China’s economy expanded more than five percent in the second quarter of the year, official data showed on Tuesday, after analysts predicted strong exports would provide crucial support despite trade war pressures.The country’s leadership is fighting a multi-front battle to sustain growth, a challenge made more difficult by Donald Trump’s tariff campaign.The US president has …
Major stock markets on Monday largely shrugged off US President Donald Trump’s latest tariffs threat to hit the EU and Mexico with 30 percent levies.Analysts said investors viewed the warning as yet another negotiating ploy against America’s trading partners rather than a genuine move — although lingering uncertainty weighed on oil prices.US shares initially dipped …
Markets shrug off Trump tariff threat against EU Read More »
The European Union is seeking “fair competition” with China and not a race to the bottom in wages and environmental standards, the bloc’s vice president for the clean transition told AFP in Beijing on Monday.Deep frictions exist over economic relations between the 27-nation bloc and China.Brussels is worried that a manufacturing glut propelled by massive …
EU climate VP seeks ‘fair competition’ with China on green energy Read More »
Hundreds of rowdy spectators, many heavily tattooed, roared Monday at a Tokyo arena usually reserved for boxing — except the contestants were not athletes, but barbers.A dozen Japanese and foreign contestants were taking part in the World Barber Classic, showing off their hairdressing skills surrounded by national flags and the blare of hip-hop tunes.The event …
Japan’s World Barber Classic tries to bring back business Read More »
China’s exports rose more than expected in June, official data showed Monday, after Washington and Beijing agreed a tentative deal to lower swingeing tariffs on each other.Data from the General Administration of Customs said exports climbed 5.8 percent year-on-year, topping the five percent forecast in a Bloomberg survey of economists.Imports rose 1.1 percent, higher the …
China exports beat forecasts in June after US tariff truce Read More »
Most Asian markets rose Monday as investors digested Donald Trump’s latest trade war salvos that saw him threaten to hit the European Union and Mexico with 30 percent tariffs.The US president’s outburst came after a series of announcements last week including warnings of 50 percent levies on copper and Brazilian goods, 35 percent on Canadian …
Asian markets mostly rise on lingering trade deal optimism Read More »
Rising from the muddy fields on the Mekong riverbank in Laos, a lotus tops a casino in a sprawling city which analysts decry as a centre for cybercrime.Shabby, mismatched facades –- including an Iberian-style plaza replete with a church tower, turrets and statues — stand alongside high-rise shells. The Golden Triangle Special Economic Zone (GTSEZ) is …
‘Las Vegas in Laos’: the riverside city awash with crime Read More »
US senators on Sunday touted a bipartisan bill that would arm President Donald Trump with “sledgehammer” sanctions to use against Russia, ahead of a visit by the US special envoy to Ukraine.Trump has indicated he would be open to the sanctions bill as relations with Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin grow increasingly frosty.US special envoy Keith …
US senators aim to arm Trump with ‘sledgehammer’ sanctions against Russia Read More »
France’s defence relations with Australia have recovered after their 2021 bust-up over a major submarine contract, the country’s ambassador said Sunday.Paris expressed its “strong regrets” when Australia tore up a multibillion-dollar deal to buy a fleet of diesel-powered submarines from France, Ambassador Pierre-Andre Imbert said.Since the 2022 election of Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, however, the …
France says Australia defence ties repaired after submarine row Read More »
European and US stock markets retreated Friday as US President Donald Trump ramped up his trade offensive, threatening a 35-percent levy on Canada.Trump dampened earlier optimism by firing off more than 20 letters to governments outlining new tariffs if agreements are not reached by August 1.Bitcoin meanwhile pushed on with its climb, reaching an all-time …
