Central Asia & Caucasus Data

According to recent media reports, China has instructed state-owned banks to reduce their holdings of US Treasuries further, thereby accelerating a long-standing diversification of its foreign exchange reserves. US Treasury data indicate that China’s holdings have declined from more than $1.3 trillion in the early 2010s to approximately $680-to-$780 billion by the end of 2025. The post China’s US Treasurys exit could limit Japan’s military spending appeared first on Asia Times.

Japan said goodbye to its last two giant pandas on January 27, as twins Xiao Xiao and Lei Lei were returned from their host country to China. Their departure has left Japan without any pandas for the first time since 1972, when Tokyo and Beijing normalized diplomatic ties. The Chinese government has long pursued a The post China’s panda diplomacy is becoming a liability for Beijing appeared first on Asia Times.

The section of the Trump administration’s new National Security Strategy that should most give China pause isn’t the one on Asia. It’s the Western Hemisphere section, the one proclaiming what commentators are calling the “Donroe Doctrine.” American farmers and ranchers might also find that section interesting. The Asia section seeks changes in the US-China relationship, The post Will Donroe Doctrine really cut China’s Western Hemisphere clout? appeared first on Asia Times.

On the night of October 23, 2023, India’s oldest international cricket ground, the M.A. Chidambaram Stadium in Chepauk, Chennai, erupted in celebration. Tens of thousands roared and waved flags. The stands rejoiced in what seemed like a familiar triumph over a long-standing rival. It looked like an Indian victory. But the victor was not India. The post Cricket diplomacy: India playing the long game in Afghanistan appeared first on Asia Times.