China

China is conducting exercises in the South China Sea despite US talks

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Chinese air and naval forces are conducting exercises in a disputed area in the South China Sea, the military said, hours after the country's top diplomat discussed ways to ease regional tensions with his U.S. counterpart. The news comes after Australia and the Philippines announced their armed forces would conduct a joint maritime activity with … Read more

Mineral Resources and Pilbara Minerals are rising rapidly among lithium stocks after China closes a huge mine

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After months of misery, shareholders of publicly traded lithium mining companies reported billions of dollars in profits on Wednesday. In morning trade, share prices of WA spodumene concentrate producers rose sharply – Mineral Resources up 17.2 percent, Pilbara Minerals up 12.7 percent, IGO up 12.3 percent and Liontown Resources up 11.5 percent – after suffering … Read more

The Australian stock market hits a two-week high on Monday, but the China problem looms

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It was positive rather than gloomy financial results that drove the Australian stock market into positive territory, even though there are serious concerns about the price of iron ore. Jim Chalmers raised the alarm that there would be a $3 billion hole in the state's coffers if the price of ore remained below the Treasury … Read more

Kiribati votes while relations with China and the cost of living play a major role

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In Kiribati, people have gone to the polls for the first round of national elections, which are intended to serve as a referendum on the rising cost of living and the government's stronger ties with China. A run-off election is scheduled for August 19 for all parliamentary seats that were not awarded by a majority … Read more