10 questions on what 2026 holds for Asia
In an era where geopolitics plays an outsized role in determining economic realities in a multipolar world, middle powers and small states are having to innovate and redefine…
BEYOND ASIA
US President Trump’s capture of Venezuelan counterpart Maduro is about drugs, immigrants, and China
The timing of Maduro’s capture, just hours after he had reportedly met a Chinese envoy to reaffirm strategic ties, sent a message to China that the Western Hemisphere remains a…
UNSC to meet amid alarm over US action in Venezuela, concerns about risks to international system
On Saturday, UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres warned that the crisis in Venezuela could undermine the foundations of international law by setting a “dangerous precedent“…
Will US capture of Venezuelan President Maduro affect Chinese investment in Venezuela?
Maduro met with a Chinese envoy hours before being captured, reaffirming China-Venezuela ties as a "perfect union." China considers Venezuela a key Latin American partner.
Japan PM Takaichi, US President Trump speak by phone, agree for PM Takaichi to visit U.S. in spring
With US President Donald Trump set to visit China in April, Japan aims to secure a March visit for PM Sanae Takaichi to showcase a rock-solid alliance to both domestic and global…
Vietnam President meets outgoing Saudi Arabian, Philippine ambassadors
State President Luong Cuong on December 31 received the Ambassadors of Saudi Arabia and the Philippines, who came to say goodbye at the end of their tenures in Vietnam.
Russia, North Korea exchange New Year’s gifts
In a post on Telegram, Maria Zakharova, spokesperson for Russia’s Foreign Ministry, said she received Kim Yo-jong's, the sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, gift via…
Vietnam, Spain eye sustainable, comprehensive strategic partnership: Diplomat
Despite the geographical distance, people-to-people ties between the two countries have grown stronger than ever.
Is Russian technology behind North Korea’s new nuclear submarine?
The submarine under construction is significantly larger than the US Navy’s Virginia-class nuclear attack submarine. With the rapid timeline and scale of progress Pyongyang…
Analysis: After years of drift, 2025 brings thaw in Pakistan-US ties
But beneath the optimism lies a layered and complex reality shaped by history, personalities, and shifting global alignments — prompting analysts to urge restraint in reading…