Hong Kong’s AI efforts connect China and rest of the world amid geopolitical tensions

Chief technology officer at Hong Kong Productivity Council says city remains an important launching pad for international AI firms.

Antony Blinken urges G7 countries to maintain unity in face of China risks

US secretary of state cites Beijing’s economic policies, human rights record and support for Russia in the war against Ukraine.

With China tariffs, Trump wants to make manufacturing American again. Will it work?

Donald Trump’s second White House term is bound to bring new China tariffs – but analysts wonder if it will bring manufacturing back.

Brazil’s Bolsonaro ‘actively’ took part in 2022 coup plot against Lula, police say

The ex-president was also ‘fully aware’ of an alleged plan by elite soldiers to assassinate his successor, the 884-page report adds.

Electric vehicle deal with China is not close, top EU trade official says

Fifty hours of negotiations ‘have not led to an agreement on price undertakings’, Sabine Weyand, EU director general for trade, says.

UK lawmakers vote in favour of some of world’s strictest anti-smoking rules

If passed, the bill would stop anyone 15 or younger this year from ever buying cigarettes, and also make vapes less appealing.

Trump team weighing direct talks with North Korea’s Kim Jong-un, insiders say

Pyongyang has ignored four years of outreach by Biden and has been emboldened by a much closer relationship with Russia’s Putin.

Israel’s Netanyahu says ready to implement ceasefire with Lebanon’s Hezbollah

The PM is asking his full cabinet to adopt the deal, setting the stage for an end to nearly 14 months of fighting.

Mexico’s Claudia Sheinbaum hints she could retaliate against Trump tariffs

Meanwhile, Canada’s Trudeau says he had a ‘good’ conversation with the US president-elect after the latter’s surprise tariff threat.

French cognac maker Hennessy halts China bottling plan after workers’ strike

The move follows talks between French and Chinese leaders, with the plan potentially resuming if negotiations fail.