6 h. ago With US tariffs looming, China’s panda diplomacy returns as Japan seeks new loan

Panda diplomacy is back in play as Japan seeks to charm visiting Chinese Vice-Premier He Lifeng with hopes of securing one or two of the endangered bears on loan. The gesture could help soothe bilateral ties and signal regional unity amid growing unease over US trade policy under President Donald Trump, analysts have said. He, a close adviser to President Xi Jinping, is scheduled to attend the World Expo in Osaka for “national pavilion day” at the Chinese pavilion on Friday. The Yomiuri...

Politics

24 h. ago Li Qiang urges Brics collective action as Trump tariff deadline looms

Chinese Premier Li Qiang has urged Brics nations to lead reforms of global governance, calling on member states to uphold independence and act collectively amid the threat of higher tariffs from the United States. “As the leading bloc of the Global South, Brics countries should strive to be a pioneering force in advancing the reform of global governance,” Li said in a speech at the Brics summit on Sunday. At an event widely seen as a direct challenge to the Western-led world order, the premier...

Politics

3 d. ago Trump tariffs live updates: Trump to start sending out tariff letters as July 9 deadline looms

Trump tariffs live updates: Trump to start sending out tariff letters as July 9 deadline looms  Yahoo Finance

Politics

4 d. ago Indonesia banks on critical minerals to avert US tariffs – will it work?

Indonesia is banking on its rich reserves of critical minerals to persuade the United States to pull back steep looming tariffs – an offer that could appeal to American strategic interests even as concerns remain about regulatory risks and China’s entrenched role in the country’s mineral supply chains. Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto has described Indonesia’s critical minerals proposal as its “second-best offer” to avert a looming 32 per cent tariff under President...

Economics

4 d. ago Can Rubio’s Asia tour ease region’s anxiety over looming US tariffs?

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio heads to Asia next week on a high-profile diplomatic tour, but his visit is not expected to ease growing anxiety in Southeast Asia, which is bracing itself for the return of steep US tariffs that threaten to derail growth and test ties with Washington. Rubio is expected to fly to Kuala Lumpur for meetings on July 10-11 with foreign ministers from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) and other Asia-Pacific countries, according to media reports. He...

Politics

7 d. ago Japan races against time to avoid US car tariffs as deadline looms

Japan’s top negotiator has made a last-ditch trip to Washington in hopes of heading off a steep US tariff on Japanese cars – but with just over a week to go, and President Donald Trump doubling down in recent comments, analysts say neither side appears willing to compromise. Ryosei Akazawa, Japan’s chief trade envoy on the issue, flew into the US capital on Thursday and spoke twice to Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick by phone over the weekend. But he failed to secure a meeting with Treasury...

Economics

7 d. ago Why China sees US trade deals with partners as a threat – and how it could react

Beijing has renewed its warning to other countries not to strike deals with the United States on terms that come at China’s expense – ahead of Washington’s looming deadline to conclude tariff negotiations with most of its trade partners. Chinese officials are concerned that nations from Europe to Southeast Asia may enter into trade agreements with the US that divert supply chains, reduce bilateral trade with China or compel governments to exit Beijing-led projects, analysts said on Monday. “The...

Events

1 week ago Red panda morning calls at China hotel cause safety concerns, service suspension

A five-star hotel in China has sparked controversy by using a red panda for morning calls, prompting an investigation and suspension of the service by authorities. The establishment, Lehe Ledu Liangjiang Hotel, located in southwestern China’s Chongqing municipality, raised public concerns after several guests shared videos of their morning calls delivered by an adorable red panda. In the footage, the animal climbs onto beds and desks in hotel rooms, where guests are invited to pet and feed...

Politics

1 week ago China cracks down on hotel offering red panda 'wake up call' service

China cracks down on hotel offering red panda 'wake up call' service  NBC News

Politics

3 w. ago Trump tariffs live updates: EU weighs 10% tariff deal as Trump's July deadline looms

Trump tariffs live updates: EU weighs 10% tariff deal as Trump's July deadline looms  Yahoo Finance

Politics

3 w. ago Japan eyes 80% cut in 298,000 death toll for potential Nankai monster quake

Japan is seeking to reduce by 80 per cent in the next decade its estimated 298,000 death toll from a potential megaquake in the Nankai Trough. Authorities also intend to halve the maximum number of buildings expected to be completely destroyed in such a disaster from the current projection of 2.35 million. The targets align with a 2104 basic blueprint but will also take into account the latest damage estimates released in March, according to the Kyodo news agency. A revised plan for emergency...

Events