China plans 19% high-speed rail expansion by 2030 amid global dominance
Beijing aims to expand the nation’s entire rail network to about 180,000km as part of 2026-2030 infrastructure push, boosting connectivity nationwide
· Carol Yang
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Newest first · UTC+11:00Gold, oil jolted by US assault on Venezuela as investors recalibrate
Gold and oil move in opposite directions as attack underscores gold’s haven value, fails to alter oil market’s supply glut
· Zhang Shidong
Germany: Third bank robbery reported in NRW in days
Safe-deposit boxes have been broken into again at a bank branch in the western German state of North Rhine-Westphalia, marking the third such case in recent days.
· Richard Connor, Alex Berry
After Venezuela takeover, Chinese investors brace for era of regional anxiety
Washington’s moves to assert dominance in the western hemisphere could see tighter restrictions to curb Beijing’s growing footprint
· Luna Sun
Sathosa lorry misuse allegations; Former Minister Johnston Fernando arrives at FCID - DailyNews
Former Minister Johnston Fernando arrived at the Financial Crimes Investigation Division (FCID) today (05) following a police summons.
· Supuni Kulasinghe
New ‘command economy’? Indonesia seizes land the size of Switzerland
Prabowo Subianto’s government has taken over 4 million hectares of plantations and mines since last January
· Bloomberg
Calm after the storm - DailyNews
Sri Lanka has just witnessed the worst physical destruction and damage through a cyclonic storm—a natural disaster unparalleled in history. The estimated damage caused by the storm runs to several billions, ranging from $4–6 billion. Does Sri Lanka, which is just emerging from a severe financial crisis, possess adeq…
· Gayan Abeykoon
Wanted former CWE transport manager arrested - DailyNews
Former Transport Manager of the Co-operative Wholesale Establishment, Indika Ratnamalala, was arrested yesterday (4) in connection with an investigation conducted by the Financial Crimes Investigation Division of the Criminal Investigation Department into the alleged criminal misappropriation of State property by us…
· Gayan Abeykoon
NDB Bank extends support to Rebuild Sri Lanka Fund - DailyNews
National Development Bank PLC (NDB Bank) reaffirmed its commitment to national recovery and long-term resilience by extending its support to the Rebuild Sri Lanka Fund, a national initiative established to strengthen recovery efforts and support the rebuilding of communities affected by recent challenges faced by th…
· Gayan Abeykoon
People’s Bank welcomes 2026 with religious activities - DailyNews
People’s Bank held a ceremonial event on January 1, to usher in the New Year at its Head Office, People’s Tower, where staff members formally commenced duties by pledging the Government Service Oath.
· Gayan Abeykoon
Coast Guard arrests two with banned agrochemicals in Ranminithenna, Kirinda areas - DailyNews
Coast Guard personnel arrested two suspects along with a large stock of illegally smuggled banned agrochemicals in Ranminithenna and Kirinda areas on Friday (2).
· Gayan Abeykoon
CBSL extends administrator’s term at Nation Lanka Finance by 6 months - DailyNews
The Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) has extended the tenure of the Administrator appointed to Nation Lanka Finance PLC (NLFP) by a further six months, to ensure the uninterrupted continuation of the company’s resolution process.
· Gayan Abeykoon
Hongkongers flock to say goodbye as landmark department store closes
Close of Sincere’s Sham Shui Po branch, a neighbourhood fixture for 30 years, leaves chain with only two remaining outlets
· Leopold Chen
Hong Kong records 72% jump in mainland Chinese tourists over long New Year break
Immigration data shows 659,090 mainland visitors entered Hong Kong between New Year’s Eve and Saturday, accounting for 79 per cent of tourist arrivals
· Edith Lin
US ‘kill line’ shocks Chinese social media as economic woes shatter illusions
Rush of posts on ordinary Americans’ financial fragility upends long-held views of prosperous US, prompts comparisons with Chinese situation
· Jane Cai
Former Sathosa Transport Manager arrested by FCID - DailyNews
Former Sathosa Transport Manager Indika Ratnamalala has been arrested by the Financial Crimes Investigation Division (FCID) in connection with the alleged misuse of a company-owned lorry involving Johan Fernando, the son of former Minister Johnston Fernando.
· Thushan Jayasuriya
Opinion | How Hong Kong can complement Hainan’s free-trade port
Jointly designed customs rules could be used in pilot schemes to smooth the customs process for international business
· Ken Chu
Hong Kong to boost tech, financial services integration during AI boom: Paul Chan
Minister hails city’s role as global capital market for mainland Chinese tech firms, citing AI chipmaker Biren’s 82 per cent gains at debut
· Oscar Liu
Weltwirtschaft: Welche Herausforderungen warten 2026?
Das Wirtschaftsjahr 2025 war geprägt von Handelskonflikten, schwankendem Wachstum, hartnäckiger Inflation und steigender Staatsverschuldung in vielen Regionen. Keines dieser Probleme hat sich sich mit dem Jahreswechsel in Luft aufgelöst.
· Srinivas Mazumdaru
Asian Angle | How uneven borders fuel Myanmar’s vast and resilient scam economy
Fieldwork along the borders of China and Thailand reveals how uneven controls allow fraud networks to thrive despite crackdowns
· Xu Peng
SM Prime withdraws Baguio public market redevelopment proposal
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· Tati Maligro
China’s wealthy swap real estate for insurance, gold as retirement looms
Declining returns on property are prompting China’s affluent to diversify their investments, including high-value insurance policies and gold
· He Huifeng
MindRank in Phase 3 trial with first AI-assisted new drug
The company was aiming for approval in the second half of 2028, paving the way for a market launch in 2029
· Eunice Xu
At 75, Snoopy has conquered the Gen Z market. How did the beagle do it?
Snoopy’s enduring appeal continues to boost Peanuts’ brand now – it has more than 1,200 licensees around the world
· Tribune News Service
Travellers hoof it in China as horseback tourism makes strides
As Year of the Horse approaches, tourism operators are saddling up to capture enthusiasm for equestrian activity
· Ralph Jennings
Hong Kong a top countdown city as 200,000 visit on New Year’s Eve: minister
Tourism sector representatives underscore need to direct visitors from tourist hotspots to other parts of city
· Ambrose Li
What are China’s hottest jobs as AI reshapes the labour market?
The structural shift in China’s labour market will make digital skills mandatory as new opportunities emerge and traditional work tapers off
· Luna Sun
Marin Cilic over injury hell and thoughts of quitting, plotting ‘fantastic’ campaign
The 37-year-old 2014 US Open champion set for second Bank of China Hong Kong Tennis Open appearance following 2024 outing
· Paul McNamara
[In This Economy] Ushering in 2026 with the first reenacted budget in 7 years: What now?
This is AI generated summarization, which may have errors. For context, always refer to the full article.
· gdecastro0289
Hong Kong property market hits 4-year high in 2025 as sales top US$79 billion
December was the 10th consecutive month where new home transactions exceeded 1,500, the first time the trend was seen in more than 21 years
· Themis Qi
Occupancy rate at Hong Kong tech park set to hit 90% in first quarter of 2026
Government says lease renewal on Hong Kong side of collaborative tech hub with Shenzhen will be based on KPIs, but there will be ‘room for error’
· Matthew Cheng
China vows to ramp up west-to-east power as AI, hi-tech industries fuel demand
New targets include a major expansion of renewable energy and more electricity funnelled to eastern regions
· Sylvia Ma
New Hong Kong lawmaker Julia Lau vows to strengthen oversight after Tai Po fire
Architectural sector legislator urges better use of public funds, and has ideas on how to boost development of the Northern Metropolis and tourism
· Edith Lin
2026 में वैश्विक अर्थव्यवस्था किन 7 बड़े मोर्चों पर बदलेगी?
फाइनेंस और इकोनॉमी की दुनिया की पड़ताल अविनाश द्विवेदी के साथ. अर्थव्यवस्था की हालत, मार्केट ट्रेंड्स से लेकर स्टार्टअप के सीक्रेट तक, हर एपिसोड में आपको मिलेंगे काम के आइडिया और एक्सपर्ट की राय, ताकि आप हमेशा आगे रहें.
Opinion | As the US struggles with affordability, consumer confidence eludes China
While many have soured on globalisation, protectionism has also failed to guarantee people’s desire for affordability and financial security
· Audrey Jiajia Li
2026 : L’Iran entre sanctions, inflation et crises
Une partie de l'Iran est en proie à une contestation, partie dimanche 28 décembre 2025 de Téhéran et initialement liée à la vie chère, qui s'est depuis élargie à des revendications politiques.
· Elina Farhadi, Nafissa Amadou
China’s diplomatic divide: red carpet for Seoul, cold shoulder for Tokyo firms
While Tokyo’s corporate leaders stay home amid fallout from prime minister’s remarks on Taiwan, Beijing prepares to welcome South Korean president and top executives
· Ji Siqi
No ‘piecemeal’ steps: Chinese journal urges more support for property sector
Top Communist Party journal calls on officials to roll out a stronger policy package in one go, rather than following ‘piecemeal-style’ approach
· Mia Nurmamat
Back to the Past, starring Louis Koo and Raymond Lam, smashes Hong Kong record
Historical sci-fi action film earns HK$10.91 million in debut, the most for a Chinese film opening in city
· Denise Tsang
Hongkonger Wong hungry for major progress after Norway camp with Casper Ruud
Home favourite Coleman Wong will learn Bank of China Hong Kong Tennis Open first-round opponent when draw is made on Saturday
· Paul McNamara
Outcry over Israel's West Bank settlement plan
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China’s box office up 22% in 2025 to US$7.4 billion, led by smash hit Ne Zha 2
World’s second-largest movie market sees domestic films capture nearly 80 per cent of sales, while Disney’s Zootopia sequel sets new high for imported titles
· Mia Nurmamat
Hong Kong’s retail uptick extends into November with sales climbing 6.5%
Sector’s growth marks third consecutive month of reaching above 6 per cent year on year, but industry leader warns against calling it ‘recovery’
· Wynna Wong
Hong Kong receives twice as many mainland Chinese visitors on New Year’s Day
Industry leaders attribute rise to three-day holiday on mainland and strained Beijing-Tokyo ties drawing some to Hong Kong instead of Japan
· Jess Ma
China must take action to avoid Japan-style deflation spiral, scholars warn
Unless Beijing introduces more forceful policies, consumers could get locked into a mindset that is ‘nearly impossible to break’, scholars say
· Carol Yang
Inflation, corruption top Filipinos’ concerns as 2025 ends
This is AI generated summarization, which may have errors. For context, always refer to the full article.
· jpcruz0306
In the new world order, market power trumps military might. Can China compete?
Changing metrics of competition are reshaping the international systems built around Western dominance, analysts say
· Cao Jiaxuan
Singapore defies Trump’s tariffs as manufacturing drives growth
The city state’s economy grew 5.7 per cent in the fourth quarter from a year earlier, according to data from the trade ministry
· Bloomberg
Hong Kong stocks jump into 2026 with biggest surge since May
Investors expect Beijing’s ‘policy pivot’ to continue, with a focus on demand-side stimulus and stabilising the housing market, analyst says
· Yulu Ao
Could 2026 be the make-or-break year of CK Hutchison’s Panama ports deal?
What began as a strategic exit for a Hong Kong conglomerate has devolved into a high-stakes stand-off between Washington and Beijing
· Lam Ka-sing