Author: Laura Zhou

As the Arctic’s ice melts, a new sea route may extend to Scandinavia, offering quicker access to the North Sea. This route reduces travel time between Shanghai and St Petersburg, appealing to cargo ships and trade. China and Russia are keen on developing this route, with Moscow facing urgency due to sanctions. Russia views the Arctic strategically and economically, contrasting China’s varied interests. Russian suspicion of foreign involvement in the Arctic has thawed, with a recent focus on the sea route collaboration with China. However, challenges like the harsh environment, infrastructure, and geopolitical tensions hinder the route’s full potential. Despite…

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Recently, China and the Philippines have been involved in a series of clashes near disputed reefs, raising fears of a potential escalation into a more serious conflict. Amidst tensions, a Philippine sailor lost a thumb in a recent incident, highlighting the volatile situation. Beijing has dismissed the Hague ruling as “null and void” and continued to bolster its presence in the South China Sea. The Philippines, along with other claimants and the US, have urged China to respect international law. The Philippines may seek another ruling from the Hague, causing concern in Beijing. Wu, a former ambassador, dismissed the 2016…

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The United States’ Cold War mentality threatens regional security, prompting China and Russia to bolster their alliance. China condemns terrorism in Russia while Moscow supports Beijing on Taiwan. Both nations strive for a multipolar world and pledge to strengthen ties across various sectors, despite US pressure. Amid the Ukraine crisis, they aim to resolve conflicts while defending their sovereignties. The two leaders reaffirm their commitment to mutual interests, including military cooperation and economic development. China-Russia relations deepen, despite external challenges. The visit concludes with a show of solidarity, highlighting the strategic partnership between the two countries. Putin’s high-profile visit to…

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China refutes allegations from the Philippine coastguard about plans to build an artificial island at Sabina Shoal in the South China Sea, dismissing the claims as baseless. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin labeled the accusations as “groundless and pure fabrication,” urging the Philippines to cease making unsubstantiated statements. The disputed shoal, also claimed by Vietnam and Taiwan, has been a site of tension between Chinese and Philippine vessels, raising concerns of potential conflict escalation in the region. Amidst allegations of environmental destruction, the Philippines is considering legal action against China, which denies the claims and accuses Manila of political…

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