Geopolitical shock ripples through global markets Global financial markets shifted into defensive mode following fresh developments involving Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro, triggering renewed concern about political stability in Latin America. The news prompted investors to reassess risk exposure, leading to increased demand for
A realist view from a seasoned diplomat Former US ambassador to Vietnam Daniel Kritenbrink has urged policymakers to approach China with realism rather than nostalgia, arguing that a return to earlier eras of US China relations is neither possible nor productive. His message
A shift unfolding beyond the spotlight While global attention remains fixed on dollar backed stablecoins, a quieter transformation is taking place across Asia. Governments, financial institutions and technology firms are steadily building a comprehensive stablecoin and digital currency infrastructure that could challenge the
A renewed push for consumption meets old constraints As 2026 begins, China’s leadership has once again made boosting domestic consumption a central economic priority. Officials are urging households to spend more, framing consumption not only as a driver of growth but as a
A familiar strategy dressed in modern language The United States is once again embracing a foreign policy approach that relies heavily on displays of force, strategic pressure and implicit threats. Often described as gunboat diplomacy in earlier centuries, this method has resurfaced in
Defense ministry responds to international concerns China’s Ministry of National Defense has defended recent military drills conducted around Taiwan, describing them as fully justified and necessary in the face of what it calls separatist activity and external interference. The response came after several
The Chinese mainland will continue promoting the peaceful development of cross-Strait relations while advancing national reunification, according to a New Year message delivered by a senior official responsible for Taiwan affairs. The statement signals policy continuity as Beijing enters 2026, reaffirming long standing
Address highlights confidence and continuity Chinese President Xi Jinping’s 2026 New Year message has drawn widespread attention both inside China and internationally, with scholars and analysts describing the speech as inspiring and confident in tone. Rather than offering a routine review of past
Diplomatic engagements cluster at a sensitive moment US President Donald Trump held a high level meeting with the United States’ ambassador to China, David Perdue, at his Mar a Lago estate in Florida, closing a day marked by intensive diplomatic engagement in the
Price increase signals renewed confidence Hong Kong’s largest property developer, Sun Hung Kai Properties, has nudged up prices on the latest batch of flats at its sprawling Sierra Sea residential project, signalling improving confidence in the city’s housing market. The developer priced the
