Taiwan's defence ministry outlined a wartime strategy prioritizing long-range firepower to slow People's Liberation Army advances during a potential cross-strait conflict. The announcement coincides with lawmakers' formal review of a proposed NT$1.25 trillion (US$40 billion) special defence budget, targeting incoming amphibious fleets and logistics support forces.
The International Energy Agency (IEA) warned on Monday that prolonged Middle East conflict could cause an energy crisis exceeding the combined impact of both 1970s oil shocks. IEA head Fatih Birol stated that daily oil supply losses currently exceed the effects of the 1970s oil crises and Russia's invasion of Ukraine combined. Israel launched fresh strikes on Tehran and indicated fighting could continue for weeks.
The Trump administration has shifted its approach to the Hormuz Strait crisis multiple times, moving from diplomatic solutions to sanctions relief and escalating to direct threats against Iranian civilian infrastructure. While Trump and allies claim they were prepared for Iran to block the strait, the administration's inconsistent policy stance has raised questions about the adequacy of US war preparations.
Malaysia's monthly fuel subsidy costs have quadrupled in less than a week due to sharp increases in global oil prices. Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim announced that RON95 petrol and diesel subsidies rose from 700 million ringgit to 3.2 billion ringgit (US$177.4 million to US$810.9 million). The surge is attributed to disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz, which handles approximately 20 percent of the world's oil supply.
US President Trump has issued an ultimatum to Iran to open the Strait of Hormuz or face major American military strikes on power plants. Israel signals plans for ground operations in Lebanon, destroying key infrastructure to combat Iran-backed Hezbollah. Trump, after backing Israel's military campaign launched February 28, faces domestic political pressure amid regional tensions.
Taiwan's defence ministry outlined a wartime strategy prioritizing long-range firepower to slow People's Liberation Army advances during a potential cross-strait conflict. The announcement coincides with lawmakers' formal review of a proposed NT$1.25 trillion (US$40 billion) special defence budget, targeting incoming amphibious fleets and logistics support forces.
The Trump administration has shifted its approach to the Hormuz Strait crisis multiple times, moving from diplomatic solutions to sanctions relief and escalating to direct threats against Iranian civilian infrastructure. While Trump and allies claim they were prepared for Iran to block the strait, the administration's inconsistent policy stance has raised questions about the adequacy of US war preparations.
US President Trump has issued an ultimatum to Iran to open the Strait of Hormuz or face major American military strikes on power plants. Israel signals plans for ground operations in Lebanon, destroying key infrastructure to combat Iran-backed Hezbollah. Trump, after backing Israel's military campaign launched February 28, faces domestic political pressure amid regional tensions.
Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto will arrive in Tokyo on March 29 for a three-day state visit, his first trip to Japan since taking office in October 2024. He will meet with Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi and dine with Emperor Naruhito. Japan is showcasing eight stealth frigates and discussing mineral deals as part of efforts to strengthen bilateral strategic partnership.
China's parliamentary two sessions concluded with approval of the 2026 government work report and 15th five-year plan. Premier Li Qiang announced last year's GDP growth of 5 percent, exceeding 140 trillion yuan (US$20.3 trillion). The foreign minister's press conference signaled China's commitment to steady, quality-driven growth while maintaining a firm international presence, establishing a clear development framework for Hong Kong.
Ukrainian and US delegations completed two days of talks in Florida on Sunday to discuss ways to end the four-year conflict with Russia. Russian representatives did not attend the negotiations, which were originally planned for Abu Dhabi. The US delegation is led by special envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, son-in-law of US President Donald Trump. President Zelensky indicated progress and mentioned the possibility of a new prisoner exchange.
Cuban Deputy Foreign Minister Carlos Fernandez de Cossio stated over the weekend that Cuba is prepared for a possible military engagement with the United States, responding to President Trump's threats to take over the Caribbean nation. Havana and Washington began talks earlier this month as Trump's oil blockade deepens the Communist-run nation's economic crisis. Trump escalated his rhetoric against Cuba last week.
Netherlands' new Prime Minister Rob Jetten will attend a private dinner hosted by US President Donald Trump in Washington next month, accompanying Dutch King Willem-Alexander and Queen Maxima. The royal visit is scheduled for April 13-15. Jetten's attendance was confirmed despite his previous public criticism of Trump before taking office on February 23.
Thousands of demonstrators gathered at Berlin's Brandenburg Gate on Sunday to protest online sexual violence and support victims. The rally was organized by newly formed group Feminist Fight Club! amid growing controversy over pornographic deepfakes in Germany. The demonstration was prompted by increased attention following allegations made by a German celebrity against a former partner. Protesters carried signs reading 'Human rights online too' and other messages demanding action against digital abuse.
US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent stated on Sunday that the United States may need to escalate military operations against Iran to eventually reduce tensions. This followed President Trump's Saturday threat to strike Iranian energy facilities if Tehran does not fully open the Strait of Hormuz, while simultaneously suggesting US objectives were nearly achieved and considering winding down military operations. The statements reflect mixed signals in US policy toward Iran.
China's Unitree Robotics has filed for an initial public offering on Shanghai's Star Market, aiming to raise approximately 4.2 billion yuan (US$607.8 million). Viewed as a bellwether for China's emerging humanoid robotics industry, Unitree's listing could serve as a significant indicator of investor appetite for embodied AI companies. The company has achieved profitability while competitors continue to operate at losses.
The Iran crisis intensifies concerns about stagflation risks globally and sparks debate over whether China faces immediate external demand risks or strategic export opportunities. Analysts question whether China can leverage its industrial base and supply-side resilience if prolonged conflict further fragments global supply chains, mirroring pandemic-era disruptions.
China is accelerating nationwide deployment of artificial intelligence and robotics to address labor shortages. In 2024 alone, China installed more than half of the world's industrial robots while doubling down on AI-enabled production. However, this strategy may worsen job stability for young workers, creating potential social risks.
Four weeks into the Middle East conflict, fuel price increases are impacting Southeast Asia. A 16-year-old Cambodian student, Daniel Gech, faces an additional US$2 daily cost to fill his moped tank, or US$14 weekly, affecting his ability to commute to school and work. Southeast Asian nations remain vulnerable to energy price volatility due to high dependence on imported fuel amid regional geopolitical tensions.
The International Energy Agency (IEA) warned on Monday that prolonged Middle East conflict could cause an energy crisis exceeding the combined impact of both 1970s oil shocks. IEA head Fatih Birol stated that daily oil supply losses currently exceed the effects of the 1970s oil crises and Russia's invasion of Ukraine combined. Israel launched fresh strikes on Tehran and indicated fighting could continue for weeks.
The Middle East conflict has triggered oil price surges that will increase costs for plastic products, construction materials, and household items like toilet paper in Hong Kong, according to business leaders. Local exporters and manufacturers face cash-flow pressures as overseas buyers shift to short-term orders amid economic uncertainties. Executive Council member Jeffrey Lam Kin-fung and other business figures warn of the economic impact on Hong Kong.
Disruptions to Middle East exports and surging global energy and fertilizer prices are intensifying inflationary pressures across Africa's 54 countries, most of which depend on fuel imports. African nations are struggling to recover from price shocks caused by Russia's 2022 invasion of Ukraine, and now face renewed economic challenges threatening their fragile recovery.
Zijin Mining, China's largest gold producer, has acquired controlling shares in Chifeng Jilong Gold Mining for 182.6 billion yuan (US$2.64 billion). The acquisition marks the company's second major deal in two months, following its proposed purchase of Canadian Allied Gold for 28 billion yuan, demonstrating its aggressive global expansion strategy.
Malaysia's monthly fuel subsidy costs have quadrupled in less than a week due to sharp increases in global oil prices. Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim announced that RON95 petrol and diesel subsidies rose from 700 million ringgit to 3.2 billion ringgit (US$177.4 million to US$810.9 million). The surge is attributed to disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz, which handles approximately 20 percent of the world's oil supply.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer will chair an emergency meeting on Monday with Finance Minister Rachel Reeves and Bank of England Governor Andrew Bailey to assess the economic fallout from the Iran situation. Iran has threatened to strike energy and water systems of Gulf neighbors if US President Trump attacks Iran's electricity grid. Investors are preparing for potential market volatility as the UK closely monitors developments.
Alibaba International Digital Commerce Group unveiled the Accio Work AI agent platform designed to help small and medium-sized enterprises and solo entrepreneurs worldwide automate complex cross-border e-commerce operations. The platform deploys an AI task force to provide intelligent solutions for resource-constrained businesses, aligning with the industry trend of adopting AI agents to enhance operational efficiency.
China's National Data Administration head Liu Liehong announced Monday that security and compliance have become core challenges as AI spreads across industries and daily life. The country commits to strengthening AI security through a new data property rights framework, addressing safety concerns as users and businesses rapidly adopt the controversial OpenClaw technology.
Chinese drone manufacturer DJI has filed a patent infringement lawsuit against competitor Insta360 with the Shenzhen Intermediate People's Court. The lawsuit covers six patents related to critical technologies including drone flight control, structural design, and image processing. The legal action comes three days before DJI's launch of its first 360-degree drone, a product category pioneered by the smaller rival.
Hong Kong University of Science and Technology has launched the NeuroCare Community Project using locally developed blood-based testing technology to screen for Alzheimer's disease. The five-year programme will benefit 6,000 underprivileged elderly people. According to a 2025 Department of Health report, Alzheimer's disease is the most common form of dementia in Hong Kong, affecting one in 10 people aged 60 and above, with incidence increasing with age.
Researchers at Peking University led by Jiao Ning published findings in Nature on March 16, solving a 160-year-old chemical challenge. The team successfully transformed inexpensive industrial feedstock olefins into high-value alkynes under mild conditions, potentially reducing pharmaceutical ingredient costs and advancing medical production efficiency.
Chinese researchers have developed a surgical robot capable of performing complex brain imaging approximately 30 percent faster than traditional manual methods, according to a study published this year. This achievement represents a significant milestone for the world's first approved cerebrovascular intervention system. In a comparative test at Peking Union Medical College Hospital, a surgeon using the robotic system reduced the time required for standard manual procedures by nine minutes.
Tuen Mun Hospital has successfully performed Hong Kong's first MRI-guided focused ultrasound procedure to treat a Parkinson's disease patient with uncontrollable tremors. This non-invasive, incisionless technique offers a new therapeutic option. The hospital plans to treat 40 patients within two years as part of ongoing research into this innovative treatment approach.
A Chinese online influencer with three million followers has deleted her social media account following a pricing scandal. The influencer, known for her filial piety persona, achieved monthly sales of US$14 million. An investigative report revealed she sold face cream originally priced at 3,999 yuan (US$580) for just 69.9 yuan (US$10) for two bottles, while claiming the product was imported from Australia when it was actually produced by an OEM factory.
Israeli military chief of staff Sami announced plans to expand ground operations against Hezbollah in Lebanon. Israel bombed a major bridge in southern Lebanon, prompting Lebanese President Aoun to warn the strike signals a potential full-scale Israeli ground invasion. Military tensions between the two sides continue to escalate.
Liquefied natural gas shipments originating from the Middle East may face supply disruption within ten days, raising concerns about global LNG supply stability. The potential interruption could impact energy markets worldwide, with stakeholders closely monitoring the situation and its implications for global gas supplies.
US President Trump and Iran exchanged mutual threats over the weekend. Trump demanded Iran reopen the Strait of Hormuz within 48 hours, threatening to attack Iranian power plants and facilities otherwise. Iran responded by threatening to attack US and allied Middle Eastern energy, information technology, and desalination infrastructure. The Middle Eastern conflict, now in its fourth week, continues to escalate. Analysts warn global financial markets may face significant volatility.
Iranian authorities are considering imposing transit fees on vessels passing through the Strait of Hormuz and warning that any attack would result in a complete blockade of the strategic waterway. The strait is a critical global energy transport corridor, and any closure would significantly impact worldwide energy supplies. The move reflects escalating tensions between Iran and the United States.
Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps issued a statement on Sunday warning that if US President Trump attacks Iranian energy infrastructure, Iran will completely block the Strait of Hormuz. The statement responds to Trump's earlier warning that if Iran does not fully restore Strait passage within 48 hours, the US will destroy Iranian power generation facilities. Iran also warned it will destroy companies with US shareholdings and energy facilities in countries hosting US military bases.
Iran launched cluster missiles against Israel's Dimona and Arad areas on the evening of the 21st, breaching local air defenses and injuring over 100 people in the heaviest single-attack casualty toll since the conflict began. Israel subsequently launched retaliatory airstrikes in response.
Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam stated that Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps is currently directing Hezbollah operations against Israel. The statement reflects Iran's significant influence over Lebanese armed groups and highlights the complex geopolitical dynamics in the Middle East region. Hezbollah has long been regarded as Iran's proxy militia force in Lebanon.
Iranian missiles struck two cities in southern Israel, injuring more than 160 people. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed to hold Iran accountable for the attack. The incident occurs amid ongoing tensions in the Middle East region and has drawn international attention.
Iran's military operations against the US and Israel have affected Western oil companies' facilities in Qatar and the UAE, resulting in billions of dollars in losses for major oil corporations. Damaged infrastructure is expected to require at least one year for restoration.
Iran conflict enters its fourth week. As liquefied natural gas shipments loaded before the conflict reach their destinations, the final batch of LNG vessels is expected to arrive within 10 days, after which Persian Gulf LNG supply may face disruption with potential global energy market impacts.
Japan's stock market fell 6.4% and South Korea's declined 4.8% on Monday morning as Middle East tensions escalated. US President Trump issued a two-day ultimatum to Iran demanding the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, threatening to bomb power plants. Investors fear continued conflict could disrupt Middle East oil supplies, triggering market volatility.
US President Trump issued an ultimatum to Iran, demanding it reopen the Strait of Hormuz within 48 hours or face consequences to its energy infrastructure. The demand has drawn international attention to energy markets, with oil prices rising in response. Israel has also issued related warnings regarding the situation, reflecting ongoing Middle East geopolitical tensions.
Israel has expanded its ground military operations in Lebanon. Simultaneously, Israel warned that Iranian missiles now possess the capability to threaten Europe. The UK took a cautious stance, stating there is no concrete assessment confirming such threats, and attempted to de-escalate the situation.
The FBI issued a warning about phishing attacks targeting the encrypted messaging app Signal, potentially linked to Russian Intelligence Services. The attacks target high-value individuals including government officials, military personnel, politicians, and journalists for intelligence gathering purposes. The attacks have compromised thousands of accounts globally.
The US Department of Justice indicted three individuals on March 19 for allegedly smuggling AI servers equipped with Nvidia GPUs to China through third countries, circumventing US export controls. The accused include Super Micro executives Liao Yi-hsien and Zhang Rui-chang, plus intermediary Sun Ting-wei. Super Micro was not charged and suspended the implicated employees. The company's stock plummeted 33.32% to $20.53 on March 20.