Central Asia: The Once and Future Heart of Eurasia
July 4th, 2024
Via Geopolitical Monitor, a report on Central Asia: In recent decades, the portrayal of the five former Soviet Central Asian states—collectively known as the “stans”—in Western media and policy discourse has often been overly simplistic, neglecting their unique identities, historical legacies, and rich cultural diversity. These nations are frequently depicted as objects in a larger […]
Read more »The United States Tells China to Kick Rocks in Central Asia
July 3rd, 2024
Via East Asia Forum, commentary on U.S. efforts to diversify its supply chain for critical minerals and reduce its dependence on China by establishing partnerships with Central Asian republics, though it anticipates various challenges. In particular, China’s restrictions on gallium and germanium exports and significant economic influence in the region raise concerns. The United States, […]
Read more »Mine, All Mine: China Says Rare Earths Belong To State In New Regulation
July 3rd, 2024
Via Nikkei Asia, a report on a new Chinese rule related to rare earths: China’s rare-earth resources belong to the state, the government said in a new regulation that will take effect Oct. 1. “No organization or individual may encroach upon or destroy rare-earth resources,” according to the text of the regulation published Saturday, which […]
Read more »SCO Set Grow in Astana With Addition of Belarus
July 3rd, 2024
Courtesy of The Diplomat, an article on the upcoming SCO Summit which will add Belarus to the roster: On July 3-4, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) will gather in Astana, the capital of Kazakhstan, for its annual leaders summit. After a virtual affair in 2023, the in-person summit will be closely watched as Belarus makes […]
Read more »Malaysia Pins Its Belt and Road Infrastructure Hopes On Deepening China Ties
July 3rd, 2024
Via South China Morning Post, a report on Malaysia’s interest in deepening ties with China: Setting his sights on major investments from China, Malaysia’s Transport Minister Anthony Loke says he’s confident that ties will continue to deepen as the Southeast Asian nation powers ahead with an ambitious infrastructure agenda, including a slew of high-profile belt and […]
Read more »Iraq Eyes Joining China’s Belt and Road Initiative
July 3rd, 2024
Via BNE Intellinews, a report on growing Chinese investment in Iraq: Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani confirmed on June 9 the possibility of linking China’s Belt and Road Initiative with Iraq’s strategic Development Road project during a meeting with Dai Houliang, chairman of China National Petroleum Corporation (CNPC). According to a statement from the […]
Read more »Focusing primarily on The New Seven Sisters - the largely state owned petroleum companies from the emerging world that have become key players in the oil & gas industry as identified by Carola Hoyos, Chief Energy Correspondent for The Financial Times - but spanning other nascent opportunities around the globe that may hold potential in the years ahead, Wildcats & Black Sheep is a place for the adventurous to contemplate & evaluate the emerging markets of tomorrow.