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Guo Jiakun

(郭嘉昆)

Guo Jiakun
郭嘉昆
Guo Jiakun: A seasoned Chinese diplomat, he assumed the role of Foreign Ministry Spokesman in January 2025, bringing over two decades of experience in foreign service.
Taiwanese Premier Cho Jung-tai says his trip to Tokyo for the World Baseball Classic on March 7 was paid for out of his own pocket and had “no other purpose”. Photo: Facebook/Cho Jung-tai
Taiwan

Swing and a miss? Taiwan’s premier under fire over baseball trip to Tokyo

Beijing has lashed out over Cho Jung-tai’s one-day visit to Japan, which was described as a ‘private itinerary’ to support the island’s team.

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2026 Trump-Xi summit

Beijing warns US over Jimmy Lai and Taiwan arms sales ahead of Trump visit

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US, Israel war on Iran

It’s been 2 weeks since war broke out in Iran. Is there an end in sight?

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Iran

Why China sees stability in hardliner Mojtaba Khamenei’s rise to lead Iran

Continuity over change seen in cleric whom analysts anticipate could double down on policies against the US and Israel.

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A man holds a portrait of Mojtaba Khamenei following his appointment as Iran’s supreme leader by the country’s Assembly of Experts. Photo: EPA
China-North Korea relations

China-North Korea rail link restored as neighbours try to get ties back on track

Restoring tourist travel has been seen as a litmus test of Pyongyang’s willingness to rebuild relations with its biggest trading partner.

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Germany

German court jails US military contractor in China spy case

The defendant, partially named as Martin D. was sentenced for offering US military secrets to China, highlighting espionage concerns amid global tensions.

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China-UK relations

China lifted sanctions on British lawmakers after Starmer–Xi meeting, UK says

Prime minister says Beijing has removed 2021 curbs on MPs as part of a wider reset, though sanctions on others appear to remain.

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UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer addresses Chinese and UK business delegations at a reception in Shanghai on Friday. Photo: AFP
China-Asean relations

China executes 11 core members of Myanmar-based telecoms fraud ring

They include members of the Ming family crime syndicate found guilty of murder, illegal detention, running casinos and other offences.

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China-Latin America relations

Xi to meet Orsi in first Latin America-China visit since US capture of Maduro

State visit from February 1 to 7 aims to promote commercial ties with Beijing despite tension in region after US operation in Venezuela.

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World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos

As Trump shakes world order, Western countries recalibrate approach to China

At Davos, world leaders take veiled swipes at the US, while China frames itself as defender of the post-war system, analysts say.

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Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney speaks during the 56th annual World Economic Forum meeting in Davos, Switzerland, on Tuesday. Photo: Reuters
US-China relations

China to ‘quietly track’ Greenland developments amid Arctic ambitions: analysts

Beijing to focus on maintaining its ‘constructive relationship with US’ and does not need to ‘disrupt that over Greenland’, say experts.

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US President Donald Trump has made no secret of his desire for Greenland to become part of the United States, but China is content to keep a close eye on the situation in the short term. Photo: AFP
US-China trade war

Chips, soybeans, tariffs: what’s on tap for US-China talks before a Trump visit?

Analysts expect any pre-summit talks to focus on deliverables such as easing semiconductor curbs and boosting agricultural sales, setting the stage for Xi and Trump.

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US-China relations

China confirms invite to Trump’s Gaza ‘peace board’ – won’t say if it will join

US President Donald Trump has invited dozens of leaders to join the body, but is reportedly demanding US$1 billion for permanent membership.

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Taiwan

Taipei hails US 15% tariffs ‘home run’ despite fears over US$500 billion cost

Deal risks gutting Taiwan’s semiconductor sector, opposition parties warn, as Beijing dubs it a plot to drain lifeblood of island’s industry.

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Taiwanese leader William Lai has said the agreement will strengthen Taiwan’s global competitiveness and deepen hi-tech cooperation with Washington. Photo: AFP
Japan

Why talk of a Japanese nuclear option is resurfacing – and why it alarms critics

Conservatives are calling for a rethink of nuclear taboos, while critics warn of risks to the global non-proliferation regime.

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A mushroom cloud rises moments after the US dropped an atomic bomb on Nagasaki, Japan, on August 9, 1945. Photo: AP
China-Japan relations

Why Chinese victims of Japan’s WWII bio-warfare are still waiting for justice

Dark chapter’s telling complicated by Tokyo’s official denials, Washington’s immunity deals and Beijing’s shifting diplomatic priorities.

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TikTok

Editorial | TikTok deal could show way forward for US-China engagement

The agreement, under which the platform will become a joint venture controlled by a consortium of investors, highlights the importance of negotiation and mutual respect.

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US-China relations

China says US defence policy act hypes up threat, urges ‘rational’ view on ties

Foreign ministry says NDAA undermines sovereignty, development interests, as Taiwan Affairs Office slams ‘misguided signals’ to separatists.

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The latest National Defence Authorisation Act, signed into law by US President Donald Trump this week, comes amid a fragile US-China trade detente. Photo: EPA
Taiwan

Beijing condemns Washington’s landmark US$11 billion arms sale to Taiwan

US State Department approves massive deal that includes billions in Himars and howitzer equipment, drones and software.

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China-Asean relations

Cambodia and Thailand tell China’s Wang Yi they’re willing to cease fire

Thai and Cambodian foreign ministers brief Chinese counterpart on border conflict, while Beijing vows to ‘serve as a bridge’.

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China-Latin America relations

Chile’s sharp shift to the right puts it at the centre of China-US rivalry

Election of Jose Antonio Kast in Latin American country adds to Donald Trump’s vocal allies but analysts expect China ties to stay stable.

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Supporters of Chile’s winning presidential candidate Jose Antonio Kast react as the first election results are announced on Sunday. Photo: AFP
China-Japan relations

Japan defined its stance on Taiwan but Beijing is angered by what it didn’t say

Tokyo ‘deliberately sidestepped the important information that they are territories Japan has stolen’: Chinese foreign ministry.

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Japan’s Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi has spelled out Japan’s position on Taiwan, but only in part. Photo: AFP
Jimmy Lai trial

Jimmy Lai’s conviction in Hong Kong becomes flashpoint between China, West

Western nations unlikely to hit city with more sanctions as they need Beijing’s cooperation to offset unfair US trade practices, experts say.

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South China Sea

China accuses Philippines of ‘premeditated’ provocations near Sabina Shoal

Meanwhile, Manila says Philippine fishing boats were targeted by Chinese coastguard water cannons near disputed South China Sea reef.

Jimmy Lai trial

Hong Kong’s Jimmy Lai found guilty on all charges in national security trial

City leader John Lee welcomes conviction, calls it an upholding of justice and a safeguard for Hong Kong’s core values.

A Correctional Services Department vehicle carrying Jimmy Lai is escorted by police to the court. Photo: Karma Lo
China-Japan relations

China marks Nanking massacre anniversary with warning against Japan’s militarism

Top Communist Party official says attempts to challenge post-war order are ‘doomed to failure’ as tensions with Tokyo flare.

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Honour guards place floral tributes during a ceremony to mark the 88th anniversary of the Nanking massacre, in Nanjing in eastern China on Saturday. Photo: AFP
China's economic recovery

Beijing digs in for trade ‘struggles’, eyes strategy of growth and resilience

Analysts see leadership’s language after central economic work conference as an admission that trade tensions are expected to endure.

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China-Japan relations

Provocative Japanese actions risk plunging Asia into peril: PLA Daily

Chinese military mouthpiece’s commentary comes as Beijing marks 88th anniversary of Nanking massacre amid full-blown diplomatic crisis with Tokyo.

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