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'Friends to all': US-China influence race a boon for Pacific islands
'Friends to all': US-China influence race a boon for Pacific islands
Business and Economy
by  AFP

When the US secretary of state travels through Papua New Guinea's capital next week to meet the leader of the South Pacific nation, it will be on a six-lane highway built by China. The rivalry between the United States and China has brought them to loggerheads in the Pacific -- and their jostle for influence has been a boon for islands like resource-rich and strategically located Papua New Guinea.

Most Asian markets rally on US debt deal hope
Most Asian markets rally on US debt deal hope
Business and Economy
by  AFP

Most Asian markets built on a global rally Friday as traders grow increasingly hopeful that US lawmakers will hammer out a deal to lift the debt ceiling and avert a calamitous default. Markets expect the bank to stand pat next month, though traders are increasingly worried another increase could be on the cards.

Electric trucks pick up speed despite bumpy road
Electric trucks pick up speed despite bumpy road
Business and Economy
by  AFP

Using a motorised arm, a worker at Volvo's factory near Gothenburg slowly guides massive black blocks alongside a chassis, the three tonnes of batteries soon to power an electric truck. They need charging terminals dozens of times more powerful than those made for electric cars.

Commerce minister to pay rare senior Chinese visit to US
Commerce minister to pay rare senior Chinese visit to US
Business and Economy
by  AFP

China's commerce minister will visit the United States next week, the Chinese embassy announced Thursday, in a rare trip to Washington by a top Beijing official as tensions flare. Minister Wang Wentao will meet Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo and US Trade Representative Katherine Tai in Washington, said Liu Pengyu, spokesman for the Chinese embassy in Washington.