36 h. ago Despite Starmer’s ‘China threat’ rhetoric, Britain seeks tighter Beijing ties

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer called China a security threat this week, but analysts said the statement was motivated by domestic politics and did not negate London’s goal of deepening economic ties with Beijing. Meanwhile, disputes around a new Chinese embassy will continue to test this desire for stronger relations as the British leader plans a state visit. Starmer said on Monday that his government would focus on the relationship with China, which would help protect national interests,...

Events

2 d. ago Several US Soybean Cargoes Are Set for China as Trade Resumes

Several US Soybean Cargoes Are Set for China as Trade Resumes  Bloomberg.com

Transport

9 d. ago ‘Incredibly weak yen’: why economists are worried about Japan’s spending plan

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi was set to be quizzed by opposition parties in parliament for the first time on Wednesday, as her administration’s colossal new economic stimulus package came under the spotlight. Takaichi’s cabinet signed off on the 21.3 trillion yen (US$136.5 billion) package on Friday, including 17.7 trillion yen in fresh spending – the largest stimulus since the pandemic and her first major economic gambit since taking office. Cash handouts and subsidies form the core...

Economics

1 week ago Economics above politics? India and Canada to resume trade agreement talks

India and Canada have agreed to restart talks on a long-delayed free-trade agreement, in the strongest signal yet of a thaw in their relations following a two-year diplomatic row triggered by the 2023 killing of a Sikh separatist in British Columbia. The resumption of negotiations underscores both countries’ aim to prioritise economic ties over a resolution to a lingering political issue, even as the underlying tensions over Sikh separatism remain unresolved, according to analysts. The...

Politics

1 week ago Chanel cosmetics, fur coats expose North Korea’s widening wealth chasm

North Korea’s wealth gap is reportedly widening, as luxury goods circulate among affluent border residents while ordinary citizens face growing extreme poverty. Economic disparities in areas near the Chinese border have become more pronounced compared with the period before trade resumed, according to Daily NK on Friday. In cities such as Hoeryong in North Hamgyong province and Hyesan in Ryanggang province, cross-border commerce through customs offices has increased, and the number of high-end...

Politics

1 week ago Trump accuses Ukraine of ingratitude as officials report progress on peace plan

The United States said it had made significant progress on crafting a plan to end the war in Ukraine during talks on Sunday but no agreement was reached on how to guarantee Kyiv’s security amid concerns about the threat posed by Russia. Earlier, Trump said Ukraine had not been grateful for American efforts over the war, prompting Ukrainian officials to stress their gratitude to the US president for his support. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio led the talks in Geneva with a high-level Ukrainian...

Politics

2 w. ago Trump’s tariffs to endure beyond his presidency, Raimondo says

Former US commerce secretary Gina Raimondo said US President Donald Trump’s tariffs are likely to outlive his administration, sustained by political fears that removing protectionist barriers will alienate workers who fear losing their jobs to offshoring and AI. Speaking at the Bloomberg New Economy Forum in Singapore, Raimondo argued that the political cost of unwinding tariffs is too high for any future administration, regardless of party. “Tariffs, once they’re put on, are hard to take off,”...

Politics

2 w. ago Japanese experts warn reckless political moves would undermine economic ties with China

Japanese experts warn reckless political moves would undermine economic ties with China  China Daily - Global Edition

Events

2 w. ago Why Trump won’t let Thailand keep tariff, border talks separate

Thailand’s insistence trade negotiations with the US can proceed separately from talks over a fractious border dispute with Cambodia has been met with deep scepticism given Washington’s increasing use of economic policy as a political instrument and US President Donald Trump’s personal stake in the ceasefire deal. Bangkok announced on Saturday that tariff talks with the United States would “remain separate from border issues”, a pledge government spokesman Siripong Angkasakulkiat said followed...

Politics

2 w. ago Australia draws mainland, Hong Kong homebuyers amid its stable policies, economy

Australia, with its stable political and economic landscape, is likely to attract more property investors from Hong Kong and mainland China in the coming year, according to agents. The luxury property segment of the world’s sixth-largest country is also expected to see increased interest from affluent investors looking for cost-efficient safe havens amid changes in the immigration and residency requirements of the US and the UK, among other jurisdictions. “For many years, Australia has been a...

Economics

2 w. ago Australia draws mainland China, Hong Kong homebuyers amid stable policies, economy

Australia, with its stable political and economic landscape, is likely to attract more property investors from Hong Kong and mainland China in the coming year, according to agents. The luxury property segment of the world’s sixth-largest country is also expected to see increased interest from affluent investors looking for cost-efficient safe havens amid changes in the immigration and residency requirements of the US and the UK, among other jurisdictions. “For many years, Australia has been a...

Economics

3 w. ago Fair wages: China’s young jobseekers take their résumés to trade expos

As China’s youth continue to struggle to find jobs suited to their skills and background, some enterprising hopefuls are making use of an unorthodox channel to unearth new opportunities: the country’s sprawling trade fairs and expos. Discouraged by the limited openings at both domestic and foreign firms, many jobseekers view these events – often the largest of their kind – as chances to network, explore new industries and even pick up temporary positions as expo employees. “I go to these expos...

Society

3 w. ago Hong Kong’s economy, global ties main issues at party’s Legco election forum

Hong Kong’s economic development and its global ties have emerged as the common concerns in the first Legislative Council election forum organised by the biggest local political party. The Democratic Alliance for the Betterment and Progress of Hong Kong (DAB) on Monday hosted all 50 candidates running for 40 Legco seats in the Election Committee constituency. They presented their political platforms to the party’s more than 100 committee members ahead of next month’s poll. The forum was held...

Politics

3 w. ago US shutdown may be nearing end as Senate Democrats support funding deal

The record-breaking US government shutdown is nearing an end after a group of moderate Senate Democrats agreed to support a deal to reopen the government and fund some departments and agencies for the next year, people familiar with the talks said. Under the agreement, Congress would pass full-year funding for the departments of Agriculture, Veterans Affairs and Congress itself, while funding other agencies through January 30. The bill would provide pay for furloughed government workers, resume...

Politics

3 w. ago US shutdown may be near end as some Senate Democrats support funding deal

The record-breaking US government shutdown is nearing an end after a group of moderate Senate Democrats agreed to support a deal to reopen the government and fund some departments and agencies for the next year, people familiar with the talks said. Under the agreement, Congress would pass full-year funding for the departments of Agriculture, Veterans Affairs and Congress itself, while funding other agencies through January 30. The bill would provide pay for furloughed government workers, resume...

Politics

4 w. ago Asia stocks set for weekly drop as tech rout resumes; China trade data underwhelms

Asia stocks set for weekly drop as tech rout resumes; China trade data underwhelms  Investing.com

Politics