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Britain

Britain
The latest breaking news and stories on the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland (UK), a constitutional monarchy in northern Europe which includes England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland, and the world’s sixth largest economy. Also covering the UK’s relationship with the European Union (EU) post Brexit, as well as with China, plus commentary and updates on the UK’s economy, politics, society and social issues.
Capital
London
Head of State
King Charles III
King Charles III
Head of Government
Prime Minister Keir Starmer
Mark Carney, one of a number of Western leaders to visit Beijing last month, has warned about “a rupture” in the US-led global order. Photo: Reuters
China-EU relations

As traditional US allies hedge their bets, will China be the one to cash in?

‘Trump shock’ has prompted a thaw between other Western leaders and Beijing, a trend that raises questions about its deeper long-term impact.

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India

India’s trade blitz seeks to keep a sinking global order afloat

US-China relations

US accuses China of secret nuclear testing after offering Beijing arms treaty

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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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British Prime Minister Keir Starmer visited Yuyuan Garden in Shanghai, China, last Friday. Photo: Reuters
Diplomacy

As I see it | Starmer faces a hysterical backlash over new Chinese embassy

The worst features of UK politics and media, with help from ‘yellow-ribbon’ BN(O)ers, have been on full display over the ‘mega’ embassy plan.

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Donald Trump

Why gold still glitters in Asia despite volatility triggering ‘panic selling’

Investors are also looking to buy more silver despite the recent rush of funds towards the US dollar, analysts say.

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Jeffrey Epstein

Epstein haunts Number 10, creating crisis for UK’s Starmer

Prime minister’s job is under threat over his 2024 decision to appoint Peter Mandelson as US ambassador, despite his ties to Jeffrey Epstein.

10 Downing Street in London. Photo: Reuters
China-Asean relations

Exclusive | Inside China’s rare meeting to lobby Southeast Asia against Japan

Beijing summons Southeast Asian envoys and invokes Japan’s WWII history, but campaign to isolate Tokyo gains little traction.

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World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos

Opinion | How Trump’s Davos spotlight was upstaged by middle powers breaking away

While they continue to flatter Trump, politicians and businesses are also pursuing new deals and trading partners, diversifying supply chains and exploring ways to reduce dependence on the US.

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Russia

Russian captain jailed for 6 years for fatal North Sea tanker crash

Vladimir Motin was an ‘accident waiting to happen’, judge says as sentencing concludes for the manslaughter of a Filipino sailor.

Damage caused to the tanker Stena Immaculate following a collision with the Solong container ship in 2025. Photo: Humberside Police via Reuters
Jeffrey Epstein

Starmer apologises for Mandelson’s Epstein ties amid growing scandal

PM Starmer says he was ‘lied to’ regarding Peter Mandelson’s ties to Jeffrey Epstein, firing the ambassador as a misconduct probe begins.

Keir Starmer on Wednesday told parliament he regretted appointing Peter Mandelson as US ambassador amid controversy over Mandelson’s Epstein ties. Photo: PRU/AFP
Hong Kong transport

Letters | Just how risky is riding a bus in Hong Kong? Let’s do the maths

Readers discuss the odds of bus accidents, practical implementation of seat belt regulations, and the importance of user acceptance testing.

Canada

‘Devil’s in the details’: why Asia may not sign up to Canada’s alliance call

While Canadian PM Mark Carney’s vision appeals to many, analysts say a lack of detail and divergent interests make a unified front unlikely.

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Fame and celebrity

Meet Florence Hunt, who plays Hyacinth on Netflix’s Bridgerton

The 19-year-old British star, who started off in commercials including one for Apple’s iPhone 7, is set to make her feature film debut this year.

Florence Hunt plays the youngest of the eight Bridgerton siblings in the Netflix series. Photo: Handout
Food and Drinks

‘Martini craze’ sweeps New York and London as bars shake up classic cocktail

James Bond’s favourite drink is finding fans and driving profits in the US and UK as bartenders serve twists with carrot wine and coriander.

Martinis at the Martini Bar at Hawksmoor St Pancras, in London. Photo: Instagram/hawksmoormartinibar
IPO

‘Vibrant’ Hong Kong market seen drawing more listings from abroad

But other markets like South Korea could offer stronger near-term returns for international investors, J.P. Morgan Private Bank says.

China-UK relations

Letters | How Hong Kong can help cement the UK-China relationship

Readers discuss Hong Kong’s role within a ‘sophisticated’ UK-China relationship, the reason pet rental exists, and the U-turn on seat belts.

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Fame and celebrity

Q&A | Olivia Dean opens up about her Cartier collaboration and music

The Grammy-winning British singer, known for hits like ‘Man I Need’ and ‘So Easy (To Fall in Love)’, talks about the Clash de Cartier line, music and more.

Olivia Dean’s effortless elegance makes her a perfect fit for Cartier. Handout
United States

Opinion | With US-Russia treaty set to expire, threat of a new nuclear arms race grows

In a fragmented multilateral environment, the world could face even greater danger from nuclear proliferation than during the Cold War.

Jeffrey Epstein

Epstein files scandal triggers UK criminal probe as Mandelson quits parliament

UK police to investigate if Peter Mandelson shared market-sensitive data with Jeffrey Epstein after the latest US files dump draws scrutiny.

Diplomacy

Opinion | American allies are finally hedging against American risk

As US policy becomes more self-centred and unpredictable, traditional allies realise their best bet lies with diplomatic diversification.

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Illustration: Craig Stephens
Fame and celebrity

Who is Daniel Francis, aka Lord Marcus Anderson on Bridgerton?

Move over, Benedict Bridgerton – our dearest gentle readers have been captivated by his mother Violet’s love interest, played by Daniel Francis.

Daniel Francis plays Lord Marcus Anderson, the love interest of Ruth Gemmell’s character, Violet Bridgerton, on Bridgerton. Photo: @therealdanielfrancis/Instagram
Fashion

6 sleek Winter Olympics and Paralympic Games fashion collaborations in 2026

From Adidas x Team GB and Lululemon x Team Canada, to Ralph Lauren x Team USA, these are the chicest kits we’ll be seeing in Milano Cortina.

Fame and celebrity

Who is Lily Allen’s new boyfriend, Jonah Freud?

Jonah comes from an influential family indeed: his mother was once married to Princess Diana’s brother, Charles Spencer, and his father is an Oscar-winning producer.

Jeffrey Epstein

Belfast university cuts ties with former US senator over Epstein links

University says it is no longer appropriate to be linked to George Mitchell, whose name appears in files released by the US Justice Department.

Former US senator George Mitchell in 2018. Photo: Reuters
China-UK relations

UK’s Starmer faces backlash over China trip amid claims he was ‘tricked’

Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch accused the UK prime minister of adopting a ‘supine and short-termist approach’ to China.

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Britain’s Prime Minister Keir Starmer visiting the Forbidden City in Beijing. Photo: AFP
Donald Trump

Iran plans nuclear talks with US as Trump warns of ‘bad things’

Facing threats of potential US military action, Tehran agrees to a Friday meeting in Istanbul on its nuclear programme.

China-Latin America relations

China’s Chalco, Rio Tinto buy Brazil’s CBA for US$886 million to secure minerals

Acquisition of Brazilian flagship aluminium firm reinforces China’s growing footprint in the country’s strategic mineral assets sector.

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