Gulf states again under fire as Iran says still building missiles
Firefighters battled a blaze at a giant oil refinery in Kuwait on Friday after a fresh drone attack ...
Today: 40 articles from 7 sources
🔥 Top Stories
US military aircraft losses mount as Iran war approaches fourth week
At least 16 US military aircraft have been lost since the start of the war with Iran, including 10 R...
Tai Po residential fire hearing continues as investigation reveals human failings
A public evidential hearing into a devastating fire at a Hong Kong residential complex that killed 168 people enters its second day. Lead barrister Victor Dawes SC will continue his opening remarks following revelations from a preliminary investigation report citing multiple human failings as contributing factors to the tragedy.
Israel PM says Iran can no longer enrich uranium, hints at ‘ground component’ to war
Iran no longer has the capacity to enrich uranium or make ballistic missiles after 20 days of US-...
US F-35 fighter jet hit by suspected Iranian fire, makes emergency landing
A US F-35 fighter aircraft was struck by suspected Iranian fire while conducting a combat mission over Iran on Thursday and made an emergency landing. According to US Central Command spokesman Captain Tim Hawkins, the aircraft, valued at approximately US$100 million, landed safely and the pilot is in stable condition. This marks the first time Iran has hit a US F-35 since the US and Israel launched operations against Iran on February 28.
🏛 Politics
Iran tightens Strait of Hormuz controls amid Middle East tensions
As Middle East conflict intensifies, Iran has implemented new vessel screening procedures and transit fees in the Strait of Hormuz, raising international concerns. The International Maritime Organisation (IMO) held a special session and called for establishing a safe maritime framework to ensure swift evacuation of merchant ships confined in the Persian Gulf and protect crews.
Trump to praise Japan during delayed China visit, Xi summit postponed
US President Donald Trump stated he will speak Japan's praises during his postponed China trip, despite ongoing Taiwan-related disputes between the two Asian nations. During a White House meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, Trump revealed the summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping has been delayed approximately one and a half months, with his originally scheduled March 31 arrival in China now pushed back.
Gulf states again under fire as Iran says still building missiles
Firefighters battled a blaze at a giant oil refinery in Kuwait on Friday after a fresh drone attack ...
US military aircraft losses mount as Iran war approaches fourth week
At least 16 US military aircraft have been lost since the start of the war with Iran, including 10 R...
Hungary's Orban blocks EU 90 billion euro loan package for Ukraine
EU leaders failed to persuade Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban to lift his veto on a 90 billion euro (US$103 billion) loan to Ukraine at a Brussels summit. Orban cited a dispute over a war-damaged pipeline to justify blocking implementation of the loan agreement reached in December, drawing strong criticism from multiple EU leaders.
Tai Po residential fire hearing continues as investigation reveals human failings
A public evidential hearing into a devastating fire at a Hong Kong residential complex that killed 168 people enters its second day. Lead barrister Victor Dawes SC will continue his opening remarks following revelations from a preliminary investigation report citing multiple human failings as contributing factors to the tragedy.
Iran conflict escalates with potential long-term supply chain disruptions
A conflict in Iran that some analysts expected to resolve quickly has evolved into a prolonged and uncertain war. The situation has caused oil tankers to be stranded at sea and numerous flight cancellations, potentially creating supply chain disruptions similar to those experienced during the pandemic period.
Chinese analysts assess duration of US-Israel conflict with Iran
Chinese analysts note that Iran's missile and drone stockpiles will sustain approximately two to three months under continued US-Israeli strikes, while US military interceptors are also being depleted. However, the conflict's duration depends less on stockpiles alone than on the effectiveness of new US military deployments and President Trump's political calculations. Iran has maintained ongoing attacks against Israel and US assets across the Middle East since the conflict began.
Israel PM says Iran can no longer enrich uranium, hints at ‘ground component’ to war
Iran no longer has the capacity to enrich uranium or make ballistic missiles after 20 days of US-...
US F-35 fighter jet hit by suspected Iranian fire, makes emergency landing
A US F-35 fighter aircraft was struck by suspected Iranian fire while conducting a combat mission over Iran on Thursday and made an emergency landing. According to US Central Command spokesman Captain Tim Hawkins, the aircraft, valued at approximately US$100 million, landed safely and the pilot is in stable condition. This marks the first time Iran has hit a US F-35 since the US and Israel launched operations against Iran on February 28.
💰 Finance
China's rare earth magnet exports to US decline for seventh consecutive month
China's shipments of rare earth permanent magnets to the United States totaled 994 tonnes in January and February, down 22.5 percent year-on-year, according to data from China's General Administration of Customs. This marks the seventh consecutive month of decline, as Washington and its allies intensify efforts to reduce dependence on China's critical mineral supply chains.
Unitree Robotics files for Shanghai IPO seeking $610 million
Hangzhou-based Unitree Robotics has filed for an initial public offering on Shanghai's Star Market, aiming to raise 4.2 billion yuan ($610 million). The company manufactures quadruped and humanoid robots, with revenue reaching 1.71 billion yuan last year, representing 335% year-over-year growth. Shanghai's exchange formally accepted the listing application following preliminary review on Friday. The company's growth is driven by increasing demand in embodied artificial intelligence sector.
China's Russian crude oil imports surge in early 2026 amid Iran tensions
China's imports of Russian crude oil rose 40.9 percent year-on-year to 21.8 million tonnes in January and February, according to customs data released Friday. However, the total import value increased only 5.8 percent in US dollar terms. Analysts suggest that escalating tensions in Iran could increase global competition for Russian oil, potentially moderating China's import volumes in coming months.
India Deepens Regional Energy Diplomacy by Supplying Diesel to Bangladesh
As fuel prices surge amid the Iran situation, India is supplying diesel to Bangladesh, demonstrating its regional leadership role. Bangladesh will import 45,000 tonnes of diesel from India by April, with 5,000 tonnes already delivered. Analysts note that if fuel shortages persist, India must balance its own energy demands with those of neighboring countries.
China’s Hainan free-trade hub reinvents itself as Hong Kong’s rival – and partner
As Hainan pushes ahead with its free-trade port, the tropical island is emerging as a potential riva...
US Section 301 tariffs expected to trigger new trade disruption wave
The United States is set to implement Section 301 tariffs, which are expected to cause fresh disruption to global trade. The policy involves imposing tariffs on goods from specific countries, potentially affecting multiple economic sectors. Analysts warn that this action will escalate international trade tensions and create ripple effects across supply chains and related economies worldwide.
Chinese stocks outperform amid oil shock as renewable energy transition accelerates
Since February 28 attacks on Iran, China's CSI 300 Index declined 3.1%, outperforming the S&P 500, Euro Stoxx 50, and Nikkei 225, which all fell at least 4%. This reversal reflects China's increased reliance on renewable fuels, reducing sensitivity to crude oil price volatility and challenging the nation's historical reputation as a lagging stock market performer.
Major pharmaceutical firms expand manufacturing investments in China amid geopolitical shifts
AstraZeneca announced plans to establish drug manufacturing facilities in Guangzhou and Shanghai, plus an innovation center in Shanghai. The move is part of the British company's 15 billion US dollar commitment to China's pharmaceutical market through 2030, unveiled during UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer's January visit to Beijing. Multiple foreign pharmaceutical players are building new facilities in China despite ongoing geopolitical tensions.
US federal debt reaches $39 trillion amid concerns over sustainability
The United States' federal debt reached an unprecedented $39 trillion on Wednesday, prompting analysts to warn of "alarmingly unsustainable" growth that poses potential risks to the global economy. Spending is expected to increase further amid Iran-related military expenditures. Questions remain about whether President Trump has the political will to control borrowing, despite his 2016 campaign promise to eliminate the national debt.
US-China digital currency strategies diverge as stablecoin regulation stalls
US crypto advocates cite competition from China's new interest-bearing e-CNY to push for legislative clarity on stablecoin yields. However, experts note the world's two largest economies are pursuing fundamentally different digital money strategies rather than direct competition. The regulatory divide reflects deeper strategic divergence between Washington and Beijing on digital asset development.
💻 Technology
Alibaba unveils strongest AI model preview, leads Chinese competitors
Alibaba Group launched Qwen3.5-Max-Preview, its most powerful AI model to date, now available on Arena, a model performance community created by UC Berkeley researchers. The model solidifies Alibaba's leading position among Chinese AI developers, though it still lags behind American rivals including Anthropic, Google, and OpenAI.
Xiaomi launches new-generation SU7 at lower prices amid intensifying EV competition with Tesla
Xiaomi founder Lei Jun announced official pricing for the new-generation SU7 sedan, with the standard model starting at 219,900 yuan, 10,000 yuan lower than pre-sale estimates. The vehicle is expected to compete with Tesla and domestic rivals in China's weakening EV market amid tightening regulatory oversight.
China's commercial satellite tests flexible robotic arm for low-orbit refueling
Following last year's high-orbit satellite refueling test, China launched Hukeda-2 from Jiuquan Satellite Launch Centre on Monday. The satellite is China's first commercial test spacecraft equipped with a flexible robotic arm designed to capture other spacecraft. The mission aims to advance docking and refueling technologies while testing methods to accelerate disposal of end-of-life satellites.
🔒 Security
Hong Kong police arrest 13 suspects in HK$113 million money laundering scheme using iAM Smart app
Hong Kong police arrested 13 people suspected of laundering over HK$113 million through the government's iAM Smart application. The suspects, aged 38 to 75, included nine men and four women. They allegedly used fake job advertisements for cleaner positions to deceive victims into using their iAM Smart accounts for money laundering operations via mule bank accounts.
🌏 International
Israel strikes Iran's oil and gas facilities; Iran retaliates against Gulf neighbors
US-Israel military operations entered their third week. After Iran's largest natural gas field, South Pars, was bombed, Iran escalated energy retaliation on the 19th, attacking Saudi Arabia's Red Sea refinery, Qatar and UAE's liquefied natural gas facilities, and Kuwait's refinery. Both sides are targeting energy infrastructure in escalating conflict.
U.S. Military F-35 Fighter Makes Emergency Landing at Middle East Base
According to CNN, sources revealed that a U.S. Air Force F-35 fighter jet believed to have been struck by Iranian fire made an emergency landing at an American military base in the Middle East. The incident reflects escalating military tensions between the U.S. and Iran, with further details regarding damage and consequences pending confirmation.
Middle East Energy Infrastructure Attacks Trigger Oil and Gas Price Surge
Following attacks on energy facilities in the Middle East, international energy markets experienced significant volatility. Brent crude oil reached $119.13 per barrel on the 19th, up nearly 11% and approaching 2022 highs, while European natural gas prices surged 35% to double pre-conflict levels. Markets worry the escalating conflict could trigger retaliatory attacks on regional oil and gas infrastructure, further driving up energy prices.
US Military F-35 Fighter Jet Hit by Iranian Fire, Returns Safely to Base
According to CNN, a US Air Force F-35 fighter jet was struck by Iranian fire while conducting operations in Iranian airspace and made an emergency landing at a US military base in the Middle East. The aircraft landed safely and the pilot's condition is stable. This marks the first reported instance of an F-35 being hit by Iranian fire since the conflict escalated in late February. Details of the incident remain under investigation.
Six nations including Japan, UK, France call for Iran to lift Hormuz Strait blockade
Japan, the United Kingdom, France and three other countries issued a joint statement on the 19th condemning Iran's blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global energy shipping route. The statement demands Iran immediately lift the blockade and cease attacks on Persian Gulf nations, while the countries pledge to make appropriate contributions to ensure safe passage through the waterway.
US Deploys Additional Forces to Middle East, May Occupy Kharg Island
The United States is deploying approximately 2,200 troops from the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit to the Middle East, expected to arrive within a week. The US may occupy Kharg Island, Iran's critical oil export hub, as a negotiating leverage. A former US Central Command commander stated the military could destroy the island's oil infrastructure or occupy it for negotiations.
Qatar LNG Facility Damaged in Attack, Export Capacity Drops 17%
Qatar's Ras Laffan liquefied natural gas facility was damaged in a missile attack, resulting in a 17% reduction in export capacity. Energy experts warn the incident could significantly impact global natural gas supply and reshape the energy market landscape.
Hormuz Strait Oil Tanker Restrictions Strain Asian Energy Reserves
The US-Israel conflict with Iran has significantly reduced oil tanker traffic through the Strait of Hormuz. Previously, approximately 40 tankers daily transported 20 million barrels of crude oil and refined products; now Iran permits only limited vessels, primarily flagged to India and China. With constrained oil supplies, multiple Asian nations face potential depletion of petroleum reserves, drawing international attention.
Saudi Official Warns Oil Could Reach 180 USD per Barrel if Hormuz Strait Blocked
A Saudi Arabian petroleum official has predicted that if the Iran situation escalates and blocks the Strait of Hormuz, oil prices could surge to 180 USD per barrel by late April. The official warned such disruption would cause severe global supply-demand imbalances and potentially trigger economic recession. The forecast reflects concerns over escalating US-Iran regional tensions.
Iran Attack Damages Qatar's LNG Export Capacity by 17 Percent
Qatar's Energy Minister Saad al-Kaabi announced that Iran's attack has disabled 17 percent of Qatar Energy's liquefied natural gas export capacity. Preliminary assessments indicate repairs will require several years to restore full operations, potentially impacting global energy supplies.
North Korea's IT Personnel Pose as Foreign Workers Across 40 Countries
Researchers uncovered a large-scale North Korean IT infiltration scheme involving approximately 100,000 North Korean nationals impersonating foreign workers globally. Operating across 40 countries, the program generates roughly 500 million dollars annually for North Korea's government, funding military expansion. This operation violates UN sanctions and represents a significant method for North Korea to circumvent economic restrictions.
Super Micro Computer executives charged with violating export controls on AI servers to China
The U.S. Attorney's Office for the Southern District of New York has indicted Super Micro Computer executives for allegedly violating export control regulations by transferring AI servers to China. The case involves breaches of U.S. technology export restrictions targeting China. The company's stock declined in after-hours trading following the announcement. The case reflects heightened U.S. enforcement of sensitive technology export controls.
Middle East Conflict Escalates, Oil Prices Surge to $117 per Barrel
Military tensions in the Middle East intensified on March 19 as Iran retaliated against Israeli airstrikes on the South Pars gas field by attacking Qatar's LNG facilities and energy targets in Saudi Arabia and UAE. International crude oil prices surged 9% to $117 per barrel intraday, while US stocks declined due to energy supply chain concerns. PIMCO economists warned of stagflation risks and identified four major economic impact areas.
Saudi Arabia warns oil prices could reach $180 per barrel if supply disruptions persist
Saudi Arabian oil officials estimate that if Iran-related conflicts cause energy supply disruptions to continue until late April, oil prices could surge to over $180 per barrel, according to Wall Street Journal reporting. While high oil prices would boost Saudi Arabia's petroleum revenues short-term, officials worry excessive prices may prompt consumers to reduce oil consumption long-term or trigger economic recession, ultimately damaging oil demand.
Israeli airstrike on Iranian gas field escalates regional conflict
Israel's attack on Iranian gas fields prompted Iranian retaliation against Qatar, escalating Middle Eastern tensions and energy market volatility. The US denied prior knowledge but demanded Israel cease attacks and warned Iran of conditional retaliation, raising global energy supply concerns.
📰 Other
Record-breaking heatwave strikes western US during late winter
An unusual heatwave has gripped the western United States, with record-breaking temperatures recorded despite it still being winter. A location near Martinez Lake in Arizona's Yuma Desert reached 43.3 degrees Celsius (110 Fahrenheit) on Thursday, setting a new record for the highest March temperature ever recorded in the United States, surpassing the previous record of 42.2 degrees.