Russia
Clone of China testing Northern Sea Route to speed shipments to Europe
China is beginning trials of a new maritime shipping route via the Northern Sea Route, with a cargo vessel due to depart the Chinese port of Ningbo on September 20, Politico reported.
US cancels Chabahar port sanctions exemption in blow to India's regional strategy
US terminates Iran Chabahar port sanctions waiver from September 29, jeopardising India's strategic trade operations and regional connectivity initiatives through the key facility.
Inflation falls in 70 Russian regions but remains above target
Consumer prices declined in 70 Russian regions in August compared with July, according to data released by the Central Bank of Russia on September 18, as annual inflation also eased in 77 of the country’s regions. (chart)
Washington has “surrendered” in the Central Asia battle for influence, says ex-ambassador
Russia and China now dominate narrative across region, Daniel N. Rosenblum tells students at Yale. If US cuts itself off from the world, “we will ultimately be less secure and less prosperous,” he warns.
Europe faces harsh realities in Ukraine as long war looms - Ash
Timothy Ash, senior sovereign strategist at BlueBay Asset Management in London, says European policymakers are belatedly waking up to the fact that the war in Ukraine is set to be prolonged — and that they alone may have to foot the bill.