US sanctions could impact Huawei reliability, says tech minister July 6, 2020 Ongoing US sanctions against Huawei could significantly affect the Chinese tech firm’s reliability as a supplier to other countries, culture secretary Oliver Dowden has said. Measures announced by Washington last month prevent Huawei from working with US companies to source parts for its telecoms equipment, which is installed in the UK’s 5G networks. The UK [...]
Asian markets jump as Chinese blue chips hit five-year high July 6, 2020 Asian markets climbed to four-month highs on Monday as investors bet on a revival in Chinese activity to sustain global growth, even as coronavirus cases continued to surge in the US. MSCI’s broadest index of Asia-Pacific shares outside Japan climbed 1.5 per cent to its highest since February, while Chinese blue chip stocks surged 4.7 [...]
Government launches major review into long-term health impacts of coronavirus July 5, 2020 The UK government has launched a major review of the long-term mental and physical health implications of coronavirus. A study of more than 10,000 patients, led by the Leicester Biomedical Research Centre, will assess the impact of coronavirus on patients and how recovery is shaped by individual characteristics such as gender and ethnicity, the Department [...]
Johnson prepares to scrap Huawei from UK 5G network July 5, 2020 Prime Minister Boris Johnson is set to draw up plans this month to start phasing out Huawei from the UK’s 5G infrastructure in a major U-turn following pressure from security agencies. A security review from the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC), a branch of GCHQ, is understood to have revised assurances that risks posed by [...]
Former MI6 chief amps up fears coronavirus came from Wuhan lab July 5, 2020 The former head of the British Secret Intelligence Service (MI6) has fanned fears that the coronavirus pandemic is the result of a Chinese lab leak, after scientists raised fresh questions over the outbreak of Covid-19. Sir Richard Dearlove, who served as chief of MI6 from 1999 to 2004, departed from the prevailing theory that the [...]
HSBC to invest further in China amid row over support for Hong Kong law July 3, 2020 HSBC has announced plans to make new investments in its wealth management and insurance operations in mainland China, after coming under fire for backing the controversial new security law in Hong Kong. The UK-based lender has been criticised by investors and politicians over its support for the new National Security Law in Hong Kong, which [...]
Hong Kong man charged with terrorism in first use of new security law July 3, 2020 A man carrying a sign reading “Liberate Hong Kong” as he drove a motorbike into police at a protest has become the first person charged with inciting separatism and terrorism under a new security law. Beijing imposed the legislation on the former British colony earlier this week despite protests from Hong Kongers and Western nations, [...]
Chinese services sector grew at fastest pace in a decade in June July 3, 2020 China’s services sector expanded at the fastest pace in over a decade in June as the easing of lockdown measures revived consumer demand, although companies continued to cut jobs. The Caixin/Markit services Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) rose to 58.4 — the highest reading since April 2010 and up from May’s 55. Any figure over 50 [...]
Asian stocks climb to four-month high on US jobs data July 3, 2020 Asian stocks rallied to a four-month high today on robust US payrolls data and a brisk pickup in Chinese service sector activity but a surge in coronavirus cases in the US kept a lid on further risk-taking. MSCI’s broadest index of Asia-Pacific shares outside Japan .MIAPJ0000PUS rose 0.5%, reaching their highest level since late February, [...]
China tells UK to stop ‘interfering’ in Hong Kong’s affairs July 2, 2020 China has urged the UK to stop “interfering” in Hong Kong’s affairs, warning that there would be consequences if the British government offers almost 3m citizens visas and a path to citizenship. The Chinese embassy in London said today that it “firmly opposes” Britain’s offer for Hong Kong citizens with British National Overseas passports to [...]