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Diplomacy

Diplomacy
Latest news, features and analysis on global diplomatic relations, with a focus on China’s international ties – especially with the US, its Asian neighbours and the European Union.
Open Questions series

Scholar Jing Qian on right-sizing China’s economy in the age of Trump

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Illustration: Lau Ka-kuen

US-China rivalry doesn’t have to be a zero-sum game: Jessica Chen Weiss

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Illustration: Victor Sanjinez

China’s rise, potential recession, no WWIII yet: 11 key interviews from 2024

Illustration: Victor Sanjinez

Why eco-warrior Ma Jun sees hope for China’s role in Cop29 amid US uncertainty

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Illustration: Lau Ka-kuen

Historian on why we aren’t heading towards WWIII yet and how wars have changed

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Illustration: Lau Ka-kuen

China’s evolving role in Middle East conflicts, according to an academic

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Illustration: Victor Sanjinez

Scholar Jing Qian on right-sizing China’s economy in the age of Trump

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40
Illustration: Lau Ka-kuen

US-China rivalry doesn’t have to be a zero-sum game: Jessica Chen Weiss

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29
Illustration: Victor Sanjinez

China’s rise, potential recession, no WWIII yet: 11 key interviews from 2024

Illustration: Victor Sanjinez

Why eco-warrior Ma Jun sees hope for China’s role in Cop29 amid US uncertainty

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4
Illustration: Lau Ka-kuen

Historian on why we aren’t heading towards WWIII yet and how wars have changed

videocam
32
Illustration: Lau Ka-kuen

China’s evolving role in Middle East conflicts, according to an academic

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13
Illustration: Victor Sanjinez
MORE FROM THIS SERIES
Advisers to Chinese President Xi Jinping and US President Donald Trump seek to break an impasse in bilateral trade issues. Photo: AFP
US-China trade war

For US-China trade stand-off to ease, negotiators must be agreed upon: analysts

As Washington is said to favour Trump dealing directly with Xi and Beijing rejects the idea as too risky, possible envoys are being explored.

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Canada

Canada’s PM Carney to visit Trump at White House on Tuesday

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Cambodia

Cambodia widens access to China-funded Ream base to parry ‘lingering suspicion’

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India

Vance says US hopes India avoids wider conflict with Pakistan

The US vice-president urged Islamabad to cooperate with New Delhi in punishing militants operating in its territory.

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Pakistan’s military generals address troops in Jhelum, Punjab province, on May 1. Photo: ISPR/AFP
Japan

Japan says its US$1 trillion in US Treasuries could be leverage in trade talks

A huge US Treasury sell-off in April was reportedly one factor that led Trump to announce a 90-day pause on his ‘reciprocal’ tariff plan.

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Apple

Apple expects US$900 million tariff hit as it shifts US iPhone supply to India

Vietnam will be the country of origin for most iPad, Mac, Apple Watch and AirPod products sold in the US, CEO Tim Cook says.

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US-China relations

New CIA videos seek to lure Chinese officials to leak secrets to US

The US spy agency is confident the clips are penetrating the ‘Great Firewall’ and reaching their intended audience.

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A CIA official said China was the agency’s foremost intelligence priority in a “truly generational competition” between the US and China. Photo illustration: Reuters
Middle East

As nuclear talks stall, Trump threatens sanctions on anyone who buys Iran oil

Such a move could escalate tensions with China – Iran’s leading customer – when ties are already strained over tariffs.

Ukraine war

US says Ukraine minerals deal will strengthen Trump in talks with Russia

Zelensky says the agreement is ‘the first result of the Vatican meeting’ between him and the US president.

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US-China relations

Editorial | Xi answers trade war with hi-tech strategy to fuel development

Shanghai visit by President Xi Jinping leaves no doubt that way forward for China is via technological self-reliance and closer ties with Global South.

Chinese President Xi Jinping visits an AI product experience store at the Shanghai Foundation Model Innovation Center, a large-model incubator home to over 100 enterprises, in Shanghai on Tuesday. Photo: Xinhua
US-China relations

‘Signalgate’ China hawk ousted as US national security adviser

Mike Waltz leaving job to become new US ambassador to the United Nations as top diplomat Marco Rubio takes over NSC role in interim.

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US National Security Adviser Mike Waltz speaks during a meeting with US President Donald Trump and US ambassadors in the Cabinet Room of the White House in Washington on March 25. Photo: AFP
China-Asean relations

China’s PLA marches for first time at Vietnam’s fall of Saigon parade

Debut by honour guard in Ho Chi Minh City on Wednesday a symbolic show of ‘brotherhood’, state media says, as thousands watch victory celebration.

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Malaysia

Letters | Malaysia’s engagement with Myanmar is a smart move for Asean

Readers discuss Anwar’s leadership on Myanmar’s civil war, and the future of Hong Kong’s dollar peg.

Japan

Japan’s Southeast Asia diplomacy ramps up as Ishiba courts Hanoi and Manila

Ishiba’s visits follow Chinese President Xi Jinping’s own tour of the region, reflecting a broader competition for influence.

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Japan’s Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba walks past members of the Philippine coastguard during his visit to Manila on Wednesday. Photo: Reuters
India

US tells India and Pakistan to tone down tensions, avoid military clash

US Secretary of State Rubio asked both sides to ‘maintain peace’ in South Asia and told Pakistani leader Sharif to condemn the attack.

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Indian paramilitary soldiers patrol a market in Srinagar, Kashmir, on April 29. Photo: AP
Donald Trump

No China talks under way, Trump trade chief says, but other deals are close

Trump administration is focused on ‘targeted’ deals, US trade representative says.

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Ukraine war

US and Ukraine sign ‘historic’ minerals deal, tying Trump to Kyiv

Deal is expected to give US access to Ukraine’s vast critical minerals, following months of negotiations and frayed ties.

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China-Philippines relations

Beijing sees Philippine interaction with Taiwan as a ‘dangerous step’: analyst

Beijing summons Manila’s envoy Jaime FlorCruz for ‘solemn representations’ regarding island.

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Philippine Rear Admiral Roy Vincent Trinidad, said in a recent interview that the Philippines and Taiwan were in talks over “international cooperation”. Photo: EPA-EFE
US-China relations

Trump says US kids may get ‘2 dolls instead of 30’, but China will suffer more

The comments come amid news of the US economy shrinking, which the president says ‘has nothing to do’ with his tariffs.

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Donald Trump

Trump says Canada PM Mark Carney to visit ‘within the next week’

The Liberal Party leader won Monday’s election after vowing to stand up to the US president’s threats to annex his country.

US-China trade war

Japan lawmakers warn US tariffs threaten security as China looms

Donald Trump’s policy called a national security challenge as trade negotiations continue between Tokyo and Washington.

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A woman walks in front of a screen displaying Japan’s Nikkei share average inside a building in Tokyo, Japan, on Friday. US tariffs have hit the country’s economy hard. Photo: Reuters
China-EU relations

China lifts sanctions on EU lawmakers amid transatlantic strains

The move had been telegraphed by a series of meetings between European Parliament president and China’s ambassador to the EU.

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European Parliament President Roberta Metsola told a closed-door meeting of the chamber’s senior leadership on Wednesday of China’s lifting of sanctions. Photo: EPA-EFE
Middle East

Iran hangs man as ‘high ranking’ Israeli spy after trial

Mohsen Langarneshin was implicated in the killing of Guards colonel Sayyad Khodaei, who was gunned down in May 2022.

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Ukraine war

Ukraine poised to sign US minerals deal despite last-minute snag

The deal could be signed later on Wednesday, the government source says.

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India

Carney’s win sets stage for reset in India-Canada ties after Trudeau tensions

Bilateral relations deteriorated after Trudeau alleged that Indian agents were behind the killing of Khalistan leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar.

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney arrives at the Office of the Prime Minister and Privy Council on Tuesday. Photo: Getty Images/AFP
The Philippines

US, Philippines flex military muscle with show of Himars firepower

The use of Himars and NMESIS during the Balikatan exercise demonstrates the allies’ ability to respond to provocations, analysts say.

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US troops fire Himars rockets during a counter-landing and live fire exercise in Rizal on Monday. Photo: Public Affairs Office of the Armed Forces of the Philippines
Pakistan

India vs Pakistan: a Western-Chinese arms face-off in the making?

A clash between the South Asian rivals’ warplanes and artillery could have profound implications for the global arms industry.

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Vietnam

Vietnam celebrates 50 years of reunification, end of war with huge parade

Thousands thronged the streets of Ho Chi Minh City for the celebrations, with Chinese troops joining the commemoration for the first time.

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