In January, a huge economic free-trading area will be established with the RCEP. What was intended to be a free trade agreement of the Southeast Asian confederation ASEAN, now mainly benefits China, Japan and South Korea. In this way, the People's Republic is becoming part of a regional free trade agreement for the first time.
By Christiane Kuehl
EU Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen called Brussels' Indo-Pacific strategy a "milestone". But just hours before its publication, a US-led security pact is taking the wind out of the plan's sails, angering France – and calling transatlantic cooperation in the region into question.
By Amelie Richter
The Olympic Games in Tokyo have begun. At long last it's no longer just about Covid or scandals, but about points, goals, and gold, silver and bronze. In Rio, China ended up in a disappointing third place in the medal table. In Tokyo, the haul is expected to be much greater. But on whom do China's hopes for gold rest?
By Michael Radunski