China

North Korean leader Kim Jong Il
China has begun preparing for the transition from Kim Jong Il’s rule in North Korea. [more]
Gasoline station attendants fill up a car in Beijing
December 22, 2008 1808 GMT
Chinese energy firms are looking abroad for acquisition opportunities despite the global economic downturn, sources have told Stratfor. [more]
A worker at a gas station in Beijing
December 19, 2008 2056 GMT
China is relaxing its control over fuel prices in order to take advantage of the drop in prices since the summer. The move might be welcomed by consumers, but refiners are up in arms. [more]
Chinese guided-missile destroyer Harbin
December 18, 2008 1030 GMT
China might send its warships to join Western and Indian efforts to clear pirates in the seas off the Horn of Africa. If plans proceed, it will be the first significant long-range naval combat mission by China since the 15th century -- marking China's emerging role in international security as a big power, and a supporter of multilateralism. [more]
Chinese guided-missile destroyer Harbin
Piracy off the coast of Somalia has given the Chinese navy cause to expand its role in international security. [more]
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