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☆ Why mango sticky rice is one of Thailand’s most beloved summer dishes
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-16 | by ( Karla Cripps | Kocha Olarn | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +7 min

Better known to the rest of the world as mango sticky rice, it’s a deceptively simple dish. And few have perfected that balance as well as 63-year-old Varee Jeensuwan, the undeniable queen of mango sticky rice in Bangkok. In 2022, she performed at the Coachella music festival in California and ended her show by digging into a bowl of mango sticky rice. K Panich has been dishing out mango sticky rice since 1932. According to R-Haan co-owner/chef Chumpol Jangprai, there’s evidence suggesting mango sticky rice has been around since Thailand’s late Ayutthaya period (1351-1767), with references to the dish found in the centuries to follow.

Persons: Mae Varee, “, Bangkok's Mae Varee, Lauren DeCicca, Rong, ”, Nam Dok Mai, Chiang Rai, Milli, Panich, Pongpat, – it’s, Bib, Khun Nan, Mai, it’s, It’s, Haan, Chumpol Jangprai, Rama V’s Organizations: CNN, Bangkok CNN, Coachella, Haan Locations: Bangkok, Thailand, Bangkok’s, Thonglor, Mae, Bangkok's, province’s Bangkhla, Damnoen Saduak, Ratchaburi province, “, nieow, Thailand’s, Suratthani, China , Hong Kong, Singapore, Thai, California

☆ India’s economy and elections: Is the hype around Narendra Modi’s vision justified?
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-16 | by ( Diksha Madhok | Rachel Wilson | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +9 min

New Delhi/London CNN —In just a few days, India will commence the world’s largest democratic election. So, is the hype around Modi’s India, which remains a largely impoverished country, justified? The world’s largest biometric database has also helped the government save millions by reducing corruption in welfare initiatives. Domestic investors, both retail and institutional, have been driving India’s stock market to unprecedented peaks. Still, India’s economy, much like its democracy, is far from perfect.

Persons: Narendra Modi, Indranil Mukherjee, Modi, Himanshu Sharma, Guido Cozzi, Arun Sankar, Billionaire Elon Musk Organizations: London CNN —, Getty, CNN, World, University of St, Unified, Bank, ”, National Stock Exchange of India, bourse, Bombay Stock Exchange, NSE, Shenzhen Stock Exchange, Hong Kong Exchange, World Federation of Exchanges, Macquarie Capital, Apple, Foxconn, Billionaire, International Labour Organization Locations: New Delhi, London, India, China, Beijing, Ajmer, Rajasthan, University of St Gallen, Switzerland, Asia’s, Washington, Sriperumbudur, Chennai, Mumbai's Churchgate, AFP

☆ Asia markets extend declines amid Iran-Israel tensions; China economic data on deck
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-16 | by ( Lim Hui Jie | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: 1 min

A batch of cars are ready to be shipped to overseas markets at the port of Taicang, Jiangsu province, China, April 9, 2024. Future Publishing | Future Publishing | Getty ImagesAsia-Pacific markets extended their declines as the world awaits Israel's response to Iran's air assault over the weekend. On Tuesday, China's first-quarter gross domestic product numbers will be in focus, with the world's second-largest economy expected to grow 4.6% from a year ago. Futures for Hong Kong's Hang Seng index stood at 16,430, pointing to a weaker open compared to the HSI's close of 16,600. Japan's Nikkei 225 plunged 1.5% at the open, while the broad based Topix was down 1.04%.

Persons: China's, Kospi Organizations: Future Publishing, Getty, Nikkei Locations: Taicang, Jiangsu province, China, Asia, Pacific, Australia

☆ Chinese runner’s win invites suspicion after rivals appear to step aside
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-15 | by ( Andrew Mcnicol | Hassan Tayir | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +3 min

Hong Kong CNN —Chinese runner He Jie’s victory Sunday in the Beijing Half Marathon is facing a probe after his win was called into question by Chinese internet users because a trio of African runners appeared to deliberately slow down to let him win. The Chinese runner crossed the finish line in 1:03:44 to claim the $5,500 first prize, with the African trio just one second behind in joint-second place. The video clip shows the African runners applauding He’s win and patting him on the back, though the Asian Games marathon champion appears less enthused despite winning his first ever competitive half marathon. Some Chinese internet users called for an investigation into the race, while others demanded action from organizers. He is ranked 77th in the world in men’s marathon by World Athletics and is expected to lead the way for Asian runners in the upcoming Paris 2024 Summer Olympics.

Persons: Kenya’s Willy Mnangat, Robert Keter, Ethiopia’s, He’s, patting, “, ”, ” Xstep, It’s, Mark Dreyer, That’s, “ It’s, Jie, ” Dreyer Organizations: Hong Kong CNN, Asian Games, Beijing Municipal Sports Bureau, Chinese Athletics Association, CNN, Sporting, World Athletics Locations: Hong Kong, Beijing, Kenya, Weibo, China’s Ningxia

☆ Hong Kong regulators approve launch of spot bitcoin and ether ETFs
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-15 | by ( Arjun Kharpal | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

Hong Kong regulators on Monday approved the launch of spot bitcoin and ether exchange-traded funds (ETFs), asset managers said, following U.S. moves this year to bring these products to market. Harvest Global and Bosera International have also received SFC approval for bitcoin and ether ETFs, according to the companies. However, Hong Kong has slowly been trying to make itself a regulated crypto hub to compete with places like Dubai and Singapore. Hong Kong's moves come after U.S. securities regulators approved the trade of spot bitcoin ETFs, which have seen billions of dollars of inflows. Hong Kong would be one of the first places in the world to approve an ether ETF.

Persons: ChinaAMC, Bitcoin, Kong's, Yolande Chee Organizations: OSL Digital Securities, ChinaAMC, Hong Kong's Securities, Futures Commission, Harvest, Bosera, Hong Kong SFC, CNBC, U.S . Securities, Exchange Commission Locations: Hong Kong, China, Dubai, Singapore, cryptocurrencies

☆ Can China play a role in avoiding an all-out war in the Middle East?
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-15 | by ( Nectar Gan | Simone Mccarthy | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +9 min

“China calls on the international community, especially countries with influence, to play a constructive role for the peace and stability of the region,” the ministry added. The decision by Iran’s leaders to strike at Israel directly has pushed the shadow war between the two regional foes into the open. That’s why China does not condemn Iran,” said Yun Sun, director of the China program at the Washington-based Stimson Center think tank. Beijing meanwhile denounced the strike as a “barbarian act,” with protests erupting outside US diplomatic compounds across China. “For China, had US applies enough pressure on Israel, neither the Israeli attack nor the Iranian retaliation would have taken place.

Persons: Beijing’s, Antony Blinken, Wang Yi –, Saudi Arabia –, ”, William Figueroa, Figueroa, “, Xi Jinping, China’s, Iran ”, Israel, ” Figueroa, Wang Wenbin, Wang, Yun Sun, Bill Clinton, Jiang Zemin, ” Sun, Kishida, Jaishankar, Israel Katz, Hossein Amirabdollahian Organizations: Hong Kong CNN, Foreign Ministry, Washington, US State Department, Hamas, Beijing, Tehran, University of Groningen, Global Security Initiative, CNN, Chinese Foreign Ministry, Stimson, NATO, Embassy, Japan’s, Israel’s Foreign, Iranian Locations: China, Hong Kong, East, Iran, Israel, Beijing, Gaza, Tehran, Damascus, Republic, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Palestinian, Red, Tehran –, Netherlands, underinvestment, United States, Israeli, Syria, Quds, Washington, Belgrade, That’s, Yugoslavia, Asia, ”, India, Philippines, Malaysia, Indonesia

☆ In ‘Monkey Man,’ Dev Patel attempts to reclaim Hinduism for the underdog
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-15 | by ( Harmeet Kaur | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +11 min

CNN —“Monkey Man,” Dev Patel’s directorial debut action thriller that he also stars in, wrote and produced, opens with a tale familiar to Hindus around the world. This mythology is the foundation of “Monkey Man,” which hit theaters on April 5. In "Monkey Man," Kid plots revenge on the corrupt forces that raided his forest village and killed his mother. Dev Patel directed, wrote, produced and starred in the action thriller "Monkey Man," which is inspired by the Hindu legend of Hanuman. “Monkey Man,” then, is a warning about what can happen when people are oppressed and disempowered for too long.

Persons: ” Dev Patel’s, Hanuman, Patel himself, —, Patel, ” Patel, Kid, ’ ”, Rana Singh, Sikandar Kher, Baba Shakti, Makarand Deshpande, Rana, Sita, Sobhita, Rama, Ravana, Lord Rama, Sailaja Krishnamurti, ‘ What’s, ” Krishnamurti, “, Thrisha Mohan, Narendra Modi, Lord Ram, Imtiyaz Khan, ” Mohan, Baba Shakti —, ”, Krishnamurti, Mohan, Modi, it’s, wasn’t, Siddhant Adlakha, ” Adlakha, It’s, Amitabh Bachhan, Bruce Lee, Jackie Chan, Keanu Reeves, Hollywood’s, Hollywood’s “ John Wick ”, India’s underclasses, “ He’s, Dev Patel, Monica Schipper, hijras, Kid bungles, he’s, Baba, Shiva, Parvati, Bedatri D, Choudhury Organizations: CNN, SXSW, Universal Pictures, Queen’s University, Human Rights, Indian, Anadolu, Getty, Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party, BJP, TIME, Alpha, Philadelphia Inquirer Locations: Yatana, India, Ayodhya, Hong Kong, Hollywood’s “, Kid’s

☆ Three ways investors can minimize their tax payments
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-15 | by ( Nicole Goodkind | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +8 min

It’s particularly difficult for investors, he said, who have to report their earnings and losses from the market to the IRS. As an alternative, Harris, who currently heads financial services firm Evergreen Money and recently authored a book about reducing tax burdens, shared his three biggest tax tips for investors with Before the Bell. So for tax purposes, selling securities that have lost value can offset the taxes due on gains from successful investments. If your losses exceed your gains, you can carry the net loss (total losses minus total gains) into the next tax year, potentially reducing future tax burdens. If you have three children and two parents, that’s $108,000 in tax free money a year, Harris said.

Persons: They’ll, ”, Bill Harris, It’s, Harris, “, Roth, hasn’t, “ you’re, Laura, Anna Cooban, Brent, Germany’s DAX, Read, Tempore Mike McGuire Organizations: New, New York CNN, National Taxpayers Union Foundation, Paypal, CNN, Evergreen Money, Bell, Investments, Brent, Traders, CAC, FTSE, Nikkei, International Energy Agency, ANZ, Google, California Journalism, Meta, California, Pro, Tempore, ” Locations: New York, United States, Israel, Iran, Tehran, Syria, Shanghai, Paris, California, America

☆ China’s Q1 GDP grows 5.3% partly thanks to strong manufacturing
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-15 | by ( Laura He | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +1 min

Hong Kong CNN —China’s economy grew stronger than expected at the start of this year, partly thanks to robust factory activity. Gross domestic product grew by 5.3% in the first quarter from a year ago, according to the National Bureau of Statistics on Tuesday. Last month, an official survey showed China’s manufacturing purchasing manager’s index (PMI) expanded for the first time in six months. The Caixin/S&P manufacturing PMI also hit its strongest reading in more than a year, as overseas demand picked up. The authorities have cut interest rates this year to boost bank lending and speed up central government spending to support infrastructure investment.

Organizations: Hong Kong CNN, Gross, National Bureau, Statistics, PMI Locations: Hong Kong, China

☆ Gold prices rise, Asian markets fall after Tehran’s attack on Israel
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-14 | by ( Laura He | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +2 min

It had hit an all-time high of $2,431 per ounce on Friday because of fears of a potential attack by Iran on Israel. US gold futures also added 0.1% on Monday. The Middle East was plunged into uncharted waters after Iran launched scores of missiles toward Israel late Saturday. Before Iran’s attack, US stocks ended Friday sharply lower, as Wall Street worried about escalating tension in the Middle East. Dow futures rose 80 points, or 0.2%, in Asian hours on Monday.

Persons: Kospi, Brent, Joe Biden Organizations: Hong Kong CNN —, Nikkei, ANZ, Dow, Nasdaq Locations: Hong Kong, Iran, Israel, Shanghai, Syria, East

☆ Why Scotland’s ‘ghost’ whisky distilleries are coming back to life
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-13 | by ( Angus Mackinnon | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +10 min

Courtesy Port Ellen DistilleryAcross the courtyard, the new still room resembles a vast industrial greenhouse with four shiny new copper stills as its exotic plants. “It is important that we recreate that classic Port Ellen character that people love, but we also want to be doing things we’ve not done before,” says McDonald. Courtesy Port Ellen DistilleryA glimpse into that past comes in the musky surroundings of warehouse number two with a dram drawn straight from a cask filled in 1979. Port Ellen is hoping to attract upscale whisky fans to sample a by-appointment-only Atlas of Smoke Experience. “At the moment, Port Ellen is expensive because it is so old and so rare.

Persons: Carol Ann Duffy’s, ” “, Ellen, ”, attar, Port Ellen, Roy Duff, Dramface.com, Ardbeg, Hijiri, Alexander McDonald, McDonald, Port, Port Ellen Gemini, Ellens, There’s, Dramface’s Duff, ” Emily Burnham, “ Organizations: Scotland CNN, Port, Ellen, Diageo, North America —, Smoke Locations: Islay, Scotland, Isle of Islay, Wuyi, Port, Scottish, —, Highland, Brora, Falkirk, Scotland’s, Hong Kong, Kilnaughton Bay, Antrim, Northern Ireland, Mull, Kintyre, North, America, United States

☆ AMD and Intel dip on report China told telecoms to remove foreign chips
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-12 | by ( Alex Koller | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

Shares of Advanced Micro Devices and Intel dipped on Friday after The Wall Street Journal reported that China is ordering the country's largest telecommunications carriers to cease use of foreign chips. Chinese officials issued the directive earlier this year for the telecom systems to replace non-Chinese core processors by 2027, the Journal reported, citing people familiar with the matter. The report said the mandate would impact AMD and Intel. China set new guidelines in December to remove U.S. chips from government computers and servers, blocking processors from AMD and Intel, the Financial Times reported last month. Intel has reportedly survived a push by AMD to end its sale of hundreds of millions of dollars' worth of laptop chips to the U.S.-sanctioned Chinese telecom company Huawei.

Persons: Hong Kong Organizations: U.S, Devices, Intel, Street Journal, AMD, Financial Times, Bloomberg, Huawei Locations: China, Hong, U.S

☆ Goldman Sachs just added stocks to its top Asian picks, giving one over 45% upside
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-12 | by ( Amala Balakrishner | In Amala-Balakrishner | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +3 min

Goldman Sachs has refreshed its conviction list of top stocks in Asia Pacific this month, adding some names and removing others. Here are two additions to Goldman Sachs' Asian conviction list, and two removals: China Resources Beer Goldman analyst Leaf Liu said he was positive on the outlook for Chinese beer manufacturer and distributor China Resources Beer . Goldman Sachs has a 12-month price target of 51 Hong Kong dollars ($6.51) on the stock, giving it potential upside of around 46%. NTPC India's power generation company NTPC — formerly the National Thermal Power Corporation — was another addition to Goldman's conviction list. Shionogi, China Medical System Meanwhile, the Wall Street bank removed two pharmaceutical players — Japan's Shionogi and the China-headquartered China Medical System — from its conviction list.

Persons: Goldman Sachs, China Resources Beer, Leaf Liu, CRB, —, National Thermal Power Corporation —, Apoorva Bahadur, Bahadur, Goldman, — Japan's Shionogi, — CNBC's Michael Bloom Organizations: MSCI Asia, China Resources, China Resources Beer Goldman, China Resources Beer, Brands, Star, Heineken, Hong, Franklin FTSE, National Thermal Power Corporation Locations: Asia Pacific, Japan, China, ,, Tianjin, premiumization, Hong Kong, Franklin FTSE China, Shionogi

☆ Tycoon’s death penalty in $12.5 billion fraud case highlights Vietnam’s corruption crisis
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-12 | by ( Heather Chen | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +12 min

The scale of the fraud was said to be equivalent to roughly 3% of Vietnam’s economy. Though widely considered ceremonial, the presidency is one of the top three positions in Vietnam’s political hierarchy after the CPV’s Secretary General, currently Nguyen Phu Trong. In fact, the International Monetary Fund expects Vietnam’s economy to grow by 5.8% this year, compared to 4.6% for China. Their fate remains unclear, given the highly secretive nature of Vietnam’s political system. But Vietnamese political experts said a permanent appointment would not end the instability.

Persons: Truong My Lan, Van Thinh, siphoned, “, Eric Chu, Vietnam’s, Vo Van, Trong, Thuong, Vo Van Thuong, Richard A, Brooks, Nguyen Xuan Phuc, Pham Binh, Le Hong Hiep, Yusof, ” Hiep, ”, Thu, General Trong, Xi Jinping, ” Zachary Abuza, Salt Bae, Lam, ” Abuza, Nguyen Phu Trong, Evelyn Hockstein, Abuza, Bui Thanh Soh, ” Soh, Vo, Xuan, Thuong’s, Le Hong Organizations: CNN, Van Thinh Phat Holdings Group, Stock Commercial Bank, Reuters, SCB, Express, Communist Party, Institute, Crisis Group, National War College, Vietnamese Communist Party, Public Security, Vietnam, International Monetary Fund, Companies, Apple, Intel, Vietnam's Communist Party General, Yusof, Brookings Institution, “, Crisis Locations: Vietnam, Saigon, People’s, Ho Chi Minh City, Hong Kong, Duc, Singapore, Asia, China, Washington, “, London, Turkish, Hanoi, Bangkok

☆ Ousted Tesla cofounder says a canceled $25,000 car could give China 'a chance to really spread'
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-11 | by ( Grace Kay | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +3 min

Tesla cofounder Martin Eberhard expressed disappointment over a report of Tesla canceling its $25,000 EV plans. AdvertisementTesla cofounder Martin Eberhard said a report that the electric-car maker has canceled a $25,000 EV could give China a boost. The billionaire also said Tesla plans to unveil its first robotaxi later this year. The carmaker has been facing pressure from EV companies in China, including BYD, which has been vying with Tesla for the title of top EV seller . Earlier this week, the Tesla CEO said "Chinese car companies are by far the most competitive."

Persons: Tesla, Martin Eberhard, Elon Musk, Eberhard's, —, Eberhard, Musk, Nicolai Tangen, Eberhard butted Organizations: Service, HSBC Global Investment, Reuters, Elon, Norges Bank Investment Locations: China, Hong Kong

☆ Mexican drug gangs ‘increasingly targeting’ Australia as meth supplies overtake rivals, police say
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-11 | by ( Chris Lau | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +4 min

CNN —Drug cartels from North America have overtaken rivals in Southeast Asia to become Australia’s top suppliers of methamphetamine, police said, warning that Mexican gangs are “increasingly targeting” the country. Meanwhile, Southeast Asian meth fell to less than 15% of seizures of the drug, a highly addictive and potent stimulant. A wastewater detection program led by the Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission projected meth to be Australia’s second most used drug. In 2022, authorities stopped 1.8 tons of liquid meth masquerading as coconut water in Hong Kong before it reached Australia. They were bound for New Zealand, Australia and the surrounding Pacific region, police said.

Persons: Jared Taggart, Taggart, ”, Sam Gor, Terry Goldsworthy, Criminologist John Fitzgerald, Masood Karimipour Organizations: CNN —, Australian Federal Police, Police, ”, Australian Institute of Health, Welfare, Australian Criminal Intelligence, AFP, Bond University, Australian Capital Territory, University of Melbourne, Drugs, New Zealand police, Southeast, Pacific, United Nations Office Locations: North America, Southeast Asia, Australia, AFP, Mexico, United States, Canada, ” Australia, Thailand, Laos, Myanmar, Japan , New Zealand, Hong Kong, Asia, Pacific, Queensland, American, Europe, Ukraine, New Zealand

☆ Professor discusses whether ByteDance will sell TikTok's algorithm
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-11 | by ( ) www.cnbc.com time to read: 1 min

Share Share Article via Facebook Share Article via Twitter Share Article via LinkedIn Share Article via EmailHighly unlikely Beijing will allow ByteDance to sell TikTok's algorithm to foreign buyers: ProfessorAngela Zhang, director of the Philip K. H. Wong Centre for Chinese Law and associate professor of law at the University of Hong Kong, says the Chinese government's stance is aligned with TikTok's position.

Persons: Angela Zhang, Philip K Organizations: Wong Centre, Chinese Law, University of Hong Locations: Beijing, University of Hong Kong

☆ Beyond the U.S.: Investment analyst names markets — and stocks — he’s betting on right now
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-11 | by ( Amala Balakrishner | In Amala-Balakrishner | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

One investment analyst says he's looking for opportunities outside the U.S. stock market. HDFC Bank In India, the investment analyst is betting on Indian bank HDFC . HDFC Bank recently reported 55.4% year-on-year growth in gross advances for the quarter ended March 31. Shares in the bank are traded in the Nifty India Financials ETF (15.6% weight) and iShares India 50 ETF (11.2%). Shares in the life insurer are traded in the iShares MSCI Hong Kong ETF (20.0% weight) and Franklin FTSE Hong Kong ETF (19.2%).

Persons: we've, Steven Glass, CNBC's, Glass, AIA's Organizations: Sydney, Pella Funds Management, HDFC Bank, India, India Financials, AIA, AIA Group, Hong, Hong Kong ETF, Franklin FTSE, Franklin FTSE Hong Kong ETF Locations: Europe, Pella, Asia, China, India, FactSet, Singapore, Vietnam, Hong Kong, Franklin FTSE Hong

☆ Hong Kong Detains and Expels Journalism Advocate, Group Says
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-10 | by ( David Pierson | More About David Pierson | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: 1 min

A representative of Reporters Without Borders was denied entry to Hong Kong on Wednesday while attempting to enter the city on a fact-finding mission about shrinking press freedoms there, the organization said. Aleksandra Bielakowska, a Taipei-based advocacy officer for the group, said she had been detained for six hours at Hong Kong International Airport, where she was questioned and her belongings searched several times. She was later expelled without explanation. Reporters Without Borders, which is based in Paris and advocates on behalf of journalists around the world, said it was the first time one of its representatives had been denied entry or held in Hong Kong. “We are appalled by this unacceptable treatment of our colleague, who was simply trying to do her job,” Rebecca Vincent, director of campaigns for Reporters Without Borders, said in a statement.

Persons: Aleksandra Bielakowska, ” Rebecca Vincent Organizations: Borders, Wednesday, Hong Kong International Airport Locations: Hong Kong, Taipei, Paris

☆ Fitch downgrades China’s credit rating outlook over economic worries
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-10 | by ( Juliana Liu | Wayne Chang | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +2 min

Hong Kong CNN —Fitch downgraded its outlook on China’s credit rating on Tuesday, citing increasing risks to its finances as it faces economic challenges. Lowering its outlook from stable to negative does not automatically mean the ratings agency will downgrade China’s creditworthiness, but it increases the chances. Fitch has kept its rating on Chinese sovereign bonds at A+. Fitch believes the general government deficit will rise to 7.1% of gross domestic product in 2024 from 5.8% last year. In December, rival ratings agency Moody’s downgraded its outlook on China’s credit rating from stable to negative, citing risks related to “structurally and persistently lower medium-term economic growth” and ongoing troubles in its property sector.

Persons: Hong Kong CNN — Fitch, China’s, Fitch, “, Moody’s Organizations: Hong Kong CNN, Finance, Fitch Locations: China, Hong Kong

☆ China is sending its highest-level delegation to North Korea since 2019 to kick off a ‘friendship year’
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-10 | by ( Simone Mccarthy | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +7 min

The three-day visit, at North Korea’s invitation, shows the “great importance” China attaches to those relations, a Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson said. The delegation will also arrive amid heightened global concern about North Korea, which has in recent months ramped up its bellicose rhetoric and continued its weapons testing. The trip could also be an important opportunity for the upper echelons of China’s political establishment to better understand the circumstances in North Korea today. Balance of powerChina has long walked a thin line in its relations with North Korea. It is a critical economic lifeline for a North Korea crippled by international sanctions over its illegal weapons testing.

Persons: Zhao Leji, ”, KCNA, Zhao, Xi Jinping, China’s, Joe Biden, Fumio Kishida, Kishida, Li Qiang, Liu Dongshu, …, ” Liu, Kim, Li Mingjiang, Vladimir Putin, Yun Sun Organizations: Hong Kong CNN — China’s, Beijing, Foreign Ministry, Japanese, CNN, Communist, North Korea –, Hong Kong’s City University, North, Singapore’s Nanyang Technological University, “, United Nations Security, Stimson Locations: China, Hong Kong, North Korea, Pyongyang, Beijing, Moscow, United States, North, Japan, South Korea, Ukraine, Asia, Washington, Philippines, Russia, North Korean, Covid, Pacific, American

☆ Kishida US visit: Japan seeks investment in AI, semiconductors from American companies
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-10 | by ( Junko Ogura | Juliana Liu | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +4 min

Speaking in Washington at a lunch with American CEOs, Prime Minister Fumio Kishida said Japan welcomes American collaboration in “critical and emerging technology” and assured them that any investment would flow both ways. Last year, Japanese foreign direct investment to the US exceeded $750 billion, Kishida said, making Japan the biggest foreign investor in America and creating more than 1 million jobs. It is reportedly the company’s largest ever investment in Asia’s second largest economy. Earlier this month, Japan’s industry ministry approved subsidies worth up to 590 billion yen ($3.9 billion) for Rapidus. It comes as Washington adds increasing restrictions on the types of semiconductors that American companies are able to sell to China.

Persons: Hong Kong CNN —, Fumio Kishida, ”, Kishida, Joe Biden, Brad Smith, Gary Cohn, Sanjay Mehrotra, Ted Colbert, Albert Bourla, Mayumi Maruyama Organizations: Hong Kong CNN, Microsoft, Microsoft Research Asia, IBM, Micron Technology, Boeing, Defense, Space & Security, Pfizer, CNN, US Chamber of Commerce, “, Intel, Samsung, US Locations: Tokyo, Hong Kong, Japan, Washington, American, United States, America, Asia’s, Russia, South, Taiwan, Hokkaido, chipmaking, China, Europe, Asia, Germany

☆ China’s Xi to host former Taiwan president in Beijing, in rare meeting echoing bygone era of warmer ties
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-10 | by ( Nectar Gan | Wayne Chang | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +10 min

Joint concerns over China’s increasing assertiveness under Xi, including toward Taiwan, are a key driver of that summit. Chinese leader Xi Jinping shakes hands with then Taiwan President Ma Ying-jeou before their meeting in Singapore on November 7, 2015. Taiwan's former President Ma Ying-jeou speaks to reporters ahead of his visit to China at the Taoyuan International Airport on April 1, 2024. Ma Ying-jeou” or former chairman of the KMT, with no mention of his former role as the president of Taiwan. Reaction in TaiwanMa’s itinerary – and his meeting with Xi – has been closely watched in Taiwan.

Persons: Xi Jinping, Ma Ying, Xi, Chiang Kai, Eric Chu, Ma, ” Chu, Lai Ching, Joe Biden, Biden, Fumio Kishida, Roslan Rahman, Amanda Hsiao, “, underscoring, ’ ”, Tsai Ing, –, Lai, Lai’s, fixating, ”, ” Sung, China –, Ma’s, Hsiao, Yan Zhao, Mr, Sun, Xi –, Sung, ” Ma, James Chen Organizations: Hong Kong CNN, Beijing, Kuomintang, KMT, China’s, shek’s Nationalists, –, Democratic Progressive Party, CNN Beijing, Japanese, Getty, International Crisis, Atlantic, “, Taoyuan International Airport, Communists, Nationalists, Atlantic Council, Taiwan’s Tamkang University, DPP Locations: China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Beijing, Taipei, Singapore, Washington, Japan, Philippines, AFP, Taoyuan, Guangzhou, Republic of China, Shaanxi, United States, China . Washington

☆ How to identify an AI imposter in video, audio and text as deepfake technology goes mainstream
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-10 | by ( Kevin Williams | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +9 min

Generative AI video and audio tools are getting deployed, and getting better, quickly. Even as OpenAI limits access to audio and video tools, dark websites have exploded in number in the past few months selling GPT knockoff products. How to identify an AI video imposterThere are many ways to spot an AI imposter, some relatively simple. If the person complies but their head disappears on the video screen, end the call immediately, Hollenbeck said. How to live a multi-factor authentication life offlineEven with more protections techniques, experts predict a spiraling arms race of deepfakes vs. deepfake tools.

Persons: OpenAI, Sora, Froggett, Carl Froggett, —, Rupal Hollenbeck, Hollenbeck, Chris Pierson, Pierson, Nirupam Roy, it's, Roy, Eyal Benishti, Benishti, It's Organizations: Industry, University of Maryland Locations: Hong Kong

☆ Hong Kong seizes over $10 million worth of gold disguised as machine parts in record smuggling bust
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-09 | by ( Dylan Butts | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

In Hong Kong's largest gold smuggling bust, the city authorities seized an estimated $10.7 million worth of the precious metal that had been concealed as machine parts being shipped to Japan. Under Hong Kong law, any person found guilty of smuggling cargo is liable to a maximum fine of $2 million and imprisonment for seven years. A customs official told local reporters on Monday that this was the first case in which gold had been found concealed as machine parts. Hong Kong, which is one of the world's largest gold trading hubs, in February arrested another suspect for trying to smuggle gold bars out of the city. Both the cases had involved Macau-bound vehicles smuggling gold worth more than $1 million.

Organizations: Hong Kong's Locations: Hong, Japan, Hong Kong, There's, Macau, U.S

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