China
DeepSeek is now a global force. But it’s just one player in China’s booming AI industry
Chinese AI companies have grown rapidly, despite several technological and political challenges. So what’s their secret?
China’s new underwater tool cuts deep, exposing vulnerability of vital network of subsea cables
Incidents of accidental and suspect breaches of submarine cables in northern Europe and around Taiwan concern security experts.
Chinese barges and Taiwan Strait drills are about global power projection − not just a potential invasion
In World War II, ‘Mulberry Harbours’ were used by American and British soldiers in the D-Day landings; China today is using similar technology but for a different purpose.
China’s dwindling marriage rate is fuelling demand for brides trafficked from abroad
Bride trafficking has emerged as a growing issue in China as ‘leftover’ men struggle to find spouses.
China’s new 5‑year plan: A high‑stakes bet on self‑reliance that won’t fix an unbalanced economy
The latest blueprint from Beijing stresses ‘self-reliance’ and ‘high-quality development.’ But is that enough to offset weak domestic growth and poor consumption?
Trump’s Middle East pivot aims to counter China’s rising influence
Trump is trying to strengthen ties with Gulf states in an attempt to contain China’s growing regional ambitions.
A new world order isn’t coming, it’s already here − and this is what it looks like
China’s recent shows of strength and solidarity with Russia and North Korea have prompted speculation of a global changing of the guard.
How tourism, a booming wellness culture and social media are transforming the age‑old Japanese tea ceremony
Social media has turned traditional Japanese matcha into a commercial trend, though its roots lie in Zen Buddhism. A scholar of premodern Japanese literature unpacks that history.
What a Chinese crackdown on corruption meant for Beijing’s high‑end restaurant market
In 2012, the Chinese Communist Party introduced new rules on officials’ spending – and the local restaurant trade suffered.
Trump‑Xi summit: Cautious progress on trade, ties and some ‘win‑wins’
On the issue of contested island, both US and China appear happy to keep with the status quo. Meanwhile, the presence of US Defense chief hints at Washington’s desire for a military ‘hotline.’