A little-known Chinese company reportedly said it would develop a lithium mine in Afghanistan for $10 billion. But the project has low odds of success.
Asia
Asia, the world’s largest continent, is now center stage for the battle for the 21st century. It’s here where artificial intelligence matters just as much as artificial islands.
Billionaires like Bao Fan and Jack Ma represent a challenge to President Xi Jinping’s vision for a Communist Party-controlled private sector.
Taiwan’s strategic significance and manufacturing strength in the semiconductor industry have made it a crucial partner for the U.S.
French President Emmanuel Macron leaves China with little apparent progress on a diplomatic resolution to the Ukraine war.
The Ukraine war and North Korea’s provocations have catalyzed renewed debate in South Korea over whether to develop a nuclear weapons program.
The share of uneducated workers in China’s labor force is larger than that of virtually all middle-income countries.
China’s brokering of Iran-Saudi Arabia normalization enhances its energy security issues and could turn it into a global maritime and monetary power.
Severe negative impact of China’s shrinking population is decades away. Right now, population losses are being offset by rising productivity.
Vietnam’s hedging strategy toward the Belt and Road Initiative serves as a model for other Southeast Asian countries in managing relations with China.
Douyin offers a platform for Chinese consumers to achieve greater public visibility of their complaints, forcing companies to respond.