As 2025 draws to a close, Asia remains the beating heart of global economic momentum – and nobody breaks it down better than veteran diplomat Kishore Mahbubani. In an exclusive year-end analysis with The Hub, the Singaporean scholar serves up 🔥 hot takes on everything from China’s next-gen development strategies to the make-or-break dynamics shaping U.S.-China relations.
China’s Stabilizing Superpower Era
Mahbubani highlights how the Chinese mainland’s focus on ‘high-quality development’ has become an economic anchor during this year’s market turbulence. ‘When Beijing sneezes, the world still catches a cold,’ he quips, ‘but in 2025, they’re handing out vitamin C instead.’ 🌱💊
US-China: Frenemies With Benefits?
Despite tech rivalries and trade spats, the professor notes surprising cooperation on AI governance and climate tech this year. His prediction for 2026? ‘More TikTok diplomacy – short-form wins over long-term grudges.’ 📱✨
Asia’s Prosperity Playbook
From Vietnam’s manufacturing boom to India’s digital revolution, Mahbubani argues that ‘Asia isn’t just the future – it’s writing the rulebook in real time.’ His 2026 watchlist? Green energy partnerships and youth-driven innovation hubs. 🚀⚡
