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The millions of new users who flocked to RedNote ahead of the TikTok ban show that China’s soft power can come in different forms.
Despite Asean’s call to prioritise peace over a sham election, Myanmar’s military rulers appear bent on clinging to power no matter the cost.
Just as ties seemed to be on the mend, a US$137 billion hydropower behemoth on the Yarlung Tsangpo River threatens to muddy the waters.
By dispatching its foreign minister to the event, Tokyo seems intent on asserting its influence – and avoiding being upstaged by Beijing.
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As New Delhi voices concerns for Hindu rights in Bangladesh while sheltering the ousted Sheikh Hasina, accusations of meddling run rife.
The assessment by analysts comes after US President Joe Biden blocked Nippon Steel Corp’s US$14.9 billion bid for US Steel Corp.
The decision reflects Colombo’s efforts to stay non-aligned as it juggles India’s security concerns with China’s growing influence.
The US$700 million deal would make Vietnam the second nation in the region to acquire the supersonic cruise missiles after the Philippines.
Kim Jong-un’s outreach to Moscow and the absence of greetings for Xi Jinping suggest Pyongyang is exploiting Russia’s need for support while testing Beijing.
Vietnam’s delay in joining Brics reflects its balance between strengthening ties with the US and the potential benefits of aligning with a bloc seen as a US counterweight.
Australia has signed deals with the Solomon Islands, Nauru and Papua New Guinea in moves seen as securing its clout as the Pacific leader.
Beijing may also see a potential new administration in Seoul as an avenue to improve ties between both sides, analysts say.
The move comes as Cambodia-China ties might have stalled due to Beijing holding up funding for Phnom Penh and concerns about scam centres.
From climate change to political storms and a Taylor Swift world tour, Asia in 2024 was characterised by turbulence and surprises.
The inclusion of public security alongside diplomacy and defence in their new dialogue mechanism has piqued analysts’ interest.
Analysts believe the meeting, held before a scheduled meeting with current Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, could be a tactic to pressure him to uphold ties with the US.
The impeachment of President Yoon Suk-yeol leaves an interim leader with a ‘tainted cabinet’ to grapple with rising diplomatic challenges.
Analysts say New Delhi also fears extremists exploiting the collapse of Assad’s regime to rally support for Islamic militancy.
Seoul’s global reputation has been dented as analysts warn of the adverse impact on multiple fronts after Yoon Suk-yeol’s martial law saga.
When the Ream Naval Base’s revamp is completed, analysts say China could get preferential access and increase its regional presence.
In this week’s issue of the Global Impact newsletter, we recap the latest in the South China Sea.
The International Criminal Court’s actions could serve to isolate Min Aung Hlaing, but analysts question whether he will be arrested.
Tokyo has demanded the return of its citizens abducted by North Korea over the decades but any breakthrough on the issue is unlikely.
Analysts warn nations to consider the risks of joining Brics, which could bring economic gains but may alienate the US and lead to trade barriers.
Seoul’s lawmakers are calling for President Yoon Suk-yeol’s resignation or impeachment after his failed attempt to impose martial law.
It’s unlikely in the short term, but observers suggest the return of a key figure behind past summits hints at a possible revival.
Analysts warn that Chinese personnel could be caught in the conflict, while the move further complicates efforts to secure control of key economic areas.
The appearance of a Chinese boat in Vietnam’s waters following the deal is not a coincidence, an analyst says.
In this week’s issue of the Global Impact newsletter, we look at how the Trump administration will fare across a much-changed political landscape in Asia.
With thousands of North Korean troops deployed to support Moscow, Japan’s commitment to Ukraine is being put to the test like never before.
