BEIJING, April 22 (Reuters) – The Chinese government on Wednesday heaped praise on the countries that denied overflight permission for the aircraft of Taiwan President Lai Ching-te, declaring that the one China principle is the norm of international relations. At a regular news conference in Beijing, a spokesperson for China’s Taiwan Affairs Office expressed appreciation…
A year ago, after more than a decade in the United Kingdom and several years in the United States – including time working for the United Nations in New York City – I returned to Asia and arrived in Hong Kong expecting it to also be a leading hub for international relations. Hong Kong is…
PARIS, April 21 (Reuters) – Lebanon’s Prime Minister Nawaf Salam said on Tuesday his government was not seeking confrontation with Iran-backed Hezbollah, but it would not allow itself to be intimidated as it continues direct talks with Israel to end the conflict. Speaking at a news conference alongside France’s President Emmanuel Macron, Salam said he…
Chinese stocks are likely to continue the resilience they have shown since the war in the Middle East began, thanks to haven demand for yuan-linked assets, the green shoots of the property market and the inclusion of tech start-ups in key equity gauges, according to fund managers and investment banks. Optimism about Chinese equities was…
BEIJING, April 21 (Reuters) – China is willing to work with African countries to address the spillover effects of the Middle East conflict, President Xi Jinping said on Tuesday while meeting with Mozambique’s President Daniel Chapo in Beijing, state media reported. “The spillover effects of the Middle East conflict are affecting African countries, and China…
BEIJING, April 21 (Reuters) – China on Tuesday implied energy assistance for the Philippines could be tied to Manila holding military drills with the U.S. and other allies, as its top newspaper showed Beijing’s readiness to leverage its reserves in diplomatic disputes. In an editorial headlined “The Philippines should create conditions for deepening cooperation,” the ruling…
By Guy Faulconbridge and Anton Kolodyazhnyy MOSCOW, April 21 (Reuters) – Russian forces have taken 1,700 square km (656 square miles) of territory in Ukraine this year and are advancing on its so-called fortress belt in Donbas, Moscow’s top general said while inspecting his forces. Russia has since its 2022 invasion been seeking to take…
The year-long celebrations to mark Hong Kong Disneyland Resort’s 20th anniversary will run until June, still giving visitors from around the world plenty of opportunity to experience the thrills and excitement of what is billed as “The Most Magical Party of All”. The milestone event has already been a resounding success on many levels, showcasing…
After a federal watchdog found a staff of two overseers insufficient to vet 27,000 research awards for ties to adversaries, namely China, the Pentagon says computers will now screen military-funded academics, including artificial intelligence experts. The move has stakeholders urging not to lean too hard on algorithms to distinguish, for instance, a scientist-spy sharing secret…
Chow Yun-fat, the legendary Hong Kong actor, has sold a Mid-Levels flat after more than three decades, securing a roughly 91 per cent gain, as the city’s secondary housing market continues to strengthen. The 541 sq ft, three-bedroom flat in Corona Tower fetched HK$7.5 million (US$960,000), or HK$13,863 per square foot. The sale agreement was…