Sri Lanka
COMMENT: Asian unity in a fragmenting world boosted by the RCEP
In the face of renewed US protectionism and the use of tariffs as economic weapons, RCEP offers the Indo-Pacific region something far more strategic: a framework for resilience, integration and independence.
COMMENT: Asia's team lists in the Washington VS Beijing bout
While fewer in number, some Asian nations have displayed clear signs of alignment or strategic proximity to China.
Combined effort to tackle Asian climate change gaining momentum
Over the past five years Asia has witnessed unprecedented heatwaves, with countries like Bangladesh recording temperatures up to 43.8°C in 2024, leading to nationwide school closures affecting tens of millions of children
_0_1748406000.jpg)
China shifts from global banker to leading debt collector
Once the primary provider of capital across much of the world, Beijing now finds itself at the receiving end of record repayments, particularly from some of the world’s poorest and most vulnerable nations.
COMMENT: China’s debt-trap diplomacy - lessons from Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and beyond
For the nations affected this results in economic dependence on China and often the surrender of strategic assets - or both.
Sri Lanka likely to hold rates steady amid stable growth and tariff uncertainty
The country's economy grew by 5% in 2024, outperforming expectations and marking a significant turnaround after a deep financial crisis triggered by a severe shortage of US dollars three years ago.
COMMENT: Vying for influence in Southeast Asia – Russia VS America
Although both nations have engaged with the region historically and continue to do so in the present day, their roles, influence, and staying power differ markedly.
What next for Bangladesh in an undeclared India–China tug-of-war?
While India may hold historical and cultural sway, China’s presence in Bangladesh is growing in more visible ways. Beijing has poured billions into infrastructure, energy, and digital connectivity projects under its Belt and Road Initiative.
COMMENT: Why Asia should not follow the failed European model
Over the past 15 years, Europe’s trade frameworks have faltered, integration has stalled, and a number of its core political and economic ideas have failed under real-world pressure.
Japanese official warns of wider Asian security impact of Trump tariffs
Former defence minister Itsunori Onodera, speaking in Washington at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, expressed particular concern about the potential impact on Southeast Asia.
China accuses US of sophisticated cyberattacks, outs alleged NSA agents
Police in Harbin have also placed three individuals on a wanted list, alleging their affiliation with the NSA. They are said to have repeatedly attacked China’s critical information infrastructure, including cyber operations directed at Huawei.
ASIA BLOG: Is China preparing to poke the paper tiger in the White House?
The US intimidates certain countries. But America is just a paper tiger. Don’t believe its bluff. One poke and it’ll burst!
Asian giants thrive in Russia despite sanctions
Maintaining a complex balance between profit, geopolitical alignment and risk management, the presence of Asian nations in Russia reveals a divergence between Western corporate exodus and Eastern mercantile strategy.
Sri Lanka to review impact of US tariffs, explore talks with Washington
President Anura Kumara Dissanayake convened a meeting with opposition party leaders in Colombo on April 10 to discuss the potential impact of recent US tariffs on Sri Lanka’s economy and explore proposals for engaging with the US government.
ASIA BLOG: China suddenly recognises need for community, in a region Beijing has long polarised
President Xi made no mention of long-standing territorial issues with China’s closest neighbours including Japan, South Korea and the self-governing country long claimed as an integral part of China by Beijing: Taiwan.
Myanmar junta chief to attend regional summit in Bangkok
Myanmar's military leader, Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, is expected to attend a regional summit in Thailand in April, marking his first visit to an Association of Southeast Asian Nations member state since 2021.