This week’s readings/links include Louis Gave on investing for a new Cold War, an update on the situation at Challenger Technologies, Matteo Fagotto on how Uzbekistan is slowly breaking free from the shackles of the past, James Crabtree on how China’s best response to US protectionism is more trade with other global partners and an interview with Chris Balding, author and associate professor at the Fulbright University of Vietnam. Also, this BBC article on Vietnam’s vast underground world.

• Investing for a new Cold War: Louis Gave on the investment implications.
• Minorities block Challenger’s delisting: Exit offer will lapse; Pangolin says the independent directors have ‘lost credibility.’
• Once a Silk Road outpost, a new Uzbekistan takes shape: After decades of Soviet rule followed by a 25-year dictatorship, the nation is slowly breaking free from the shackles of the past.
• A long march to high-tech self-reliance would hold back China: Best response to US protectionism is more trade with other global partners.
• Jay Kim Show: Interview with Chris Balding, author and associate professor at the Fulbright University of Vietnam. Transcript here.