TOKYO, Sept 17 (Reuters) – SBI Shinsei Bank, a subsidiary of SBI Holdings, announced on Wednesday its plans to explore the introduction of tokenised deposit payment services tailored for corporate clients. This initiative aims to facilitate faster and more cost-effective cross-border transactions. The bank has entered into a strategic agreement with DeCurret DCP, the provider of Japan’s DCJPY tokenised deposit platform, to evaluate the establishment of this service using Partior’s multicurrency settlement platform for digital money, based in Singapore.
标签： Asia
亚洲
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Nvidia boss ‘disappointed’ by reported China chip ban
Jensen Huang, CEO of Nvidia, has voiced his disappointment following reports that China has instructed its leading technology firms to cease purchasing Nvidia’s artificial intelligence (AI) chips. Speaking to BBC News, Huang emphasized the importance of global access to advanced technology, stating, ‘The advance of human society is not a zero-sum game.’ Huang, who is among the tech executives accompanying US President Donald Trump on his state visit to the UK, acknowledged the competitive ambitions of both nations, noting, ‘President Trump wants America to win, and President Xi wants China to win, and it’s possible for both of them to.’ He expressed confidence that ongoing discussions would resolve the issue. This development comes after Nvidia, the world’s leading chipmaker, faced a temporary ban on selling its most advanced chips to China, which was later reversed by Trump in July. However, Nvidia must now allocate 15% of its Chinese revenues to the US government under a unique agreement. The Financial Times recently reported that China’s Cyberspace Administration has directed tech companies to halt the use of Nvidia chips specifically designed for the Chinese market, causing Nvidia’s shares to drop by over 1% in premarket trading. Huang reiterated his support for the US in addressing geopolitical challenges and pledged to convey the same message to Trump if questioned during the state banquet in the UK. The US and China have been engaged in trade talks in Europe this week, with China’s market regulator accusing Nvidia of violating anti-monopoly laws. As Nvidia continues to play a pivotal role in the global AI boom, China is striving to challenge US dominance in the AI sector by developing its own chips. Major Chinese tech firms like DeepSeek, Tencent, and Alibaba, which had previously ordered Nvidia chips, are now affected by the purchase halt. Meanwhile, Nvidia has announced significant investments in the UK, including supplying chips to the Stargate UK data center in collaboration with OpenAI, Arm, and NScale.
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Japan won’t recognise a Palestinian state given US ties, media report says
In a strategic move to preserve its diplomatic ties with the United States and avoid escalating tensions with Israel, Japan has decided to postpone its recognition of a Palestinian state, according to a report by the Asahi newspaper. The decision, attributed to unnamed government sources, comes as several nations, including Britain, France, Canada, and Australia, have announced their intentions to recognize Palestinian statehood at the upcoming UN General Assembly. This collective stance has intensified international pressure on Israel regarding its actions in the region. The U.S. reportedly influenced Japan’s decision through multiple diplomatic channels, while France’s Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot had strongly advocated for Japan to support Palestinian statehood. Japanese Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya stated that the government is conducting a ‘comprehensive assessment’ of the issue, considering the appropriate timing and modalities. Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi echoed this sentiment, expressing a ‘grave sense of crisis’ over Israel’s ground assault on Gaza City and warning that the foundations of a two-state solution are at risk. Hayashi urged Israel to address the severe humanitarian crisis in Gaza promptly. Despite voting in favor of a UN declaration advocating for tangible steps toward a two-state solution, Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba is expected to skip a key UN meeting on the matter. Within the G7, German and Italian officials have cautioned that immediate recognition of Palestine could be ‘counterproductive.’
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Discounts for Iranian oil widen in China on record stocks, even as sanctions curb shipments
In a significant development impacting the global oil market, Iranian oil discounts in China have expanded due to record-high stock levels and a shortage of import quotas as the year-end approaches. This situation has been exacerbated by US sanctions targeting Qingdao Port, a key hub for Iranian oil imports. The sanctions, imposed on August 21, specifically target Qingdao Port Haiye Dongjiakou Oil Products, a terminal previously handling 130,000-200,000 barrels per day of Iranian crude. Following the sanctions, the terminal suspended operations, leading to a 65% decline in crude imports at Dongjiakou port this month, according to data analytics firm Kpler. Despite the sanctions, Iranian oil shipments have been diverted to nearby terminals, such as Huangdao, where imports are expected to double in September compared to August. The widening discounts, now over $6 a barrel for Iranian Light crude versus benchmark ICE Brent, reflect both the oversupply in Shandong province and the additional costs borne by customers due to sanctions. China, which has purchased over 90% of Iranian oil exports in recent years, continues to defend its trade with Iran as compliant with international law, dismissing US sanctions as unilateral and illegitimate. The situation underscores the complex interplay between geopolitical tensions, market dynamics, and energy trade.
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Japan’s exports down in August as automakers grapple with US tariffs
Japan’s export sector faced another challenging month in August 2025, marking the fourth consecutive decline, as elevated U.S. tariffs continued to weigh heavily on key industries such as automotive and manufacturing. According to government data released on September 17, total exports by value fell by 0.1% year-on-year, a smaller drop than the 1.9% decrease forecasted by economists. However, exports to the United States plummeted by 13.8%, the steepest decline since February 2021, driven by significant drops in automobile and chipmaking equipment shipments. The volume of U.S.-bound exports also decreased by 12.0%, exacerbating the trade surplus reduction with the U.S. to 324 billion yen ($2.21 billion), the smallest since January 2023. While exports to China dipped slightly by 0.5%, shipments to Asia and the European Union saw modest gains, partially offsetting the U.S. downturn. On the import side, total imports fell by 5.2% year-on-year, largely due to lower oil prices, resulting in a trade deficit of 242.5 billion yen ($1.66 billion), significantly less than the forecasted 513.6 billion yen. Despite some relief from a reduced baseline tariff rate of 15% on Japanese imports, down from the initial 27.5%, the impact remains severe for Japanese automakers and auto parts suppliers, who previously enjoyed a 2.5% rate. Economists predict a contraction in Japan’s economy by an annualized 1.1% in the current quarter, reflecting weak overseas demand. Bank of Japan Governor Kazuo Ueda has pledged to proceed cautiously with rate hikes, given the uncertainty surrounding the U.S. tariff impact. Meanwhile, corporate spending on plant and equipment surged by 7.6% in the April-June quarter, with the automotive sector leading the charge with a 43.4% increase, driven by investments in electric vehicle production, despite a 30.7% plunge in operating profits.
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Timor-Leste scraps plan to buy MPs free cars after protests
Timor-Leste has reversed its controversial decision to provide lawmakers with free cars following widespread public outcry and protests. The plan, which sparked outrage among citizens, led to demonstrations in the capital, Dili, where protesters burned tires and set a government vehicle ablaze. Police responded with tear gas, but the government ultimately succumbed to public pressure and canceled the initiative on Tuesday. Despite this, protests persisted on Wednesday, with an estimated 2,000 demonstrators demanding further reforms, including the abolition of lifetime pensions for retired lawmakers. The unrest reflects broader discontent with perceived government excesses and inequality in the region. Lawmakers in Timor-Leste earn an annual salary of $36,000, over ten times the country’s average income of $3,000, exacerbating public frustration. Protest leader Cezario Cesar highlighted the disparity, stating, ‘People don’t have access to good education, water, and sanitation… we have a lack of facilities, but they’re still creating laws to benefit themselves.’ The protests have expanded beyond the car issue, with demonstrators calling for systemic changes to address corruption and inequality. Similar anti-government movements have recently emerged across Asia, including in Nepal and Indonesia, driven by anger at political elites and economic hardships. Timor-Leste, one of Southeast Asia’s youngest and poorest nations, remains a symbol of democratic resilience, with protests seen as a normal part of its political landscape.
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China’s $19 trillion stock market, once called uninvestable, lures foreigners again
Foreign investors are increasingly turning their attention back to China’s stock markets, marking a significant shift from their previous stance of labeling them as uninvestable. This renewed interest is driven by the burgeoning opportunities in technology, particularly in artificial intelligence (AI), semiconductors, and innovative pharmaceuticals. The U.S.-China tariff truce and a domestic monetary easing environment have further bolstered investor sentiment, leading to notable market rallies. Last week, the Shanghai Composite index reached a decade high, while Hong Kong stocks hit a four-year high.
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TikTok lives: US, China in deal for app to keep operating in US
In a landmark agreement, TikTok will continue its operations in the United States under U.S.-controlled ownership, resolving a prolonged dispute between the U.S. and China. The deal, announced by President Donald Trump on Tuesday, mandates the transfer of TikTok’s American assets from its Chinese parent company, ByteDance, to a consortium of U.S. investors. ByteDance will retain a 19.9% stake, just below the 20% threshold, while the remaining 80% will be held by a group including existing shareholders like Susquehanna International Group, General Atlantic, and KKR, alongside new investors such as Andreessen Horowitz and Oracle. The U.S. entity will feature an American-dominated board, with one member designated by the U.S. government, ensuring national security safeguards. The deal, expected to close within 30 to 45 days, marks a significant step in easing tensions between the two economic giants. The White House extended the divestiture deadline to December 16, allowing ByteDance additional time to finalize the complex transaction. The agreement reflects a compromise that addresses both U.S. national security concerns and Chinese interests, potentially paving the way for smoother bilateral relations.
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Singapore’s Carro raises $60 million to promote Japanese cars in Asia
Southeast Asia’s leading online used-car marketplace, Carro, has successfully raised $60 million in a recent funding round spearheaded by Japan’s sovereign wealth fund, Cool Japan Fund. Announced on Wednesday, the investment is earmarked for promoting Japanese vehicles, particularly plug-in hybrid electric models, across the Asia-Pacific region. Carro expressed confidence in its ability to significantly enhance the market presence of these vehicles in the area.
Carro, which operates in multiple markets including Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, Japan, Taiwan, and Hong Kong, is also eyeing expansion into Australia. CEO Aaron Tan recently hinted at the company’s plans for a dual listing, with sources indicating a potential U.S. initial public offering (IPO) that could value the company at over $3 billion. This would mark the largest Southeast Asian listing in the U.S. since SEA’s $989.3 million debut in 2017 and the first major automotive tech and commerce startup from Singapore to go public in the United States.
Backed by prominent investors such as Temasek and SoftBank Group, Carro’s digital platform facilitates vehicle transactions between consumers and dealers, while also offering insurance, financing, and after-sales services. Cool Japan Fund, a government-backed private fund, aims to bolster Japan’s economy by increasing international demand for its products and services.
This strategic investment underscores Carro’s ambitious growth trajectory and its commitment to transforming the automotive market in the Asia-Pacific region.
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US tennis star sorry for ‘offensive’ comments on Chinese food
American tennis star Taylor Townsend has issued a public apology following widespread criticism over her remarks about Chinese cuisine during her stay in Shenzhen for the Billie Jean King Cup Finals. The 29-year-old, currently the world’s top-ranked doubles player, sparked a social media uproar after sharing videos on Instagram expressing her disbelief over dishes featuring frogs, turtles, and sea cucumber. In her posts, she described the meals as ‘crazy’ and ‘wild,’ even joking about needing to ‘talk to HR.’ Her comments quickly drew backlash on both English and Chinese social media platforms. In a subsequent video posted on Wednesday, Townsend expressed remorse, stating, ‘There’s no excuse, there’s no words, and, for me, I will be better.’ She emphasized her privilege as a professional athlete to experience diverse cultures and acknowledged the ‘most amazing experience’ at the tournament. Earlier, Townsend had shared her reactions to traditional Chinese delicacies like braised soft-shell turtle with fish maw and dry pot bullfrog, questioning their safety and giving the dishes a low rating. Her teammate Hailey Baptiste also appeared in a video mocking a sea cucumber dish. The backlash intensified as Chinese social media users condemned her remarks, with hashtags like ‘American tennis player publicly insults Chinese food’ trending. Many called for greater cultural sensitivity, urging respect for local customs. This incident follows a recent confrontation between Townsend and Latvian player Jelena Ostapenko, who accused her of lacking ‘class’ and ‘education.’ Townsend and her team are set to face Kazakhstan in the quarterfinals on Thursday.