This article analyses how North Korea leverages international conflicts to consolidate military power, restructure its economy and entrench the dynastic rule. Pyongyang has transformed into a transregional arsenal embedded in Russian and Iranian security architectures. Regionally, US-Chinese disengagement enables North Korea’s de facto nuclear consolidation. Domestically, the regime faces structural tension between the intensifying idolisation of Kim Jong-un and the grooming of his daughter, Kim Ju-ae, as heir apparent.
This article examines strategic communication in BRICS and how artificial intelligence (AI) technologies may shape its development. It also explores AI’s potential to support strategic communication, while also identifying risks and key challenges arising from destructive use of AI technologies, with particular implication for BRICS strategic communication. This article further considers measures to mitigate these risks. Its relevance lies in BRICS’ growing role and efforts to promote a multipolar world order
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s January 2026 visit to China marked a pivotal shift in United Kingdom–China relations, seeking to reset bilateral ties after years of deterioration under Conservative governments. The official visit also exposed London’s delicate balancing act amid strained US–China relations, particularly during US President Donald Trump’s second term. Despite Trump’s censure, London avoided major backlash by maintaining a nuanced approach. Starmer’s visit to China was complemented by strengthened UK–Japan cooperation, underscoring Britain’s broader strategy of hedging against superpower rivalry while deepening engagement with key allies.
This article analyses the impact of the international environment and domestic contexts on the development of Vietnam–China relations and reviews recent evolution of bilateral ties from 2022 to the present. From the perspective of a Vietnamese researcher, it further discusses the future direction of Vietnam–China relations in two key areas: economic coperation and the strengthening of the social foundation of the relationship.
This article examines China’s opposition to the US-led “Indo-Pacific” concept, analysing the underlying geopolitical, economic, security and ideological factors. China views the strategy as a security-driven containment mechanism. In response, Beijing promotes development-oriented, open frameworks like the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) and the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). This article highlights how intense US-China strategic competition has driven “competitive regionalism”, threatening to fragment Asian cooperation mechanisms.
