🔥 Top Stories
The use of artificial intelligence in US-Israel military operations against Iran has sparked international legal and ethical debate. The US military reportedly deployed Palantir's Maven Smart System, which integrates AI models including Anthropic's Claude for large-scale data analysis. A deadly missile strike on a primary school prompted condemnation from multiple countries, including China, and raised critical questions about accountability in AI-assisted military decision-making.
UK Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper has accused Russia and Iran of attempting to destabilize the global economy as Iran continues to blockade the Strait of Hormuz. Iran's supreme leader has pledged to continue attacking shipping in the strait in response to US-Israeli military operations. The blockade has driven oil prices to approximately US$100 per barrel, raising concerns about increased global inflation. Cooper made these statements during a visit to Saudi Arabia.
Neuracle Medical Technology has received China's first regulatory approval for an implantable brain-computer interface system designed to restore hand motor function in patients with spinal cord injuries. This regulatory milestone marks a significant advancement in China's neurotechnology sector. Chinese BCI start-ups, viewed as potential competitors to Elon Musk's Neuralink, are gaining momentum as regulatory support and capital investment accelerate their development.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu held his first press conference since the war began on Thursday, addressing the joint air campaign with the United States. He stated that Iran has been affected after nearly two weeks of bombardment, with significant impacts on the Revolutionary Guards Corps and militia forces. Netanyahu acknowledged that the military operations may not result in the collapse of Tehran's government.
The Iran crisis highlights evolving dynamics in international politics. The United States has adopted a forceful stance, while European governments have called for restraint and adherence to international law. Asian nations are working to maintain energy flows through the Strait of Hormuz. The situation reflects weakening constraints on rule-based order and concentrated power dynamics, with countries pursuing divergent strategies based on their geopolitical interests.
🏛 Politics
The use of artificial intelligence in US-Israel military operations against Iran has sparked international legal and ethical debate. The US military reportedly deployed Palantir's Maven Smart System, which integrates AI models including Anthropic's Claude for large-scale data analysis. A deadly missile strike on a primary school prompted condemnation from multiple countries, including China, and raised critical questions about accountability in AI-assisted military decision-making.
UK Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper has accused Russia and Iran of attempting to destabilize the global economy as Iran continues to blockade the Strait of Hormuz. Iran's supreme leader has pledged to continue attacking shipping in the strait in response to US-Israeli military operations. The blockade has driven oil prices to approximately US$100 per barrel, raising concerns about increased global inflation. Cooper made these statements during a visit to Saudi Arabia.
Japan announced plans to release 80 million barrels of oil from its emergency stockpiles beginning March 16, marking the first independent use of national reserves. Analysts suggest this decision reflects Japan's vulnerability to prolonged energy supply disruptions and may increase its exposure to economic pressure from China amid strained bilateral relations. The move preceded a coordinated international response.
China is developing AI-enhanced radar systems to better detect low-altitude drones, according to Xu Jin, a leading air-defence radar expert and member of China's National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference. Xu cited drone swarm tactics employed in ongoing military operations as an emerging challenge for radar detection systems, highlighting the need for advanced technological solutions in air defence.
US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Trade Representative Jamieson Greer will meet Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng in Paris on Sunday and Monday for the sixth round of trade talks. The discussions aim to prepare a deal before President Trump's visit to Beijing at the end of the month. Neither side disclosed specific details about the negotiations.
Three High Court judges in Hong Kong ruled on Friday that evidence supports subversion charges against Lee Cheuk-yan and Chow Hang-tung, former leaders of the now-disbanded Hong Kong Alliance in Support of Patriotic Democratic Movements. The court found sufficient evidence suggesting the activists incited others to overthrow the Communist Party leadership. The alliance previously organized Hong Kong's annual Tiananmen Square vigil. The case will proceed to trial.
The US Treasury Department has imposed sanctions on two companies and six individuals for participating in North Korean government-orchestrated fraud schemes. The operations systematically defrauded US businesses using information technology workers stationed abroad to generate revenue for North Korea's weapons programs. According to the Treasury, these schemes raised approximately USD 800 million for North Korea in 2024.
Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic confirmed on Thursday that his country possesses Chinese-made CM-400AKG supersonic cruise missiles. Photos circulating on social media and defense blogs this week showed the missiles attached to Serbia's Russian-made MiG-29 fighter jets. Vucic stated that Serbia has weapons systems not publicly displayed. The confirmation follows the online photo leak.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu held his first press conference since the war began on Thursday, addressing the joint air campaign with the United States. He stated that Iran has been affected after nearly two weeks of bombardment, with significant impacts on the Revolutionary Guards Corps and militia forces. Netanyahu acknowledged that the military operations may not result in the collapse of Tehran's government.
The Iran crisis highlights evolving dynamics in international politics. The United States has adopted a forceful stance, while European governments have called for restraint and adherence to international law. Asian nations are working to maintain energy flows through the Strait of Hormuz. The situation reflects weakening constraints on rule-based order and concentrated power dynamics, with countries pursuing divergent strategies based on their geopolitical interests.
💰 Finance
Malaysia's government announced that fuel subsidy costs are projected to increase more than fourfold in the short term due to escalating tensions in Iran. Following US and Israeli airstrikes on Iran on February 28, Tehran closed the Strait of Hormuz, a critical waterway for global oil and gas shipments. While Malaysian authorities assured the public that domestic energy supplies will remain uninterrupted, Southeast Asia faces potential energy crisis risks from disrupted global energy flows.
Rising copper prices have driven an increase in cable thefts targeting Malaysia's major urban rail lines. Recent weeks have seen disruptions to train services connecting Kuala Lumpur's northern suburbs to Putrajaya, the federal administrative capital. Affected services include the high-speed MRT Putrajaya and Kajang lines. The theft of copper-embedded cables has caused significant commuter inconvenience and posed challenges for authorities combating the issue.
According to latest US official data, Vietnam achieved its highest trade surplus with the United States in January, overtaking both Mexico and China for the first time. Vietnamese exports rose sharply while Chinese direct shipments to the US declined. Hanoi and Washington have been negotiating a trade deal for months, but no agreement has been reached due to disagreements over the large trade gap and tariff rates the US seeks to impose on Vietnamese goods.
Middle East conflict has driven oil prices higher, with Brent crude surging past US$100 per barrel and reaching US$119.50 on Monday, the highest level since 2022. The Strait of Hormuz, a critical maritime chokepoint through which approximately 20 million barrels of oil and petroleum products flow daily, faces closure threats. African oil producers including Angola are positioned to benefit from elevated prices, though this development will influence their debt negotiations with China.
Data from the Joint Institution Job Information System shows that 69 percent of job sectors in Hong Kong recorded their lowest vacancy levels in six years, with total job openings falling to a five-year low of 30,798. Experts attribute this trend to the rise of artificial intelligence and economic slowdown, creating increased challenges for fresh graduates entering the job market.
In Asia's densest cities, major life milestones are shifting as housing affordability declines. Couples share kitchens with parents, wait years for public housing, and prioritize securing property before marriage. Housing costs, mortgage approvals, and property availability increasingly influence decisions about family formation and childbearing that were once considered spontaneous, contributing to falling fertility rates across the region.
Indian households are rushing to purchase electric induction stoves due to concerns about potential cooking gas shortages linked to Middle East developments. As the world's second-largest importer of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), India has activated emergency measures to boost household supplies while commercial users including canteens, hostels, and restaurants face tightening availability. Consumers are buying electric cooking appliances as a precautionary measure, rapidly depleting both online and retail stocks.
Swire Pacific announced on Friday that it sold 153.05 million shares of Cathay Pacific Airways at HK$11.74 per share, raising HK$1.8 billion (US$230 million) for working capital. The sale price represented a 9.6 percent discount to Thursday's closing price of HK$12.99 per share. This marks Swire's first reduction in its Cathay stake, following Air China's similar divestment in January.
BMW experienced double-digit sales decline in China during 2025. Chief Financial Officer Walter Mertl stated on Thursday that transaction prices for the company's products have stabilized and are showing slight improvement compared to the third quarter. The automaker expressed optimism about market recovery, noting that if current run rates continue, the company will have opportunities for turnaround.
Hong Kong's Independent Commission Against Corruption and Securities and Futures Commission jointly arrested eight people in connection with a HK$315 million insider dealing case involving a hedge fund and two securities firms. Industry observers say the action demonstrates Hong Kong's commitment to maintaining stock market integrity amid increased new listings and share placements.
💻 Technology
Apple's Mac Mini computers are experiencing stock depletion and price markups across China due to increased demand for running the OpenClaw open-source AI application. Beijing electronics seller Frank Chai reported asking for markups of at least 500 yuan (US$73) on basic Mac Mini models featuring 16GB of memory and 256GB storage. Consumers are rushing to purchase machines capable of safely running the application.
Chinese engineers have made progress in developing gallium oxide semiconductors with integrated data storage capabilities, potentially advancing military radar technology. While the US Air Force continues modernizing its fighter fleet with gallium nitride-based radar systems, China is pioneering next-generation semiconductor solutions. This technological advancement could significantly impact the future landscape of military electronics and radar system development.
Neuracle Medical Technology has received China's first regulatory approval for an implantable brain-computer interface system designed to restore hand motor function in patients with spinal cord injuries. This regulatory milestone marks a significant advancement in China's neurotechnology sector. Chinese BCI start-ups, viewed as potential competitors to Elon Musk's Neuralink, are gaining momentum as regulatory support and capital investment accelerate their development.
Apple announced a reduction in App Store commissions charged to developers in China, lowering the rate for standard in-app purchases and paid app transactions from 30 percent to 25 percent on iPhone and iPad. The announcement was made ahead of World Consumer Rights Day and received approval from major Chinese gaming companies including Tencent Holdings and NetEase. The move aims to improve the developer ecosystem in the region.
China has become the first country to mass produce the highest-strength carbon fibre. The domestically developed T1200-grade fibre has tensile strength 10 times greater than ordinary steel, with a diameter less than one-tenth of a human hair. The ultra-strength material has wide applications in defence industries including aerospace, drones, and robots. The achievement was reported by China's state broadcaster on Wednesday.
🌏 International
Taiwan's Legislative Yuan passed a resolution on the 13th authorizing the Executive Yuan to sign four military procurement agreements with the United States, covering Tow missiles, Javelin missile replenishment, M109A7 self-propelled howitzers, and HIMARS multiple launch rocket systems. According to Reuters, the total value of the related U.S. military sales package is approximately 14 billion U.S. dollars, or about 450 billion New Taiwan dollars, representing a significant arms procurement for Taiwan.
Military operations by the United States and Israel against Iran have entered their third week. In addition to vowing continued resistance, Iran has presented ceasefire conditions to the US and Israel, primarily demanding both nations commit to refraining from future attacks. Despite US President Trump's claims of success, there are no clear signs the conflict will end soon. European and Middle Eastern countries are actively engaged in mediation efforts.
The US Trade Representative (USTR) announced on the 11th that it will launch an investigation under Section 301 of the Trade Act against 16 trading partners: Taiwan, China, the European Union, Japan, South Korea, Singapore, Switzerland, Norway, Indonesia, Malaysia, Cambodia, Thailand, Vietnam, Bangladesh, Mexico, and India. The investigation will examine these economies' relevant policies and measures, focusing on issues related to excess capacity.
Market concerns over Iran tensions pushed international crude oil prices back above 100 dollars per barrel. Global equity markets declined in tandem, with major US stock indices closing significantly lower today. Geopolitical risk concerns prompted investors to reassess their portfolios, supporting energy stocks while pressuring broader market performance.
International crude oil prices surged over 9% at close today, reaching a four-year high. Iran's new supreme leader pledged to maintain pressure on Middle East petroleum and transportation facilities, triggering market concerns about energy supply disruptions. The announcement drove global energy prices higher, reflecting investor sensitivity to geopolitical risks. The significant price increase demonstrates market reaction to regional tensions and potential supply constraints.
The Israeli military stated that Lebanese armed group Hezbollah launched approximately 200 rockets toward Israel last night, marking the largest single attack since the conflict began. Hezbollah is a key ally of Iran. The Israeli military did not disclose specific details regarding casualties or damage. This incident represents a further escalation in military confrontation between Israel and Hezbollah.
Honda announced on the 12th the cancellation of three electric vehicle models planned for the North American market and warned of 2.5 trillion yen (approximately 15.7 billion dollars) in charges and losses over the next two years. The move reflects weakening EV demand in the US market and intensifying competition in China. BMW issued a similar profit decline warning the same day, highlighting challenges global automakers face in their EV transition.
Iran's new supreme leader has ordered the continued blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, causing international crude oil prices to exceed $100 per barrel. The decision has triggered global energy supply concerns, with European stock markets declining as a result. The Strait of Hormuz is a critical global oil transportation route, and developments in this region directly impact worldwide energy prices and financial market performance.
Escalating Middle East tensions and Iran's threat to maintain Hormuz Strait closure have triggered significant oil price increases. On the 12th, Brent crude futures surged 9.2% to $100.46 per barrel, reaching a four-year high, while WTI crude rose 9.7% to $95.70 per barrel. Market concerns over potential attacks on oil facilities and supply disruptions have created supply-demand imbalances in global energy markets.
US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent stated that the United States or an international coalition may provide military escort for oil tankers transiting the Strait of Hormuz to ensure global energy supply security. He emphasized that such escort operations are not ad-hoc measures but part of established strategic planning. Bessent noted that once military conditions permit and air superiority is established, escort operations could be rapidly deployed to maintain safe passage through the critical energy corridor.
Iran's newly appointed Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei made his first public statement on Thursday, declaring that the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz will continue as a tool to pressure adversaries. He demanded the immediate closure of all U.S. military bases in the Middle East and warned of potential attacks on these facilities. Following his remarks, global oil prices rose further. The near-complete halt of oil transportation through the Strait of Hormuz has created supply tensions in global energy markets.
Iran's newly appointed Supreme Leader Mojtaba declared on the 12th that the Strait of Hormuz must remain closed and all U.S. military bases in the Middle East should withdraw immediately, warning of further attacks. Multiple vessels have been attacked in the Persian Gulf region, including two tankers off the Iraqi coast with at least one fatality, prompting Iraq to suspend all oil terminal operations. Three additional foreign ships were attacked in the Gulf on Thursday night. These incidents have driven up global oil prices, with the International Energy Agency describing it as the largest oil market disruption in history.
China's National Development and Reform Commission issued an order on March 12 to prohibit refined oil exports for March to address potential domestic fuel shortages amid Middle East tensions, according to Reuters. The ban covers gasoline, diesel, and aviation fuel, excluding bonded jet fuel. The restriction applies to cargo not cleared by March 11. This measure escalates China's previous action of suspending export shipments, reflecting government concerns over energy supply security.
The United States, Japan, and European Union will announce plans within the coming weeks to establish the foundation for a critical minerals trade agreement. The agreement is expected to include price floors and tariffs on relevant materials to address potential market distortions. This initiative reflects the three parties' collaborative efforts in supply chain security.
The Legislative Yuan passed a resolution today authorizing the Executive Yuan to proceed with signing military procurement offers with the United States before the March 15 deadline. The four items include Tow missiles, Javelin missile replenishment, M109A7 self-propelled howitzers, and HIMARS multiple launch rocket systems. The authorization aims to complete the signing process within the offer validity period to ensure smooth implementation of the military procurement plan.