China opens trade shortcut to SE Asia Pinglu Canal expected to drive further opening-up of western region By ZHANG LI in Qinzhou, Guangxi, and LUO WANGSHU in Beijing | China Daily | Updated: 2026-09-17 07:33

https://www.chinadaily.com.cn/a/202609/17/WS6aab274be4b06d4aa055e73a.html China opened a vital waterway on Wednesday, giving its landlocked southwestern areas a shortcut to the coast and overseas markets, as the country moves to further strengthen its trade relations with regional neighbors, particularly those in Southeast Asia. 'Sanctions From Hell' May Hit a Wall Before Reaching Russia The US law authorizes President Trump to impose these sanctions, but it does not require him to impose them at this particular level, Ivan Timofeyev of the Valdai Discussion Club told Sputnik, commenting on the so-called “sanctions from hell” against Russia that were earlier passed by Congress. https://sputnikglobe.com/20260917/sanctions-from-hell-may-hit-a-wall-before-reaching-russia-1124752654.html

Flexibility key to success in ASEAN Manufacturers boost efforts to build deeper presence in Southeast Asia By ZHONG NAN | China Daily | Updated: 2026-09-17 09:06

https://www.chinadaily.com.cn/a/202609/17/WS6aab3d03e4b06d4aa055e7c5.html Chinese manufacturers are stepping up efforts to build a deeper presence in Southeast Asia, tailoring products to local demand and investing more in on-the-ground operations as the region becomes a growing focus of their overseas expansion plans, said analysts and business executives.

Sino-German financial ties set to deepen Summit in Beijing downplays differences, highlights mutual benefits, biz resilience By JIANG XUEQING | China Daily | Updated: 2026-09-17 09:29

https://www.chinadaily.com.cn/a/202609/17/WS6aab426fe4b06d4aa055e81b.html China and Europe should strengthen financial and economic cooperation rather than allow differences to encumber their ties, officials and business representatives said at the second Sino-European Finance Summit in Beijing, highlighting the resilience of cross-border investment and growing opportunities for cooperation between the two markets.

US central bank raises interest rates as it shifts focus toward addressing inflation By Jiang Xueqing | chinadaily.com.cn | Updated: 2026-09-17 13:09

https://www.chinadaily.com.cn/a/202609/17/WS6aab7619e4b06d4aa055e923.html The US Federal Reserve has resumed raising interest rates, signaling a renewed focus on persistent inflation even as the economy continues to show resilience.

US Fed announces 1st interest rate hike in over 3 years as inflation stays sticky Xinhua | Updated: 2026-09-17 02:08

https://www.chinadaily.com.cn/a/202609/17/WS6aaadb08e4b06d4aa055e701.html WASHINGTON -- The US Federal Reserve on Wednesday raised its target federal funds rate by 25 basis points to a range of 3.75 percent to 4 percent to address persistent inflation, marking its first interest rate hike since July 2023.

Beijing urges Iran, US to rebuild negotiations FM says China ready to play constructive role in resolving international disputes By ZHAO JIA | China Daily | Updated: 2026-09-17 07:51

https://www.chinadaily.com.cn/a/202609/17/WS6aab2b97e4b06d4aa055e758.html Foreign Minister Wang Yi encouraged Iran and the United States on Wednesday to act rationally and exercise restraint, return to the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding and rebuild the negotiation mechanism, saying that the continued prolongation of the US-Iran conflict is not in the common interest of the parties concerned and the international community.

Five killed as Yemen's Houthis, govt, Saudi Arabia trade strikes AFP Updated on: 17 Sep 2026, 11:18 am

Five killed as Yemen's Houthis, govt, Saudi Arabia trade strikes Saudi Arabia's civil defence agency, meanwhile, reported casualties caused by debris from an intercepted Houthi drone in an area east of Mecca. https://www.newindianexpress.com/world/2026/Sep/17/five-killed-as-yemens-houthis-govt-saudi-arabia-trade-strikes