Articles in this Cluster
25-01-2026
TikTok's new US joint venture, TikTok USDS Joint Venture LLC, has updated its privacy policy to collect precise location data from its 200 million American users. The change allows the company to gather more detailed location information, previously limited to approximate data. The new policy also permits the collection of user interactions with TikTok's AI tools. The joint venture, comprising Oracle, Silver Lake, and MGX, aims to secure US user data and comply with a 2024 law requiring ByteDance to sell its US operations to American investors. Concerns remain about ByteDance's ongoing involvement and potential Chinese influence over the algorithm.
Entities: TikTok, ByteDance, Oracle, Silver Lake, MGX • Tone: neutral • Sentiment: negative • Intent: inform
25-01-2026
The article discusses the Supreme Court hearing regarding Lisa Cook's dismissal from the Federal Reserve by President Donald Trump. Cook was appointed by Joe Biden in 2023 to a 14-year term on the Fed's board of governors, but Trump alleged she made false statements on mortgage applications. The justices appeared skeptical about Trump's move, suggesting Cook's job is safe. The article highlights the political tension between the Trump administration and the Federal Reserve, with Jerome Powell, the Fed's chair, watching from the public gallery as the case was heard.
Entities: Lisa Cook, Federal Reserve, Donald Trump, Joe Biden, Jerome Powell • Tone: neutral • Sentiment: negative • Intent: inform
25-01-2026
The Chinese government's efforts to clean up Beijing's air have had unintended consequences for residents of Hebei province, which surrounds the capital. In an effort to reduce pollution, the government has banned the burning of coal for heating, but many residents cannot afford to switch to gas heating. This has left some unable to heat their homes, causing hardship and resentment among the local population. The article highlights the trade-offs that often accompany environmental policies and the need for policymakers to consider the impact on vulnerable communities.
Entities: Beijing, Hebei, China, Xi Jinping, Deng Xiaoping • Tone: neutral • Sentiment: negative • Intent: inform
25-01-2026
A social media post on Xiaohongshu about an eligible bachelor sparked a discussion on China's marriage market, revealing uncomfortable realities about the value placed on men in the country. The post listed the man's good qualities, including a steady job, good family background, and desirable personal traits. The author, Yun Chichi, asked how much she should pay for him on the marriage market, highlighting the transactional nature of marriage in China. The article touches on the societal pressures and expectations surrounding marriage in China, where men with desirable qualities are highly sought after.
Entities: China, Yun Chichi, Xiaohongshu, marriage market, Xi Jinping • Tone: analytical • Sentiment: neutral • Intent: inform
25-01-2026
The Chinese government is trying to boost domestic consumption, but so far, the results are underwhelming. Despite a 5% GDP growth in 2025 driven by exports, household consumption growth lagged behind at 4.2%. A viral chart categorizes Chinese provinces into those that 'dare' to consume and those that are 'happy', 'cautious', or 'afraid' to do so. The article explores the disparities in consumption patterns across different provinces in China.
Entities: China, Chinese government, Xi Jinping, Mao, Hong Kong • Tone: analytical • Sentiment: neutral • Intent: inform
25-01-2026
Sen. Lindsey Graham and former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo have expressed concerns about the Syrian government's advances against Kurdish forces in northern Syria, warning of a potential humanitarian crisis and calling for the US to protect its Kurdish allies. The Syrian government, backed by Russia and Iran, has launched a military operation against the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), which have been a key partner in the fight against ISIS. The SDF has expressed fears of extermination and has urged the US to provide support, while the Syrian government claims to be restoring stability to the region.
Entities: Lindsey Graham, Mike Pompeo, Syria, Kurdish people, Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) • Tone: urgent • Sentiment: negative • Intent: inform
25-01-2026
China has seen a significant increase in provincial governments raising minimum wages, with 27 out of 31 provincial-level jurisdictions increasing monthly minimum wages over the past year. This move is part of Beijing's efforts to boost household spending and support economic growth. The increases, with half being double-digit, are expected to benefit low-paid workers such as factory workers, cleaners, and supermarket cashiers. Analysts believe that higher pay will spur household spending, which is crucial for tackling deflationary pressures and supporting economic growth.
Entities: China, Beijing, Hebei province, Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security, Yuekai Securities • Tone: neutral • Sentiment: positive • Intent: inform
25-01-2026
The Singapore Exchange (SGX) is exploring deeper ties with Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing (HKEX) and widening its cross-listing schemes with Shanghai and Shenzhen. SGX CEO Loh Boon Chye stated that connectivity is the new architecture for capital markets and that the company is looking to collaborate with like-minded exchanges. The potential partnership between SGX and HKEX may involve the yuan business, an area where both exchanges have been actively involved. SGX has also formed a partnership with Nasdaq to launch a global listing board in 2026, allowing companies to list and raise funds in both the US and Singapore using one set of offering documents.
Entities: Singapore Exchange (SGX), Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing (HKEX), Loh Boon Chye, Shanghai, Shenzhen • Tone: neutral • Sentiment: positive • Intent: inform
25-01-2026
China's 'loneliness economy' is booming as the number of people living alone skyrockets, driving demand for services catering to their safety, social, and mental health needs. A viral check-in app, 'Are You Dead?', revealed the scale of this market, which is expected to grow as the proportion of single-person households rises to over 30% by the end of the decade. Analysts see this as a manifestation of collective loneliness turning into structural demand, with the market long being underserved.
Entities: China, Are You Dead?, Sileme, Demumu, Apple • Tone: neutral • Sentiment: neutral • Intent: inform
25-01-2026
Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang celebrated Lunar New Year with employees in Shanghai, marking his first trip to China in 2026 amid uncertainties around the company's H200 graphics processing unit (GPU). Huang received a rock-star welcome and gave a speech, as Beijing is expected to allow imports of the H200 GPU to resume. The move comes after Washington granted export permission for the GPU, with conditions.
Entities: Jensen Huang, Nvidia, Shanghai, China, Lunar New Year • Tone: neutral • Sentiment: positive • Intent: inform
