China’s digital yuan is entering a more defined and pragmatic phase in 2026. After years of pilot programs and public testing, its development path is becoming clearer. Rather than competing directly with existing consumer payment platforms, the digital yuan is being shaped as
The United States’ latest move to impose secondary tariffs on countries trading with Iran is expected to raise China’s oil import costs in the short term and force Beijing to reassess how it manages one of its most sensitive overseas economic relationships. Analysts
The United States has unveiled a new military strategy aimed at securing what it calls overwhelming dominance in artificial intelligence, as Washington seeks to stay ahead of China in the accelerating race to apply AI to warfare and defence planning. Senior US defence
Taiwan has begun early-stage joint production of 155mm artillery shells with the United States, marking a significant step in efforts to strengthen ammunition resilience amid fears of a potential blockade or high-intensity conflict with China. The move reflects growing concern in Taipei about
Two China-flagged supertankers sailing toward Venezuela to load crude oil have abruptly reversed course and headed back to Asia, raising fresh doubts over whether the South American producer will resume large-scale direct exports to its main buyer any time soon. The movements, revealed
Nearly a decade after his death, Muhammad Ali’s legacy is being formally honoured by the United States with the release of a commemorative postage stamp, turning one of the boxing legend’s most famous jokes into reality. Ali once quipped that becoming a stamp
Hong Kong trainer Francis Lui Kin-wai is leaving nothing to chance as he prepares a powerful three-horse assault on Wednesday’s Group Three January Cup at Happy Valley Racecourse, aiming to add another major prize to his already distinguished career. Lui will saddle Chancheng
China’s embassy in the United States has criticised Washington for what it called coercive economic tactics after US President Donald Trump announced sweeping new tariffs targeting countries that continue to trade with Iran. The move has heightened tensions between major powers and raised
Honduras’s electoral authorities have rejected an order from the outgoing president calling for a recount of November’s presidential election, declaring the move illegal and unconstitutional. The decision confirms the victory of conservative businessman Nasry Asfura, whose win has been contested amid political tension
Reza Pahlavi, the son of Iran’s last monarch, has emerged as a symbolic rallying figure for some Iranians as nationwide protests continue to challenge the authority of the Islamic Republic. Living in exile for nearly five decades, Pahlavi has seen a surge of
