Nobody knows when the Iran war will end because nobody, including Trump, can say why it started
As war spreads across the Middle East there are multiple possibilities for how it will continue or end
In ageing China, one daughter’s search for her mother reveals a nation’s dilemma
Dementia, dwindling support and the legacy of the one‑child policy collide in a family’s fight to cope
China sets lowest economic growth forecast for 35 years
The target for 2026 of 4.5-5% is far below double-digit growth targets that were routine up to a decade ago
Nepal’s election will test the political power of the youth
Outcome is also important for China and India
Why has Washington imposed sanctions on Rwanda’s army?
Global Briefing: Concern for human rights may not be the Trump administration’s only motive
China signals support for Iran – while keeping its distance
Beijing offers diplomatic backing after US–Israel strikes but avoids commitments that could disrupt its wider Gulf ties
Pakistan and Afghanistan have reasons to escalate conflict, but neither can afford to
Taliban is eager to assert its sovereignty while Pakistan is worried about India’s influence in Afghanistan
Trump’s attacks on Iran reveal an American military power unrestrained
Few of America’s allies have condemned its action, despite most tacitly acknowledging it to be illegal
As AI anxiety jolts Wall Street, China wonders what all the fuss is about
The country’s economic structure – and its stubbornly analogue bureaucracy – may cushion the shock that terrifies the US
Talk of European states developing their own nuclear umbrella is fanciful
Any autonomous nuclear shield would breach the Non-Proliferation Treaty and be hugely expensive and technologically challenging
State of the Union speech: Trump says little on Europe, China as foreign policy sidelined
Trump was well over an hour into the longest State of the Union address in history before leaving domestic politics
Suffering spreads in Somalia amid falling aid and growing interest in its natural wealth
Country faces similar conditions to those that brought it to the brink of famine in 2022
Court ruling leaves Trump heading to China without tariffs lever
Striking down of some tariffs strengthens Xi Jinping’s hand in talks over trade and other elements of China-US relationship
Dancing robots, digital red envelopes and hurried hair cuts see in Chinese New Year
Streets near Beijing’s main temples were crowded with people lining up to burn incense and pray for good fortune
Will Donald Trump use the Chagos Islands to bomb Iran?
If the US president wishes to use the Diego Garcia base for his next attack, he will need Keir Starmer’s approval