China's maritime focus at present remains in its vicinity. Its presence in the Middle East is a slow build. It might never become a regional military superpower, but it can't be ruled out entirely.

Detailed information on a network of high-expertise, low-cost, web-based operations shows what Beijing wants and the methods used to get it

His election marks a significant shift in Pakistan's political dynamics and raises questions about the future direction of governance

Both China and the Gulf have much to offer one another, especially with the Gulf's thirst for big infrastructure projects and China's thirst for carbon.

After winning his fifth term in office, one of Azerbaijan President Aliyev's most pressing priorities will be reaching a peace treaty with Armenia

The murky poll outcome is not conducive to pursuing a robust foreign policy, especially with India. The foreign ministry will need to lean heavily on the military establishment for guidance.

While the US may see India as a potential counterweight to China, Arab Gulf relationships with India — and China, for that matter — are part of a plan to diversify their global partnerships.

Sharif's PML-N party wins 70 seats in parliament, which puts him in a strong position to form a coalition government

The 74-year-old former PM is campaigning across the country, vowing to position Pakistan as an economic powerhouse in Asia ahead of general elections on 8 February.

With the former prime minister in prison and his predecessor having just had a graft conviction quashed, the path seems clear for Nawaz Sharif to swap seats with Imran Khan. A lot is at stake.