1 hour ago China to remove tariffs on nearly all goods from Africa as both criticise US

Twenty more African countries, mostly from the continent’s middle-income nations, are set to gain access to the world’s largest consumer market duty-free as Beijing plans to remove tariffs for all products from every African nation except eSwatini. The measure was announced as African ministers joined Beijing at a meeting in central China affiliated with the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC). Amid the tariff war, representatives from China and African nations accused the United States of...

Politics

3 h. ago Trump’s ‘done deal’ with China just brings tariffs back to Liberation Day levels

Trump’s ‘done deal’ with China just brings tariffs back to Liberation Day levels  Fortune

Politics

6 h. ago Hong Kong exhibition opens to mark fifth anniversary of national security law

An exhibition commemorating the fifth anniversary of the Beijing-imposed national security law has opened in Hong Kong, featuring video footage and images from three major social movements, with city officials urging residents to remain vigilant against threats. At the opening ceremony of the government-organised event on Thursday, Secretary for Security Chris Tang Ping-keung noted that as of June 1, 326 people had been arrested under relevant national security laws, including the legislation...

Events

9 h. ago Chinese astronomers recorded details of dying star’s explosion in 1408: study

Just after sunset on an October evening in 1408, six years into the reign of the Ming dynasty’s Emperor Yongle, Chinese court astronomers spotted a mysterious new star glowing high in the southern sky, near the heart of the Milky Way. “It was about the size of a cup-shaped oil lamp, with a pure yellow colour, smooth and bright,” according to Hanlin Academy scholar Hu Guang, in a formal report to the emperor that interpreted its appearance as a heavenly endorsement. “We, your ministers, have...

Events

10 h. ago With early stablecoin law, Hong Kong looks to keep edge as finance hub

With the passage of one of the world’s most comprehensive stablecoin laws two weeks ago, Hong Kong is looking to stay at the forefront of global finance while addressing lessons from past industry setbacks, according to analysts. Being a “first mover” in stablecoin legislation “reflects the determination” of the city’s government to “unlock value that they see in this sector, given the number of hurdles from past incidents”, said Melvin Deng, CEO of digital asset trading firm QCP Capital. Hong...

Politics

11 h. ago Tropical Storm Wutip: Hong Kong’s T1 alert to stay in effect throughout the day

This story has been made freely available as a public service to our readers. Please consider supporting SCMP’s journalism by subscribing. New users who download our updated app get a seven-day free trial. Hong Kong’s weather forecaster has said that the No 1 typhoon warning signal will remain in force throughout Thursday, as squally showers associated with a tropical storm near the coast of Guangdong continue to affect the city. The Observatory said that Tropical Storm Wutip, which is named...

Events

11 h. ago Tropical Storm Wutip: Hong Kong’s T1 alert to stay in effect until at least Friday

This story has been made freely available as a public service to our readers. Please consider supporting SCMP’s journalism by subscribing. New users who download our updated app get a seven-day free trial. Hong Kong’s weather forecaster has said the No 1 typhoon warning signal will remain in force until Friday afternoon or possibly Saturday, as squally showers associated with a tropical storm near the coast of Guangdong province continue to affect the city. The Observatory said Tropical Storm...

Events

15 h. ago Small retailers on 'vacation from hell' as they seek clarity on Trump's China tariffs

Small retailers on 'vacation from hell' as they seek clarity on Trump's China tariffs  CNBC

Politics

16 h. ago Trump tariffs live updates: Bessent suggests pause extension, US

Trump tariffs live updates: Bessent suggests pause extension, US-China trade framework takes shape  Yahoo Finance

Politics

17 h. ago US Treasury chief slams ‘unreliable’ China at House hearing on Trump trade policy

US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent slammed Beijing on Wednesday for its aggressive export policies, urged it to be a more dependable partner and depicted China’s disjointed economic structure as hurting not only the US but the entire globe. “China currently has the most unbalanced economy in the history of the world,” Bessent, a former hedge fund manager, told the powerful House Ways and Means Committee. “They cannot be allowed to export their way back to prosperity, not only for working...

Politics

18 h. ago Trump's 'done' deal with China: Trade damage already done and will remain, logistics firms, retailers say

Trump's 'done' deal with China: Trade damage already done and will remain, logistics firms, retailers say  CNBC

Politics

18 h. ago Trump's 'done' deal with China: Trade damage will remain, logistics firms and retailers say

Trump's 'done' deal with China: Trade damage will remain, logistics firms and retailers say  CNBC

Politics

19 h. ago Tariff Rates Against China Still Historically High as Trump Touts New Trade Deal

Tariff Rates Against China Still Historically High as Trump Touts New Trade Deal  CNET

Economics

20 h. ago U.S. tariffs on China won't change again, Lutnick says after trade talks

U.S. tariffs on China won't change again, Lutnick says after trade talks  CNBC

Economics

20 h. ago Live updates: Trump announces finalized trade deal with China, says tariffs on Chinese goods go to 55%

Live updates: Trump announces finalized trade deal with China, says tariffs on Chinese goods go to 55%  AP News

Politics

21 h. ago Trump says China will face 55% tariffs as he endorses trade deal

Trump says China will face 55% tariffs as he endorses trade deal  The Guardian

Politics

21 h. ago Trump says US gets rare earth minerals from China and tariffs on Chinese goods will total 55%

Trump says US gets rare earth minerals from China and tariffs on Chinese goods will total 55%  AP News

Politics

21 h. ago Hong Kong’s John Lee seeks closer ties in meeting with EU officials

Hong Kong’s leader has sought to deepen ties with the EU in a meeting with the bloc’s representatives, saying the city will remain a free port despite growing protectionism globally. Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu said on Wednesday that he had hosted a lunch attended by Harvey Rouse, head of the Office of the European Union to Hong Kong and Macau, as well as 15 consuls general from the bloc’s member countries. The gathering served as a platform for direct dialogue and an exchange of views,...

Politics

21 h. ago Chinese exports to EU surge, but bloc waiting to see if emergency action needed

The European Union says it is “too early to conclude” whether sky-high US tariffs on Chinese goods have caused a diversion of exports to the bloc that would cause it to take emergency measures. This was despite a surge in Chinese exports to the European Union coinciding with a big drop in shipments from China to the United States in May. China’s shipments to the US last month fell by 34.5 per cent from a year ago, while its exports to France rose by 24.1 per cent and to Germany by 21.5 per cent,...

Politics

21 h. ago Trump Says Trade ‘Deal With China Is Done.’ Tariffs Are Still On.

Trump Says Trade ‘Deal With China Is Done.’ Tariffs Are Still On.  Barron's

Politics