After winning legislative backing for the Hong Kong Jockey Club to offer basketball betting – an initiative aimed at drawing punters away from illegal online bookmakers and capturing additional tax revenue – the government has now paused the roll-out. Officials say the rise of prediction markets has altered the landscape and warrants closer examination. So,…
As the world’s largest crude oil importer, China has long relied on a double-insurance system to safeguard domestic oil supply. The strategy combines two pillars: diversifying where its crude comes from, while simultaneously building vast strategic and commercial stockpiles. Experts say that approach appears to have helped China absorb at least the initial shock after…
WASHINGTON, April 30 (Reuters) – U.S. President Donald Trump faces a deadline on Friday to end the Iran war or make the case to Congress for extending it, but the date is most likely to pass without altering the course of a conflict that has lapsed into a standoff over shipping routes. Ending the war…
By Humeyra Pamuk and Tala Ramadan WASHINGTON/DUBAI/ISLAMABAD, April 29 (Reuters) – Iran said on Thursday that if Washington renewed attacks it would respond with “long and painful strikes” on U.S. positions, complicating U.S. plans for an international coalition to open the Strait of Hormuz. Two months into the war that started with U.S.-Israeli strikes on…
MUNSTER, Germany, April 30 (Reuters) – German Chancellor Friedrich Merz emphasized on Thursday the importance of the transatlantic partnership with the U.S., just hours after President Donald Trump said his administration was looking at reducing the number of U.S. troops in Germany. Speaking to reporters at a military base, Merz said Germany’s compass remained focused…
VILNIUS, April 30 (Reuters) – Lithuania’s President Gitanas Nauseda said he was supportive of his country joining the U.S. freedom of navigation mission in the Strait of Hormuz, adding that he would present the proposal to the Baltic state’s defence council. The United States is pushing for other countries to help restore freedom of navigation…
Hong Kong’s monetary authority has held its base interest rate steady, following the lead of the US Federal Reserve, as analysts said the inflationary impact of the US-Israel war with Iran had reduced the chances of a rate cut this year. The city’s base rate would stay at 4 per cent, the Hong Kong Monetary…
April 29 (Reuters) – President Donald Trump said on Wednesday that his administration was reviewing the possible reduction of U.S. troops in Germany, adding that a decision would be made shortly. “The United States is studying and reviewing the possible reduction of Troops in Germany, with a determination to be made over the next short…
One of the most crucial issues hovering over the recent Israel-US-Iran war and the future of the standoff between these countries has little to do with them, but rather with another major power: China. To date, China has managed to maintain mostly positive relations with both Tehran and Jerusalem. In economic terms, China has been…
ATHENS, April 29 (Reuters) – Greece said on Wednesday it had agreed with Qatar to bolster cooperation in areas including trade, energy and defence, extending a deal first struck in 2024. Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis and Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al Thani discussed bilateral ties and investment opportunities in Greek infrastructure, energy and…