European Union
Economy
Chinese carmakers push deeper into Europe despite rising EU trade barriers
EU tariffs have not stopped China’s auto advance. Carmakers are capitalising on the popularity of Chinese electric vehicles and deepening their European footprint through local production, partnerships and regulatory adaptation.
Caixin Global
12 Jun 2026
Politics
Tit for tat: Beijing builds legal arsenal against Western sanctions and jurisdiction
US warning to Chinese banks over Iran-linked transactions triggered a swift response from Beijing, which rolled out new regulations to counter sanctions and extraterritorial legal pressure. Lianhe Zaobao associate China news editor Sim Tze Wei examines this tit-for-tat escalation now extending into the legal sphere.
Sim Tze Wei
21 Apr 2026
Politics
How the EU is trapped in a status quo that rewards China
Europe finds itself at an impasse in its relations with China. Fundamentally, China holds more of the cards, and this does not change even with recent escalating events like the US-Israeli war on Iran. French researcher Mathieu Duchâtel gives his assessment.
Mathieu Duchâtel
26 Mar 2026
Politics
Buying time: Germany between a changed US and rising China
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s visits to China and the US reflected Germany’s considerations of navigating the two superpowers, while maintaining Germany’s own interests in terms of economy and international relations. Japanese academic Yuichi Morii gives his analysis.
Yuichi Morii
17 Mar 2026
Politics
China’s diplomatic blitz in Trump’s backyard — who will dominate the western hemisphere?
The high frequency of foreign dignitaries from Asia, Europe and South America visiting China at the start of 2026 indicates a strong focus and urgency behind Beijing’s effort to draw US allies closer and counter America’s efforts to restore preeminence in the western hemisphere, observes ISEAS researcher Lye Liang Fook.
Lye Liang Fook
27 Feb 2026
Politics
Can India move beyond faltering US ties?
Amid a US-China detente, India finds itself in a serious pursuit of “multipolarity” in the international system. But this still needs to be underpinned by strong defence relations with the US. Indian analyst Rahul Jaybhay explores the issue.
Rahul Jaybhay
09 Feb 2026
Economy
How gutter oil became a prized fuel for international airlines
Once scorned as a public health hazard, China’s notorious “gutter oil” or used cooking oil (UCO) has been recast as one of the world’s most sought‑after feedstocks for sustainable aviation fuel — fetching prices higher than conventional jet fuel as airlines rush to cut carbon and meet global mandates.
Caixin Global
06 Feb 2026
Politics
Wanting Greenland: When the strong stop pretending
The US’s desire to have Greenland is deeply unpopular, whether in the US or in Greenland, observes Danish academic Erik Baark. Ultimately, US President Trump’s disregard for international law, treaties or organisations lays bare the US’s reversion to gunboat diplomacy, ushering in a new era of geopolitics of the mighty.
Erik Baark
23 Jan 2026
Politics
Singapore a model for small states amid big power rivalry
As a small state, Singapore naturally cannot escape the pressures of great power rivalry and global changes. But as a country that is well governed, safe, stable and prosperous, Singapore can serve as a model for others to study or emulate, says former journalist Goh Choon Kang.
Goh Choon Kang
26 Dec 2025
Politics
Why Washington can’t outbid Beijing and Moscow in Central Asia
Central Asia is courted by the West but sustained by Beijing and Moscow. The region uses Western attention to lift its value — yet its survival still hinges on China and Russia. How long can this price-raising game last? Academic Hao Nan explains.
Hao Nan
08 Dec 2025
Politics
ASEAN’s charm offensive wins the room, but can it win the future?
Amid global fractures, the 47th ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur stood out for its warmth and wit — from Trump’s dance to Anwar’s deft diplomacy. But beneath the charm offensive lies a deeper test: can civility and consensus keep ASEAN united in a divided world? Academic Ma Haiyun explores the topic.
Ma Haiyun
29 Oct 2025
