Showing 1 - 10 of 1,112
Rare earths are definitely China's trump card
Oped, Published on 15/08/2025
» China's weaponisation of rare earths has emerged as a major flash point in US-China trade negotiations. These critical materials, especially the high-performance magnets they make possible, are vital components in electric vehicles (EVs), wind turbines, industrial robotics, and advanced defence systems. In response to China's strict rare-earths export controls, the United States has quietly lowered tariffs, relaxed export controls on AI chips, and even softened visa restrictions for Chinese students.
Ishiba's summit absence shows lack of Nato faith
Oped, Published on 21/07/2025
» Since a Japanese prime minister first attended a Nato summit in 2022, Japan has sent its highest-level representative to the event for three consecutive years. Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 was a key catalyst for Tokyo's decision to attend that year, and the 2025 summit in The Hague would have marked the fourth consecutive appearance by a Japanese leader.
Japan to export used destroyers to Philippines to deter China: report
Published on 06/07/2025
» TOKYO - Japan will export used navy destroyers to the Philippines to strengthen its deterrence against China's maritime expansion, the Yomiuri newspaper reported on Sunday, as the two US allies increase cooperation to counter Beijing.
Pentagon chief warns China 'preparing' to use military force in Asia
AFP, Published on 31/05/2025
» SINGAPORE - US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth warned Saturday that China was "credibly preparing" to use military force to upend the balance of power in Asia, vowing the United States was "here to stay" in the Indo-Pacific region.
A story told through art
Life, Thana Boonlert, Published on 28/05/2025
» As a bustling neighbourhood in Singapore's East Coast, Bedok Town Square has experienced a kaleidoscopic turn of events. No sooner had it hosted a polling station earlier this month than it conjured a transient art space, inviting everybody to find their place in an ever-shifting world at the Singapore International Festival of Arts (SIFA).
Middle powers in the US-China trade war
Oped, Published on 14/05/2025
» As US tariffs begin to reshape global trade flows, many countries are worried that a tsunami of discounted Chinese goods, originally destined for America, will hit their shores. To keep them out, especially as recessionary pressures mount, some may be inclined to impose their own tariffs on Chinese imports. In that case, China would be cut off entirely from international trade, delivering an unexpected victory for US President Donald Trump, who would undoubtedly claim credit for this new Great Wall.
Cannes 2025: What's on our watch list
Life, Kong Rithdee, Published on 13/05/2025
» The 78th edition of Europe's biggest film festival starts today. We take a look at some notable titles across different sections -- Competition, Un Certain Regard, Directors' Fortnight and Critics' Week -- including a Thai film.
StarDream gives nation home port status
Business, Molpasorn Shoowong, Published on 24/04/2025
» Asian cruise line operator StarDream Cruises is banking on Thailand as a luxury cruise hub driven by local and inbound demand, remaining optimistic about tourism growth, particularly in the mid- to upper-tier segments, which have been unaffected by the ongoing global economic challenges.
Philippines, US launch joint combat drills in 'full battle test'
Published on 21/04/2025
» MANILA - More than 14,000 Filipino and American soldiers kicked off annual military exercises on Monday for a "full battle test" between the two defence treaty allies in the face of regional security concerns, including tensions in the South China Sea.
Philippine drills to include 9,000 US troops
Published on 15/04/2025
» MANILA - The United States is deploying around 9,000 troops to the Philippines for this year’s joint military exercises, as the allies strengthen ties amid tensions with China over its activities in the South China Sea and in Taiwan.