Paris — The Opening Ceremony of the Paris Paralympics got underway Wednesday in the center of the French capital, firing the starting gun on 11 days of intense competition. Just as for the Opening Ceremony of the Olympics on the River Seine in July, it took place away from the main stadium for the first … Read more
Balkhash, Kazakhstan — Seen from the sky, with its turquoise waters stretching out into the desert expanses in the shape of a crescent, you can see why they call Lake Balkhash the “pearl of Kazakhstan.” But pollution, climate change and its overuse are threatening the existence of one of the most unique stretches of water … Read more
WASHINGTON/SYDNEY — The United States and Australia kicked off high-level talks Tuesday that will focus on China’s “coercive behavior,” as well as the AUKUS nuclear submarine project, mounting tensions in the Middle East and climate change, officials said. The annual Australia-U.S. AUSMIN talks, taking place in Annapolis, Maryland, include the top defense and diplomatic officials … Read more
Premier Li Qiang called on China to explore and introduce incremental policies that are “tangible, effective and accessible to both the public and businesses”, as increasing external headwinds and prolonged weak domestic demand are creating challenges to the annual economic growth target. Analysts said Beijing was likely to opt for an expanding fiscal policy for … Read more
Breaking | China’s Politburo pledges support, sending stronger-than-expected signal to boost economy China has vowed to step up macro policies and stabilise market confidence to ensure it achieves leaderships’ full-year economic growth goal as the economy faces “increasing negative influence” from the outside world and insufficient demand at home. The top leadership signalled more support … Read more
HONG KONG — Three of the world’s top auction houses are racing to expand in Hong Kong, eager to woo young Asian buyers even as the global art market retreats from pandemic-era highs. In the span of two months, Sotheby’s, Christie’s and Bonhams will each see the culmination of yearslong efforts to upgrade their regional … Read more
Analysts said the outcome was in line with expectations as it provided a continuation of existing policy tweaks, although nothing that hinted at China heading towards a different direction. “China’s leadership has promised to continue comprehensively deepening reform in a wide range of areas. But there are few signs that the just-concluded third plenum marks … Read more
The use of “better leverage” in reference to the role of the market at the twice-a-decade event – formally known as the third plenum of the party’s 20th Central Committee – slightly deviates from rhetoric used at the same gatherings in 2013 and 2018, when the market was granted a “decisive role” in resource allocation. … Read more
Washington — Russia and China are edging ever closer to unleashing space-based weapons, a decision that could have far-reaching implications for America’s ability to defend itself, U.S. military and intelligence agencies warn. Adding to the concern, they say, is what appears to be a growing willingness by both countries to set aside long-running suspicions and … Read more
A group of heavyweight US executives will head to Beijing next week, hoping to meet with Chinese officials to obtain first-hand insight following the conclusion of China’s widely-watched third plenum, according to people with knowledge of the matter. The visit will be arranged by the US-China Business Council (USCBC), a Washington-based advocacy group. It will … Read more
