AFP

Global stocks diverged while gold hit a record high on Tuesday as investors juggled geopolitical concerns with renewed violence in Gaza and a high-stakes US-Russian presidential phone call.Wall Street resumed a downward slide after two up days, but European stocks rose as German lawmakers approved a massive spending boost for defense and infrastructure.Gold struck a new …

Geopolitical tensions buffet markets as gold hits record Read More »

Prime Minister Mark Carney announced Tuesday a Can$6 billion (US$4.2 billion) deal with Australia to develop an Arctic radar system, warning that Canada must take more responsibility for its defence as US priorities shift.Carney made the announcement in Iqaluit, capital of the Nunavut territory in the Canadian Arctic, on the final leg of his first …

Canada PM Carney announces deal with Australia to boost Arctic radar Read More »

The sight of Hong Kong’s high-rises encased in bamboo scaffolding may soon become a rarity after officials announced plans to replace the ancient technique with metal.Hong Kong is one of the world’s last remaining cities to use bamboo frames for modern construction and building repair, a practice which dates back centuries in China and other …

Hong Kong’s bamboo scaffolds on their way out Read More »

Indonesian activists on Tuesday condemned plans to change a law that would allow the army to have more government positions, a move they say could lead to “abuse” in a country long influenced by its powerful military.The revision to a military law will be voted on Thursday in a parliament dominated by President Prabowo Subianto’s …

Indonesia activists condemn amendment allowing more military in government Read More »

Shares in Chinese EV giant BYD surged to a record high Tuesday after it unveiled new battery technology it says can charge a vehicle in the same time it takes to fill up a petrol car.The company said the battery and charging system, called “Super e-Platform”, boasted peak speeds of 1,000 kW, allowing cars to …

China EV giant BYD soars after 5-minute charging platform unveiled Read More »

Chinese consumer tech giant Xiaomi on Tuesday announced a surge in annual revenue, propelled by strong smartphone sales alongside a continued push into the electric vehicle sector.The Beijing-based firm manufactures a diverse array of tech gadgets ranging from smartphones and laptops to rice cookers and air purifiers.Its performance is considered to be a bellwether for …

Xiaomi posts 2024 revenue surge as EV push deepens Read More »

Hong Kong leader John Lee on Tuesday said criticism of city conglomerate CK Hutchison’s sale of its Panama Canal ports deserved “serious attention”, after Beijing authorities repeatedly slammed the deal.The business empire of Hong Kong’s richest man, Li Ka-shing, sold most of its port operations — including those in the canal — to a US-led …

Hong Kong leader says concerns over Panama ports deal warrant ‘attention’ Read More »

Pacific nation Kiribati says it is exploring a deep-sea mining partnership with China, dangling access to a vast patch of Pacific Ocean harbouring coveted metals and minerals.Beijing has been ramping up efforts to court Pacific nations sitting on lucrative seafloor deposits of cobalt, nickel and copper — recently inking a cooperation deal with Cook Islands. Kiribati …

Kiribati eyes deep-sea mining deal with China Read More »

Asian markets rallied on Tuesday following another positive day on Wall Street stoked by US data that eased recession fears, while Chinese tech firms helped propel another surge in Hong Kong.Traders have kicked off the week on a positive note after Beijing at the weekend unveiled a range of measures aimed at reigniting activity in …

Asian markets track Wall St gains as tech inspires Hong Kong Read More »