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1. As traditional US allies hedge their bets, will China be the one to cash in?

   China’s engagement with traditional US allies amid the turmoil of Donald Trump’s presidency may be a sign that it is moving away from its customary diplomatic approach in favour of a “wedge strategy” that some observers believe may help reshape global dynamics. They point to the ways US partners are trying to keep as many doors open as possible – to insure themselves against both an erratic...

2. Waning fortunes: how Western brands are adapting to China’s changing consumer landscape

   “Three Starbucks peach lattes for 84.90 yuan [US$12]”, a live streaming host tells viewers on Douyin, China’s popular short-video platform. “Three, two, one – the link is up. Don’t miss this deal, babes.” As Starbucks’ planned sale of a majority stake in its China business to Boyu Capital, announced three months ago, awaits regulatory clearance, the US coffee chain has stepped up its push into...

3. Frozen US-North Korea ties may see ‘new progress’, Seoul official says

   A top South Korean official has hinted at a possible shift in frozen ties between the United States and North Korea, raising expectations that Washington could articulate a more open security stance on Pyongyang. In an informal meeting with South Korean reporters in Washington on Thursday, the official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said “there may be some new progress in a few days”. His...

4. Fee hikes are only half the equation if Hong Kong health reform is to work

   Hong Kong introduced a public hospital fee overhaul at the start of the year in response to long-standing pressures from an ageing population, rising chronic diseases and growing expenditure. Early data from the Hospital Authority suggests the fee increases are having an effect. From January 1-18, semi-urgent and non-urgent cases at accident and emergency (A&E) departments fell by 21.3 per cent...

5. What’s behind plan to adopt multi-operator model for Panama Canal ports?

   Panama is aiming to mitigate geopolitical risks and respond to US pressure by adopting a multi-operator model for its strategic canal after nullifying the concession granted to Hong Kong’s CK Hutchison to operate two of the ports, analysts have said. Panamanian President Jose Raul Mulino was reported to have vowed on Thursday that his country would “never again” grant concession contracts to run...

6. Japan couple spark child neglect concerns for letting son, 12, babysit 5 siblings while they work

   A working Japanese couple with six children have sparked outrage by letting their oldest child, 12, babysit his younger siblings every day, leaving no time for himself. The boy’s story was exposed by the Japanese media outlet Asahi Broadcasting Television’s variety show Detective! Knight Scoop which aired on January 23. The programme features letters from the public and offers of help to solve...

7. Cambodian scam victims’ details found inside compound reveal reach of cyber gangs

   In a Cambodian compound with rooms designed to look like Singaporean and Australian police offices, papers were strewn across desks and floors: the ‌detritus of a fraud factory abandoned in haste. Among the documents were profiles of a 73-year-old Japanese retiree, complete with his phone number and bank account balance, and an American woman who disclosed that she was a victim ‍of domestic...

8. India’s trade blitz seeks to keep a sinking global order afloat

   When India sealed a landmark free-trade pact with the European Union last month, Brussels’ top bureaucrat saw more than an economic deal taking shape. “India has risen and Europe is truly glad about it,” European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen declared. “Because when India succeeds, the world is more stable, more prosperous and more secure.” Her words were more than just a diplomatic...

9. Dow breaks 50,000 for first time, as US stocks rally

   The US stock market roared back on Friday, as technology stocks recovered much of their losses from earlier in the week and bitcoin halted its plunge, at least for now. The S&P 500 rallied 2 per cent for its best day since May. The Dow Jones Industrial Average soared 1,206 points, or 2.5 per cent, and topped the 50,000 level for the first time, while the Nasdaq composite leaped 2.2 per...

10. North Korean soldier in Ukraine fears forced repatriation: ‘I won’t survive’

    “I would be grateful if they take me. If they don’t, there’s nothing I can do.” At first glance, the North Korean prisoner of war captured in Ukraine looked rather calm as he appeared on MBC’s investigative programme, PD Notebook. But in reality, only one outcome awaits if he fails to make it to South Korea. “I won’t survive,” the prisoner said, describing what would happen to him if he were...