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Illustration: Lau Ka-kuen
US-China relations

Open Questions | Why Trump’s April trip to China may not deliver ‘grand bargain’: James Zimmerman

The American Chamber of Commerce in China chairman says this year’s expected Trump-Xi meetings can put countries on a ‘visionary’ path.

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China-EU relations

Nexperia faces 6-month inquiry as CEO Zhang’s suspension upheld by Dutch court

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Yuan

‘The Trump factor’ could be luring more foreign investors to China. Here’s why

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Banking & finance

China lets yuan rise to strongest level in years as de-dollarisation trend grows

China’s central bank sets the yuan’s midpoint rate at its strongest level since mid-2023, as jitters over the US dollar buoy the Chinese currency.

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The yuan has steadily appreciated against the US dollar in recent months amid a growing de-dollarisation trend among global investors. Photo: AFP
The yuan has steadily appreciated against the US dollar in recent months amid a growing de-dollarisation trend among global investors. Photo: AFP
China consumption

Time on happy hour as French wine and spirit sales sour in mainland China, US

French alcohol exports to mainland China and the US dropped by 19.5 and 21 per cent in 2025 as tariffs stifled global trade.

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US-China relations

As Bessent tips next US-China trade talks, analysts see Trump-Xi meeting prep

Treasury Secretary Bessent confirms preparations for high-level dialogue, with analysts expecting a focus on specific transactional wins over a relationship reset.

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Banking & finance

Indonesia turns to digital finance to reach unbanked population

With millions still lacking access to banking services, Indonesia is drawing on regional lessons and forging international partnerships.

A teller prepares rupiah bank notes at a money changer in Jakarta, Indonesia, on April 9, 2025. The Southeast Asian nation has one of the world’s largest populations without access to banking services. Photo: Reuters
A teller prepares rupiah bank notes at a money changer in Jakarta, Indonesia, on April 9, 2025. The Southeast Asian nation has one of the world’s largest populations without access to banking services. Photo: Reuters
China Conference: Southeast Asia

Indonesia eyes China partners to build ‘better than the EU standard’

Sovereign wealth fund Danantara targets waste-to-energy, smart grids, and data centres, leveraging a global tech leader for green and infrastructure growth.

China-EU relations

EU ‘mega tariff’: French minister urges caution amid calls for 30% China duty

Finance minister distances himself from French government agency’s proposal for blanket EU tariffs on China to stop ‘destruction’ of local industry.

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Yuan

China keen to realise ambitions for digital currency amid slow uptake

Despite record transactions last year, most users prefer alternatives – while Beijing likely to maintain gradual expansion, analysts say.

A booth promoting the digital yuan in Beijing on September 2, 2022. Photo: AP
China trade

Businesses to ‘keep doing it’ as Japan-China trade stays defiant after election

Neither side likely to want escalation in months-long dispute but near-term outlook uncertain, analysts say.

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The dispute between Beijing and Tokyo erupted on November 7, 2025, after Takaichi became the first Japanese prime minister to explicitly state that any use of force by Beijing against Taiwan could be a “survival-threatening situation” for Japan, suggesting that the country’s military could intervene. Photo: Reuters
The dispute between Beijing and Tokyo erupted on November 7, 2025, after Takaichi became the first Japanese prime minister to explicitly state that any use of force by Beijing against Taiwan could be a “survival-threatening situation” for Japan, suggesting that the country’s military could intervene. Photo: Reuters
Belt and Road Initiative

‘Time is ripe’: why China is eyeing another vast canal link to Southeast Asia

China has almost completed the US$10 billion Pinglu Canal connecting its heartlands to Southeast Asia. Now, it is mulling an even larger waterway.

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Banking & finance

As China intensifies offshore tax hunt, exporters struggle with compliance

Beijing leverages big data and global info exchange to chase undeclared overseas wealth, with fiscal needs seen driving the push, forcing compliance across sectors.

China-EU relations

Chinese sports brands set sights on European expansion at 2026 Winter Olympics

The Games have become a test case for firms seeking to raise their global profile, highlighting rising ambitions and challenges.

A model presents for Chinese brand Li Ning during the fashion week in Milan on January 16. Photo: Xinhua
China trade

As Beijing and Moscow tout ties, China’s companies keep Ukraine’s lights on

Ukrainians are buying Chinese batteries and emergency items en masse after Russian strikes, with Beijing’s ties to Moscow no damper on trade.

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Illustration: Lau Ka-kuen
Illustration: Lau Ka-kuen
China trade

UK, China boost financial ties, deepen London’s role as offshore yuan hub

New pact designates a new yuan clearing bank, boosts cross-listings and expands green finance, accelerating the international use of China’s currency.

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China trade

China-Canada canola deal faces test as USMCA trade talks loom, insiders warn

Initial shipments bring hope, but ‘Fortress North America’ threat and lack of long-term guarantees leave producers wary of Beijing’s commitment.

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China-EU relations

Stung by Trump’s policies, German multinationals cautiously pivot towards China

German firms are keen to invest more in China as they shy away from the US, but they still face issues in the Chinese market, business group says.

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Workers assemble vehicles at a Volkswagen plant in Qingdao, in China’s eastern Shandong province. Photo: AFP
Workers assemble vehicles at a Volkswagen plant in Qingdao, in China’s eastern Shandong province. Photo: AFP
Belt and Road Initiative

Trump wants China out of South America – but Peru’s Beijing-backed port is abuzz

Beijing’s hunger for minerals and raw materials is pushing trade in the region to record levels, even after incidents in Panama and Venezuela.

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Transport and logistics

Panama’s ‘dangerous precedent’: why ports appear pawns as politics top contracts

Panama’s move to void CK Hutchison’s deal fuels fears of broader asset seizures, with analysts warning of rising risks for Chinese operators in the US sphere.

Banking & finance

China’s new golden rule: dig deeper mines, boost reserves and hedge global risks

China Gold Association vows tech breakthroughs in deep mining and nanogold, and a state-owned miner seeks a fourfold increase in gold output from mineral deposits.

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China’s gold insiders have vowed major industry advancements over the coming five years. Photo: Shutterstock
China energy security

China’s clean power energising economy, adding a Brazil’s worth of GDP: report

Clean energy industries drove more than one-third of China’s economic growth in 2025, as they continue to expand rapidly, study finds.

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Workers check solar panels installed on a lake in China’s central Anhui province. Photo: AFP
Workers check solar panels installed on a lake in China’s central Anhui province. Photo: AFP
China-EU relations

‘Discriminatory’: China slams EU probe into wind turbine maker Goldwind

Brussels’ ‘abuse of investigations’ is harming China-EU cooperation and slowing Europe’s green transition, Beijing warns.

China energy security

China’s cheap oil flows under strain as US ramps up Iran, Venezuela pressure

US restrictions could lead China to turn to higher-priced barrels in other markets, while it continues to reduce its reliance on oil imports.

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China trade

China’s outbound investment surges to 7-year high amid data centre, energy boom

Chinese investment is increasingly focusing on energy and raw materials projects in low and middle-income regions, report finds.

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Construction workers walk to a data centre under construction in Malaysia. Chinese investment in data centres in Southeast Asia surged last year, according to a new report. Photo: AP
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