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2 months ago | 
scmp.com | Maria Siow
Japan could buy more US products such as LNG to offset possible tariffs, but analysts say the chances of a full exemption seem unlikely.
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Jan 12, 2025 | 
scmp.com | Maria Siow
Once seen as a cornerstone of South Asian diplomacy, the relationship between India and Bangladesh is now under strain, with analysts warning that unchecked political interference and unresolved domestic issues could push ties to a breaking point. As India shelters ousted Bangladeshi leader Sheikh Hasina and raises concerns about Hindu rights in its neighbour, analysts accuse New Delhi of overstepping its bounds and meddling in Dhaka’s internal affairs.
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Jan 12, 2025 | 
flipboard.com | Maria Siow
Optical Illusion: Only True Cat Lovers Can Spot The Cat In Under 5 Seconds!Optical Illusion: We have a picture given below, of a room full of owls. However, somewhere in the room, there is also a cute cat. So now, what you …
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Jan 8, 2025 | 
scmp.com | Maria Siow
US President Joe Biden’s decision to block Nippon Steel’s acquisition of US Steel could hurt Washington’s credibility as Japan’s economic partner, analysts say, though they expect Japanese investments in America to remain robust despite criticisms from Tokyo. On January 3, Biden blocked Nippon Steel Corp’s US$14.9 billion bid for US Steel Corp, citing national security concerns, slightly over a year after Nippon made its offer in December 2023.
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Jan 8, 2025 | 
scmp.com | Maria Siow
Sri Lanka is reversing a year-long ban on foreign research vessels in its waters, opting instead to draft new protocols that aim to balance India’s security concerns with China’s growing presence in the Indian Ocean. The moratorium, which expired on December 31, was introduced in late 2023 after New Delhi raised alarms about the Chinese research vessel Shi Yan 6 that conducted a joint maritime survey with Sri Lanka’s maritime agency.
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Jan 4, 2025 | 
scmp.com | Maria Siow
Vietnam’s planned purchase of India’s BrahMos missile system is more than just a US$700 million arms deal. It reflects Hanoi’s unease about China, its desire to reduce its reliance on Russian weaponry, and New Delhi’s emergence as a key player in regional security.
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Jan 2, 2025 | 
scmp.com | Maria Siow
Vietnam’s delay in joining Brics reflects its balance between strengthening ties with the US and the potential benefits of aligning with a bloc seen as a US counterweightPublished: 8:00am, 3 Jan 2025Vietnam’s conspicuous absence from the updated Brics partner list signals a cautious balancing act, analysts say, as Hanoi weighs its growing economic ties with Washington against the benefits of joining a bloc often seen as counter to US-led global influence.
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Dec 30, 2024 | 
scmp.com | Maria Siow
Australia has signed deals with the Solomon Islands, Nauru and Papua New Guinea in moves seen as securing its clout as the Pacific leaderPublished: 4:24pm, 30 Dec 2024Australia’s recent courtship of several Pacific island nations signals Canberra’s commitment to the region, but it is not expected to gain any lasting benefits from the outreach amid its competition with China over short-term deals, according to analysts.
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Dec 26, 2024 | 
scmp.com | Maria Siow
Beijing may also see a potential new administration in Seoul as an avenue to improve ties between both sides, analysts sayPublished: 3:01pm, 26 Dec 2024The constitutional crisis gripping South Korea in the wake of President Yoon Suk-yeol’s failed martial law bid could be the window of opportunity that China has been waiting for to reshape ties with its economically and diplomatically vital neighbour, analysts say.
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Dec 25, 2024 | 
scmp.com | Maria Siow
The move comes as Cambodia-China ties might have stalled due to Beijing holding up funding for Phnom Penh and concerns about scam centresPublished: 4:30pm, 25 Dec 2024Cambodia is navigating a balancing act between major powers by allowing Japan to make naval visits at a China-linked base, according to observers who expect Phnom Penh to extend similar invitations to the United States.
