Politics
The US-China summit underscored efforts to stabilise strained economic ties. Despite rivalry, both sides are exploring ways to reduce uncertainty across trade, investment and strategic sectors. EAI senior research fellow Bo Chen gives his take on what he calls a managed relationship.
Bo Chen
Politics
Can ASEAN find its own voice between great powers?
As great power rivalries intensify, Southeast Asia is moving beyond mere geopolitical balancing and pursuing “epistemic autonomy”. The region is rejecting imported Western narratives to build its own knowledge, trust local institutions, and dictate its own future on its own terms, say Chinese academics Li You and Zhai Kun.
Li You
Politics
China may power Southeast Asia’s nuclear future
As Southeast Asian countries ponder the use of nuclear power, China looks set to be a key player, given its advantages in technology, delivery and support. Academic Zha Daojiong notes that selecting a partner in nuclear energy is a long-term decision that goes beyond financial considerations.
Zha Daojiong
Politics
Why China must reject Trump’s ‘G2’ narrative
China’s embrace of multilateralism and rejection of a US-led “G2” order reflects Beijing’s belief that only broader global cooperation can counterbalance American pressure and reshape an increasingly fractured world order. Academic Gu Bin gives his take.
Gu Bin
Politics
Xi meets Putin after Trump summit to balance China-US-Russia triangle
Four days after a historic meeting between Xi Jinping and Donald Trump, Vladimir Putin has arrived in Beijing. Amid signs of easing China-US tensions, the Russian president’s visit serves as a powerful reminder that China-Russia relations remain strong. Lianhe Zaobao correspondent Lim Zhan Ting speaks with academics to find out more.
Lim Zhan Ting
Politics
Trump-Xi summit: Why China scored the bigger strategic win
Chinese President Xi Jinping’s “constructive strategic stability” framework and carefully choreographed optics defined the Trump-Xi summit, yielding modest gains for both sides, but a broader strategic advantage for China in setting the terms of future US-China relations. Academic Dylan Loh examines the details.
Dylan Loh
Politics
Trump-Xi summit leaves Taiwan independence camp on edge
Taiwan’s ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) is reeling after US President Donald Trump, following his summit with Chinese leader Xi Jinping, bluntly warned against any push for independence. Lianhe Zaobao journalist Chuang Hui Liang notes that this signals a potential shift in US policy, forcing Taipei to urgently redefine its cross-strait strategy.
Chuang Hui Liang
Politics
Trump–Xi summit delivers a triple win
While the US has unsuccessfully sought to suppress China, the latter has responded calmly and effectively to signal that it is not to be taken for granted. The latest meeting between the US and Chinese leaders may mark a new chapter of greater stability, both bilaterally and globally. Academic Gu Qingyang gives his analysis.
Gu Qingyang
Politics
China’s forgotten role in shaping Japan’s pacifist constitution
Japan’s Constitution is set to mark its 80th anniversary in 2027 as debate over revision gains momentum. Yet Article 9 remains sensitive, with war-renunciation and armed forces limits still central to national consensus and contention, says Japanese academic Shin Kawashima.
Shin Kawashima
Politics
Trump-Xi summit delivers deals — and exposes fault lines
At the US-China Summit in Beijing, while China focused on pushing a “constructive China-US relationship of strategic stability”, the US looked to advance business deals and kept the Taiwan card close to its chest. While both sides want some kind of stability, it is anyone’s guess when the house of cards would topple. Lianhe Zaobao associate editor Han Yong Hong weighs in on the issue.
Han Yong Hong
Politics
Trump in Beijing: Why even limited success is remarkable
Pomp and pageantry aside, the US-China summit focused on business and trade deliverables, with upbeat atmospherics masking deeper tensions. US academic Zhiqun Zhu explains why even limited progress is notable in a relationship defined by rivalry, mistrust and deep structural tensions.
Zhiqun Zhu
Politics
Xi raises stakes over Taiwan, warns US of ‘clash or even conflict’
Chinese President Xi Jinping warned visiting US President Donald Trump that mishandling the Taiwan issue could trigger a “clash or even conflict”, as Beijing raised the stakes in US-China ties. Analysts said the wording signals heightened urgency in Beijing’s Taiwan stance. Lianhe Zaobao journalist Miao Zong-Han reports.
Miao Zong-Han
Politics
Private guns for China’s shipping lanes as chokepoint risks mount
China’s private security companies are rapidly expanding their capabilities and projecting power precisely where it counts most: the sea lanes of communication. This is especially significant when recent global conflicts are centred on the Strait of Hormuz and other maritime chokepoints of the world. Academic Alessandro Arduino analyses the situation.
Alessandro Arduino