Editors’ Picks: The West did not invent decoupling—China did

Plus: What South Africa really won at the ICJ. FEBRUARY 1, 2024  |  [VIEW IN BROWSER](  |  [SUBSCRIBE](     Sponsored by [Al-Monitor]( [Technicians conduct tests in a research laboratory of the Ningbo Shuxiang New Materials company in Ningbo, China, on April 20, 2023.]( Technicians conduct tests in a research laboratory of the Ningbo Shuxiang New Materials company in Ningbo, China, on April 20, 2023. STR/AFP via Getty Images [1]( [The West Did Not Invent Decoupling—China Did]( Beijing has long sought to gain a free hand by untangling its economy from the West. By Agathe Demarais   [2]( [What South Africa Really Won at the ICJ]( For much of the world, Pretoria has restored its reputation as a moral beacon—at America’s expense. By Sasha Polakow-Suransky   [3]( [Why Biden’s LNG Pause Has Allies Worried]( The regulatory about-face has raised questions about the long-term future of the world’s newest energy powerhouse. By Keith Johnson   [4]( [China Is Quietly Expanding Its Land Grabs in the Himalayas]( As the world worries about an invasion of Taiwan, Beijing is methodically continuing its seizure of territory in Bhutan. By Anchal Vohra   [5]( [In Turkey, Atlanticism Does Not Mean Liberalism]( Ankara finally ratified Stockholm’s NATO accession, but it must still find a democratic resolution to the Kurdish question. By Halil Karaveli Sponsored [Your go-to source on Middle East news]( From the Gaza war fallout and Turkey’s NATO role to Gulf investment trends and China’s inroads across the region, our local journalists provide unrivaled independent coverage of the Middle East. Join the world’s top Middle East analysts by signing up for our free Daily Briefing newsletter and [subscribing]( for less than $7/month with coupon code ALMFP.   [Subscribe to Foreign Policy]( [Save up to 50%]( [Choosing an annual plan for your FP subscription allows you to save up to 50%. For nuanced perspectives and insightful geopolitical analysis, subscribe today.]( [SUBSCRIBE NOW](   [Facebook]( [Twitter]( [Instagram]( [LinkedIn]( You’re receiving this email at {EMAIL} because you signed up for FP's Editors' Picks newsletter. [MANAGE YOUR EMAIL PREFERENCES]( | [VIEW OUR PRIVACY POLICY]( | [UNSUBSCRIBE]( Interested in partnering with FP on events, podcasts, or research? [Explore FP Solutions](. [Foreign Policy]( is a division of Graham Holdings Company. All contents © 2023 Graham Digital Holding Company LLC. All rights reserved. Foreign Policy, 655 15th St NW, Suite 300, Washington, DC, 20005.