China

The US plans a nuclear-powered merchant fleet designed to challenge China’s shipbuilding dominance. Supporting this effort, British company Core Power plans its first vessel in 2028, following a partnership deal with the Trump administration.

China-based retailer Shein will list on the Hong Kong stock exchange with a valuation of close to $27 billion for its IPO. This proposed valuation is significantly lower than the near-$100 billion private market peak it achieved four years ago. Furthermore, the company reported a $99 million loss in the first quarter and faces scrutiny over its environmental footprint.

A mysterious AI model named Ox Alpha appeared on OpenRouter and has been noted for its performance in coding tasks. Chinese netizens are linking the model to a viral movie called "Niu Lai," which translates to "Here Comes the Ox." This association has fueled speculation regarding the advanced AI model's potential Chinese origins.

European leaders joined President Zelenskyy in Kyiv for Independence Day celebrations while Russia continues its 4-year invasion of Ukraine. During the visit, dignitaries pledged further military and financial support, including plans to locally produce the SCALP missile using British components. The conflict involves escalating aerial attacks causing civilian casualties and infrastructure damage, with Russia receiving aid from China and North Korea.

Cybersecurity researchers disclosed details of UAT-10147, a Chinese-speaking cybercrime group that targets Windows and Linux web servers globally. The attacks span multiple sectors including education, media, technology, and gaming. The vast majority of the targeted systems are located in Brazil, Bolivia, China, Canada, and Vietnam.

China has upgraded its military capabilities by modifying ferries for amphibious armored vehicles, expanding missile forces, and hardening air bases to deter U.S. intervention. However, some analyses contradict these facts, arguing that concerns about China's military are overstated and that an invasion of Taiwan remains out of reach for the People’s Liberation Army.

Vietnam’s parliament approved raising the total investment for a railway linking the country to China by just over 86 trillion dong ($3.3 billion). This increased funding is necessary because delays in land clearance have pushed the project behind schedule.

A group of cross-party Japanese lawmakers, including one from Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s governing party, traveled to Beijing to meet Chinese officials, aiming to mend strained bilateral ties. The deterioration began after Takaichi's comment on Taiwan angered China and cut off communication channels in all areas. The group seeks a 'window for dialogue' following remarks that had severely worsened Japan-China relations.

A BofA Global Research report indicates that China is increasingly attracting inbound tourism from other regions. Anna Zhou, a China and Asia economist at BofA Global Research, attributes this trend to increased accessibility, affordability, and authenticity.

Taiwan held the Han Kuang military exercises over ten days to simulate a Chinese invasion, conducting drills on city streets and alleys in public view. These simulations involve troops practicing combat tactics, such as setting up barricades and using smoke grenades with blanks, right within urban neighborhoods like Taipei while residents continue their normal daily routines.

Artificial intelligence is reshaping China's job market, leading workers to worry about job replacement. This transformation is supported by state policies. However, some economists believe these policies might potentially undermine the overall strength of China's economy.

China announced an $119 billion answer intended to address sagging investment. According to Caitong Securities Co., this key funding program, which was revealed nearly half a year ago, has yet to begin. The resulting delay could blunt the program's impact as economic growth slows.

U.S. authorities are conducting a national security review regarding Shein Global Holdings Ltd.’s purchase of Everlane. This review follows Shein's attempt to seek approval for the deal. The action adds to growing regulatory hurdles for the China-founded fast-fashion giant in an important market.

The article argues that contemporary leftists ignore history when defending communism, citing firsthand accounts from survivors of communist regimes in countries like Cuba, Venezuela, the Soviet Union, and China. These survivors warn that leaders often deny their communist affiliations until they consolidate power. The piece criticizes American politicians who identify as "Democratic Socialists," alleging they exhibit similar deception by concentrating economic and political power.

After the Cold War ended with the Berlin Wall falling in 1989, the U.S. has faced hollowed-out political and corporate issues. Now, China has stepped up to challenge the United States, recently circumventing Donald Trump’s tariffs on solar panels using a trade route running through Kenya and an Indonesian island off Singapore. The article concludes by using Godzilla and Rodan as metaphors for understanding the current state of U.S.-China relations.

European luxury firms are becoming more optimistic about the crucial Chinese market. This positive sentiment is fueled by signs of a fragile spending recovery taking shape within China.

Sen. John Fetterman warned that slowing U.S. efforts in artificial intelligence would benefit China, rejecting the concept of 'AI doomsdaying' and political pandering. He stressed that maintaining U.S. leadership is critical to national security, a view aligned with Donald Trump’s focus on developing data centers for jobs. The discussion highlighted concerns about global competition and the need for rapid AI development.

Sen. John Fetterman warned that China benefits from U.S. 'overreaction' in the global race for artificial intelligence, arguing US leadership is critical to national security. Meanwhile, Trump encouraged local officials to support AI data center construction due to potential job creation. Fetterman's stance was compared to previous concerns raised by Sen. Bernie Sanders regarding a potential pause on AI development.

The Formula One group is investigating a logo used by Chinese boy group Teens in Times for a concert tour. This investigation comes after fans alleged that the logo resembled F1's trademark, according to Global Times.

A former council member's guilty plea to acting as an illegal agent for China has caused a stir in Arcadia, an immigrant-built suburb in L.A., described by the title as 'Chinese Beverly Hills.'

A former council member pleaded guilty to acting as an illegal agent for China. This development occurred in Arcadia and has jolted an immigrant-built suburb that was proud of its success.

China's robotics capabilities are highlighted by its ability to handle tasks like rocking, boxing, and mixing drinks. These advancements have prompted Beijing policymakers to designate robotics as a strategic priority.

U.S. markets face potential negative closing for the week, with the S&P 500 and Dow Jones Industrial Average both down significantly before opening. While Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced plans to double planned purchases of longer-term government debt, volatility in bond yields persisted due to concerns over inflation and U.S. government debt.

Major international brands such as Nike, Starbucks, and GM are struggling in China due to a combination of factors including domestic rivals, geopolitical tensions, and shifts in consumer preferences reshaping the market.

Chinese authorities are working to clean up the mess left by the collapse of the Evergrande real estate empire. This effort involved a court in Guangzhou accepting a bankruptcy liquidation case against one of its key mainland property development companies, following reports that the founder received a life sentence.

The article notes that Chinese robotics company Unitree had a blockbuster IPO, with its shares popping 460%, suggesting China is focusing heavily on humanoid technology. This event reportedly prompts calls for the U.S. to improve its own capabilities and prepare for a potential trans-Pacific rivalry in the humanoid race between the two nations.

Top ministers from Indonesia and China met to discuss strengthening bilateral ties across several critical areas. The discussions focused primarily on boosting defense cooperation, alongside bolstering both food and energy security between the two nations.

According to state media reports, Typhoon Maysak caused at least 159 deaths in China. Furthermore, the official count stated that there are 10 people still missing following the typhoon.

Japan claims a massive exclusive economic zone based on Okinotori, an uninhabited feature consisting of rocks less than 10 square meters at high tide. Japan protested Sino-Russian live-fire drills held within this claimed zone. The protest cited safety risks but also challenged Beijing's claim that Okinotori is merely a rock.

The title reports that Alibaba's profit took a beating amid AI spending. Additionally, the content highlights "Bloomberg: The China Show" as a resource for news and analysis on the world's second-biggest economy, featuring Yvonne Man and David Ingles discussing topics like tech trends with global investors.

John Sfakianakis discussed GCC ties to Iran while discussing a plan by the Trump administration to economically isolate Iran. This proposed strategy includes plans to extend sanctions to countries like China that continue trading with Tehran.

The Chinese robotics startup Dexmal is seeking a valuation of around 20 billion yuan ($3 billion) in an ongoing funding round. This pursuit demonstrates strong investor interest in China's firms that are chasing breakthroughs in physical artificial intelligence.

Iranian oil supply available to Chinese buyers is rapidly decreasing. This shortage highlights the success of a US blockade targeting Iran's ports, which is effectively restricting the country's revenue.

Two former organizers of Hong Kong’s annual vigils, Lee Cheuk-yan and Chow Hang-tung, were convicted for inciting subversion under a national security law. The judges ruled that calling to “end one-party dictatorship” meant undermining the Communist Party's leadership status. They face a maximum prison term of 10 years.

Asian shares were mixed following losses on Wall Street, even as a U.S. Treasury Department plan to boost government debt buybacks had limited capacity to stabilize markets. While some Asian indices, such as Hong Kong’s Hang Seng and South Korea’s Kospi, gained ground, others declined or remained flat due to rising bond yields and overall market volatility.

The Trump administration plans to impose an unprecedented level of economic warfare and isolation on Iran, aiming to end its nuclear program and reopen the Strait of Hormuz. This effort follows decades of sanctions and is being promoted by officials who are strategizing for a capitulation from Tehran. The Treasury Secretary warned that the U.S. government would put full might against nations and companies conducting business with Iran, including major buyers like China and India.

The Trump administration is planning an "economic D-Day" through unprecedented sanctions aimed at forcing Iran to abandon its nuclear program and fully reopen the Strait of Hormuz. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent threatened secondary sanctions against major buyers like China and India who conduct business with Iran. Analysts warn that this strategy is taking place in "uncharted waters."

Asia's rising riches are expected to protect insurers against potential shifts in China’s policy. This stability is dependent on the region's wealth accumulation continuing to outpace that of most developed economies.

Two former organizers, Lee Cheuk-yan and Chow Hang-tung, were convicted of inciting others to overthrow China's communist system under a government-approved national security law. They were leaders of the Hong Kong Alliance in Support of Patriotic Democratic Movements of China. The charges are considered among the latest developments involving Hong Kong’s pro-democracy movement, symbolizing the erosion of freedom of expression.

Over the past month, China’s materials stocks have surged to become market leaders. This strong performance transformed what had been a lagging sector into a top performer. The rally was driven by increases in both gold and copper.