Taiwan in focus amid Japan PM comments and US weapons sale
The US approved a $330 million sale of fighter jets and aircraft parts to Taiwan, marking a notable shift under the Trump administration, which had previously expanded military ties with Taiwan. The US response was praised by Taiwan but condemned by China, which claimed it undermined its sovereignty and security
Samsung Creates M&A Team Focused on AI and Mobility
Samsung Electronics Chairman Lee Jae-yong is finalizing major management moves. The company has established a new M&A team within the Business Support Office, led by President Ahn Jung-hyun, who is known for the 2017 Harman acquisition, valued at approximately 9 trillion won. Following several large Mergers and Acquisitions this year,
AI Chip Demand Fuels Taiwan’s Strong 6% GDP Growth Outlook
Taiwan’s economy is projected to approach a growth rate of nearly 6% this year, based on the unexpectedly strong performance observed in the third quarter. This positive momentum is attributed to the nation’s benefits from the burgeoning artificial intelligence (AI) sector. The export-driven economy of Taiwan has absorbed substantial demand
China Links US to $13 Billion Bitcoin Theft from LuBian
China’s cybersecurity authorities have accused the US of being responsible for the theft of approximately $13 billion worth of Bitcoin. The theft occurred in December 2020 when hackers targeted the LuBian Bitcoin mining pool, resulting in the loss of 127,272 Bitcoin tokens, one of the largest crypto heists in history,
China Export Decline Deepens as Tariff Pressures Mount
China’s exports declined unexpectedly in October, marking the worst performance since February. Outbound shipments fell by 1.1%, reversing from an 8.3% increase in September, and missing the forecasted 3.0% growth. This decline was partly due to a high base last year when exports surged in anticipation of President Trump’s tariffs
Pakistan’s First Chinese-Built Submarine Ready by 2026
The Pakistan Navy is set to commission its first Chinese-designed submarine next year, marking a significant strengthening of military ties with China amid regional tensions. According to Pakistan’s top admiral, the naval force is smoothly progressing with a deal to acquire eight Hangor-class submarines by 2028, enhancing Pakistan’s capabilities in
Trump and Xi Strike Tariff Deal to Ease U.S.-China Tensions
U.S. President Donald Trump announced he reached a deal with President Xi Jinping to lower tariffs in exchange for China cracking down on illegal fentanyl, resuming U.S. soybean purchases, and maintaining rare earth exports. Their first face-to-face meeting since 2019 took place in Busan, South Korea, as part of Trump’s
U.S. Moves to Diversify Supply Chain with Southeast Asia
The United States recently entered into several trade and critical minerals agreements with four Southeast Asian nations: Malaysia, Cambodia, Thailand, and Vietnam. This initiative aims to address trade imbalances and diversify supply chains, particularly in light of China’s tightening export controls on rare earths. U.S. President Donald Trump, attending the
Pfizer CEO Seeks Stronger U.S.-China Biopharma Links
Pfizer CEO Albert Bourla highlighted the significant role of China in the global pharmaceutical industry during a speech at the National Committee on U.S.-China Relations Gala in New York. He emphasised that China’s rapid development in biopharma has transformed the global competitive landscape by achieving remarkable speed, lower costs, and
TSMC Q3 Profit Rise to 28% From Increased AI Spending
Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. is expected to report a 28% increase in third-quarter profit to a record, driven by insatiable demand for AI infrastructure. However, the US could impact its outlook. TSMC, the world’s largest producer of advanced artificial intelligence chips and a main supplier to Nvidia and Apple, is
