India

Trump-Xi summit: India need not fear a G2 — yet

The Trump-Xi summit produced neither a US-China G2 nor major deals at India’s expense. But regular engagement between Washington and Beijing could reshape the strategic triangle — and leave New Delhi wondering where it fits. ISAS academic Ivan Lidarev gives his analysis.

Ivan Lidarev

07 Oct 2026

What ‘road warrior’ Xi’s overseas trips reveal about his health

​​​​There has been speculation about Chinese President Xi Jinping’s health following his overseas trips. Examining TV footage of Xi’s gait and walking posture in India and the US, Taiwanese academic Wen-Hsuan Tsai offers some observations about possible correlations to the state of the leader’s health.

Wen-Hsuan Tsai

02 Oct 2026

From iPhones to borders: India’s real China dilemma

India-China relations are still marked by deep distrust, but both sides see common interest in working towards better ties along three fronts: trade, investment and boundary issues, says Indian researcher Amit Kumar.

Amit Kumar

30 Sep 2026

BRICS must implement what it proposes

As long as BRICS cannot find a way to set implementation rules for its proposals, it can only target low-hanging fruit such as collaboration in health and food security, says ISAS academic Amitendu Palit.

Amitendu Palit

17 Sep 2026

Xi Jinping’s tech diplomacy meets harsh realities of BRICS

BRICS is gaining cohesion, but internal divisions remain. As it seeks a bigger global role, China is using AI cooperation to expand its network of partners, promote its standards and gain an edge over the US. Lianhe Zaobao China news correspondent Edwin Ong reports.

Edwin Ong

14 Sep 2026

Why Xi is looking far beyond Washington

Xi Jinping’s diplomatic sprint ahead of his next meeting with Donald Trump sends a clear message: managing ties with Washington matters, but China’s world extends far beyond the US. Lianhe Zaobao China news editor Yang Danxu finds out.

Yang Danxu

02 Sep 2026

Xi may meet Modi. But can China-India trust return?

Xi Jinping may meet Narendra Modi at next month’s BRICS summit, in what could mark another step in the China-India thaw. But after years of tensions, how far has the improvement in official ties extended to public perceptions? Lianhe Zaobao associate China news editor Sim Tze Wei examines the issue.

Sim Tze Wei

26 Aug 2026

Not just about China: New Japan-India synergies

Japan’s approach to India used to be tinted by its relations with China, hence the phrase “hot politics, cool economics”. Not anymore, as Trump 2.0 policies and energy security worries now mean greater scope for working with India, says Japanese academic Toru Ito.

Toru Ito

20 Jul 2026

Too fast to censor: How online rage is turning on China’s elites

From singer Han Hong to China’s ambassador to India, recent online backlashes reveal how China’s attention economy can turn public frustration into viral outrage before regulators are able to respond. Lianhe Zaobao associate editor Han Yong Hong tells us more.

Han Yong Hong

10 Jul 2026

Can India still trust Trump’s America?

India’s fear that the US is moving closer to China has it seeking to be more self-sufficient in defence and making its own approaches to China. Indian researcher Rishi Gupta explains.

Rishi Gupta

03 Jul 2026

Min Aung Hlaing in India: Hedging between giants, seeking legitimacy

India’s recent welcome of Myanmar’s leader Min Aung Hlaing was a combination of practical engagement and political hedging under “multi-alignment”. Deft or not, volatility in its backyard makes India’s moves uncertain and in constant need of adjustment. Academic Obja Borah Hazarika analyses the issue.

Obja Borah Hazarika

10 Jun 2026

Can India-Taiwan ties withstand backlash over Indian migrant workers?

While Taiwan looks for ways to diversify its labour pool with Indian workers high on that list, civil society and the opposition have come in with scaremongering tactics that may jeopardise Taiwan’s steady relations with India. Academic Ghulam Ali weighs in on the issue. 

Ghulam Ali

06 May 2026