The Asia Cable | Nick Ayrton (孔澜岳) | Substack

Asia Daily

Asia Daily: February 20, 2026

South Sudan, China pledge to deepen oil cooperation, expand educational exchanges.

Feb 20 • Alex Gintz (林大可） and Nick Ayrton (孔澜岳)

Asia Daily: February 19, 2026

Chinese steel hit with duties of up to $670 per tonne as Brazil dumping probe concludes.

Feb 19 • Alex Gintz (林大可） and Nick Ayrton (孔澜岳)

Asia Daily: February 18, 2026

Xi prioritizes domestic demand and tech independence in 2026 agenda.

Feb 18 • Alex Gintz (林大可） and Nick Ayrton (孔澜岳)

Asia Daily: February 17, 2026

China summons Western envoys in Hong Kong over Jimmy Lai sentencing criticism.

Feb 17 • Alex Gintz (林大可） and Nick Ayrton (孔澜岳)

Asia Daily: February 13, 2026

China confirms it is talking to U.S. about Trump visit as trade truce stays on the cards.

Feb 13 • Alex Gintz (林大可） and Nick Ayrton (孔澜岳)

Asian Affairs

Chinese Counterterrorism Diplomacy in Afghanistan: Cooperation or Coercion?

How Beijing uses investment, recognition, and security demands to shape Taliban behavior after the U.S. withdrawal.

Jan 6 • James Andrew Calderon

Voices From Expo 25: Inside an Imperfect Showcase

With outages, infestations, and language gaps, Expo 25 wavers between mismanagement and marvel, its promise kept alive by people who still show up.

Nov 6, 2025 • Nattan Casey Plewissara

Hello From Expo 25: Connection, Culture & Co-Being

A World Expo is a place where all nations come together and present their latest innovations and celebrate their cultural uniqueness.

Oct 6, 2025 • Nattan Casey Plewissara

Governing AI in a Fractured World: The U.S.-China Trust Dilemma

Mistrust between Washington and Beijing leaves global AI risks unchecked.

Sep 12, 2025 • Liam Kierans

China Labels Qatar Ties “Golden” Despite Regional Constraints

Qatar's peculiar position in Gulf affairs keeps China ties practical rather than strategic.

Aug 11, 2025 • Alex Gintz (林大可）

Perspectives

Thailand’s 2026 Election: Reform, Patronage, or Decline

Sunday’s vote will decide whether Thailand tries to rewrite the rules, doubles down on brokerage politics, or drifts deeper into stagnation.

Feb 8 • Nattan Casey Plewissara

Examining the Saudi-Pakistan Defense Pact

A symbolic move against Washington without genuine mutual defense.

Dec 17, 2025 • Sapna

Where Is the China-GCC Free Trade Agreement?

China’s pursuit of a free trade agreement with the Gulf Cooperation Council is in its third decade, and Beijing is ramping up calls for Gulf states to…

Dec 15, 2025 • Alex Gintz (林大可）

The Myth of Benevolent French Colonial Rule in India

India’s overlooked colonizer wasn’t as gentle as remembered.

Oct 24, 2025 • Sapna

The Art of Living With Uncertainty in Taiwan

As tensions with China persist, Taiwan’s people are finding their own balance between preparedness and peace of mind.

Oct 23, 2025 • Liam Kierans

The Asia Cable

The Asia Cable offers a panoramic view of Asia's political dynamics, economic developments, and cultural fabric.

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The Asia Cable

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