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China new home prices stagnant in July as demand stays weak

China new home prices stagnant in July as demand stays weak

BEIJING, Aug 17 (Reuters) - China's new home prices were stagnant in July, underscoring the challenges for a broad recovery of the housing sector as demand remained subdued.
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China's premier calls for stabilising external demand as growth sputters

China's premier calls for stabilising external demand as growth sputters

BEIJING, Aug 17 (Reuters) - China's Premier Li Qiang on Monday called for efforts to stabilise external demand and expand international trade cooperation, as weak domestic demand weighs on growth and external risks loom.
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Indian Travelers Embrace Micro-cations During Monsoon Season, Driving Growth in Non-Metro Destinations

Indian Travelers Embrace Micro-cations During Monsoon Season, Driving Growth in Non-Metro Destinations

Indian Travelers Embrace Micro-cations During Monsoon Season, Driving Growth in Non-Metro Destinations
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Andorra Diversifies Tourism Beyond Skiing and Shopping to Combat Overtourism Trends

Andorra Diversifies Tourism Beyond Skiing and Shopping to Combat Overtourism Trends

Andorra, a microstate nestled in the Pyrenees between France and Spain, is actively promoting its non-skiing and non-shopping attractions to diversify its tourism offerings. This strategic shift comes as more travelers seek lesser-known destinations to avoid the overtourism prevalent in traditional hotspots. While historically known for its ski resorts and low VAT shopping, Andorra is now highlighting its cultural sites, natural beauty, and outdoor activities beyond the slopes. Examples include Salvador Dalí’s 'La Noblesse du Temps' statue, the Rec del Solà walking route offering city views, the historic Casa de la Vall, and the '7 Poets' sculpture by Jaume Plensa. The country is also emphasizing its spa heritage through initiatives like the Caldes Project, showcasing its natural hot springs. This move aims to attract a broader range of visitors and provide more authentic, low-impact experiences.
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China's recovery sputters as consumption, output lose steam

China's recovery sputters as consumption, output lose steam

BEIJING, Aug 17 (Reuters) - China's economy lost momentum at the start of the second half, with industrial output and retail sales slowing as extreme weather disruptions and persistently weak domestic demand renew pressure on policymakers to step up stimulus.
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Explainer-Trump wants more economic pressure on Iran. What are his options?

Explainer-Trump wants more economic pressure on Iran. What are his options?

By Andrea Shalal WASHINGTON, Aug 16 (Reuters) - U.S. President Donald Trump on Friday vowed to hit Iran hard economically, a day after Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said that Washington would impose measures on Tehran that have "never been seen" as soon as next week.
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Nigeria Aims for Local Cancer Equipment Production by 2030 to Enhance Healthcare

Nigeria Aims for Local Cancer Equipment Production by 2030 to Enhance Healthcare

Dr. Iziaq Salako, the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, announced Nigeria's ambition to achieve local production of radiotherapy and imaging equipment by 2030. This strategic goal is part of a broader effort to strengthen cancer care within the country. The announcement followed the Link Global Summit on Innovation and Practice in Oncology held in Beijing, China, where discussions focused on improving cancer outcomes across Africa and globally. Salako emphasized that Nigeria is actively seeking stronger international partnerships to translate oncology innovations into practical solutions accessible to more patients. The initiative includes plans for technology transfer, as well as the local assembly and servicing of essential cancer treatment equipment. The Federal Government is supporting these efforts through zero-duty and zero-VAT incentives for health manufacturing, aiming to build domestic capacity in the healthcare sector. Additionally, Nigeria is advocating for joint clinical trials a...
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The Hidden Detail Behind China's e-CNY (Digital Yuan)

The Hidden Detail Behind China's e-CNY (Digital Yuan)

Beyond a simple replacement for cash, China's digital yuan contains a hidden feature that could redefine the relationship between money, citizens, and the state.
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President Trump's Strait of Hormuz Comments Spark International Concern Amidst Iran Operations and Sanctions

President Trump's Strait of Hormuz Comments Spark International Concern Amidst Iran Operations and Sanctions

President Trump recently made statements suggesting his intention to declare the Strait of Hormuz U.S. territory following the conclusion of ongoing U.S. and Israeli combat operations against Iran, which began in February. President Trump was quoted saying, "After we finish defeating Iran, which is being very badly defeated — pretty soon I’ll be declaring the Hormuz Strait a territory of the United States." Although the White House later indicated these comments were made in jest, the statement has drawn significant attention due to its potential implications for international law and U.S. foreign policy. These remarks come as the U.S. government continues to exert pressure on adversaries, with the recently renamed Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026 providing additional tools to increase pressure on Russia regarding the war in Ukraine. The act aims to impact Russia's wartime economy and its sources of foreign income, restoring Congress's role in this policy area.
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US State Department Pressures Allies to Choose Sides in AI Race Against China

US State Department Pressures Allies to Choose Sides in AI Race Against China

The United States is preparing to issue a directive to several countries, urging them to align exclusively with either a US-led artificial intelligence coalition or China's competing framework. According to a US official and an internal draft reviewed by Reuters, countries that join Beijing's initiative will be excluded from the US-led AI coalition. This move is part of Washington's broader strategy to secure supply chains for AI models, semiconductors, and critical minerals, an effort initiated last year with the launch of the Pax Silica initiative. The draft letter, prepared by the State Department, is addressed to the 35 signatories of a US 'AI Opportunity Statement' and emphasizes that participation in the Pax Silica Declaration is a commitment that cannot be held alongside membership in 'duplicative initiatives whose expectations conflict with our own.' The US aims to prevent countries from simultaneously engaging with both frameworks, particularly after Kazakhstan, a key source of critical minerals, ...
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Xi calls for improving disaster prevention as floods, landslides batter China

Xi calls for improving disaster prevention as floods, landslides batter China

BEIJING, Aug 15 (Reuters) - Chinese President Xi Jinping called for improving the country's ability to prevent, mitigate and respond to natural disasters, after a string of deadly floods and landslides this summer.
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The latest ultra-luxury train will journey through China

The latest ultra-luxury train will journey through China

Spanning five natural time zones and over 3.7 million square miles, China is either the third or fourth-largest country in the world by geographical size depending on how water boundaries are calculated. While in the past it has also been one of the world's most closed-off nations to foreign ...