Trump’s crypto support may see China restore digital-asset market, HashKey head says

HashKey chairman and CEO Xiao Feng said a number of factors may compel mainland China to open its digital-asset market in about two years.

China haircare brand faces backlash as post depicting flirty ‘fake besties’ ‘betrays’ women

Promotional post implies that ‘fake best friends’ may attempt to seduce their friend’s boyfriend, latch onto any man they meet.

Why is Beijing prodding Hong Kong developers to go for reforms and megaprojects?

Experts say meeting between Beijing’s point man on Hong Kong affairs and private sector leaders represents ‘explicit’ call to action.

France’s nuclear-powered carrier heads to Japan, in ‘message’ to China, allies

Analysts say the deployment aims to bolster alliances, deter adversaries and demonstrate France’s commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific.

For Trump’s China dealings, billionaires like Elon Musk to play backchannel role: analysts

President-elect’s transaction-based approach to diplomacy could see informal behind-the-scenes dialogue with Beijing coming to the forefront.

Elon Musk’s PAC ‘spent an estimated US$200 million’ to help elect Trump

A source close to the matter said the billionaire provided the vast majority of money to America PAC, which focused on first-time voters.

Hong Kong’s Greater Bay Airlines launches new route to Zhoushan, site of sacred Mount Putuo

City offers direct route for travellers and pilgrims wanting to visit Mount Putuo, one of four mountains on the mainland sacred to Buddhists.

Not a fan of EVs: Trump’s comeback to hurt Chinese EV makers, expect ‘rough seas’

Chinese EV makers can opt to set up a base in the US, take the tariff blows or find new markets elsewhere, according to Pareto Economics.

North Korea ratifies defence treaty with Russia, state media reports

Pact seals deepening security cooperation between the nations as North Korea becomes one of most vocal backers of Russia’s war on Ukraine.

First emperor penguin known to reach Australia found on tourist beach

Adult male was found on a popular tourist beach in temperate southwest Australia – about 3,500km north of its Antarctic home’s icy waters.