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South Africa
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South Africa

South Africa
South Africa
The latest news, analysis and opinion on South Africa. In-depth analysis, industry insights and expert opinion.
A front-end loader transports phosphogypsum in Phalaborwa, South Africa, site of a US-funded rare earths project. Photo: AP
US-China relations

Minerals over ideology? US moves to break China’s rare earths grip

Washington under Trump is eager to secure alternative supplies, but Beijing’s dominance appears too strong to break soon, observers say.

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Africa

Mali turmoil tests Russia’s image as a security guarantor in Africa

Expeditions and adventures

2 guys, 1 Reliant Robin and a long road trip to Cape Town – what could go wrong?

Rare earths

Trump backs US$50 million investment for South Africa rare earths

Despite a rift with South Africa, the current Trump administration has proceeded with the project to broaden US access to critical minerals.

President Donald Trump shows pictures during a meeting with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, US, on May 21 last year. Photo: TNS
China-Africa relations

China steps up aid to Africa but huge funding gap left by Trump’s cuts remains

Beijing’s efforts in food and medical relief, a sector traditionally dominated by US programmes, could partly fill the void, observers said.

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Donald Trump

Russia’s Lavrov says balance of power shifting to emerging economies

At the Antalya Diplomacy Forum in Turkey, Lavrov said the foundations of globalisation powered primarily by the US had ‘come to an end’.

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Donald Trump

South African politician sentenced to 5 years for firing rifle at rally

Julius Malema faces disqualification as a lawmaker if his appeal fails following a conviction for firing a rifle at a 2018 rally.

A supporter holds a mock gun while gathering with others in Johannesburg. Photo: AFP
China-Africa relations

Why China’s trade with Africa benefits from Trump’s policy volatility

Continent is China’s fastest growing export market in first quarter of 2026, with machinery and hi-tech shipments leading US$60 billion surge.

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My Life

Former Hong Kong rugby team captain reflects on the first Sevens tournament in 1976

The former England international rugby player tells Annemarie Evans about his turn as captain of the Hong Kong team at the inaugural Sevens tournament here in 1976.

Hong Kong transport

Hong Kong’s Cathay Pacific and HK Express cut some flights as jet fuel prices rise

Cathay reduction affects flights mainly on regional routes, along with some services to Australia, South Asia and South Africa, from May 16 to June 30.

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On March 26, Cathay Pacific announced it would increase its fuel surcharge for all flights by 34 per cent from April. Photo: Eugene Lee
China trade

‘Cancelling orders’ in China: Hormuz oil crisis hits transport and manufacturing

Analysts and industry insiders say higher costs are squeezing margins, with some of China’s wary industrial heartland compelled to make day-to-day purchases.

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Employees work on an assembly line producing smartphone holders at a plastic-accessories factory in China’s Guangdong province earlier this month. Rising oil prices are driving up production costs for plastic manufacturers. Photo: Reuters
China-Africa relations

Can China step in to fill the gap as US pressures allies to snub South Africa?

On the same day South Africa is disinvited from the G7 summit following threats from Washington, Beijing offers tariff-free trade.

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Trade

Opinion | As Trump wrecks trade, WTO meeting in Cameroon is a show of defiance

Trade ministerial conference shows that most nations still value multilateral cooperation over the chaotic whims of a hegemon.

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China-Africa relations

Kenya secures trade deal with China amid rising debt, US competition

Nairobi reaches a zero-tariff trade agreement with Beijing allowing Kenya to expand exports but it must tread carefully due to Washington.

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Chinese Vice-President Han Zheng met with Kenyan President William Ruto in Nairobi, Kenya, on March 24 and the two countries reached key trade and infrastructure deals. Photo: Xinhua
US, Israel war on Iran

Iran war delivers new stress to African economies emerging from older shocks

Afreximbank is implementing measures to give financial help to African countries dependent on fuel imports, bank president says.

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In Africa, the squeeze on fertiliser imports because of the US-Israel war on Iran comes at a crucial time, at the start of the rains and the planting season. Photo: AP
Hong Kong economy

Hong Kong’s Art March celebrations press on amid Middle East conflict disruptions

Flight cancellations via the region leave art fair participants juggling logistics, though organisers say impact remains limited.

100 Top Tables: Cities of Gastronomy

International Cities of Gastronomy Fest Macao launches 10-day celebration

As the city hosts the 10-day celebration, its centuries-old fusion cuisine is embracing a new wave of global chefs and bold ideas.

Supported by
Macau Government Tourism Office
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China's military weapons

Why is China’s ASN-301 suicide drone more deadly than its Iranian counterpart?

In a conflict over Taiwan or western Pacific, Beijing may overwhelm air defences through sheer numbers in a war of economic attrition.

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China’s ASN-301, anti-radiation loitering munition, which shares the Iranian Shahed-136’s aerodynamic delta-wing design. Photo: Handout
China trade

Strait of Hormuz marks first full day’s pause as no ships cross amid Iran war

Transits fell to zero on Saturday but vessels have clustered outside corridor, signalling expectations of reopening, analytics firm says.

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Electric & new energy vehicles

Chinese carmakers step up global expansion using idled foreign facilities

Great Wall Motors, Geely and other Chinese carmakers are using an asset-light strategy to accelerate their growth overseas.

Thailand

Iran war fallout threatens ‘quick wins’ for Thailand’s economy

As drivers panic buy diesel and the public is urged to limit air con use, Thai civil servants are ordered home to preserve dwindling energy.

A petrol station attendant fills the tank of a car in Bangkok, Thailand, on Monday. Some drivers have begun panic buying diesel amid fears of a fuel shortage. Photo: AP
China-Africa relations

Why China and South Africa have a US$17 billion gap on trade data

Statistical discrepancy reflects different reporting practices and ‘opaque’ global commodity chains, according to observers.

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China’s data shows US$30.58 billion of imports from South Africa last year, but South African data suggests US$13.5 billion of goods were shipped. Photo: AFP
Hong Kong economy

10% rise in costs expected as shipping giant halts Middle East bookings

Hong Kong sector representatives expect increase to be driven by rising fuel prices, longer voyages, war-risk charges and higher insurance costs.

China-Africa relations

Why US money may not be enough to break China’s rare earths dominance

Washington aims to spend billions in Africa to build up a strategic reserve of key minerals, but analysts warn it may not be so simple.

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US-China relations

Ex-US Air Force fighter pilot accused of secretly training Chinese military

Gerald Eddie Brown Jr allegedly provided ‘defence services’ after 24-year Air Force career training US pilots on advanced combat aircraft.

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A US Air Force F-35C Lightning II lands on the flight deck of the USS Abraham Lincoln in the Arabian Sea on February 12. Photo: AFP
Brics

Why Brics can’t do away with US dollar even as currency cooperation rises

Brazil says there has been no proposal or talks within Brics to create a common currency across the bloc.

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Brics leaders meet at their 2025 summit in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Photo: AFP
Ukraine war

Over 1,000 Kenyans recruited to fight for Russia in Ukraine war: report

Russian embassy denied Moscow’s involvement in illegally recruiting, though it said ‌foreign citizens could voluntarily join its forces.

Zimbabwe

Mugabe’s son Bellarmine arrested after gardener shot in South Africa

Former Zimbabwean ruler Robert Mugabe’s youngest son sometimes lives in Johannesburg, where he has a reputation for partying.

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