22 h. ago Civilian group hosts Taiwan tabletop simulation of attack from mainland China

A think tank in Taiwan has started a two-day war game with retired US and Japanese generals to simulate the island’s defence in the event of a military attack from the Chinese mainland. The Taipei School of Economics and Political Science Foundation, which organised the tabletop exercise, said the aim was to “identify the defence issues that Taiwan urgently needs to strengthen and provide recommendations for the government”. Described as the first operational-level military simulation by a...

Events

3 d. ago China as a global conflict mediator: from ambition to action

China has increasingly taken on the role of conflict mediator on the world stage – hosting negotiations, proposing peace plans and even deploying personnel to oversee ceasefires. Once reluctant to engage in United Nations peacekeeping activities, it now provides more troops than any other permanent member of the Security Council. These are dramatic shifts for a country that was once a staunch advocate of non-interference. As its economic and security interests now reach far beyond its borders,...

Events

3 d. ago China’s increased training of African military, arms sales and aid ‘concerns’ US

An increasing number of African military officers receiving training in China has concerned the Pentagon, with a top US military chief saying the PLA was replicating its training programmes for African personnel. Meanwhile, Beijing is expanding its footprint in Africa with a combination of military aid, training and arms sales in ways that experts warn could erode US influence. General Michael Langley, who leads the US Africa Command (AFRICOM), warned that China was replicating its training...

Events

4 d. ago With increasing pressure from the West, can Israel resist a China charm offensive?

With increasing pressure from the West, can Israel resist a China charm offensive?  Jewish Insider

Politics

5 d. ago Trump is increasingly hostile to China. He’s playing with fire

Trump is increasingly hostile to China. He’s playing with fire  CNN

Politics

5 d. ago RPT China increases scrutiny of rare earth magnets with new tracking system

RPT China increases scrutiny of rare earth magnets with new tracking system  Reuters

Politics

5 d. ago China increases scrutiny of rare earth magnets with new tracking system

China increases scrutiny of rare earth magnets with new tracking system  Reuters

Politics

6 d. ago China increases scrutiny over rare earth magnets with new tracking system

China increases scrutiny over rare earth magnets with new tracking system  Yahoo Finance

Politics

7 d. ago How is China ramping up controls on critical mineral exports amid row with US?

Parts of China that are rich in critical minerals are stepping up enforcement of tighter export controls as the country doubles down on its dominance of world supplies in the face of increasing pressure from the United States. China, the world’s biggest producer of critical minerals, supplies 92 per cent of the refined rare earth elements that are essential in the production of consumer electronics, electric vehicles and hi-tech defence systems. Its export controls mean companies must obtain...

Politics

7 d. ago Taiwan influencer who ate cosmetics dies, fans fear poisoning or heart attack

A young beauty products influencer in Taiwan known for niche videos in which she “consumed” cosmetics has died suddenly. Her death has sparked speculation on mainland China social media that she may have died from poisoning. The 24-year-old, known online as Guava Beauty, had gained more than 12,000 followers on one social media platform. She was well known for her sweet, youthful image and for posting creative content, including “make-up mukbang” videos. The term “mukbang” generally refers to...

Events

9 d. ago 'Trust and confidence:' China, US must increase engagement, Singapore defense minister urges

'Trust and confidence:' China, US must increase engagement, Singapore defense minister urges  Breaking Defense

Politics

1 week ago US warns China attack on Taiwan is ‘real and imminent’ as Beijing warplanes and boats cross into island territory

US warns China attack on Taiwan is ‘real and imminent’ as Beijing warplanes and boats cross into island territory  The Sun

Events

1 week ago Hong Kong regains favour with investors, companies: Deutsche Bank

Hong Kong’s corporate activity and yuan-driven business have been revitalised as global market participants strengthen ties to China’s economy amid tariffs and geopolitical tensions, according to a senior executive at Deutsche Bank. Companies and investors have increased their exposure to China and hedged against the US dollar as they adjusted their supply chains and portfolios amid market volatility, said Ole Matthiessen, head of corporate banking for Asia-Pacific, Middle East and Africa,...

Economics

1 week ago China’s market leaders in tech, energy sectors are focus of investors: JPMorgan

Global investors are increasingly turning to China’s global market leaders in the technology and energy sectors to diversify their investment portfolios amid heightened geopolitical tensions and uncertain economic outlook, according to JPMorgan. Funds were not only targeting established firms in industries like car manufacturing, robotics and renewable energy but also capturing opportunities in China’s innovative capabilities as market volatility spikes, said Kwang Kam Shing, Hong Kong CEO and...

Economics

1 week ago Philippine navy adds bases in Subic Bay, Mindanao amid South China Sea tensions

The Philippine Navy is set to open a series of naval bases as it bolsters its modernisation efforts, with one of the facilities near a former American military stronghold raising the potential of further sites added to those under an existing deal allowing US forces to train on Philippine soil. Observers also note that the plan showcases Manila’s willingness to expand the defence reach of its navy amid increasingly volatile territorial rows in the South China Sea, as well as reduce reliance on...

Events

1 week ago China offers Pacific Islands increased support in addressing climate change

China offers Pacific Islands increased support in addressing climate change  Reuters

Politics

1 week ago PLA attack on Taiwan ‘unlikely’ but ‘not impossible’ with Trump in White House

A People’s Liberation Army (PLA) attack on Taiwan is “unlikely in the near future” but “not impossible”, given the risks of misperception and miscommunication with the US under President Donald Trump, a British think tank has warned. The US–China relationship is “more strained than it has ever been at any other point in the 21st century”, according to the London-based International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS), which published its latest Asia-Pacific Regional Security Assessment on...

Events

1 week ago PLA attack on Taiwan ‘unlikely’ but ‘not impossible’ with Trump in White House: report

PLA attack on Taiwan ‘unlikely’ but ‘not impossible’ with Trump in White House: report  South China Morning Post

Events

2 w. ago More than a show: China’s robot fights offer ringside view of tech advancements

They dance, they run, they punch – but they never break a sweat or flinch in pain. China’s humanoid robots are increasingly entering human arenas, participating in real-world sports competitions that expose them to unpredictable, complex environments – and, as analysts note, generate valuable data to advance their development. On Sunday, the world’s first kickboxing contest featuring humanoid robots kicked off in the eastern city of Hangzhou. Four Unitree G1 robots – donning helmets and boxing...

Sport

2 w. ago Will Trump’s China policy become more unpredictable after security shake

Donald Trump’s shake-up of the US National Security Council may be a sign he is increasingly relying on his instinct over expert advice, potentially increasing the unpredictability in Washington’s approach to China, diplomatic observers have said. The shake-up could also be “bad news” for Taiwan, which may find it harder to speak to key people in the White House, they added. The White House dismissed around 100 staff from the council last week – many from the China team – as part of Trump’s...

Events