To those who wonder why Narendra Modi, India’s prime minister, was in distant Mongolia this week trying his hand at archery, playing a traditional fiddle and receiving the gift of a racehorse called Kanthaka (after Buddha’s mount), the short answer… Read More ›

Sri Lanka
As Obama visits, signs that India is pushing back against China
When Sri Lanka unexpectedly turfed out President Mahinda Rajapaksa in an election this month, it was the biggest setback in decades for China’s expansion into South Asia – and a remarkable diplomatic victory for India. Despite New Delhi’s protestations, diplomats… Read More ›
Sri Lanka’s new president bids farewell to China’s dominance in Sri Lanka; thwarts China’s plans in Indian Ocean
Sri Lankan president Mahinda Rajapaksa just conceded defeat to his one-time ally, Maithripala Sirisena, in an upset that will have an impact far beyond the teardrop-shaped island and its 20 million residents. Sri Lanka currently has a limited impact on global… Read More ›
China to build 18 naval bases in Indian Ocean
The following is based on reports in Chinese media: Sri Lankan website Colombo Page quoted a namibian.com.na report that China planned to build 18 naval bases in areas of the Indian Ocean including Sri Lanka, where China has built Hambantota… Read More ›
India worries about activities of Chinese warships, submarines in Indian Ocean
While earnestly mending ties with India, China is trying hard to intensify its naval activities in the Indian Ocean to protect its trade lifelines. It is doing so to establish a silk road on the sea but has caused India’s… Read More ›
China’s Admiral Cheng Ho
Almost all children around the world learn about Christopher Columbus, and how, as the popular poem starts, “In fourteen hundred ninety-two, Columbus sailed the ocean blue”, and how Columbus reached the Americas in October of 1492. They also learn… Read More ›
China to lend $580 million to Sri Lanka
China Development Bank Corporation (CDB) will lend $580 million to Sri Lanka to help carry out key infrastructure projects. The loan will bring CDB’s total lending to Sri Lanka to more than $1.4 billion. China‘s increasing influence in the island nation… Read More ›
China will finance Laos rail link
Laotian officials announced Thursday that China and Laos have agreed on a railway project that would cross the Laotian highlands to the Chinese border. The Wall Street Journal reports: “Laos’s Energy and Mining Minister Soulivong Dalavong said in an interview… Read More ›