Asia Pacific
UN report hurts Afghan Taliban’s recognition ambitions
A new UN report highlights major restrictions on media freedom in Afghanistan
AfghanistanRow risks becoming major distraction in Philippines
Tensions between President Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ Marcos and Vice President Sara Duterte continue to rise
PhilippinesPakistan tensions will be hard to contain
The authorities are cracking down heavily on anti-government protesters in the capital
PakistanTrump's tariff threat increases stress in his own camp
President-elect Donald Trump last night threatened punitive tariffs of 25% on Canada and Mexico over drugs
United StatesUS Hong Kong policy may be moderated
US lawmakers have warned of Hong Kong’s role in financial crime
Hong KongProspects for China in 2025
China’s leader faces challenges ranging from ensuring his military’s loyalty and stable US ties to economic headwinds
ChinaSouth Korea’s Samsung may struggle to retain dominance
The country’s largest conglomerate is grappling with mounting challenges both at home and abroad
InternationalEuropean gas will be historically expensive into 2025
Gas prices have risen as trans-Siberian pipeline gas transit is set to end soon, and Gazprom cut supply to Austria’s OMV
International
