China beating West in race for critical technologies, report says
China leads the world in 37 out of 44 critical technologies, according to a report by an Australian think tank.
Category Archives: Economy
North Korea’s Kim says ‘nothing impossible’ amid agriculture push
North Korean leader stresses need to build 'rich and highly-civilised' communities amid reported food shortages.
Tesla flags lower costs, but Musk does not unveil cheaper car
Chief Executive Elon Musk fails to announce much-awaited affordable electric vehicle at company's latest investor day.
China wants AI to rival ChatGPT. Censorship makes that tricky
Chinese firms including Baidu and Alibaba are racing to roll out versions of the chatbots taking tech world by storm.
China’s factory output smashes forecasts with decade-high growth
Manufacturing Purchasing Managers' Index hits its highest reading since 2012 after Beijing's lifting of COVID curbs.
North Korea’s Kim orders ‘radical change’ in agriculture
North Korean leader calls on officials to meet production targets after South Korea warns of "grave" food situation.
Japan seeks charges against ad firms over Olympics contracts
Japanese authorities have alleged that companies rigged the bids for 26 contracts worth $3.95m.
US announces crackdown on child labour amid surge in violations
Biden administration announcement comes after reports of underage refugees and migrants working in dangerous industries.
Will China’s latest investment in Afghanistan actually work?
While a deal to extract oil has raised hopes in the war-torn nation, experts warn of China’s sketchy record.
IMF unveils crypto plan, advising against legal tender status
Global lender recommends countries craft crypto policies that 'safeguard monetary sovereignty and stability'.
Indonesia’s palm oil tycoon Darmadi gets 15 years for corruption
Surya Darmadi ordered to repay the state equivalent of $2.6bn over corruption scheme that cleared protected forests.
A year into Ukraine war, Asia’s big brands sit out Russia boycott
Fewer than 100 Asia-based firms have suspended or scaled back their Russia operations, according to database.
As war enters year two, Ukrainians plug Japan’s tech talent gap
A scholarship programme aims to help displaced Ukrainians find jobs while addressing Japan's chronic labour shortages.
Hong Kong flags handouts to support recovery from COVID shock
Government says it will issue vouchers worth 5,000 Hong Kong dollars to all adults this year to help economic recovery.
South Korea to scrap some COVID tests for travellers from China
South Korean authorities will no longer require arrivals from China to do a COVID test from next month.
Russians make Thailand a refuge as Ukraine war enters second year
Russians are buying up property in Southeast Asian country to avoid conscription and the economic ravages of war.
Japan to chair G7 talks on pressuring Russia over Ukraine
Financial leaders of the G7 will meet on Thursday to discuss measures aimed at pressuring Moscow to end war.
Year of war in Ukraine left developing nations picking up pieces
Some of the harshest economic effects of the war are being felt much farther afield than Russia’s theatre of battle.
Crypto exchange Binance pulls back on some US investments
Binance is considering ending business relationships with banks and services firms amid heightened scrutiny.
Closed terminal at New York’s JFK airport causes delays
A power outage caused by an isolated fire has disrupted flights at one of the busiest airports in the world.