China’s ChiNext Index up 3.5% to highest level since 2015 as semiconductor rally broadens
Markets

China’s ChiNext Index up 3.5% to highest level since 2015 as semiconductor rally broadens

Tech-heavy index breaches the 3,900-point mark amid strong signals from Beijing that it is committed to chip self-sufficiency China’s tech-heavy ChiNext Index rose about 3.5 per cent to its highest level in nearly 11 years, breaching the 3,900-point mark, as a broadening semiconductor rally, Beijing’s push for technological self-sufficiency and easing US-China trade tensions lifted investor appetite for growth stocks. The gauge climbed to 3,928.97 on Monday, the strongest level since it closed at 3,899.71 on June 12, 2015. This came as Hong Kong chip stocks extended their rally on Monday morning, riding a global semiconductor wave after Wall Street’s Philadelphia Semiconductor Index surged last week, and continued momentum in China’s home-grown AI chip sector kept sentiment buoyant. Suzhou Novosense Microelectronics led the pack with a 15.47 per cent jump to HK$196.3. Montage Technology increased 11.45 per cent to HK$418.6. Fortior Technology (Shenzhen) gained 10.37 per cent to HK$166. Meanwhile, GigaDevice Semiconductor Inc rose 7.96 per cent to HK$529, Semiconductor Manufacturing International Corp added 4.43 per cent and Hua Hong Semiconductor climbed 2.45 per cent.

A big step forward for optical core of China’s Taiji gravitational wave project
Industry

A big step forward for optical core of China’s Taiji gravitational wave project

A detector that will form part of a 3 million km-long triangular ruler has passed ground tests Now, Chinese scientists have made a step forward in turning that idea into hardware – only in reverse. Science and Technology Daily reported on Saturday that a team from the Institute of Mechanics at the Chinese Academy of Sciences had developed the optical core of a giant space detector to listen to the universe. The detector is part of a space-based gravitational wave project called Taiji that is designed to pick up gravitational waves rippling through the fabric of space and time. “The ground tests [of the optical core] were a success, and all the key numbers met the strict demands of the mission. That means that the core measurement system of Taiji has officially moved from [theory] to real hardware,” the report said.

Japan pushes for South American economic pact, eyeing energy resources
Economy

Japan pushes for South American economic pact, eyeing energy resources

Tokyo aims to kick off Mercosur talks by summer, Brazil beef imports pose hurdle Talks toward an economic partnership agreement with Mercosur would mark the first major free-trade negotiation for Japan under Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi. (Nikkei montage/Kyodo) TOKYO -- Japan aims to begin negotiations toward an economic partnership agreement with a group of five South American nations by summer, seeking to secure resources and expand trade with a market of nearly 300 million people.

How Sony leveraged data to make the Demon Slayer film a hit
Economy

How Sony leveraged data to make the Demon Slayer film a hit

Cross-group platform lifts marketing returns and sharpens strategy A new team broke down walls and connected disparate silos within the Sony Group to find fans lurking in unexpected corners like financial services. This helped "Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba -- Infinity Castle Arc, Chapter One: Akaza Returns" gain hit status. TOKYO -- A Sony Group team that analyzes fan data across games, anime and other businesses is delivering results. The team proposes ways to raise the value of intellectual property (IP) handled by multiple group companies, including the anime franchise Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba. In the film business, advertising efficiency has more than tripled.

China’s aggressive squid fishing linked to sharp drops in catches
Economy

China’s aggressive squid fishing linked to sharp drops in catches

Japan's massive appetite for cheap seafood cited as a factor in neighbor's practices Squid being sun-dried at the Yobuko port, known for a seafood market and fresh squid, in Saga prefecture, Japan. (Photo by Nikkei) TOKYO -- There has been a sharp decline in the volume of global squid catches, with some activists blaming China for its aggressive fishing that is being driven by high demand for affordable seafood in Japan.

Trump visits China, vote on Sara Duterte impeachment, SoftBank earnings
Economy

Trump visits China, vote on Sara Duterte impeachment, SoftBank earnings

Your weekly lineup of Asia's biggest business and political events U.S. President Donald Trump, left, and Chinese President Xi Jinping talk on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit, in Busan, South Korea, in October 2025. © Reuters Asia's biggest event this week is U.S. President Donald Trump's visit to China and meeting with President Xi Jinping. The U.S. delegation, whose visit was delayed for weeks due to the U.S.-Israeli war with Iran launched in late February, is expected to include American tech and financial executives. But there are other eye-catching events in Asia, including the Philippine parliamentary vote on the impeachment of Vice President Sara Duterte, Thaksin Shinawatra's transfer from prison to house arrest in Thailand, U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent's visit to Japan and big tech companies' earnings. Get the best of our coverage of Asia and much more by following us on X, where our handle is @NikkeiAsia. We are also on Bluesky, with the handle @asia.nikkei.com. The Philippine House of Representatives is expected to hold a plenary vote on whether to impeach Vice President Sara Duterte. If House lawmakers vote in favor of impeaching Duterte, the process moves to the Senate.

Led by industry, Japan and Taiwan plant seeds of drone cooperation
Economy

Led by industry, Japan and Taiwan plant seeds of drone cooperation

Tokyo and Taipei eager to reduce exposure to China, but have long way to go A Taiwan-made Hummer 2 Drone is displayed during a training session at the Loung Te Industrial Parks Service Center in Yilan, Taiwan, on Dec. 2. © Reuters TAICHUNG, Taiwan -- Nascent cooperation between Japan and Taiwan on drones is budding as both face the challenge of reducing China's supply chain dominance and cost advantages.

China’s EcoFlow to sell solar panels in British supermarkets soon
Economy

China’s EcoFlow to sell solar panels in British supermarkets soon

Named as UK partner, Shenzhen manufacturer hopes to replicate success in Europe EcoFlow exhibited its products over April 29 and 30 at the Solar and Storage Live expo in London. (Carla Messinger) LONDON -- Chinese solar panel maker EcoFlow is expecting to sell its plug-in products in British supermarkets within months, hoping to raise brand awareness as it aims to reach commercial clients, the company's European head said.

Fiscal policy response to Iran war risks worsening inflation: BIS chief
Economy

Fiscal policy response to Iran war risks worsening inflation: BIS chief

Central banks must be 'ready to act if needed,' Pablo Hernandez de Cos says BIS General Manager Pablo Hernandez de Cos says the Middle East conflict is expected to "drive inflation upwards and growth downwards." (Photo by Akikazu Ishii) TOKYO -- Central banks worldwide must be "ready to act" against inflationary effects of the Iran war, which risk being aggravated by an excessive fiscal policy response, said Pablo Hernandez de Cos, general manager of the Bank for International Settlements.

Exiting OPEC, UAE seeks greater flexibility and growth led by its own oil
Economy

Exiting OPEC, UAE seeks greater flexibility and growth led by its own oil

Abu Dhabi ups crude output to increase investment capability, attract foreign funds OPEC's logo is visible outside its headquarters in Vienna, on May 28, 2024. The decision by the United Arab Emirates to exit the organization of oil producing countries has raised questions about its sustainability. © Reuters Vandana Hari is the founder of Vanda Insights, a Singapore-based global energy market intelligence provider.

Natural rubber prices soar on Iran tensions, boosting Asian suppliers
Economy

Natural rubber prices soar on Iran tensions, boosting Asian suppliers

Natural rubber is made from latex, a milky white substance collected from rubber trees. Sri Trang Agro-Industry's Chief Executive Officer Veerasith Sinchareonkul says the Thai rubber group sees steady demand from tire makers. (Nikkei montage/Source photos by Lauren DeCicca and Getty Images) Thailand's top group sees firm demand as customers build inventories BANGKOK -- Natural rubber prices are hitting their highest levels in nine years as demand rises due to a shift away from oil-derived synthetic rubber during the U.S. war with Iran.

North Korea reaps huge economic boost from Ukraine war
Economy

North Korea reaps huge economic boost from Ukraine war

Cash and energy from Russia over 3 years seen near Pyongyang's annual GDP North Korean leader Kim Jong Un inspects a weapons factory. (KCNA) SEOUL -- North Korea is enjoying an unprecedented windfall by providing military support to Russia in its invasion of Ukraine, having received foreign currency and energy supplies in exchange for weapons and troops.