article: China’s trade ends 2025 with record $1.2 trillion surplus despite Trump tariff jolt | Reuters China finished 2025 with a record-breaking trade surplus of about $1.2 trillion, even though the U.S. under President Trump hit it with higher tariffs aimed at slowing its exports. Instead of losing ground, Chinese companies shifted their focus away from the U.S. and sold… Read more »
https://apnews.com/article/china-canada-carney-xi-beijing-b71c1b67d3489a8b4058c650152b0cb9 The article discusses a recent evolution in the relationship between Canada and China following the signing of a new trade agreement between the two countries. Canada had originally imposed a 100% tariff on China in line with Trump’s anti-China tariff run. Additionally like the US there was also a 25% tariff on Chinese steel and other such resources. Canada… Read more »
As of now, the relationship between the U.S. and India is changing immensely, more specifically regarding trade and geopolitics. Recently, the new U.S. ambassador to India traveled to New Delhi to push for deeper economic ties within the region. Even though there are remaining tensions between India’s oil imports from Russia. This is important because both countries both the United… Read more »
Currently, South Asia as a whole is facing slowing economic growth and uncertainty in the global economy. Recently, the World Bank released an update that shows South Asia’s economic growth is already among the highest in the word, yet it has been a recent slowing and facing new challenges. For example, countries like Bangladesh, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka have… Read more »
The reshaping of security and strategic partnerships if a major political issue currently in South Asia. One example that made headlines is a report that Turkey, Pakistan, and Saudi Arabia are discussing forming a defense alliance similar to NATO. Under this proposed pact, an attack on one member would be treated as an attack on all, which is a significant… Read more »
https://www.reuters.com/world/china/us-provide-45-million-help-implement-cambodian-thai-accords-2026-01-09 The Reuters article reports that the United States will provide $45 million in assistance to Cambodia and Thailand to support peace efforts following renewed border violence between the two countries. According to Michael DeSombre, the U.S. assistant secretary for East Asia, the funding is intended to help both governments implement the Kuala Lumpur Peace Accords and restore stability in… Read more »
https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/japans-bankruptcy-cases-hit-12-year-high-2025-survey-shows-2026-01-13 The Reuters article reports that Japan experienced a sharp rise in corporate bankruptcies in 2025, reaching levels not seen in 12 years. According to a survey by Tokyo Shoko Research, 10,300 companies went bankrupt last year, a 2.9% increase from 2024 and the fourth consecutive annual rise. The increase is largely attributed to rising raw material costs, labor shortages,… Read more »
https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/australian-arts-festival-decision-bar-palestinian-author-after-bondi-attack-2026-01-12 The Reuters article reports that Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced Parliament would return early from its summer recess to pass new laws targeting hate speech following a mass shooting at a Jewish Hanukkah celebration in Bondi Beach, Sydney, which killed 15 people. Police stated that the alleged gunmen were inspired by the Islamic State group, sparking nationwide concern… Read more »
This article focuses on Chinese companies relocating parts of their businesses to Singapore due to increasing political and economic pressure on China. As relations between China and Western powers, especially the United States, become more competitive, governments have introduced stricter trade rules, sanctions, and security regulations. These policies make it harder for Chinese firms to operate freely in certain countries…. Read more »
This article explains Japan’s decision to reaffirm its commitment to not developing nuclear weapons, despite growing security concerns in East Asia. The discussion began after a Japanese official suggested reconsidering nuclear weapons due to threats from North Korea and China. However, Japan’s government rejected this idea and confirmed its long-standing non-nuclear policy. This case strongly relates to the concept of… Read more »