Day: January 13, 2026

How a snap election in Japan could put Sanae Takaichi in a stronger position with China

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Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi is said to be weighing up an early election, a move that could put her in a stronger position with both China and the United States if she secures a decisive win, according to observers. But a diplomatic thaw between Japan and China is not expected any time soon. Advertisement Citing government sources, the Yomiuri Shinbun reported on Friday that Takaichi was looking at calling an election on February 8 or 15. On Saturday, Kyodo News reported that Takaichi told an official with the ruling…

‘Takaichi trade’ roars back in Japan on election speculation

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Unlock the Editor’s Digest for free Roula Khalaf, Editor of the FT, selects her favourite stories in this weekly newsletter. Japanese stocks surged to an all-time high and the yen tumbled to a 19-month low as markets bet that a possible snap election next month would reignite the “Takaichi trade”. The Nikkei 225 stock index rose as much as 3.6 per cent on Tuesday while the yen weakened to ¥158.88 against the dollar, its lowest rate since July 2024 and close to levels at which Japan’s finance ministry has previously…

China’s central bank sets onshore yuan fixing at strongest point in nearly 16 months

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China’s central bank strengthened the yuan’s daily fixing for a third consecutive session to a nearly 16-month high, as the currency also held firm in offshore markets despite recent US dollar strength. On Tuesday, the People’s Bank of China set the yuan’s midpoint rate, also known as the daily fixing rate, at 7.0103 to the US dollar – the strongest showing since the end of September 2024, when the rate was set at 7.0074. That official midpoint rate, however, was still weaker than that of the offshore yuan, which was…

Top US commander says China still exerting military pressure in Asia

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Unlock the White House Watch newsletter for free Your guide to what Trump’s second term means for Washington, business and the world The top American military commander in the Asia-Pacific region said Beijing was continuing to put military pressure on countries despite the recent stability in US-China political relations. Speaking at the Honolulu Defense Forum, Admiral Samuel Paparo, head of US Indo-Pacific Command, said the Chinese military had been acting assertively towards countries across south-east Asia. US-China relations have stabilised since President Donald Trump and President Xi Jinping held a…

Local brands weaken European luxury groups’ grip in US and China

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On a bitterly cold evening in Beijing, many of the western luxury boutiques at the high-end WF Central mall are almost empty. But at Chinese jeweller Laopu Gold, half a dozen customers try on necklaces and rings as keen sales associates hover. “Some brands are very special, like Louis Vuitton and Chanel,” said Linda, a 41-year-old Beijinger browsing in the store. However, she added, China now had some “very good” local brands that were catching her attention. “They fit my taste, and they are a bit less expensive.” Since listing…