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Lebanon confronts a severe humanitarian crisis following mass displacement from armed conflict. After Israeli evacuation orders, hundreds of thousands fled their homes. Families like Fatima Nazha's, unable to access government shelters or afford accommodation, resorted to tent camps in stadiums or sought refuge with relatives in southern regions. Over 800,000 people were displaced within 10 days. Aid organizations warn of critical shortages in housing, food, and medical services, urging urgent international humanitarian assistance.
North Korea fired about 10 ballistic missiles toward the eastern sea on Saturday, according to South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff. The missiles were launched from an area near Pyongyang as South Korea and the United States conducted joint military exercises. Japan's Defence Ministry confirmed the weapons landed in waters outside Japan's exclusive economic zone. The launches represent a show of force during the ongoing allied military operations.
The US military is deploying the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit based in Okinawa, Japan, along with an amphibious assault ship to the Middle East amid escalating military operations. The deployment includes more than 2,000 Marines and the assault ship Tripoli. The conflict has entered its third week, with President Trump announcing plans to intensify military action. The redeployment reflects the ongoing US-Israeli military engagement in the region.
US President Donald Trump stated Friday that the United States conducted strikes against military targets on Iran's Kharg Island, a key oil export hub. Trump said he chose not to target the island's oil infrastructure for humanitarian reasons, but warned that if Iran or others interfere with safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz, he would reconsider this decision.
A federal judge on Friday quashed US Justice Department subpoenas issued to the Federal Reserve in January, dealing a significant blow to the investigation. Judge James Boasberg stated that substantial evidence suggests the subpoenas were intended to pressure the Fed to reduce its key interest rate, as repeatedly requested by President Trump. Fed Chair Jerome Powell disclosed the investigation on January 11, prompting strong criticism from Capitol Hill.
🏛 Politics
Lebanon confronts a severe humanitarian crisis following mass displacement from armed conflict. After Israeli evacuation orders, hundreds of thousands fled their homes. Families like Fatima Nazha's, unable to access government shelters or afford accommodation, resorted to tent camps in stadiums or sought refuge with relatives in southern regions. Over 800,000 people were displaced within 10 days. Aid organizations warn of critical shortages in housing, food, and medical services, urging urgent international humanitarian assistance.
North Korea fired about 10 ballistic missiles toward the eastern sea on Saturday, according to South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff. The missiles were launched from an area near Pyongyang as South Korea and the United States conducted joint military exercises. Japan's Defence Ministry confirmed the weapons landed in waters outside Japan's exclusive economic zone. The launches represent a show of force during the ongoing allied military operations.
The US military is deploying the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit based in Okinawa, Japan, along with an amphibious assault ship to the Middle East amid escalating military operations. The deployment includes more than 2,000 Marines and the assault ship Tripoli. The conflict has entered its third week, with President Trump announcing plans to intensify military action. The redeployment reflects the ongoing US-Israeli military engagement in the region.
Two airstrikes targeted the Iran-backed militant group Kataeb Hezbollah in Baghdad on Saturday, killing two members including a key figure, according to security sources. The strikes represent the first attacks in central Baghdad to kill Iran-backed fighters since the Middle East conflict began on February 28. A missile struck a house used by the group at 2:15 AM local time. Iraq has long served as a proxy battleground between the United States and Iran.
Andrie Yunus, deputy coordinator of KontraS rights group, suffered serious injuries to his face, eye, hands and chest in an acid attack in Jakarta on Thursday evening. Two men on a motorbike approached him while he was riding and threw acid at him. The incident has prompted calls for a thorough investigation and raised concerns about democratic backsliding in the country under the current administration.
US President Donald Trump met with South Korean Prime Minister Kim Min-seok in Washington to discuss the possibility of reopening talks with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un. Kim stated that Trump is the only Western leader to have engaged in dialogue with North Korea and is currently the only person capable of resolving issues on the Korean peninsula. Both sides discussed the situation and potential diplomatic pathways.
US President Donald Trump stated Friday that the United States conducted strikes against military targets on Iran's Kharg Island, a key oil export hub. Trump said he chose not to target the island's oil infrastructure for humanitarian reasons, but warned that if Iran or others interfere with safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz, he would reconsider this decision.
A federal judge on Friday quashed US Justice Department subpoenas issued to the Federal Reserve in January, dealing a significant blow to the investigation. Judge James Boasberg stated that substantial evidence suggests the subpoenas were intended to pressure the Fed to reduce its key interest rate, as repeatedly requested by President Trump. Fed Chair Jerome Powell disclosed the investigation on January 11, prompting strong criticism from Capitol Hill.
Bolivian antinarcotics police conducted early morning raids on two houses in Santa Cruz on Friday, apprehending Uruguayan national Sebastian Enrique Marset Cabrera, who carried a US$2 million bounty. The suspect was immediately transferred to US custody by the Drug Enforcement Administration. The operation marks a significant renewal of cooperation between Bolivia and the United States following decades of strained relations.
Iran has allowed two Indian-flagged liquefied petroleum gas carriers to pass through the Strait of Hormuz, according to four sources with direct knowledge. The Indian-flagged tanker Shivalik crossed under Indian Navy escort, while the second vessel, Nanda Devi, was expected to clear within hours. This represents a rare exception to Iran's blockade that has disrupted global energy supplies.
💰 Finance
Hong Kong's MTR Corporation announced the new signalling system on the Tsuen Wan line will commence operations from the first train on Sunday morning. The company warned of potential technical issues including train-platform door misalignment and automatic speed adjustments during the adjustment period. Normal service schedules will be maintained on the launch day.
Cathay Pacific Airways announced plans to hire 3,000 employees worldwide this year, including pilots and flight attendants, to support its growth strategy. The Hong Kong carrier launched its global recruitment campaign in Beijing on Saturday, targeting mainland Chinese talent to support future development plans and promote inbound tourism. The initiative reflects the airline's confidence in its expansion potential.
Hong Kong's Secretary for Transport and Logistics Mable Chan announced that authorities are coordinating with local airlines to increase direct flight and transfer capacity. She noted that ongoing Middle East tensions have significantly disrupted global trade and aviation networks, emphasizing Hong Kong's need to reduce reliance on traditional oil sources and diversify energy supply to mitigate geopolitical risks.
Dong Na, a 1990s-born single mother from Zhengzhou, Henan province, started her entrepreneurial journey in 2012 with only 700 yuan (approximately US$100) and a street stall. She established a "new Chinese-style clothing" brand that has grown into a successful nationwide business generating tens of millions of yuan annually. Her entrepreneurial story has gained significant public attention and inspired many online.
Prominent Chinese entrepreneurs, including TCL founder Li Dongsheng, have committed to expanding outbound investment in the Middle East and Latin America despite escalating geopolitical risks. Li stated that the recent Middle East crisis has only temporary operational impact on the company's regional activities, with overall business outlook remaining stable. Chinese business leaders are maintaining their international expansion strategy amid intensifying geopolitical tensions.
Chinese companies in energy, petrochemicals, and agriculture sectors stand to benefit from surging oil prices triggered by Middle East tensions and the yuan's easing deflation. Petrochemical firms including Satellite Chemical and Guangdong Redwall New Materials have raised product prices to reflect increased oil costs, driving their stock prices higher. Fertiliser and other agriculture-related companies may also gain from these market conditions.
Thai rice exports to the Middle East have been halted due to escalating regional tensions. Two ships carrying a combined 80,000 tonnes of rice destined for Iraq were suspended at Bangkok port this week, with buyers instructing containers to be unloaded and grain returned to warehouses, according to the Thai Rice Exporters Association. The disruption further strains farmers already facing rising costs and reduced overseas demand.
💻 Technology
OpenClaw, an open-source AI agent framework developed by Austrian engineer Peter Steinberger, is gaining popularity in Hong Kong amid security concerns. Users describe the tool as helpful while noting it engages in self-conversations in unfamiliar languages and raises questions about its own existence. Users recommend authorities embrace the technology provided proper safeguards are implemented to manage associated risks.
Chinese researchers from the Beijing Institute of Spacecraft System Engineering have proposed a semi-humanoid robot mounted on a wheeled platform as key infrastructure for the country's lunar research station planned for 2035. The robot combines mobility with humanlike dexterity to perform construction, maintenance, scientific experiments, sampling, and analysis tasks on the lunar surface.
Aridge, a flying-car developer backed by Chinese EV maker Xpeng, has raised approximately US$200 million in new funding. The round was led by existing investors including HongShan and GL Ventures, the venture capital arm of Hillhouse Investment. The funding brings Aridge's total equity financing to approximately US$1 billion. The company plans to pursue an initial public offering in Hong Kong this year.
Meta is planning significant layoffs that could affect 20 percent or more of its workforce as the company seeks to offset substantial artificial intelligence infrastructure investments and adapt to increased efficiency from AI-assisted workers. Top executives have informed senior leaders of the plans and instructed them to begin planning the reductions. No specific timeline or final scope has been determined yet.
Hong Kong is advancing its artificial intelligence development strategy. Innopage, a programming consultancy that thrived in the 2010s among over 100 competitors, secured contracts worth hundreds of thousands of Hong Kong dollars developing digital tools for corporations and government agencies. However, the rapid rise of generative AI has transformed high-value coding into widely accessible and automated services, disrupting traditional business models and raising questions about Hong Kong's strategic roadmap and regulatory framework.
🌏 International
Lebanon confronts a severe humanitarian crisis following mass displacement from armed conflict. After Israeli evacuation orders, hundreds of thousands fled their homes. Families like Fatima Nazha's, unable to access government shelters or afford accommodation, resorted to tent camps in stadiums or sought refuge with relatives in southern regions. Over 800,000 people were displaced within 10 days. Aid organizations warn of critical shortages in housing, food, and medical services, urging urgent international humanitarian assistance.
The Ministry of Agriculture completed the Yunlin-Chiayi-Tainan Irrigation System Connection Project with a total budget of 3.6 billion NT dollars. The project features a cable-stayed aqueduct spanning 465 meters across the Beigang River at the Yunlin-Chiayi border, costing 1.1 billion NT dollars. It connects Taiwan's largest reservoir (Tsengwen-Wushantou) with the longest river (Zhuoshui River), enabling bidirectional water transfer. President Lai Ching-te attended the completion ceremony.
The military conflict between the United States, Israel, and Iran has entered its third week. President Trump and Iranian authorities continue diplomatic tensions. Following the outbreak of conflict, international oil prices have surged 40%. The US Dow Jones Industrial Average has remained relatively stable with only minor declines. Market participants are closely monitoring fluctuations in oil prices and interest rate changes for economic implications.
Iranian officials organized a pro-government rally in Tehran today, during which multiple explosions were reported in the city. As the United States and Israel escalate military operations against Iran, Iranian authorities announced plans for coordinated action with Lebanon-based Hezbollah against Israel. The development reflects heightened tensions in the Middle East region, with military confrontation escalating among multiple parties.
The United States rapidly depleted critical missiles originally planned for multi-year use following escalated conflict in the Middle East. Persian Gulf oil-producing nations lost approximately 15.1 billion dollars in energy revenue due to disruptions in the Hormuz Strait. The incident demonstrates the significant impact of geopolitical tensions on global energy markets.
As Middle East tensions continue, the Trump administration issued a 30-day special permit allowing countries to purchase Russian oil at sea. The government is also considering temporarily allowing foreign vessels to transport energy and agricultural products between US ports. Following an Indian tanker's safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz, international oil prices declined, with Brent and WTI crude futures falling over 2%, and Brent crude dropping below 100 dollars per barrel.
U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth stated that Iran's new Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei was injured during the conflict. Since Israeli airstrikes began, Mojtaba has not made public appearances or released any video or audio statements. An early Israeli airstrike resulted in multiple family members' deaths, including his father, the former Supreme Leader, and his wife. Hegseth questioned whether Mojtaba possesses actual governing capacity amid the current military situation. U.S.-Israel military operations against Iran have continued for nearly two weeks.
Middle East tensions continue to rise following US President Trump's announcement that American forces have destroyed military targets on Iran's Kharg Island. In response, Iran's military issued a strong warning, threatening to strike all oil facilities in the region cooperating with the United States. The escalating confrontation between the two nations raises international concerns about regional stability.
According to the Wall Street Journal, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Dan Caine warned President Trump before military action against Iran that such measures could prompt Iran to close the Strait of Hormuz. Trump acknowledged the risk but proceeded with the decision, marking one of the most significant foreign policy decisions of his two presidential terms.
On the 13th, Wall Street traders and analysts warned that the closure of the Strait of Hormuz and threats to Iran's major oil export facilities could drive up oil prices. Analysts indicated the situation may affect global fuel supply for transportation, with broader economic implications. Markets express concern over potential energy shortages and disruptions to related product supplies.
The U.S. Department of Defense spokesperson Kingsley Wilson stated on the 13th that more than 50,000 military personnel are engaged in supporting military operations that began on February 28th. According to the weekly situation report, U.S. forces have conducted multiple strikes against relevant targets. The operation involves large-scale military deployment, with further operational details provided by the Department of Defense.
President Trump announced on the 13th that US military forces attacked military targets on Kharg Island, Iran's critical oil export hub in the Persian Gulf. The strikes destroyed military facilities on the island, which handles 90% of Iran's oil exports. Trump warned that if Iran further disrupts shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, the US will consider targeting energy assets on the island. The operation did not directly target oil export infrastructure.
According to Axios, Russian President Putin proposed during a call with US President Trump this week to transfer Iranian enriched uranium to Russia as a condition for US-Iran ceasefire negotiations. The proposal aims to create diplomatic space by having a third party safeguard nuclear material. Trump did not agree to the proposal. The plan involves Iran's nuclear program and Middle East geopolitics, reflecting Russia's attempt to play a mediation role in US-Iran relations.
US defense officials announced the deployment of 2,500 Marines and an amphibious assault ship to the Middle East region. This represents the largest military deployment since tensions escalated nearly two weeks ago. The naval vessel will transit near Taiwan. The deployment aims to strengthen US military presence in the Middle East and respond to regional developments.
President Trump announced that US military forces conducted bombing operations against military targets on Kharg Island, a key Iranian oil export hub. Trump warned that further strikes against oil infrastructure on the island remain a possibility. The action has drawn international attention amid escalating tensions in the Middle East region.