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Diplomacy

Diplomacy
Latest news, features and analysis on global diplomatic relations, with a focus on China’s international ties – especially with the US, its Asian neighbours and the European Union.
A protester holds the flags of Canada and the United States on Parliament Hill in Ottawa, Canada, on February 1. Photo: The Canadian Press via AP
Donald Trump

Outside In | Outraged by Trump, Canada scrambles to define what makes a nation

Threatened with annexation, Canadians reluctant to be absorbed nevertheless find it hard to say what distinguishes them from Americans.

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South China Sea

As Hegseth visits Manila, Beijing warns against meddling in South China Sea

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North Korea

Declassified 1994 files show how diplomats doubted North Korea’s ‘goofy’ Kim Jong-il

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Asean

Philippines pulls Asean card on East Timor over extradition row. Will it work?

Manila is seeking the extradition of Arnolfo Teves Jnr, a former politician, who is facing murder and other charges.

Prime Minister of East Timor Xanana Gusmao (far right) poses for a photo at the 14th Asean-UN Summit in Vientiane, Laos, last year. Photo: Reuters
China's economic recovery

Xi urges foreign firms to resist ‘acts that turn back the wheel of history’

Xi meets with business reps as China takes aim at unilateralism and protectionism while ramping up a charm offensive for foreign investors against the backdrop of two global conferences.

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Ukraine war

Putin proposes putting Ukraine under temporary UN control to hold elections

The Russian president also said Trump ‘sincerely’ wanted to end the long-running war.

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US-China relations

Opinion | US treatment of Indo-Pacific allies could de-escalate ties with China

Donald Trump is likely to keep projecting power in Asia but his focus on other priorities will reshape regional dynamics.

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US President Donald Trump waves to the press as he leaves a luncheon in Washington, on March 12. Photo: AP
Canada

Era of close ties with US ‘over’, Canada PM says, as Trump asks to talk

Mark Carney says he expects to speak to the US president in ‘a day or two’, and that Canada will retaliate against planned US car tariffs.

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Donald Trump

Trump withdraws UN envoy pick Elise Stefanik amid Congress majority fears

Republicans control the US House by a slim margin, and the departure of the firebrand congresswoman would make it even harder to pass laws.

China-EU relations

EU trade commissioner says bloc seeks to deepen cooperation with China

Maros Sefcovic, in Beijing meeting with Vice-Premier He Lifeng, signals European Union’s softening tone toward engagement with China.

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Chinese Vice-Premier He Lifeng with European trade commissioner Maros Sefcovic are seen in Beijing on Thursday. Photo: Xinhua
Vladimir Putin

Trump’s plan to take over Greenland is ‘serious’, Putin says

The Russian leader is concerned that Nato countries could use the Arctic as a springboard for future conflicts.

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Russian President Vladimir Putin gives a speech at the International Arctic Forum in Murmansk on Thursday. Photo: AFP
Ukraine war

Not all European allies agree on troops for Ukraine: Macron

France and Britain, which are driving the initiative, would forge ahead with a ‘reassurance force’ with several countries.

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Hong Kong politics

Fourth Beijing warning for Li Ka-shing’s Hutchison over Panama ports deal

Beijing’s offices overseeing Hong Kong affairs repost another scathing news article taking aim at company over sale to US consortium.

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TV shows and streaming video

Addictive China micro-dramas show how commercial demand fuels netcasting boom

The head of China’s body overseeing film and TV calls micro-dramas a ‘new growth pillar for China’s online audio and video industry’, with growing influence overseas.

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A man uses his mobile device at a mall in Beijing. The surging popularity of China’s micro-dramas often keep people glued to their screens. Photo: AFP
United States

Letters | An unpredictable US could inspire Europe and Asia’s democracies to unite

Readers discuss a possible response to the uncertainty sparked by the Trump administration, and US-China relations.

US President Donald Trump meets with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy as US Vice-President JD Vance reacts at the White House in Washington on February 28. Photo: Reuters
China-EU relations

In China, EU trade chief to play hardball after Trump tariff rebuff

EU officials experienced on China have insisted in planning meetings that no concessions should be made to Beijing.

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Hong Kong economy

Exclusive | Hutchison, government in talks to see if there’s any way out as deadline nears

Sources say Hong Kong government approached Hutchison immediately after learning on March 4 about the surprise deal to sell its port operations.

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Japan

‘Impossible to keep up’: Japan ‘stunned’ by Trump trade threats, false claims

Analysts fear this disinformation will strain the US-Japan alliance, risking economic uncertainty, especially in the auto sector.

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US President Donald Trump holds up a signed executive order. Photo: Reuters
China-EU relations

China, Europe ‘share same worry’ about unilateralist forces: ESM director

In China as part of a finance-focused delegation, director of European Stability Mechanism says the two regions are aligned in bid to stabilise international finance.

Canada

Canada PM Carney calls Trump car tariffs a ‘direct attack’ on his country

The prime minister says his government will defend Canadian workers and companies, and the US president’s trade war is hurting Americans.

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US-China relations

China hails US YouTube star who gets 10 million views in Beijing, Shanghai

Influencer is seen praising the people who greeted him enthusiastically, clean streets and internet connectivity on the subway.

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US YouTuber IShowSpeed with his fans in Vietnam. Photo: X/iShowSpeedHQ
US-China relations

As Trump’s policies create divisions, G7 plays the ‘China card’ for unity

As ‘America first’ pressures G7 unity, Western moves to divert Washington’s hostility could be short-lived if US-China relations improve.

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Illustration: Pearl Law
Donald Trump

Trump presses ahead with 25% car tariffs, ratcheting up trade war

Trump’s move is expected to drive up vehicle prices and send shock waves through the industry worldwide.

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US-China relations

Opinion | Why the US could lose more ground in Southeast Asia

While the US remains Asean’s biggest investor, its investment in core infrastructure is limited. Meanwhile, China makes its presence felt.

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United States

Trump’s top diplomat says adding journalist to war chat was ‘big mistake’

Meanwhile, billionaire Elon Musk has offered his tech experts to help investigate the incident, the White House says.

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US Secretary of State Marco Rubio speaks during a press conference in Kingston, Jamaica, on Wednesday. Photo: AFP
US-China relations

Editorial | China offers stability in a world roiled by rising trade tensions

Premier Li Qiang has reassured major CEOs from around the world that the nation remains open for business despite Donald Trump’s tariff threats.

Chinese Premier Li Qiang attends the opening ceremony of the China Development Forum 2025 in Beijing on Sunday. Photo: Xinhua
Donald Trump

Vance’s Greenland trip puts spotlight on US space base at the top of the world

The remote Arctic facility protects the US against threats from Russia – the shortest route for Moscow’s missiles is via the North Pole.

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Donald Trump

Trump insists US must have Greenland, as Vance trip stokes anger

Plans for the US vice-president’s visit have already been scaled down amid backlash from local and Danish authorities.

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