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US-China relations: the Asian angle

US-China relations: the Asian angle
As the world's two greatest powers jostle for economic influence, what does the future have in store for Asia?
US President Donald Trump is pictured next to Malaysian flags before departing Kuala Lumpur International Airport on Air Force One in October. Photo: AFP
US-Asean relations

Southeast Asia barely features in America’s new security strategy

The region appears just twice in the new 32-page US National Security Strategy, raising fears it is being relegated to a ‘bargaining chip’.

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China's economic recovery

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

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China-Japan relations

Donald Trump left facing ‘dilemma’ as China-Japan spat worsens: analyst

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US-China trade war

‘Maximum pressure’: why China is taking Mexico’s tariff move ‘very seriously’

Beijing sees Mexico’s move as driven by a wider US pressure campaign – and could take retaliatory measures, analysts say.

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Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum proposed tariffs on goods from China and other Asian markets in the name of protecting local industries. Some analysts see the move as a response to US pressure. Photo: TNS
US-China relations

Hegseth’s G2 description for US-China ties ‘problematic’, House Democrat warns

House representative Raja Krishnamoorthi says term sidelines US allies and partners while making Beijing ‘coequal’ to Washington.

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US-China trade war

USMCA urged to form joint mechanism to address China’s national security threats

US, Mexico and Canada encouraged at US trade hearing to oversee ‘pragmatic and specific plan’ to strengthen economic rules against China.

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US-China relations

Bessent calls Beijing an ‘ally’ after Trump signs bill on ties with Taiwan

US Treasury Secretary tries to ease further tension after Trump signs act aimed at regularly reviewing and updating guidelines with Taiwan.

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US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent speaks during The New York Times DealBook Summit, at the Lincoln Centre, New York, on Wednesday. Photo: Getty Images via AFP
China's military weapons

Is China’s rapid anti-submarine drone progress adding to concerns of Japan, US?

After decades within the confines of the first island chain, the PLA Navy is unveiling a succession of game-changing advances.

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China-Japan relations

China bristles as Japan weighs missile export to Philippines

Japan’s possible sale of Type 03 missiles to Manila comes as Tokyo moves to loosen arms-export rules, raising fresh concerns in China.

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China trade

Explainer | Tripwire clauses: why is China alarmed by Malaysia’s new trade deal with the US?

Controversial wording seen as a geopolitical trap designed to force neutral countries to uphold Western containment strategies.

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Shipping containers are stacked in April at Port Klang on the outskirts of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Photo: AP
Asean

Opinion | In its year under Malaysia, Asean tried to set systemic reform in motion

Despite grumbles about loss of focus and misgivings about the longevity of new networks, Malaysia, ironically, perhaps didn’t go far enough.

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Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim hands the gavel over to Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jnr at the closing ceremony of the 47th Asean summit in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, on October 28. The Philippines takes over as Asean chair on January 1. Photo: Xinhua
US-China relations

Editorial | Xi makes clear Taiwan belongs to China in post-war world order

Hopefully, countries – including Japan – will get the message following call with Trump, and geopolitical tensions will ease.

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China-Japan relations

Why China took Japan criticism to UN twice but did not raise it at G20

Analysts say Beijing views the UN as a platform to ‘anchor’ its position on Taiwan, particularly because it offers a wider reach.

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US-China relations

Beijing says US initiated ‘positive, friendly and constructive’ Trump-Xi call

Trump hails ‘extremely strong’ relationship with Beijing after call covering bilateral relations, Taiwan, Ukraine, fentanyl and agriculture.

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US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping spoke on the telephone on Monday. Photo: AFP
Australia

Australian poll reveals rising concerns over US influence, trade tactics

According to the poll, 57 per cent of Australians believe Washington would force Canberra to pick sides in its rivalry with Beijing.

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US President Donald Trump (left) with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese at the White House in Washington DC last month. Photo: Xinhua
South China Sea

Opinion | How does China’s modernising navy stack up against the US seventh fleet?

Between what the US can sustain in the region vs what China can concentrate near its shores, the calculation increasingly favours Beijing.

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US-China relations

Why China studies scholars in the West have been left in ‘crisis’ mode

US-China tensions, restricted access and Western-centric thinking seen as key obstacles to gaining ‘full picture of modern China’.

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Thailand

Exclusive | Thailand’s top diplomat calls for Asean to rethink non-interference principle

In an exclusive interview, Thai Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow argues Asean’s consensus model needs reform amid US-China rivalry.

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Thailand’s Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow speaks on the sidelines of the 47th Asean Summit in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, on October 26. Photo: Reuters
Asean

Opinion | How Asean quietly became China’s buffer against US tariffs

China and Asean now have a lawful way to cushion tariffs by shifting where value is added, how it is recorded and which standards to meet.

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US-China relations

Modelling of Taiwan war shows US could recruit Australia, Japan for sanctions

‘Sanctions alone are unlikely to deter’ Beijing but economic tools should be part of ‘broader contingency planning’, Rand says.

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Cambodia

Trump ending Cambodia weapons ban slammed as ‘beyond reckless’

A lawmaker said the president has ‘upended US policy towards Cambodia with no regard for US national security or our values’.

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Cambodian military vehicles prepare to withdraw from border areas in Preah Vihear province on Saturday after the country signed a peace deal with Thailand. Photo: EPA/AKP
The Philippines

South China Sea: does new US-Philippine task force mark turning point in ties?

The task force aims to enhance interoperability and crisis responses of American and Filipino troops, particularly in the disputed sea.

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US Secretary of Defence Pete Hegseth (right) with his Philippine counterpart Gilberto Teodoro at the Asean Defence Ministers’ Meeting in Kuala Lumpur on Saturday. Hegseth has said Task Force Philippines is another step in the allies’ cooperation. Photo: AFP
China trade

China pushes for trilateral trade pact with Japan, South Korea amid US tension

Divergent interests, new governments and Washington’s influence complicate Beijing’s efforts to forge deeper economic ties with Japan and South Korea.

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US-China relations

China, US to revive military channels but more steps deemed essential for trust

US and China agree to ‘set up military-to-military channels to deconflict and de-escalate any problems that arise’, Hegseth says in post.

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US-China relations

US does not seek conflict, Hegseth says in meeting with Chinese defence minister

A day after the Xi-Trump summit in South Korea, defence chiefs meet in Malaysia – and this time Taiwan is on the agenda.

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US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth met Chinese Defence Minister Dong Jun on the sidelines of the Asean Defence Ministers’ Meeting Plus. Photo: X/Secretary of War Pete Hegseth
South Korea

Trump says South Korea has approval to build nuclear-powered submarine

The technology is widely regarded as some of the most sensitive and highly guarded information the US military possesses.

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US Navy officers stand aboard the Virginia-class fast-attack submarine USS Minnesota in Rockingham, Australia, in February. Photo: AFP
China economy

Xi readies China for endless tech war ahead of Trump meeting

Technological self-reliance was a key focus of recommendations for China’s 15th five-year plan issued as Xi Jinping and Donald Trump prepare to meet on Thursday.

US-China trade war

Chinese envoy calls for ‘shared prosperity’ as possible Xi-Trump summit approaches

China’s ambassador in Washington frames expected meeting as an opportunity for cooperation rather than confrontation.

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