Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri and US Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs Allison Hooker at a meeting last week in New Delhi. Photo: Handout

    US rejects claims of Indo-Pacific retreat, says aid is being recalibrated to counter China

    Senior US officials on Monday pushed back against suggestions of American retreat from the Indo-Pacific, declaring that Washington is recalibrating its foreign assistance to more effectively outcompete China in the strategically vital region while maintaining support for allies through targeted aid and security cooperation. The focus, they said, is shifting away from broad assistance towards…

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    Hong Kong aims to launch passenger-carrying drones in 2 to 3 years

      Hong Kong aims to launch passenger-carrying drones in 2 to 3 years

      Hong Kong plans to deploy large passenger-carrying drones within the next two to three years as part of its drive to become a regional hub for the low-altitude economy, a senior official has said, predicting the aircraft will be significantly cheaper than current helicopter services. Dominic Chow Wing-hang, deputy director general of civil aviation, outlined…

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      Hong Kong to ‘radiate’ mainland China’s strengths, tech to aid belt and road nations

      Hong Kong to ‘radiate’ mainland China’s strengths, tech to aid belt and road nations

      Hong Kong’s chief executive has pledged to harness the city’s unique advantages to bring mainland China’s strengths, technology and compassion to belt and road nations while fostering people-to-people ties at the launch of the headquarters of a charity founded by former leader Leung Chun-ying. “Hong Kong has been leveraging its ‘hard power’ in professional services…

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      China’s Xi Jinping doubles down on Greater Bay Area integration on Guangdong trip

      China’s Xi Jinping doubles down on Greater Bay Area integration on Guangdong trip

      President Xi Jinping has given the southern province of Guangdong the task of strengthening technology, infrastructure and regulatory cooperation with Hong Kong and Macau to advance the Greater Bay Area scheme. “Developing the Greater Bay Area is both a major responsibility and a rare development opportunity for Guangdong,” state news agency Xinhua quoted Xi as…

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