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Central Asia
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Central Asia

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Central Asia
Central Asia
News from Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Afghanistan.
Illustration: Henry Wong
China-Russia relations

Is the Irtysh River the choke-free Arctic shipping gateway that China needs?

A proposed Irtysh route could link China to the Arctic, but political and natural barriers would have to be overcome.

China-Russia relations

Xi, Putin to meet in Bishkek for Power of Siberia 2 talks: Kremlin

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US-China relations

Uzbekistan tests US-China AI rift with bid to join rival tech bloc

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Malaysia

Why Malaysia’s push for 15 million Muslim tourists is no sure thing

With disruption to long-haul flights, Malaysia may not draw more Muslim visitors at the expense of the travel hubs in Dubai and Doha.

A view of Kuala Lumpur’s city skyline. Photo: Shutterstock
Hong Kong politics

Hong Kong lawmaker urges firms to expand into emerging markets amid US visa pause

Jonathan Lamport tells SCMP the local business community is closely monitoring whether business visa processing, approvals will be affected.

Kazakhstan

Kazakhstan election: party linked to president wins landslide

The Adilet party secured a sweeping victory with over 71 per cent of votes as Tokayev says he has the legal right to seek re-election.

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Cathay Pacific

Cathay Pacific to launch direct flights between Hong Kong and Almaty in January

Airline will operate the only non-stop service between Hong Kong and Kazakhstan’s largest city three times a week, with economy fares from HK$2,296.

Cathay Pacific will launch three weekly direct flights between Hong Kong and Almaty in Kazakhstan in January. Photo: Getty Images
Hong Kong transport

Mable Chan uses Qatar Airways office opening to drop Central Asia route reveal

SCMP has learned that Cathay Pacific Airways is the airline behind plans to launch direct route to Almaty, Kazakhstan.

SCO

China-led SCO, a counterweight to the West

The 10-nation Shanghai Cooperation Organisation convenes in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, for its annual summit on August 31.

China-Russia relations

In Focus | Why the Arctic sea route has become so important for China and Russia

Global shipping disruptions, along with oil and gas projects, have added to the strategic value of the Northern Sea Route.

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Illustration: Davies Christian
India

Russia-India rail link plan: a ‘strategic’ shift in energy transport?

Moscow is eyeing a direct rail link to India, reflecting a scramble by major powers to build trade corridors beyond Hormuz, analysts say.

Vessels transit the Strait of Hormuz off Bandar Abbas in southern Iran on August 10. Photo: TNS
Afghanistan

Pakistan border sees 724 humanitarian trucks enter Afghanistan

Nearly 14 million Afghans are facing acute hunger after deadly earthquakes last year, several climate-related disasters this year and the return of millions of refugees.

Uzbekistan

Jim Rogers eyes up China’s yuan as he warns of a US market crash

Legendary investor lauds the yuan but says his cash holdings are still in US dollars because the Chinese currency lacks full convertibility.

China trade

China’s Central Asia push

China has become Central Asia’s top trading partner, with two-way trade surpassing US$100 billion last year on the back of increased oil and gas imports.

China’s Central Asia push
Afghanistan

2.4 million Afghan girls banned from schools 5 years after Taliban takeover: UN

The United Nations is urging an end to the ‘discriminatory’ Taliban policy that prevents girls from studying beyond primary school.

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Afghan girls at a primary school in Kabul. The Taliban does not permit girls to study beyond primary education. Photo: AFP
SCO

Opinion | The SCO is caught between regional weight and global ambitions

As the SCO marks its 25th anniversary, internal rifts as well as limited financial integration and security cooperation are holding it back.

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Hong Kong economy

Hong Kong commerce chief to lead joint local and mainland delegation to Malaysia

Algernon Yau says about 200 mainland enterprises have already set up offices in the city since last year to expand globally.

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Hong Kong economy

Hong Kong urged to be ‘super partner’ in businesses’ overseas expansion push

Chinese General Chamber of Commerce chief Jonathan Choi says city should invest and operate abroad, while urging annual review of first five-year plan.

The Chinese General Chamber of Commerce has urged Hong Kong to invest and operate overseas, not just connect businesses, as well as include an annual review of its first five-year plan to keep development on track. Photo: Jelly Tse
Hong Kong economy

Peter Lee’s family office signs Kazakhstan deal on green energy projects

Agreement covers sustainable aviation fuel, smart energy and storage projects, with Kazakh authorities to help identify sites, partners and regulatory approvals.

Japan

‘Grumpy’ Pallas kittens go on display at Japan zoo

The animals are believed to be one of the oldest living cat species.

Hong Kong economy

Editorial | Boosting trade with the Global South makes sense for Hong Kong

To help local and national firms go global, Hong Kong’s statutory trade office should foster links in regions with untapped opportunities.

A container ship sails through Hong Kong waters on April 2, 2025. Photo: AFP
Hong Kong economy

How Xinjiang offers Hong Kong a bridge to Central Asia — and what the risks are

Xinjiang’s transport links and proximity to Central Asia can help Hong Kong expand in region, but Western sanctions create hurdles, analysts say.

Zhao Xin owns of a 113-hectare cotton field in Shihezi, Xinjiang. Photo: Edith Lin
Science

Long before the Silk Road, silkworm cocoons already existed in Uzbekistan

Some 4,000 years ago, ancient people brought the production technique for the precious luxury from China to Central Asia via India.

Hong Kong economy

Exclusive | Family office of Henderson Land boss to fast-track Central Asia green energy plans

Managing partner of Peter Lee’s family office says firm is pressing ahead with investment projects such as sustainable aviation fuel.

Afghanistan

China tests Central Asian land corridors to bypass maritime chokepoints

New Afghanistan link via Uzbekistan highlights diversification push, but critics ask if Taliban can ensure security for stable logistics.

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Illustration: Brian Wang
Hong Kong economy

Hong Kong’s TDC to open Egypt office as it eyes African, Nordic markets

Trade Development Council has revamped corporate structure to better help firms in six new industry clusters, chairman Frederick Ma says.

A view of the Pyramids of Giza on the southwestern outskirts of the Egyptian capital Cairo. Photo: AFP
China trade

Beijing to upgrade railway freight services to Europe

Agreement to build first phase of a multifunctional terminal at Kuryk, a Kazakh port on the Caspian Sea, signed in Shanghai recently.

China economy

Opinion | China is growing its export channels with railways through Central Asia

Beijing is seeking to diversify its export channels as geopolitical tensions destabilise maritime trade hubs.

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