US foreign policy

Will Washington’s Cuba campaign succeed this time?

There’s a strong case for ousting President Miguel Diaz-Canel, but any attempt could risk real complications

On paper, Trump (left) and Xi converged: The US readout says “both countries agreed that Iran can never have a nuclear weapon” and Hormuz “must remain open”.

A choreographed detente: Reading the Trump-Xi summit

Xi’s move to host Russia so soon after Washington’s visit suggests Beijing plans to maintain its full portfolio of relationships

US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping at a bilateral meeting at the Apec summit in Busan on Oct 30, 2025.

US-China summit: managing a rivalry, not resolving it

Some of the most useful moves Trump and Xi can make are to lower the temperature and narrow the agenda

The speedy deterioration of Trump’s relationships has been remarkable, even for a president known for his volatile temperament and quick disposal of allies.

Trump’s isolation deepens as his ties with longtime allies fray

Many allies have so far refused to participate in the US blockade

American companies are increasingly being viewed through a political lens, regardless of sector or corporate behaviour.
THE BOTTOM LINE

European policymakers are losing faith in American business

The implications extend far beyond the Atlantic

The aerial assault on Iran launched by the US and Israel heralds a period of undisciplined, unlawful and arbitrary violence that will be hard to contain.

How bombing Iran may blow back on America

The Trump administration could use its national-security powers against domestic opponents

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and other government officials posing for a family photo at the Critical Minerals Ministerial, at the US State Department in Washington, on Feb 4.

Singapore pledges to keep supply chains resilient as US proposes critical minerals bloc to counter China

Most of the 50-odd nations gathered to discuss the issue have not yet offered opinions on the trading bloc nor committed to joining it

The US Embassy in Singapore in a letter dated Jan 8 had called on businesses here to partner it and contribute financially to its preparation for upcoming festivities.

US Embassy in Singapore says asking businesses for ‘financial contributions’ is standard practice

[SINGAPORE] It is not out of the norm for US embassies around the world to ask for donations, the US Embassy in Singapore said, after a letter seeking donations drew criticism online.

Senior Minister Lee Hsien Loong with Professor Chan Heng Chee, chair of the Iseas-Yusof Ishak Institute’s board of trustees, at the dialogue on Thursday (Jan 8).

US raid in Venezuela is worrying for small countries: SM Lee

Washington is more willing to act unilaterally when it sees that its national interests require this, he says