On Chinese Tuna Boats, North Koreans Trawl for Cash for Kim Jong-un
February 24th, 2025
Courtesy of the New York Times, a report on how – thousands of miles from home – North Koreans work on Chinese tuna longliners in the Indian Ocean for pay that goes to their leader: They spent up to 10 years at sea, toiling in some of the harshest conditions distant-water fishing crews ?can face. […]
Read more »Chabahar: Where Trump Is Hurting India and Helping China
February 24th, 2025
Via the Asia Times, commentary on how President Trump’s decisions to end a sanctions waiver on the India-invested Iranian port, jeopardizes Quad cohesion and boosts China’s position and power: When Indian Prime Minister Narendra recently met with US President Donald Trump at the White House, Iran’s Chabahar Port wasn’t apparently on the two leaders’ broad […]
Read more »China Digs Deep On Mineral Security As Battle For Resources With U.S. Intensifies
February 18th, 2025
Via South China Morning Post, a report on how rare earths and critical minerals with economic and tech value are prioritised in Beijing’s plans to maintain dominance over global supplies: Having already reported a significant increase in mineral reserves that serve to enhance its self-sufficiency, China is digging deeper with plans to enhance support for […]
Read more »The Nickel-based Industrial Paradox: Indonesian Resources, Chinese Profits
February 18th, 2025
Via The Diplomat, commentary on whether Jakarta’s industrial incentives reflect misaligned priorities? Indonesia’s nickel downstreaming is one of the most debated industrial policies in the world today. With strong backing from Tsingshan Holding Group and Jiangsu Delong Nickel Industry Co Ltd, two major Chinese steel manufacturers, the Indonesian government has pursued an ambitious nickel-based industrial strategy, often […]
Read more »Pakistan Rides China’s Donkey Demand To Rev Up Economy
February 18th, 2025
Via Nikkei Asia, a report on Pakistan’s growing donkey export economy with China: Pakistan’s Gwadar port was heralded as the next Singapore when it opened for business more than a decade ago. But the China-funded site has failed to emerge as a commercial hub, underscored by a brand-new international airport that sits nearly empty. Now, […]
Read more »China Set To Extend Reach in South Pacific with Cook Islands Deal
February 14th, 2025
Via The Washington Post, commentary on the recent agreement between China and the Cook Islands: China and the South Pacific nation of the Cook Islands are poised to sign a comprehensive strategic partnership deal on Friday, raising alarm that Beijing is extending its reach into the region in ways that could have security and environmental consequences. […]
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.