Russia and China BFFFF – for the foreseeable future
Vladimir Putin’s recent visit to Beijing was a rousing success, according to Russian and Chinese media.
Block 1 asian news
China unveils property stimuli amid falling sales
China on Friday unveiled an unprecedented package of measures to encourage homebuyers to enter markets, after property sales and investment fell in the first four months of this year.
China tech shares hint at economic green shoots
China’s gross domestic product (GDP) data is taking a backseat to strong tech company results that some reckon signal better days ahead for Xi Jinping’s mainly underperforming economy.
US auto industry scam: overpriced parts, repairs
The US auto industry overcharges consumers for motor vehicle parts, while pricing vehicles outside the range of most US households. That keeps profit margins high on new vehicles. Sales of new passenger cars and trucks are stagnant, but the industry compensates by selling expensive parts to consumers who keep their vehicles on the road longer. The cost of a new car has risen by about 40% since 1991, while the cost of repair parts has nearly doubled, as the above chart shows. The cost of auto repair, meanwhile, has tripled.
The man who shot the Slovak prime minister
Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico was shot several times in Handlova on Wednesday. The Slovak Prime Minister was transported by helicopter to the Banská Bystrica hospital in a life-threatening condition but now is expected to survive. The assassin was taken into custody and his identity has since been revealed.
Shooting of Slovak leader heightens war risk
Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico, Europe’s toughest opponent of military backing for Ukraine, was shot multiple times May 15 by an as yet unidentified assailant. He was transported by helicopter to a trauma center at Banska Bystrica, where he is fighting for his life. His condition is not known.
How Trump could push Japan, S Korea to go nuclear
Will a Donald Trump return to the White House lead to a nuclear arms race in Northeast Asia, beginning in South Korea and leading to Japan and even possibly to Taiwan? Of all the consequences of a Trump victory, this is the one that is least discussed openly in Tokyo. But behind closed doors, there is serious talk about this dark future.
Biden, Trump China tariffs draw on old, losing playbook
As Joe Biden throws down the gauntlet in his bid to defeat Donald Trump, the US president risks repeating one of his predecessor’s biggest blunders.