Science
U.S. lab hits fusion milestone, raising hopes for clean power
Reaction produced more energy than what was needed to start it
U.S.
Companies
Japan's Mitsui eyes building $550m U.S. bioplastics plant
Bio-PET factory, one of world's largest, would cut carbon emissions tied to drink bottles
Inflation
U.S. consumer prices increase moderately in November
CPI up 0.1% after rising 0.4% in October
Semiconductors
Japan's Rapidus partners with IBM to make advanced chips
'Several trillions of yen' needed for government-backed company to start output
Cryptocurrencies
Former FTX CEO Sam Bankman-Fried arrested in Bahamas
U.S. to unveil charges related to collapse of Caribbean-based crypto platform
US-China tensions
China starts WTO dispute against U.S. chip export curbs
Rules threaten stability of global supply chains, Ministry of Commerce says
Opinion
Ignoring North Korea is not an option for the West
Containing nuclear risk will require broader range of policy tools
Politics
Japan ruling parties call China 'challenge' in defense strategy
Upgraded documents seek 'counterstrike capability' in shift in postwar approach
US-China tensions
Blinken readies for first China trip in new year
Senior U.S. officials lay groundwork for milestone visit by secretary of state
US-China tensions
Japan, Netherlands to join U.S. in China chip curbs: Report
Tokyo Electron, ASML were crucial remaining suppliers for effective sanctions
Science
NASA's Orion capsule returns to Earth, capping Artemis I flight around moon
The return to Earth unfolded on the 50th anniversary of the Apollo 17 moon landing in 1972
Interview
NASA chief says U.S. will beat China in race to the moon
Bill Nelson decries Beijing's lack of transparency, praises Japan as a partner
Trade war
WTO rules against U.S. on Trump metal tariffs, favoring China
Biden administration strongly rejects 'flawed' conclusions of panel
US-China tensions
Senior U.S. Republican urges strictest standards on China chip curbs
McCaul, likely to head House Foreign Affairs, warns against Chinese 'aggression'
Companies
Top Chinese company valuations tumble amid crackdown: Hurun report
Drops led by tech and property sectors; Tencent, Alibaba out of global top 10
Trade
U.S.-bound container traffic from China plunges as ASEAN share rises
Washington-Beijing rivalry and shifting consumption change trading patterns
Business deals
U.S. sues to stop Microsoft's $69bn bid for game maker Activision
FTC alleges tech giant's deal for Call of Duty studio would harm competition
Automobiles
Hyundai and SK to build U.S. EV battery plant in Georgia
Facility is first fruit of a North American partnership announced in November
International relations
Japan weighs labeling China a 'challenge' in new security strategy
Tokyo explores tougher language to align with U.S., NATO policy documents
Ukraine war
U.S. basketball star Brittney Griner released from Russia in prisoner swap
WNBA player traded for former arms dealer Viktor Bout, Moscow says
