GUANGZHOU -- Higher energy prices and supply chain disruptions from the Iran war are doing little to stop Chinese exporters from pursuing growth overseas to compensate for weak consumer appetites at home.

MANILA -- Public transport sector workers in Manila began a three-day strike on Wednesday to urge the state to remove levies on fuel products and ease surging fuel prices resulting from the conflict in the Middle East.

TOKYO -- Beijing on Wednesday urged Hong Kong to "coordinate and ensure both development and security" while "escorting" China on a new voyage under its latest five-year plan.

TOKYO -- Hengyi Petrochemical, a major Chinese non-state manufacturer of oil products, reported a nearly 40-fold jump in profit for the first quarter, citing the sharp rise in prices triggered by the Iran war and effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz.

TOKYO/HONG KONG -- A U.S.-sanctioned Chinese vessel that had exited the Strait of Hormuz just hours after the American naval blockade began has returned to the waterway.

URAYASU, Japan -- Tokyo Disney Resort on Wednesday kicked off year-long events marking the 25th anniversary of its unique ocean-themed amusement park Tokyo DisneySea, with ambitions to attract an even larger segment of the record numbers of overseas visitors to Japan.

HONG KONG -- Chen Bing, a 63-year-old retiree who lives in the southwestern Chinese province of Guangxi, was surprised to find her experiment with artificial intelligence tools made her the center of attention at her elementary school reunion last December.

TOKYO -- Japan's Suntory Holdings, a beverage giant that also sells health products, is to acquire drugmaker Daiichi Sankyo's over-the-counter unit for about 200 billion yen ($1.2 billion), Nikkei learned on Wednesday.

TOKYO -- Japan's Cybozu is stepping up investments in Southeast Asia as it looks for growth beyond its home market, even as fears mount that generative artificial intelligence could upend the software industry.

KUALA LUMPUR -- Malaysia's largest automaker, Perodua, will prioritize after-sales support for its electric vehicles to help maintain their long-term value, aiming to position itself as a reliable local player to counter Chinese rivals, its president said.