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☆ China Restricts Exports of Two Metals Used in High-Performance Chips
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-03 | by ( Sha Hua | ) www.wsj.com time to read: 1 min

Neodymium is critical to making the wheels of a Tesla spin or creating sound in Apple’s AirPods, and China dominates the mining and processing of this rare-earth element. So the U.S. and its allies are building their own supply chain. Photo illustration: Clément Bürge/WSJSINGAPORE—China said it is restricting exports of products and materials containing gallium and germanium, metals that are vital in semiconductors, 5G base stations and solar panels, a move that industry executives see as retaliation for restrictions by the U.S. and others on sales of high-end chips and chip-making equipment to China.

Persons: Clément Organizations: U.S Locations: AirPods, China, U.S, SINGAPORE

☆ Hong Kong's international dragon boat races return after 4-year hiatus
▼ + stars: | 2023-06-24 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

[1/6] Participants splash water during a ceremony in between races during Tung Ng or Dragon Boat Festival at Aberdeen fishing port in Hong Kong, China June 22, 2023. The two-day event, organised by Hong Kong's tourism board and the Hong Kong China Dragon Boat Association, drew more than 4,000 paddlers from 160 teams including from the Chinese mainland, Taiwan and internationally, its tourism body said. Can't think of a better way to celebrate the Dragon Boat Festival than with my team and the rest of Hong Kong and Asia," said Shirleen Ho, 41, a member of the Australian National Dragon boat team. While dragon boat originated in China's southern Lingnan region more than 1,000 years, the modern version began in Hong Kong, a special Chinese administrative region, around 40 years ago. The competition is one of many events the Hong Kong government is holding to boost tourism and reinvigorate its economy after sealing its borders for more than two years.

Persons: Tung Ng, Tyrone Siu, Shirleen Ho, Joyce Zhou, Farah Master, Jacqueline Wong Organizations: REUTERS, Hong Kong China Dragon Boat Association, Australian National, Hong, Thomson Locations: Aberdeen, Hong Kong, China, Tyrone Siu HONG KONG, Hong, Hong Kong China, Taiwan, Asia, China's, Lingnan, Victoria, British

☆ Hong Kong court charges four with criminal damage after BYD offices vandalised
▼ + stars: | 2023-06-19 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

HONG KONG, June 19 (Reuters) - A Hong Kong court on Monday charged four men with criminal damage to property at showrooms and a service centre of Chinese automaker BYD Co Ltd after they were vandalised last week in the financial hub. The men arrested were all of Chinese nationality and aged between 29-48 years, according to charge-sheets released by the court. None of them made any pleas in the court on Monday. All will be kept in the custody of the correctional services department until the next hearing on July 17. Police said last week that there was no evidence that the men had deliberately targeted the mainland auto brand and that an investigation was ongoing.

Persons: JC Motor, Jessie Pang, Farah Master, Muralikumar Organizations: Hong, BYD, Reuters, Police, Thomson Locations: HONG KONG, Hong Kong, Wan Chai, Sha Tsui, Kowloon, Tin Shui, New Territories

☆ Family and friends mourn murdered model in Hong Kong
▼ + stars: | 2023-06-18 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: 1 min

HONG KONG, June 18 (Reuters) - Family and friends of Abby Choi, a Hong Kong model who was murdered in a gruesome case in February, gathered at a memorial hall in the city on Sunday to pay their final respects. The vigil took place at Po Fook Memorial Hall in the Tai Wai area of Sha Tin district, adhering to Buddhist traditions. The murder of the 28-year-old influencer shocked the world after parts of her remains were found in a village house in Hong Kong. A funeral ceremony on Monday morning will be followed by a cremation at a monastery on the city's Lantau Island. Reporting by Joyce Zhou, Josh Ye in Hong Kong Editing by Frances Kerry, Kirsten DonovanOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

Persons: Abby Choi, Joyce Zhou, Josh Ye, Frances Kerry, Kirsten Donovan Organizations: Thomson Locations: HONG KONG, Hong Kong, Fook, Tai, Sha Tin

☆ Executive of China-Backed Infrastructure Bank Criticizes It After Quitting
▼ + stars: | 2023-06-14 | by ( Liyan Qi | Sha Hua | ) www.wsj.com time to read: 1 min

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Persons: Dow Jones

☆ Chinese automaker BYD reopens two Hong Kong showrooms after vandalism
▼ + stars: | 2023-06-14 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

[1/2] A woman walks past a splattered BYD store while police cordons are visible at the scene in Hong Kong, China June 12, 2023. REUTERS/Joyce Zhou/File PhotoCompanies BYD Co Ltd FollowHONG KONG, June 14 (Reuters) - Chinese automaker BYD Co Ltd has restarted operations at two showrooms and a service centre in Hong Kong after they were vandalised earlier this week, BYD's sole agent said in a notice on its website on Wednesday. Its showrooms in the districts of Wan Chai on Hong Kong island and Tsim Sha Tsui in Kowloon, as well as its service centre in Tin Shui Wai in the New Territories, had resumed normal operations, it added. JC Motor did not immediately respond to Reuters' request for comment on the cause and impact of the vandalism. Two BYD showrooms and a service centre in Hong Kong were daubed with red paint, while a car also rammed into the roller shutter at its Yuen Long showroom in the early hours of Monday, causing damage, police told Reuters.

Persons: Joyce Zhou, BYD's, Yuen Long, JC, Donny Kwok, Jacqueline Wong Organizations: REUTERS, BYD, Motor, JC, Reuters, Thomson Locations: Hong Kong, China, HONG KONG, Yuen, New Territories, Wan Chai, Sha Tsui, Kowloon, Tin Shui

☆ The Over 2,000-Year-Old Beauty Technique Pros Still Swear By—And 4 More Ancient Skincare Tricks Worth Trying
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-20 | by ( Amber Kallor | ) www.wsj.com time to read: 1 min

THE OLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL Some centuries-old beauty implements—like gua sha stones and body planes—have seriously stood the test of time. THE BEAUTY world perpetually churns out new, high-tech devices that claim to pluck, prick, suck, slough and zap skin to perfection. But for people like Ericka Anderson, 33, a marketing copywriter in Kansas City, Mo., some truly ancient techniques never get old. Take gua sha stones, used to massage and de-puff the face, and dry brushing, which purportedly promotes lymphatic drainage. These old-school modalities, said Anderson, are “less expensive and more straightforward” than many new gadgets and lend themselves to agreeably “methodical” self-care routines.

(Photo by Marc Fernandes/NurPhoto via Getty Images)Asia-Pacific markets are trading mixed after the U.S. posted more data that showed inflation was easing. The producer price index for April, posted a year-on-year increase of 0.2%, against a Dow Jones estimate for 0.3% and after declining 0.4% in March. In mainland China, the Shanghai Composite fell 1.12% and closed at 3,272.36, dragged lower by in academic and educational services stocks. Hong Kong's Hang Seng index also fell 0.7% ahead of its first-quarter GDP figures. The Topix also climbed 0.64% and ended at 2,096.39, led by health care and utilities stocks.

☆ Richardson storms to 100m win in Diamond League, Kerley wins 200m
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-05 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +4 min

"Like I said it before, I had to be kicked out from another 100 metres race, so I had to do my best no matter what. I am really happy with my race, third place is a good start and the time is decent," she said. "I feel really good, today was challenging for all athletes but I'm still satisfied with my result," Chopra said. The Czech Republic's Jakub Vadlejch, who won silver in Tokyo, finished second again -- four centimetres shy of Chopra's mark. "It was an exciting race but a little bit windy, so I decided to not push too much and just focus on winning the race," Kipyegon said.

☆ That simple 'hi' text from a stranger could be the start of a scam that ends up costing you millions
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-02 | by ( Rohan Goswami | In Rohangoswamicnbc | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +14 min

The scammer networks operate fake trading platforms that look "exactly the way they should look," Friedman told CNBC. "When I was looking at who had messaged, I was like, 'I don't know if this person is real,'" Kaimi told CNBC. When pressed, Kaimi told Mike about his financial difficulties, stemming from past credit-card debt. "I thought I was someone who knew when they were being scammed, was able to discern things," Kaimi told CNBC. But when Kaimi told Mike he was planning to withdraw his funds, the penny dropped.

☆ China Strikes Energy Deals as Its Clout Grows in Middle East
▼ + stars: | 2023-04-23 | by ( Sha Hua | ) www.wsj.com time to read: 1 min

Photo Composite: Diana ChanSINGAPORE—For years, China has bought oil and gas from the Middle East. Now, Chinese companies are making big investments in parts of the energy infrastructure. The deals are allowing Beijing to diversify its energy supplies and gain strategic leverage as it becomes a bigger power broker in the region, while giving its companies access to technical expertise in areas of the industry long dominated by Western companies.

☆ Followers Describe Allure of Chinese Businessman Charged With $1 Billion Fraud
▼ + stars: | 2023-04-11 | by ( Sha Hua | ) www.wsj.com time to read: 1 min

This copy is for your personal, non-commercial use only. Distribution and use of this material are governed by our Subscriber Agreement and by copyright law. For non-personal use or to order multiple copies, please contact Dow Jones Reprints at 1-800-843-0008 or visit www.djreprints.com. https://www.wsj.com/articles/followers-describe-allure-of-chinese-businessman-charged-with-fraud-dcef4f0e

☆ China Sentences Human-Rights Activists to Prison for Subversion
▼ + stars: | 2023-04-10 | by ( Keith Zhai | Sha Hua | ) www.wsj.com time to read: 1 min

In sentencing Xu Zhiyong, left, and Ding Jiaxi, the Chinese government is silencing two of the most influential critics of its approach to law. SINGAPORE—A Chinese court sentenced two of the country’s most prominent human-rights activists to prison terms of more than a decade each for subversion, slamming the door on an era of activism that briefly carved out space for liberal values in the authoritarian country. Xu Zhiyong was sentenced to 14 years in prison and fellow lawyer Ding Jiaxi was sentenced to 12 years on Monday by the Linshu County Court in eastern China’s Shandong province, said Mr. Ding’s wife, Luo Shengchun, citing information from their lawyers. Messrs. Xu and Ding had earlier been found guilty in a secret trial in Linshu in June, she said.

☆ U.S. passport delays may be four months long — and could get worse. Here's what to know
▼ + stars: | 2023-04-03 | by ( Greg Iacurci | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +4 min

The U.S. State Department must also restaff positions that were reassigned or eliminated as passport demand cratered in 2020. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken testifies during a House Appropriations Committee hearing on the State Department 2024 budget on March 23, 2023 in Washington. (A traditional passport — a passport book — costs $130 to renew; there's an additional $35 acceptance fee for first-time applicants.) Importantly, Americans may not be allowed to travel if their passport expires within a few months after their trip. The State Department website has information about passport and visa requirements for specific countries.

☆ Asia's 'best restaurants' list is out — and it's no surprise which country made the list 17 times
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-29 | by ( Goh Chiew Tong | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +10 min

William Drew, director of content for Asia's 50 Best Restaurants, said Japan's strong performance is "no surprise." The top 50 restaurants in AsiaThis year commemorates the 10th anniversary of the "Asia's 50 Best Restaurants" list. Asia's top 50 restaurantsThe list of "Asia's 50 Best Restaurants" for 2023 are: 1. Ten restaurants that ranked among Asia's best 50 restaurants last year fell into the 51-100 ranking this year. Asia's 50 Best Restaurants 2023Labyrinth also rose 29 spots to No.11, winning the "Highest Climber" award.

☆ Private equity deals in Asia plunged 44% in 2022. More uncertainty may be ahead
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-28 | by ( Jihye Lee | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +3 min

watch nowAsia-Pacific's private equity market plummeted last year — as investors' appetite for risk fell in the face of inflation and geopolitical tensions, according to Bain & Company. The total deal value for the region plunged by 44% to $198 billion in 2022, the global management and consulting firm said in a Tuesday report. Lingering macroeconomic uncertainties alongside rising costs and worsening company performance that dampened investor sentiment, Bain said in its Asia Pacific Private Equity Report 2023. "For more than a decade, the Internet and tech sector has attracted the largest share of private equity capital in the Asia-Pacific region. ESG-related investmentsWhile macroeconomic conditions dampened investors' sentiment in private equity deals region-wide, Bain saw a rise in the number of deals related to environmental, social, and corporate governance (ESG).

☆ Women's NCAA roundup: Ohio State sinks UNC at buzzer
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-21 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

The Buckeyes (27-7) led by as many as 12 points in the fourth quarter but needed the heroics from Sheldon to put away the Tar Heels (22-11). Sheldon finished with 16 points, six rebounds and five assists, and teammate Taylor Mikesell scored 17 points. Kelly led North Carolina with 22 points and three steals, while Alyssa Ustby and Kennedy Todd-Williams each scored 16 points. Ohio State advances to the Sweet 16 for the second straight season. Texas (26-10) became the second hosting team to not advance to the Sweet 16 in this tournament, joining No.

☆ Women's NCAA roundup: No. 12 Florida Gulf Coast upsets No. 5 Washington State
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-18 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +5 min

5 seed in the first round of the NCAA Tournament, this time handing Pac-12 champs Washington State a 74-63 defeat in Villanova, Pa., on Saturday. Tishara Morehouse chipped in 16 points for the Eagles. The Cougars (23-11) were the Eagles' victims this time, as 16 points and 12 rebounds from Tara Wallack wasn't enough to propel Washington State to its fifth straight win. Here are more results from the first half of Saturday's action in the women's NCAA Tournament. It was the first-ever NCAA Tournament appearance for Saint Louis, which won the Atlantic 10 Tournament.

Former real-estate developer Guo Wengui has said he fled China in 2014 after hearing that a state security official to whom he was close would be arrested. Chinese businessman Guo Wengui , who gained attention by lobbing corruption allegations at Beijing from a Manhattan penthouse and later launched a media company with Trump confidant Steve Bannon , was arrested Wednesday and accused of orchestrating a $1 billion fraud. Mr. Guo took advantage of the hundreds of thousands of followers he amassed online, prosecutors alleged, by soliciting investments in his cryptocurrency, media and other companies. Instead, he used the money to buy a $26 million home in New Jersey, a yacht, a Ferrari and a $36,000 mattress, among other items, said the indictment, which charged Mr. Guo with 11 counts of fraud and money laundering. Prosecutors said they seized $634 million in criminal proceeds and assets that included a Lamborghini.

"Most luxury retailers don't think Hong Kong will return to the dizzy levels of 2014 when the market here peaked," said Simon Smith, Savills' senior director of research and consultancy in Hong Kong. Morgan Stanley (MS.N) forecast Hong Kong visitor numbers this year will reach just 70% of 2018 arrivals. It estimates retail sales will grow 15%, holding at around 80% of retail trade from the pre-COVID year. That outstripped total Hong Kong retail sales from a peak hit in 2013 at HK$494.5 billion ($63.0 billion), according to the city's statistics department. ($1 = 6.8510 yuan)($1 = 7.8498 Hong Kong dollars)Reporting by Farah Master, Jessie Pang, Anne Marie Roantree, Angel Woo and Donny Kwok in Hong Kong, Sophie Yu in Beijing, and Mimosa Spencer in Paris; Writing by Miyoung Kim; Editing by Tom HogueOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

[1/2] A man looks at a window display outside a Gucci store, part of the Kering group, at Tsim Sha Tsui shopping district in Hong Kong January 17, 2013. But while Gucci, which accounts for the bulk of profits and revenues at Kering, was the only brand to post a fall in sales, analysts said other labels too posted lower-than-forecast results. Kering said sales fell by 15% in North America in the fourth quarter and by 19% in Asia Pacific. But the situation has been more complicated for Kering, since Gucci relies more heavily on China than competitors. LVMH's fashion and leather goods division, home to Louis Vuitton and Dior, grew sales by 10% over the fourth quarter.

[1/5] David Malpass, president of the World Bank Group, arrives for a meeting with Japan's Prime Minister Fumio Kishida (not in picture) at Kishida's official residence in Tokyo, Japan September 13, 2022. REUTERS/Issei Kato/PoolWASHINGTON, Feb 15 (Reuters) - David Malpass, president of the World Bank, unexpectedly said he would resign in June on Wednesday, leaving open a job that oversees billions of dollars of funding and has a direct impact on poverty, climate change preparation, emergency aid and other issues in developing countries around the globe. RAJIV SHAShah is the former USAID administrator under Obama and currently president of the Rockefeller Foundation, a philanthropic group that says it aims to "promote the well-being of humanity throughout the world." The foundation recently partnered with the U.S. State Department on a carbon offset program at COP27, the international climate conference. MINOUCHE SHAFIKShafik is an Egypt-born, British American economist who is currently president of the London School of Economics and has served as deputy governor of the Bank of England and deputy managing director of the IMF.

☆ From Nike to Nutella: Company names you have probably been mispronouncing your whole life
▼ + stars: | 2023-02-06 | by ( Hannah Ward-Glenton | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +6 min

Global company names often get Anglicized or Americanized to the point where they're unrecognizable, but brands could see some benefits if their names are pronounced correctly. Allianz: al-ee-anz"Allianz " is, perhaps unsurprisingly, the German word for "alliance." It isn't pronounced like the ancient Greek herald of the gods, Hermes, unlike the U.K. delivery company of similar spelling. Moët & Chandon: mow-et ey shon-donIn contrast to typical French pronunciation, there is a hard "T" sound at the end of "Moët." Heuer is the last name of the company's founder, Edouard Heuer.

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☆ What Elon Musk has said publicly — and in private texts — on his ideas for Twitter and X, an 'everything app'
▼ + stars: | 2023-02-01 | by ( Grace Kay | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +8 min

Elon Musk has discussed his plans for X, an "everything app," on Twitter and in private texts. AP Photo/Jacquelyn MartinPrivate texts about a blockchain-based platformMusk has also discussed creating a social media platform built on a blockchain. In April, the billionaire privately outlined his idea for a "Doge" social media platform in texts to his younger brother, Kimbal Musk. "I have an idea for a blockchain social media system that does both payments and short text messages/links like Twitter," Musk texted. Shortly after buying Twitter, Musk began charging Twitter users for the app's blue check mark.

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