Abe in the firing line for his dependency on the US alliance

A Japanese government official told the Kyodo News on Saturday that the country plans to update its defense program guidelines five years earlier than initially planned. The guidelines are usually revised every 10 years.

State Grid to own 100% of CPFL

The State Grid Corp of China - the world's biggest utility company by revenue - said it will launch a tender offer to buy the remaining shares it does not already own in CPFL Energia SA, the Brazilian power group said in a securities filing.

Airbnb acquires Luxury Retreats

Airbnb Inc bought Luxury Retreats in its biggest acquisition yet as the apartment-rental website takes steps toward becoming a full-service global travel company.

Victoria's gets closer to Chinese women

US lingerie giant Victoria's Secret is opening its first full assortment stores in China. Two stores will open initially, one in Shanghai and the other in Chengdu.

IATA bullish on China aviation market

The International Air Transport Association said on Friday that it is bullish on the growth potential of China's aviation market and believed the new airport in Beijing, which will start operations in 2019, would ensure sufficient airport capacity to meet expected traffic growth.

Shanghai to sharpen focus on exports

Shanghai-based companies are aiming to boost their trade and investment further in 2017 in countries along the Belt and Road Initiative - with a focus on equipment and services exports - a key report issued by the city's commerce and trade authorities said.

IN BRIEF (Page 6)

Nation plans $4b fund for services

The government plans to set up a 30 billion yuan ($4.37 billion) worth fund to boost higher-value services exports - such as technology, finance and culture exports - a local business newspaper and experts said on Friday.

Watchdog makes move on placements

China's securities watchdog on Friday tightened the regulations on private placements by listed companies, aiming to curb their excessive fundraising which has led to speculative trading and market volatility.

Chinese group eyes Four Seasons Resort

A consortium of Hong Kong-based private equity fund Gaw Capital Partners and individuals including Pony Ma, founder of China's Tencent Holdings Ltd, is looking to buy the Four Seasons Resort in Bora Bora, French Polynesia, Basis Point reported on Wednesday.

Regulator relaxes rules on stock index futures

China's securities regulator has relaxed the trading rules for stock index futures, signaling a gradual exit by the regulator from the harsh restrictions imposed during the market rout in 2015, analysts said on Friday.

Politicizing economic affairs generates no fruit

Earlier this year, the former chief economist of Bank of China, Cao Yuanzheng, warned the Chinese business community that a change in their global operating environment was possibly on the way - a change from peaceful development of all businesses to ferocious competition.