A disruption to Qatar's liquefied natural gas (LNG) output has driven regional gas prices to their highest levels in approximately three years. The disruption follows Iran's drone strikes on Qatar in retaliation for Israeli and US attacks, coupled with a blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical shipping route for global oil and gas trade. The incident highlights Asia's dangerous dependence on Middle Eastern fuel supplies.
China's draft 15th five-year plan, released Thursday, targets tax reform as a major goal for 2026-2030 to address local government fiscal strain. Shifting from the previous plan's emphasis on "tax and fee cuts," the new plan stresses "maintaining a reasonable macro tax burden." This reflects Beijing's effort to increase tax revenue while local governments struggle to balance growing public service obligations with depleted treasuries.
Twenty-four Democratic-led states, including New York and California, filed a lawsuit Thursday challenging President Trump's newly imposed 10 percent global tariffs. The states argue that Trump cannot circumvent a recent Supreme Court ruling that invalidated most of his previous tariffs by invoking new legal authority. This marks the first legal challenge to the administration's latest tariff policy.
President Donald Trump announced on Thursday that Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem will step down from her position. Oklahoma Senator Markwayne Mullin will replace her, effective March 31. Noem had been overseeing Trump's immigration crackdown. The staffing change raises questions about the direction of the Republican president's immigration agenda.
US President Donald Trump stated on Thursday that he wants to be personally involved in selecting Iran's next supreme leader following Ayatollah Ali Khamenei's death. Trump told Axios he desires someone who will bring harmony and peace to Iran, while dismissing Khamenei's son Mojtaba as a "lightweight" and an unacceptable choice. Trump emphasized his intention to be involved in the appointment process.
China released a draft blueprint for 2026-2030 on Thursday, outlining key projects in artificial intelligence, nuclear fusion and defence sectors. The plan aims to overcome technological bottlenecks and strengthen China's position in global tech competition. Announced during the annual 'two sessions' meetings, it formally establishes China's major economic priorities and policy directions.
China has incorporated commercial health insurance into its 2026 government work report for the first time. Premier Li Qiang announced the government will accelerate the development of commercial health insurance and promote high-quality growth of innovative drugs and medical devices to meet diverse public needs. The move aims to strengthen the social safety net and support medical innovation.
A disruption to Qatar's liquefied natural gas (LNG) output has driven regional gas prices to their highest levels in approximately three years. The disruption follows Iran's drone strikes on Qatar in retaliation for Israeli and US attacks, coupled with a blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical shipping route for global oil and gas trade. The incident highlights Asia's dangerous dependence on Middle Eastern fuel supplies.
The US-Israeli military operations against Iran are evolving into a broader conflict with potential to extend beyond the Middle East region. Iranian missiles and drones have already struck or reached Turkey and Azerbaijan. European powers are deploying additional warships, fighter jets, and air defense systems to the eastern Mediterranean and Gulf. Analysts warn that prolonged conflict increases risks of regional fault lines, including Kurdish militancy, becoming destabilized.
China's draft 15th five-year plan, released Thursday, targets tax reform as a major goal for 2026-2030 to address local government fiscal strain. Shifting from the previous plan's emphasis on "tax and fee cuts," the new plan stresses "maintaining a reasonable macro tax burden." This reflects Beijing's effort to increase tax revenue while local governments struggle to balance growing public service obligations with depleted treasuries.
US military investigators believe American forces were likely responsible for an apparent strike on an Iranian girls' school on Saturday that killed scores of children, according to two US officials who spoke to Reuters. However, the investigation remains incomplete and no final conclusion has been reached. Details regarding the evidence, munition type used, responsible parties, and the rationale behind the potential strike remain unclear.
The US and Israel have launched extensive military strikes against Iran, targeting a far broader range of objectives than during last summer's conflict. US Central Command reports hitting over 2,000 targets in less than a week, marking the heaviest American bombing campaign in the Middle East in over a decade. Experts indicate the strikes aim to weaken Iran's military capabilities and reduce the grip of its theocratic rulers.
Twenty-four Democratic-led states, including New York and California, filed a lawsuit Thursday challenging President Trump's newly imposed 10 percent global tariffs. The states argue that Trump cannot circumvent a recent Supreme Court ruling that invalidated most of his previous tariffs by invoking new legal authority. This marks the first legal challenge to the administration's latest tariff policy.
President Donald Trump announced on Thursday that Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem will step down from her position. Oklahoma Senator Markwayne Mullin will replace her, effective March 31. Noem had been overseeing Trump's immigration crackdown. The staffing change raises questions about the direction of the Republican president's immigration agenda.
US President Donald Trump stated on Thursday that he wants to be personally involved in selecting Iran's next supreme leader following Ayatollah Ali Khamenei's death. Trump told Axios he desires someone who will bring harmony and peace to Iran, while dismissing Khamenei's son Mojtaba as a "lightweight" and an unacceptable choice. Trump emphasized his intention to be involved in the appointment process.
Beijing has committed to expanding imports and leveraging its vast market to help other countries increase exports to the world's second-largest economy, aiming to balance global trade. As China's export sector faces growing international scrutiny, officials plan to diversify markets and develop new trade drivers such as artificial intelligence to stabilize trade amid mounting geopolitical pressures on global supply chains.
China's top economic officials unveiled a package of policies to support the technology sector at a press conference in Beijing. The measures include deepening reforms to ChiNext, China's start-up board, streamlining refinancing procedures, and boosting demand for high-tech products. Officials emphasized that technological innovation requires substantial investment, extended development cycles, and carries significant risks, aiming to create a more flexible and inclusive fundraising ecosystem.
China's central bank governor Pan Gongsheng stated Friday that Beijing has neither the need nor intention to gain competitive trade advantages through yuan depreciation. The remarks come as the currency has recently appreciated amid mounting pressure from trading partners for further strengthening. The statement precedes a new round of trade negotiations and clarifies China's position on exchange rate policy.
Wu Qing, chairman of the China Securities Regulatory Commission (CSRC), announced on Friday a comprehensive plan to strengthen corporate governance, enhance investor returns, and develop globally competitive companies. The initiative aims to reinforce confidence in China's capital markets by improving the authenticity and investability of listed companies, addressing investor concerns about market stability and transparency.
China’s top economic officials held a press conference on the sidelines of the “two sessions” – the ...
SCMP.com will carry a live blog of the foreign ministry’s “two sessions” press conference on Sunday ...
Analysts warn that escalating US-Israel military actions against Iran could push oil prices higher, creating a fiscal squeeze for Indonesia. The increase would inflate the country's fuel subsidy expenditure at a time when global ratings agencies and investors are scrutinizing Jakarta's monetary discipline. Policymakers face a difficult dilemma: maintain fuel subsidies and risk breaching the legal deficit ceiling, potentially unsettling investors further, or cut subsidy funding to keep the budget within limits.
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Escalating Middle East tensions have caused flight cancellations, airport closures, and increased travel hesitancy. Despite disruptions affecting thousands of flights and prompting a 'wait-and-see' approach among travelers, Malaysia's tourism industry remains confident. Officials believe the country's diversified visitor base will help mitigate potential impacts on the Visit Malaysia 2026 campaign.
Rising gold prices amid Middle East tensions have boosted precious metal trading in Hong Kong. Spot gold reached US$5,165 per ounce on Thursday, below January's peak of US$5,594.82 but near historic highs. Residents are selling valuables for cash while retailers report twice as many customers buying gold bars and pellets. US-Israel strikes in Iran have stoked safe-haven demand, triggering increased trading activity across the territory.
China’s most powerful economic regions – the Yangtze River Delta and the Greater Bay Area – are raci...
China will soon operate an advanced accelerator-driven subcritical system (ADS) reactor designed by the Chinese Academy of Sciences and state nuclear enterprises. The ultra-efficient reactor can generate electricity while transmuting long-lived radioactive waste into shorter-lived, less hazardous isotopes. China projects the technology will safely meet humanity's energy needs for the next 1,000 years.
Chinese EV manufacturer BYD unveiled its new-generation Blade Battery 2.0 on Thursday, featuring significantly faster charging capabilities. The battery can charge from 10% to 70% in five minutes and reach 97% in nine minutes, which BYD claims is the world's fastest charging speed for mass-manufactured units. The battery maintains high performance even in extreme weather conditions, including temperatures as low as minus 30 degrees Celsius.
Malaysia's football association expressed disappointment on Friday over a Court of Arbitration for Sport ruling that partially upheld sanctions against seven players. The players were banned for one year by FIFA in September for using falsified naturalisation documents to compete in an Asian Cup qualifier against Vietnam. Deportivo Alaves' Facundo Garces was among those sanctioned.
Japan's major manga publisher Shogakukan is under mounting pressure after a writer convicted of sexually assaulting a minor continued producing work for the company under an assumed name. The scandal has prompted prominent creators to withdraw their works from the publisher's Manga One digital platform in protest. Industry observers suggest Japan's manga sector is experiencing a belated #MeToo movement. Shogakukan announced Tuesday it would establish measures to address the controversy.
Asian heritage athletes have excelled at this month's Winter Olympics, breaking records and inspiring millions globally. However, in the United States, discussions about top performers Eileen Gu, a freestyle skier representing China, and Alysa Liu, a Team USA figure skater, have frequently shifted from their remarkable achievements to questions of identity, loyalty, and partisan politics, reflecting broader societal anxieties.
The U.S. Department of Defense recently released its latest defense strategy report, which does not mention Taiwan. The Deputy Secretary of Defense explained that the Trump administration prioritizes providing military capabilities to the U.S. and its allies rather than emphasizing rhetoric. However, Vice Chair of the House Armed Services Committee Whiteman stated that public statements and formal documents are critically important, prompting concerns from multiple U.S. lawmakers.
A photographer named Wu Cheng-yan in Tainan is accused of sexually assaulting and coercing at least 30 girls into taking explicit photos. According to the family of one victim, the girl is still undergoing psychological treatment and continues to blame herself for the abuse. The victim has become withdrawn and fearful of crowds, with her once outgoing personality significantly changed. Her family hopes for severe punishment for the perpetrator.
A woman who was sexually assaulted by Kyran Smith in her Travelodge room found that hotel staff had given the attacker access to her room. Following the incident, the hotel offered the victim a £30 refund as compensation, which she described as insulting. The case highlights serious security failures in the hotel's key management procedures and inadequate response to the victim's trauma.
The US State Department announced the closure of its embassy in Kuwait City and urged American citizens in Kuwait to evacuate immediately. The move comes amid escalating military tensions between the US, Israel, and Iran. The US launched Operation Epic Fury against Iran on February 28. Citizens unable to evacuate safely are advised to shelter in place.
Following U.S. airstrikes on Iran, Iran has blocked the Strait of Hormuz and attacked Middle Eastern U.S. military bases and energy facilities, causing international oil and natural gas prices to spike significantly. Analysts warn oil prices could reach $100 per barrel, doubling the scale of the 1970s oil crisis, with Asian economies heavily dependent on Middle Eastern energy facing the greatest impact. Meanwhile, airspace closures across the Middle East have caused severe disruptions to international flights and aviation operations.
The conflict between the US, Israel, and Iran entered its sixth day, intensifying global energy supply concerns. Qatar has shut down liquefied natural gas production lines, while mainland China instructed refineries to suspend gasoline and diesel exports. Japan's refineries called on the government to release strategic oil reserves. Amid surging fuel prices, shipping companies and traders are purchasing oil options to hedge against further price increases.
Middle East conflicts have reduced Qatar's natural gas output, disrupting global LNG supply chains. Taiwan, heavily dependent on energy imports, faces potential supply risks. Analysis reveals insufficient strategic reserves and highlights the need to reassess Taiwan's energy structure and storage policies to enhance energy security resilience.
Taiwan's National Science and Technology Council announced on March 6 that the national quantum computing strategy has entered its second phase, with the launch of a quantum computer subsystem verification platform in Hsinchu. Since 2021, the Executive Yuan has led a national quantum team comprising the NSC, Academia Sinica, and Ministry of Economic Affairs. The strategy aims to leverage Taiwan's semiconductor advantages to attract international collaboration and integrate the industry supply chain into the global quantum technology ecosystem.
Amid escalating Middle East tensions driving oil prices higher, the US Treasury Department is evaluating an unprecedented intervention in crude oil futures markets to mitigate inflation pressures. White House officials indicated the measures could be announced as early as March 5. Rather than increasing physical oil supply, the approach aims to influence trader expectations through financial market operations and ease market panic.
China's draft 15th five-year plan, released Thursday, targets tax reform as a major goal for 2026-2030 to address local government fiscal strain. Shifting from the previous plan's emphasis on "tax and fee cuts," the new plan stresses "maintaining a reasonable macro tax burden." This reflects Beijing's effort to increase tax revenue while local governments struggle to balance growing public service obligations with depleted treasuries.
A disruption to Qatar's liquefied natural gas (LNG) output has driven regional gas prices to their highest levels in approximately three years. The disruption follows Iran's drone strikes on Qatar in retaliation for Israeli and US attacks, coupled with a blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical shipping route for global oil and gas trade. The incident highlights Asia's dangerous dependence on Middle Eastern fuel supplies.
US-Israel military operations against Iran have entered their sixth day. President Trump praised the US military's performance, stating that Iranian leadership and ballistic missile stockpiles have been rapidly eliminated. The White House revealed that Trump has begun discussions with his national security team regarding post-conflict planning and America's potential role after the conflict concludes.
The government proposed a defense special budget ceiling of NT$1.25 trillion. The KMT caucus submitted a NT$38 billion alternative proposal, following the DPP's NT$40 billion version. Both opposition parties' drafts focus on concrete hardware weapons already notified by the US, such as missiles and self-propelled guns, but both omitted the critical 'AI-assisted command and C5ISR system' component.
Cancer has ranked as the leading cause of death in Taiwan for 43 consecutive years. The Ministry of Health and Welfare announced plans to launch a psychological support pilot program for cancer patients in the second half of the year, offering free mental health services to newly diagnosed patients and their families. The program will initially focus on head and neck cancer and lung cancer patients, with details expected to be announced in April. The initiative aims to alleviate psychological stress and improve treatment outcomes.
A US International Trade Court judge on the 4th ordered the Trump administration to initiate procedures for refunding $130 billion in tariffs to importers. The Trump administration confirmed it will pay interest on the refunds. The ruling represents a significant judicial review outcome regarding the previous tariff policies and affects major economic interests of importers.
Indonesian authorities have confirmed through DNA testing that human remains discovered on Ketewel Beach in Bali last month belong to Ihor Komarov, a 28-year-old Ukrainian national. Police say Komarov was kidnapped in mid-February in southern Bali. The remains, including a severed head, were identified through forensic analysis conducted by Bali police.
An 85-year-old colon cancer patient at Tseung Kwan O Hospital in Hong Kong died on Tuesday, three weeks after undergoing stoma surgery on February 7. The procedure, intended to create a surgical opening to relieve intestinal obstruction, was performed on the wrong organ. The patient was monitored between the operation and her death. The hospital has launched an investigation into the incident.