Analysis
Diverse voices, unique insights on key issues shaping China’s engagement throughout the Global South.
analysis
Q&A: ‘Tariffs Could Kill Chinese Investments in EVs in Mexico’
By Alejandra Cuéllar Since his election victory in November, United States president-elect Donald Trump has repeatedly vowed to slap tariffs on the country’s top trade partners, pledging to make this one of his first acts upon taking office on 20 January.
Brazil’s Unions See Potential and Pressures From Chinese Carmakers
By André Duchiade The rapid expansion of the market for electric vehicles in Brazil, particularly Chinese cars, is transforming the country’s automotive industry and could have an impact on workers and production chains, say Brazilian trade unionists in the sector.
A Bumpy Year Ahead? Three Things To Watch in 2025
By Lukas Fiala A little over a month ago, we argued the upcoming Trump presidency may well present an opportunity for Beijing to push ahead with its quest to transform global order to benefit Chinese interests. With Trump 2.0 fast approaching ...
China’s Expanding Middle East Footprint: Key Trends for 2025
China’s engagement in the Middle East has grown significantly in recent years, driven by its quest for energy security, global influence, and economic connectivity through the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). By 2025, three key trends are likely to shape Beijing’s approach to the region, highlighting both ...
From 1991 to Today: The Significance of the Chinese Foreign Minister’s Annual Africa Tour
For 35 consecutive years, even during the COVID pandemic, Chinese diplomacy has upheld the tradition of dedicating its first annual diplomatic trip to Africa. This unwavering commitment to Africa is unparalleled by any other country on the UN Security Council, in ...
Photo Essay: How Nickel Smelting Threatens Indigenous Tribe’s Ancestral Home in Indonesia
The deafening roar of bulldozers ripped through the tranquil forest near nickel smelting, scattering birds and shattering the harmony that had defined O Hongana Manyawa’s home for generations. In November 2023, a viral video captured two men from this nomadic tribe ...
Beijing on the Cyprus Problem: One China, One Cyprus?
By Leonardo Bruni and Ahmet Faruk Işık In recent years, the Chinese Ambassador to Cyprus has repeatedly suggested that China’s Global Security Initiative could be applied to help resolve the long-standing “Cyprus Problem.” This frozen conflict is rooted in the interethnic ...
Kenyan Using Chinese Tech Retrofitting Old Cars Into EVs
Chinese car brands are steadily making their way into the African market, but it’s still early in the process, so it will take several years, at least, for these companies to build a sizable customer base. Meanwhile, these brands' advancements in electric vehicle (EV) technology are ...
Indonesia-China Relations in 2024: Year-in-Review
In 2024, Indonesia-China relations reached a critical juncture, characterized by deepening cooperation and emerging tensions. While economic ties, security collaboration, and cultural diplomacy expanded, several challenges are complicating bilateral ties between the two countries. Indonesia’s formal intention to join the ...
Wang Yi’s Four-Nation Africa Tour: What to Expect
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi made a brief stopover in the Sri Lankan capital Colombo on Sunday en route to Namibia, where he will begin a four-nation, week-long Africa tour. Wang's visit to the continent marks the 35th consecutive year that a Chinese Foreign Minister makes ...
3 Key Trends to Watch for China-Global South Ties in 2025
Trend-predicting – always a dicey enterprise – feels particularly difficult as the Biden administration dries to a crusty stain, and incoming U.S. President Donald Trump waits in the wings huddled in his signature cloud of white-hot incoherence. However, tracking a few ...
Move Over Mercedes: Chinese Cars Grab Mexican Market Share
By Yussel Gonzalez The growing popularity of Chinese sport utility vehicles and pickup trucks has shaken up Mexico's luxury car market, hitting sales of traditionally dominant brands such as Mercedes-Benz and BMW. According to industry ...