Singapore Budget 2026 Set for Fiscal Prudence as Growth Remains Resilient 
Iran–U.S. Nuclear Talks in Oman Face Major Hurdles Amid Rising Regional Tensions 
Pentagon Ends Military Education Programs With Harvard University 
Nighttime Shelling Causes Serious Damage in Russia’s Belgorod Region Near Ukraine Border 
Bank of Japan Signals Readiness for Near-Term Rate Hike as Inflation Nears Target 
China Extends Gold Buying Streak as Reserves Surge Despite Volatile Prices 
Oil Prices Slide on US-Iran Talks, Dollar Strength and Profit-Taking Pressure 
U.S. Sanctions on Russia Could Expand as Ukraine Peace Talks Continue, Says Treasury Secretary Bessent 
U.S. Stock Futures Slide as Tech Rout Deepens on Amazon Capex Shock 
Trump Signs “America First Arms Transfer Strategy” to Prioritize U.S. Weapons Sales 
Thailand Inflation Remains Negative for 10th Straight Month in January 
U.S. to Begin Paying UN Dues as Financial Crisis Spurs Push for Reforms 
South Korea Assures U.S. on Trade Deal Commitments Amid Tariff Concerns 
Norway Opens Corruption Probe Into Former PM and Nobel Committee Chair Thorbjoern Jagland Over Epstein Links 
Trump Allegedly Sought Airport, Penn Station Renaming in Exchange for Hudson River Tunnel Funding 
Asian Stocks Slip as Tech Rout Deepens, Japan Steadies Ahead of Election 
Gold Prices Slide Below $5,000 as Strong Dollar and Central Bank Outlook Weigh on Metals 
Cambodia is banking on increased financial support from China as President Xi Jinping visits Phnom Penh, concluding his Southeast Asia tour. The trip, seen as a strategic charm offensive, follows Xi's visits to Malaysia and Vietnam and comes amid regional economic strains from U.S. tariffs.
Cambodia, a key garment and footwear exporter to the U.S., has faced a steep 49% “reciprocal” tariff imposed by President Donald Trump—one of the highest globally—though most duties are currently paused until July.
As China’s largest bilateral creditor, Beijing has invested billions in Cambodian infrastructure, including roads and airports. Now, Phnom Penh is eyeing support for the $1.7 billion Funan Techo Canal, a 180-km waterway that would connect the Mekong River near Phnom Penh to the Gulf of Thailand. The canal is expected to boost Cambodian shipping while reducing reliance on Vietnamese ports, though it has drawn concern for its environmental impact on the Mekong Delta.
Cambodia has alternated its claims on Beijing’s involvement in the canal’s funding, from fully covering the costs to financing 49%. While China has yet to confirm any financial commitment, Cambodian officials remain optimistic. “We expect more cooperation including on infrastructure development,” said Meas Soksensan, spokesperson for the finance ministry.
Notably, China signed no new loans to Cambodia last year—a sharp shift from previous years—as Beijing tightened overseas investments amid economic challenges and scrutiny of underperforming projects.
The two countries maintain a strong diplomatic relationship, calling each other "ironclad friends," despite recent controversies over scam centers in Cambodia operated by Chinese gangs. In a move aligned with Xi’s arrival, Cambodia deported several Chinese nationals, including individuals from Taiwan, sparking criticism from Taipei.
Earlier this month, China and Cambodia conducted joint military drills at a coastal base, raising U.S. concerns over potential military expansion.
