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Why China may be better placed than US in tussle for rare earths

Trump’s new national security blueprint aims to combat China’s rise in Latin America

Deloitte says Hong Kong primed as treasury hub for China’s go-global push

From railways to Labubus: China’s businesses and their 50-year trip abroad

Belt and Road Initiative

How ‘Trump shock’ shapes world order and affects China

Illustration: Henry Wong


News

China

A battle is playing out over Congolese cobalt. China is well ahead

Illustration: Pearl Law

US mining giant Freeport-McMoRan sold its stake in the Tenke Fungurume Mine to Chinese firm CMOC in 2016. Photo: Reuters

Congolese President Félix Tshisekedi wants the US to intervene to end the conflict. Photo: AP

DR Congo produces about 70 per cent of the global supply of cobalt. Photo: AFP

Cobalt is needed to make the batteries used in electric vehicles and phones. Photo: TNS

Rivalry for critical minerals is intensifying, but observer says US ‘doesn’t offer viable alternative’ to Chinese investments in DR Congo.


Trump cut off aid to South Africa. Will it tilt the balance in China’s favour?

 Illustration: Lau Ka-kuen

White South Africans supporting US President Donald Trump and tech billionaire Elon Musk hold a protest in front of the United States embassy in Pretoria on February 15. Photo: AFP

Washington’s ‘self-centred foreign policy’ may push Pretoria and others closer to Beijing, observer says.


As Trump turns world order upside down, could China’s belt and road lead the way?

Illustration: Henry Wong

It is China’s moment to shine as the US disrupts the post-World War II order, but there may be challenges ahead, analysts say.


Donald Trump has been upending the global order since his return to the White House in January. We examine America’s drive for resources and the effects of cuts to US aid overseas and strategic opportunities for China.


Series