 2024 drill to train troops in using tactical nuclear weapons. Photo: Russian Defence Ministry Press Service via AP

China's military weapons

The US is working on cheaper munitions. Should China follow its lead?

China’s massive industrial chain and ability to control production costs are clear advantages over the US, article says.

28 Jan 2026 - 5:42PMvideocam

Saudi Arabia

‘Anything can happen’: Saudi-UAE rift risks tearing Middle East apart

The Gulf neighbours have turned from friends to foes, fighting proxy wars across the region and forcing global powers to pick a side.

25 Jan 2026 - 4:00PM

Indonesia

‘Resilience’ is Indonesia’s new foreign policy buzzword, but is it just rhetoric?

Analysts warn the vague concept lacks a long-term strategy and risks Jakarta drifting from its non-aligned values into transactional deals.

25 Jan 2026 - 8:00AMvideocam

Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto (left) meets UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer meets in 10 Downing Street on Tuesday. Photo: dpa

China-Africa relations

How China is ramping up Africa charm offensive to boost cultural ties, influence

Beijing dedicates 2026 to ‘cultural and social diplomacy’ across the continent, with 600 activities aimed at fostering strong friendships.

18 Jan 2026 - 8:00PMvideocam

A volunteer grinds coffee beans with children at a China-Africa economic and trade cooperation promotion park, in China’s Hunan province last August. Photo: Xinhua

Indonesia

‘False pride’: Indonesia’s UN rights role clashes with its domestic record

While officials tout a diplomatic win, rights groups ask how a nation that ‘criminalises expression’ can lead the UN Human Rights Council.

18 Jan 2026 - 12:00PM

Asean

Visa suspension tests US priorities in Southeast Asia

The move reflects an ‘America first’ policy approach and treats certain allies in the region as ‘strategically insignificant’, analysts say.

17 Jan 2026 - 2:00PMvideocam

Myanmar

Philippine minister’s ‘premature’ Myanmar visit casts doubts over Asean’s role

Critics say the visit may be viewed as the bloc’s new chair endorsing a controversial junta-led election in Myanmar.

25 Jan 2026 - 3:00PMvideocam

A woman casts a ballot during the second phase of Myanmar’s election in Yangon on Sunday. Photo: EPA

China-Africa relations

China’s Wang Yi cites ‘severe risks’ after Somalia dropped from Africa itinerary

In a call with the Somali foreign minister, China’s top envoy reiterates Beijing’s support for Somalia’s territorial integrity.

12 Jan 2026 - 5:53PMvideocam

China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi was supposed to visit Mogadishu as part of his African tour but he instead went to Tanzania on Friday. Photo: AFP

Greenland

Greenland. Greenland. Greenland. Why is Trump so fixed on the US having it?

Denmark says it’s not for sale and people on the island seem opposed to being owned by the United States.

9 Jan 2026 - 5:12PMvideocam

Saudi Arabia

US allies Saudi Arabia, UAE risk a split in Middle East over competing visions

A ‘new order’ is emerging as Abu Dhabi-backed separatist allies clash with pro-Riyadh governments in the region.

8 Jan 2026 - 5:21PM

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