China News Live: Malaysia's Borneo military buildup seen as response to China's South China Sea actions

Malaysia is engaging in a "silent military buildup" on its Borneo territory, a development largely interpreted as a response to increasing assertiveness and perceived threats from China in the South China Sea, The Diplomat said in a report. This strategic move is contextualized by increased Chinese Coast Guard and maritime militia activity within Malaysia's Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). The buildup suggests that China's actions in the region are prompting defensive postures from claimant states like Malaysia, potentially impacting China's maritime strategy and its narrative of peaceful regional engagement.

High tariffs continue to define US-China trade relations, with a cited figure of 55 percent likely representing an average or cumulative impact on certain goods rather than a flat rate on all imports, Al Jazeera says in a report. Despite the persistence of these elevated tariffs, some trade experts anticipate a potential reduction in the future. This situation is developing as the current US administration, under President Donald Trump, conducts a review of existing China tariffs, many of which were established under measures like the Phase One trade agreement from 2020. Ongoing high-level discussions between US and Chinese officials also continue to address the broader trade and economic relationship.

China is witnessing a significant growth in its pool of university graduates specializing in artificial intelligence and microelectronics, a development that supports Beijing's strategic ambitions for achieving self-reliance in the critical semiconductor sector, the South China Morning Post said in a report. This trend, exemplified by students who, like the illustrative example of 'Jack Wang' who began his microelectronics undergraduate studies in 2019 during early US-China trade tensions, chose these fields, is now providing a crucial talent base for China's tech industry. The increase in these specialized graduates comes as the nation actively works to counter intensified US restrictions aimed at limiting its access to advanced chip technology and manufacturing capabilities.

Taiwan's de facto ambassador to the U.S., Alexander Yui, has called on U.S. congressional members to expedite the delivery of military equipment to Taiwan and to finalize a bilateral double taxation agreement, Fox News said in a report. Yui's appeal, made after meetings with lawmakers, aims to bolster Taiwan-U.S. investment and strengthen Taiwan's defense capabilities in response to what he described as China's increasing military provocations in the region.

The Pentagon has launched a review of the AUKUS security pact, a trilateral agreement with the UK and Australia designed to help Australia acquire nuclear-powered submarines, primarily as a counter to China's expanding influence and military activities in the Indo-Pacific, the Financial Times said in a report. This U.S. review is drawing attention to its potential implications for China, as Beijing is reportedly likely to interpret any perceived weakening or significant delays in the AUKUS program as an indication of faltering commitment from the allies. Such a development could, in turn, potentially embolden China in pursuing its regional objectives, with analysts noting that Beijing will closely scrutinize the review's outcome concerning the alliance's stance on its influence.

The Hong Kong Red Cross has revised its blood donor guidelines, banning anyone who has been incarcerated for 72 hours or more within the preceding 12 months from donating blood for a period of one year, South China Morning Post said in a report. This decision, announced on Wednesday by the Hong Kong Red Cross Blood Transfusion Service, is based on the cited risk of infections such as hepatitis C and HIV and follows recommendations from internationally recognised certification bodies that reviewed the service last year.

In trade discussions with the U.S., China is strategically evaluating the deployment of its significant leverage derived from its control over rare earth supplies, The New York Times said in a report. Beijing is reportedly exercising caution, aiming to avoid overplaying its hand by, for example, limiting access to these critical materials, as it seeks to balance potential advantages against the risk of harming its international standing as a dependable supplier.

US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent sharply criticized Beijing's economic practices during a House Ways and Means Committee hearing on Wednesday, labeling China's economy as the "most unbalanced in the history of the world," South China Morning Post said in a report. Bessent asserted that China's aggressive export policies negatively impact not only the US but the entire globe, and stated that Beijing "cannot be allowed to export their way back to prosperity." He also urged China to become a more reliable international partner.

Hong Kong’s Ocean Park has seen a 19% year-on-year surge in attendance since the debut of several new pandas, a phenomenon described as “panda fever” by the city's tourism minister, Rosanna Law Shuk-pui, Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, according to a report in the South China Morning Post. Law also announced in a written reply to lawmakers on Wednesday that an additional HK$121 million (US$15.4 million) had been secured from the Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz stated on Wednesday that Germany welcomes a China-U.S. agreement aimed at easing restrictions on rare-earth exports, Reuters said in a report. Merz emphasized that this development is not detrimental to Europe but rather signifies the resolution of another conflict, and he expressed hope that negotiations between the United States and the European Union could achieve similar outcomes.

Recent comments from Huawei founder Ren Zhengfei, published in a People’s Daily interview, indicate confidence that China will not need to worry about access to advanced chips and can achieve computing capabilities comparable to others, the South China Morning Post said in a report. Analysts reportedly view these remarks as shedding light on China’s strategies to overcome US sanctions related to advanced semiconductors and manufacturing equipment.

Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu hosted a lunch meeting with European Union officials on Wednesday to discuss deepening ties between the city and the bloc, South China Morning Post said in a report. The attendees included Harvey Rouse, head of the Office of the European Union to Hong Kong and Macau, and 15 consuls general from EU member countries. Lee stated that the gathering served as a platform for direct dialogue and an exchange of views, and he reiterated that Hong Kong will remain a free port despite growing global protectionism.

President Donald Trump announced that a US-China trade deal is 'done' and also said that Chinese students are permitted to attend colleges in the United States, AP says in a report. The statements from the current US President address aspects of international trade and academic exchange between the two countries.

Alibaba Group Holding chairman Joe Tsai announced that the company's decision to open-source its Qwen large language models (LLMs) is anticipated to significantly boost artificial intelligence (AI) applications and, consequently, demand for its cloud computing services, South China Morning Post said in a report. Tsai explained that this strategy aims to "democratise the usage of AI" and "proliferate applications," thereby benefiting Alibaba's cloud business as the company refines its focus following what he described as "a period of huge ordeal" for its business empire.

The European Union has stated it is “too early to conclude” whether emergency action is required following a surge in Chinese exports to the bloc in May, which occurred alongside a substantial drop in China's shipments to the United States, according to a report in South China Morning Post. Data from last month indicated China’s exports to the US fell by 34.5 per cent year-on-year, while its exports to France rose by 24.1 per cent and to Germany by 21.5 per cent, raising questions about potential trade diversion due to high US tariffs on Chinese goods.

Joseph Lin Yuntuan was installed as a new assistant Catholic bishop in Fuzhou, China, on Wednesday, an appointment made by Pope Leo that signals the ongoing commitment to the Vatican-Beijing accord regarding bishop appointments, Reuters said in a report. This development indicates that the provisional agreement, which allows the Holy See a role in the selection of bishops in China, will persist under Pope Leo. The appointment of the 73-year-old bishop in the capital of Fujian province underscores the framework through which both the Vatican and Beijing manage Catholic Church leadership in the country.

Video footage from a China Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) briefing has been distributed to Associated Press customers, AP said in a report. This video, identified by the reference AP-APTN-0846, was included in the AP Video Delivery Log for 0900 GMT on Wednesday, June 11, 2025, and is accessible to subscribers of the relevant AP product.

The latest round of U.S.-China trade talks has concluded, with the focus now shifting to the subsequent steps and the future direction of the bilateral economic relationship, The New York Times says in a report. Key areas anticipated to remain central to discussions and policy considerations include ongoing U.S. export controls on advanced technology to China, Beijing's responsive measures and 'de-risking' strategies, and continued U.S. efforts towards supply chain diversification. The broader geopolitical landscape, encompassing tensions such as those related to Taiwan and the South China Sea, is also expected to significantly influence the context of future trade and economic dialogues between the two nations.

Recent trade talks between the US and China have resulted in a truce, with analysts noting that a key positive outcome was the indication of pragmatism on both sides, Reuters said in a report. This development has been viewed by some market observers as positive, suggesting a potential floor to escalating tensions. However, despite these signs of diplomatic engagement, the overall sentiment among investors is one of continued uncertainty regarding the broader and long-term implications of the truce.

Chinese drone manufacturer DJI, noted as the world’s largest maker of consumer drones, this week launched a new enterprise model, the Matrice 400, priced at US$10,000, according to a report in South China Morning Post. The drone offers a 59-minute flight time and can carry a payload of up to 6kg. A key feature is its obstacle-sensing system, utilizing lidar and mmWave radar, designed to enable the drone to avoid buildings, mountains, and high-voltage power lines, even during night-time operations, positioning it for applications such as emergency air response and power line inspections.

The Hong Kong government is set to review the possibility of permitting more semi-private secondary schools to provide non-local curricula, provided it is on a self-financing basis, South China Morning Post said in a report. Secretary for Education Christine Choi Yuk-lin announced the plan on Wednesday, while also rejecting a proposal to allow non-local students into public primary and secondary schools. Choi explained this refusal by stating that the language of instruction in public schools is Cantonese and the curriculum is specifically designed for Hong Kong students.

Zheng Shanjie, chairman of China's National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC), met leaders from five private enterprises to gather their "opinions and suggestions for the scientific formulation of the ‘15th Five-Year Plan’," with a focus on technology sectors like AI and chips, South China Morning Post said in a report. This engagement is being interpreted by analysts as a signal of Beijing's intent to increasingly involve the private sector in driving its next five-year development blueprint (2026-2030) and achieving national technological goals.

State-owned Central Huijin, a $1.1 trillion asset manager, has emerged as a prominent member of China's 'national team' through a substantial intervention in the country's domestic stock markets aimed at bolstering the economy, the Financial Times said in a report. This action by Central Huijin, which acts as a state shareholder in major financial institutions, is a response to economic challenges, including a property crisis and slowing growth, and is intended to restore investor confidence and stabilize the market. The intervention highlights the government's strategy of utilizing state-controlled entities to manage economic and financial stability.

Huawei founder Ren Zhengfei has downplayed his company's chipmaking capabilities, stating that the United States is exaggerating Huawei's technology, according to a report in Financial Times. This statement from Ren comes amidst ongoing trade and technology discussions between Washington and Beijing, impacting the narrative around China's semiconductor advancements.

China's Vice Premier He Lifeng has called for China and the United States to strengthen consensus and maintain communication, as reported by state news agency Xinhua on Wednesday, Reuters said in a report. This statement followed the conclusion of two days of negotiations in London on Tuesday between U.S. and Chinese officials, including He, which aimed to resolve key trade issues and get a delicate trade truce back on track.

JL MAG Rare-Earth, a prominent Chinese rare earth exporter previously visited by President Xi Jinping in 2019, announced on Wednesday it has obtained export permits for magnetic materials, components, and motor rotors to the United States, Europe, and Southeast Asia, South China Morning Post said in a report. This development, which follows China's earlier export controls on medium and heavy rare earths, was positively received by investors, leading to an increase in the company’s share price.

Fireworks from Liuyang in central China's Hunan Province are gaining global popularity, with their appeal often described as 'Chinese-style romance,' leading to soaring overseas demand, AP said in a report. Liuyang is recognized as the world's largest production and trade hub for fireworks and firecrackers, with a history in fireworks manufacturing that dates back to the Tang Dynasty (618-907). These fireworks have been featured at major international events, including the opening ceremonies of the 2008 Beijing Olympics and the 2024 Paris Olympics. The increasing demand abroad is attributed to their consistent quality and diverse product range.

Former Taiwanese leader Ma Ying-jeou is set to lead a student delegation to mainland China from Saturday until June 27, a trip that includes attending the Straits Forum in Xiamen and travel to northwestern regions, the Ma Ying-jeou Foundation announced on Wednesday, South China Morning Post said in a report. Ma, a former chairman of Taiwan’s main opposition Kuomintang (KMT), is proceeding with the visit despite repeated warnings from Taiwanese authorities.

Chinese electric vehicle (EV) maker Leapmotor inaugurated its first retail store in Hong Kong on Wednesday, with founder and CEO Zhu Jiangming stating that the company's debut in the city would serve as a stepping stone towards achieving broader international success, South China Morning Post said in a report. The new outlet, situated in the Cityplaza complex at Taikoo Shing on Hong Kong Island, is Leapmotor's 1,500th store globally. The company also announced that a second Hong Kong store is scheduled to open in December, where customers will be able to view right-hand drive editions of its vehicles.

China's foreign ministry has stated that it respects Panama’s sovereignty and recognizes the Panama Canal as a neutral international waterway, South China Morning Post said in a report. This statement comes after Ricaurte Vasquez, administrator of the Panama Canal Authority, warned in an interview published on Tuesday that a US$23 billion deal involving CK Hutchison Holdings and a consortium led by BlackRock and MSC could lead to a concentration of operators, potentially jeopardizing the canal's impartiality.

Traffic officer Shum Sze-long, 45, received a sentence of 220 hours of community service at Fanling Court on Wednesday for defrauding the Hong Kong Police Credit Union to secure HK$280,000 (US$35,675) in loans, South China Morning Post said in a report. The now-suspended officer had pleaded guilty last month to one count of fraud and another of attempted fraud for providing inaccurate and incomplete information during two loan applications.

Pope Francis made his first appointment of a Chinese bishop under the Vatican’s 2018 agreement with Beijing, nominating Bishop Joseph Lin Yuntuan as auxiliary bishop of Fuzhou on June 5, 2025, a move recognized by Chinese authorities on Wednesday, June 11, 2025, AP said in a report. This development signals Pope Francis is continuing the controversial policy. The Vatican expressed satisfaction that Lin Yuntuan has taken possession of the diocese and that his appointment received civic recognition from Chinese authorities.

Top officials from China and the United States are expected to commence a second day of negotiations in London on Tuesday morning local time, aiming to de-escalate the ongoing stand-off over trade and technology that has impacted the global economy, South China Morning Post said in a report. The first round of talks on Monday concluded without an agreed-upon deal, and no official statements were released, though both sides have reportedly sent signals regarding their expectations for the discussions.

Chinese exports to major industrial centers in Southeast Asia, specifically Vietnam, Thailand, and Indonesia, experienced significant growth in the first five months of 2025, South China Morning Post said in a report. According to official data released on Monday, shipments to Vietnam increased by 18.8 per cent, exports to Thailand grew by 20.9 per cent, and Indonesia saw a 16.8 per cent rise compared to the same period in 2024. This expansion is attributed to satisfying growing consumer markets in these nations, supporting Chinese offshore factory investments, and an effort to offset losses from high US tariffs.

The Fifth China (Ningxia) International Wine Culture and Tourism Expo commenced on Monday, June 11, 2025, in Yinchuan, the capital of northwest China's Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, AP said in a report. This event marks the return of the Concours Mondial de Bruxelles (CMB), popularly dubbed the 'Wine Olympics,' to China after a seven-year hiatus. The four-day expo has attracted over 1,100 domestic and international guests and will feature 14 activities, including a winery and wine exhibition, an innovation competition, and an art biennial.

China intends to include civil aviation, with a specific emphasis on the certification of its domestically manufactured C919 aircraft, as a key discussion topic at a summit with European Union leaders scheduled for July, South China Morning Post said in a report. According to a source familiar with the plans, high-level negotiations focused on the safety evaluation process for the C919 could potentially expedite its ratification, and a rumoured substantial order for Airbus aircraft by Beijing is anticipated to further accelerate this process.

Amid escalating price wars that are straining the automotive sector, Chinese automakers have committed to making faster payments to their suppliers, Financial Times said in a report. This move follows pressure from Beijing, which is concerned that the cut-throat competition could destabilize the industry and harm suppliers, many of whom are facing significant cash flow issues due to delayed payments from larger manufacturers. The government's intervention aims to ensure the health and stability of the domestic auto supply chain, which is considered crucial for China's economic stability and industrial policy goals.

Liu Qingfeng, chairman of Chinese AI company iFlytek, stated that utilizing mainland-produced semiconductors could delay the development of artificial intelligence models by approximately three months due to the need for additional computing resources compared to foreign alternatives like Nvidia chips, South China Morning Post says in a report. Despite this extended timeline, Liu affirmed iFlytek's commitment to continuing the use of these domestic chips and focusing on improving related processes, a stance influenced by US export controls on advanced semiconductors and China's broader strategy for technological self-sufficiency.

China's military has accused Japan of undermining regional security and potentially breaching its pacifist constitution following Japan's recent tests of new long-range anti-ship and hypersonic missiles, as per a report in South China Morning Post. A commentary published on Wednesday by the People’s Liberation Army Daily, the military's mouthpiece, stated that the extended range of these missiles would serve as “a real deterrent to multiple surrounding areas” and argued that Japan's enhanced long-range strike capability is “breaking the restrictions of the pacifist constitution”.

Hong Kong's Secretary for Transport and Logistics, Mable Chan, has indicated that concerns over insufficient land or parking spaces should not prevent the city from advancing a plan to permit residents from mainland China's Guangdong province to drive into Hong Kong, South China Morning Post said in a report. Chan told lawmakers on Wednesday that the government is collaborating with mainland Chinese authorities to implement this 'Southbound Travel' scheme, emphasizing it would be rolled out with strict controls and has ruled out the necessity for establishing separate restricted zones for these vehicles.

Hong Kong’s Court of Final Appeal has dismissed a judicial review brought by a Filipina domestic helper who argued that police failed to properly investigate her forced labour complaint due to the absence of specific anti-forced labour laws, South China Morning Post said in a report. Upholding a previous Court of Appeal decision, the top court found on Wednesday that bespoke legislation for forced labour is not necessary for Hong Kong to offer "practical and effective" protection, deeming current criminal laws sufficient to address such abuses.

Authorities in China and Malaysia have collaborated to seize assets valued at over 3.8 billion ringgit (US$900 million), including yachts and property, from a syndicate accused of defrauding millions across the Asia-Pacific region with promises of high-return investments, South China Morning Post said in a report. The Ponzi scheme, primarily active in Malaysia's Penang state, is reportedly linked to the MBI Group, founded by Malaysian Tedy Teow Wooi Huat. Teow, who had been hiding in Thailand, was extradited to China in 2024. In recent operations related to the dismantling of this scam empire, seventeen individuals were arrested.

New Chinese government guidelines, unveiled on Tuesday by the Central Committee of the Communist Party and the State Council, permit Hong Kong-listed companies to seek secondary share listings in Shenzhen, according to a report in South China Morning Post. This policy allows mainland companies with Hong Kong-listed shares (H shares) to issue yuan-denominated A shares on the Shenzhen Stock Exchange. Analysts reportedly believe this development could help these companies expand on the mainland and may also encourage more share offerings in Hong Kong.

Chinese technology giant Huawei introduced its Pura 80 smartphone series on Wednesday, marking a further step in its strategy to re-establish its presence in China's high-end smartphone market, Reuters said in a report. This launch underscores Huawei's persistent efforts to reclaim a leading position in its domestic market, where it aims to solidify its comeback with this new flagship series despite facing U.S. sanctions for several years.

China's embassy in Britain firmly opposes NATO's "smearing and scapegoating" of China, a response to comments by NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte regarding Beijing's military build-up earlier this week, as per a report in Reuters. The embassy stated on Wednesday that NATO should correct its "misperception" of China, cease peddling "security anxiety," and stop "using China as an excuse for its continued military build-up."

Qiu Xigui, a distinguished paleographer, historian, and expert on ancient Chinese writing, has died at the age of 89, The Guardian said in a report. He gained prominence for his research into Chinese “oracle bones,” which are divinations inscribed on animal scapulae or turtle plastrons and feature characters considered the earliest known forerunners of the modern Chinese writing system. The appearance of these artifacts in the antiquities market historically led to the excavation, starting in the late 1920s, of Yinxu, the last capital of the Shang dynasty (circa 1600-1050 BC), located near Anyang in Henan province.

China's foreign ministry office in Hong Kong on Wednesday expressed disapproval of United States support for jailed activist Joshua Wong Chi-fung and accused Washington of discrediting police actions, South China Morning Post said in a report. The statement followed Hong Kong national security police filing a new charge against Wong last Friday, alleging he conspired with fugitive former lawmaker Nathan Law Kwun-chung five years ago to collude with foreign forces, prompting a strong statement from a US Department of State spokesman.

China and 53 African countries issued a joint call urging nations, particularly the United States, to return to the "right track" for resolving trade differences, Reuters said in a report. This joint position was announced following a meeting between China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi and African officials in Changsha, southern Hunan province, with the official Xinhua news agency reporting the statement on Wednesday.

Starbucks has garnered "a lot of interest" for a potential stake in its China business, its chief stated, as the US coffee chain explores partnerships with outside investors to navigate intense pricing competition and restore growth in the country, Financial Times said in a report. This strategic consideration comes as Starbucks aims to bolster its performance against increasingly strong local rivals in the significant Chinese market.

Japan’s top envoy in Beijing has emphasized the critical need for China and Japan to improve mutual public sentiment, identifying it as the most challenging aspect of their current relations, South China Morning Post said in a report. The envoy noted that, unfortunately, negative perceptions persist in both Japanese society regarding China and in Chinese society regarding Japan. This call for improved relations comes as the two Asian neighbors seek to stabilize ties amidst shared concerns about tariffs imposed by US President Donald Trump.

Popular Taiwanese YouTuber Holger Chen Chih-han, who was once a vocal critic of Beijing, is currently on a six-day trip to mainland China, live-streaming his experiences, South China Morning Post said in a report. On Wednesday, the second day of his visit to Shanghai, Chen described the metropolis as a "super first-rate city" and encouraged people in Taiwan to visit and experience life there for several days, aiming to challenge "entrenched political narratives on the island."

The top US diplomat in Hong Kong, Gregory May, who assumed his role as US consul general for Hong Kong and Macau in September 2022, is reportedly a top candidate for a ministerial position within the United States’ embassy in Beijing, the South China Morning Post said in a report. This potential move occurs as Beijing and Washington are engaged in a series of significant discussions to manage their relationship during what is described as a critical time.

Hong Kong, described in the report as a reputed leading research and development (R&D) hub for medical sciences, is hosting the world's largest gathering for stem cell research and regenerative medicine, the International Society of Stem Cell Research (ISSCR) 2025 Annual Meeting, for the first time, AP said in a report. The event, noted as the most significant in its field, is being brought to the city through a joint effort by three local universities, including The University of Hong Kong and The Chinese University of Hong Kong.

China imposed export restrictions on rare earths starting in April, a move viewed as a strategic response to intensified US tariffs and technology limitations, South China Morning Post said in a report. This action is considered significant due to China's control over the global rare earth supply chain—vital for automotive, electronics, and defense industries—with Beijing dominating over 60% of global mining and 80-90% of processing. The trade in these critical minerals is widely expected to be a key topic during forthcoming bilateral discussions between Chinese and US officials concerning export-control issues.

Chinese action camera manufacturer Insta360 experienced a 285 percent surge in its share price during its trading debut on Shanghai’s Star Market, raising 1.9 billion yuan (US$264.5 million) in what was the city's largest initial public offering (IPO) in 17 months, South China Morning Post said in a report. Max Richter, who co-founded Insta360 with Liu Jingkang in 2015 (a past event), stated the company is committed to expanding its global presence and boosting its market share worldwide.

The Overseas Tour Operators Hainan Tour 2025 was inaugurated in Sanya, China, on June 8, attracting more than 450 tourism industry representatives from around the world to explore new opportunities in Hainan province, AP said in a report. The event, themed "Travel to Meet the World," showcased Hainan's initiatives to improve international visitor experiences, including payment facilitation, multi-language services, visa-free policies, and expanded air routes, with enterprises from 18 cities and counties across the province participating.

Hong Kong is preparing to provide numerous discounts, giveaways, and other deals for both residents and tourists to commemorate the 28th anniversary of its return to Chinese rule on July 1, South China Morning Post said in a report. The offerings will include deals on Star Ferry fares and museum admissions, and commuters will have an opportunity to win one of 71,000 MTR tickets in a raffle via the rail operator’s mobile app on July 1, with these tickets valid until January of the following year.

China has made an offer to Pakistan for 40 J-35 stealth fighter aircraft and KJ-500 airborne early warning and control (AEW&C) aircraft, Breaking Defense said in a report. The KJ-500 is described as the latest airborne early warning aircraft design currently operational with the People's Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF). This development indicates a potential significant enhancement of Pakistan's aerial defense capabilities through Chinese military hardware.

A Coface Q1 2025 Asia-Pacific Corporate Payment Survey, announced in Beijing on June 11, 2025, and covering approximately 2,400 businesses including those in Mainland China, found that companies in the region anticipate a worsening of payment behavior, AP said in a report. This expectation stems from a slowdown in Asia-Pacific economic growth during 2024, attributed to sluggish global demand, rising operational costs, and a high-interest rate environment, according to Coface Asia-Pacific Chief Economist Bernard Aw. The survey also highlighted that ultra-long overdue payments have reached new highs, indicating growing financial pressure on businesses, a situation exacerbated by rising tariffs and a more volatile trade and policy landscape, leading Coface to revise its 2025 GDP growth forecast for Asia down to 3.8%; credit conditions in the region remain tight, with average credit terms slightly increasing to 65 days in 2024.

An international rights group, Netherlands-based Global Rights Compliance, stated on Wednesday that several global brands, including Avon, Walmart, Nescafe, Coca-Cola, and paint supplier Sherwin-Williams, are among dozens of companies at risk of using forced labor through their supply chains, AP said in a report. This risk reportedly stems from their use of critical minerals or the purchase of minerals-based products, such as titanium, sourced from China's far-western Xinjiang region, where concerns over forced labor practices are significant.

A 92-year-old grandmother in China has garnered significant attention from mainland internet users for her daily routine of completing 200 push-ups and 100 sit-ups, South China Morning Post said in a report. The nonagenarian shared longevity tips at a Yao Ethnic Minority Medicine Festival in Jianghua Yao Autonomous County, Hunan province, in early June 2025, with her fitness exploits highlighted as an example of senior citizens in the country embracing challenging workouts.

Mainland China's largest listed condiment producer, Foshan Haitian Flavouring and Food Company, is pursuing a significant initial public offering (IPO) in Hong Kong, seeking to raise up to HK$9.56 billion (US$1.22 billion), according to a report in South China Morning Post. The company plans to offer 263.2 million H shares at a maximum price of HK$36.30 each. This move marks one of Hong Kong's largest IPOs for the current year, with the final offer price expected to be determined on or before June 17.

Stock markets in Hong Kong and mainland China experienced a rise on Wednesday following the announcement of a preliminary trade agreement between US and Chinese officials, reached after two days of negotiations in London, South China Morning Post said in a report. The Hang Seng Index increased by 0.7 per cent to 24,337.77, and the Hang Seng Tech Index climbed 1.1 per cent. On the mainland, the CSI 300 Index saw a 1 per cent gain, while the Shanghai Composite Index rose by 0.7 per cent. Notably, automotive manufacturer BYD's stock rallied 5.6 per cent to HK$143.20.

Several global brands, including Avon, Walmart, Nescafe, Coca-Cola, and paint supplier Sherwin-Williams, face a risk of being linked to forced labor through their supply chains due to their use of critical minerals or minerals-based products sourced from China's far-western Xinjiang region, according to a report released Wednesday by the Netherlands-based Global Rights Compliance, AP said in a report. The rights group's report specifically mentioned that companies may be linked to titanium sourced from Xinjiang, an area where alleged human rights abuses, including forced labor, have been widely reported.

Hong Kong's No 1 typhoon warning signal, activated in the early hours of Wednesday due to Tropical Depression Wutip, will stay in effect for the entire day as the city experiences showers, South China Morning Post said in a report. The Hong Kong Observatory issued the standby signal at 12:40 a.m. and announced it would assess whether to raise the warning to No 3.

Bureaucratic red tape presents a larger obstacle than United States pressure to China's military-civilian fusion strategy, a key initiative for modernizing its armed forces by 2035, South China Morning Post said in a report. Beijing intensified this strategy in mid-2016, encouraging private sector involvement in defense, including areas like swarming drone technologies, to move beyond the historical dominance of state-owned conglomerates in the sector.

China's J-20 stealth fighter has reportedly achieved a threefold increase in its radar detection range, an improvement attributed to semiconductor developments over the past two decades led by Shandong University scientist Xu Xiangang, South China Morning Post said in a report. The university stated on social media that a silicon-carbide (SiC) semiconductor material developed by Xu's team powered this enhanced capability in phased array radar systems, allowing Chinese radars to detect enemies more rapidly and gain a first-mover advantage.

China's fifth-largest electric vehicle (EV) battery manufacturer, Eve Energy, intends to pursue a listing on the Hong Kong stock exchange to raise new capital aimed at supporting its international expansion, South China Morning Post said in a report. The Shenzhen-listed company's board endorsed this fundraising initiative on Tuesday, although specific details regarding the share offering have not yet been released. This move by Eve Energy mirrors a similar strategy previously undertaken by its larger rival, Contemporary Amperex Technology (CATL), amidst what the report describes as growing international investor interest in Chinese industrial companies.

Hong Kong primary schools will be required to strengthen patriotic and national security education within the English-language subject under a newly revised curriculum guide released by the Education Bureau on Tuesday, South China Morning Post said in a report. This revision marks a shift from the previous guide, which suggested English teachers explore topics such as human rights and equal opportunities; these have now been replaced with themes including respect for others, animal rights, and environmental protection, alongside the new national security focus.

China is experiencing a significant decline in marriage rates, contributing to deepening demographic problems such as a shrinking workforce and an aging population, Council on Foreign Relations said in a report. This trend is influenced by a combination of factors, including the long-term effects of the past One-Child Policy, current socio-economic pressures like high living costs and youth unemployment, and evolving societal attitudes towards marriage and family. In response, the Chinese government has relaxed birth limits and initiated campaigns to promote marriage and childbearing, though these demographic shifts pose considerable challenges to the nation's economic outlook and social stability.