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Escalating conflict between Israel and Iran-backed Hezbollah in Lebanon has entered its second week. According to UN agencies, nearly 700,000 people have been displaced from their homes over the past week. Lebanese authorities report nearly 500 deaths from Israeli military operations. The hostilities were triggered by Hezbollah's retaliatory fire following the killing of Iran's supreme leader, prompting a major Israeli military response.
Negotiations to advance President Trump's plan to end the Gaza conflict have paused since last week following joint US-Israel military action against Iran, according to three sources directly involved in talks. The escalation threatens to delay implementation of Trump's flagship Middle East peace initiative, a major foreign policy priority. This occurs less than a month after he secured multi-billion dollar pledges for Gaza from Gulf Arab nations.
US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin held a phone call on Monday described by the Kremlin as serious and constructive. Putin called for a quick political and diplomatic settlement to the US-Israeli military campaign in Iran, according to Putin's diplomatic adviser Yuri Ushakov. The two leaders also discussed the Ukraine conflict during the conversation, which was requested by Washington.
Ships in the Gulf and transiting the Strait of Hormuz are altering tracking data to claim Chinese crew or Chinese destinations to evade Iranian attacks, according to Marine Traffic data analyzed by Agence France-Presse. Since US-Israeli military operations began on February 28, Iran has effectively closed the strategic waterway, with at least 10 vessels attacked. Ships are adopting Chinese affiliations as a protective measure.
The United States and China issued separate statements at the UN Commission on Narcotic Drugs annual meeting in Vienna, expressing disagreement over fentanyl precursor chemical sales. The US accused China of failing to prevent such chemical sales, while China denied the allegation and criticized the US position as irresponsible. The exchange reflects ongoing tensions between the two nations regarding illicit drugs and tariffs, ahead of a planned meeting between their leaders in China later this month.
🏛 Politics
Escalating conflict between Israel and Iran-backed Hezbollah in Lebanon has entered its second week. According to UN agencies, nearly 700,000 people have been displaced from their homes over the past week. Lebanese authorities report nearly 500 deaths from Israeli military operations. The hostilities were triggered by Hezbollah's retaliatory fire following the killing of Iran's supreme leader, prompting a major Israeli military response.
The Philippines' budget deficit widened to 1.58 trillion pesos (US$26.5 billion) in 2025, exceeding 2024's previous record of 1.51 trillion pesos, according to Treasury Bureau data. The increase is linked to a corruption investigation into flood-control projects worth billions of pesos, which has slowed government infrastructure spending and created uncertainty for the investment-driven growth strategy.
Negotiations to advance President Trump's plan to end the Gaza conflict have paused since last week following joint US-Israel military action against Iran, according to three sources directly involved in talks. The escalation threatens to delay implementation of Trump's flagship Middle East peace initiative, a major foreign policy priority. This occurs less than a month after he secured multi-billion dollar pledges for Gaza from Gulf Arab nations.
China’s annual parliamentary “two sessions” have been framed as a show of resilience in a turbulent ...
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced on Tuesday that Australia will deploy military surveillance aircraft to the Middle East and provide missiles to the United Arab Emirates, while ruling out ground troop deployment in Iran. Albanese stated that Australia's military support aims to help Gulf countries defend against unprovoked attacks from Iran, emphasizing Australia is not a protagonist in the conflict. He stressed that Australia's involvement is purely defensive in nature, intended to protect Australians' security.
A US Department of Energy official stated Monday that innovations in electronic waste recycling, refining, and processing could enhance America's critical minerals capacity. Domestic recycling of metals, materials, and magnets is identified as a rapid approach to improve supply chain resilience. US entrepreneurs are developing pioneering techniques to address China's dominance in the critical minerals industry, supporting Washington's strategy to reduce import dependency.
US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin held a phone call on Monday described by the Kremlin as serious and constructive. Putin called for a quick political and diplomatic settlement to the US-Israeli military campaign in Iran, according to Putin's diplomatic adviser Yuri Ushakov. The two leaders also discussed the Ukraine conflict during the conversation, which was requested by Washington.
Ships in the Gulf and transiting the Strait of Hormuz are altering tracking data to claim Chinese crew or Chinese destinations to evade Iranian attacks, according to Marine Traffic data analyzed by Agence France-Presse. Since US-Israeli military operations began on February 28, Iran has effectively closed the strategic waterway, with at least 10 vessels attacked. Ships are adopting Chinese affiliations as a protective measure.
The United States and China issued separate statements at the UN Commission on Narcotic Drugs annual meeting in Vienna, expressing disagreement over fentanyl precursor chemical sales. The US accused China of failing to prevent such chemical sales, while China denied the allegation and criticized the US position as irresponsible. The exchange reflects ongoing tensions between the two nations regarding illicit drugs and tariffs, ahead of a planned meeting between their leaders in China later this month.
Anthropic filed a federal lawsuit on Monday challenging the Pentagon's decision to place it on a national security blacklist. The AI company argues the designation violates its free speech and due process rights, seeking court intervention to overturn the decision and prevent federal agencies from enforcing it. The legal action represents an escalation in the ongoing dispute between Anthropic and the US military regarding restrictions on military use of its technology.
💰 Finance
The Philippines experienced sharp fuel price increases on Tuesday, potentially marking one of the steepest weekly surges in years. The escalating Iran-related conflict pushed global oil prices higher, driving local pump prices up significantly. Consumer groups highlight a fundamental issue: the deregulated oil market introduced in the late 1990s allows companies to set prices aligned with global markets, leaving the government with limited intervention tools compared to other nations.
China imported 96.93 million tonnes of crude oil in January and February, representing a 15.8 percent increase compared to the same period in 2025, according to customs data released Tuesday. Despite higher import volumes, the dollar value of imports declined 5.2 percent year-over-year. The surge reflects China's strategy to strengthen energy reserves against Middle East tensions and global supply risks.
The Middle East conflict has caused oil prices to spike, affecting Asian economies heavily dependent on fossil fuel imports. Bangladesh, which imports 95 percent of its oil and gas needs, has seen military intervention. Long queues have formed at petrol stations in Vietnam, Pakistan, and the Philippines, though the situation remains stable in other regions. Governments are implementing measures to mitigate the impact on fuel prices.
Trade imbalance remains a frequent topic in discussions between Chinese and South African officials. However, significant discrepancies between the two countries' customs data make it difficult to accurately assess the trade gap. According to China's latest customs figures, South Africa maintains a trade surplus with China, exporting more than it imports. This 17 billion dollar data discrepancy reflects differences in statistical methodologies between the two nations and has become a key issue in bilateral trade negotiations.
Hong Kong's taxi industry is preparing for mandatory e-payment implementation next month, with approximately 90% of drivers ready to comply. According to Ryan Wong Cheuk-pong, chairman of the Hong Kong Taxi Council, e-payments will attract more residents and visitors to use taxi services while reducing fare disputes and eliminating change-related concerns for drivers. E-payments have become an industry trend with broad public support.
China's customs authorities released data on Tuesday showing exports surged 21.8 percent year-on-year to US$656.58 billion for the combined January-February period. This marks a significant acceleration from December's 6.6 percent growth and last year's 5.5 percent annual increase. Experts attribute the strong performance to robust global demand and anticipate sustained momentum throughout the year, despite the high comparison base from the previous year.
A National People's Congress deputy stated that Hong Kong stands to gain from increased capital flows as the central government advances yuan internationalization. The city, as the primary hub for global renminbi reserves and transactions, is expected to benefit significantly. This initiative aligns with China's 15th five-year plan objectives while supporting Hong Kong's economic development and reinforcing its role as an international financial centre.
President Lee Jae Myung has ordered South Korea to implement fuel price controls, marking the country's first such intervention in over three decades. As an economy that imports nearly all its oil consumption, this measure represents a preemptive defense strategy in response to Middle East developments. Fuel prices have already exceeded 1,900 won (US$1.28) per litre in some areas, prompting the government's intervention to protect economic stability.
China's National People's Congress Standing Committee announced plans to develop new financial and financial stability laws in its work report. The country will also amend existing legislation including the People's Bank of China Law and Banking Supervision and Management Law. These measures aim to mitigate existing risks and prevent new financial risks, supporting the development of China's financial system as part of broader financial sector reforms.
According to a survey by the American Chamber of Commerce in South China, companies in southern China show growing confidence in US-China relations and are cautiously reinvesting in the country. The chamber generally expects bilateral ties to stabilise over the coming year while adapting to geopolitical tensions. China is shifting from assembling Western goods to supplying industrial components to emerging markets, reflecting structural economic changes.
💻 Technology
Chinese technology companies including Tencent, Alibaba, and ByteDance are offering accessible or affordable access to OpenClaw, an open-source AI agent software. Tencent officially launched QClaw on Tuesday, an AI assistant integrated with WeChat that requires approximately three minutes for download and installation. Users can remotely control functions through the platform as major tech firms compete to provide OpenClaw solutions.
Chinese semiconductor entrepreneurs, including Cambricon Technologies and Tongfu Microelectronics, have expressed support for China's 15th five-year plan, which emphasizes the chip industry as a cornerstone of Beijing's technology strategy. Cambricon founder and CEO Chen Tianshi stated that national policy direction and planning are well-designed. The plan underscores the government's commitment to advancing domestic semiconductor capabilities.
News organizations worldwide are developing artificial intelligence policies, with editors debating whether reporters can use AI for drafting articles, summarizing documents, and research assistance. Some outlets pledge to disclose machine-assisted writing to readers, while others seek credibility through avoiding AI entirely. However, the debate rests on a flawed premise: that journalistic trust derives from journalists physically writing sentences themselves. Industry experts suggest this fundamental assumption requires reassessment.
🌏 International
Escalating US-Iran conflict has disrupted shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, prompting major Middle Eastern oil producers to reduce output. International crude oil prices surged past 100 dollars per barrel on the 9th, marking the first time since 2022, with gains reaching up to 30 percent at one point. The G7 is considering coordinated release of strategic petroleum reserves to stabilize markets, though no consensus has been reached.
A tour bus operated by Shanlinxi Forest Ecological Resort plunged off a cliff yesterday, resulting in 1 death and 7 injuries. The vehicle was not registered with regulatory authorities, exposing management system gaps. The resort operates 6 additional unregistered shuttle buses, which have been ordered to cease operations by the Tourism Administration. The accident vehicle has a capacity of 32 passengers and underwent major maintenance covering 100,000 kilometers last year.
Asian stock markets fell significantly yesterday due to potential escalation of US-Iran tensions and rising oil prices. Japan and South Korea's stock indices dropped over 5%, while Taiwan's stock market declined 1489 points, a 4.43% decrease, closing at 32110 points. Foreign investors recorded a single-day sell-off of 120.8 billion New Taiwan dollars, marking a historic record for largest daily net selling.
Finance ministers from the Group of Seven will hold an emergency meeting on the 9th to discuss coordinated release of strategic petroleum reserves under International Energy Agency coordination. The move aims to stabilize international energy markets amid Middle East tensions. U.S. officials suggest releasing 300-400 million barrels, representing 25-30% of IEA member nations' total reserves.
A dam-breach flood in Matai'an, Hualien resulted in 19 deaths and 5 missing persons. Prosecutors investigated three public officials, including Township Chief Lin Ching-shui, for alleged dereliction of duty. Lin remained on an official visit to Yilan after the alert was issued and underwent dental work after the mandatory evacuation order was released. He subsequently submitted false evacuation data. Prosecutors charged him with negligence causing disaster, seeking a 10-year sentence.
Escalating tensions in Iran are putting upward pressure on international oil prices. The Strait of Hormuz, a critical global oil transport route, accounts for approximately 20% of worldwide oil shipments. According to foreign media analysis, in worst-case scenarios, oil prices could potentially reach 200 dollars per barrel. The trajectory of oil prices will depend on when normal shipping operations resume through the strait.
Following the effective blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, Japan's Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry has instructed oil reserve facilities to prepare for petroleum releases, with Prime Minister Takayoshi Shii considering measures to suppress gasoline prices. South Korea's President Lee Jae-myung has directed the government to prepare countermeasures, including setting price caps on domestic fuel and investigating potential price collusion by businesses.
Japan's Ground Self-Defense Force deployed the Type 12 land-based anti-ship missile system to Kumamoto on Monday, with completion expected within the month. Developed by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, the missile has a range exceeding 1,000 kilometers. Chief Cabinet Secretary Kihara Tsutomu stated the Defense Ministry will brief local residents. This deployment marks a significant shift in Japan's post-war defensive strategy toward enhanced counter-strike capabilities.
The New York Times conducted a new investigation providing further analysis on an alleged attack on an Iranian school during the early stages of Middle East conflict. According to the Times' analysis, a U.S. Tomahawk missile allegedly struck the school, resulting in over 150 deaths. The incident occurred during a period of heightened regional tensions and has drawn international attention and scrutiny.
The Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency stated that approximately half of Iran's uranium enriched to 60% is stored in Isfahan. This enrichment level is one step away from weapons-grade material. The information was disclosed by the UN nuclear watchdog regarding significant developments in Iran's nuclear program.
Following military strikes against Iran by the United States and Israel on February 28, tensions have escalated across the Middle East region. Multiple countries in the area have reported casualties as the conflict expands geographically. The military operations have triggered a chain reaction, further complicating the regional situation and affecting security conditions in various nations throughout the Middle East.
Iran has blocked the Strait of Hormuz, a critical energy transport route, in retaliation for US-Israel airstrikes, with several vessels attacked. US President Trump stated today that if Iran continues to obstruct oil transportation through the strait, the United States will take forceful countermeasures. The incident has drawn international attention to energy markets, as the Strait of Hormuz is a vital global oil shipping corridor.
Cybersecurity researchers have identified a hacker group known as Salt Typhoon conducting large-scale infiltration operations against major telecommunications companies worldwide. The group is believed to be state-sponsored and linked to Chinese government interests. Security experts have raised concerns about the severity of nation-state level cyber threats and their impact on global telecommunications infrastructure security. Relevant authorities are investigating the incident's scope and consequences.
Cybersecurity researchers have identified MuddyWater, an Iranian hacker group, conducting cyberespionage operations against US organizations, including banks and airport infrastructure. The attackers deployed Dindoor and Fakeset backdoor programs to compromise networks. These attacks occurred during the period of US-Israel military operations, demonstrating ongoing cyber threats from Iranian hacker groups targeting critical US sectors.
Taiwan's stock market declined 1489 points today, marking the fourth-largest single-day drop in history, amid geopolitical tensions and rising global oil prices. High-priced stocks, including Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, led the decline. Foreign investors recorded a net sell of 31.7 billion New Taiwan Dollars last week, the highest on record, reflecting heightened concerns about geopolitical risks and increased market uncertainty.