Iran Strikes Shift Leverage Ahead of Trump–Xi Summit
The U.S.-led military campaign against Iran has altered the diplomatic landscape ahead of a planned summit between U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese President...
Germany Seeks Fairer Trade Reset With China
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said Berlin wants deeper and fairer economic cooperation with China as he met Chinese Premier Li Qiang in Beijing, signaling...
Between Peace Diplomacy and Narrative Warfare: Aliyev’s Current Messaging
In his recent interview with France 24, Azerbaijan’s President Ilham Aliyev had an opportunity to reinforce two distinct diplomatic tracks: the peace process with...
Xi’s Iowa Letter Signals Grassroots Reset in U.S.–China Ties
In a message to longtime friends in Iowa, Chinese President Xi Jinping stressed that people-to-people exchanges between China and the United States would endure...
Uruguay’s Historic Pivot Amidst Great Power Competition
In early February 2026, Chinese President Xi Jinping received Uruguayan President Yamandú Orsi in Beijing, marking a deepening of bilateral ties between China and...
How Cultural Diplomacy Shapes a Country’s Global Image
In international relations, a country’s reputation often matters as much as its power. Long before official statements are read or treaties signed, opinions are...
Oman Talks: A Last Diplomatic Off-Ramp for Iran and the U.S.?
Iran and the United States are heading into high-stakes negotiations in Oman on Friday with expectations low and risks high. The talks, focused formally...
Is Soft Power the New Hard Power? Decoding Brand Finance’s 2026 Rankings
While the world fixates on tariffs, sanctions, and military posturing, a quieter shift is reshaping international influence. At the World Economic Forum in Davos...
Ukraine, Russia Resume “Productive” Peace Talks in Abu Dhabi
Ukraine and Russia began a second day of U.S.-brokered peace talks in Abu Dhabi on Thursday, aimed at ending Europe’s most destructive conflict since...
Beyond Government Channels: How Beijing’s Think Tanks Wage Diplomacy by Other Means
Think tanks with Chinese characteristics are strategic instruments that integrate academic research with the guidance of the ruling Communist Party of China. They play...