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Today: April 17, 2026
Today: April 17, 2026

Asia

Asia|Business|Economy|Finance|World

China to retain ultra-long special bond tenors this year, sources say

China's finance ministry will keep this year's ultra-long special treasury bond issuance to 20-, 30- and 50-year maturities, the same as last year, people with knowledge of the

China to retain ultra-long special bond tenors this year, sources say
Asia|Business|Economy|Finance|World

China's Q1 economic rebound faces rough seas as Iran war jolts global outlook

China's economy picked up speed early in 2026, riding an export surge before the Iran war sent energy costs soaring and put global

China's Q1 economic rebound faces rough seas as Iran war jolts global outlook
Asia|Business|Economy|Political|World

South Korean President Lee to make state visits to India and Vietnam

South Korean President Lee Jae Myung will make a state visit to India, the first by a South Korean leader in eight years, before heading to Vietnam, a presidential adviser

South Korean President Lee to make state visits to India and Vietnam
Asia|Business|Economy|Technology|World

Samsung asks court to block illegal strike activities by unions

Samsung Electronics asked a court on Thursday to block its South Korean labour unions engaging in illegal activities during strike, a spokesperson said, as a wage dispute

Samsung asks court to block illegal strike activities by unions
Asia|Business|Economy|Technology|World

TSMC lifts revenue forecast, pledges more capital spending to meet AI chip demand

TSMC raised its annual revenue forecast on Thursday and said it was stepping up capital spending this year as the world's

TSMC lifts revenue forecast, pledges more capital spending to meet AI chip demand
Asia|Political|World

South Korea says Pyongyang's response to drone apology marks progress in easing tensions

South Korea's Unification Ministry said on Tuesday that North Korea's rare conciliatory response to President Lee Jae Myung’s expression of regret over drone incursions

South Korea says Pyongyang's response to drone apology marks progress in easing tensions
Asia|Economy|Political|World

Vietnam's top leader To Lam consolidates power, gets China-style mandate

Vietnam's lawmakers unanimously elected Communist Party Secretary General To Lam as the country's state president for the

Vietnam's top leader To Lam consolidates power, gets China-style mandate
Asia|Political|World

Key facts on relations as Taiwan opposition leader visits China

Taiwan opposition leader Cheng Li-wun arrived in China on Tuesday on what she says is a mission of peace, happening at a time Beijing has ramped up its military and political

Key facts on relations as Taiwan opposition leader visits China
Asia|Business|Economy|Political|World

Vietnam's top leader To Lam wins state presidency, gets China-style mandate

Vietnam's lawmakers on Tuesday unanimously elected Communist Party Secretary General To Lam as the country's state

Vietnam's top leader To Lam wins state presidency, gets China-style mandate
Asia|Economy|Political|World

Vietnam's top leader To Lam expands power, new PM elected

Vietnam's lawmakers on Tuesday unanimously elected Communist Party Secretary General To Lam as the country's state

Vietnam's top leader To Lam expands power, new PM elected
Asia|Business|Economy|Finance|Stock Markets|World

Japan sees weakening economic momentum, early signs of war-induced pain

An index measuring the health of Japan's economy slid in February, government data showed on Tuesday, highlighting a soft spot in the economy even before it

Japan sees weakening economic momentum, early signs of war-induced pain
Asia|Business|Economy|Environment|Europe|Finance|MidEast|Stock Markets|US|World

Oil surges on US blockade of Iran

A look at the day ahead in European and global markets from Tom Westbrook Oil futures jumped back over $100 at the open in Asia on Monday, the dollar fell and stocks were down as U.S.-Iran talks

Oil surges on US blockade of Iran
Asia|Political|World

Afghanistan, Pakistan hold 'useful' peace talks in China, says Kabul

Afghanistan and Pakistan made "useful" progress in talks in China to resolve the conflict that broke out between the South Asian neighbours last

Afghanistan, Pakistan hold 'useful' peace talks in China, says Kabul
Asia|Crime|Political|World

Kazakhstan sentences 19 for protest against repression in China's Xinjiang region

A Kazakh court has convicted 19 Kazakh activists after a protest against Beijing’s crackdown in China’s far-western Xinjiang region last year, in what advocates call an extraordinary move by the Kazakh government to silence dissident at the behest of Beijing

Kazakhstan sentences 19 for protest against repression in China's Xinjiang region
Asia|Business|Economy|World

China's economy grows at 5% in first quarter, shrugging off initial impact of Iran war

China’s economy accelerated in the first quarter of this year, expanding 5% from a year earlier as it largely shrugged off impacts from the Iran war so far

China's economy grows at 5% in first quarter, shrugging off initial impact of Iran war
Asia|Business|Economy|Political|World

Vietnam's To Lam plans China visit next week after winning presidency, sources say

Vietnam's top leader To Lam is planning a visit to China next week to meet his counterpart Xi Jinping, three people briefed on the

Vietnam's To Lam plans China visit next week after winning presidency, sources say
Asia|Business|Economy|World

China's Xi urges demand‑driven growth in services sector

China's President Xi Jinping has called for a demand-driven approach coupled with reform and technological empowerment to develop the service sector, the official Xinhua

China's Xi urges demand‑driven growth in services sector
Asia|World

China says Afghanistan and Pakistan agree to explore comprehensive solution in peace talks

China's foreign ministry said on Wednesday that Afghanistan and Pakistan agreed during peace talks in Urumqi to explore a comprehensive solution to the conflict that broke

China says Afghanistan and Pakistan agree to explore comprehensive solution in peace talks
Asia|Business|Economy|Political|World

Spanish prime minister to make fourth trip to China in as many years

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez will make his fourth trip to China in as many years this month, as had been widely expected, as Madrid seeks to build on its

Spanish prime minister to make fourth trip to China in as many years
Asia|Business|Economy|Political|World

China and Russia veto UN resolution on protecting Hormuz shipping

China and Russia on Tuesday vetoed a U.N. resolution encouraging states to coordinate efforts to protect commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, calling

China and Russia veto UN resolution on protecting Hormuz shipping
Asia|Business|Economy|World

Global banks scale back China rate-cut calls, see policy rate on hold this year

Major global investment banks now expect China to keep official interest rates steady this year, scaling back earlier rate-cut calls, as the impact from the Middle East

Global banks scale back China rate-cut calls, see policy rate on hold this year
Asia|Business|Economy|Political|World

South Korea to push for the release of ships in the Strait of Hormuz

South Korea's presidential Blue House said on Wednesday that the government would do its best to ensure the country's ships can pass through the Strait of Hormuz as soon as

South Korea to push for the release of ships in the Strait of Hormuz
Asia|Economy|Political|World

Taiwan opposition leader pledges reconciliation at memorial for founding father in China

Taiwan opposition leader Cheng Li-wun pledged on Wednesday to channel the spirit of her party's founder Sun Yat-sen and seek

Taiwan opposition leader pledges reconciliation at memorial for founding father in China
Asia|Political|World

China's foreign minister to visit North Korea to bolster loosened ties

China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi will visit North Korea this week, his ministry said on Wednesday, signalling efforts by the East Asian neighbours to revitalise ties that

China's foreign minister to visit North Korea to bolster loosened ties
Asia|Business|Economy|Technology

Grab to lean on scale, AI to navigate rising fuel costs, CEO says

Southeast Asia's top ride-hailing and delivery firm Grab believes artificial intelligence-led products and services will

Grab to lean on scale, AI to navigate rising fuel costs, CEO says
Africa|Asia|Europe|MidEast|Political|World

Turkey's Erdogan welcomes Iran ceasefire, urges full implementation

Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan on Wednesday welcomed a ceasefire declared in the Iran war, urging its full implementation on the ground and warning against any

Turkey's Erdogan welcomes Iran ceasefire, urges full implementation
Asia|Business|Europe|MidEast|Political|World

Iran could open Strait of Hormuz in a controlled way ahead of meeting with US, senior Iranian official says

Iran could open the Strait of Hormuz in a limited and controlled way on Thursday or Friday ahead of a meeting between U.S. and Iranian officials in Pakistan, a senior

Iran could open Strait of Hormuz in a controlled way ahead of meeting with US, senior Iranian official says
Asia|Business|Economy|Europe|World

Developing countries in Europe, Central Asia face slowdown, World Bank says

Emerging and developing economies in Europe and Central Asia face a sharp slowdown this year under a scenario of a large but temporary rise in energy prices from the

Developing countries in Europe, Central Asia face slowdown, World Bank says
Asia|Business|Economy|World

World Bank says South Asia growth to slow to 6.3% in 2026 amid Middle East conflict

South Asia's growth is expected to slow to 6.3% in 2026 from 7.0% in 2025 as the conflict in the Middle-East and disruptions in global energy markets

World Bank says South Asia growth to slow to 6.3% in 2026 amid Middle East conflict
Asia|Business|Economy|Technology|World

Samsung Electronics' shareholder Shinhan Bank launches $2.1 billion share sale - term sheet

Samsung Electronics shareholder Shinhan Bank launched a sale of about $2.1 billion worth of shares in the South Korean company,

Samsung Electronics' shareholder Shinhan Bank launches $2.1 billion share sale - term sheet
Asia|Business|Economy|World

Japan business mood slumps, bankruptcies seen rising as Iran war lifts costs

The Japanese business mood worsened in March to levels not seen since the start of the Ukraine war in 2022, a government survey showed, a sign surging oil

Japan business mood slumps, bankruptcies seen rising as Iran war lifts costs
Asia|Business|Economy|Political|World

Bangladesh seeks more fuel from India as neighbours repair ties

Bangladesh on Wednesday sought to increase fuel purchases from India, as foreign minister Khalilur Rahman made the new government's first ministerial visit to New

Bangladesh seeks more fuel from India as neighbours repair ties
Asia|Business|Environment|Political|World

China moves to block entrance to disputed South China Sea shoal, images show

China is employing ships and a barrier to tighten control of the entrance to the Scarborough Shoal in the South China Sea amid

China moves to block entrance to disputed South China Sea shoal, images show
Asia|Business|Economy|Europe|Finance|Stock Markets

Recruiter Robert Walters posts smaller fee drop as hiring improves

Recruitment firm Robert Walters on Wednesday posted a narrower drop in first-quarter net fees following double-digit quarterly declines for nearly three years,

Recruiter Robert Walters posts smaller fee drop as hiring improves
Asia|Crime|World

UN human rights office raises concern around trial of Chinese dissident artist

The United Nations human rights office on Wednesday said it was concerned by the trial of Chinese dissident artist Gao Zhen, ​famous for making

UN human rights office raises concern around trial of Chinese dissident artist
Asia|Business|Political|World

Myanmar's Min Aung Hlaing appoints new cabinet, military still dominates

Myanmar's parliament approved a list of 30 ministers to serve in the cabinet of junta chief Min Aung Hlaing on Thursday following his appointment as president last week, with the

Myanmar's Min Aung Hlaing appoints new cabinet, military still dominates
Asia|Political|World

US senator urges Taiwan parliament to pass stalled defence spending plan

Taiwan's parliament should pass a stalled special defence budget to send a signal to China and the world that it is serious about peace through strength, U.S.

US senator urges Taiwan parliament to pass stalled defence spending plan
Asia|Business|Economy|World

BOJ chief says Japan's financial conditions remain accommodative

Bank of Japan Governor Kazuo Ueda said on Thursday real interest rates are clearly negative and keeping the country's financial conditions accommodative.

BOJ chief says Japan's financial conditions remain accommodative
Asia|Business|Economy|Finance|MidEast|Stock Markets|US|World

There's a Gulf between market hopes and reality

A look at the day ahead in European and global markets from Wayne Cole. It's the day after and reality is intruding into market hopes of peace and prosperity in the Middle East.

There's a Gulf between market hopes and reality
Asia|Economy|Election|Finance|Political|World

Millions vote as India begins series of state elections

Millions of Indians queued to vote in local elections in two states on Thursday, kicking off four key contests this month amid a war in the Middle East that has

Millions vote as India begins series of state elections
Asia|Political|Travel|World

Taiwan opposition leader talks peace with China as her party skips defence talks in Taipei

Birds not missiles should fly in the skies, Taiwan opposition leader Cheng Li-wun said on Thursday in Shanghai in a plea for peace, as government lawmakers in Taipei

Taiwan opposition leader talks peace with China as her party skips defence talks in Taipei
Asia|Business|Economy|World

Japan's consumer mood worsens as Iran war clouds chance for April rate hike

Japan's consumer confidence worsened in March at a pace unseen since the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, a government survey showed, swelling the toll on a

Japan's consumer mood worsens as Iran war clouds chance for April rate hike
Asia|Business|Economy|Europe|World

Mercedes Q1 sales down in tough 'transition year' for China business

Mercedes-Benz reported a sales slump at the start of 2026 as the tough Chinese market continued to pressure the German premium carmaker during an overhaul of its model

Mercedes Q1 sales down in tough 'transition year' for China business
Asia|Business|Economy|Finance|Stock Markets|World

India to grow at 6.6% in FY27, says World Bank; risks from West Asia crisis persist

India's expected economic growth of 6.6% for fiscal 2027 could face significant risks as the Iran war fans inflation

India to grow at 6.6% in FY27, says World Bank; risks from West Asia crisis persist
Asia|Business|Economy|World

China's car exports accelerate despite disruption from Mideast crisis

Car exports, an increasingly important source of growth for China's hyper-competitive auto sector, picked up pace in March despite shipment disruptions from the crisis in

China's car exports accelerate despite disruption from Mideast crisis
Asia|Business|Economy|Technology|World

Gulf states eye cheap Ukrainian interceptor drone as Iranian attacks drain missile stocks

Gulf states including Saudi Arabia and the UAE are exploring a $2,500 Ukrainian-designed interceptor drone as a cheaper way to counter Iranian

Gulf states eye cheap Ukrainian interceptor drone as Iranian attacks drain missile stocks
Asia|Business|Economy|Environment|Technology

Kia delays launch of software-focused cars, unveils big hike to investment plans

South Korea's Kia Corp said on Thursday it had delayed plans to build "software-defined vehicles" by about one year to 2028, and announced a

Kia delays launch of software-focused cars, unveils big hike to investment plans
Asia|Crime|Europe|MidEast|Political|World

Dozens of states condemn attacks on U.N. peacekeepers in Lebanon

Dozens of states issued a joint statement at the United Nations on Thursday condemning "unacceptable aggressive behavior" toward U.N. peacekeepers in Lebanon and calling for

Dozens of states condemn attacks on U.N. peacekeepers in Lebanon
Asia|Crime|Political|World

At least 250 people missing, including Rohingya and Bangladeshis, after boat sinks in Andaman Sea

The United Nations says at least 250 people including Rohingya refugees and Bangladeshi nationals are either feared dead or missing after a boat capsized in the Andaman Sea recently

At least 250 people missing, including Rohingya and Bangladeshis, after boat sinks in Andaman Sea
Asia|Business|Economy|Political|World

Panama president seeks to calm China tensions

Panamanian President Jose Raul Mulino on Thursday sought to calm tensions with China, striking a conciliatory tone a day after his foreign minister

Panama president seeks to calm China tensions
Asia|Business|Economy|Finance|Stock Markets|World

Japan wholesale inflation jumps, BOJ vows vigilance to stagflation risk

Japanese wholesale inflation jumped in March and the central bank's deputy governor called for vigilance to the risk of stagflation, highlighting mounting

Japan wholesale inflation jumps, BOJ vows vigilance to stagflation risk
Asia|Business|Economy|World

Asia Pacific faces weaker growth and higher inflation from Middle East crisis, ADB warns  

Growth in developing Asia and the Pacific is expected to slow this year as the conflict in the Middle East disrupts trade and energy markets, the Asian Development Bank

Asia Pacific faces weaker growth and higher inflation from Middle East crisis, ADB warns  
Asia|Business|Economy|Finance|Stock Markets|World

China's factories snap years-long deflation spell on Iran war price shock

China's factory-gate prices rose for the first time in more than three years in March, in an early sign that the war in Iran is feeding cost pressures into the world’s

China's factories snap years-long deflation spell on Iran war price shock
Asia|Business|Economy|World

Myanmar's new president sees challenges ahead, eyes ASEAN detente

Myanmar's new President Min Aung Hlaing said on Friday his government has many challenges to overcome and seeks to improve the country's international standing, including

Myanmar's new president sees challenges ahead, eyes ASEAN detente
Asia|Business|Economy|Political|World

Taiwan sees only warships and warplanes as China talks peace with opposition

Taiwanese officials are tracking what they view as a worrying rise in Chinese naval activity and military pressure against the island, even

Taiwan sees only warships and warplanes as China talks peace with opposition
Asia|Business|Crime|Economy|Environment|Political|World

Indonesia's Prabowo calls for criminal charges against firms resisting forest crackdown

Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto ordered prosecutors on Friday to file criminal charges against companies that refuse to cooperate with a task force he launched to

Indonesia's Prabowo calls for criminal charges against firms resisting forest crackdown
Asia|Political|World

China will not tolerate independence for Taiwan, Xi tells island's opposition leader

China will "absolutely not tolerate" independence for Taiwan, which is the chief culprit in undermining peace in the Taiwan Strait, President Xi Jinping told

China will not tolerate independence for Taiwan, Xi tells island's opposition leader
Asia|Political|World

North Korea's Kim meets China's foreign minister, calls for stronger ties, KCNA says

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un met China's foreign minister, state media KCNA said on Saturday.

North Korea's Kim meets China's foreign minister, calls for stronger ties, KCNA says
Asia|Political|World

Taiwan spotted Chinese warplanes as Xi met opposition leader in Beijing

Taiwan's defence ministry said on Saturday that it spotted 16 Chinese warplanes operating near the island the previous day, around the same time China's president was

Taiwan spotted Chinese warplanes as Xi met opposition leader in Beijing
Asia|Business|Economy|Political|World

US intelligence indicates China preparing weapons shipment to Iran, CNN reports

U.S. intelligence indicates China is  preparing to deliver new air defense systems to Iran  within the next few weeks,  CNN reported late on Friday, citing three  people familiar

US intelligence indicates China preparing weapons shipment to Iran, CNN reports
Asia|Business|Finance|Political|Stock Markets|US|World

China should abandon threats against Taiwan, US diplomat says

The top U.S. diplomat in Taiwan said China should abandon its threats and military pressure against Taiwan and talk to the island's leaders as that would avoid

China should abandon threats against Taiwan, US diplomat says
Asia|Business|Economy|Finance|Stock Markets|World

BOJ policy to boost yen could be an option to curb inflation, Japanese minister says

Bank of Japan monetary policy could be an option to tame rising prices by boosting the yen, Japan's trade minister said on Sunday, as the central bank weighs raising

BOJ policy to boost yen could be an option to curb inflation, Japanese minister says
Asia|Economy|Election|Political|World

Taiwan government should lead engagement with China on new measures, senior official says

Taiwan's engagement with China on looser controls proposed by Beijing for trade and tourism should be led by the government rather than private party-to-party contacts, a

Taiwan government should lead engagement with China on new measures, senior official says
Asia|Business|Economy|Political|World

South Korea and Poland to upgrade ties as Tusk calls Seoul key ally after US

South Korean President Lee Jae Myung and Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk agreed on Monday to upgrade ties to a comprehensive strategic partnership, with the leaders

South Korea and Poland to upgrade ties as Tusk calls Seoul key ally after US
Asia|Political|World

US, Australia, Philippines hold second joint drills in South China Sea this year

The United States and Australia joined the Philippines for their second joint maritime exercises in the South China Sea this year, amid tensions with China in the disputed

US, Australia, Philippines hold second joint drills in South China Sea this year
Asia|Economy|Environment|Europe|Political|World

Spanish premier urges China to take bigger role in multipolar order

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez on Monday said China should take on a more substantial role with issues including climate change, security, defense and the fight

Spanish premier urges China to take bigger role in multipolar order
Asia|Political|World

China calls US-Iran ceasefire 'very fragile', urges unified opposition to escalation

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Monday said the current ceasefire between the U.S. and Iran is "very fragile" and urged the global community to "unequivocally oppose

China calls US-Iran ceasefire 'very fragile', urges unified opposition to escalation
Asia|Business|Economy|World

Oil prices edge up as Hormuz shipping constraints counter US-Iran peace hopes

Oil prices edged up about 1% on Wednesday as the market focused more on Middle East supply disruptions than on comments by U.S.

Oil prices edge up as Hormuz shipping constraints counter US-Iran peace hopes
Asia|Economy|Political|World

Xi calls China-Russia ties 'precious' in current international context

Chinese President Xi Jinping has praised the stability and certainty of China-Russia relations, calling them precious in the face of an international landscape intertwined with changes and chaos

Xi calls China-Russia ties 'precious' in current international context
Asia|Business|Economy|World

Singapore Q1 GDP up 4.6% y/y, preliminary data shows, below expectations

Singapore's economy grew by 4.6% in the first quarter from a year earlier, preliminary government data showed on Tuesday.

Singapore Q1 GDP up 4.6% y/y, preliminary data shows, below expectations
Asia|Economy|Political|World

Xi assures Russia of China's friendship as ties grow with other nations

China and Russia must trust and support each other, deepen cooperation and defend each other's interests, President Xi Jinping said on Wednesday, assuring Moscow of

Xi assures Russia of China's friendship as ties grow with other nations
Asia|Political|World

Former military chief to take over as Philippine National Security Adviser

Philippine National Security Adviser Eduardo Ano has resigned due to health reasons, a Palace official said on Wednesday, and will be replaced by former military chief

Former military chief to take over as Philippine National Security Adviser
Asia|Business|Economy|Finance|Technology|World

China's largest trade fair opens as export growth slows

China's largest trade fair, held twice a year, opened on Wednesday in the southern city of Guangzhou, where more than 32,000 exhibitors are showcasing products over an

China's largest trade fair opens as export growth slows
Asia|Business|Economy|Finance|Technology|World

Bank of Korea governor nominee positive about won-denominated stablecoins

The nominee to become the Bank of Korea's governor agreed to introduce won-denominated stablecoins, saying they would play a role in the currency ecosystem of the future,

Bank of Korea governor nominee positive about won-denominated stablecoins