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China's leaders to chart economic plans for 2025: report
China's leaders to chart economic plans for 2025: report
by  AFP

China's leadership will gather Wednesday to hammer out plans to boost the economy next year, reports said, as they look to address weak domestic demand and the possibility of a deepening trade war with the United States. Beijing is also strapping in for four more years of tensions with the United States under President-elect Donald Trump, who has promised to impose stinging tariffs on China.

Asian markets mixed ahead of US inflation data, eyes on China
Asian markets mixed ahead of US inflation data, eyes on China
by  AFP

Markets diverged on Wednesday ahead of US inflation data that could play a key role in the Federal Reserve's interest rate decision next week, while traders were also keeping tabs on Beijing hoping for more economic support measures.

Ecuadoran workers accuse 'monster' Japanese company of exploitation
Ecuadoran workers accuse 'monster' Japanese company of exploitation
by  AFP

Ex-employees of a Japanese textile company in Ecuador told Tuesday of their dire living and working conditions, after the country's constitutional court ruled the firm kept its staff in a slave-like setting. "A friend was cut, we were working in a downpour.

Nippon Steel slams 'inappropriate' politics in US deal
Nippon Steel slams 'inappropriate' politics in US deal
by  AFP

Nippon Steel on Wednesday slammed the "inappropriate" role of politics after Bloomberg News reported that President Joe Biden would block its planned takeover of US Steel. But Biden has previously expressed opposition to the takeover, which President-elect Donald Trump -- who will be inaugurated on January 20 -- has also said he would block.

US courts block Kroger's $25 bn supermarket mega-merger
US courts block Kroger's $25 bn supermarket mega-merger
by  AFP

Two US courts ruled against supermarket giant Kroger's planned $24.6 billion acquisition of rival chain Albertsons on Tuesday, dealing an existential threat to the merger in a win for the Federal Trade Commission, which had argued the deal would harm consumers.

GM abandons robotaxi operations derailed by accident
GM abandons robotaxi operations derailed by accident
by  AFP

US auto giant General Motors announced Tuesday it will abandon its robotaxi development efforts after a highly publicized incident last year stymied its progress in the autonomous vehicle field. The auto giant said that the restructuring is expected to generate annual savings exceeding $1 billion once completed in the first half of 2025.