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South Africa Should be Wary of China’s Zero-Tariff Offer, Warns Top Agricultural Expert

South African farmers are among those who stand to benefit the most from China's new proposal to remove tariffs on exports from 53 African countries. China sources just 0.4% of its agriculture from South Africa, a figure that is widely expected ...

China, Philippines Trade Accusations After Fresh South China Sea Clash

Chinese and Philippine vessels clashed anew on Friday near the disputed Scarborough Shoal in the South China Sea, prompting both sides to blame the other for the confrontation. A China Coast Guard vessel prevented a much smaller Philippines Bureau of Aquatic ...

Why the U.S. Should Pay Close Attention to the Singapore PM’s Visit to China

Singapore's Prime Minister Lawrence Wong landed in Beijing on Sunday night for a week-long visit that will include talks with his Chinese counterpart Li Qiang and President Xi Jinping. In an interview with the state-run Straits Times newspaper, the PM said ...

Rubio Urges China to Persuade Iran Not to Close Strait of Hormuz

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio called on China to use its influence with the Iranian government to discourage Tehran from closing the Strait of Hormuz, a strategically vital waterway that an estimated 20% of the world's oil supply passes through. ...

China Warns of ‘Spillover of War’ Risk in Iran-Israel Conflict

China urged Iran and Israel on Monday to de-escalate in order to prevent the "spillover" of their war, as fighting between the two foes raged for the 11th day. "The Chinese side urges the parties to the conflict to prevent the ...

Analysis from Cobus van Staden

The Fraying Story of the “West” and What’s Next

Canada’s Prime Minister Mark Carney’s speech in Davos marked a new era in how the West talks about itself. One could say he was the first Global North leader to frame the rules-based international order (RIP) in Global South terms: 
“We knew the story of the international rules-based order was partially false, that the strongest would exempt themselves when convenient, that trade rules were enforced asymmetrically. And we knew ...

U.S. Urges China to Keep Iran From Shutting Key Trade Route

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio urged China Sunday to help deter Iran from shutting down the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial trade route, following American strikes on Iranian nuclear sites. "I encourage the Chinese government in Beijing to call them ...

Japan Spots Chinese Ships Near Disputed Isles for Record 216 Straight Days

Japan spotted Chinese vessels sailing near disputed islets in the East China Sea for a record 216 consecutive days, Tokyo's coast guard said Sunday. The Tokyo-administered islands, known as the Diaoyu in China and Senkaku in Japan, have long been a ...

China ‘Strongly Condemns’ U.S. Strikes on Iran: Foreign Ministry

China's foreign ministry said on Sunday it "strongly condemns" U.S. strikes on Iran's nuclear sites, adding that they "escalate tensions in the Middle East." "China calls on all parties to the conflict, especially Israel, to cease fire as soon as possible," ...