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BYD has launched its Qin L EV sedan, priced significantly lower than Tesla's Model 3. Despite strong earnings, BYD's shares fell 3.2% as competition intensifies in the EV market, particularly from local manufacturers. Tesla's sales have also declined, prompting a strategic response from the company.
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China's DeepSeek AI technology is rapidly transforming various sectors, from legal judgments to healthcare. Its endorsement by the government reflects a strategic push for technological advancement, positioning China as a competitor to the U.S. in AI. However, questions remain about the effectiveness and scalability of DeepSeek's applications amid rising demand.
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Deliveroo announced it will cease operations in Hong Kong on April 7, 2025, citing financial losses and intense competition, particularly from rival Keeta. This decision follows Uber Eats' exit in 2021 and reflects ongoing challenges in the city's food delivery sector amid changing consumer habits.
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The Alaska Gasline Development Corporation is promoting a $44 billion pipeline project to export liquefied natural gas (LNG) to Japan, South Korea, and Taiwan. Recent discussions highlight Japan's interest in U.S. LNG, with potential shipments beginning by 2030.
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On April 9, 2025, a 5.8 magnitude earthquake struck near Yilan, Taiwan, shaking buildings in Taipei. The quake, measured at a depth of 72.4 km, caused no reported damage. Taiwan is located near tectonic plate boundaries, making it prone to seismic activity.
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China has intensified military drills near Taiwan, with 59 warplanes and nine vessels detected in the area. The Taiwanese Defense Ministry reported that 43 aircraft crossed the median line of the Taiwan Strait. This escalation follows recent statements from Taiwan's leadership and is seen as a warning against external support for Taiwan's independence.
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Recent developments reveal China's military strategy regarding Taiwan, highlighted by the unveiling of Shuqiao barges designed for amphibious assaults. Concurrently, Cambodia prepares to host Japan's first foreign warship at the Ream Naval Base, signaling a shift in regional military dynamics.
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On March 22, 2025, Japan, China, and South Korea's foreign ministers met in Tokyo for trilateral talks, the first since 2023. They discussed cooperation in light of rising regional tensions, focusing on North Korea's nuclear threat, economic integration, and plans for a summit later this year. Japan's missile deployment plans were also a key topic.
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The US State Department has approved a $100 million sale of Advanced Precision Kill Weapon Systems (APKWS) to Saudi Arabia. This decision coincides with ongoing US military strikes against Houthi targets in Yemen, marking a significant escalation in the conflict since President Trump took office again in January 2025.
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Restorers at Beijing's Forbidden City are using advanced techniques to preserve over 1.8 million artifacts. Their work includes analyzing a discolored roof tile and restoring textiles, ensuring the cultural heritage of China's imperial past is maintained for future generations.
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As President Trump's 'Liberation Day' on April 2 approaches, U.S. markets are experiencing volatility amid uncertainty over upcoming tariffs. While some reports suggest more targeted tariffs than initially expected, concerns about consumer confidence and economic impact persist, leading to mixed reactions in stock performance across major indices.
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Li Yanhe, a Taiwanese publisher, has been sentenced to three years in prison by a Chinese court for inciting separatism. His case highlights the risks faced by those publishing critical works about the Chinese government, even from abroad. Liu Zhenya, a Taiwanese citizen, was also ordered to leave Taiwan for pro-China statements.
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China has initiated extensive military exercises around Taiwan, simulating attacks on key infrastructure. The drills, labeled 'Strait Thunder-2025A', involve live-fire operations and are seen as a direct response to Taiwan's leadership. The U.S. has condemned these actions, citing threats to regional security.
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At the North Pacific Fisheries Commission meeting, a 10% reduction in the saury catch quota was agreed upon, reflecting concerns over overfishing and environmental changes. The 2025 quota is set at 121,500 tons, down from 135,000 tons in 2024. Japan's Fisheries Agency criticized the decision as insufficient.
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Taiwan's Investigation Bureau has launched a probe into SMIC for allegedly setting up a branch in Taiwan under false pretenses to recruit local engineers. This follows China's intensified efforts to secure semiconductor talent amid ongoing technology restrictions.
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Japan is intensifying its defense collaboration with the US amid rising security concerns from China and North Korea. Recent discussions highlight joint military capabilities, including missile production, as Tokyo seeks to bolster its national security strategy in response to regional threats.
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Japan's Rapidus plans to mass produce 2-nanometer semiconductors by 2027, backed by ¥1.72 trillion ($11.5 billion) in government support. The initiative aims to reduce reliance on Taiwan's TSMC amid geopolitical tensions. However, analysts express skepticism about the ambitious timeline.
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On April 3, 2025, President Trump announced a significant tariff plan dubbed 'Liberation Day,' targeting multiple countries with rates as high as 34%. The plan aims to boost U.S. manufacturing but raises concerns about inflation and trade tensions. Key sectors, including oil and automobiles, could face price increases as a result of these tariffs.
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In a significant electoral outcome, Wisconsin voters elected liberal judge Susan Crawford to the state Supreme Court, defeating Trump-backed candidate Brad Schimel by over 200,000 votes. This election, marked by unprecedented spending, is seen as a referendum on Trump's influence and could reshape congressional redistricting ahead of the 2026 midterms.
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On April 10, 2025, global stock markets showed volatility following President Trump's recent tariff announcements. While Asian markets experienced gains due to a temporary reprieve from tariffs, concerns about escalating trade tensions with China remain. The S&P 500 saw significant fluctuations, reflecting investor anxiety over potential recession risks.
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China's military has launched extensive live-fire drills around Taiwan, simulating attacks on key infrastructure. The exercises, part of 'Strait Thunder-2025A', have drawn sharp criticism from the U.S. and heightened tensions in the region. Taiwan's military is closely monitoring the situation amid increased Chinese military activity.
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On April 10, 2025, President Trump announced a 90-day pause on most tariffs while increasing duties on Chinese imports to 125%. This decision follows significant market declines, with Asian stock indices rebounding as investors react to the news. The pause aims to stabilize markets amid ongoing trade tensions with China.
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On April 3-4, 2025, U.S. and Chinese military officials held maritime safety consultations in Shanghai, focusing on reducing unsafe military actions. The discussions come amid heightened tensions over Taiwan and U.S. military activities in the region, with both sides emphasizing the need for improved communication.
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As of April 6, 2025, President Trump's 10% tariff on imports has taken effect, marking a significant shift in U.S. trade policy. This unilateral move has triggered global market reactions, with countries like China and the EU facing steep tariffs. The economic implications are profound, affecting stock markets and international relations.
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On April 4, 2025, a significant drop in global stock markets resulted in a $208 billion loss for the wealthiest tech billionaires, including Mark Zuckerberg, Jeff Bezos, and Elon Musk. This decline reflects ongoing market volatility exacerbated by tariff policies and investor sentiment.
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On April 9, 2025, President Trump announced a 90-day pause on most country-specific tariffs while raising tariffs on Chinese imports to 125%. This decision follows significant market volatility, prompting negotiations with over 50 nations. The move aims to stabilize the economy amid fears of a global trade war.
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On April 3, 2025, global markets reacted negatively to President Trump's announcement of new tariffs, particularly affecting UK exports. The FTSE 100 index fell by 1.2%, while gold prices surged. Concerns about inflation and potential interest rate cuts by the Bank of England emerged as key issues for investors.
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NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte emphasized the urgent need for enhanced military cooperation between NATO and Japan during his visit to Tokyo. He highlighted the growing military threats from China and Russia, urging both parties to bolster their defense capabilities in response to deteriorating global security conditions.
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Nvidia's H20 AI chip, crucial for China's DeepSeek, was spared from U.S. export restrictions after a commitment to invest in U.S. AI infrastructure. This decision raises questions about U.S. dominance in AI amid ongoing tensions over technology exports to China.
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Foxconn, known for its contract manufacturing, is seeking to enhance its presence in the electric vehicle (EV) sector. Jun Seki, the company's chief strategy officer for EVs, emphasizes the importance of compatibility with Japanese automakers, particularly Nissan, to boost its profile in the automotive industry.
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Adm. Samuel Paparo, head of U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, testified that military support from China and North Korea to Russia poses a security risk in the Pacific. He highlighted China's significant contributions to Russia's military capabilities and North Korea's artillery support, raising concerns about regional stability and U.S. military presence in South Korea.
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A jawbone found in Taiwan may belong to Denisovans, an ancient human group. This discovery expands the known range of Denisovans, previously limited to Siberia and Tibet. Researchers extracted protein sequences from the fossil, suggesting a connection to Denisovans, though further confirmation is needed.
