In a high-security Shenzhen laboratory, Chinese scientists have built what Washington has spent years trying to prevent: a prototype of a machine capable of producing the cutting-edge semiconductor chips that power artificial intelligence, smartphones and weapons central to Western military dominance.

President Donald Trump's administration warned on Tuesday the United States could impose fees or restrictions on European service providers in response to what it called “discriminatory” actions against US firms.

In a light-filled workshop in eastern China, a robotic arm moved a partially assembled autonomous vehicle as workers calibrated its cameras, typical of the incremental automation being adopted even across smaller factories in the world's manufacturing powerhouse.

The $120-million effort will link northern and southern Papua New Guinea and the Bougainville autonomous region with high-capacity cables, Peter Tsiamalili, PNG's acting minister for information and communications technology, said on Friday.

Domestic players must adapt agilely and effectively to a noticeable shift in segment-specific consumer behavior amid weaker purchasing power, whether to more affordable products or reduced spending, including strategic marketing that takes a balanced approach to incorporating both online and offline channels.

As a 34-year-old based in Jakarta, Rosa “Ocha” Wardani is all too familiar with how the local society treats someone referred to as plus-size. After having her third child in 2018, she was well aware of how her weight could not seem to go down, adding that she puts on an extra 10 kg every time she’s carrying a child.

GSM, officially known as Green and Smart Mobility JSC, is targeting a valuation of US$2 billion to $3 billion in the initial public offering that could take place in late 2026 to early 2027, two sources said.

China's foreign ministry announced sanctions on Friday targeting 10 individuals and 20 US defense firms, including Boeing's St. Louis branch, over arms sales to Taiwan.

Precious metals extended losses Tuesday on profit-taking after hitting recent records, while equities fluctuated in quiet trade as investors wound down ahead of the New Year break.

Asian stocks were at six-week highs on Monday, while the dollar hovered near its lowest in almost three months on expectations of the Federal Reserve cutting interest rates next year, which have also sparked a fierce rally in precious metals.

Major US stock indices finished at fresh records Wednesday following a shortened pre-holiday session while gold and silver prices also struck fresh highs.

Asian markets went into the Christmas break Wednesday on a mixed note as investors struggled to track a record day on Wall Street fueled by forecast-topping US economic data.