
Recent Posts - page 2
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Confronting Russia will deter China, says Japanese defense minister
A strong international response to the Russian invasion of Ukraine is critical to deterring China from embarking on territorial conquests in Taiwan or the South China Sea, said Japanese Defense Minister Nobuo Kishi. “China has been carefully observing the current… Read More ›
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How Russia-Ukraine copied Finland war without lessons
Finland is a unique country with a distinct language and culture. However, its possession was always contested between Sweden and Russia. Though Finland mainly remained under Swedish control in 1809, it was annexed by Russia. Using the end of World… Read More ›
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China plans system to take out asteroids hurtling toward earth
China plans to develop a system for monitoring asteroids that pose a threat to earth, highlighting the nation’s growing ambitions for its space program. The country will also explore ways for taking out asteroids that endanger the planet, Wu Yanhua,… Read More ›
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Russia-Japan tensions flare anew over the Kurils
Formally, Russia is not at war with Ukraine, where it claims to be conducting a so-called “special military operation.” But with Japan, given that Moscow and Tokyo never signed a peace treaty officially ending World War II, the two Asian… Read More ›
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Solomon Islands has Washington in state of alarm after a security pact with China
A tiny island chain in the South Pacific has Western governments scrambling after it agreed to a security pact with China that the United States and its allies fear could enhance Beijing’s military power in this strategically important region. The… Read More ›
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China says its ‘future helicopters’ will be equipped with ground-breaking technologies
Militaries all around the world are looking at integrating modern technology into their military weapons. China, as usual, appears to be making serious efforts to prepare for the future battleground, this time, with plans to include artificial intelligence and high-speed… Read More ›
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Taiwan news channel accidentally reports China has invaded
A Taiwanese news channel Chinese Television System (CTS) accidentally reported on Wednesday that the Chinese military had invaded the island, setting off what it called a “public panic” before the error was resolved. According to Taiwan News, screenshots from the… Read More ›
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Hypersonic weapons raise risk of nuclear war
Russia used a hypersonic missile against a Ukrainian arms depot in the western part of the country on March 18, 2022. That might sound scary, but the technology the Russians used is not particularly advanced. However, next-generation hypersonic missiles that… Read More ›
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Ukraine: One Chessboard, One Master
The United States left Afghanistan on 30 August 2021. Most people thought that the USA was running away. However, they were leaving Afghanistan in a planned manner, only for an untrained eye it looked like the US was running away…. Read More ›
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China is Russia’s most powerful weapon for disinformation warfare
Russian propaganda about the war in Ukraine cratered last month after Russian state news channels were blocked in Europe and restricted globally. But in recent weeks, China has emerged as a potent outlet for Kremlin disinformation, researchers say, portraying Ukraine… Read More ›
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Shanghai to New York in two hours? China joins the hypersonic flight race.
Shanghai to New York in just a couple of hours? Not a problem when you fly in a hypersonic space plane. Beijing-based Space Transportation (aka Lingkong Tianxing in China) aims to make this prospect a reality with the development of… Read More ›
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Tactical Nukes of Pakistan & China, and Russia-Ukraine war
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China accused of launching cyber-attacks on Ukraine before Russian invasion
China launched cyber-attacks on Ukrainian military and nuclear targets shortly before the Russian invasion, according to a report. The UK government confirmed that the National Cyber Security Centre is investigating the allegations, which claim that more than 600 websites, including… Read More ›
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China’s plateau-operable drone makes 1st flight with hydrogen power, extends endurance
The AR-20, a multi-rotor drone domestically developed by China for security surveillance, border patrol and anti-terrorism missions, has spawned a hydrogen-powered variant that recently made its maiden flight. The successful test proved that the agile, plateau-operable light drone has greatly… Read More ›
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China, Russia slam ‘illegal’ international sanctions targeting Putin over Ukraine
Russia and China further cemented their alliance on Wednesday, hitting out “illegal” international sanctions on Russia in response to its invasion of Ukraine. “The ministers had a thorough exchange of views on the situation around Ukraine,” the Russian foreign ministry said… Read More ›
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China gains a foothold in Australia’s backyard
Late last week, a proposed security treaty between China and a tiny chain of islands in the Pacific sent shock waves across the ocean. The leaked draft signalled that China could deploy troops to the Solomon Islands – and potentially… Read More ›
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Who is rocking Imran Khan’s boat?
Almost two years ago, I had written the highly successful but controversial article — “Is Pakistan Heading For Another Dictatorship.” Many people, including Pakistanis, objected to the articles’ findings, stating that in modern-day Pakistan, there is no place for a… Read More ›
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The worse things go for Putin in Ukraine, the more China will back him
China has tried to have it both ways since Russia invaded Ukraine a month ago. It abstained from key votes at the United Nations criticizing Russia’s actions, avoided directly labeling President Vladimir Putin’s assault on Ukraine an “invasion,” amplified Russian… Read More ›
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Wang Yi in India: Is India ready for a reset
“A man’s true character comes out when he’s drunk, and Xi is drunk on power” ~ Insightful Geopolitics Chinese foreign minister and State Councilor Wang Yi was to visit Nepal from 25-27 March 2022. He is also likely to visit Bhutan… Read More ›
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China sees ‘unprecedented’ capital outflows following Russian invasion of Ukraine
Global investors have withdrawn money out of China on an “unprecedented” scale since Russia invaded Ukraine in late February, according to a report by the Institute of International Finance (IIF), with the yuan likely to face more pressure in coming… Read More ›
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Tuberculosis on the rise in Southeast Asia due to Covid-19 disruptions in healthcare
Tuberculosis (TB) may have been overtaken by Covid-19 as the world’s deadliest infectious disease, but it continues to defy vaccines and antibiotics to wreak a grim global toll. TB was the world’s second-deadliest infectious disease after Covid-19 in 2020 (the… Read More ›
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China sides with Russia over ‘grave’ Ukraine situation
Chinese Premier Li Keqiang on Friday called the situation in Ukraine “grave” and offered Beijing’s help in playing a “positive role” for peace while continuing to refrain from criticizing Russia. China has largely sided with Russia in the conflict, which… Read More ›
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China fully capable of jet engine development, narrowing technology gaps
J-20 jets, China’s most advanced stealth fighter jets powered by domestic engines, made their debut at the opening ceremony of the China Airshow 2021 in the host city Zhuhai, South China’s Guangdong Province on Tuesday.Photo: Cui Meng/GT With efforts including… Read More ›
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Ukraine conflict and India’s hard choices
On 24th January 2022, I assessed and tweeted from my account (@InsightGL) that Russia will invade Ukraine after 20th February, the closing day of the disastrous Beijing Winter Olympics. Unfortunately, my predictions came true, and activities started on 21st February. The invasion of Ukraine is… Read More ›
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The “Fondaco” of business and commerce
There was a place in Venice called the Fondaco dei Turchi where one traded with the enemies. While the Serenissima and the Ottoman Empire were fighting on the seas, business continued in the Santa Croce district. Death and trade were… Read More ›
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Why China will “reclaim” Siberia
China has made no secret that it will one day enforce its claims on much of Eastern Russia, which it sees as rightfully belonging to China. With Russia fast becoming the weaker partner in the alliance formed after the west… Read More ›
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Pax Mercatoria and illiberal political systems: Russia and China
The concept of marker pax mercatoria is defined by political scientist Jim Chen, a professor at Michigan State University, who claims that the market and globalization can produce system stability: “In the public sphere, pax mercatoria represents the peace dividend… Read More ›
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Vladimir Putin: What’s cooking between his two ears
President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Putin gave an important speech on 21 February 2022. He gave his version of long historical evidence of the nonexistence of Ukraine. But his last few words gave away his game plan in Ukraine,… Read More ›
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China bans online criticism of Russia, blames US for fueling Ukraine ‘tensions’
Internet censors in China have ordered news outlets and social media accounts to avoid posting anything critical of Russia or favorable to NATO, after Russia began moving troops across the border into Ukraine, prompting a flurry of international sanctions against… Read More ›
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Should India be worried about Russia-China bonhomie ?
Many analysts in the neighborhood of China show anxiety over the Russia-China bonhomie. Their concerns are valid, but the reasons are not. All these countries need not worry but rather be vigilant so that the fast-changing geopolitical vista doesn’t spring… Read More ›
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America must prepare for war with both Russia and China
As Russia threatens the largest land invasion in Europe since World War II, the most consequential strategic question of the 21st century is becoming clear: How can the United States manage two revisionist, autocratic, nuclear-armed great powers (Russia and China)… Read More ›
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Dancing cheek to cheek… the new chapter of Sino-Russian relations
Sino-Russian relations have never been as good as in recent weeks. The Chinese silence on the Ukrainian quarrel has played a good role in the diplomacy of the Kremlin. In the background, the Beijing Olympics and Putin’s interview with the… Read More ›
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The Ukrainian bluff. How the Atlantic West yielded Russian gas to China
A new chapter and friction between the blocks in the conflict over energy. On the one hand China and its dependence on coal, on the other, the west and its stormy relations with Russia on the western borders. With Russian… Read More ›
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Success or failure, Beijing Winter Olympics is bad news for the world
Fourteen years ago, China conducted the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing. The games were a success, and the biggest beneficiary was Xi Jinping. He was Vice President of China and competing for the presidency with present Premier Li Keqiang. The… Read More ›
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Russia and China’s plans for a new world order
The western alliance has threatened the Kremlin with “massive” and “unprecedented” sanctions if Russia attacks Ukraine. But, as the Ukraine crisis reaches boiling point, western efforts to isolate and punish Russia are likely to be undermined by the support of… Read More ›
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Cadence Column Finished, February 7, 2022
It has been an amazing twelve years. The first political columns started in summer 2010. In 2011, I predicted that Taiwan would be recognized—a prediction which has not yet failed, but continues to push forward. Since 2014, the Times has… Read More ›
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China’s invasion of Taiwan – an opportunity for India
Today China has over 350 ships and submarines (130 major surface components), numerically making it the largest Navy globally. These extraordinary Chinese naval expansions are not there to recreate the 15th century goodwill voyages of Admiral Zheng He. China has bigger ambitions,… Read More ›
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Cadence Column: Asia, January 31, 2022
Taiwan’s vice president went on tour. After meeting with the new president of Honduras, Vice President William Lai stopped in San Francisco. While in the States, he held virtual meetings with House Speaker Pelosi and others. Taiwan’s envoy to North… Read More ›
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China is buying up Europe
For more than a decade, China has been stealthily buying up European companies in strategic sectors, particularly in technology and energy. China appears to be using these European assets to help fulfil the Chinese Communist Party’s (CCP) ambitions of becoming… Read More ›
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Taiwan showcases new warships in display of deterrence to China
Taiwan has showcased some of its indigenous-built warships at an event designed to send a message of deterrence to China, local officials and analysts said. Over the weekend, the Taiwanese Ministry of Defense held a naval exercise off the coast of Keelung… Read More ›
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Cadence Column: Asia, January 24, 2022
China has been busy online. Western allies warn about increasing cyber attacks from China; it’s become the common thing to expect and discuss. Cyber attacks aren’t China’s only online hobby. Social media “influencers” are reportedly set to spread the good… Read More ›
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China is preparing for the next pandemic – are we?
A hypothetical scenario: The year is 2030. It’s been five years since you or your family members have stepped outside your home. It’s too dangerous out there. This pandemic is deadlier than anything humanity has seen before. Death is lurking… Read More ›
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Cadence Column: Asia, January 17, 2022
China is illegal. The US Department of State even says so. France even reports as such. This won’t exactly improve friendly relations across the Pacific. It’s actually a much larger step to an all out conflict. Just over a year… Read More ›
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India’s offensive against China should be in the grey zone
Grey zone is not a fixed concept but a hypothetical place between peace and war. While I was writing this article, a never heard of development was taking place in the Indian state of Punjab. The Indian Prime Minister was… Read More ›
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Cadence Column: Asia, January 10, 2022
Lithuania has become the “Taiwan of Europe”. Since WWII, Americans never again struggled with the concept that a problem abroad is a problem at home. This is how we Americans can vote to interfere around the world that we know… Read More ›
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Is China ready to host the Winter Olympics?
Chinese officials have promised that the 2022 Winter Olympics — to be held Feb. 4 to 20 and followed by the Paralympics March 4-13 — will be a “safe, streamlined and splendid” global event. But that won’t be easy. With… Read More ›
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Crystal Gazing 2022: India and The World
If we thought 2019 and 2020 presented uncertainties then 2022 is here to surprise all of us. It could be remembered as one of the most complex, unpredictable, and potentially dangerous years in the recent past. COVID-19, oil crossing $100/barrel,… Read More ›
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Japan looks west to guard against a rising China
Japan signed on Thursday a new security treaty with Australia, a fellow middle power that is similarly aligning against an increasingly assertive China. The blandly-branded Reciprocal Access Agreement, which was signed virtually by Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison and Japanese… Read More ›
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Cadence Column: Asia, January 3, 2022
Taiwan is on the rise. With chip shortages, stock is booming. You know how graphics cards are astronomically high? A lot of that money is going into Taiwan. Meanwhile, China found an excuse to order a real estate developer to… Read More ›
Featured Categories
Defence & Aerospace ›
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India: Beware of copycat Chinese Air Force
December 21, 2022
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Chinese navy’s advancements: challenge or opportunity for India
November 26, 2022
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Hypersonic Program of India: Hype or Rewarding
November 15, 2022
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Xi Jinping hails newly approved Chinese C919 jet as historic landmark
October 7, 2022
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China flexes new nuclear sub ahead of Party Congress
October 5, 2022
Finance & Economy ›
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A Quad of a new kind: Tech Quad
August 1, 2022
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China sees ‘unprecedented’ capital outflows following Russian invasion of Ukraine
March 26, 2022
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China Reacting to Evergrande’s imminent collapse – economy weaker than being reported
December 12, 2021
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China seeks greater role in setting international rules for digital economy
November 14, 2021
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Green & war economy – a reasoned reading
November 11, 2021
Human Rights & Social Issues ›
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China is coming for your land
October 2, 2022
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The people of Hong Kong are being punished for once being free
February 15, 2022
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Jailed Hong Kong media mogul Jimmy Lai wins press freedom award
December 8, 2021
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China’s birthrate just hit another record low, but the worst is yet to come
December 4, 2021
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Celebrities who disappeared in China after speaking out about the Communist Party or powerful people
November 19, 2021
News ›
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Overnight News Headlines (Australia): July 20, 2021
July 20, 2021
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China in the News: July 20, 2021
July 20, 2021
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Overnight News Headlines (Australia): July 19, 2021
July 19, 2021
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China in the News: July 19, 2021
July 19, 2021
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Overnight News Headlines (Australia): July 18, 2021
July 18, 2021
Politics & Law ›
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Time to reduce India’s dependence on China
February 2, 2023
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India’s Three Wars
January 26, 2023
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UK, Japan ink ‘historic’ defence pact
January 12, 2023
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Cause for optimism in the South China Sea
January 3, 2023
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China’s dangerous decline
December 21, 2022
Trade & Investment ›
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The “Fondaco” of business and commerce
March 10, 2022
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China is buying up Europe
January 26, 2022
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$6 billion Laos-China railway on track to somewhere
December 2, 2021
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China to develop new heavy icebreaker for ‘Polar Silk Road’
November 13, 2021
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China’s trade practices come under fire
October 24, 2021