AFP
13876 articles published since 08 Mar 2022
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China exports, imports fall again in August but pace slows
China's exports and imports sank again in August, data showed Thursday, adding to growing pressure on authorities to introduce fresh stimulus for the world's number two economy even as the figures showed some sign of improvement. Authorities have come under increasing pressure to introduce fresh support after months of debilitating data.
Fake experts drive disinformation before Bangladesh polls
Hundreds of articles praising Bangladeshi government policies apparently by independent experts have appeared in national and international media but the authors have questionable credentials, fake photos, and may not even exist, an AFP investigation has found.
Biden bars drilling over vast swath of Alaska
US President Joe Biden's administration announced Wednesday it is banning new oil and gas drilling over a vast region of Alaska home to iconic animal species.
Tencent claims new AI chat bot skills comparable to ChatGPT
Chinese tech giant Tencent on Thursday claimed its new chatbot had some capabilities on par with top US rival ChatGPT, as the global artificial intelligence race heats up. Chinese tech giants have joined the global rush to develop rival software, with e-commerce stalwarts Alibaba and JD.com also announcing similar projects.
Why China's response to economic challenges is not working
Data from China on Thursday showing falling exports fanned more fears about a slowdown in the world's second-biggest economy, which has struggled with its post-Covid recovery. And a post-Covid rally has since completely run out of steam.
Asian markets retreat further as US data fans rate hike fears
Asian investors took fright Thursday at a forecast-busting reading on the US services sector that revived speculation the Federal Reserve could lift interest rates again, compounding a spike in oil prices that has fanned fresh inflation fears.
Labour, infrastructure issues hold back surging Vietnam investment
President Joe Biden visits Hanoi Sunday to boost economic ties as Washington looks to move away from over-reliance on China, but a lack of highly skilled labour and infrastructure weaknesses mean Vietnam may struggle to replace its neighbour.
New York City cracks down on Airbnb, other short-term rentals
If you've been trying to book an apartment for a short vacation in New York in recent weeks, you may have been surprised at how little is available on platforms like Airbnb or VRBO. A city law went into effect this week that bans rentals for less than 30 days, leaving a good part of the 36,000 short-term tourist apartments in the city out of the rental game.
Self-driving car revolution is coming, but slowly
In Munich, where this week's IAA motor show is taking place, an interactive street survey elicits an overwhelming "yes" when asking passers-by if they would take a self-driving taxi from the station to the Oktoberfest beer festival.
AFP
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