World

Chinese investors are grilling listed companies with European exposure after the Dutch government seized management control of Nexperia from its Chinese owner Wingtech Technology, in a sign that public trust in European business ties is being undermined. At least seven companies listed in Shanghai and Shenzhen have been publicly asked by investors about risks stemming from their investments and operations …

The shift is largely attributable to the tariffs enacted by President Donald Trump, which have weighed on German exports China has overtaken the US as Germany’s leading trading partner in the first eight months of 2025, Reuters reported on Wednesday, citing preliminary data from the German statistics office.  The shift comes as Washington has imposed significant tariffs on goods from …

A 93-year-old Hong Kong plastic surgeon unlawfully killed a top banker by gross negligence during a botched Botox injection seven years ago, a jury has found. A seven-member High Court jury on Thursday reached a unanimous decision that found Dr Franklin Li Wang-pong had committed all the acts alleged in the original manslaughter charge before he was declared unfit to …

Three prison inmates have been arrested following “threats to kill” former French president Nicolas Sarkozy. The men, who have not been named, are fellow prisoners of the 70-year-old in La Santé, a jail in Paris. Police swooped into their cells following the appearance of a video on social media in which the former head of state was subjected to disturbing …

The Dutch authorities took control of semiconductor producer Nexperia in September under pressure from the US Germany’s largest carmaker, Volkswagen, could stop production at a key plant due to a shortage of semiconductors caused by the seizure of a Chinese-owned chipmaker by the Netherlands, Bild has reported, citing anonymous sources. The Dutch government took control of the Nexperia factory in …

Over half a century later, the chilling fear induced by what are often dubbed ‘the scariest horror films of all time’ still lingers with viewers. The Exorcist, with its terrifying narrative and “brilliant” performances, tops the list on both IMDb and Rotten Tomatoes as the most frightening film ever made. Written by William Peter Blatty and brought to life by …

Hong Kong’s leader has called on the public and private sectors to encourage employees to vote in the coming Legislative Council election, describing it as their social responsibility. At the ceremony to launch the election on Thursday, Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu urged both public institutions and businesses to encourage employees to take part in the poll, emphasising that voting …

The bloc is buying overpriced American LNG while turning away from cheaper Russian supply, harming its own economy, Vyacheslav Volodin has said The EU is paying exorbitant prices for US liquefied natural gas (LNG) while rejecting more affordable Russian supplies, Russia’s State Duma Speaker Vyacheslav Volodin has said, arguing the policy is damaging the bloc’s economy. Speaking at a parliamentary …

President Donald Trump has unleashed a barrage of major new sanctions on Russia, signaling his growing frustration with the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. The move comes after the cancellation of a highly anticipated meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin, as the White House loses patience with the Kremlin’s lack of commitment to peace. The sweeping sanctions take direct aim at …

A Chinese national who United States authorities accuse of trafficking large quantities of cocaine and fentanyl into the US before being arrested and then escaping custody in Mexico was recaptured in Cuba, Mexican authorities said Wednesday. Zhi Dong Zhang, alias “Brother Wang”, was indicted in federal court in Atlanta in 2022 on drug trafficking and money laundering charges. Mexican authorities …