A Russian missile hit a five-storey residential building in Kharkiv, Ukraine's second-largest city, on Saturday, killing at least seven people and wounding 10 others, including three children. President Volodymyr Zelensky condemned the attack, stating Russia launched 29 missiles and 480 drones overnight targeting energy facilities in Kyiv and central regions, with damage reported across at least seven areas.
Taiwan's legislature started scrutinizing a long-delayed special defence budget on Friday. The government's NT$1.25 trillion (US$40 billion) proposal faces three rival proposals from major political parties, exposing deep divisions over defence spending levels and the balance between foreign weapons purchases and domestic defence development. Despite mounting US pressure, the budget's passage remains complicated by these competing visions.
China will prioritize anti-corruption efforts and financial superpower development at the 2026 Two Sessions. The conference will focus on deepening anti-corruption campaigns, improving the financial system, and enhancing financial competitiveness. This reflects China's commitment to strengthening institutional governance and financial support for high-quality economic development in the new development stage.
US Customs and Border Protection official Brandon Lord announced in a court filing that the agency will establish a system within 45 days to process refunds for President Trump's tariffs ruled illegal. Government lawyers met with a federal trade judge to develop a settlement process for returning $166 billion in tariff payments to approximately 330,000 importers. The US Supreme Court previously struck down the tariffs as unlawful.
The US unexpectedly shed 92,000 jobs in February, marking a sharp reversal from January's job growth of 126,000, according to Labour Department data released Friday. The unemployment rate rose to 4.4% from 4.3%, putting pressure on President Trump's economic agenda ahead of upcoming midterm elections. White House economic adviser Kevin Hassett responded to the figures.
Four US B-1 Lancer bombers have landed at RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire, with the first arriving Friday evening and three more on Saturday morning. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has authorized "defensive" US military action against Iranian missile sites from British bases. Each 146-foot bomber weighs 86 metric tons and can carry 24 cruise missiles, making it the fastest bomber in the US Air Force.
Iran's President Masoud Pezeshkian stated Saturday that the US demand for unconditional surrender is "a dream they should take to their grave" in a pre-recorded televised address. He apologised for Iran's attacks on regional countries, announcing Tehran would halt them and attributing them to internal miscommunication. Pezeshkian linked these incidents to the deaths of the country's supreme leader and other senior officials.
A Russian missile hit a five-storey residential building in Kharkiv, Ukraine's second-largest city, on Saturday, killing at least seven people and wounding 10 others, including three children. President Volodymyr Zelensky condemned the attack, stating Russia launched 29 missiles and 480 drones overnight targeting energy facilities in Kyiv and central regions, with damage reported across at least seven areas.
President Donald Trump has prioritized impulse and emotion over rational explanation during the first week of conflict with Iran, drawing criticism even from within the White House. When questioned by ABC News, Trump emphasized personal feeling rather than policy rationale, asking reporters what they thought of his "performance." This approach has been criticized as arrogant messaging regarding the most significant U.S. military conflict in decades.
Cathay Pacific Airways fares from over 50 cities to Hong Kong have doubled as Middle East airspace closures force airlines to reroute around the Iran conflict zone. London, Madrid, and Chennai experienced the steepest price surges. US-Israeli attacks on Iran and subsequent retaliatory strikes have kept much of the Middle East's airspace closed, increasing demand for alternative routes.
Taiwan's legislature started scrutinizing a long-delayed special defence budget on Friday. The government's NT$1.25 trillion (US$40 billion) proposal faces three rival proposals from major political parties, exposing deep divisions over defence spending levels and the balance between foreign weapons purchases and domestic defence development. Despite mounting US pressure, the budget's passage remains complicated by these competing visions.
Indonesia signed a reciprocal trade agreement with the United States that imposes over 200 obligations on Indonesia compared to nine for America. One day after signing, the US Supreme Court struck down the legal basis for the tariff threat that prompted the agreement. Critics compare the deal to a blank check and sovereignty surrender, while the Indonesian government claims it is mutually beneficial.
China will prioritize anti-corruption efforts and financial superpower development at the 2026 Two Sessions. The conference will focus on deepening anti-corruption campaigns, improving the financial system, and enhancing financial competitiveness. This reflects China's commitment to strengthening institutional governance and financial support for high-quality economic development in the new development stage.
Australia has raised concerns with China following an “unsafe and unprofessional” encounter betwe...
US President Donald Trump stated on Friday that Cuba will 'fall pretty soon,' renewing threats against the communist-ruled island already facing an American energy blockade. Trump told CNN that Cuba is eager to make a deal and noted that after 50 years, Cuba is now ready. He designated Secretary of State Marco Rubio as the point person on Cuba policy, indicating the administration's focus on this issue.
Hong Kong's Financial Secretary Paul Chan Mo-po stated that the city's economic growth forecast of 2.5 to 3.5 percent for the year will not be impacted by the Middle East war, which will hurt the trading sector but benefit the financial market. Chan emphasized Hong Kong will remain vigilant regarding Sino-US relations while consolidating traditional American and European markets and developing new opportunities in Asia.
Panama Ports Company (PPC), a subsidiary of Hong Kong's CK Hutchison Holdings, has filed an arbitration claim against the Panamanian government seeking US$2 billion in damages. The company alleges the illegal takeover of port operations at both ends of the strategic canal. The claim was submitted under International Chamber of Commerce rules, with PPC vowing not to accept token relief.
Hong Kong authorities face calls to review the pricing mechanism for local fuel supplies after retailers swiftly raised prices following Middle East conflict escalation. Global fuel prices surged after the US-Israel-Iran conflict disrupted the Strait of Hormuz, which handles approximately 20% of world oil shipments. Critics argue price increases were unjustified as Hong Kong maintained weeks-long fuel stockpiles.
Wang Kuiran, secretary general of Xinjiang's regional government, reported that the textile industry expanded last year despite US-led trade restrictions. Yarn output increased over 20 percent in 2025, generating approximately 46,800 jobs. Officials pledged stronger legal support for affected companies to protect their rights and interests amid ongoing sanctions.
Despite financial markets weathering geopolitical crises including U.S.-Iran tensions and Russia's Ukraine invasion, former Goldman Sachs CEO Lloyd Blankfein warned in a recent Financial Times interview that investors have become increasingly complacent about financial risks since the 2008 crisis. Experts suggest markets may not fully grasp the true nature of current threats to the financial system.
Chinese telecom and computing equipment maker ZTE reported 2025 revenue of 134 billion yuan ($19 billion), up 10.4% year-on-year. The computing business surged 150% to represent 24.6% of total sales amid the AI boom. However, net profit attributable to shareholders fell 33.3% to 5.62 billion yuan, while net profit excluding non-recurring items declined 45.5% to 3.37 billion yuan.
The global super-luxury property market is being reshaped by wealth migration as activity rebounds after two subdued years. In Sydney, Plus Agency's general manager Peter Li reported super-luxury home commission revenues rose approximately 20 percent year-over-year, with the firm handling over US$300 million in annual sales and hiring six new staff members. While Dubai's dominance faces challenges from Middle East tensions, wealth flows from Sydney to Hong Kong are revitalizing the sector.
Singapore developers are experiencing significant pressure from China's prolonged property downturn, facing declining rents, higher vacancy rates, and falling asset values. However, analysts suggest that given China's massive market size and supportive government policies, most investors are unlikely to exit entirely. Instead, they are becoming more selective in their investment decisions. Recent earnings reports from several Singapore developers reveal mounting pressure across their China portfolios.
US Customs and Border Protection official Brandon Lord announced in a court filing that the agency will establish a system within 45 days to process refunds for President Trump's tariffs ruled illegal. Government lawyers met with a federal trade judge to develop a settlement process for returning $166 billion in tariff payments to approximately 330,000 importers. The US Supreme Court previously struck down the tariffs as unlawful.
The US unexpectedly shed 92,000 jobs in February, marking a sharp reversal from January's job growth of 126,000, according to Labour Department data released Friday. The unemployment rate rose to 4.4% from 4.3%, putting pressure on President Trump's economic agenda ahead of upcoming midterm elections. White House economic adviser Kevin Hassett responded to the figures.
Chinese scientists have successfully determined the chemical composition of the moon's far side using artificial intelligence combined with samples from the Chang'e-6 mission. Nearly half of the moon's surface, which permanently faces away from Earth, had remained chemically unmapped. A research team led by the Shanghai Institute of Technical Physics used advanced technologies to crack this lunar mystery, providing new insights into lunar science and advancing understanding of the moon's geological structure.
Jiang Jianfeng, a 30-year-old semiconductor scientist, earned his PhD in June 2024 and briefly worked as a postdoctoral researcher at MIT. He has now returned to Peking University as a principal investigator, associate professor, and PhD supervisor—achieving this position in just 18 months, significantly faster than the typical 8-10 years required. His research focuses on two-dimensional indium selenide and related semiconductor materials.
Chinese AI start-up DeepSeek has collaborated with Tencent Holdings and the University of Hong Kong to develop Pointer-CAD, a framework built on Alibaba's Qwen 2.5 model. The tool improves accuracy and efficiency in computer-aided design (CAD) by helping designers select edges or faces of 3D objects, with applications in engineering and manufacturing.
Hong Kong police are investigating a robbery in which a 25-year-old mainland Chinese man was attacked by three men and a woman. The incident occurred at 3:52am on Saturday near Man Lok Street in Hung Hom, where the victim lost HK$5 million in cryptocurrency. The suspects subsequently took him to an industrial building unit and seized silver items worth approximately HK$1 million. The investigation is ongoing.
LIV Golf Hong Kong attracted large crowds on Saturday at Fanling as spectators followed Jon Rahm's progression up the leaderboard. Tournament officials reported significant attendance from mainland China and overseas visitors, with many paying thousands of dollars for tickets. The event is establishing itself as an important part of Hong Kong's sporting and social calendar, with a three-way battle expected on the final day.
The Hong Kong women's football team of 27 players and staff safely returned to Hong Kong on Friday night via Bangkok after being stranded in Dubai for several days following US-Israel military actions against Iran. The team was forced to withdraw from an ongoing tournament due to regional security concerns. While members expressed relief at their return, they voiced disappointment about having to exit the competition. Some team members have since traveled to the United States.
As the Trump-Xi meeting approaches, former US Ambassador to China Burns expressed hope that Trump will defend the obligation to provide defensive military equipment to Taiwan. Drawing on his experience serving in China, Burns emphasized the competitive nature of US-China relations and called on Trump not to remain silent on human rights issues.
Iranian President Pezeshkian apologized on the 7th for airstrikes against neighboring countries, suggesting poor military communication may be responsible. He announced that a provisional committee has approved halting such attacks unless Iran is attacked by these countries. Earlier, he emphasized that Iran will never surrender.
According to sources, an Iranian naval vessel entered an Indian port on the same day Iran's frigate Dena was sunk off Sri Lanka by U.S. forces. India's Foreign Ministry confirmed the decision was based on humanitarian considerations. The incident involves multiple parties including Iran, the United States, India, and Sri Lanka, reflecting complex regional geopolitical dynamics.
美國國家航空暨太空總署（NASA）4年前以撞擊小行星測試行星防禦的「飛鏢」（DART）任務，取得超乎預期的成功，除了先前證實成功改變其中一個小行星的軌道，6日發表的最新分析進一...…...
Escalating Middle East tensions have disrupted shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, hampering crude oil exports. Kuwait has begun reducing production due to depleted storage capacity. International oil prices surged on the 6th, with Brent crude breaking through $90 per barrel. Qatar warned that a multi-week disruption of Persian Gulf energy exports could push prices to $150 per barrel. The US and China are attempting to stabilize prices and ease energy supply tensions.
The International Maritime Organization's Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez reported on the 6th that a vessel attack in the Strait of Hormuz resulted in 4 seafarers killed and 3 seriously injured. Recent attacks in the region have cumulatively caused 2 deaths and 1 missing person, with approximately 20,000 seafarers trapped in the Persian Gulf area. Dominguez emphasized that seafarers must not be attack targets and called for measures under international law to ensure maritime safety and freedom of navigation.
Escalating Middle East conflict has roiled global energy markets. U.S. crude futures surged 35.63% this week, marking the largest single-week gain since 1983, while Brent crude jumped approximately 28%, the biggest weekly increase since April 2020. On Friday, WTI crude rose 12.21% to $90.90 per barrel and Brent climbed 8.52% to $92.69 per barrel. Markets fear continued conflict will severely disrupt global oil and natural gas supplies.
Goldman Sachs' commodities research team updated its oil market report on March 6, revising previously optimistic forecasts. The bank had predicted Hormuz Strait shipping would resume within days, with crude transport recovering to 70% of normal levels within two weeks and full recovery in four weeks. However, latest data suggests conditions are more severe, with delayed restoration posing significant upside risks to oil prices.
The United States and Israel conducted coordinated airstrikes against Iran on February 28, resulting in the death of Iran's Supreme Leader Khamenei. Zineb Rib, a senior fellow at the Hudson Institute's Center for Middle East Peace and Security, analyzed the military operation's implications for Middle Eastern affairs and questioned the validity of China's "East Rising, West Declining" narrative, suggesting this event may alter the trajectory of international power dynamics.
International oil prices surged today amid growing concerns that Middle East tensions could disrupt crude supply. London's Brent crude futures rose 8.5% to $92.69 per barrel, with weekly gains of 27.9%. New York's West Texas crude also posted significant increases. Geopolitical risks continue to drive energy prices higher as markets assess potential supply disruptions from the region.
President Trump stated he must personally participate in selecting Iran's next supreme leader. White House spokesperson Lee Witt indicated that US intelligence agencies are reviewing a list of candidates. This occurs amid continued US-Israel military operations against Iran, with the US asserting that Iran should not be led by a "radical terrorist regime" in America's best interest.
Taiwan's Chungshan Institute of Science and Technology (CSIST) has upgraded its collaboration with U.S. defense contractor Kratos to develop an AI-powered loyal wingman aircraft. The new unmanned vehicle will feature an XQ-58A stealth airframe, an F124 engine identical to Taiwan's IDF fighter, and integrate CSIST's self-developed AESA radar, infrared detection, and advanced AI control systems. The partnership benefits from the U.S. accelerated defense technology transfer policy announced in October last year.
The Legislative Yuan passed referral of the Executive Yuan's "Special Act for Strengthening Defense Resilience and Asymmetric Warfare Procurement" (NT$1.25 trillion) and the KMT caucus version "Special Act for Strengthening National Defense and US Military Procurement" to the Foreign Affairs and National Defense Committee. The committee comprises 8 opposition seats and 7 DPP seats this session. The executive version had faced multiple blockades by opposition parties.
Taiwan's National Science and Technology Council unveiled the "AI New Ten Major Constructions - High-Speed Quantum Computing National Strategy" yesterday. Quantum computing has the potential to surpass supercomputer limits but could also break current encryption systems, posing cybersecurity and national security risks. The technology has become a focus of global military competition. Taiwan will showcase superconducting quantum bit chips and cryogenic control modules, advancing quantum computing from research toward practical applications.
After nearly a week of military operations between the US, Israel, and Iran, President Trump claimed Iran's navy lost over 30 vessels with severely damaged missile and drone capabilities. Trump urged Iranian diplomats to seek political asylum and called for the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps, military, and police to surrender or face dire consequences, marking a significant escalation in US-Iran tensions.
Ian Huntley, one of Britain's most notorious child killers, died following an assault at Frankland maximum security prison in Durham on February 26. The 52-year-old murdered 10-year-old girls Holly Wells and Jessica Chapman in eastern England in 2002, a case that shocked the nation. Huntley sustained serious injuries in the attack and subsequently died in hospital.
The Department of Health launched an investigation Saturday into a suspected food poisoning cluster affecting 53 trainees from the Hong Kong Police College. The affected individuals, aged 20 to 40 (48 male, 5 female), developed symptoms including abdominal pain, diarrhea, vomiting, and fever since Thursday evening. Health authorities are conducting investigations to determine the cause of the outbreak.
Heavy torrential rains struck Kenya's capital Nairobi late Friday, triggering flash floods that killed at least 23 people. The flooding transformed major streets into rivers and inundated thousands of homes and businesses. Rescue teams continued search and rescue operations Saturday, recovering bodies and rescuing trapped residents. Widespread devastation was reported across the city, from sprawling slums to upmarket neighborhoods, with significant infrastructure damage.
Johnny Li Siu-hang, a professor at the Chinese University of Hong Kong's business school, was arrested on Tuesday for allegedly posing as a student at an elite Sydney boys' school to photograph pupils. Li reportedly dressed in the school uniform and mingled with students while taking photos. CUHK announced on Friday that it was aware of the incident and has suspended the professor. The case raises concerns about campus safety and staff conduct oversight.