China News & Trends
Being from the East gives us a competitive edge: Sano Takeshi
Takeshi Sano was recently in India. Sano took over as CEO of Densu Japan in January of this year and will shortly take on a new role as the network's deputy global COO. In the past 11 months, the ambitious Sano claims to have exchanged business cards with 2,900 people. Sano met more than 100 people at an event for the agency's clients while in India. Quotes from a discussion in which Yuichi Toyoda, global practice president of business transformation, and Harsha Razdan, CEO of Dentsu South Asia, also participated:For our Japanese clients, India is becoming a more significant strategic market. Of course, we care about the markets that matter to our clients. Additionally, a large number of Japanese customers intend to visit India, one of the economies with the quickest rates of economic growth. We hosted an event for our about 100 Japanese clients during my visit to demonstrate to them our combined strength from Dentsu Japan and Dentsu India. We wanted to let them know that we would also find a method to help them from Japan.Additionally, we wanted to inform the clients that Dentsu Japan is a partner for business transformation (BX) and customer experience (CX) in addition to being an advertising agency.In August, we introduced the Dentsu BX in India. We create creative strategies and solutions that tackle the intricate problems that our clients encounter by fusing marketing, technology, and consulting. Next year, we also want to open our R&D lab, Dentsu Labs, in Bengaluru and Mumbai. Since its founding in Japan in 2014, Dentsu Labs has begun to grow internationally, beginning in the EMEA (Europe, the Middle East, and Africa) region this year. It will hasten the development of innovations for society, businesses, and consumers.
Published 17 Dec 2024 08:32 PM
Moves and win roundup: Week of January 2, 2024
The media agency for Publicis Groupe, Starcom, has announced a new win: starting in 2024, Starcom Indonesia will serve as BMW Group's media agency of record, joining Starcom in China and Singapore, which will continue to hold that title in their respective regions. As the media agency of record in these markets, Starcom will oversee strategic planning, media buying, and business transformation for all of BMW Group's most iconic brands, including BMW and Mini, after a regional media assessment by BMW Group.Former chief marketing and customer officer of AXA Hong Kong Andrea Wong has left the company to become senior vice president of group marketing and communications at Shangri-La Group. As stated in a LinkedIn post, Wong will work with new colleagues “to further strengthen the hotel brands, create impactful marketing campaigns and PR efforts, and further build up the Shangri-La Circle propositions to deliver superior customer experience.” She will report to Kuok Hui Kwong, the chairman of the group. Wong joined AXA in 2008 and has worked there for more than 20 years. She was appointed CMO of AXA Hong Kong and Macau. To improve its social media marketing service, Innocean has formed a social marketing organization called Innocean S, which is scheduled to open for operation in January 2024. Span Wealth is the newest client of Human, an integrated agency based in Mumbai that was created by Imran Khan and Chirag Raheja. The agency's brief calls for giving the brand a fresh look, incorporating classic elegance, and developing an influential, forward-thinking online presence. With more than 500 crores of assets under management, Span Wealth is a wealth management firm situated in Mumbai. Dorothy Peng announced on LinkedIn that she has become a partner at Deloitte Consulting in Singapore. Peng will be focusing on design and customer strategy in Southeast Asia. She spent more than eight years as an employee of RGA before joining Deloitte. In 2015, she started working for the agency as a group account director. In 2022, she received a promotion to SVP managing director Asia.
Published 24 Jan 2024 12:50 PM
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Today's stock market: Asian stocks are divided as Wall Street emerges from its holiday-season slump
HONG KONG (AP) — Following Wall Street's recovery from the holiday season blues, Asian stocks are uneven, with markets in China and Tokyo seeing declines.As Tokyo's market reopened following the lengthy customary holiday, the finance minister of Japan rang in the New Year, and employees wearing suits and kimonos applauded for good fortune in 2025.Katsunobu Kato, the finance minister, declared that the Japanese government would take action to assure economic growth driven by investment and salary rises. He also promised to "grasp signs of recovery" and make sure that "every single citizen can feel the improvement in their salaries."Much of Asia has been wary of possible changes under President-elect Donald Trump, who has pledged to drastically increase tariffs on imports from China and other nations, which might impede growth for a region that depends significantly on trade. After U.S. President Joe Biden turned down Nippon Steel's roughly $15 billion offer to buy Pittsburgh-based U.S. Steel Corp., the company was predicted to file a lawsuit. On Monday, Nippon Steel's stock dropped 0.7% in Tokyo. On Friday, U.S. Steel's stock fell 6.5%. Hong Kong's Hang Seng fell 0.5% to 19,654.82, while Tokyo's benchmark Nikkei 225 index fell 1.6% to 39,258.25. At 3,194.20, the Shanghai Composite index fell 0.5%.
Published 06 Jan 2025 10:33 PM
A significant change in China's monetary policy sparked a stock market boom. Yet 'a lot of instability' remains a threat.
Monday saw a surge in Chinese stocks following the nation's indication of a more aggressive stimulus plan for the upcoming year. According to China state media Xinhua News Agency, Beijing's senior leaders announced they will adopt a "more proactive" fiscal policy and a "moderately loose" monetary policy.Hui Shan, the chief China economist at Goldman Sachs, wrote in a note to clients on Monday, "We view the outcome as an upside surprise due to stronger easing rhetoric, relative to the low market expectations prior to the meeting." The team also anticipates the announcement of "more concrete demand-side stimulus measures" early next year. Interestingly, the economist notes that China last referred to its monetary policy stance as "moderately loose" in 2009–2010.Following the remarks, Hong Kong's benchmark Hang Seng Index (^HSI), which is dominated by huge Chinese stocks, increased by almost 3% on Monday. The upward movements were echoed by other Chinese-listed corporations and exchanges. On Monday, China's benchmark CSI 300 (000300.SS) increased by more than 1%. Chinese e-commerce behemoths Alibaba (BABA), PDD Holdings (PDD), and JD.com (JD) also saw at least 9% increases in their stock prices. XPeng (XPEV, 9868.HK), a Chinese manufacturer of electric vehicles, too had double-digit growth, increasing by about 14%.
Published 10 Dec 2024 11:07 PM
To stop diversion to China, the US tightens regulations on cutting-edge computer processors.
Reuters, Washington, January 15 In an effort to stop high-end chips from being diverted to China, the US tightened regulations on advanced computer semiconductors on Wednesday, according to the Commerce Department.According to the report, the new regulations place more stringent licensing requirements on chip manufacturers and packaging firms looking to export specific cutting-edge semiconductors. According to Commerce, they expand on previous actions meant to prevent China from obtaining specific semiconductors that are essential for military advantage.In an effort to slow down China's technological achievements, the US has tightened regulations for firms like Nvidia and imposed broad new laws restricting the sale of artificial intelligence (AI) processors. The worldwide AI chip market, particularly the Indian market, may be significantly impacted by these new regulations. The new regulations, which are expected to go into force in a year, place stringent restrictions on the processing capacity of AI chips that are marketed in the majority of nations. There are exceptions for allies who follow the security and human rights guidelines that the US has established. The intent of these new regulations is to stop enemies, especially China and Russia, from using cutting-edge AI technology for surveillance or military objectives."Trade-offs are necessary for managing national security threats. In a White House blog post, US Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo stated, "This rule guarantees our allies can access advanced technology while protecting our interests." In order to guarantee that AI development complies with US requirements, the laws expand upon earlier chip export controls. “This rule ensures that the infrastructure for frontier AI systems remains in America or allied jurisdictions, preventing offshoring similar to what occurred with chips and batteries,” said National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan in a formal statement.
Published 15 Jan 2025 08:48 PM
China is constructing the biggest artificial island airport in the world.
The largest airport in the world on an artificial island is another impressive addition to China's aviation portfolio.According to an airport statement, the Dalian Jinzhou Bay International Airport, which is currently being built off the northeast coast of the country, will eventually span a 20-square-kilometer (7.7-square-mile) island with four runways and a passenger terminal that is 900,000 square meters (969,000 square feet).With the first phase scheduled to open in 2035, its operators hope to handle 80 million people annually across 540,000 flights.According to a tweet made by Dalian Jinzhou Bay International on the Chinese social networking site WeChat, "The nation's largest offshore airport is slowly rising from the sea level like the sunrise in the east."When finished, it will surpass Japan's Kansai Airport (KIX) and Hong Kong International Airport (HKG) as the largest airport on an artificial island in the world. Li Xiang, chief engineer of Dalian Airport Construction and Development Co., Ltd., told state-run local media in October that the project had experienced significant difficulties due to its complex geological conditions, high drilling difficulty, high quality demand, and tight construction schedule. The 7.5 million-person metropolis of Dalian has traditionally served as a transportation hub because of its close proximity to South Korea and Japan. According to Yicai, a state-affiliated daily, Dalian Zhoushuizi Airport, the city's international airport that has been in operation for almost a century, has already reached its maximum capacity and has undergone multiple expansions in recent years. According to state-run local media, the city began site selection and demonstration work on the new airport in 2003, but building only really got underway a few years ago. The expansion of China's aviation industry is mostly due to new airports. The nation is poised to overtake the US as the largest air travel market globally. Daxing (PKX), Beijing's second airport, opened with much fanfare on October 1, 2019, the 70th anniversary of the People's Republic of China's founding. Chinese officials at the time stated the
Published 19 Dec 2024 11:08 PM
"LAC Situation Stable But Sensitive, No Friction In A Year" : the Army Chief of Staff
There haven't been any more areas of friction between China and India in the past year, Chief of Army Staff General Manoj Pande stated on Monday, despite maintaining that the situation along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) is stable "but sensitive." The Chief of Army Staff stated in an interview with ANI that since April 2020, there have been 20 meetings of senior higher military commanders and 14 meetings of the Working Mechanism for Consultation and Coordination on China-India Border Affairs.The Line of Actual Control (LAC) situation is sensitive but stable. We haven't had any more conflict areas in this over the past year or so. Regarding our efforts to find a solution, we are still in communication and dialogue with the enemy on a military and diplomatic level, General Pande stated."Since April 2020, we have held 14 WMCC meetings and 20 senior higher military commander level meetings," he stated. We therefore hope that through these discussions, a solution can be reached." The 3,488 km border between India and China passes through Arunachal Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Sikkim, and Jammu and Kashmir. Since May 2020, when the Chinese troops tried to aggressively change the status quo on LAC in eastern Ladakh, both sides have been deployed in forward positions near Patrolling Point 15, which emerged as a friction point in the wake of the Galwan clash.General Pande gave a briefing on the Army's readiness levels along the northern border, stating, "We are maintaining adequate reserves to be able to deal with any contingencies and our deployment remains robust as well as balanced." "As all of this is going on, we are also concentrating on strengthening our capacity in these domains by introducing better systems, modernizing our fleet, and introducing safer vehicles, drones for surveillance, improved radio sets for communication, etc. We are concentrating on and exerting effort on infrastructure development at the same time. Be it the habitat, forward connectivities to the LAC, or strategic road connectivity...it also includes extending power supply to our forward troops, improving communication in terms of 5G communication to our troops deployed in forward areas," the Army chief said. "We are also working alongside other government agencies, local administration and the local population to make sure that our preparedness levels along the LAC always remain high," he stated.
Published 29 Jan 2024 05:14 PM
Chinas changes to its monetary policy to support economic recovery
A number of monetary policy changes were announced by the People's Bank of China (PBOC) on Wednesday with the goal of boosting liquidity and encouraging national economic expansion. Reducing the reserve requirement ratio (RRR) is one of the PBOC's primary actions. The RRR is the amount of cash that banks are required to hold as reserves. The PBOC will lower the RRR by 0.5 percentage point, effective from February 5, 2024. This move will inject 1 trillion yuan ($139.45 billion) into the market, thereby increasing liquidity. Beginning on January 25, 2024, the PBOC will reduce the re-lending and rediscount rates by 0.25 percentage points, from 2 percent to 1.75 percent, in addition to the RRR reduction. It is anticipated that this cut will lower social financing's overall cost, accelerating economic recovery. The announcement of these policy adjustments has had a positive impact on the Chinese stock market. Following the news, the Shanghai Composite Index climbed by 1.80 percent, while the Shenzhen Component Index and the ChiNext Index increased by one percent and 0.51 percent, respectively.JLL Greater China's chief economist and head of research, Bruce Pang, emphasized the PBOC's dedication to a steady and exacting monetary policy. The goals are to support credit allocation to the real economy, guarantee stable liquidity in the banking system, and lower funding costs for financial institutions. In spite of the challenges posed by the global economy, financial institutions and markets in China remain stable, as PBOC Governor Pan Gongsheng reassured.The PBOC plans to enhance its financial risk monitoring and assessment capabilities. It seeks to create a system for resolving financial risks that strikes a balance between accountability and authority. This initiative reflects the PBOC's commitment to managing financial risks and maintaining stability in the face of global economic challenges. The PBOC plans to use a range of monetary policy instruments in the future to ensure that there is enough liquidity. Aligning the money supply and social financing with targets for price level and economic growth is the aim. Additionally, the PBOC wants to enhance financial services for the actual economy, especially by helping small and private companies. Zhu Hexin, deputy governor of the PBOC and head of the State Administration of Foreign Exchange, predicts that the stability of China's cross-border capital flows will further improve in 2024. The current account is expected to maintain a reasonable surplus, with an increase in foreign capital inflows under the capital account.The recent monetary policy adjustments by the PBOC reflect China's proactive approach to navigating its economic trajectory amid global uncertainties. By reducing the RRR and cutting re-lending and re-discount rates, the PBOC aims to enhance liquidity, support economic growth, and ensure stability in the banking system.
Published 24 Jan 2024 05:46 PM
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BRICS Summit, 2024, at night After six years, Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping will have formal meetings.
During the BRICS summit in Russia on Wednesday, Chinese President Xi Jinping and Prime Minister Narendra Modi will have their first formal meeting since border tensions broke out in eastern Ladakh in May 2020, according to PTI.A day after China and India reached a deal on military patrols along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in eastern Ladakh, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri made the statement. According to the newspaper, the agreement is regarded as a significant step in attempts to resolve the four-year military standoff between the two countries. "I can confirm that there will be a bilateral meeting between PM Modi and President Xi Jinping tomorrow (Wednesday) on the sidelines of the BRICS Summit," Misri was quoted as saying by PTI.This will be Modi and Xi's first formal meeting since tensions erupted along the border, notwithstanding their brief niceties at the 2022 G20 summit in Indonesia. According to a PTI report, the two leaders last spoke casually during the BRICS meeting in Johannesburg in August 2023.
Published 23 Oct 2024 05:46 PM
Says Chinas Xi, Putins Re-Election Fully Reflects Russian Peoples Support
Chinese President Xi Jinping informed his Russian counterpart that his reelection "fully reflects the support of the Russian people" in a congrats letter sent on Monday, according to Beijing's official media. As of Monday, official election data indicated that Putin had received 87.33 percent of all votes cast, with 99 percent of polling places having submitted results, as reported by state news agency RIA. In a presidential election where he had no real competition, Putin achieved a record-breaking win, despite the polls' criticism.Xi addressed Putin, saying, "Your re-election fully reflects the support of the Russian people for you," as reported by state broadcaster CCTV. "In recent years, the Russian people have united as one to overcome challenges and move forward steadily on the road to national development and revitalisation," according to Xi. "I believe that under your leadership, Russia will be able to achieve greater achievements in national development and construction," he stated. "China attaches great importance to the development of China-Russia relations and is willing to maintain close communication with Russia to promote the sustained, healthy, stable and in-depth development of (bilateral ties)," said Xi.bolster relationships According to Russian state news agency TASS, Putin praised Beijing, his important ally, saying he was "sure that in the coming years we will only strengthen and build up our relations and achieve common successes for the benefit of the Chinese and Russian peoples." "The alignment of state interests is the most crucial factor. According to reports, Putin said, "This sets a very good tone for solving common problems in the field of international relations."
Published 18 Mar 2024 05:27 PM
President Muizzu of the Maldives arrives in China for a closely monitored state visit
The visit to China by Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu takes place against the backdrop of a diplomatic spat between India and the Maldives following remarks made disparagingly about Prime Minister Narendra Modi. At the invitation of Chinese President Xi Jinping, Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu landed in China on Monday and will stay for five days till January 12, according to an official announcement.During his visit, Muizzu is also expected to meet with business executives and senior Chinese government officials at the "Invest Maldives Forum," according to the presidency. China is currently the Maldives' biggest creditor; Male owes Beijing around $1.3 billion in debt obligations. Beijing is among the nation's largest investors and economic partners; in 2017, the two governments signed a Free Trade Agreement (FTA). The Maldives has also ratified the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), which is supported by Beijing.
Published 17 Jan 2024 06:38 PM
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Sports Trend
AI will be used by the Japan Sports Agency to help athletes
Published 06 Jan 2025 09:18 PM
China is on the verge of a shocking Asian Cup exit, while Tajikistan is making history
Published 24 Jan 2024 05:11 PM
Chinese chess champion allegedly used anal beads and was banned for a year after pissing in the bathtub" After defecating in a bathtub and being accused of cheating, 48-year-old Yan Chenglong, the rec
Published 16 Jan 2024 01:48 AM
Events
BRICS Summit, 2024, at night After six years, Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping will have formal meetings.
During the BRICS summit in Russia on Wednesday, Chinese President Xi Jinping and Prime Minister Narendra Modi will have their first formal meeting since border tensions broke out in eastern Ladakh in May 2020, according to PTI.A day after China and India reached a deal on military patrols along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in eastern Ladakh, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri made the statement. According to the newspaper, the agreement is regarded as a significant step in attempts to resolve the four-year military standoff between the two countries. "I can confirm that there will be a bilateral meeting between PM Modi and President Xi Jinping tomorrow (Wednesday) on the sidelines of the BRICS Summit," Misri was quoted as saying by PTI.This will be Modi and Xi's first formal meeting since tensions erupted along the border, notwithstanding their brief niceties at the 2022 G20 summit in Indonesia. According to a PTI report, the two leaders last spoke casually during the BRICS meeting in Johannesburg in August 2023.
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China is prepared to increase cooperation with Mongolia and Russia.
Reuters, Beijing, October 16 At a meeting with his neighbors on the sidelines of a Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit on Wednesday, China's Premier Li Qiang suggested further three-way relations with Russia and Mongolia, according to official media.In recent years, the three have become closer. This year, China and Mongolia both threw open their arms to Russian President Vladimir Putin, just as Moscow did for China's Xi Jinping in 2023, and Beijing did the same for Mongolia's president.According to the official news agency Xinhua, Li, China's second-ranking official, stated that "China is ready to work with Russia and Mongolia to further enhance mutual trust, strengthen coordination and promote deeper... trilateral co-operation."He was addressing L. Oyun-Erdene, the prime minister of Mongolia, and Mikhail Mishustin, the prime minister of Russia.Since 2004, Mongolia has opted to remain an observer state and is not a member of the SCO, a China-led Eurasian security bloc. Nevertheless, China is still gently pressuring its smaller neighbor to join the ten-nation bloc. Officials from the United States are also pursuing the resource-rich, landlocked nation, which has pledged to invest in its heavy industry and mining. However, Washington criticized Ulaanbaatar for hosting Putin in September despite the International Criminal Court in The Hague issuing an arrest order for him. If the Russian president enters any of the 124 nations that make up the court's membership, including Mongolia, he is often required by such a warrant to be arrested and taken to the Hague for trial.A large pipeline that Russia intends to construct to transport 50 billion cubic meters of natural gas annually from the Yamal area to China passes through Mongolia. Li told Mishustin in a separate meeting that China was open to deepening its energy and commerce relations with Russia, according to Chinese state media.
Events
ChinaJoy 2024 Mobile App Advertising Event
What is ChinaJoy Event and all about the event? Shanghai, China hosts ChinaJoy, officially known as the China Digital Entertainment Expo and Conference, every year as a digital entertainment event. This exhibition is the biggest of its kind in Asia and China for video games and digital entertainment. Organizers: Game Connection & ChinaJoy Date: 26-28 July, 2024 Venue: Shanghai New International Expo Centre (SNIEC) ADZ Junction Media Exhibition Details: Booth #IG-061, Hall #5 at ChinaJoy ChinaJoy, 2024 event is divided and categorized in two parts which are: - Indie Game Expo: To present their games and network with publishers and investors, foreign game creators are welcome to come to ChinaJoy's exclusive Indie Game Expo. Indie Game Development Awards: submit your games for publisher assessment and win one or more to gain the recognition you deserve. Why China Joy? A major event for the digital entertainment sector, China Joy showcases the newest in gaming, hardware, software, and related services. It serves as a center for knowledge sharing, networking, and looking into new business ventures. With cutting-edge trends and technologies on exhibit, this year looks to be especially intriguing.What is ChinaJoy Event and all about the event? Shanghai, China hosts ChinaJoy, officially known as the China Digital Entertainment Expo and Conference, every year as a digital entertainment event. This exhibition is the biggest of its kind in Asia and China for video games and digital entertainment. Organizers: Game Connection & ChinaJoy Date: 26-28 July, 2024 Venue: Shanghai New International Expo Centre (SNIEC) ADZ Junction Media Exhibition Details: Booth #IG-061, Hall #5 at ChinaJoy ChinaJoy, 2024 event is divided and categorized in two parts which are: - Indie Game Expo: To present their games and network with publishers and investors, foreign game creators are welcome to come to ChinaJoy's exclusive Indie Game Expo. Indie Game Development Awards: submit your games for publisher assessment and win one or more to gain the recognition you deserve. Why China Joy? A major event for the digital entertainment sector, China Joy showcases the newest in gaming, hardware, software, and related services. It serves as a center for knowledge sharing, networking, and looking into new business ventures. With cutting-edge trends and technologies on exhibit, this year looks to be especially intriguing. Read more about the upcoming biggest event of 2024 which is happening in Shanghai, Chaina at the end of July, 2024.
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Qiang New Year: A lavish celebration of peace, agriculture, and customs
The largest and most significant customary celebration for the Qiang ethnic group is the Qiang New Year Festival, which typically takes place on the first day of the tenth month in the conventional Chinese calendar. The main themes of Qiang New Year are blessings, peace prayers, and harvest celebration. The straightforward and antiquated ceremonial practices create a distinctively rich cultural ambiance that embodies the peculiarities of Qiang culture. The Qiang people are a long-standing ethnic group with thousands of years of history. Their distinct traditional culture has developed as a result of living in high mountain valleys and a secluded, closed environment; Qiang New Year is one such example.Although the history of the Qiang New Year is unknown, it is believed to have started earlier than the Qin Dynasty (221-207 BC). It is a comprehensive folk festival that blends religious beliefs, historical legends, music, dance, and cuisine because of the solemnity of its rituals and the meticulousness of its sacrifices, particularly in the ceremonies. Its content reflects early agricultural activities in large part, with many cultural artifacts from the hunting and nomadic periods remaining. When Qiang New Year arrives, each village holds elaborate celebrations, usually lasting from three to five days, and in some villages as long as 10 days, with slight variations from region to region. The main events of the celebrations are entertainment and sacrifices. The sacrificial activities include offerings to heaven, earth, ancestors, and village deities, while the entertainment includes feasting, drinking, enjoying delicacies, singing and dancing. The Qiang New Year Festival was acknowledged for its significance and the need for its preservation in 2009 when it was added to UNESCO's Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
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Each State may field a tableau once every three years under the new R-Day agreement; the Maldives signs 20 deals with China amid a diplomatic spat with India, and more
A Taiwan-based Buddhist monastic order based in Delhi has been authorized to accept foreign donations under the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA), 2010. For its "religious, cultural, economic, educational, and social" agenda, the Fo Guang Shan Cultural and Educational Center has been registered with the FCRA. In the first month of the year, thirty associations and Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) were awarded FCRA registration.Following talks between Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu and Chinese President Xi Jinping on Wednesday, the two nations inked 20 important agreements, including one on tourism collaboration, elevating their bilateral ties to a comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership. The two chiefs of state declared the elevation of bilateral ties to a Comprehensive Strategic Cooperative Partnership, state-run Xinhua news agency said.The Maldivian President's office stated in a post on X that "20 key agreements were signed today between the Government of the Maldives and the Government of China this afternoon and both the Presidents witnessed the signing ceremony." One tourism cooperation agreement, catastrophe risk reduction, the blue economy, bolstering investment in the digital economy, and the Belt and Road Initiative were among the agreements signed. The Maldives will also get grant support from China, albeit the precise sum was not made public. At the Great Hall of People, Muizzu and his spouse Sajida Mohammad were greeted ceremoniously on the red carpet. Later, in honor of them, President Xi and his spouse Peng Liyuan gave a state banquet. Muizzu's official visit to China coincides with a diplomatic dispute between India and China over disparaging remarksBefore returning to Male on January 12, Muizzu is anticipated to meet with senior authorities and Chinese Premier Li Qiang in addition to his discussions with Xi. Muizzu spent two days in the Chinese city of Fujian before arriving in Beijing last night. During his Tuesday speech at the Maldives Business Forum in Fujian Province, Muizzu urged China to "intensify" its efforts to increase the number of visitors to his nation. In the midst of a diplomatic spat with India over disparaging remarks made by his ministers against Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Muizzu is on a state visit to China. The report, which was released by the EU Election Observation Mission of the Maldives, claims that the ruling coalition of the People's National Congress (PNC) and the Progressive Party of the Maldives (PPM) used anti-India sentiments and attempted to spread disinformation during the 2023 presidential elections, which Muizzu won.Considered a pro-China leader, Muizzu is currently in China amid the conflict with India sparked by some Maldivian ministers posting disparaging remarks about Prime Minister Modi. This caused a wave of Indian tourists, who make up the majority of visitors to the island nation dependent on tourism, to cancel reservations.Before returning to Male on January 12, Muizzu is anticipated to meet with senior authorities and Chinese Premier Li Qiang in addition to his discussions with Xi. Muizzu spent two days in the Chinese city of Fujian before arriving in Beijing last night. During his Tuesday speech at the Maldives Business Forum in Fujian Province, Muizzu urged China to "intensify" its efforts to increase the number of visitors to his nation.
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Nishino Hideaki Hermen Hulst will remain as head of PlayStation Studios after being promoted to sole CEO of SIE.
As part of a leadership change at Sony and PlayStation, Hideaki Nishino has been named as the sole CEO and president of Sony Interactive Entertainment (SIE). Sony said Tuesday that Nishino, who was named SIE co-CEO in charge of Platform Business Group in June 2024, will start his new position on April 1, 2025. Hermen Hulst, who was named PlayStation's co-CEO in charge of Studio Business Group last year, will now report to Nishino rather than sharing leadership of SIE as a result of the leadership change. However, Sony stated that Hulst will remain in charge of PlayStation Studios. The firm stated in a news statement that Nishino was named CEO of the Platform Business Group with effect from June 1, 2024, joining Hermen Hulst as CEO of the Studio Business Group. This represents an evolution intended to maximize synergies across SIE, which was announced in May 2024.The Sony Group Names a New CEO The parent company of PlayStation also declared that, as of April 1, Hiroki Totoki, the president, COO, and CFO of Sony Group Corporation, will resign from his role as SIE Chairman to assume leadership as the firm's president and CEO. Furthermore, SIE's SVP of Finance, Corporate Strategy, and Development, Lin Tao, will be elevated to the position of CFO at Sony Group.
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Putin directs Russia's leading bank and government to work with China on AI.
Vladimir Putin promised to "ensure further co-operation with the People's Republic of China in technological research and development in the field of artificial intelligence" to the government and Sberbank, which is leading Russia's AI initiatives. According to the UK-based Tortoise Media's Global AI Index, Russia is now ranked 31st out of 83 countries in terms of AI deployment, innovation, and investment. This places it far behind China, the United States, and other BRICS nations like Brazil and India.The Russian government and Sberbank, the nation's largest bank, have been instructed by President Vladimir Putin to expand their artificial intelligence collaboration with China. Three weeks after Putin declared that Russia would collaborate with BRICS partners and other nations to create artificial intelligence, his directives were posted on the Kremlin's website on Wednesday. To "ensure further co-operation with the People's Republic of China in technological research and development in the field of artificial intelligence," he advised the government and Sberbank, which is leading Russia's AI efforts.The world's leading manufacturers of microchips have stopped exporting to Russia as a result of Western sanctions meant to limit Moscow's access to the technologies it needs to continue its war against Ukraine, significantly limiting its aspirations in the field of artificial intelligence. In 2023, German Gref, the CEO of Sberbank, admitted that the most difficult hardware for Russia to replace was graphics processing units (GPUs), which are the microchips that support AI development.
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The baby care sector in China is expanding overall.
According to Mintel China, the Chinese baby care market is expanding rapidly, with a compound annual growth rate of 14.5% predicted by 2023. The market for baby care has been steadily expanding through both online and offline distribution channels since China relaxed the One Child Policy in 2016 and Chinese families' household incomes increased. In recent years, domestic rivalry in China's infant care industry has strengthened, including sales of other child care-related products including strollers, bottles, baby seats, cribs, and baby clothes, even though international names are still preferred, particularly when it comes to baby milk formula. Even while the primary distributors are still offline channels like supermarkets and specialty infant care shops, theE-commerce makes it possible to buy more baby care products from overseas. E-commerce purchases of baby care goods are a major driver of the market's expansion in China. Along with food and cosmetics, cross-border internet sales of baby care products are among the most popular among Chinese consumers. Baby items, particularly those related to baby personal care, like body powder, lotions and creams, baby bug repellant, and shower gels, are used more frequently, according to consumer data. Baby care items are still preferred to be imported, and Chinese consumers can buy international brands through cross-border e-commerce thanks to the country's massive e-commerce network.E-commerce accounts for half of all baby-related product purchases. In China's infant care distribution business, physical stores are increasingly vying for customers' attention, with online channels accounting for half of the mother and baby retail market value. With 47% of the total online merchandise volume as of 2017, Tmall leads this half of the market, followed by JD with 27%. Together, JD and TMall accounted for 37% of all online sales of goods for babies.
Published 10 Dec 2024 11:11 PM
A significant change in China's monetary policy sparked a stock market boom. Yet 'a lot of instability' remains a threat.
Monday saw a surge in Chinese stocks following the nation's indication of a more aggressive stimulus plan for the upcoming year. According to China state media Xinhua News Agency, Beijing's senior leaders announced they will adopt a "more proactive" fiscal policy and a "moderately loose" monetary policy.Hui Shan, the chief China economist at Goldman Sachs, wrote in a note to clients on Monday, "We view the outcome as an upside surprise due to stronger easing rhetoric, relative to the low market expectations prior to the meeting." The team also anticipates the announcement of "more concrete demand-side stimulus measures" early next year. Interestingly, the economist notes that China last referred to its monetary policy stance as "moderately loose" in 2009–2010.Following the remarks, Hong Kong's benchmark Hang Seng Index (^HSI), which is dominated by huge Chinese stocks, increased by almost 3% on Monday. The upward movements were echoed by other Chinese-listed corporations and exchanges. On Monday, China's benchmark CSI 300 (000300.SS) increased by more than 1%. Chinese e-commerce behemoths Alibaba (BABA), PDD Holdings (PDD), and JD.com (JD) also saw at least 9% increases in their stock prices. XPeng (XPEV, 9868.HK), a Chinese manufacturer of electric vehicles, too had double-digit growth, increasing by about 14%.
Published 10 Dec 2024 11:07 PM
Volunteer 'Pals' reveal Hong Kong's hidden stories and build bridges between cultures.
HONG KONG— Hong Kong resident Marco Kwok joyfully embraces another identity when he takes off his suit after a demanding day as a finance professional: host to guests from all over the world.As a volunteer for the Hong Kong Pals program, which is run by the Hong Kong Tourism Board, Kwok enjoys showing tourists his city's best-kept secrets."As a cultural ambassador, I share this priceless experience with my friends and family in Hong Kong in addition to providing guests with the information they require and learning about their cultural origins. He describes it as a type of mutual enrichment. Since its inception in 2009, the initiative has brought together approximately 100 people from various backgrounds who are all passionate about their cherished city. These individuals are enthusiastic citizens who wish to promote Hong Kong's way of life and cultural legacy, provide local knowledge and guidance, and make sure that every visitor experiences the warmth and charm of the city. Agnes Tam had many recollections from her time while volunteering. A retired executive from a global firm once used old, yellowish photographs to enable an elderly man who had been born in Hong Kong and was returning after leaving for the UK when he was five years old rediscover his early recollections of the city. She recalls, "We found 19 of the 20 locations he had photos of," with joy shining in her eyes. "When we parted, he gifted me his precious photo album to express his gratitude." With so many volunteer activities, Tam's post-retirement schedule is more hectic than ever. "I increasingly find that volunteering not only enriches my life but also allows me to discover self-worth and happiness in giving," she states. Lee Ka-lun, an education doctoral candidate
Published 10 Dec 2024 10:40 PM
Baichuan, a Chinese AI startup, loses a co-founder
For personal reasons, Hong Tao, a co-founder of Baichuan, a Chinese AI firm, has departed the company. The Beijing-based company thanked him for his efforts, particularly in assembling the monetization team, and announced his resignation on Tuesday.One of China's top AI startups is Baichuan. His departure is a result of continuous leadership changes at Chinese AI firms, which are dealing with heightened competition in the industry. For personal reasons, Hong Tao, a co-founder of Baichuan, a Chinese AI firm, has departed the company. The Beijing-based company thanked him for his efforts, particularly in assembling the monetization team, and announced his resignation on Tuesday. One of China's top AI startups is Baichuan.
Published 10 Dec 2024 10:28 PM
The China Cotton Association regrets the statement made by the Uniqlo CEO.
The China Cotton Association has urged relevant enterprises to restart using cotton from the Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region and has expressed remorse over recent remarks made by the CEO of the company that makes Uniqlo."We are looking forward to relevant companies actively responding to the concerns of Chinese consumers and industry organizations, resuming the use of cotton from Xinjiang, and taking practical actions to maintain the health and stability of the global cotton textile industry," the organization stated in a statement.The remarks come after a recent BBC story that quoted Tadashi Yanai, CEO of Uniqlo's parent business, Fast Retailing Co Ltd, as saying that the fast fashion brand doesn't utilize Xinjiang cotton in its goods.In the past, Uniqlo has stated that it does not reveal the source of its raw materials and has affirmed that its manufacturing processes have not changed recently. A spokesman for the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs responded by expressing the expectation that pertinent businesses would make autonomous business decisions that are in line with their own interests while fending off political pressure and excessive meddling.One of Uniqlo's most important markets is still China. With 1,032 locations nationwide, including 926 on the Chinese mainland, China is Uniqlo's largest market in terms of both store count and revenue, coming in second only to Japan. However, the company's earnings growth has slowed. Uniqlo China reported a 9.2 percent increase in revenue to 677 billion yen ($4.5 billion) in the fiscal year 2024 (September 2023 to August 2024), while operating profit increased by 0.5 percent to 104.8 billion yen. In 2025, the company expects operating profit margins in China to slightly improve along with more revenue and profit growth. It intends to open 60 new stores nationwide in fiscal 2025, as opposed to 54 new openings and 53 closures in fiscal 2024.
Published 06 Dec 2024 08:38 PM
According to a source, Chinese cosmetics company Mao Geping plans to put its shares at the top of the range in its Hong Kong IPO.
Reuters, Sydney, December 5 According to a person with firsthand knowledge of the situation, Chinese cosmetics company Mao Geping plans to price its shares at the top of the range in order to raise $270 million in a Hong Kong IPO.A request for comment was not immediately answered by Mao Geping. According to its documents, the company is selling 70.6 million shares, with a price range of HK$26.30 to HK$29.80 per share when the sale was announced on Monday.Mao Geping will raise $270 million in the initial public offering (IPO) at the top of the range. One of China's most well-known makeup artists, Mao Geping, established his own cosmetics company in 2000. It has helped C-beauty, or Chinese beauty goods, become more popular in recent years and are increasingly seen by local customers as being on par with global skin care and cosmetics firms. Mao Geping's prospectus estimates the value of China's high-end beauty sector at about 195 billion yuan ($26.93 billion).In China, the company operates 372 points of sale in department stores, but e-commerce sites like Tmall, Douyin, JD.com, and Xiaohongshu account for about half of its total sales.
Published 05 Dec 2024 10:43 PM
Universities are urged by China to offer "love education."
In an effort to increase the nation's declining birth rate, China is pushing colleges and universities to offer "love education" that emphasizes positive perspectives on marriage, love, fertility, and family.Following China's second straight year of population drop in 2023, Beijing has been pushing a number of policies aimed at making having children more appealing to young couples.With 1.4 billion people, China has the second-largest population in the world. However, as the population ages rapidly, the government will have to spend more money in the future, which will put strain on the economy. According to the Jiangsu Xinhua media group, which cited China Population News, an official publication, college students will be the main source of childbearing, but they have drastically altered their perspectives on marriage and love."Colleges and universities should assume the responsibility of providing marriage and love education to college students by offering marriage and love education courses," wrote the journal.The actions would contribute to the development of a "healthy and positive marriage and childbearing cultural atmosphere." In order to address China's population loss and promote respect for reproduction and weddings "at the right age," the state council, or cabinet, mobilized local governments in November. However, demographers predicted that the actions would not be well received by young Chinese.
Published 05 Dec 2024 08:57 PM
BRICS Summit, 2024, at night After six years, Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping will have formal meetings.
During the BRICS summit in Russia on Wednesday, Chinese President Xi Jinping and Prime Minister Narendra Modi will have their first formal meeting since border tensions broke out in eastern Ladakh in May 2020, according to PTI.A day after China and India reached a deal on military patrols along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in eastern Ladakh, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri made the statement. According to the newspaper, the agreement is regarded as a significant step in attempts to resolve the four-year military standoff between the two countries. "I can confirm that there will be a bilateral meeting between PM Modi and President Xi Jinping tomorrow (Wednesday) on the sidelines of the BRICS Summit," Misri was quoted as saying by PTI.This will be Modi and Xi's first formal meeting since tensions erupted along the border, notwithstanding their brief niceties at the 2022 G20 summit in Indonesia. According to a PTI report, the two leaders last spoke casually during the BRICS meeting in Johannesburg in August 2023.
Published 23 Oct 2024 05:46 PM
China is prepared to increase cooperation with Mongolia and Russia.
Reuters, Beijing, October 16 At a meeting with his neighbors on the sidelines of a Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit on Wednesday, China's Premier Li Qiang suggested further three-way relations with Russia and Mongolia, according to official media.In recent years, the three have become closer. This year, China and Mongolia both threw open their arms to Russian President Vladimir Putin, just as Moscow did for China's Xi Jinping in 2023, and Beijing did the same for Mongolia's president.According to the official news agency Xinhua, Li, China's second-ranking official, stated that "China is ready to work with Russia and Mongolia to further enhance mutual trust, strengthen coordination and promote deeper... trilateral co-operation."He was addressing L. Oyun-Erdene, the prime minister of Mongolia, and Mikhail Mishustin, the prime minister of Russia.Since 2004, Mongolia has opted to remain an observer state and is not a member of the SCO, a China-led Eurasian security bloc. Nevertheless, China is still gently pressuring its smaller neighbor to join the ten-nation bloc. Officials from the United States are also pursuing the resource-rich, landlocked nation, which has pledged to invest in its heavy industry and mining. However, Washington criticized Ulaanbaatar for hosting Putin in September despite the International Criminal Court in The Hague issuing an arrest order for him. If the Russian president enters any of the 124 nations that make up the court's membership, including Mongolia, he is often required by such a warrant to be arrested and taken to the Hague for trial.A large pipeline that Russia intends to construct to transport 50 billion cubic meters of natural gas annually from the Yamal area to China passes through Mongolia. Li told Mishustin in a separate meeting that China was open to deepening its energy and commerce relations with Russia, according to Chinese state media.
Published 16 Oct 2024 06:03 PM
ChinaJoy 2024 Mobile App Advertising Event
What is ChinaJoy Event and all about the event? Shanghai, China hosts ChinaJoy, officially known as the China Digital Entertainment Expo and Conference, every year as a digital entertainment event. This exhibition is the biggest of its kind in Asia and China for video games and digital entertainment. Organizers: Game Connection & ChinaJoy Date: 26-28 July, 2024 Venue: Shanghai New International Expo Centre (SNIEC) ADZ Junction Media Exhibition Details: Booth #IG-061, Hall #5 at ChinaJoy ChinaJoy, 2024 event is divided and categorized in two parts which are: - Indie Game Expo: To present their games and network with publishers and investors, foreign game creators are welcome to come to ChinaJoy's exclusive Indie Game Expo. Indie Game Development Awards: submit your games for publisher assessment and win one or more to gain the recognition you deserve. Why China Joy? A major event for the digital entertainment sector, China Joy showcases the newest in gaming, hardware, software, and related services. It serves as a center for knowledge sharing, networking, and looking into new business ventures. With cutting-edge trends and technologies on exhibit, this year looks to be especially intriguing.What is ChinaJoy Event and all about the event? Shanghai, China hosts ChinaJoy, officially known as the China Digital Entertainment Expo and Conference, every year as a digital entertainment event. This exhibition is the biggest of its kind in Asia and China for video games and digital entertainment. Organizers: Game Connection & ChinaJoy Date: 26-28 July, 2024 Venue: Shanghai New International Expo Centre (SNIEC) ADZ Junction Media Exhibition Details: Booth #IG-061, Hall #5 at ChinaJoy ChinaJoy, 2024 event is divided and categorized in two parts which are: - Indie Game Expo: To present their games and network with publishers and investors, foreign game creators are welcome to come to ChinaJoy's exclusive Indie Game Expo. Indie Game Development Awards: submit your games for publisher assessment and win one or more to gain the recognition you deserve. Why China Joy? A major event for the digital entertainment sector, China Joy showcases the newest in gaming, hardware, software, and related services. It serves as a center for knowledge sharing, networking, and looking into new business ventures. With cutting-edge trends and technologies on exhibit, this year looks to be especially intriguing. Read more about the upcoming biggest event of 2024 which is happening in Shanghai, Chaina at the end of July, 2024.
Published 25 Jul 2024 02:07 PM
Says Chinas Xi, Putins Re-Election Fully Reflects Russian Peoples Support
Chinese President Xi Jinping informed his Russian counterpart that his reelection "fully reflects the support of the Russian people" in a congrats letter sent on Monday, according to Beijing's official media. As of Monday, official election data indicated that Putin had received 87.33 percent of all votes cast, with 99 percent of polling places having submitted results, as reported by state news agency RIA. In a presidential election where he had no real competition, Putin achieved a record-breaking win, despite the polls' criticism.Xi addressed Putin, saying, "Your re-election fully reflects the support of the Russian people for you," as reported by state broadcaster CCTV. "In recent years, the Russian people have united as one to overcome challenges and move forward steadily on the road to national development and revitalisation," according to Xi. "I believe that under your leadership, Russia will be able to achieve greater achievements in national development and construction," he stated. "China attaches great importance to the development of China-Russia relations and is willing to maintain close communication with Russia to promote the sustained, healthy, stable and in-depth development of (bilateral ties)," said Xi.bolster relationships According to Russian state news agency TASS, Putin praised Beijing, his important ally, saying he was "sure that in the coming years we will only strengthen and build up our relations and achieve common successes for the benefit of the Chinese and Russian peoples." "The alignment of state interests is the most crucial factor. According to reports, Putin said, "This sets a very good tone for solving common problems in the field of international relations."
Published 18 Mar 2024 05:27 PM
"LAC Situation Stable But Sensitive, No Friction In A Year" : the Army Chief of Staff
There haven't been any more areas of friction between China and India in the past year, Chief of Army Staff General Manoj Pande stated on Monday, despite maintaining that the situation along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) is stable "but sensitive." The Chief of Army Staff stated in an interview with ANI that since April 2020, there have been 20 meetings of senior higher military commanders and 14 meetings of the Working Mechanism for Consultation and Coordination on China-India Border Affairs.The Line of Actual Control (LAC) situation is sensitive but stable. We haven't had any more conflict areas in this over the past year or so. Regarding our efforts to find a solution, we are still in communication and dialogue with the enemy on a military and diplomatic level, General Pande stated."Since April 2020, we have held 14 WMCC meetings and 20 senior higher military commander level meetings," he stated. We therefore hope that through these discussions, a solution can be reached." The 3,488 km border between India and China passes through Arunachal Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Sikkim, and Jammu and Kashmir. Since May 2020, when the Chinese troops tried to aggressively change the status quo on LAC in eastern Ladakh, both sides have been deployed in forward positions near Patrolling Point 15, which emerged as a friction point in the wake of the Galwan clash.General Pande gave a briefing on the Army's readiness levels along the northern border, stating, "We are maintaining adequate reserves to be able to deal with any contingencies and our deployment remains robust as well as balanced." "As all of this is going on, we are also concentrating on strengthening our capacity in these domains by introducing better systems, modernizing our fleet, and introducing safer vehicles, drones for surveillance, improved radio sets for communication, etc. We are concentrating on and exerting effort on infrastructure development at the same time. Be it the habitat, forward connectivities to the LAC, or strategic road connectivity...it also includes extending power supply to our forward troops, improving communication in terms of 5G communication to our troops deployed in forward areas," the Army chief said. "We are also working alongside other government agencies, local administration and the local population to make sure that our preparedness levels along the LAC always remain high," he stated.
Published 29 Jan 2024 05:14 PM
