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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.
South Korean President Lee Jae-myung speaks on the phone at the presidential office in Seoul earlier this month. Photo: South Korean Presidential Office / EPA-EFE
South Korea

Talks over threats: South Korea tries a new tack to sway its nuclear neighbour

From halting border broadcasts to urging diplomacy, South Korea’s new president is making tangible gestures to de-escalate tensions.

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Taiwan

My Take | Nato chief calls Trump ‘daddy’ as he makes Beijing the bogeyman

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China-Middle East relations

Boom goes the deal? China’s Iran investments under fire, but Middle East beckons

US-China trade war

Trump: US to tell countries ‘what they have to pay’; China, India deals coming

US president also announces halt to talks with Canada, calling it a ‘very difficult country to trade with’.

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US President Donald Trump at the White House on Friday discussing a timetable for tariffs. Photo: Getty Images/TNS
Israel-Iran conflict

Trump says he’ll bomb Iran again if nuclear activities start

The US president said he saved Supreme Leader Khamenei from assassination and lashed out at him for not saying ‘thank you’.

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Africa

Rwanda and DR Congo sign peace deal, as Trump cheers mineral rights for US

The US-brokered agreement raises hopes for an end to the fighting that has killed thousands and displaced hundreds of thousands more.

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Vietnam

Opinion | Hanoi’s NPT nomination proves the success of ‘bamboo diplomacy’

After years of steady global engagement, Vietnam has emerged as a stabilising force that can effectively promote world peace.

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Communist Party of Vietnam General Secretary To Lam attends a press conference in Hanoi on August 3, 2024. Photo: AFP
South China Sea

Philippines and Malaysia navies renew close ties, sidestep maritime claims

Relations between the two countries have been tested over the Malaysian state of Sabah and Manila’s maritime laws.

China-Africa relations

Opinion | Why Egypt is welcoming China with open arms instead of the US

Beijing offers not only the expertise needed for economic growth but also an equal partnership – delivering results without imposing conditions.

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Japan

My Take | Who are these ‘like-minded countries’ politicians are talking about?

Once used to describe ‘the West’, the term has seen expanded usage recently.

G7 Leaders pose for the traditional family photo during the June 16 summit in Kananaskis. Photo: dpa
Hong Kong national security law

Hong Kong’s new bounce, 5 years post-national security law

There are signs that the city has bounced back, but worsening US-China tensions keep storm clouds lingering.

Illustration: Lau Ka-kuen
Japan

Nato shelves Tokyo office plan. Is China too powerful to provoke?

Analysts say the decision could be a missed opportunity to formalise Japan’s role as a trusted partner in global security.

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Ukraine war

EU leaders agree to prolong sanctions on Russia for 6 months

Decision includes the freezing of more than US$234 billion in Russian central bank assets and will remain in force until at least early 2026.

Quadrilateral Security Dialogue

Marco Rubio to welcome Asian Quad counterparts back to Washington

US secretary of state will host foreign ministers from Australia, India and Japan on Tuesday in a refocus on Asia, State Department said.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio at Joint Base Andrews, Maryland on Wednesday. Photo: AP
Hong Kong politics

Outgoing US envoy says little chance to meet Hong Kong officials during term

US Consul General Gregory May’s remarks prompt rebuttal from local government, which accused envoy of ‘completely disregarding rule of law’.

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US Consul General Gregory May’s tenure has been marked by the erosion of bilateral ties between the US and Hong Kong following the enactment of the city’s national security law in 2020 and the wider geopolitical struggle between Washington and Beijing. Photo: AFP
Israel-Iran conflict

China hosts Iran defence minister and others on warship, condemns ‘hegemony’

Iranian Defence Minister Aziz Nasirzadeh tours Type 052D destroyer Kaifeng, thanks Beijing for ‘supporting Iran’s legitimate position’.

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China-EU relations

Rare earths, Taiwan discussed as Wang Yi meets EU envoys at Polish embassy

Gathering comes ahead of European leaders’ summit in Beijing with President Xi Jinping to mark 50 years of diplomatic ties.

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Law

Legal Tales | Interstate mediation in a multipolar world: how can Hong Kong best play a role?

Hosting the International Organization for Mediation is a strong first step for Hong Kong on the road to providing a lasting contribution to international law.

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The International Organization for Mediation is based in Hong Kong. Photo: Dickson Lee
Israel-Iran conflict

CIA says US bombing set Iran’s nuclear programme back for ‘years’

The US spy agency cited new intelligence, in a statement supporting Trump’s claim that the facilities had been completely destroyed.

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Vladimir Putin

Putin to skip Brics summit in Brazil due to ICC arrest warrant

The Russian leader, who is accused of the war crime of deporting hundreds of children from Ukraine, will take part via video link instead.

Ukraine war

Trump mulls more Patriots for Ukraine, says Putin ‘really has to end’ the war

The US president had a 50-minute talk with Zelensky, who wore a suit-style jacket after his attire at a previous meeting drew criticism.

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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky (left) and US President Donald Trump shake hands during a meeting on the sidelines of the Nato summit in The Hague on Wednesday. Photo: Ukrainian Presidential Services via EPA
War and conflict

Opinion | How an overstretched US could clear space for China’s global rise

As the US gambles on swift military might to advance its interests, China navigates a treacherous diplomatic landscape with hard choices.

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Illustration: Craig Stephens
Britain

King Charles to host Trump in second UK state visit later this year

This makes Trump the US president the first elected political leader in modern times to be hosted for two state visits by a British monarch.

China manufacturing

China urging private firms to invest more in cross-border infrastructure

Finance minister, speaking at Asia Infrastructure Investment Bank meeting, says more mobilisation of private capital could help overcome bottleneck of insufficient public investment for infrastructure.

Japan

‘Tactical move’: Japan just cancelled key US security talks. Why?

Behind the scenes, analysts say a quiet push for domestic stability shaped Tokyo’s surprising diplomatic manoeuvre.

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US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth and Japan’s Defence Minister Gen Nakatani at the Shangri-La Dialogue security summit in Singapore on May 31. Photo: Reuters
Donald Trump

‘Dear Donald’: Trump airs Nato chief’s gushing private message

Mark Rutte exposed as flatterer-in-chief in private message to the US president.

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Nato Secretary General Mark Rutte. Photo: AFP
China-Middle East relations

Opinion | China’s partnership with Muslim world is redrawing global landscape

Once seen as unlikely partners, this axis is now grounded in respect, sovereignty and a shared aspiration for a post-Western world order.

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Donald Trump

Trump rattles Nato allies as he descends on summit

The US president refused to commit to the alliance’s mutual defence vow, as Washington warns it may shift focus to the threat from China.

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