Economic outlook for ASEAN-6 countries during 2026 remains positive: QNB
Doha: Qatar National Bank (QNB) discussed the key factors that will support economic growth in the ASEAN-6 economies during 2026 and contribute to a positive growth outlook, including the stabilization of the global trade environment and the decline in the severity of risks associated with trade pr»»»
Multipolarity is not equality, and it shouldn’t be
The new world order takes shape through pressure, rivalry, and the rise of several commanding powers, not through declarations of equality. Multipolarity emerges as a harsh contest of sovereignty in which only civilization-states with real strength shape events and the rest are pulled into the orbi»»»
Chinas Wuhan Yangluo Port Service company seeks increased nvestments in second visit
Tunis, Dec. 13 (TAP)- Minister of Trade and Export Development Samir Abid had a coordination meeting on Saturday with a visiting delegation from China's Wuhan Yangluo Port Service company.The meeting was attended by CEOs of structures under the...»»»
Exhibition of Franco-Chinese print master Zao Wou-Ki opens in Hong Kong
Hong Kong: An exhibition by the Franco-Chinese artist Zao Wou-Ki opened in Hong Kong on Saturday, the first time his print work has been on display in Asia. Hong Kong's M+ museum is hosting a collection of more experimental prints by the artist, who is considered a master of the lyrical abstraction»»»
Qatar's Years of Culture Initiative announces 2026 Partner Countries
Doha, Qatar: As the Qatar Argentina and Chile 2025 Year of Culture came to a galloping conclusion during the Polo AlMarsa Years of Culture Championship Trophy, the Years of Culture initiative announced plans for Canada and Mexico as next year's partner countries. The 2026 Year of Culture with Canad»»»
Philippines says fishermen injured in China Coast Guard encounter
Manila: Three Filipino fishermen were injured when China Coast Guard vessels sprayed their boats with water cannons and cut their anchor lines in a disputed area of the South China Sea, Philippine authorities said Saturday. Beijing said Friday it had taken "necessary control measures" involving abo»»»
China to Boost Exports, Imports in 2026, Seeking ‘Sustainable’ Trade, Official Says
China plans to expand exports and imports next year as part of efforts to promote "sustainable" trade, a senior economic official said on Saturday, state broadcaster CCTV reported. The trillion-dollar trade surplus posted by the world's second-largest economy is stirring tensions with Beijing's tra»»»
Thailand Continues Cambodia Strikes Despite Trump Truce Calls
Thailand said Saturday it was continuing military strikes against Cambodia despite US President Donald Trump saying the countries had agreed to stop fighting after calls with him. Renewed clashes between the Southeast Asian neighbors, which stem from a long-running dispute over the colonial-era dem»»»
Philippines Says Fishermen Hurt, Boats Damaged by China in South China Sea
The Philippine coast guard said on Saturday that three Filipino fishermen had been wounded and two fishing vessels suffered "significant damage" when Chinese coast guard ships fired water cannon in a disputed South China Sea shoal. Manila's coast guard said nearly two dozen Filipino fishing boats n»»»
Kuwait economic outreach materialized with multi-sector strategic deals, partnerships
(News report) KUWAIT, Dec 13 (KUNA) -- Kuwait has witnessed a diplomatic outreach enabling it to expand regionally and globally by broadening strategic partnerships via a series of deals and MoUs covering diplomatic, economic, military, security, health, scientific research sectors and artificial i»»»
Thailand and Cambodia agree to stop border clashes, Trump says
Thailand and Cambodia agreed to halt border clashes along their disputed border, US President Donald Trump said on Friday. The two countries had brokered a ceasefire in July but Thailand suspended the agreement the following month after Thai soldiers were wounded by landmines. US President Do»»»
Autotransformer for Kurpsai HPP to be delivered ahead of schedule - | 24.KG
An autotransformer for Kurpsai Hydropower Plant will be delivered from China earlier than originally scheduled, the press service of Electric Stations OJSC reported. According to the company, a delegation from the OJSC visited the production facilities of Shaanxi Hanzhong Transformer Co., Ltd. (Sha»»»
Billionaire families plan to pass on $7 trillion to the next generation
Dubai: Billionaires worldwide stand poised to transfer nearly $7 trillion in assets to their heirs by 2040, with $5.9 trillion likely flowing directly or indirectly to children. The US will capture the lion's share, but significant sums head to markets across Asia, Europe and the Middle East as old»»»
Why US Nvidia’s chip sales to China is far more complicated than it looks
Dubai: US President Donald Trump’s decision to allow Nvidia to sell its H200 artificial-intelligence chips to “approved customers” in China is rippling across global tech and geopolitical circles. Sign up for our daily business newsletter, Cheques & Balances.On the surface, the move appears to reop»»»
Al-Sabah archaeological collection partakes in 'Networks of the Past' gallery in India
NEW DELHI, Dec 12 (KUNA) -- The Al-Sabah Archaeological Collection under the Dar al-Athar Al-Islamiyah in Kuwait participated on Friday in the opening ceremony of the "Networks of the Past" gallery.The gallery, called a "Study Gallery of India and the Ancient World" organized by the Chhatrapati Shi»»»
China is redefining global trade dynamics in America’s backyard
When China’s President Xi Jinping inaugurated Peru’s Chancay megaport in November 2024, he was doing far more than opening a Chinese offshore project; he was executing a vision that has reshaped global power three times before and is poised to do so again. The $1.3bn deep-water facility, capable of»»»
China is redefining global trade dynamics in America’s backyard
When China’s President Xi Jinping inaugurated Peru’s Chancay megaport in November 2024, he was doing far more than opening a Chinese offshore project; he was executing a vision that has reshaped global power three times before and is poised to do so again. The $1.3bn deep-water facility, capable of»»»
Trump says Thailand, Cambodia have agreed to stop border clashes
US President Donald Trump said on Friday that Thailand and Cambodia had agreed to halt fighting along their disputed border, which has killed at least 20 people this week. The latest fighting between the Southeast Asian neighbours, which stems from a long-running dispute over the colonial-era demar»»»
'They're no longer hiding': How Russia is shipping liquefied natural gas to China despite sanctions
A cargo of liquefied natural gas (LNG) from Russia's Portovaya plant was delivered to the Beihai terminal in China on December 8. This marks the first delivery since the facility was placed under US sanctions in January 2025. The development highlights deepening China-Russia energy ties as Moscow s»»»
Talking Europe - EU inches closer to trade deal with Latin America: Fair prices or Mercosur crisis?
The European Parliament is set to adopt its negotiating mandate on Mercosur, after which talks on the final shape of a trade deal can begin. The accord with Latin American countries would create a free trade area of more than 700 million people, at a time when the EU is locked in trade conflicts wi»»»
Vucic: I am preparing for first official visit to China
MEROSINA - Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic announced on Friday he was preparing for his first official visit to China and noted that the two countries maintained a steely friendship based, among other aspects, on mutual respect of territorial integrity. Speaking to reporters in Merosina, souther»»»
Lululemon shares surge on CEO exit news - UPI.com
A Lululemon store pictured Dec. 2019 in Lynnfield, Mass. On Friday, the Canada-based company's sock value spiked more than 9% in premarket trading following its announcement CEO Calvin McDonald will step down next month. Photo Provided by CJ Gunther/EPA Dec. 12 (UPI) -- Shares of Lululemon stock su»»»
Iran to Continue Cooperation With Russia in Security Sphere
MOSCOW (Sputnik) – Russia and Iran are working on strengthening bilateral ties in the field of security, the chairman of the Iranian Parliament's National Security and Foreign Policy Committee, Ebrahim Azizi, said on Friday. "Some forces are trying to hinder Iranian-Russian military-technical coope»»»
Trump's new security strategy: A chance for Africa? – DW – 12/11/2025
PoliticsAfricaTrump's new security strategy: A chance for Africa?Martina SchwikowskiUS President Donald Trump's new foreign policy focuses less on aid and more on trade with African countries, specifically on raw materials. Could this be a wake-up call for Africa to become more economically indepen»»»
Sri Lanka: Cyclone aftermath disrupts economic recovery – DW – 12/12/2025
BusinessSri LankaSri Lanka: Cyclone aftermath disrupts economic recovery Murali KrishnanCyclone Ditwah has devastated critical infrastructure and disrupted key sectors, threatening Sri Lanka's already fragile economic recovery program. https://p.dw.com/p/55EnnThe UN estimates over 16,000 kilometers»»»
Trump signs AI de-regulation order
US President Donald Trump signed an executive order on Thursday to curb individual state-level regulation of artificial intelligence, until a nationwide policy is adopted. A fragmented legal landscape threatens America’s AI competitiveness compared to China, the US federal government has said. The »»»
Lululemon boss to step down early next year
The boss of Lululemon Athletica, the brand known for its expensive yoga leggings and other sports clothing, is to leave the company early next year. Calvin McDonald, the firm's chief executive, will depart at the end of January after more than seven years at the helm. The decision comes amid a run »»»
Trump’s alleged ‘Core Five’ plan sparks debate over future of global power
US President Donald Trump is reportedly considering the creation of a new elite global forum — dubbed the “C5” or “Core Five” — that would bring together the United States, China, Russia, India and Japan, potentially sidelining traditional Western-led groupings such as the G7. The proposal was firs»»»
Gold Hits Seven-week High on Safe-haven Demand; Silver Notches Peak
Gold prices rose to a seven-week high on Friday, bolstered by a soft dollar, expectations of interest rate cuts and safe-haven demand prompted by geopolitical turbulence, while silver hit a record high. Spot gold rose 0.7% to $4,311.73 per ounce by 0945 GMT, its highest level since October 21, and »»»
Why US giant Chevron, not China, may save oil-rich Venezuela – DW – 12/12/2025
BusinessChinaWhy US giant Chevron, not China, may save oil-rich VenezuelaAstrid Prange de OliveiraChevron is driving Venezuela's oil rebound while China is pulling back. As President Nicolas Maduro's fate grows uncertain, Washington's renewed leverage is reshaping the country's economic and geopoli»»»
Russia-Iran Relations Developing Very Positively - Putin
ASHGABAT (Sputnik) - Relations between Russia and Iran are developing very positively, Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Friday. "I would like to note that relations between our countries are developing very positively," Putin said at a meeting with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian. Russi»»»
Venezuelan Parliament Votes to Repeal Law Endorsing ICC’s Rome Statute
BUENOS AIRES (Sputnik) - The Venezuelan parliament said it voted to repeal the law endorsing the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court (ICC). "The National Assembly of Venezuela has approved the repeal of the law endorsing the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court," the parlia»»»
US secretly planning five-nation club including Russia to sideline G7 – media
The US is secretly planning to create a five-nation power bloc with Russia, China, India and Japan to sideline the Western-dominated G7, several media outlets have reported. The idea was reportedly outlined in a longer unpublished draft of the US National Security Strategy released by the administr»»»
Interim Gaza Government Should Link Back to Palestinian Authority - PA Deputy Minister
GAZA (Sputnik) - A technocratic interim government for administering the Gaza Strip should be directly linked to the cabinet of the Palestinian Authority (PA), and the issue is being actively discussed among mediators involved in the Israeli-Palestinian settlement, Palestinian Deputy Foreign Minist»»»
Russia, Türkiye, Iran Presidents in Turkmenistan for Rare Summit
The leaders of Russia, Türkiye and Iran meet Friday in Turkmenistan, an isolated Central Asian state which is marking 30 years of official neutrality with a rare international summit. The principle of "permanent neutrality" is at the heart of the former Soviet republic's foreign policy -- a doctrin»»»
First phase of UAE digital dirham to be free for users
Dubai: The Central Bank of the UAE has announced that the first phase of the digital dirham will soon be launched, in a significant shift in the country’s financial landscape. Sign up for our daily business newsletter, Cheques & Balances.According to the bank, the digital currency will enable real-»»»
Japan, US DMs voice serious concerns over China radar incident
TOKYO, Dec 12 (KUNA) -- Japanese Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi and US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth on Friday shared serious concerns over any actions to increase tensions in the Indo-Pacific region.During their telephone talks, they stressed that a recent radar incident caused by Chinese m»»»
US, Japan Defense Chiefs Say China Harming Regional Peace
Beijing's actions are "not conducive to regional peace", Japan's defense minister and US counterpart Pete Hegseth agreed during a call after Chinese aircraft locked radar on Japanese jets near Taiwan, Tokyo said Friday. The December 6 radar incident came after comments by Prime Minister Sanae Takai»»»
On This Day, Dec. 12: London train collision kills 35 - UPI.com
On Dec. 12, 1988, three trains collided in London, killing 35 people, Britain's worst railway accident in 21 years. 1 of 7 | The rail tracks at Clapham Junction can be seen in 2018 in London. On December 12, 1988, three trains collided at the junction, killing 40 people, Britain's worst railway acc»»»
When Salman Khan met Johnny Depp in Saudi Arabia at Red Sea Film Fest closing ceremony
Bollywood superstar Salman Khan and Hollywood icon Johnny Depp set social media abuzz with their surprise encounter at the Red Sea International Film Festival, with fans calling it a “legendary crossover moment.” Viral photos from the festival captured the duo’s warm exchange, friendly smiles, and »»»
Tsunami advisory issued after 6.7-M earthquake strikes off northern Japan - UPI.com
A house burns after a powerful earthquake in Aomori, northeastern Japan, early December 9, 2025. On Friday, a lesser 6.7-magnitude earthquake struck off the same prefecture. Photo by JiJi Press/EPA Dec. 12 (UPI) -- A 6.7-magnitude earthquake struck off Japan's northeastern coast on Friday, promptin»»»
Opening a new door: Trump, the Gulf, and ‘America First’
US President Donald Trump's first presidential term (2017-21) was not simply a shift in the trajectory of American foreign policy; it marked a profound geopolitical transformation that reassessed the very structure of international alliances. It left a clear impact on the world’s most sensitive reg»»»
Iran Will Host Pakistan-Taliban Talks with Russia, China at the Table
Iran is preparing to host a new round of high-stakes mediation between Pakistan and Afghanistan’s Taliban government on December 16–17. WorldPakistani Military Hindering Peace Process With Afghanistan - Afghan Leader's Spokesman2 November, 01:47 GMTClashes between Pakistan and Afghanistan erupted e»»»
Trump signs executive order limiting states ability to regulate AI - UPI.com
An illustration picture shows the introduction page of ChatGPT, an interactive AI chatbot model trained and developed by OpenAI, on its website in Beijing, China, in 2023. President Donald Trump signed an executive order Thursday limiting the ability of American states to regulate AI. File Photo Ch»»»
China’s sky monster: Giant 'drone carrier' takes first flight
China just sent shockwaves through the global defence world. Its colossal Jiu Tian aerial “drone carrier” — essentially a flying mothership for swarms of drones — has completed its first flight, a moment state media is calling a “breakthrough in China’s large drone technology.” The unmanned behemot»»»
Trump signs order to block states from enforcing own AI rules
US President Donald Trump has signed an executive order aimed at blocking states from enforcing their own artificial intelligence (AI) regulations. "We want to have one central source of approval," Trump told reporters in the Oval Office on Thursday. It will give the Trump administration tools to p»»»
US sanctions six ships as Washington escalates pressure on Venezuela
The US intensified its campaign against Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro on Thursday, sanctioning six additional ships and shipping companies linked to illicit oil transport just a day after seizing the tanker Skipper off Venezuela's coast, the BBC reported. Seizure operation detailsUS forces»»»
Airstrike on hospital in a rebel-controlled area of Myanmar kills 34
BANGKOK: An airstrike by Myanmar ’s military destroyed a hospital in an area controlled by a leading rebel armed force, killing 34 patients and medical staff, according to a rescue worker and independent media reports Thursday. About 80 other people were injured in the attack Wednesday night on the»»»
Ukraine hits Russian Caspian oil platform in bold drone strike expansion
Ukraine revealed Thursday that its long-range drones targetted a key offshore oil platform in the Caspian Sea earlier this week. The previously secret mission marks a major escalation in Kyiv's campaign to disrupt Russia's energy revenues fuelling the war, CNN reported. A Security Service of Ukrain»»»
China’s ‘spy cars’ alarm US lawmakers over automotive, national security threats
Washington: China’s booming auto sector has been cast as both an economic and national security threat, lawmakers and experts warned during a high-stakes US Congressional hearing. Chinese-made vehicles could become “computers on wheels” capable of spying on Americans, crippling transport networks, »»»