Shares rose slightly on markets in mainland China but dropped in Hong Kong, while Japan, Seoul and Sydney rebounded after three days of falls; Asian currencies edged higher

Myanmar is edging closer to failed state status; its commerce minister revealed a "runaway trade deficit" last week, with exports over the past six months dropping to 46% of the previous fiscal year

Taliban officials have discussed joining China's Belt and Road scheme, plus possible road and rail links and mining deals, but analysts say there are no easy infrastructure options in Afghanistan

Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim made the suggestion at a the first-ever summit of the two regional blocs in Saudi Arabia on Friday

Two-day event in Beijing will mark 10th anniversary of infrastructure scheme and may see talks on links to Afghanistan, plus possible mining projects

Putin’s trip comes at a crucial time for China’s Xi, who is also likely to meet with US President Joe Biden next month

China's Commerce Ministry says the European Union's plan to review subsidies for steel produced in Chinese factories clashes with global trade norms and will disrupt supply chains

Bondholders of China Evergrande express surprise at debt plan failure, fear it faces liquidation, while Country Garden may announce a restructuring of its offshore debt soon

Australia's richest person is now the largest shareholder in Liontown Resources, which has one of the world's most exciting lithium deposits, as well as contracts to supply Ford and Tesla

Geopolitical tension, war in Ukraine, climate change, security concerns and surging inflation have eroded faith in globalisation and respect for global trade rules among world powers

Bilateral commercial relations between India and Canada are worth $100 billion, which includes $70 billion of Canadian portfolio investment, according to Indian figures

Shanghai Futures Exchange has been studying the nickel market, and may launch nickel contracts on its International Energy Exchange, sources say