7 d. ago ‘Progress’: France hopes to toast breakthrough on China’s cognac tariffs

After Chinese tariffs hammered the French cognac industry, Guilhem Grosperrin, director of the Grosperrin family brand, senses a long-awaited breakthrough – a breeze of optimism stirring in the bruised industry. Following recent talks between the two countries – including a phone call between Chinese President Xi Jinping and his French counterpart Emmanuel Macron – he said he was hopeful that Beijing’s duties on French cognac could soon be rolled back. “What we are hearing is that the...

Politics

1 week ago Double standards in war condemnation would ‘kill our own credibility’: Macron

French President Emmanuel Macron has warned of double standards in condemning conflicts, calling on world leaders to be consistent and form a coalition with a rules-based order in light of the ongoing wars around the world. During his keynote address at the Shangri-La Dialogue (SLD) on Friday night, Macron took swipes at Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Israel’s hostilities in Gaza and China’s aggression in the disputed waters of the South China Sea, pointing out that the “big risk” was to forget...

Events

2 w. ago Trump’s surreal call to Ishiba not about tariffs, but fighter jets, self

When Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba took a surprise 45-minute call from US President Donald Trump on Friday, Tokyo braced for tough talk on tariffs. Instead, officials were reportedly met with a meandering monologue that some say reflected Trump’s need for affirmation more than any real interest in Japan – or Ishiba. According to insider sources cited in a report published by the Asahi newspaper on Tuesday, Trump spoke at length about his recent Middle East trip, digressed into a...

Politics

2 w. ago Trump’s surreal call to Ishiba not about tariffs, but jets, self

When Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba took a surprise 45-minute call from US President Donald Trump last week, Tokyo braced for tough talk on tariffs. Instead, officials were reportedly met with a meandering monologue that some say reflected Trump’s need for affirmation more than any real interest in Japan – or Ishiba. According to insider sources cited in a report published by the Asahi newspaper on Tuesday, Trump spoke at length about his recent Middle East trip, digressed into a...

Politics

2 w. ago French President Macron hopes for defence, energy and tech deals as he starts Asia trip

Macron arrived in Vietnam on Sunday and will then go to Indonesia and finish up in Singapore, where he will speak at the Shangri-La Dialogue.

Politics

2 w. ago France’s President Macron arrives in Vietnam, kicking off Southeast Asia tour

Macron, who is also to visit Indonesia and Singapore, will pitch his country as a reliable alternative partner to the US and China.

Politics

2 w. ago France’s president kicks off Southeast Asia tour seeking deals in Vietnam

Emmanuel Macron, who is also to visit Indonesia and Singapore, will pitch his country as a reliable alternative partner to the US and China.

Politics

2 w. ago France’s president kicks off Southeast Asia tour sealing deals in Vietnam

Emmanuel Macron is also set to visit Indonesia and Singapore. His visit to Hanoi coincided with a new VietJet order for planemaker Airbus.

Politics

2 w. ago China ready to tackle ‘risks and challenges’, common development with Indonesia: Li Qiang

Chinese premier holds talks with Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto on second day of trip to Southeast Asia’s biggest economy.

Events

2 w. ago In Indonesia, China’s Li Qiang urges multilateralism in the face of protectionism

Chinese premier holds talks with Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto on second day of trip to Southeast Asia’s biggest economy.

Politics

2 w. ago In Indonesia, Chinese Premier Li Qiang urges multilateralism in the face of protectionism

Chinese premier holds talks with Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto on second day of trip to Southeast Asia’s biggest economy.

Politics

2 w. ago In Indonesia, Chinese premier urges multilateralism in face of protectionism

Beijing stands ready to work with Jakarta to uphold multilateralism amid growing protectionism and trade disruptions, Chinese Premier Li Qiang told Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto on Sunday. In talks in Jakarta on the second day of his trip to Southeast Asia’s biggest economy, Li said China was willing to “join Indonesia to address risks and challenges, and consolidate cooperation in politics, the economy, people-to-people and cultural exchanges, maritime affairs and security”, state...

Politics

2 w. ago Chinese and French presidents tackle cognac tariffs in phone call: Macron

French leader says fair competition is key and both sides agreed to move faster to resolve their trade dispute.

Politics