TOPIC

Diplomacy

Diplomacy
Latest news, features and analysis on global diplomatic relations, with a focus on China’s international ties – especially with the US, its Asian neighbours and the European Union.
last updated:
9 September, 2024
US President Donald Trump gestures as he meets North Korean leader Kim Jong-un at the start of their historic first summit in Singapore in 2018. Photo: AFP
North Korea

‘He’s a nuclear power’: Donald Trump’s North Korea remarks upend US doctrine

Donald Trump’s convention-busting acknowledgement of North Korea as a nuclear power bucks years of US policy – and sets South Korea on edge.

videocam
Japan

In Trump 2.0, Japan faces a familiar uncertainty

Ukraine war

Trump says he’ll sanction Russia if Putin does not negotiate on Ukraine

6
Donald Trump

Trump strips protection from ex-adviser Bolton, target of Iran murder plot

After leaving his White House job, Bolton had called his former boss ‘unfit to be president’ and said he would appease China and Russia.

videocam
Former US national security adviser John Bolton adjusts his glasses during his lecture at Duke University in Durham, North Carolina, in February 2020. Photo: Reuters
US-China relations

Elise Stefanik, Trump’s UN ambassador pick, vows to counter China ‘inroads’

New York congresswoman at Senate confirmation hearing outlines plans to vie with Beijing’s ‘whole-of-government approach’ to building sway.

videocam
6
India

India set to take back 18,000 citizens from US to placate Trump

In return, New Delhi hopes student and H-1B visas – a large proportion of which go to Indian citizens – will be protected.

videocam
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka’s ex-leaders told to vacate luxury government homes

The luxury bungalows are being converted into hotels or museums, with the Rajapaksas receiving a modest rent allowance instead.

Gotabaya Rajapaksa (right) and his brother, Mahinda Rajapaksa, will be forced to leave their luxury lodgings under a new government order. Photo: AFP
RedNote

Opinion | RedNote migration in US a victory for cross-cultural exchange

The unexpected and spontaneous grass-roots response demonstrates the untapped potential for people-to-people diplomacy in our digital age.

videocam
Ukraine war

Ukraine’s Zelensky urges united European defence, seeks meeting with Trump

Speaking at Davos, the leader said at least 200,000 European peacekeepers would be needed for a settlement to end the war with Russia.

videocam
Donald Trump

‘We don’t want to be Americans,’ Greenland PM says, as Trump takes office

Denmark’s foreign minister said that no country should be able to simply help themselves to another country.

videocam
A Trump-branded plane arrives in Nuuk, Greenland, on January 7. Photo: AFP
US-China relations

Has Trump created an opening for China by quitting WHO and Paris Agreement?

China appears poised to lead climate initiatives but will struggle to fill vacuum in public health as US leaves frameworks, analysts say.

videocam
61
US President Donald Trump holds up a letter to the UN stating that the US will withdraw from the Paris Agreement during his inaugural parade inside Capital One Arena, in Washington on Monday. Photo: AFP
Donald Trump’s 2025 inauguration

Trump halts US foreign aid for 90 days: what it means for Israel and Ukraine

While the affect on specific programmes remains unclear, the move signals a shift in foreign aid policy under the Trump administration.

videocam
US-China relations

Trump’s speech signals more ‘cajoling and containing’ for China, analyst says

Address underlines changed reality for the US as China’s influence has grown, along with its economic, technological and military might.

videocam
36
US-China relations

‘We’ll be surprised’ by US-China improvements, Harvard scholar argues in Davos

Graham Allison bucks a trend among analysts warning of worsening ties between the world’s biggest economies, and he does not see Donald Trump as a China hawk.

videocam
Graham Allison, a professor with the Harvard Kennedy School of Government, expects ties between the US and China to improve this year. Photo: World Economic Forum
United States

Opinion | As the rules-based order declines, hegemony takes on a new form

From new development models to shifting norms, global power is now increasingly shared and contested across different regions and actors.

videocam
Illustration: Craig Stephens
US-China relations

‘Fewer pits, more bridges’: China’s state media urges stable ties with Trump 2.0

Communist Party mouthpiece People’s Daily cites ‘historical juncture’ in ties, while Global Times calls for ‘more rational approach’ from US.

videocam
United States

Opinion | On the Panama Canal, Donald Trump has much to learn from Jimmy Carter

Carter’s restrained statesmanship at the height of US dominance stands in contrast to Trump’s bellicose rhetoric as his country’s influence declines.

videocam
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
The Philippines

Philippines’ arrest of Chinese ‘sleeper agent’ sparks fears of widespread spying

A group comprising Deng Yuanqing and two Filipinos is accused of spying on Philippine military bases, including where US troops have access.

videocam
Chinese national Deng Yuanqing (middle) with an unidentified Filipino companion in handcuffs escorted to the Department of Justice office in Manila on Monday. Photo: EPA-EFE
John Lee

Hong Kong’s John Lee hoping for ‘positive relations’ with US under Trump

But city leader warns against any attempts to interfere politically in Hong Kong’s political and judicial affairs.

6
South China Sea

‘It’s a win’: Philippines, China uphold South China Sea resupply deal

Analysts say the agreement ‘commits both states to a status quo’ and urge the Philippines to hold firm on its South China Sea stance.

videocam
5
Japan

Think ‘Japan First’ and don’t kowtow, ex-Trump aide urges Tokyo

A Japanese American who served in the first Trump transition team says Japan’s PM should be ‘strong’ in his dealings with the US president.

Japanese and US flags are seen in front of a monitor showing US President Donald Trump delivering a speech at his inauguration ceremony on Monday. Photo: AP
South China Sea

How quiet US-Philippine South China Sea drills sent ‘a clear message’

As the world’s attention turned towards Washington and Donald Trump’s inauguration, the Pentagon was operating decisively under the radar.

videocam
9
Aircraft from the USS Carl Vinson Carrier Strike Group take part in a maritime exercise in the Philippine Sea in January 2024. Photo: AFP
Donald Trump’s 2025 inauguration

Marco Rubio wins unanimous US Senate approval to be secretary of state

Marco Rubio, who succeeds Antony Blinken, is known for his hawkish stance toward Latin American authoritarian states and China.

videocam
6
Japan

Japan’s PM hopes for ‘enduring’ US ties as Trump returns to power

Shigeru Ishiba says he’s eager to hold his first in-person summit with Trump soon to set a baseline for the bilateral relationship.

Donald Trump’s 2025 inauguration

Trump goes light on China on Day 1, except where Panama Canal is concerned

In his inaugural address, the US president also discusses tariffs generally but does not specifically target Beijing.

6
A cargo ship and tugboat sail through the Cocoli Locks at the Panama Canal. US President Donald Trump pledged during his inaugural speech on Monday that the United States would be “taking back” the canal. Photo: AFP
Donald Trump’s 2025 inauguration

Palestinian president Abbas ‘ready to work’ with Trump on two-state solution

Mahmoud Abbas calls for security and stability in the Middle East in a message to the US president.

videocam
Mahmoud Abbas, president of the Palestinian Authority. File photo: dpa
Israel-Gaza war

Hamas says next Gaza hostages will be released on Saturday as scheduled

Hamas clarifies date of next hostage-prisoner swap after official says it will be next Sunday.

videocam
Syria

EU considers ‘staged approach’ to suspending Syria sanctions

European capitals began reassessing Syria policies after ousting of President Bashar al-Assad on December 8 by insurgent forces.

videocam
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Help preserve 120 years of quality journalism.
SUPPORT NOW
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
loading