President Joe Biden downplayed fresh concerns that tensions in US debt-limit negotiations could lead to a catastrophic US default, saying Republicans and Democrats could still reach an agreement.

Biden confident US will avoid default amid tense debt talks

Group of Seven nations have decided against imposing a near-outright ban on exports to Russia and will instead widen existing restrictions on key goods, according to people familiar with the matter.

G7 restricts more goods but avoids near-total Russia export ban

The Biden administration is trying to make it hard for China to say no to engagement by seeking a flurry of meetings and phone calls, a strategy aimed at easing tensions and painting President Xi Jinping as recalcitrant if he refuses.

Biden presses for China contact despite risk of losing clout

Germany is in talks to limit the export of chemicals to China that are used to manufacture semiconductors, as Berlin steps up efforts to reduce its economic exposure to the Asian nation.

Germany in talks to limit export of chip chemicals to China — sources

French President Emmanuel Macron’s diplomatic efforts to enlist China’s help to intervene in Russia’s war in Ukraine have suffered another blow.

The Chinese Ambassador to France, Lu Shaye, told the French network LCI that the ex-Soviet states don’t have sovereign status as independent nations, a statement that ignores the internationally recognised borders in Eastern and Central Europe.

Macron’s push to get China’s help on Ukraine is unravelling fast

Taiwan is working with friendly nations on how to respond to a possible economic blockade by China, a scenario that appears more likely than a direct military attack on the island, according to a senior Taiwanese diplomat.

Taiwan sees Chinese economic blockade more likely than war

The Biden administration is going to unprecedented lengths to play down the importance of Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen’s visit to the US this week, as officials try to keep an already soured relationship with China from getting any worse.

White House tries to keep China calm while Taiwan’s Tsai visits the US

President Joe Biden wants to bring the world’s most sophisticated chipmakers to the US. Taiwan says he should offer them a better tax deal — one that could infuriate China.

Taiwanese officials are pushing hard for an agreement to eliminate the burden of double taxation, like the US has with dozens of countries.

Taiwan is pushing Biden for a tax deal that could infuriate China

(March 22): The Biden administration unveiled tight restrictions on new operations in China by chipmakers that get federal funds to build in the US, potentially hampering efforts to expand in the world’s largest semiconductor arena.

The US$50 billion (RM223.4 billion) CHIPS and Science Act will now bar firms that win grants from expanding output by 5% for advanced chips and 10% for older technology. The Commerce Department also outlined other measures including a US$100,000 spending cap on investments in advanced capacity in China.

Biden to stunt growth in China for chipmakers getting US funds

The US is working to close a loophole in restrictions imposed on Inspur Group that leaves American companies such as Intel Corp free to keep supplying the Chinese server maker’s affiliates.

The US Department of Commerce this month added Inspur and dozens of its peers to an export blacklist that already included major names from Huawei Technologies Co to AI giant Sensetime Group Inc and camera maker Hikvision. But it didn’t specify all of Inspur’s affiliates, of which there are dozens.

US races to close loophole in ban on Chinese server maker Inspur

Yellen urges new World Bank chief to 'get the most' from balance sheet

SC adds one potential clone to Investor Alert List

US Senate set to pass debt limit suspension bill on Thursday night

Ringgit rises against US dollar in early session on June 2

Bursa Malaysia rebounds in early session, lifted by bargain hunters

Elon Musk knocks Bernard Arnault off the perch to reclaim top spot

Kenanga Research projects  CY23F FBM KLCI earnings to contract by 1.2%

Australia raises minimum wage by 5.75% as living costs surge

HLIB Research says Velesto's valuations have become inflated

Malaysia's corporate profits disappoint on slowing demand, with little help from China reopening

Panasonic Malaysia, Affin Hwang Investment, Velesto Energy, Green Packet, Top Builders Capital, Star Media, Citaglobal, AME Elite, SCIB, UP, Meta Bright, Top Builders, Kimlun and Synergy House

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