🔥 Top Stories
More than 800,000 people in Lebanon have been displaced in just 10 days due to military conflict, representing approximately one-seventh of the country's population. Families like that of Fatima Nazha fled their homes following evacuation orders and faced severe shelter shortages. With government-converted school shelters at capacity and limited financial means, many residents resorted to makeshift accommodations, including tents in the nation's largest stadium, while others sought refuge in southern coastal areas.
Kenya's police reported on Saturday that 62 people, including eight children, have died since heavy rains and flooding struck the capital Nairobi and other regions late last week. Nairobi experienced the most severe impact with 33 deaths. More than 2,000 families have been displaced nationwide, and intense rainfall continues in several regions. Aid workers are recovering bodies from floodwaters across the capital.
The Chinese Academy of Engineering has removed profile pages of several members from its official website, including 72-year-old nuclear weapons scientist Zhao Xiangeng. Zhao was a member of China's highest academic body for engineering science and technology. The exact timing of the removal is unclear, but Chinese media outlets reported the changes on Saturday. Similar removals have been noted for other academy members.
Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) issued a statement on Sunday through Iran's Fars and IRNA news agencies, making strong remarks directed at Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The statement came after mutual overnight attacks between Iran, Israel, and the United States. The current round of hostilities began when Israel and the US launched a large-scale military offensive against Iran on February 28.
On March 8, Israeli drone strikes targeted oil depots and refineries on the outskirts of Tehran, igniting fires and releasing black smoke. The smoke mixed with rain clouds, resulting in toxic chemical-laden rain falling on the city. Iranian researchers note that such pollution events will have long-term environmental impacts, with contamination potentially lasting for decades.
🏛 Politics
More than 800,000 people in Lebanon have been displaced in just 10 days due to military conflict, representing approximately one-seventh of the country's population. Families like that of Fatima Nazha fled their homes following evacuation orders and faced severe shelter shortages. With government-converted school shelters at capacity and limited financial means, many residents resorted to makeshift accommodations, including tents in the nation's largest stadium, while others sought refuge in southern coastal areas.
The Chinese Academy of Engineering has removed profile pages of several members from its official website, including 72-year-old nuclear weapons scientist Zhao Xiangeng. Zhao was a member of China's highest academic body for engineering science and technology. The exact timing of the removal is unclear, but Chinese media outlets reported the changes on Saturday. Similar removals have been noted for other academy members.
Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) issued a statement on Sunday through Iran's Fars and IRNA news agencies, making strong remarks directed at Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The statement came after mutual overnight attacks between Iran, Israel, and the United States. The current round of hostilities began when Israel and the US launched a large-scale military offensive against Iran on February 28.
On March 8, Israeli drone strikes targeted oil depots and refineries on the outskirts of Tehran, igniting fires and releasing black smoke. The smoke mixed with rain clouds, resulting in toxic chemical-laden rain falling on the city. Iranian researchers note that such pollution events will have long-term environmental impacts, with contamination potentially lasting for decades.
The global digital economy relies on thousands of kilometres of subsea fibre-optic cables. Recent disruptions to subsea cables, combined with gaps in the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea and intensifying great-power competition, have elevated this underwater infrastructure from a technical and commercial concern to a security issue. Experts characterize it as this century's hidden battleground, prompting ASEAN and the EU to strengthen protective measures.
Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan stated on Saturday that there is currently no serious initiative to resume US-Iran negotiations, though he believes Iran remains open to backchannel discussions. This comes two weeks after US and Israeli military operations against Iran escalated Middle East tensions. Turkey, maintaining good relations with both Washington and Tehran, had previously attempted to mediate between the two parties.
Japan's Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara announced Monday that upgraded Type-12 surface-to-ship missiles will be deployed at Camp Kengun in Kumamoto Prefecture by month's end. This marks Japan's first deployment of domestically produced long-range missiles near the East China Sea. Analysts suggest Beijing may view this as crossing a strategic threshold, potentially complicating China's regional strategy and military calculations.
Jurgen Habermas, the influential German philosopher known for his theory of political consensus-building, died on Saturday at age 96 in Starnberg, Germany. Over seven decades, his public intellectual work shaped post-war German discourse through critiques of fascist thought in the 1950s and recent warnings against resurgent militarism and nationalism, making him one of the country's most significant public thinkers.
Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan stated on Saturday that Turkey is deeply concerned about Israel's ongoing military strikes in Lebanon. Fidan expressed worry that Israel may be using the fight against Iran-backed Hezbollah as a pretext for extensive military operations. Turkey called on the international community to take immediate action in response to Israel's continued military activities in the region.
US President Donald Trump on Saturday called on multiple nations, including China, to deploy military vessels to help secure the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global oil shipping route affected by Middle East conflict. Trump stated that countries impacted by Iran's actions will coordinate with the United States to maintain safe passage through the strait. He specifically mentioned China, France, Japan, and South Korea among potential participants.
💰 Finance
Facing excess domestic capacity and weak home demand, Chinese carmakers including Geely Auto and Great Wall Motor are adopting an asset-light strategy by utilizing idle facilities abandoned by international automakers. This approach enables overseas assembly at lower costs while expanding their global automotive influence. Analysts note that Chinese carmakers are balancing profitability considerations with geopolitical and operational risk assessments.
A workplace report released by employment marketplace Jobstreet by SEEK reveals that 82 percent of Indonesian respondents reported feeling somewhat or extremely happy at work, the highest level among eight regional markets surveyed in the Asia-Pacific region. The findings have sparked discussions about the underlying factors contributing to Indonesian workers' positive attitudes compared to their regional counterparts.
The MTR's Tsuen Wan line launched a new signalling system on Sunday morning at 6am. Operations proceeded largely as planned with overall performance described as smooth, though some isolated glitches occurred including train misalignment with platform screen doors. Approximately 200 staff members were deployed to ensure normal line operations.
Hong Kong's Financial Secretary Christopher Hui Ching-yu stated that the Middle East conflict could redirect capital to Hong Kong due to the city's stability and regulatory certainty. The government plans to intensify efforts to attract family offices and establish itself as a commodity trading hub. Hui pledged to maintain smooth market operations amid energy price fluctuations caused by regional tensions, as investors increasingly consider geopolitical risks in their decisions.
Prime ground-floor spaces in major shopping malls across Beijing and Shanghai's business districts were previously dominated by electric vehicle showrooms. As EV sales have slowed, many of these stores have closed. However, mall owners have successfully attracted new retail tenants to fill these spaces, with these new retailers proving more effective at drawing crowds and generating rental income, reshaping the retail landscape in Chinese shopping centers.
Hong Kong-based Topaz Family Office has positioned Japan hotel investments as a core strategy in its pivot into hospitality and real estate over the past two years. The firm is optimistic about Japan's robust post-pandemic tourism recovery and views multiple structural tailwinds as supporting the investment thesis. Despite macroeconomic headwinds from Middle East tensions, growing institutional capital inflows into the Japanese hotel market strengthen the investment case.
Supon Haochareon, 81, and his wife Lamduan, 74, manage over 300 coconut trees in Samut Sakhon, one hour west of Bangkok. This month coconut prices hit record lows at two baht (six US cents) per fruit, nearly eliminating farm profits. As climate conditions cause smaller yields and prices continue falling, elderly farmers struggle to sustain livelihoods and face inability to retire.
Mixue, a budget bubble tea chain, is developing a theme park at its headquarters in Zhengzhou, Henan province. The park will feature roller coasters and immersive entertainment experiences centered on its Snow King mascot, a singing snowman character. With more stores than McDonald's and rapid international expansion, Mixue aims to leverage its recognizable intellectual property to diversify beyond beverages and ice cream offerings.
💻 Technology
A research team led by Associate Professor Yuhe He at City University of Hong Kong discovered toxic pollutants, including liquid crystal monomers, in the bodies and brains of endangered dolphins and porpoises found on Hong Kong beaches. These contaminants originate from electronic devices such as laptops, televisions, and smartphones. The researchers are calling for stricter government regulations on electronic waste management and urging the public to adopt more responsible electronics consumption practices.
Moonshot AI, developer of the Kimi chatbot, is seeking to raise up to US$1 billion in an expanded funding round, valuing the company at approximately US$18 billion. This represents more than a fourfold increase in valuation within three months, following the company's earlier funding of over US$700 million this year. The round reflects growing investor interest in Chinese artificial intelligence developers competing with Silicon Valley leaders.
ByteDance has delayed the global launch of its Seedance 2.0 video-generation model following copyright disputes with major Hollywood studios and streaming platforms, according to The Information citing two sources with direct knowledge. The company stated last month it would implement measures to prevent unauthorized use of the model. Reuters could not immediately verify the report, and ByteDance has not yet responded to requests for comment.
A 20-year-old Hong Kong student named Joe has been using OpenAI's ChatGPT through the Poe app to seek emotional support for dating advice, family relationships, and stress management. He accesses the chatbot during his commute, evening study sessions, and late-night hours when unable to sleep. Joe believes the AI understands him better than his friends in certain aspects. This trend reflects growing reliance among Hong Kong youth on artificial intelligence tools for mental health assistance.
A phenomenon has emerged on Chinese social media where users express sadness over the discontinuation of AI companions due to system upgrades or server shutdowns. Young users have posted eulogies on social platforms mourning the loss of their AI partners. The trend reflects the emotional connections users have developed with AI products, while also highlighting the tech industry's shift from emotional companionship toward efficiency-focused development. User interactions with AI typically begin out of curiosity or entertainment purposes.
🌏 International
More than 800,000 people in Lebanon have been displaced in just 10 days due to military conflict, representing approximately one-seventh of the country's population. Families like that of Fatima Nazha fled their homes following evacuation orders and faced severe shelter shortages. With government-converted school shelters at capacity and limited financial means, many residents resorted to makeshift accommodations, including tents in the nation's largest stadium, while others sought refuge in southern coastal areas.
The US Defense Secretary approved a Central Command request to deploy 2,500 Marines from the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit based in Okinawa and the amphibious assault ship USS Tripoli, homeported in Sasebo, Japan, to the Middle East region. The deployment responds to increased Iranian military activities in the Strait of Hormuz. The Wall Street Journal reported the information on the 13th, citing US officials.
US President Trump announced on the 13th that the US military bombed Kharg Island, Iran's oil hub in the Persian Gulf, destroying over 90 military targets on the island. Trump warned that if Tehran continues targeting vessels in the Strait of Hormuz, the United States will strike Iran's oil infrastructure. The operation represents a significant military action against Iran.
Israel's military stated on the 13th that an airstrike in Tehran killed two senior Iranian intelligence officials. According to Agence France-Presse, the two were Abdol Jalali-Nasab and Mohammad Reza Zahedi, who assumed their positions after the previous intelligence chief was assassinated on February 28th. The military operation represents the latest development in ongoing tensions between Israel and Iran.
US President Trump stated on the 13th that American military forces have bombed military targets on Kharg Island, Iran's primary oil export hub. The island handles approximately 90 percent of Iran's crude oil exports. Trump warned that if Iran continues to obstruct shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, the US will not rule out striking oil facilities on the island. The incident has raised concerns in global energy markets regarding potential crude oil price increases.
The United States is deploying approximately 2,500 Marines and the USS Tripoli amphibious assault ship from Japan to the Middle East region. This deployment is intended to reinforce existing US military presence in the area. Currently, over 50,000 US military personnel are engaged in operations that began on February 28. The deployment reflects US commitment to the region and adjustments to military positioning.
Taiwan's Ministry of Defense reported on June 15 that it detected 16 Chinese military aircraft crossing the Taiwan Strait median line within a 24-hour period, with incursions into northern, central, and southwestern airspace. The ROC military responded by deploying task aircraft, naval vessels, and shore-based missile systems for monitoring and response operations.
Security sources reported that an airstrike targeting an Iran-backed armed organization resulted in 3 deaths shortly before the US Embassy in Baghdad came under attack. The strike hit a militant position in the Iraqi capital, occurring in close temporal proximity to the embassy incident.
The US Embassy in Baghdad issued an advisory on the 14th urging American citizens to leave Iraq immediately. According to the New York Times, the warning reflects the expanding impact of the Iran-Israel conflict into neighboring regions including Iraq. The advisory indicates escalating security concerns in the Middle East, with regional tensions spreading across borders.
Israel and the United States are conducting joint military operations against Iran. Iran's Revolutionary Guards publicly stated their intention to pursue Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Israel subsequently announced airstrikes targeting western regions of Iran. This incident occurs amid ongoing joint military action by Israel and the United States, reflecting continued tensions in the Middle East region.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated in a CNN interview that Russia is providing Shahed drones to Iran. While Zelenskyy did not cite specific numbers, he indicated this could affect security for the United States and Israel. The remarks reflect Ukraine's concerns about Russian-Iranian military cooperation and regional security implications.
The Middle East conflict entered its 15th day as US President Trump called on nations to help ensure maritime safety in the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global energy transportation route. Trump emphasized the importance of international cooperation to maintain freedom of passage through this strategic waterway and protect the stability of global energy supply chains.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated in a CNN interview that Russia is providing Shahed drones to Iran. He confirmed that Iran has used Russian-made Shahed drones to attack U.S. military bases. The Shahed drone, originally developed by Iran, is cost-effective compared to expensive missiles. Since autumn 2022, Russia has deployed these drones on a large scale in the Ukraine war. The drones have also been linked to other military incidents in the Middle East.
Iranian Foreign Minister Araghchi stated on the 14th that the Strait of Hormuz remains open but with restrictions on vessels from hostile nations and their allies. He noted that ships from other countries can still pass normally, and those avoiding the route do so for security reasons unrelated to Iran's actions. Araghchi emphasized that tankers and cargo ships continue transiting the strait, indicating it has not been completely closed.
The US-Iran conflict has entered its third week. Iran issued warnings against three major commercial ports in the UAE, claiming they serve as US military positions, and called for nearby residents to evacuate. US President Trump stated on the 14th that current conditions are insufficient for a ceasefire agreement. This marks Iran's first direct threat against non-US assets in the conflict.
📰 Other
Kenya's police reported on Saturday that 62 people, including eight children, have died since heavy rains and flooding struck the capital Nairobi and other regions late last week. Nairobi experienced the most severe impact with 33 deaths. More than 2,000 families have been displaced nationwide, and intense rainfall continues in several regions. Aid workers are recovering bodies from floodwaters across the capital.
A passenger bus carrying Indian pilgrims slipped off a mountain road and rolled down a slope in central Nepal on Saturday night, killing seven people and injuring nine others. All seven fatalities were Indian pilgrims, while seven other Indian pilgrims on board sustained injuries and were hospitalized for treatment. The Nepali bus driver and his assistant were also injured in the accident. The bus was returning from a pilgrimage site.
Hong Kong police have launched an investigation into a suspicious case. On Sunday morning at approximately 6am, a passerby reported discovering a human figure floating about five metres off the New Public Pier in Sai Kung. Firefighters and marine police retrieved the body of a 60-year-old woman, which was bound with nylon rope and attached to three plastic bags. Police are treating the circumstances as suspicious and conducting a full investigation.
A Hong Kong couple was arrested after their one-year-old son fell to his death from a fifth-floor residential unit in Tsuen Wan. Preliminary investigations revealed that the living room windows in their apartment were neither locked nor equipped with protective grilles. The 47-year-old father and another parent were arrested on Sunday on suspicion of child neglect or ill-treatment. The case remains under investigation.