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Asia

Defusing tensions

The South China Sea has emerged as a flashpoint as several countries have claims to certain portions of this maritime space. While some Southeast Asian countries make claims to the oceanic space in the South China Sea that falls within their respective Exclusive Economic Zones, China makes a claim on almost its entirety.

US-China Ties

The visit of US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan to China underscores the strategic importance of the US-China relationship. Despite the Biden administration’s focus on other global challenges, such as the war in Ukraine and the crises in West Asia, it is clear that managing ties with China remains a priority.

Vietnam’s woes

Vietnam’s GDP growth of 3.3 per cent in the first three months of 2023 has taken economists by surprise. The figure is far below forecasts and marks a reversal for what was till recently Asia’s fastest-growing economy. While a drop in exports weighed on growth, a simultaneous dip in imports, which are used mainly to make products for export, indicates producers are not optimistic about a nearterm recovery.

Millets for Health

To reap the maximum nutritional benefits from millets, it is essential to encourage their use as staple food. Government policy and entrepreneurs need to take responsibility for ensuring that this does not remain as just a fad food but truly becomes a part of mainstream food habits

New beginnings in West Asia

As US-Saudi relations froze, China waded in. China was always lurking in the background despite procuring most of its oil from the region and being their largest trading partner.