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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.
last updated:
9 September, 2024
Canada’s Prime Minister Justin Trudeau (right) with Yukon Premier Ranj Pillai in Ottawa on December 3. Photo: Reuters
Canada

With Trudeau busy, Canada’s regional leaders court Trump to avert trade war

Yukon Premier Ranj Pillai met the US president-elect’s eldest son in North Carolina to share data on bilateral trade deficit.

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Taiwan

Former Taiwan leader emphasises shared roots of island and mainland Chinese

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Japan

Will a firm US stance on Diaoyu Islands be too ‘provocative’ for Japan?

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South China Sea

Beijing urged to strengthen legal talent pool in South China Sea dispute

A workshop in Beijing heard that the country needs to boost its legal talent pool as Manila threatens action in the international courts.

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Chinese and Philippine coastguards have clashed repeatedly this year. Photo: Reuters
China-EU relations

How friendly will Europe’s right wing be to Trump on China? It’s complicated

Leaders like Viktor Orban of Hungary and Giorgia Meloni of Italy embrace US president-elect but may not hold with his entire agenda.

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Middle East

Syria says armed groups agree to disband, merge under defence ministry

The move aims to unify the country after years of civil war.

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Ukraine war

Ukraine war: Zelensky thanks China for supporting territorial integrity

Ukraine urges China to leverage influence and ‘a strong voice’ regarding participation of North Korean soldiers in conflict: statement.

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The Chinese ambassador to Ukraine Ma Shengkun is pictured in Kyiv with the ambassadors of Saudi Arabia Mohammed bin Abdulaziz bin Saleh Al-Barakah and Serbia, Andon Sapundzi. Photo: Handout
Indonesia

What Erdogan’s summit walkout could mean for Prabowo, Indonesia-Turkey ties

Officials deny speculation of a rift even as analysts note Prabowo’s ‘diplomatic gaffe’ could indicate possible missteps in foreign policy.

Donald Trump

‘It’s hard to tell’: is Trump serious about Greenland, Panama Canal?

Experts say US president-elect’s rhetoric could be a ‘message’ for China, which has increased its influence in Latin America and the Arctic.

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North Korea

Revolution, elections and a baby hippo, this was the year in Asia

From climate change to political storms and a Taylor Swift world tour, Asia in 2024 was characterised by turbulence and surprises.

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Students and other activists carry Bangladesh’s national flag during a protest march to mark one month since former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina stepped down after a mass uprising, in Dhaka, Bangladesh, on September 5. Photo: AP
China economy

My Take | China’s extended visa-free tourist stays drive momentum for opening

Its latest foreign-visitor policy shows that China is willing to be pragmatic, rather than adhering strictly to ideologies.

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Tourists from Spain in Shanghai. Photo: Xinhua
China-India relations

Opinion | Besides the border, 4 issues obstruct warmer China-India ties

Both nations share similarities but also sharp differences in how they see the international order, its future, multipolarity and the Global South.

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Science

China-born biologist Wang Cunyu returns from decades in US to head institute

Wang was recognised by Science magazine in 1996 for his work on cancer cell death.

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Nordic nations

Sweden says China denied request to probe ship linked to cut undersea cables

Sweden’s assertion contradicts Beijing’s earlier promise of ‘cooperation’.

Chinese bulk carrier Yi Peng 3 is anchored in the sea of Kattegat, near the city of Grenaa in Jutland, Denmark on November 20. Photo: AP
Donald Trump

Trump wants to buy Greenland again, Denmark says it’s still ‘not for sale’

Trump believes Greenland’s strategic location, home to a US airbase and a radar station, is crucial for national defence, particularly in light of the Ukraine war.

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Donald Trump has reignited his 2019 bid to buy Greenland, claiming it’s vital for US national security. Photo: Reuters
India

How US sanctions on Pakistan could be a ‘net advantage for India’

Recent sanctions are further evidence of Pakistan’s relative decline in importance in the US, analysts note.

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China-Middle East relations

China’s diplomatic clout in Mideast at risk as threats build around ally Iran

Trump factor and fall of Assad in Syria will force nations, including China, to reassess ties.

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US-China relations

China is making it easier for Americans to visit, but where is the big uptick?

Even as the US lowers travel warning for mainland and China loosens visa rules, exchanges are at risk.

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A Chinese police officer helps an American visitor fill in an entry registration card, at the Beijing Capital International Airport in July. Photo: Xinhua
Hong Kong culture

Beijing-Paris ties on display in Hong Kong show of silk, porcelain and diplomacy

Versailles and Forbidden City joint exhibition a sign of past exchanges and possible future strengthening of ties, experts say.

Belt and Road Initiative

Opinion | China’s ties with Global South show a different world order is possible

With an emphasis on equity and sustainability, Beijing’s cooperation with developing countries goes beyond mere infrastructure projects.

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Vladimir Putin

Putin meets Slovakia’s Fico, in rare visit to Russia by an EU leader

The leaders discussed the future of Russian natural gas deliveries, and the conflict in Ukraine.

Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico and Russian President Vladimir Putin. Photo: Sputnik via AP
Donald Trump

Trump threatens to retake control of Panama Canal unless deal reached on rates

US president-elect also warned of potential Chinese influence on the passage, saying the canal should not be managed by China.

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Incoming US president Donald Trump slammed what he called unfair fees for US ships passing through the Panama Canal and threatened to demand control of the waterway be returned to Washington. File photo: AFP
Xi Jinping

Opinion | Trump wants China’s Xi at his inauguration – to help broker peace in Ukraine?

The US president-elect’s unusual invitation to Xi Jinping came after he’d said ‘China can help’ end the Ukraine war.

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Vietnam

‘Very striking’: China and Vietnam tighten ties in a ‘3+3’ strategic pivot

The inclusion of public security alongside diplomacy and defence in their new dialogue mechanism has piqued analysts’ interest.

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Donald Trump

You’re hired! Trump taps Apprentice producer Mark Burnett as special UK envoy

The show presented Trump Tower to millions of people as a symbol of power and success before Trump launched his first presidential campaign.

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US President Donald Trump (right) talks to television producer Mark Burnett during the National Prayer Breakfast in Washington in February 2017. Photo: AP
South China Sea

To keep calm in the South China Sea, Beijing reaches for the bilateral playbook

China’s often-used bilateral consultation mechanism doesn’t always work, but it does help defuse conflicts, experts say.

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Beijing uses bilateral consultation mechanisms with its South China Sea rivals to keep relations calm. Photo: Weibo
Middle East

Opinion | Fall of Syria’s Assad narrows China’s diplomatic space in the Middle East

There is too much power in the hands of the US and regional actors like Turkey for China to play a key role.

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Israel-Gaza war

Hamas, 2 other Palestinian groups say Gaza ceasefire deal ‘closer than ever’

A Hamas leader said talks had made ‘significant and important progress’.

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