Day: December 6, 2025

China sends seasoned ‘American hand’ to serve as top envoy to Philippines

Media Library

Jing Quan, formerly the second-in-command at the Chinese embassy in Washington, arrived in Manila on Saturday to assume his post as Beijing’s top envoy to the Philippines, pledging to both defend national interests and stabilise bilateral ties. “As the ambassador, I will firmly safeguard China’s national interests and dignity, while also serving as a bridge to ensure China-Philippines relations stabilise rather than deteriorate, and that our peoples draw closer instead of drifting apart,” Jing was quoted as saying upon arrival, according to an embassy social media account. “The task is…

The yen-yield break-up

Media Library

Unlock the Editor’s Digest for free Roula Khalaf, Editor of the FT, selects her favourite stories in this weekly newsletter. This article is an on-site version of our Unhedged: Chart of the Week newsletter. You sign up here to get the newsletter delivered every Saturday, or explore all FT newsletters © Alan Smith and Hakyung Kim Good morning. As a rule, movements in the yen/dollar exchange rate track changes in the interest rate gap between Japan and the US. This follows economic logic: a widening rate differential attracts capital to…

US public backs active role in global affairs, including Taiwan defence: poll

Media Library

The American public still wants the United States to be “engaged and take the lead” in international affairs, with support increasing for military intervention if Taiwan were to be attacked, according to a new survey. This view contrasts with US President Donald Trump’s isolationist bent and pivot towards homeland security, something analysts say could “complicate” decision making in the event of a crisis in the Taiwan Strait. According to an annual survey published on Thursday by the Ronald Reagan Institute, a US non-profit organisation created by the former US president,…