As Japan's Ground Self-Defence Force completed deployment of its Type 25 long-range anti-ship guided missiles on Tuesday, a Chinese naval fleet entered the Sea of Japan. China has strongly protested Japan's deployment of the new missile system and hypervelocity gliding projectiles, characterizing it as escalating militarism. Bilateral tensions continue to intensify.
A federal judge revoked the US citizenship of naturalised couple Li Chen and Yu Zhou on March 30 following their 2021 convictions for stealing sensitive medical trade secrets and sharing them with China. Judge James E. Simmons Jr. ruled their crimes demonstrated lack of the required good moral character for American citizenship, the Department of Justice announced Tuesday.
The Iran conflict has driven international divisions, with some arguing Iran deserves military action due to its destabilizing regional policies. However, analysis shows that while the Iranian regime is not entirely victimized, with documented transgressions by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps' Quds Force, the selective international outrage exposes fundamental limitations in realpolitik-based foreign policy approaches.
US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer indicated on Tuesday that members of President Trump's cabinet will likely not visit Beijing before the anticipated mid-May summit with President Xi Jinping, breaking from standard diplomatic practice. In a Bloomberg Television interview, Greer stated "I don't think we're going to need to do that" when asked about meeting Chinese counterparts ahead of the leaders' meeting, suggesting a different approach to summit preparation this time.
US District Judge Richard Leon halted President Trump's construction of a $400 million ballroom on the demolished East Wing site of the White House on Tuesday. The National Trust for Historic Preservation obtained a preliminary injunction, arguing Trump exceeded his authority in demolishing the East Wing. The ruling temporarily blocks one of Trump's most prominent efforts to reshape the presidential residence.
As Japan's Ground Self-Defence Force completed deployment of its Type 25 long-range anti-ship guided missiles on Tuesday, a Chinese naval fleet entered the Sea of Japan. China has strongly protested Japan's deployment of the new missile system and hypervelocity gliding projectiles, characterizing it as escalating militarism. Bilateral tensions continue to intensify.
Japan increased tobacco and corporate taxes on Wednesday to finance expanded defense spending, with income tax hikes planned for 2027. The government projects these tax increases will generate approximately 1.3 trillion yen ($8 billion) in annual revenue. As Japan's security environment deteriorates, the government aims to strengthen defense capabilities, likely requiring additional tax burdens on the public to support growing military expenditures.
China and Pakistan jointly announced a five-point initiative on Tuesday aimed at restoring peace in the Persian Gulf following five weeks of US-Israeli military operations against Iran. The plan seeks to de-escalate regional tensions and promote stability in the Middle East through diplomatic cooperation between the two nations.
The independent inquiry into Hong Kong's deadliest fire in decades continues its seventh session, focusing on ISS EastPoint, the property management firm. The November 26 fire at Wang Fuk Court burned for approximately 43 hours across seven of eight towers, killing 168 people and displacing nearly 5,000 residents. The committee head decided against livestreaming proceedings to protect participants from potential doxxing and personal safety threats.
A federal judge revoked the US citizenship of naturalised couple Li Chen and Yu Zhou on March 30 following their 2021 convictions for stealing sensitive medical trade secrets and sharing them with China. Judge James E. Simmons Jr. ruled their crimes demonstrated lack of the required good moral character for American citizenship, the Department of Justice announced Tuesday.
The Iran conflict has driven international divisions, with some arguing Iran deserves military action due to its destabilizing regional policies. However, analysis shows that while the Iranian regime is not entirely victimized, with documented transgressions by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps' Quds Force, the selective international outrage exposes fundamental limitations in realpolitik-based foreign policy approaches.
US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer indicated on Tuesday that members of President Trump's cabinet will likely not visit Beijing before the anticipated mid-May summit with President Xi Jinping, breaking from standard diplomatic practice. In a Bloomberg Television interview, Greer stated "I don't think we're going to need to do that" when asked about meeting Chinese counterparts ahead of the leaders' meeting, suggesting a different approach to summit preparation this time.
US District Judge Richard Leon halted President Trump's construction of a $400 million ballroom on the demolished East Wing site of the White House on Tuesday. The National Trust for Historic Preservation obtained a preliminary injunction, arguing Trump exceeded his authority in demolishing the East Wing. The ruling temporarily blocks one of Trump's most prominent efforts to reshape the presidential residence.
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian stated on Tuesday that Iran possesses the "necessary will" to end the conflict with the US and Israel, emphasizing Tehran's pursuit of guarantees preventing future escalation. His remarks boosted US markets and came after heavy strikes on Iran and a stern warning from the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, which threatened retaliation against major US tech companies including Google, Meta, and Apple.
Iran's Revolutionary Guards issued a statement Tuesday warning they would attack US technology companies including Apple, Google, and Meta if Iranian leaders are killed in targeted assassinations. Starting April 1 at 8pm Tehran time, the Guards threatened to destroy relevant units of these firms. The statement named 18 companies allegedly complicit in the deaths of Iranian officials, linking potential attacks to US actions against Iranian leadership.
Clara Chan Ka-chai, CEO of Hong Kong Investment Corporation, has been appointed as a director of FCLTGlobal, becoming the first representative of a Chinese sovereign wealth fund to serve on the organization's board. Chan joins 18 other directors in leading the global organization that brings together major firms and investors.
China's top Communist Party journal Qiushi has reaffirmed the country's commitment to trade rebalancing, emphasizing that rising global protectionism and geopolitical tensions make shifting away from an export-driven growth model increasingly urgent. The article notes that both domestic and external environments are undergoing profound changes, while structural weaknesses in the foreign trade sector persist, necessitating optimization of trade structure.
EngineAI, a Shenzhen-based technology company, plans to list in Hong Kong this year while leveraging the city's computing resources to enter the North American market. Global Strategy Officer Robert Chan Kwok-cheung stated that the company's Hong Kong presence is a strategic move to overcome technical and geopolitical barriers for global expansion.
Hong Kong's retail sales jumped nearly 12 percent year-over-year in the first two months of 2026, according to provisional figures from the Census and Statistics Department. February sales reached HK$35 billion, driven by Chinese New Year holidays and major city events, with 19.3 percent growth. January sales totaled HK$37.3 billion with 5.5 percent growth. Authorities attribute the increase to local economic expansion and rising tourist numbers.
The US-Israel military conflict with Iran is driving up oil prices, which could accelerate global electric vehicle adoption. China's EV industry stands to benefit, having already surpassed Japan as the world's largest automobile seller. Rising oil prices incentivize consumers to switch to electric vehicles, strengthening China's leading position in the new energy vehicle market.
China's jet fuel exports have dropped significantly amid Middle East tensions, with shipments falling nearly 40 percent month-on-month in March to 204,000 barrels per day, according to trade data provider Kpler. As Asia-Pacific's largest jet fuel and kerosene exporter, the reduction impacts Australia and Japan particularly hard, forcing these countries to seek alternative suppliers to address the supply shortage.
Ganfeng Lithium, the world's largest lithium metal producer, predicts explosive growth in the global energy storage system market in 2026. Company executives, including President Wang Xiaoshen, stated at an investors' conference that the global decarbonization drive is creating strong and sustainable growth opportunities. Rising lithium prices and robust demand for renewable energy infrastructure support this outlook. The company has returned to profitability.
China is scaling up mega chemical plants to secure critical materials for green technology and boost coal-based chemical production amid Middle East supply disruptions. Construction began on March 20 for the world's largest coal-to-ethylene glycol project in Xinjiang's Turpan region, with an expected annual capacity of 2.4 million tonnes. The expansion aims to address global supply chain challenges caused by regional conflicts.
Escalating fuel prices linked to the Middle East conflict could push more Filipinos into deeper debt, analysts warn. A regional study indicates the Philippines' credit card debt has reached a critical risk level. While credit card ownership remains relatively low, data shows cardholders are using cards more intensively as living costs outpace income growth, with credit card receivables growing consistently.
China's CAS Space successfully launched the Kinetica-2 Y1 (Lijian-2 Y1) rocket on its maiden flight Monday, deploying three satellites including a prototype cargo spacecraft and a mini-orbiting space lab. The rocket's launch cost is lower than SpaceX's latest reusable Falcon 9 vehicle, marking a significant cost milestone for China's commercial space sector.
China has finished excavating an underwater section of a high-speed rail tunnel stretching over 14 kilometers beneath the Yangtze River, connecting Shanghai's Chongming Island with Taicang city in Jiangsu province. The project is on track for completion by year-end. This reflects China's increasing reliance on subterranean passages to expand its railway network and address surface space constraints.
Cantonese is declining due to Mandarin's dominance, limited learning resources, and lack of standardized written form, with fewer young learners adopting the language. Hong Kong-based deep-tech company Votee AI is developing artificial intelligence tools to preserve Cantonese and the distinct culture it represents, addressing a gap left by major technology companies.
The BBC defended its handling of former radio host Scott Mills, 53, who was dismissed years after being investigated by London's Metropolitan Police. Police questioned Mills in 2018 regarding allegations of serious sexual offences against a boy under 16. The case represents the latest high-profile presenter controversy to affect the publicly funded broadcaster. BBC addressed the matter on Wednesday amid renewed scrutiny of its procedures.
Hong Kong International Airport has been voted the world's best airport at the 2026 Global Travel Awards, receiving recognition for its security standards and facilities. The Airport Authority confirmed the award, which was organized by the UK-based International Media & News Group. The awards recognize the best hotels, airports, airlines, and destinations based on votes cast by 2.5 million travelers worldwide.
Japan's Ministry of Defense deployed long-range missiles at Self-Defense Force bases in Kumamoto and Shizuoka on March 31, marking Japan's first acquisition of "counterstrike capability" against enemy bases. The missiles can strike from beyond enemy air defense networks, with range covering China's coastal areas. The Maritime and Air Self-Defense Forces will subsequently equip similar missiles to enhance deterrence against China's military expansion.
The US State Department issued a warning on the 31st as Iran vowed to launch retaliatory operations against American enterprises in the Middle East starting April 1st. The US Embassy in Saudi Arabia has identified potential threats targeting locations where Americans gather, including hotels, business facilities, and educational institutions. The embassy urges American citizens in Saudi Arabia to remain indoors, stay away from windows, and monitor official updates.
According to reports from The New York Times and BBC on March 30, the US military allegedly used its new Precision Strike Missile (PrSM) in combat for the first time during an attack on Lamerd in southern Iran on February 28. The strike killed at least 21 people and injured hundreds. Experts analyzed video footage, photographs, and satellite imagery, concluding that the explosion characteristics and damage patterns matched the PrSM missile, which uses air-burst design to release tungsten projectiles.
As Middle East tensions enter their 32nd day, US President Trump stated that the United States may conclude military operations against Iran within 2 to 3 weeks. This statement reflects American expectations regarding the timeline of regional military involvement and has drawn international attention. Further developments remain to be seen.
South Korea's March exports reached a record $86.13 billion, up 48.3% year-on-year, marking the strongest growth in 40 years. Semiconductor exports led the surge, driving overall export performance. Despite geopolitical risks in the Middle East, South Korea's exports demonstrated resilience and achieved historic highs, reflecting robust global demand for semiconductors.
OpenAI has completed a new funding round raising $122 billion, bringing the company's valuation to $852 billion and setting a record for private fundraising in corporate history. The round marks the first time the company has opened investment opportunities to retail investors, raising over $3 billion from them. The capital will support significant expenditures in chips, data centers, and talent acquisition.
The US Supreme Court will hear arguments on birthright citizenship on April 1st for the first time. The nine justices will decide this summer on a constitutional provision that has been in effect for over a century, which grants automatic citizenship to babies born on US territory. This case will have significant implications for American immigration policy.
Iran warned on the 31st that it will target 18 US-related companies operating in the Middle East, including Apple, Microsoft, Google, and Nvidia. US President Trump issued an ultimatum to allies like Britain who refuse to participate in operations against Iran, stating the US will cease providing aid and demanding these nations independently obtain oil from the Strait of Hormuz. US Defense Secretary Hegseth claimed the coming days are decisive for the conflict and called on all nations to assume responsibility in the Strait of Hormuz.
Taiwan's central government budget for the current fiscal year remains unresolved after more than 216 days and over seven months since submission by the Executive Yuan, marking an unprecedented situation in constitutional history. President Lai Ching-te, who also serves as Democratic Progressive Party chairman, noted the impact on national development. The KMT caucus plans to refer the budget to committee on April 10.
US President Trump told British media that he is seriously considering withdrawing the United States from NATO due to allied nations' failure to support American military action against Iran. The statement reflects disagreements between the US and its allies regarding Middle East policy.
The US Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) has warned that CVE-2026-33634, a critical vulnerability disclosed in late March, is being actively exploited in the wild. The flaw affects the Trivy scanning tool and poses significant supply chain risks. CISA has added it to its Known Exploited Vulnerabilities (KEV) list, urging organizations to patch immediately.
The U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) has warned that CVE-2026-3055, a critical vulnerability disclosed in late March, is being actively exploited by attackers. CISA added the flaw to its Known Exploited Vulnerabilities (KEV) list. Unpatched Citrix NetScaler devices face increased risk, and CISA urges organizations to apply security patches immediately.
On March 19, the open-source tool Trivy maintained by Aqua Security was compromised when hacker group TeamPCP infiltrated its GitHub Actions workflow and deployed malware. The attackers distributed the CanisterWorm to steal Cisco AWS credentials and AI solution source code, affecting multiple open-source projects.
The widely-used NPM package Axios has been compromised in a software supply chain attack. Attackers distributed remote access trojans (RAT) through the package, potentially affecting developers and applications using it. OpenClaw users may also be impacted. The incident highlights critical security vulnerabilities in open-source software supply chains.
Investment strategies spawned by US President Trump's "Liberation Day" tariff policy face challenges as Iran's war enters its second month. The oil crisis has caused global stock markets to lose approximately 14 trillion dollars in value since the conflict erupted, prompting investors to rapidly exit positions. Bond markets experience heightened volatility as traders reassess interest rate outlooks amid rising inflation concerns. Emerging markets face significant capital outflows due to their heavy dependence on oil imports.