The US has relaxed export restrictions on certain chip design software to China, as confirmed by major industry players Siemens, Synopsys, and Cadence Design Systems. This means these companies no longer need special government approval to sell their electronic design automation (EDA) tools to Chinese customers—a move that hints at a thaw in tech-related tensions between the two nations.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just about software—it’s a small but telling shift in the high-stakes tech cold war between the US and China. EDA tools are critical for designing advanced chips, so loosening these controls could ease pressure on China’s semiconductor industry while giving US firms access to a lucrative market. But don’t mistake it for a full détente: it’s likely a tactical adjustment, not a wholesale policy reversal. Watch for how this plays into broader negotiations around tech supremacy.

Hong Kong stocks took a hit today, marking their steepest drop in two weeks. The decline came after the US inked new trade deals with Vietnam and other partners—a move seen as an effort to block Chinese exports rerouted through third countries. Tech stocks and mainland indices also wobbled, reflecting investor jitters about escalating trade tensions.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just about stock dips—it’s a sign that US-China trade frictions are far from over. By tightening rules on goods shipped via Vietnam and others, the US is closing loopholes China used to bypass tariffs. For markets, it’s a reminder that geopolitical risks can still shake confidence overnight. For everyday consumers, prolonged tensions could mean pricier goods down the line.

Emperor International Holdings, a major Hong Kong developer, is facing financial troubles that echo the broader struggles of the city's real estate market. Just a few years ago, the sector was booming—prices and rents were at all-time highs, developers were raking in profits, and cheap financing fueled a wave of ambitious projects. But that golden age has crumbled, leaving the industry in a much tougher spot.

Editor’s Note: Hong Kong’s property market was once a global powerhouse, but its recent downturn signals deeper economic shifts. If even established players like Emperor are feeling the pinch, it’s a sign that the city’s real estate sector—long a pillar of its wealth—isn’t bouncing back anytime soon. For investors, homeowners, and renters, that could mean more uncertainty ahead.

A Chinese fintech company that's worked on China's digital yuan is teaming up with a Hong Kong firm to explore stablecoins and crypto opportunities. This comes as Hong Kong starts licensing cryptocurrency issuers, showing mainland China's growing interest in the city's crypto push.

Editor’s Note: This partnership is a big deal because it signals that mainland China—which has cracked down on crypto at home—is still keeping an eye on Hong Kong's evolving crypto scene. It could mean more collaboration (or competition) between the two markets as Hong Kong positions itself as a digital asset hub.

Baidu, China’s top AI player, is shaking up its search platform with the biggest overhaul in 10 years. The mobile app’s search bar is now a "smart box" that understands longer, more complex queries and can do more than just fetch basic info—think of it as a smarter, more versatile assistant built right into the search bar.

China is rapidly expanding its semiconductor production and is expected to overtake Taiwan in chipmaking capacity by 2030, according to a new report. Right now, Taiwan leads the market, but China’s aggressive push for self-sufficiency—especially under U.S. tech restrictions—means it could soon control nearly a third of global foundry capacity.

Honor just dropped a foldable smartphone that’s claiming two big bragging rights: the world’s thinnest and lightest design, plus built-in AI smarts. The Magic V5 starts at around $1,256, squeezes down to just 8.8mm when folded, and weighs less than most regular flagship phones. It’s Honor’s first big swing in the high-end foldable market, and they’re clearly trying to stand out in China’s ultra-competitive phone wars.

Alibaba is throwing a massive $7 billion into subsidies for its instant shopping service, Taobao Shangou, over the next year. The move ramps up an already cutthroat battle in China’s on-demand delivery market, where rivals like JD.com and Meituan are also fighting for dominance. Shoppers and sellers will get perks like cash vouchers and free coupons, but it’s clear this is about winning market share—not just generosity.

A new study suggests Hong Kong needs to step up its game if it wants to lure more multifamily-office operators—firms that handle wealth for multiple wealthy families. While the city has done well attracting single-family offices, experts say it now needs to build a stronger ecosystem to support larger, more complex operations.