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Global South

Global South
The latest news, analysis and opinion on Global South. In-depth analysis, industry insights and expert opinion.
The Regional Ecological Summit which took place in Kazakhstan this week. Photo: Victoria Bela
Science

‘Big shout-out’ to China’s environmental leadership from UN agency head

On the sidelines of a Central Asia summit in Astana, UNEP’s Inger Andersen says China has always been active in multilateralism.

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Stock Connect

Brazil beckoned: China now has stock and bond ‘connect’ schemes in 5 regions

Taiwan

Does William Lai’s cancelled eSwatini trip show Beijing’s reach in Africa?

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Artificial intelligence

Opinion | The world can look to Hong Kong as a pioneer of ethical AI

As emerging markets chart their own destinies regarding artificial intelligence, the city can serve as a nexus for responsible governance.

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Illustration: Craig Stephens
South Korea

South Korea targets India, Vietnam in ‘co-prosperity’ push for trade and tech

President Lee embarks on a strategic trip to New Delhi and Hanoi, boosting economic ties and supply chains amid the Middle East chaos.

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US, Israel war on Iran

Why Iran war is making petrol cars an unwanted luxury in Asia

From Nepal to Vietnam, soaring fuel costs are making petrol cars a luxury as Asia outpaces Europe in the race to go electric.

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Banking & finance

Hong Kong wants to be a global gold vault. Does the Iran war create an opening?

Geopolitical risk is driving a rethink of where bullion is stored – and Hong Kong’s unique status is drawing attention.

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The Hong Kong Gold Exchange kicking off the Year of the Horse with its traditional Chinese New Year opening ceremony in Sheung Wan. Photo: SCMP
US-China trade war

Why the biggest threat to US dollar dominance may well be Washington itself

Economic sanctions, access to US-led banking systems are powerful tools, but overuse reduces their effectiveness over time, Congress told.

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China-India relations

Exclusive | Quad summit plan turns uneasy as India pushes ahead without top leaders: sources

Trump foresees a ‘big, fat hug’ from China’s Xi Jinping as New Delhi mulls a face-saver Quad meet-up without the US president.

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Technology

Opinion | AI pessimism is a luxury the Global South cannot afford

Young, developing states must ride the tech waves if they don’t want to fall further behind and learn from others’ mistakes.

Leaders attend the AI Impact Summit at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi, India, on February 19. Photo: Agencia Brazil/dpa
India

Opinion | Asia’s flood of cheap Ozempic generics opens gates to weight-loss abuse

Cheaper semaglutides as patent ends is good news for diabetics. But lax regulation also means a risk of abuse by those desperate to lose weight.

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An advert for Eli Lilly’s obesity awareness campaign is seen on a building in Gurugram, India, on December 16. Photo: Reuters
Africa

Opinion | Beijing’s supply-chain hedging strategy can help African food security

While governments must avoid swapping one dependency for another, Beijing’s inroads could help enhance food security efforts.

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Technology

Opinion | The danger in the Global South’s pursuit of AI as a magical cure

Rushing in without local R&D, literacy or governance risks leaving countries as testing grounds and passive consumers of foreign tech.

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United States

Opinion | Global South nations are insulating themselves from the heat of US actions

The ‘Great Insulation’ is coming – not major powers decoupling top-down but small and middle powers building a firewall from the bottom up.

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A poster depicting US President Donald Trump with devil horns at a protest in defence of national sovereignty near the US consulate in Sao Paulo, Brazil, on August 1, 2025. Photo: AFP
Defence

Activists push for Cop31 to discuss impact of wars on global climate

Military activities are hampering the transition towards renewable energy, with data transparency lacking among major defence spenders.

A damaged police station in Tehran following Israeli and US strikes on March 3. Global conflicts are hampering climate goals to reduce or end fossil fuel use. Photo: West Asia News Agency via Reuters
US-China relations

Why China’s Iran war strategy is working – and may even be an opportunity

Beijing happy to watch, wait and safeguard core interests – oil flows, Taiwan and trade – as its geopolitical rival spends resources on war.

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China food security

Global South to bear the brunt of Strait of Hormuz crisis amid food scarcity

Commerce chief warns of ‘heavy collateral damage’ in developing economies as flow of oil, fertiliser and perishable goods is restricted.

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Diplomacy

Letters | China’s voice of stability is one many are choosing to heed

Readers discuss Beijing’s diplomatic messaging at the ‘two sessions’ meetings, and the spirit of Eid ul-Fitr.

China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi speaks during a press conference on foreign policy and external relations during the fourth session of the 14th National People’s Congress in Beijing, China, on March 8. Photo: EPA
US-China relations

Opinion | 3 realities shaping China-US tech competition

Beijing’s policy priorities point to a more intense, multidimensional contest, with a smaller but still meaningful space for cooperation.

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Hong Kong economy

Opinion | Hong Kong can play vital part in boosting crucial China-India relations

India is a vibrant, emerging and complex power with much to offer the city and China as a whole.

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War and conflict

Opinion | US-Israeli war on Iran makes a mockery of global governance rules

Inevitably, the world will be split between those committed to peace and harmony, and those who want to fight to secure dominance.

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US President Donald Trump gestures during a visit to Verst Logistics in Hebron, Kentucky, US, on March 11. Photo: Reuters
The Philippines

Philippines’ bid for UN Security Council seat sidesteps maritime row

As a potential council member, the Philippines is expected to address broader global security issues and be a ‘responsible middle power’.

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Members of the UN Security Council listen as Gholamhossein Darzi, Iran’s ambassador to the UN, speaks at the UN headquarters on January 15. Photo: Getty Images via AFP
US, Israel war on Iran

Opinion | How America’s Iran miscalculation hands China a strategic advantage

A preventive war waged without allied consensus risks undermining Washington’s legal and moral standing – strengthening Beijing’s hand.

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Two Sessions 2026

What’s wrong with a G2? Wang Yi lays out China’s case against great-power rivalry

Bloc confrontation is a path to disaster and the world must abide by the UN Charter, the foreign minister says.

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Two Sessions 2026

Takeaways from Foreign Minister Wang Yi at China’s ‘two sessions’

Top diplomat addresses questions on US ties, the Iran crisis, South China Sea disputes and Beijing’s vision for a multipolar world order.

China top diplomat Wang Yi speaks to the press about Beijing’s foreign policy objectives during the “two sessions” in Beijing on March 8. Photo: AFP
Two Sessions 2026

China boosts diplomatic budget by 9.3% as US leaves ‘fiscal void’

Growth rate in foreign affairs spending this year to outpace that of military budget as Beijing consolidates global influence, analysts say.

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Guests attending a China-Africa cooperation summit are greeted by children on their way to a banquet hosted by Chinese President Xi Jinping at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on September 4, 2024. Photo: Xinhua
US, Israel war on Iran

US submarine strike on Iranian warship near Sri Lanka rattles the region

Experts say the strike highlights the risk of the conflict spreading into Asian waters and tests India’s careful diplomatic balancing.

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US-China relations

Africa emerges as new arena in US-China competition over artificial intelligence

With a fast-growing digital economy and young population, the continent is becoming a critical front in the global race to shape AI’s future.

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