Global Times By GT staff reportersPublished: Feb 26, 2026 

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz took a special test ride in the new Mercedes-Benz S-Class on Thursday, personally experiencing the L2 Urban and Highway Navigation System, jointly developed by the German auto company and Chinese technology company Momenta. The move underscores the high complementarity between the two countries, reflecting expectations from the German side to strengthen auto cooperation with China, its major trading partner, a Chinese expert said. After his test ride on Thursday, Merz offered his high recognition for the technology.

   The Straits Times   By Lim Yan Liang, Published Feb 26, 2026,

Singapore will adapt its economic strategies for growth and opportunities in a volatile world, focusing on diversifying links and leading key high-value sectors, said PM Wong. Its strong fiscal position supports inclusive growth through investments in frontier industries and uplifting of domestic services, ensuring all Singaporeans benefit from development. PM Wong defended fiscal surpluses and the GST increase: unpredictable global factors affect forecasts, and the hike was vital for long-term healthcare funding despite revenue upsides.  

 Asia Times  by Faisal Mahmud February 26, 2026

Replacing technocrat who restored confidence with a business-minded accountant is a gamble the country likely shouldn’t take. Just as fragile investor confidence was beginning to return to Bangladesh after months of political upheaval, the abrupt ouster of central bank governor Ahsan Mansur has injected fresh uncertainty into the country’s economic trajectory.

Eurasiareview  February 25, 2026 0 Comments  By Observer Research Foundation By Guillaume Gandelin

Oilprice  By Tsvetana Paraskova - Feb 25, 2026

The U.S. and China appear well-positioned to withstand a short-term Middle East oil disruption. Oil prices could spike on geopolitical escalation, but analysts say $100 oil would likely require a significant physical supply disruption. Both countries could release reserves to stabilize markets if conflict erupts, though the oil market remains on edge as U.S.–Iran tensions threaten potential military escalation.

DW  By Julian Ryall in Tokyo February 24, 2026

For many years, the US has been planning to reduce its footprint in southern Japan and move thousands of marines to places like Hawaii and Australia. But some experts urge a change in strategy amid threats facing Taiwan.  The US military is slowly scaling down its presence in Okinawa following decades of talks and delays colored by lingering animosity between US forces and local residents — in large part stemming from the 1995 scandal which saw three US servicemen abduct, assault and rape a 12-year-old Okinawan girl. 

DW Christoph Hasselbach  February 23, 2026   

Chancellor Friedrich Merz is traveling to China for a belated inaugural visit. A lot is at stake as Germany is in search of global partners after the US has relinquished much of its longstanding role.  There is no shortage of gloomy assessments of the global situation at the moment. "In the era of great powers, our freedom is no longer a given. It is under threat," said German Chancellor Friedrich Merz at the opening of the Munich Security Conference earlier in February.  Merz explicitly mentioned China. "China has the ambition to shape global affairs, laying the foundations for this over many years with strategic patience. In the foreseeable future, Beijing could draw level with the US in terms of military might.

Global Times   By Zhang Yiyi and Du QiongfangPublished: Feb 24, 2026 

China's Foreign and Commerce ministries on Tuesday outlined details of German Chancellor Friedrich Merz's upcoming visit, confirming meetings with Chinese leaders and the participation of around 30 senior executives from leading German firms, in sectors ranging from automotive and chemicals to biopharmaceuticals, machinery and the circular economy.   Analysts said the visit sends a clear signal that Berlin is seeking a more pragmatic approach toward China amid shifting global dynamics, as Germany looks to deepen economic engagement and expand its strategic and policy space in the face of transatlantic uncertainty and mounting growth pressures.

Global Times  Editorial Published: Feb 25, 2026

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz will pay his first official visit to China from February 25 to 26 since taking office. German media said that "Merz has never prepared for a trip so meticulously before." Around 30 executives from leading German companies, including Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Volkswagen, Bayer, Siemens, and Adidas, will accompany him, with interest in joining the delegation reportedly far exceeding the available slots.

    By Sachi Satapathy February 24, 2026

India celebrates its remittance-generating diaspora without addressing the governance failures that forced them to leave. A few weeks ago, a post on X stopped thousands of Indians mid-scroll. A user recounted a conversation with a friend settled in Canada — educated, successful, with half a million dollars saved — who said, quietly but clearly: “I’m not coming back.” Not because he doesn’t love India. But because, after years abroad, he has simply stopped wanting to fight for things that should just work.

  Asia News Network  By Pong Bo Yang The Phnom Penh Post  February 23, 2026

As ASEAN Chair, the Philippines is expected to assume a more proactive role in sustaining dialogue among member nations, minimising the risk of miscalculation, and helping to prevent tensions from escalating, says the writer.