China-Taiwan Tensions Mount
Could Beijing's growing belligerence be a preparation for war?
12 Oct 21
China
China: Threats Loom in the Pacific
Beijing believes an epochal struggle for mastery is already underway.
29 Apr 21
Xi Jinping: Master of Strategy or Deluded Autocrat?
China's aggression appears diplomatically inept, but provoking Western hostility can bring rewards.
20 Apr 21
Ukraine Antagonises China, While Pleasing the US
Move to nationalise aviation firm interpreted as a sign Kyiv views Washington as a more useful strategic partner than Beijing.
5 Apr 21
Ethnic Kazaks Flee Chinese Crackdown
More than 1,000 families returned to Kazakstan in the first six months of this year.
26 Sep 19
Could China Be Softening Stance on Kazak, Kyrgyz Minorities?
Mass release of detainees stirs hopes that international criticism may be working.
22 Jan 19
New Trade Rules No Barrier to Kyrgyz Contraband
Strategic position and porous borders makes Central Asian state ideal location for trading, and smuggling too.
15 Jun 15
Shanghai Bloc Struggles for Relevance
Leading members Russia and China ultimately have separate interests, especially when it comes to trade and energy deals in Central Asia.
12 Sep 13
Tajiks Trade Land for Friendship with China
Critics say granting land to China "unconstitutional", but consensus view is that diplomats secured best possible deal.
1 Feb 11
Turkmenistan: What Chance of a Thaw?
Cautious optimism that Saparmurat Niazov’s heirs will slowly begin moving forward towards reforms.
19 Mar 10
Support local journalists