Shanghai Institutes for International Studies

What the US-Iran ‘fight-talk’ dynamic means before their ceasefire ends

Meanwhile, China expresses ‘concern’ over America’s interception of Iranian-flagged cargo ship in Gulf of Oman.

20 Apr 2026 - 7:32PMvideocam

A police officer gestures to a vehicle at a check post near Faisal Masjid on Sunday, as Pakistan tries to convene a tentative second phase of peace talks between the US and Iran in Islamabad. Photo: Reuters

China steps up aid to Africa but huge funding gap left by Trump’s cuts remains

Beijing’s efforts in food and medical relief, a sector traditionally dominated by US programmes, could partly fill the void, observers said.

19 Apr 2026 - 12:00PMvideocam

Will the next round of US-Iran talks bring peace or more confrontation?

Lack of mutual trust means a strategic miscalculation could trigger renewed conflict at any moment, analysts say.

14 Apr 2026 - 10:01PMvideocam

China will stockpile critical resources and boost energy supply security

Beijing boosts economic self-reliance and long-term stability as a matter of ‘national security’ while Middle East conflicts continue.

22 Mar 2026 - 6:58PM

Workers operate machinery at an iron ore stockyard at the port in Rugao, in eastern China’s Jiangsu province. Photo: AFP

Can China broker peace for Iran again? 2023 was different, analysts say

Tehran has signalled a willingness for Beijing to act as a mediator in its escalating war against US and Israel.

20 Mar 2026 - 12:00PMvideocam

China-Middle East relations

‘Severely damaged’: how the US-Israel war on Iran is decoupling Gulf security

As confidence in America’s defence guarantee erodes, Gulf states are now weighing a more multifaceted strategy, analysts say.

19 Mar 2026 - 10:00PMvideocam

China-India relations

How China plans for greater power projection in Xinjiang and Tibet

China aims to finish two highways spanning all nine land-border provinces, advance a highway on east coast and upgrade three highways into Tibet.

10 Mar 2026 - 7:36PMvideocam

According to China’s draft 15th five-year plan released last week, the country will strengthen infrastructure in border areas. Photo: Xinhua

How will China adjust Israel ties as US-led strikes on Iran reshape Middle East?

Beijing is unlikely to abandon ‘balanced diplomacy’ in the region despite killing of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, analysts say.

4 Mar 2026 - 12:12AMvideocam

Men inspect the ruins of a police station on Tuesday in Tehran, Iran. Photo: AP

China-Latin America relations

China keeps Cuba and Uruguay in the fold, puts Panama out in the cold

Beijing promises more aid to struggling Havana and cooperation with Montevideo as Washington looks to extend its reach in Latin America.

6 Feb 2026 - 11:00PMvideocam

China-Middle East relations

Why China is playing the long game in Iran despite Trump’s fresh threats

Beijing is balancing vital energy interests with long-standing diplomatic principles and a cautious Middle East recalibration, analysts say.

22 Jan 2026 - 7:00PMvideocam

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

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

China FM Wang Yi opens Africa tour with united call for rules-based order

In Ethiopia, Wang joins African Union leader Mahmoud Ali Youssouf in voicing concerns over US raid on Venezuela.

9 Jan 2026 - 2:47PMvideocam

South Korean president set to visit China next month, with North Korea on agenda

Exchange of visits by two countries’ leaders within months underscores their commitment to deepening ties, analysts say.

27 Dec 2025 - 12:00PMvideocam

South China Sea

Why are South China Sea disputes hard to settle? Expert cites power asymmetry

Chinese analysts say Beijing supports Asean’s ‘quiet diplomacy’ too, so long as sovereignty claims are resolved bilaterally.

12 Dec 2025 - 10:21AMvideocam

A Chinese warship sails in the West Philippine Sea, part of the larger South China Sea, on April 27. China and several of its Asian neighbours have competing territorial claims across the strategic waters. Photo: Anadolu via Getty Images

Can China and South Korea build on their diplomatic momentum?

Meeting between Xi Jinping and Lee Jae-myung seen as the start of a thaw in relations, but analysts say roadblocks remain.

7 Nov 2025 - 11:07AMvideocam

China-Middle East relations

China, South Korea eye ‘symbolic restart’ for ties during Xi’s visit: experts

Chinese leader’s first visit in more than a decade carries limited expectations as US and North Korean challenges loom.

25 Oct 2025 - 11:00AMvideocam

Trending in China

‘Death is a journey’: dying China dad teaches daughter to face fate with courage

Cancer-stricken 67-year-old tells doctors to stop treatment, tells tearful daughter to face life without him in ‘peace’.

24 Oct 2025 - 6:00PM

A dying father in China, with fewer than six months to live has taught his daughter to face his demise with courage. Photo: Douyin

Saudi-Pakistan defence pact poses nuclear dilemma for China

The deal may bring the kingdom under Islamabad’s nuclear umbrella, presenting a challenge to Beijing’s policies on non-proliferation.

4 Oct 2025 - 12:00PMvideocam

Saudi and Pakistani troops pictured during a joint exercise. Photo: AP

Belt and Road Initiative

China weighs risks as social unrest rocks strategic partner Nepal

Regional instability, political upheaval test China’s Belt and Road Initiative, casting uncertainty over key infrastructure projects.

11 Sep 2025 - 10:33AMvideocam