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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

Trump-Xi summits: an inside view with US ex-diplomat William Klein

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Illustration: Victor Sanjinez

Zheng Yongnian on what US’ ‘neocolonialism’, Venezuela operation mean for China

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Illustration: Victor Sanjinez

Liu Qian on Chinese innovation, the US rivalry and women holding up half the sky

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Illustration: Victor Sanjinez Garcia

Fuchsia Dunlop tells how she fell for China’s cuisine and names her perfect dish

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Illustration: Lau Ka-kuen

80 years on from WWII, China’s interests lie in peaceful Asia-Pacific: Mitter

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Illustration: Lau Ka-kuen

‘Delusional’: Jeffrey Sachs on why Western hegemony has ended

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Illustration: Henry Wong

Trump-Xi summits: an inside view with US ex-diplomat William Klein

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Illustration: Victor Sanjinez

Zheng Yongnian on what US’ ‘neocolonialism’, Venezuela operation mean for China

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15
Illustration: Victor Sanjinez

Liu Qian on Chinese innovation, the US rivalry and women holding up half the sky

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Illustration: Victor Sanjinez Garcia

Fuchsia Dunlop tells how she fell for China’s cuisine and names her perfect dish

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5
Illustration: Lau Ka-kuen

80 years on from WWII, China’s interests lie in peaceful Asia-Pacific: Mitter

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18
Illustration: Lau Ka-kuen

‘Delusional’: Jeffrey Sachs on why Western hegemony has ended

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Illustration: Henry Wong
MORE FROM THIS SERIES
Illustration: Victor Sanjinez
Open Questions series

Open Questions | Trump-Xi summits: an inside view with US ex-diplomat William Klein

Former diplomat posted to Beijing speaks on Iran, Taiwan and global supply chains as details of Xi-Trump meeting are worked out.

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China economy

Opinion | As mainland China charts a new course, Hong Kong writes its next chapter

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Ukraine war

Ukraine and US conclude talks as Zelensky urges sanctions pressure on Russia

Donald Trump

Trump shares Saturday Night Live UK video to troll Starmer

US president shares a satirical portrayal of the UK leader panicking over a White House phone call.

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Donald Trump has repeatedly railed against Keir Starmer since the start of the war. Photo: AFP
The Netherlands

From critic to guest: new Dutch PM to dine with Trump on US visit

Rob Jetten faces a delicate situation with a US president he once branded a criminal who flirted openly with dictators.

US, Israel war on Iran

US may need to ‘escalate to de-escalate’ Iran war, Bessent says

US Treasury chief defends massive military ramp-up after Trump set a 48-hour deadline to open the Strait of Hormuz.

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Vietnam

Vietnam PM visits Russia to sign energy deal amid Iran war disruption

Since the US-Israel war against Iran began, the cost of 95-octane petrol and diesel in Vietnam has soared by 50 per cent and 70 per cent respectively.

Vietnam’s Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh after attending a session during the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting of the New Champions (AMNC25) in Tianjin on June 25 last year. Photo: AFP
Slovenia

Slovenia’s liberal PM claims win over conservatives in tight election

Prime Minister Robert Golob’s party has a slight edge over his Trump-aligned rival Janez Jansa.

China trade

International capital flowing to China as investors seek certainty amid Iran war

Conflict in the Middle East and growing global turbulence following US-Israeli strikes against Iran has seen foreign investors look to China.

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India

Why India faces dilemma over Iran war while seeking ‘diplomatic flexibility’

India has to carefully navigate the fallout from the war, given its huge stakes in the Middle East, analysts say.

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Iranians stand next to damaged residential buildings in southern Tehran on March 15 amid ongoing US-Israeli attacks against Iran. Photo: EPA
Americas and the Caribbean

Cuba rejects ‘shameless’ US request for diesel amid Trump oil blockade

The US embassy in Havana is seeking fuel for its generators even as the rest of the island is plagued by shortages and power outages.

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A man walks down a street in Havana, Cuba, on Thursday. Photo: AFP
US-China trade war

China reports ‘stunning’ critical minerals finds as hi-tech US race heats up

Surveys in Sichuan reveal fresh reserves of rare earth oxides as well as ‘super-large’ deposits of fluorite and baryte.

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China-EU relations

China and the Netherlands seek ‘pragmatic’ reset as Nexperia row rolls on

Wang Yi hails ‘positive signals’ from new Dutch minister as US pressure and EU de-risking leave The Hague juggling security and trade interests.

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Mainland China

Letters | China’s voice of stability is one many are choosing to heed

Readers discuss Beijing’s diplomatic messaging at the ‘two sessions’ meetings, and the spirit of Eid ul-Fitr.

China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi speaks during a press conference on foreign policy and external relations during the fourth session of the 14th National People’s Congress in Beijing, China, on March 8. Photo: EPA
US-China relations

US claims China manipulating its position at UN to undermine America’s interests

House Select Committee says Beijing using monetary contributions, critical UN posts and strategic troop deployment to expand its reach.

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China’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Fu Cong, addresses the Security Council at UN headquarters in New York on February 18. Photo: Reuters
US, Israel war on Iran

Trump says he’s considering ‘winding down’ US military operations in Iran

The Strait of Hormuz will have to be guarded and policed by ‘other nations’, the US president says.

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2026 Trump-Xi summit

Exclusive | What are the real reasons behind the change of date for Trump’s China visit?

After confirmation that the high-stakes Xi-Trump summit will be delayed, analysts find a complex story beneath the official surface.

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US-China trade war

Trump administration moves to unify AI rules, bolster edge over China

Policy aims to increase federal government’s ability to ⁠fight national security concerns and counter Beijing’s growing dominance in sector.

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The ​Trump administration has been pushing for a single AI policy legislative framework that can be applied uniformly across the country. Photo: AFP via Getty Images
US, Israel war on Iran

UK allows US to use its bases to strike Iran missile sites targeting Hormuz

Trump has repeatedly attacked British PM Starmer since the conflict started, complaining ⁠he was not doing enough to help.

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US-China relations

How American Jesse Appell learned to land the punchline in Chinese

US comedian spent 8 years mastering Chinese comedy, navigating culture, language and fame before Covid forced a return home.

US, Israel war on Iran

Trump calls Nato ‘cowards’ over lack of support in Iran war, sends more troops

Iran is threatening tourist sites worldwide, renewing fears that Tehran could resort to militant attacks beyond the Middle East.

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US President Donald Trump complained Nato countries did not ‌want to join the fight against Iran, yet still complain about high oil prices. Photo: AFP
India

India steps up regional energy diplomacy, supplies Bangladesh with diesel

Being a ‘first responder’ in the current energy crisis is in line with India’s ‘Neighbourhood First’ policy.

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Fuel nozzles at a Bharat Petroleum gas station in New Delhi. Photo: AFP
War and conflict

As I see it | Why the world may now need an Iranian nuclear bomb

To restore peace and stability in the Middle East, Israel and the US – the real destabilisers of the region – need to be countered.

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The Philippines

Why Philippines struggles to tap its US$1 trillion mineral wealth

Without a proper road map to grow its mining sector, the country remains a ‘second-tier mineral economy’.

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Japan

Trump’s Pearl Harbour joke falls flat in Japan over his ‘disrespectful remarks’

As Japan faces pressure over the Iran war, some observers commend Takaichi for steering her meeting with Trump towards trade deals.

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Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi raises her fist while delivering remarks during a dinner hosted by US President Donald Trump at the White House on Thursday. Photo: Reuters
China-Japan relations

Trump to praise Japan in China, Xi summit delayed, PLA-Nato talks

This week: Trump praises Japan during Takaichi visit after delaying Xi summit, US-China trade talks conclude in Paris, China economy surpasses expectations. Next week: PLA delegation travels to Brussels, Hong Kong may issue first stablecoin licences, Art Basel opens in the city, and more.

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi and US President Donald Trump. Photo: AP
2026 Trump-Xi summit

Exclusive | Trump ally Steve Daines will be first US senator to visit Hong Kong since 2019

As Beijing and Washington negotiate new schedule for Trump’s visit, Daines is expected to meet US business leaders in Hong Kong on March 30.

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2026 Trump-Xi summit

Open Questions | US ex-diplomat’s inside view on Trump-Xi summits

Former envoy in Beijing William Klein on US leader’s approach to foreign policy, tariffs, China weaponising rare earths and risks of Taiwan conflict.

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