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Asia

What next in tariff war turmoil?

A shop owner holds a toy featuring US President Donald Trump at the Yiwu International Trade Market in Yiwu, Zhejiang province, on Thursday. Photo: AFP

China seeks to strengthen EU, Asean ties as US trade war escalates

China and European Union ready to engage on thorny issues such as electric vehicle imports as Trump’s tariff plans spark concerns

1 hour ago

Developing | China to cut number of US films shown in country in response to Trump tariffs

2 hours ago

US, China competing for ‘economic resiliency’ in a test of endurance: economists

1 hour agovideocam

Developing | China to cut number of US films shown in country in response to Trump tariffs

2 hours ago

US, China competing for ‘economic resiliency’ in a test of endurance: economists

1 hour agovideocam

US President Donald Trump and Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth want to raise the Pentagon’s budget, in contrast with sweeping federal spending cuts ordered since Trump returned to office in January. Photo: AP

As Trump vows record US$1 trillion military budget, should China worry?

Cool heads will prevail, analysts say, even as proposed US military spending boost amid a bruising tariff tit-for-tat prompts hot war fears.

7 minutes agovideocam

US will take back Panama Canal from ‘China’s influence’: Trump defence chief

US-China relations

Diplomacy

Can backchannel diplomacy rescue US-China ties from brutal tariff war?

Rapidly escalating tit-for-tat exchanges are making it hard to see how leadership talks could occur, observers say.

10 Apr 2025 - 11:43AMvideocam

China Economy

US snubs key shipbuilding summit as global maritime rift deepens

Washington’s attempts to counter China’s shipyards have sent shock waves across the global industry.

10 Apr 2025 - 9:00AM

Politics

Hong Kong launches measures to protect exporters from risks amid trade war

Initiatives include providing 50 per cent insurance premium discount for pre-shipment risks and extending free protection period.

48 minutes ago

US-China Trade War

US President Donald Trump’s sudden turnaround on tariffs for most countries - except China - has added more volatility to global trade. Photo: AFP

‘War has started’: Trump tariff pause won’t ease trade tensions, analysts say

China Economy

China vows new safeguards to export controls as trade war rages on

Efforts also aim to protect China’s ‘sovereignty, security and development interests’.

36 minutes agovideocam

Containers are seen at a port in China’s Shandong province. China is improving its export controls to mitigate the impact of a trade war with the United States. Photo: AFP

Europe

EU puts tariffs on hold for 90 days to match Trump’s pause

The EU had approved retaliatory tariffs on US$23 billion in goods in response to his 25 per cent tariffs on imported steel and aluminium.

2 hours agovideocam

Economics

Musk’s SpaceX set to transform India’s space sector with Jio and Airtel tie-ups

Reliance Jio and its rival Bharti Airtel have signed separate deals with SpaceX to bring the Starlink internet service to India.

6 hours agovideocam

Hong Kong

65 horses head to Hong Kong: a glimpse into the logistics of transporting valuable animals

Cathay Cargo orchestrates a complex logistics operation to transport stars of the Hong Kong International Horse Show.

In partnership with:

Cathay Cargo

The Hong Kong International Horse Show drew 14,000 spectators.

Tech Trends

Meet Peng Zhihui, the latest robotics star to catch the premier’s attention

The founder of AgiBot joins a new generation of tech entrepreneurs who have gained recognition from China’s top leadership.

2 hours ago

Peng Zhihui, founder of AgiBot. Photo: Handout

Big Tech

Jack Ma’s Alibaba Cloud visit comes as tech giant accelerates adoption of AI

Ma, who has stepped down from all his corporate roles, remains a key shareholder and spiritual leader of the business empire he created.

3 hours ago

Transport

Hong Kong’s Cathay sets up task force amid Trump tariffs, trade war

Flag carrier’s CEO warns of disruptions to cargo business, increased costs and pressure on supply chains in ‘highly exposed’ sector.

3 hours ago

Diplomacy

China issues warnings about US travel to its citizens, urging ‘caution’

Tourism ministry advises travellers to ‘assess risks’ while education ministry tells students to ‘conduct risk safety assessments’.

10 Apr 2025 - 7:24AMvideocam

Beijing’s warnings came shortly after mainland officials announced additional 50 per cent tariffs on all American imports in response to US President Donald Trump’s latest duties. Photo: Shutterstock

United States & Canada

US-Russian citizen released in Moscow-Washington prisoner swap

Ksenia Karelina was convicted of treason on charges stemming from a donation of about US$52 to a charity aiding Ukraine.

2 hours agovideocam

Russian-American dual citizen Ksenia Karelina attends a court hearing in Russia on august 15, 2024 after she was accused of treason for making a donation to a charity supporting Ukraine. Photo: Reuters

Politics

‘Bring it on, Trump, we’re ready’: Chinese stand firm on tariff war despite risks

Citizens surveyed put forward a range of responses and, while worried about a trade war, many are in favour of Beijing’s strong response.

10 Apr 2025 - 2:00PMvideocam

Economic Indicators

China’s consumer prices fall in March as trade war reaches fever pitch

China’s consumer prices declined 0.1 per cent at a decisive moment in protracted trade conflict with US.

10 Apr 2025 - 11:30AMvideocam

Middle East

Taliban’s morality police arrest men for skipping mosque or wrong hairstyles

During the holy fasting month of Ramadan, men’s attendance at mandated prayers was closely monitored, leading at times to arbitrary detention.

1 hour agovideocam

An Afghan street barber trims the mustauche of a customer in Kabul. Photo: AP

Economics

Urine trouble: Air India probes bizarre peeing case on Bangkok flight

The carrier has formed an independent committee to review the matter and determine potential disciplinary actions.

29 minutes ago

Air India is investigating after a drunk passenger urinated on a fellow traveller during a flight, prompting safety reviews. Photo: TNS

Hong Kong Economy

Hong Kong airport ranked first for immigration services; sixth best terminal

Singapore Changi Airport reclaims position as world’s best at the Skytrax World Airport Awards.

3 hours ago

Politics

Taiwan’s immigration chief retires early amid mainland spouse rules backlash

Bill Chung steps down as his agency comes under fire for enforcing a policy that critics say sows social division.

5 hours agovideocam

LATEST

6 minutes ago

China Economy

China kicks off hunt for rare quartz, with hi-tech aspirations in mind

6 minutes ago

Big Tech

Sanctioned Chinese chip firms shrug off Trump tariffs, anticipate new business

6 minutes ago

Leisure

Major contemporary art on show – Hockney in Paris and Sherald in New York

36 minutes ago

China Economy

China vows new safeguards to export controls as trade war rages on

36 minutes ago

China Opinion

Opinion | Trump’s targeting of China will only spur its economic recovery

52 minutes ago

Military

As Trump vows record US$1 trillion military budget, should China worry?

MORE LATEST NEWS

Find Out More

US tariff war

Containers at Tianjin Port on Tuesday. Photo: Xinhua

Exclusive | Chinese exporters ditching shipments mid-voyage to avoid crushing Trump tariffs

One export company’s US-bound container volume has plummeted, from 40 to 50 containers a day to just three to six.

9 Apr 2025 - 5:22PMvideocam

114

China fires back with fresh 50% tariff in stern rebuke to Trump’s escalation

9 Apr 2025 - 10:46PMvideocam

360

As tariffs hit China, ‘bold’ US firms could bolster their market share, CEO says

9 Apr 2025 - 10:48PM

Open Questions series

Diplomacy

Open Questions | Ex-CIA official Dennis Wilder on why US-Europe rift is ‘highly exaggerated’

The national security specialist and former CIA official on US-China ties and the group chat discussion that shocked the world.

7 Apr 2025 - 9:54AMvideocam

Science

Open Questions | China ‘still far behind’ US in maths prowess but is on the rise: Shing-Tung Yau

When the 75-year-old maths genius left Harvard, many thought he would retire. Instead, he is nurturing the next generation of Chinese talent.

1 Apr 2025 - 12:43AMvideocam

Diplomacy

Open Questions | US sentiment on China does not equal consensus, analyst Rick Waters says

Ex-US Department of State official discusses the role of civil diplomats and whether US should have an end-state goal in its China strategy.

17 Feb 2025 - 10:10AMvideocam

China Economy

Open Questions | Michael Pettis on China’s consumption paradox and the pitfalls of a trade war

The professor of finance and author talks China’s economy and argues the US dollar’s monopoly role in trade is an ‘unsustainable’ anomaly.

24 Mar 2025 - 10:11AMvideocam

Key Industries:

Big Tech

Samsung denies halting chip foundry services for Chinese clients

Samsung operates one of the few foundries capable of rivalling industry-leading TSMC in producing advanced chips.

9 Apr 2025 - 5:00PM

Samsung’s semiconductor subsidiary denies that it stopped providing services to Chinese clients. Photo: dpa

China Economy

China kicks off hunt for rare quartz, with hi-tech aspirations in mind

The critical mineral, used to produce silicon, is a foundational material for strategic industries like semiconductors and photovoltaics – and now it can be mined in China.

6 minutes agovideocam

Big Tech

Sanctioned Chinese chip firms shrug off Trump tariffs, anticipate new business

Chipmakers and analysts anticipate benefits to China’s chip supply chain from the fresh US tariffs, including for equipment and components.

6 minutes agovideocam

Tech Trends

Meet Peng Zhihui, the latest robotics star to catch the premier’s attention

The founder of AgiBot joins a new generation of tech entrepreneurs who have gained recognition from China’s top leadership.

2 hours ago

Diplomacy

South China Sea: is Beijing’s code of conduct ‘milestone’ progress or a tactic?

In all likelihood, the negotiations will be kicked further down the road just as in the past, analyst says.

8 Apr 2025 - 9:00AMvideocam

Diplomacy

What comes next? Europe searches for a new orbit in a post-American order

Some hope Europe’s developed economy and adherence to rules will be attractive to partners turned off by a ‘might makes right’ world.

6 Apr 2025 - 5:49PMvideocam

Big Tech

How Alibaba is transforming into a catalyst for China’s AI boom

By empowering innovations through its own technology and supporting former employees, the tech giant is reshaping China’s AI landscape.

7 Apr 2025 - 10:16AM

Military

With tensions rising in Taiwan, civil defence becomes a high-wire act

Recalling ‘White Terror’ martial law, many regard government-backed civil defence sceptically even as Taipei moves to bolster readiness.

4 Apr 2025 - 10:00PMvideocam

China seeks to strengthen EU, Asean ties as US trade war escalates

China and European Union ready to engage on thorny issues such as electric vehicle imports as Trump’s tariff plans spark concerns

Developing | China to cut number of US films shown in country in response to Trump tariffs

US, China competing for ‘economic resiliency’ in a test of endurance: economists

Developing | China to cut number of US films shown in country in response to Trump tariffs

US, China competing for ‘economic resiliency’ in a test of endurance: economists

As Trump vows record US$1 trillion military budget, should China worry?

Cool heads will prevail, analysts say, even as proposed US military spending boost amid a bruising tariff tit-for-tat prompts hot war fears.

US will take back Panama Canal from ‘China’s influence’: Trump defence chief

Can backchannel diplomacy rescue US-China ties from brutal tariff war?

Rapidly escalating tit-for-tat exchanges are making it hard to see how leadership talks could occur, observers say.

US snubs key shipbuilding summit as global maritime rift deepens

Washington’s attempts to counter China’s shipyards have sent shock waves across the global industry.

Hong Kong launches measures to protect exporters from risks amid trade war

Initiatives include providing 50 per cent insurance premium discount for pre-shipment risks and extending free protection period.

‘War has started’: Trump tariff pause won’t ease trade tensions, analysts say

China vows new safeguards to export controls as trade war rages on

Efforts also aim to protect China’s ‘sovereignty, security and development interests’.

EU puts tariffs on hold for 90 days to match Trump’s pause

The EU had approved retaliatory tariffs on US$23 billion in goods in response to his 25 per cent tariffs on imported steel and aluminium.

Musk’s SpaceX set to transform India’s space sector with Jio and Airtel tie-ups

Reliance Jio and its rival Bharti Airtel have signed separate deals with SpaceX to bring the Starlink internet service to India.

65 horses head to Hong Kong: a glimpse into the logistics of transporting valuable animals

Cathay Cargo orchestrates a complex logistics operation to transport stars of the Hong Kong International Horse Show.

Meet Peng Zhihui, the latest robotics star to catch the premier’s attention

The founder of AgiBot joins a new generation of tech entrepreneurs who have gained recognition from China’s top leadership.

Jack Ma’s Alibaba Cloud visit comes as tech giant accelerates adoption of AI

Ma, who has stepped down from all his corporate roles, remains a key shareholder and spiritual leader of the business empire he created.

Hong Kong’s Cathay sets up task force amid Trump tariffs, trade war

Flag carrier’s CEO warns of disruptions to cargo business, increased costs and pressure on supply chains in ‘highly exposed’ sector.

China issues warnings about US travel to its citizens, urging ‘caution’

Tourism ministry advises travellers to ‘assess risks’ while education ministry tells students to ‘conduct risk safety assessments’.

US-Russian citizen released in Moscow-Washington prisoner swap

Ksenia Karelina was convicted of treason on charges stemming from a donation of about US$52 to a charity aiding Ukraine.

‘Bring it on, Trump, we’re ready’: Chinese stand firm on tariff war despite risks

Citizens surveyed put forward a range of responses and, while worried about a trade war, many are in favour of Beijing’s strong response.

China’s consumer prices fall in March as trade war reaches fever pitch

China’s consumer prices declined 0.1 per cent at a decisive moment in protracted trade conflict with US.

Taliban’s morality police arrest men for skipping mosque or wrong hairstyles

During the holy fasting month of Ramadan, men’s attendance at mandated prayers was closely monitored, leading at times to arbitrary detention.

Urine trouble: Air India probes bizarre peeing case on Bangkok flight

The carrier has formed an independent committee to review the matter and determine potential disciplinary actions.

Hong Kong airport ranked first for immigration services; sixth best terminal

Singapore Changi Airport reclaims position as world’s best at the Skytrax World Airport Awards.

Taiwan’s immigration chief retires early amid mainland spouse rules backlash

Bill Chung steps down as his agency comes under fire for enforcing a policy that critics say sows social division.

Opinion | Why China’s grip on American life will stay unshaken, Trump tariffs or not

Opinion | Trump’s targeting of China will only spur its economic recovery

Macroscope | Trump’s economic ignorance and unpredictability prove a potent mix

Opinion | Why decision on a Northern Metropolis authority can’t be rushed

Letters | America’s tariff intimidation is the act of a modern-day barbarian

China kicks off hunt for rare quartz, with hi-tech aspirations in mind

Sanctioned Chinese chip firms shrug off Trump tariffs, anticipate new business

Major contemporary art on show – Hockney in Paris and Sherald in New York

China vows new safeguards to export controls as trade war rages on

Opinion | Trump’s targeting of China will only spur its economic recovery

As Trump vows record US$1 trillion military budget, should China worry?

Exclusive | Chinese exporters ditching shipments mid-voyage to avoid crushing Trump tariffs

One export company’s US-bound container volume has plummeted, from 40 to 50 containers a day to just three to six.

China fires back with fresh 50% tariff in stern rebuke to Trump’s escalation

As tariffs hit China, ‘bold’ US firms could bolster their market share, CEO says

Open Questions | Ex-CIA official Dennis Wilder on why US-Europe rift is ‘highly exaggerated’

The national security specialist and former CIA official on US-China ties and the group chat discussion that shocked the world.

Open Questions | China ‘still far behind’ US in maths prowess but is on the rise: Shing-Tung Yau

When the 75-year-old maths genius left Harvard, many thought he would retire. Instead, he is nurturing the next generation of Chinese talent.

Open Questions | US sentiment on China does not equal consensus, analyst Rick Waters says

Ex-US Department of State official discusses the role of civil diplomats and whether US should have an end-state goal in its China strategy.

Open Questions | Michael Pettis on China’s consumption paradox and the pitfalls of a trade war

The professor of finance and author talks China’s economy and argues the US dollar’s monopoly role in trade is an ‘unsustainable’ anomaly.

Samsung denies halting chip foundry services for Chinese clients

Samsung operates one of the few foundries capable of rivalling industry-leading TSMC in producing advanced chips.

China kicks off hunt for rare quartz, with hi-tech aspirations in mind

The critical mineral, used to produce silicon, is a foundational material for strategic industries like semiconductors and photovoltaics – and now it can be mined in China.

Sanctioned Chinese chip firms shrug off Trump tariffs, anticipate new business

Chipmakers and analysts anticipate benefits to China’s chip supply chain from the fresh US tariffs, including for equipment and components.

Meet Peng Zhihui, the latest robotics star to catch the premier’s attention

The founder of AgiBot joins a new generation of tech entrepreneurs who have gained recognition from China’s top leadership.

South China Sea: is Beijing’s code of conduct ‘milestone’ progress or a tactic?

In all likelihood, the negotiations will be kicked further down the road just as in the past, analyst says.

What comes next? Europe searches for a new orbit in a post-American order