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South Africa
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South Africa

South Africa
South Africa
The latest news, analysis and opinion on South Africa. In-depth analysis, industry insights and expert opinion.
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and Chinese President Xi Jinping shake hands as they meet, in Beijing, China, on September 2, 2025. Photo: Iran’s Presidential website/West Asia News Agency/Reuters
US-China relations

Letters | China’s stance on Iran war has strengthened its global position

Readers discuss how the world perceives China, and the work to be done to prevent rape.

China-Africa relations

China cuts tariffs on African goods but is it enough to close the trade gap?

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US-China relations

Minerals over ideology? US moves to break China’s rare earths grip

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Africa

Mali turmoil tests Russia’s image as a security guarantor in Africa

Large-scale attacks targeting Mali’s military government pose a serious threat to Russian strategic and economic interests.

A monument for the Malian army in Bamako. Over the weekend, separatist rebels as well as jihadists launched the largest assault on the country in nearly 15 years. Photo: AFP
Expeditions and adventures

2 guys, 1 Reliant Robin and a long road trip to Cape Town – what could go wrong?

22,500km, 22 countries, 1 Reliant Robin. Two friends’ intercontinental road trip was risky and rewarding. But why embark on such a journey?

Rare earths

Trump backs US$50 million investment for South Africa rare earths

Despite a rift with South Africa, the current Trump administration has proceeded with the project to broaden US access to critical minerals.

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China-Africa relations

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.

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Togo has been a recipient of emergency food aid from China. Photo: Xinhua
Donald Trump

Russia’s Lavrov says balance of power shifting to emerging economies

At the Antalya Diplomacy Forum in Turkey, Lavrov said the foundations of globalisation powered primarily by the US had ‘come to an end’.

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Donald Trump

South African politician sentenced to 5 years for firing rifle at rally

Julius Malema faces disqualification as a lawmaker if his appeal fails following a conviction for firing a rifle at a 2018 rally.

China-Africa relations

Why China’s trade with Africa benefits from Trump’s policy volatility

Continent is China’s fastest growing export market in first quarter of 2026, with machinery and hi-tech shipments leading US$60 billion surge.

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Motor vehicles bound for export to Ivory Coast are loaded on a cargo ship at Yantai port in China’s eastern Shandong province on Monday. Photo: Xinhua
My Life

Former Hong Kong rugby team captain reflects on the first Sevens tournament in 1976

The former England international rugby player tells Annemarie Evans about his turn as captain of the Hong Kong team at the inaugural Sevens tournament here in 1976.

Bob Lloyd poses for a portrait at the Hong Kong Football Club, Happy Valley, Hong Kong. Lloyd served as the captain of Hong Kong team during the first Hong Kong Sevens in 1976. Photo: Alexander Mak
Hong Kong transport

Hong Kong’s Cathay Pacific and HK Express cut some flights as jet fuel prices rise

Cathay reduction affects flights mainly on regional routes, along with some services to Australia, South Asia and South Africa, from May 16 to June 30.

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China trade

‘Cancelling orders’ in China: Hormuz oil crisis hits transport and manufacturing

Analysts and industry insiders say higher costs are squeezing margins, with some of China’s wary industrial heartland compelled to make day-to-day purchases.

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China-Africa relations

Can China step in to fill the gap as US pressures allies to snub South Africa?

On the same day South Africa is disinvited from the G7 summit following threats from Washington, Beijing offers tariff-free trade.

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Chinese Vice-President Han Zheng pictured with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa in Cape Town. Photo: Xinhua
Trade

Opinion | As Trump wrecks trade, WTO meeting in Cameroon is a show of defiance

Trade ministerial conference shows that most nations still value multilateral cooperation over the chaotic whims of a hegemon.

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US President Donald Trump speaks to reporters before boarding Air Force One at Palm Beach International Airport in West Palm Beach, Florida, on March 23. Photo: AFP
China-Africa relations

Kenya secures trade deal with China amid rising debt, US competition

Nairobi reaches a zero-tariff trade agreement with Beijing allowing Kenya to expand exports but it must tread carefully due to Washington.

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US, Israel war on Iran

Iran war delivers new stress to African economies emerging from older shocks

Afreximbank is implementing measures to give financial help to African countries dependent on fuel imports, bank president says.

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Hong Kong economy

Hong Kong’s Art March celebrations press on amid Middle East conflict disruptions

Flight cancellations via the region leave art fair participants juggling logistics, though organisers say impact remains limited.

Art March brings Asia’s largest contemporary art fairs, Art Basel and Art Central, to Hong Kong with events across the city. Photo: Elson Li
100 Top Tables: Cities of Gastronomy

International Cities of Gastronomy Fest Macao launches 10-day celebration

As the city hosts the 10-day celebration, its centuries-old fusion cuisine is embracing a new wave of global chefs and bold ideas.

Supported by
Macau Government Tourism Office
China's military weapons

Why is China’s ASN-301 suicide drone more deadly than its Iranian counterpart?

In a conflict over Taiwan or western Pacific, Beijing may overwhelm air defences through sheer numbers in a war of economic attrition.

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China trade

Strait of Hormuz marks first full day’s pause as no ships cross amid Iran war

Transits fell to zero on Saturday but vessels have clustered outside corridor, signalling expectations of reopening, analytics firm says.

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A man walks along the shore as oil tankers and cargo ships line up in the Strait of Hormuz, as seen from Khor Fakkan, the United Arab Emirates, on March 11, 2026. Photo: AP
Electric & new energy vehicles

Chinese carmakers step up global expansion using idled foreign facilities

Great Wall Motors, Geely and other Chinese carmakers are using an asset-light strategy to accelerate their growth overseas.

China’s Great Wall Motor is in talks with Mercedes-Benz to share the German carmaker’s factory in East London, South Africa. Photo: Reuters
Thailand

Iran war fallout threatens ‘quick wins’ for Thailand’s economy

As drivers panic buy diesel and the public is urged to limit air con use, Thai civil servants are ordered home to preserve dwindling energy.

China-Africa relations

Why China and South Africa have a US$17 billion gap on trade data

Statistical discrepancy reflects different reporting practices and ‘opaque’ global commodity chains, according to observers.

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Hong Kong economy

10% rise in costs expected as shipping giant halts Middle East bookings

Hong Kong sector representatives expect increase to be driven by rising fuel prices, longer voyages, war-risk charges and higher insurance costs.

Cargo ships docked at Kwai Chung Container Terminal. Photo: Elson Li
China-Africa relations

Why US money may not be enough to break China’s rare earths dominance

Washington aims to spend billions in Africa to build up a strategic reserve of key minerals, but analysts warn it may not be so simple.

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US representatives were out in force at the recent African Mining Indaba in Cape Town. Photo: AFP
US-China relations

Ex-US Air Force fighter pilot accused of secretly training Chinese military

Gerald Eddie Brown Jr allegedly provided ‘defence services’ after 24-year Air Force career training US pilots on advanced combat aircraft.

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Brics

Why Brics can’t do away with US dollar even as currency cooperation rises

Brazil says there has been no proposal or talks within Brics to create a common currency across the bloc.

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