2026-03-08 02:27:09

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China’s population is aging at a historic pace.
The visualization above, created by Oscar Leo of DataCanvas using data from the UN World Population Prospects 2024, shows how the country’s age distribution has shifted from 1950 and how it is projected to change through 2100.
In 1950, nearly a quarter of China’s population (24.5%) was aged 0–9. By 2024, that share has fallen to just 9.9%, and by 2100 it’s projected to shrink to 5%. Meanwhile, the population aged 80+ is expected to surge.
In the mid-20th century, China was a young nation. High fertility rates, exceeding six births per woman in the 1950s, produced a broad-based population pyramid.
The table below divides China’s population into three buckets—youth, working-age, and seniors—and shows how dramatically that balance is projected to shift over the 21st century.
| Year |
Total (Under-15s) |
Share (Under-15s) |
Total (15-64 years) |
Share (15-64 years) |
Total (65+ years) |
Share (65+ years) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1950 | 189268865 | 34.8% | 327341085 | 60.2% | 27433877 | 5.0% |
| 1960 | 264106864 | 40.3% | 364725977 | 55.7% | 25968767 | 4.0% |
| 1970 | 335853316 | 40.8% | 456928893 | 55.5% | 30526573 | 3.7% |
| 1980 | 354891524 | 36.1% | 585059009 | 59.5% | 43212838 | 4.4% |
| 1990 | 332207164 | 28.8% | 759714747 | 65.9% | 61660067 | 5.3% |
| 2000 | 311607227 | 24.5% | 868881396 | 68.4% | 89087971 | 7.0% |
| 2010 | 249688143 | 18.5% | 984808248 | 72.9% | 117053342 | 8.7% |
| 2020 | 256055030 | 18.0% | 989716558 | 69.4% | 180299849 | 12.6% |
| 2030 | 169741083 | 12.1% | 971978211 | 69.5% | 256360965 | 18.3% |
| 2040 | 125901572 | 9.4% | 859475953 | 64.0% | 357286132 | 26.6% |
| 2050 | 125320828 | 9.9% | 745290858 | 59.2% | 389291776 | 30.9% |
| 2060 | 99180376 | 8.7% | 613135302 | 54.1% | 422064944 | 37.2% |
| 2070 | 75818157 | 7.6% | 524428731 | 52.6% | 396611350 | 39.8% |
| 2080 | 72882216 | 8.4% | 405136704 | 46.7% | 389977526 | 44.9% |
| 2090 | 62358104 | 8.4% | 330723295 | 44.7% | 347531046 | 46.9% |
| 2100 | 49631917 | 7.9% | 293476753 | 46.6% | 286008961 | 45.5% |
The introduction of the one-child policy in 1980 abruptly changed the country’s demographic trajectory. Intended to curb runaway population growth, the policy accelerated fertility decline well below the replacement rate of 2.1 children per woman.
Even after the policy was scrapped in 2015, births continued to fall. China’s population declined for the third straight year in 2025, with new births hitting record lows.
Unlike many Western economies, China’s fertility rate fell to ultra-low levels before the country became fully developed. This means it is aging rapidly without the same per capita wealth cushion seen in places like Japan or Germany.
By 2100, projections show that nearly 40% of China’s population could be aged 60 or older. The working-age population will shrink, while retirees expand, which is a dynamic that raises concerns about labor shortages, pension sustainability, and slower economic growth.
Projections are not predictions. They assume current fertility, mortality, and migration patterns continue, and Beijing is working hard to shift those patterns. In recent years, authorities have rolled out subsidies for parents, tax breaks, housing incentives, and even framed childbirth as a “national duty”.
Yet so far, financial incentives have struggled to overcome structural forces: high housing costs, competitive education, urbanization, and shifting social norms.
Whether China can meaningfully alter its demographic course remains uncertain. What is clear from the data, however, is that the country’s age structure in 2100 will look radically different from the youthful nation it was in 1950.
2026-03-08 00:16:00
Exploring space, that final frontier, has become a unifying goal as nations collaborate to extend beyond Earth. A new wave of commercial players and national space programmes are expanding access and reshaping exploration and governance alike
In partnership with Dubai Future Forum, the world’s largest gathering of futurists taking place every November in Dubai, this graphic shows how exploration, investment, and innovation are converging to transform our understanding of space.
It’s one of four dimensions—Ocean, Mind, Space, and Land—within the Dubai Future Forum’s larger theme, Exploring the Unknown.
The data comes from these sources:
As of 2024, only three countries have the capabilities of independent human spaceflight: China, Russia, and the United states.
However, the number of countries with interplanetary probe capabilities has grown to eight, including the UAE Space Agency (UAESA) which successfully launched the Mars Hope Probe in 2020.
To see how this breaks down, here is a table of National Space Programmes around the world:
| Country | Human Space Flight | Interplanetary Probe Capability | Space Programme Acronym |
|---|---|---|---|
| United States | Yes | Yes | NASA, USSF |
| China | Yes | Yes | CNSA |
| Russia | Yes | Yes | ROSCOSMOS |
| India | Yes | ISRO | |
| Pakistan | Yes | SUPARCO | |
| Japan | Yes | JAXA | |
| South Korea | Yes | KARI, KASI | |
| United Arab Emirates | Yes | UAESA | |
| Brazil | AEB | ||
| Iran | ISA | ||
| United Kingdom | UKSA | ||
| France | CNES | ||
| Italy | ASI | ||
| Argentina | CONAE | ||
| Canada | CSA/ASC | ||
| Ukraine | SSAU | ||
| Poland | POLSA | ||
| Australia | ASA and NSP | ||
| Sweden | SNSA | ||
| Israel | ISA | ||
| New Zealand | NZSA | ||
| Indonesia | LAPAN | ||
| Nigeria | NASRDA | ||
| Bangladesh | SPARRSO | ||
| Ethiopia | ESSTI | ||
| Mexico | AEM | ||
| Egypt | EgSA, NARSS, EASRT-RSC | ||
| Philippines | PhilSA | ||
| Vietnam | TTVTVN or VNSC, VAST-VNSC | ||
| Turkey | TUA | ||
| Germany | DLR | ||
| Thailand | GISTDA | ||
| South Africa | SANSA | ||
| Kenya | KSA | ||
| Colombia | CCE | ||
| Spain | AEE | ||
| Algeria | ASAL | ||
| Angola | GGPEN | ||
| Morocco | CRTS | ||
| Malaysia | MYSA | ||
| Ghana | GSSTI | ||
| Peru | CONIDA | ||
| Saudi Arabia | SSA | ||
| Venezuela | ABAE | ||
| North Korea | NATA | ||
| Taiwan | TASA | ||
| Kazakhstan | KazCosmos | ||
| Chile | CSA | ||
| Romania | ASR, ROSA | ||
| Netherlands | SRON | ||
| Rwanda | RSA | ||
| Tunisia | CNCT | ||
| Azerbaijan | Azercosmos | ||
| Greece | HSC | ||
| Hungary | HSO | ||
| Austria | ASAL | ||
| Switzerland | SSO | ||
| Turkmenistan | TNSA | ||
| Paraguay | AEP | ||
| Bulgaria | SRI-BAS, STIL-BAS | ||
| Denmark | DNSC, DTU Space | ||
| Singapore | CRISP | ||
| Norway | NRS NSC |
||
| Mongolia | NRSC | ||
| Lithuania | LSA | ||
| Bahrain | BSA | ||
| Uzbekistan | Uzbekspace agency | ||
| Syria | SSA | ||
| Bolivia | ABE | ||
| Belgium | BIRA, IASB, BISA | ||
| Portugal | PTSPACE | ||
| Belarus | BSA | ||
| El Salvador | ESAI | ||
| Costa Rica | AEC | ||
| Luxembourg | LSA |
With the International Space Station (ISS) nearing retirement after decades of service, the future looks far more commercial.
Here is a table that shows the expected timelines for announced space stations:
| Name | Flag | Entity | Program | Launch Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| International Space Station | US | NASA, RosCosmos, ESA, CSA, JAXA | Government | 1998 |
| Tiangong Space Station | China | CMSA | Government | 2021 |
| Haven-1 | US | Vast | Commercial | 2026 |
| Axiom Station | US | Axiom Space | Commercial | 2027 |
| Lunar Gateway | US | Government | 2027 | |
| Orbital Reef | US | Blue Origin, Sierra Space | Commercial | 2027 |
| Russian Orbital Service Station | Russia | Roscosmos | Government | 2027 |
| Bharatiya Antariksh Station | India | ISRO | Government | 2028 |
| Starlab | US | NanoRacks, Voyager Space, Airbus, MDA Space, Mitsubishi | Commercial | 2029 |
| Haven-2 | US | Vast | Commercial | 2028 |
| Lunar Orbital Station | Russia | Roscosmos | Government | 2028 |
| Artificial Gravity Station | US | Vast | Commercial | 2035 |
The new generation of space stations signals not just a change in leadership, but the dawn of a new space economy.
Space is emerging as one of the fastest growing economic frontiers. By 2032, commercial enterprises will push the value of the space economy beyond $1 trillion by 2032
For a clearer comparison, here is a table comparing commercial to government space budgets in 2024:
| Sector | Value ($ Billions) |
|---|---|
| Commercial Space Products and Services | 343 |
| Commercial Infrastructure and Support Industries | 137 |
| U.S. Government Space Budgets | 77 |
| Non-U.S Government Space Budgets | 55 |
| Global Space Economy, 2024 | $613 Billion |
Commercial budgets currently far exceed government, with commercial space products and services ($343 billion) leading the way.
The future of space is being fueled by innovations in biohacking, dark energy, and advanced network integration.
To continue exploring the space and its biggest emerging opportunities shaping the future, read the Dubai Future Foundation’s Global 50 report.

Learn more about the Dubai Future Forum.

Exploring the Mind: opportunities that could shape the future through discovery, investment, and innovation with the Dubai Future Foundation.

Explore ocean opportunities that could shape the future through discovery, investment, and innovation with the Dubai Future Foundation.
2026-03-07 21:02:34
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Pickup trucks dominate much of America’s auto market. This map shows the best-selling vehicle in every U.S. state based on 2025 registrations.
While the Ford F-Series leads across most of the country, a few states break from the pattern. In California and parts of the West Coast, the Tesla Model Y tops the rankings, highlighting the growing influence of electric vehicles.
The data for this visualization comes from Edmunds, based on 2025 new vehicle registration data. Logos on the map represent the top-selling model in each state. Notably, the Ford F-Series grouping includes multiple models such as the F-150, F-250, F-350, and F-450.
The Ford F-Series remains America’s best-selling vehicle overall and leads in 29 states. It tops the list across much of the South, Midwest, and Mountain West—including Texas, Florida, Ohio, and Wyoming.
Its dominance reflects the continued strength of full-size pickup trucks, particularly in states with large rural populations, construction industries, and strong truck culture. The Chevrolet Silverado also performs strongly in several states, including Indiana, Iowa, and Minnesota.
| State | Best-Selling Car (2025) |
|---|---|
| Alabama | Ford F-Series |
| Alaska | Ford F-Series |
| Arizona | Ford F-Series |
| Arkansas | Ford F-Series |
| California | Tesla Model Y |
| Colorado | Ford F-Series |
| Connecticut | Toyota RAV4 |
| Delaware | Ford F-Series |
| Florida | Ford F-Series |
| Georgia | Ford F-Series |
| Hawaii | Toyota Tacoma |
| Idaho | Ford F-Series |
| Illinois | Honda CR-V |
| Indiana | Chevrolet Silverado |
| Iowa | Chevrolet Silverado |
| Kansas | Ford F-Series |
| Kentucky | Chevrolet Silverado |
| Louisiana | Ford F-Series |
| Maine | Ford F-Series |
| Maryland | Toyota RAV4 |
| Massachusetts | Toyota RAV4 |
| Michigan | Chevrolet Equinox |
| Minnesota | Chevrolet Silverado |
| Mississippi | Ford F-Series |
| Missouri | Ford F-Series |
| Montana | Ford F-Series |
| Nebraska | Ford F-Series |
| Nevada | Tesla Model Y |
| New Hampshire | Ford F-Series |
| New Jersey | Honda CR-V |
| New Mexico | Ford F-Series |
| New York | Honda CR-V |
| North Carolina | Ford F-Series |
| North Dakota | Ford F-Series |
| Ohio | Honda CR-V |
| Oklahoma | Ford F-Series |
| Oregon | Toyota RAV4 |
| Pennsylvania | Honda CR-V |
| Rhode Island | Toyota RAV4 |
| South Carolina | Ford F-Series |
| South Dakota | Ford F-Series |
| Tennessee | Ford F-Series |
| Texas | Ford F-Series |
| Utah | Ford F-Series |
| Vermont | Ford F-Series |
| Virginia | Honda CR-V |
| Washington | Tesla Model Y |
| West Virginia | Chevrolet Silverado |
| Wisconsin | Ford F-Series |
| Wyoming | Ford F-Series |
| District of Columbia | Toyota RAV4 |
California stands apart. The Tesla Model Y is the state’s best-selling vehicle, reflecting the rapid adoption of electric vehicles on the West Coast.
About 25% of U.S. retail registrations are electrified vehicles, but that figure climbs to nearly 50% in California. Nevada and Washington also list the Tesla Model Y as their top seller, signaling broader EV momentum on the West Coast.
Compact SUVs like the Toyota RAV4 and Honda CR-V dominate in several Northeastern and Mid-Atlantic states. The RAV4 leads in Connecticut, Maryland, Massachusetts, Oregon, Rhode Island, and the District of Columbia.
Meanwhile, the Honda CR-V tops states such as Illinois, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Virginia. These models offer fuel efficiency, practicality, and versatility—key factors in densely populated regions.
If you enjoyed today’s post, check out The Average Weekly Grocery Bill by U.S. State on Voronoi, the new app from Visual Capitalist.
2026-03-07 03:25:23

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Getting into America’s most selective colleges has become increasingly competitive. This ranking shows the 30 U.S. institutions with the lowest admit rates, highlighting where applicants face the steepest odds.
Caltech tops the list with a 3% admit rate, while several elite universities—including Harvard, Stanford, and Yale—accept roughly 4% of applicants.
This graphic, created by Julie Peasley using data from U.S. News & World Report, ranks 30 American colleges and universities by their acceptance rates.
Below is the full ranking of U.S. colleges admitting the smallest share of applicants.
| Educational Institution | Acceptance Rate |
|---|---|
| California Institute Of Technology (Caltech) | 3% |
| Columbia University | 4% |
| Harvard University | 4% |
| Stanford University | 4% |
| University of Chicago | 4% |
| Yale University | 4% |
| Brown University | 5% |
| Curtis Institute of Music | 5% |
| Dartmouth College | 5% |
| Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) | 5% |
| Northeastern University | 5% |
| Princeton University | 5% |
| University of Pennsylvania | 5% |
| Duke University | 6% |
| Johns Hopkins University | 6% |
| Vanderbilt University | 6% |
| Bowdoin College | 7% |
| Colby College | 7% |
| Pomona College | 7% |
| Swarthmore College | 7% |
| Cornell University | 8% |
| Northwestern University | 8% |
| Rice University | 8% |
| Williams College | 8% |
| Amherst College | 9% |
| Barnard College | 9% |
| Juilliard School | 9% |
| New York University | 9% |
| United States Naval Academy | 9% |
| University of California, Los Angeles | 9% |
Caltech stands alone at 3%, while a cluster of elite schools—including Yale, Harvard, Stanford, and Columbia—hover around 4%. Across the ranking, every institution admits fewer than one in ten applicants.
Although all eight Ivy League schools appear in the ranking, the most selective college in America isn’t an Ivy—it’s the California Institute of Technology.
With an acceptance rate of just 3%, Caltech’s extreme selectivity is partly structural. The school enrolls roughly 1,000 undergraduates, far fewer than most elite universities. That limited capacity, combined with a global reputation in STEM fields, naturally drives down the share of admitted students.
Caltech also attracts a highly self-selecting applicant pool, students with exceptional math and science credentials, making competition especially intense. When a small institution receives thousands of top-tier applications, admissions become extraordinarily competitive.
Every Ivy League institution appears in the ranking, including Harvard, Yale, Princeton, Columbia, Brown, Dartmouth, Cornell, and the University of Pennsylvania.
Over the past two decades, Ivy League acceptance rates have steadily declined as application volumes surged. The rise of the Common Application and test-optional policies expanded applicant pools, even as class sizes remained relatively stable.
The result: single-digit acceptance rates have become the norm at America’s most recognizable universities. For many students, these universities remain aspirational “dream colleges”.
Ultra-selective admissions extend well beyond the Ivy League. Institutions like Duke, Johns Hopkins, Northwestern, Vanderbilt, Amherst, Pomona, and Bowdoin also report acceptance rates under 10%.
Specialized schools such as Juilliard and the Curtis Institute of Music are equally competitive, reflecting the intensity of auditions and portfolio-based admissions.
In today’s admissions landscape, exclusivity isn’t limited to one conference or coast. From small liberal arts colleges to major research universities, competition for seats has never been fiercer.
Curious how tuition and financial aid stack up at these elite schools? Explore From Harvard to Stanford: The True Cost of the Top 10 Colleges on the Voronoi app for a deeper look at what it really costs to attend America’s most prestigious universities.
2026-03-07 00:27:00
Women are transforming the investment landscape. Entrepreneurial momentum, rising earnings, and expanding control over wealth are driving the shift. From launching businesses at record rates to redefining what they expect from financial advisors, women’s growing economic influence is reshaping how capital is built, managed, and deployed.
This visualization, created in partnership with New York Life Investment Management, highlights women’s growing role in capital markets.
Entrepreneurship is one of the clearest signals of women’s rising financial power. Last year, women launched 49% of all new businesses, according to Gusto. That marks a 69% increase since 2019 and the highest share in five years.
This growth isn’t just about participation. It’s about capital. Women business owners now control significant investable wealth, averaging $1.1 million in assets. That level of influence underscores the importance of long-term planning, trusted guidance, and access to investment education.
But entrepreneurship is only one piece of a broader wealth expansion story.
The share of wealth controlled by women continues to grow in the U.S. and globally. As a result, their influence over how capital is allocated is increasing.
In the U.S., the share of assets controlled by women is set to rise from 31% in 2019 to 38% by 2030. This is estimated to total $34.0 trillion.
| Year | Wealth controlled by women ($ trillions) | Wealth controlled by women (%) |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 10.0 | 31 |
| 2023 | 18.0 | 34 |
| 2030F | 34.0 | 38 |
Women investors span a wide range of life stages and financial roles. They include solo earners, contributors, married breadwinners, and those navigating major life transitions.
Among affluent households, married women breadwinners now account for nearly 25% of U.S. households with $250K+ in investable assets.
As women’s financial roles diversify, so does their market impact. They are shaping portfolio strategies, risk tolerance, and long-term investment priorities.
Rising income trends are accelerating this shift.
Progress on pay equity is strengthening women’s financial foundation. According to U.S. Census Bureau data, women earned approximately 84 cents for every dollar earned by men in 2022. In 1960, that figure was about 61 cents.
| Year | Female-to-male earnings ratio |
|---|---|
| 2022 | 0.84 |
| 2021 | 0.84 |
| 2020 | 0.83 |
| 2019 | 0.82 |
| 2018 | 0.82 |
| 2017 | 0.82 |
| 2017 | 0.81 |
| 2016 | 0.81 |
| 2015 | 0.80 |
| 2014 | 0.79 |
| 2013 | 0.78 |
| 2013 | 0.78 |
| 2012 | 0.77 |
| 2011 | 0.77 |
| 2010 | 0.77 |
| 2009 | 0.77 |
| 2008 | 0.77 |
| 2007 | 0.78 |
| 2006 | 0.77 |
| 2005 | 0.77 |
| 2004 | 0.77 |
| 2003 | 0.76 |
| 2002 | 0.77 |
| 2001 | 0.76 |
| 2000 | 0.74 |
| 1999 | 0.72 |
| 1998 | 0.73 |
| 1997 | 0.74 |
| 1996 | 0.74 |
| 1995 | 0.71 |
| 1994 | 0.72 |
| 1993 | 0.72 |
| 1992 | 0.71 |
| 1991 | 0.70 |
| 1990 | 0.72 |
| 1989 | 0.69 |
| 1988 | 0.66 |
| 1987 | 0.65 |
| 1986 | 0.64 |
| 1985 | 0.65 |
| 1984 | 0.64 |
| 1983 | 0.64 |
| 1982 | 0.62 |
| 1981 | 0.59 |
| 1980 | 0.60 |
| 1979 | 0.60 |
| 1978 | 0.59 |
| 1977 | 0.59 |
| 1976 | 0.60 |
| 1975 | 0.59 |
| 1974 | 0.59 |
| 1973 | 0.57 |
| 1972 | 0.58 |
| 1971 | 0.60 |
| 1970 | 0.59 |
| 1969 | 0.61 |
| 1968 | 0.58 |
| 1967 | 0.58 |
| 1966 | 0.58 |
| 1965 | 0.60 |
| 1964 | 0.59 |
| 1963 | 0.59 |
| 1962 | 0.59 |
| 1961 | 0.59 |
| 1960 | 0.61 |
While gaps remain, the long-term trajectory is clear. Higher lifetime earnings mean greater savings potential and larger retirement balances. They also translate into increased investable assets.
As their financial footprint expands, so do their expectations around financial advice.
Women across investor segments are seeking more hands-on support. Demand for more frequent advisor meetings (once a month or more) is increasing.
| Desire for monthly meetings or more (%) | ||
|---|---|---|
| Female Investor Group | 2019 | 2023 |
| Suddenly Single | 3 | 27 |
| Married Breadwinner | 6 | 36 |
| Married Contributor | 0 | 23 |
| Single Breadwinner | 3 | 17 |
At the same time, confidence levels have shifted. The share of women who reported feeling confident in their market knowledge declined from 56.5% in 2019 to 16.3% in 2023.
This decline has fueled demand for investing education and personalized guidance.
Performance alone isn’t enough. Research shows rising dissatisfaction among women investors. Many cite communication gaps and lack of personal connection as top reasons for switching advisors.
| Reasons for Switching Financial Advisors in the Past 2 Years | ||
|---|---|---|
| Reason | 2019 | 2023 |
| Poor Customer Service | 27 | 39 |
| Lack of Personal Connection | 29 | 32 |
For many women, strong investment outcomes must be paired with trust and transparency. A genuine advisory relationship matters just as much as returns.
Women’s growing wealth and influence are reshaping global markets. Those who recognize and respond to this shift will be better positioned for long-term opportunity.

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2026-03-06 22:46:47
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China is the world’s largest crude oil importer, bringing in roughly 11 million barrels per day to fuel its economy. But that dependence creates a vulnerability: a large share of its supply comes from the Middle East.
The Strait of Hormuz, a critical trade route between Oman and Iran, has been disrupted as shipping companies reroute or stockpile cargo following U.S.-Israel strikes on Iran on Feb. 28, 2026.
The world’s largest oil tankers pass through the strait due to its depth and width, carrying 20.7 million barrels of oil every day in 2024. A large portion of that was headed for Asia, and China specifically.
The map, which is based on data from the U.S. EIA, shows where China imported its crude and condensate from in 2024.
Dive into the data, which tracks import-source dependence rather than total Chinese primary energy dependence, below:
| Country | Share of China's Crude Oil and Condensate Imports in 2024 |
|---|---|
Russia |
20% |
Saudi Arabia |
14% |
Iran |
11% |
Iraq |
10% |
Oman |
7% |
United Arab Emirates |
6% |
Brazil |
6% |
Angola |
5% |
United States |
2% |
Venezuela |
2% |
Other |
17% |
Russia was China’s largest supplier in 2024, accounting for about 20% of crude and condensate imports. Saudi Arabia followed at 14%, while Iran supplied 11%.
Other Middle Eastern producers—including Iraq, Oman, and the United Arab Emirates—also contribute significant shares.
Taken together, the Middle East made up 54% of crude and condensate imports, highlighting a concentration that leaves China exposed to sudden changes in energy flows through the region.
Brazil and Angola are key diversifiers, representing 6% and 5% of China’s imports.
Energy security was already on the Chinese agenda, leading it to bolster domestic production of renewables and even coal.
Russia, Iran, and Venezuela accounted for 33% of China’s crude import mix in 2024, highlighting how countries facing global sanctions have banded together.
Russia has strengthened its relationship with Asia since Europe began weaning itself off Russian gas in support of Ukraine. It moves a lot of its energy by pipe, meaning it avoids maritime corridors that can quickly become chokepoints and thus offer China an import source that is less exposed to geopolitical vulnerabilities.
To learn more about China’s trading partners, check out this graphic which charts the country’s top relationships.