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Central Asia
Climate Change
Kazakhstan battles shrinking Caspian Sea to keep key sectors churning
Water could drop over 10 meters if warming exceeds 2 C, hitting ports, oil trade
Trump administration
‘Big beautiful belt’ of US-aligned states takes form across Eurasia
Board of Peace inauguration to draw middle powers seeking closer ties to Trump
Trump administration
US pivots to Central Asia, seeking new critical minerals supply
Trump's proposed route will link region with West, envoy Gor tells business forum
International relations
Kazakh trial of anti-China protesters highlights unequal ties
Astana bows to Chinese pressure to draw hard line while trying to keep internal peace
Trump administration
Eurasian states recruit high-priced US lobbyists in Trump outreach
'Board of Peace' member Kazakhstan's $3.3m deal follows moves by Uzbekistan, Azerbaijan
Commodities
Japan-China tensions drive high-tech mineral prices to record highs
Tokyo worries Beijing could further restrict exports of 'dual-use' resources
Trump administration
Trump's new 'Board of Peace' leans heavily on Eurasian middle powers
Notably missing are core American allies in Europe and Asia
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International relations
Asia at diplomatic crossroads as Trump pushes 'Board of Peace'
From China and India to Central Asia, president courts partners while sidelining UN
Trade
Uzbek-Afghan free trade zone grows as Taliban curbs Pakistan ties
Business is thriving but geopolitical uncertainties can unravel commerce
Opinion
Nature-based infrastructure is vital to avert Asia's looming water crisis
Facing increased disasters, supply system is deteriorating rapidly without proper maintenance
Opinion
Afghanistan is once again proving that geography is destiny
Nation sits at intersection of Indian, Pakistani, Chinese and Russian ambitions
Opinion
The US returns to region between Russia, China and Iran
Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity will link Turkey and the West
Trump administration
Trump invites Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan leaders to Miami G20
Central Asian leaders had only participated in summits held in Russia and China
Supply Chain
Japan's Mitsubishi Corp. to import critical metal gallium from Kazakhstan
Tokyo looks beyond China for source of material used in EV components
International relations
Japan, Central Asian nations agree to seek stable resource supplies
Tokyo and the five former Soviet republics agree to bypass Russia
International relations
Japan's Toyota Tsusho, others eye infrastructure investments in Central Asia
PM Takaichi to host five leaders at summit with 100-plus projects in works
International relations
Central Asia's geopolitical weight rises as Japan plans first summit
Tokyo seeks closer partnership but geography and poor access create challenges
Energy
Kazakhstan oil economy hit by Ukraine drone strike on Russian assets
Pipeline carrying 80% of Kazakh crude could take a year to repair
Artificial intelligence
Japan, Central Asia to partner on AI mining tech at maiden summit
Leaders to gather in Tokyo on Dec. 20, an upgrade from foreign ministers' meetings
Transportation
Kazakh plan to revive Ili River route to China lacks one thing: water
Inland logistics hub project depends on water management by Beijing
Trump administration
'Central Asia Quartet' offers new America First model abroad: analysts
Partnership with Turkey, Japan and South Korea could be force multiplier without heavy footprint
Trade war
Pakistan's trade war with Afghanistan boomerangs on its economy
Taliban turns to Iran and India after border clashes shut key routes
Trump administration
Trump's Belt and Road: Abraham Accords reach Central Asia
Middle East initiative becomes new US tool for global power projection
Books
Books: Central Asia as a test case for China's new world order
'Backlash' explores how Beijing's Belt and Road ambitions face opportunity and opposition across the steppe
Energy
Russia sees Southeast Asia as next destination for small nuclear reactors
Moscow aims to capture 20% of growing market by 2030
International relations
Japan to lead $1.45bn loan for Uzbekistan renewables
Tokyo eyes more influence in region where China, Russia hold sway
Trump administration
Trump plans to host Central Asian leaders in pushback against Russia, China
Meeting of C5+1 scheduled for early next month in Washington
Electric vehicles
BYD, Chinese rivals rise in Uzbekistan but can't outrun price war
As Central Asian nation embraces EVs, unofficial dealers undercut brands
Transportation
Uzbek airport project spotlights $1bn investment push by Japan's Sojitz
Trading house aims to build hospital, wind farm in region tilting toward West