A growing “shadow fleet” now transports nearly a fifth of global tanker capacity, evading U.S. sanctions; China is the primary buyer.
Browsing: China
Ramadan complicates any U.S. strike on Iran; attacking during the holiest month risks galvanizing Tehran’s proxies and alienating Muslim opinion.
China is hardening Iran’s defenses ahead of a potential U.S. strike, supplying intelligence and missile technology.
The Trump-Xi rapprochement threatens to relegate Putin’s Russia to a secondary player; Beijing now has more to gain from the West.
China upholds Ukraine’s territorial integrity in principle but will not pressure Russia directly; it awaits clarity from U.S.-Russia talks.
China opened Kuwait’s first ammunition factory, producing NATO-standard rounds, deepening military ties while Kuwait remains a key U.S. ally.
China is expanding in the global halal economy, leading in exports, but its certification lacks the prestige of Southeast Asian and Gulf labels.
The 2026 U.S. defense budget signals a shift from military presence to industrial production, driven by competition with China.
Trump’s strategy is driven by resource realities: energy self-sufficiency and dependence on China for rare earths force a multi-polar pivot.
Saudi Arabia’s planned JF-17 purchase signals a strategic shift, deepening military ties with Beijing and diversifying alliances.