Xi Jinping's trip to Europe to center on trade as challenges 'pile up'
PARIS -- Chinese President Xi Jinping is set to embark on his first European diplomatic tour in five years, starting in France before traveling on to Serbia and Hungary.
Nikkei staff writer in asian news
Apple CEO calls China 'the most competitive market in the world' as iPhone sales drop
PALO ALTO, California -- Apple CEO Tim Cook called China "the most competitive market in the world" as the tech company reported lackluster quarterly results Thursday due to weakening demand in the world's second-largest economy and stiff competition from Huawei Technologies.
Taiwan chipmaker PSMC opens plant with eye on AI semiconductors
MIAOLI, Taiwan -- Powerchip Semiconductor Manufacturing Corp. (PSMC) on Thursday opened a facility in northwestern Taiwan producing chips for a wide range of applications, including artificial intelligence.
U.S., Australia, Japan, Philippines eye more maritime exercises
SYDNEY -- The defense chiefs of the U.S, Japan, Australia and the Philippines say they will hold more maritime military drills as they look to boost cooperation as part of efforts to ensure a "free and open Indo-Pacific."
Japan eyes high-level talks on U.S. nuclear umbrella: defense minister
TOKYO -- Japan will seek to establish a cabinet-level dialogue with the U.S. on extended deterrence as early as this year, Defense Minister Minoru Kihara says, as the allies respond to the growing nuclear capabilities of China and North Korea.
Southeast Asia's startup fundraising lowest in over 5 years
SINGAPORE -- Southeast Asian startup fundraising dropped to its lowest level in more than five years in January to March, according to a recent industry report, reflecting the prolonged funding slowdown in the region since the end of the COVID-19 pandemic, with little sign of recovery.
Indian spice makers under heat in Asia for alleged contamination
BENGALURU -- India's packaged spice manufacturers MDH and Everest are under regulatory scrutiny in several countries after their products were allegedly found to contain carcinogenic elements, barely a year after cough syrups made in the South Asian nation were linked to the deaths of over 140 children in Africa.
Solomon Islands lawmakers pick pro-China Jeremiah Manele as PM
SYDNEY -- Jeremiah Manele, who most recently served as foreign minister of the Solomon Islands and who backs close ties with China, was sworn in as prime minister on Thursday after winning a vote by lawmakers that was closely watched by Australia, China and the U.S.