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China’s new ambassador to Australia, Liu Jinsong, has urged Canberra to respect Beijing’s “core interests and major concerns” as he begins his posting. Liu, a veteran diplomat, said the two countries had no fundamental conflicts of interest, despite strained ties over security and regional military activity.
The Trump administration unveiled 'Operation Economic Outcast,' a sweeping expansion of secondary sanctions targeting Iran's financial lifelines, as Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent described an 'economic D-Day.' President Trump declared Iran 'completely collapsing,' while Tehran dismissed the measures as a sign of American desperation.
India is set to launch its first tokenised corporate bond issue next month, with state-owned REC issuing notes worth less than $57 million in a pilot using blockchain and the central bank digital currency. The offering, expected to debut at a Mumbai fintech event, will be limited to select investors and marks India's entry into blockchain-based bond settlement alongside Europe and Hong Kong.
According to the Henley Passport Index, South African passport holders can travel to 101 destinations without a prior visa. The ranking places the country 50th or 96th globally, depending on the report, with regional highlights across Africa, Asia, the Americas, and the Caribbean.
US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced an expansion of sanctions against Iran, calling it 'an economic D-Day' and warning countries to sever financial ties with Tehran or face retaliation. The announcement came as Iran's currency hit a record low, with food prices soaring and the IMF forecasting a sharp GDP contraction.
Pakistan wicketkeeper-batter Najiha Alvi has been ruled out of the ACC Women's T20 Asia Cup with a left knee injury, with Sadaf Shamas named as her replacement. The PCB confirmed the injury and said rehabilitation is expected to last up to four weeks. The tournament begins in Dubai on August 28.
Namibia have named an experienced squad for a home T20I tri-series against South Africa and Zimbabwe later this week, with Gerhard Erasmus to lead the side. The series in Windhoek precedes three ODIs against South Africa, seen as preparation for the 2027 ODI World Cup.
Fast-fashion retailer Shein is set to debut on the Hong Kong stock exchange in September, aiming for a valuation of up to $27 billion. The IPO, which could raise around $1.8 billion, follows failed attempts to list in New York and London amid regulatory scrutiny.
Sailesh Rathnakumar's debut film 'Selvi' will have its world premiere in the Vision – Asia section of the 31st Busan International Film Festival, set to begin October 6. The film, which stars and is produced by National Award-winning actress Anjali Patil, explores the world of home-care workers.
Taiwanese prosecutors on Monday indicted nine people, including an Nvidia manager and two Super Micro employees, for allegedly exporting high-end AI servers to China in violation of US export controls. The charges include breach of trust and document forgery, with authorities saying 74 servers reached China before 56 were blocked. Both companies said they are cooperating with authorities.
Asian shares mostly declined at the start of a week dominated by bond-market pressure, Iran sanctions, and the Jackson Hole symposium. US futures were lower, while oil slipped. Reports varied on index levels, but the 10-year Treasury yield eased from recent highs after the Treasury's surprise buyback increase.
India accounted for over 70% of office leasing across 11 major Asia-Pacific markets in the first half of 2026, according to a Colliers report. The report also highlighted that India, along with Mainland China and Japan, drove more than 95% of regional uptake, while new supply declined sharply.
Priority Jewels has announced a price band of ₹190–₹200 per share for its upcoming IPO, which opens on August 28 and closes on September 1. The fresh issue of up to 45.75 lakh shares aims to raise ₹91.50 crore, with proceeds earmarked for debt repayment and general corporate purposes.
Alibaba Group Holding has raised HK$80 billion (US$10.2 billion) through a new share placement priced at HK$112.70 per share, an 8.4% discount to Friday's close. The offering, aimed at funding AI development, drew strong demand but sent shares down as much as 10% in early Hong Kong trade.
US authorities are reviewing Shein Global Holdings' acquisition of Everlane, a deal completed in May for $80 million, focusing on potential risks to Americans' personal data. The review was voluntarily initiated by Shein after the transaction closed, a rare move. This adds to regulatory challenges for Shein, including a Texas lawsuit and an FTC investigation.
Hong Kong actress Cecilia Cheung celebrated her 46th birthday by gifting 46 fans round-trip flights and Disneyland tickets, later joining them at the park and covering some expenses. Social media footage showed her shielding children from the heat, prompting netizens to praise her humility and kindness.
Fast-fashion retailer Shein is set to debut on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange on September 1, aiming to raise up to HK$13.86 billion in a listing that values the company at close to $27 billion—a significant drop from its private market peak. The IPO follows Beijing's approval and comes amid regulatory scrutiny, tariff pressures, and competition, with proceeds earmarked for technology and international expansion.
Fast-fashion retailer Shein launches its Hong Kong IPO, aiming to raise up to HK$13.86 billion and achieve a valuation of up to $US27 billion, a sharp decline from earlier private rounds. The company faces slowing growth and a recent quarterly loss amid rising trade costs and regulatory scrutiny.
Michael Burry has sold his Alibaba stake, moving funds into JD.com, and says he won't buy back unless the stock falls by half. His comments follow Alibaba's plan to raise $10.2 billion via a share sale to fund AI investments, a move he criticizes as dilutive.
According to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, early testers of Apple's first foldable iPhone, expected to be called the iPhone Ultra, are impressed by its pocket-friendly design, hinge durability, and iPad-like app layouts. However, the device reportedly lacks a telephoto camera and replaces Face ID with Touch ID, features that could be sticking points given its expected price above $2,000 and launch around September 9.