China labels US concerns over COVID regulations ‘groundless accusations’
SHANGHAI — China’s foreign ministry expressed “strong dissatisfaction” with the United States late on Saturday after it raised concerns over China’s coronavirus control measures.
Bitcoin extravaganza is ‘all about eye-catching’ after 2 pandemic years
A PULSATING beat was one of the constants at last week’s Bitcoin 2022 conference in Miami. That along with unlimited parties and testimonials about the life-changing powers of the cryptocurrency.
Crypto and gaming collide in high-risk ‘play-to-earn’ economies
Jarindr Thitadilaka says he made as much as $2,000 a month last year from his collection of digital pets, which he would breed and...
As G20 chair, coal-heavy Indonesia sends mixed signals on green transition
Indonesia is using its stint as president of the Group of 20 (G20) to push for more international funding for the green energy transition...
China uses AI software to improve its surveillance capabilities
BEIJING — Dozens of Chinese firms have built software that uses artificial intelligence (AI) to sort data collected on residents, amid high demand from...
UN suspends Russia from human rights body, Moscow then quits
UNITED NATIONS — The United Nations (UN) General Assembly on Thursday suspended Russia from the UN Human Rights Council over reports of “gross and...
Worker shortages, seasonal factors change push US weekly jobless claims back to 53-year lows
WASHINGTON — The number of Americans filing new claims for unemployment benefits fell last week, indicating a further tightening of labor market conditions heading...
Ukraine to press for full energy embargo on Russia
BRUSSELS — Ukraine will keep up demands for an oil and gas embargo on Russia after its invasion of the country, the Ukrainian foreign minister said on Thursday, as the European Union (EU) promised a fifth round of sanctions by Friday.
Easy Russia sanctions exhausted, US and allies face economic bite
WASHINGTON — As the world’s wealthy democratic powers roll out new sanctions against Russia in response to horrifying images of executed Ukrainians in the city of Bucha, it has become clear that the easiest options are now exhausted and stark differences have emerged among allies over next steps.
Hong Kong falls ‘off the map’ as aviation hub amid travel curbs
HONG KONG has ceased to function as an international aviation hub as it curbs inbound flights and quarantines arriving passengers, according to a trade group representing hundreds of airlines worldwide.
No evidence to support widespread use of fourth COVID shot — EU agencies
EU HEALTH AGENCIES said on Wednesday there was no evidence to support the use of a fourth dose of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccines developed by Pfizer and Moderna in the general population, but they recommend a second booster for people aged 80 and above.
Yellen says Russia should be expelled from G20, US may boycott some meetings
US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen said on Wednesday that Russia should be expelled from the Group of 20 (G20) major economies forum, and the United States will boycott “a number of G20 meetings” if Russian officials show up.