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Diplomacy

‘Like a common language’: Batik’s role in Singapore’s diplomacy

Prime Minister Lawrence Wong and his Malaysian counterpart Anwar Ibrahim, along with the delegations from Singapore and Malaysia, were dressed in batik at the 12th Singapore-Malaysia Leaders’ Retreat on Dec 4.
Prime Minister Lawrence Wong and his Malaysian counterpart Anwar Ibrahim, along with the delegations from Singapore and Malaysia, were dressed in batik at the 12th Singapore-Malaysia Leaders’ Retreat on Dec 4.

K-Pop concert to be held in Hong Kong and aired in mainland China on Feb 6-7

Dream Concert 2026 will be held at Kai Tak Sports Park for two days from Feb 6.
Dream Concert 2026 will be held at Kai Tak Sports Park for two days from Feb 6.

Cambodia, Thailand defence officials to meet on Dec 24 for truce talks, says Thai foreign minister

Thailand's Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow said neither the US nor China were involved in the decision for discussions between the two countries to resume.
Thailand's Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow said neither the US nor China were involved in the decision for discussions between the two countries to resume.

Ukraine’s Zelensky meets Poland’s Trump-backed President at key moment in war

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Polish President Karol Nawrocki at a welcoming ceremony at the courtyard of the Presidential Palace in Warsaw, Poland, on Dec 19.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Polish President Karol Nawrocki at a welcoming ceremony at the courtyard of the Presidential Palace in Warsaw, Poland, on Dec 19.

Senior Ukraine diplomat in Beijing for rare meeting with Chinese officials

Ukraine’s Foreign Ministry spokesman confirmed First Deputy Foreign Minister Sergiy Kyslytsya (right) would hold consultations with Chinese diplomats.
Ukraine’s Foreign Ministry spokesman confirmed First Deputy Foreign Minister Sergiy Kyslytsya (right) would hold consultations with Chinese diplomats.

Japan’s last two giant pandas are headed to China and fans just cannot bear it

Four-year-old giant panda Xiao Xiao eats bamboo at Ueno Zoo, a day after news broke that Japan will return two giant pandas to China at the end of January 2026, in Tokyo, Japan, December 16, 2025. REUTERS/Kim Kyung-Hoon
Four-year-old giant panda Xiao Xiao eats bamboo at Ueno Zoo, a day after news broke that Japan will return two giant pandas to China at the end of January 2026, in Tokyo, Japan, December 16, 2025. REUTERS/Kim Kyung-Hoon

Singapore, China build on decades of trust to deepen ties, says DPM Gan

Deputy Prime Minister Gan Kim Yong and Chinese Vice-Premier Ding Xuexiang (next to him), with Minister for Digital Development and Information Josephine Teo and Chongqing Party Secretary Yuan Jiajun, witnessing the virtual launch of two trains from Yuzui Terminal South Yard to Central Asia and South-east Asia, reflecting how the multimodal trade corridor has enhanced Chongqing’s connectivity.
Deputy Prime Minister Gan Kim Yong and Chinese Vice-Premier Ding Xuexiang (next to him), with Minister for Digital Development and Information Josephine Teo and Chongqing Party Secretary Yuan Jiajun, witnessing the virtual launch of two trains from Yuzui Terminal South Yard to Central Asia and South-east Asia, reflecting how the multimodal trade corridor has enhanced Chongqing’s connectivity.

Japan to go panda-less as Ueno Zoo pair set to return to China

Prospects for another panda loan, seen as a diplomatic symbol of friendship between Japan and China, remain uncertain.
Prospects for another panda loan, seen as a diplomatic symbol of friendship between Japan and China, remain uncertain.

German far-right lawmaker calls for US-German nationalist alliance at MAGA gala

Markus Frohnmaier, a German politician from Alternative for Germany, speaks to the press at the New York Young Republican Club's Annual Gala at Cipriani Wall Street in New York City, U.S., December 13, 2025. REUTERS/Stephen Yang
Markus Frohnmaier, a German politician from Alternative for Germany, speaks to the press at the New York Young Republican Club's Annual Gala at Cipriani Wall Street in New York City, U.S., December 13, 2025. REUTERS/Stephen Yang

Singapore exhibition in Mexico City: A new model for soft power and cultural diplomacy?

Somos Pacifico, or We Are The Pacific, is a pointed and powerful statement that traces relations between South-east Asia and Mexico.
Somos Pacifico, or We Are The Pacific, is a pointed and powerful statement that traces relations between South-east Asia and Mexico.

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MDDI (P) 046/10/2025. Published by SPH Media Limited, Co. Regn. No.202120748H. Copyright © 2025 SPH Media Limited. All rights reserved.