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US allies will worry about Trump's Asia policies

Location:

UNITED STATES

Democrats and Republicans largely share the assessment that China poses the greatest challenge to US interests globally. The Biden administration retained Trump’s strong tariff…

Trade will tighten Gulf-South Korea relations

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GULF STATES/SOUTH KOREA

Previously, in December 2023, South Korea signed a landmark free trade agreement (FTA) with the six-nation Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), only the bloc’s second with a major…

Russia will target expanded BRICS for grain exports

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RUSSIA

The entry into BRICS of Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) -- all major importers of grain -- gives Russia an opportunity permanently to…

Switzerland will be slow to harden its China position

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SWITZERLAND/CHINA

Among the priorities in the declaration is updating the Swiss-Chinese free trade agreement (FTA) and simplifying travel procedures between the two countries. Switzerland’s…

Biden is embedding foreign policy in re-election bid

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US

Biden gave unusual prominence to foreign policy topics when laying out his main priorities for this year. Emphasising differences on foreign policy will be a central aspect of his…

Sri Lanka’s leader looks set for tough poll fight

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SRI LANKA

According to the constitution, the presidential contest must take place in September-October, but parliamentary elections are not due until 2025. President Ranil Wickremesinghe…

Outlook is bright for key leftist leader in Sri Lanka

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SRI LANKA

According to the constitution, the poll must take place in September-October. The JVP was formed as a Marxist-Leninist party. Recent opinion polling suggests Dissanayake would be…

China’s exports will recover but trade sanctions loom

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CHINA

Chinese exports grew by 7.1% year-on-year in US dollar terms, while imports expanded by 3.5%. The trade gap narrowed to USD39.7bn in February. Export growth was buoyed by rapid…

Chinese firms will expand presence in South-east Asia

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CHINA/SOUTH-EAST ASIA

South-east Asia maintained its position as the largest recipient (40%) of China’s total Asia-Pacific engagement, which was valued at USD14.8bn, up USD12.4bn from 2022. In recent…

West African junta integration goals face hurdles

Location:

WEST AFRICA

The committee, led by diplomat Adani Illo, forms part of a broader push with AES member states -- Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger -- to move forward on military, political and…