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Global South

Global South
The latest news, analysis and opinion on Global South. In-depth analysis, industry insights and expert opinion.
Illustration: Henry Wong
US-China relations

Why has China set up a new Hong Kong-based international mediation body?

The International Organisation for Mediation may be a sign of Beijing’s hopes to reshape the global order with help from the Global South.

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Indonesia

Putin hosts Indonesia’s Prabowo in Russia in bid to deepen ties

Hong Kong courts

Hong Kong’s mediation centre open to developed nations, Western countries

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Brics

Vietnam officially joins Brics as ‘partner country’, Brazil announces

Southeast Asian country’s ‘dynamic economy’ touted as the group of emerging economies widens its agenda urging a more inclusive global order.

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Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh has forged closer ties with Brics, an association of leading emerging economies. Photo: AFP
US-China relations

EU in Latin America touts itself as ‘just’ partner amid US-China rivalry

Speaking in Brazil and aiming bloc’s message at Global South, senior envoy also extols shared agenda for green and digital transition.

Diplomacy

Opinion | Why democracy vs autocracy isn’t the definitive contest shaping the world

With unilateralism on the rise, the world is moving towards a situation where no power is willing to take on the mantle of global leadership.

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Diplomacy

Is China’s promise of a new world order a self-serving power play?

As Beijing pitches its multipolar vision, wary potential partners may recalculate their hedges rather than shift alliances, experts say.

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Illustration: Lau Ka-kuen
US-China relations

My Take | Will a calmer approach to US-China relations work out for Beijing?

The country’s ambassador to Washington Xie Feng has adopted a less assertive approach than some of his predecessors.

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Hong Kong politics

Wang Yi ushers in new era of China-led mediation with Hong Kong-based legal body

Chinese foreign minister says organisation will transcend ‘you-lose-I-win’ zero-sum mindsets and improve representation of Global South.

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Religion

Opinion | Pope Leo stands as a counterpoint to Trump’s polarising leadership

Despite reservations about his US background, Leo’s ties to the Global South and support for the marginalised have won him global acceptance.

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Newly elected Pope Leo XIV waves to faithful and pilgrims gathered in St Peter’s Square shortly after his election, on May 8, 2025. Photo: Vatican Media via AP
China-Russia relations

Opinion | Why China and Russia are playing up their World War II legacies

Beijing and Moscow are crafting an interpretation of world affairs that directly challenges that of their rivals.

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Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping attend the Victory Day military parade at Red Square in Moscow, on May 9. Photo: AFP
US-China trade war

China, Brazil agree to defend multipolar world order amid Trump tariff turmoil

Xi Jinping hails ‘cordial’ talks with Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, as both sides call for direct talks to end Ukraine war.

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US-China trade war

China expected to ramp up soybean imports from Brazil amid trade war: analysts

As Latin American leaders gather in Beijing, the mainland wants to diversify imports – creating opportunities for the region, experts say.

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China-Russia relations

China’s Xi Jinping readies for ‘mutual trust’ mission with Putin in Russia

The Chinese president will be in Moscow this week for the anniversary of the Soviet victory over Nazi Germany.

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Russian President Vladimir Putin (right) and Chinese President Xi Jinping will meet again in Moscow this week. Photo: AP
United States

Opinion | Trump’s unpredictability and a fractured US are a dangerous mix

As Trump erratically escalates trade tensions with China and the Global South, his domestic behaviour only adds to geopolitical uncertainty.

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Illustration: Craig Stephens
US-China trade war

How Trump deal, Pakistan could derail India’s warming China ties

Analysts say India’s tariff negotiations with the US and conflict with neighbour could also complicate Beijing’s push in Global South.

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US-China relations

Opinion | US vs China: who can endure a trade war longer?

While Trump assumes that China’s trade surplus with the US makes it inherently vulnerable, Beijing appears unfazed.

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Banking & finance

Macroscope | Trump threatening the Fed shows where political risks really lie

The erosion of governance standards in the US shows advanced markets have more consequential political risks than many emerging economies.

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US Federal Reserve chair Jerome Powell speaks to the press in Washington, on September 18, 2024. US President Donald Trump has accused the Fed of dragging its feet in loosening monetary policy. Photo: Reuters
Pope Francis

Opinion | The world has lost a pope dedicated to the poor and the planet

From promoting climate justice to supporting migrants, Pope Francis genuinely practised the ‘preferential option for the poor’.

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US-China relations

‘Complacent’ US risks losing out to China in Global South tech race, report says

Washington risks ‘falling behind’ in the race to shape advanced technology if it does not engage with developing countries, report warns.

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US-China relations

China fires back after US official takes swipe at aid to Global South

Beijing tells Washington to stop sowing discord after US treasury secretary accuses China of signing ‘rapacious deals’ with developing world.

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US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent speaks outside the White House in Washington on March 13. Bessent took aim at China’s currency swap deal with Argentina in an interview earlier this week. Photo: TNS
US-China trade war

Will Trump’s tariffs force Global South to show ‘true colours’ on US and China?

Beijing’s ties with developing world to face test as Washington may push countries to take tougher China stance, analysts say.

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US President Donald Trump pumps his fist after announcing reciprocal tariffs on American trade partners at the White House in Washington on April 2. Photo: AFP
China-India relations

Opinion | Void left by US aid cuts could be vital test for China-India detente

As the world struggles to send aid to Myanmar, New Delhi and Beijing have a chance to emerge as leaders in humanitarian relief.

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US-China relations

Open Questions | Ex-CIA official Dennis Wilder on why US-Europe rift is ‘highly exaggerated’

The national security specialist and former CIA official on US-China ties and the group chat discussion that shocked the world.

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US-China relations

Open Questions | Xi-Trump meeting is ‘far away’: former CIA official says China needs to take steps on fentanyl

Dennis Wilder says China needs to stop using the fentanyl issue as a political card. He says that before Trump and Xi meet, negotiations are in order and that the US stance towards Taiwan hasn’t changed.

Xi-Trump meeting is ‘far away’: former CIA official says China needs to take positive steps on fentanyl
US-China relations

Global South can count on China as old world order crumbles under Trump: analyst

Zheng Yongnian is pessimistic about state of the West, but says the Chinese model of collective development could mean progress for all.

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Zheng Yongnian, dean of the school of public policy at the Chinese University of Hong Kong’s Shenzhen campus, at the Boao Forum in Hainan province, southern China, on Wednesday. Photo: Handout
Russia

Global South must lead world economy as US retreats, Boao Forum told

At annual gathering in south China, experts call for developed world to unite and build new economic system as Trump threatens trade.

Ukraine war

China, Brazil back US-led push for ceasefire in Ukraine war

Endorsement follows meeting in New York led by two countries’ UN ambassadors amid ‘potential turning point’.

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