President Donald Trump stated Friday that the US can open the Strait of Hormuz and secure oil with additional time. He posted on Truth Social that America can easily control the strait and profit from it. His comments come as the US-Iran war, which began with a joint US-Israeli aerial assault nearly five weeks ago, continues spreading regional chaos and roiling financial markets.
Ma Xingrui, former Communist Party secretary of Xinjiang and Politburo member, is under investigation by China's anti-corruption watchdog for suspected violations of discipline and law. He is the third Politburo member investigated since the current term began in 2022, an unprecedented situation in decades. He Weidong, former vice-chairman of the Central Military Commission, was also investigated and expelled from the party.
The Israeli military reported striking more than 3,500 targets across Lebanon during the month since fighting with Hezbollah began. Lebanon entered the Middle East conflict on March 2 after Iran-backed Hezbollah launched rockets at Israel to retaliate for the US-Israeli operation that killed Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Israel responded with extensive airstrikes and a ground offensive, claiming approximately 1,000 militant casualties.
US President Donald Trump announced Thursday that Iran's tallest bridge, the B1 structure in Alborz province, has been destroyed, hours after threatening military action. According to Iranian state media, the strike killed 8 people and wounded 95 others. Trump warned of additional military operations to follow. Independent verification of casualty figures remains unavailable due to reporting restrictions in the region.
The United States and China concluded their sixth round of trade talks in Paris this March, establishing a temporary truce. However, an incident where American flags were blown over during the negotiations symbolizes the unresolved nature of the trade conflict. One year into the dispute, both nations maintain significant trade disagreements, with the ceasefire serving as a temporary patch rather than a permanent solution.
President Donald Trump stated Friday that the US can open the Strait of Hormuz and secure oil with additional time. He posted on Truth Social that America can easily control the strait and profit from it. His comments come as the US-Iran war, which began with a joint US-Israeli aerial assault nearly five weeks ago, continues spreading regional chaos and roiling financial markets.
Ma Xingrui, former Communist Party secretary of Xinjiang and Politburo member, is under investigation by China's anti-corruption watchdog for suspected violations of discipline and law. He is the third Politburo member investigated since the current term began in 2022, an unprecedented situation in decades. He Weidong, former vice-chairman of the Central Military Commission, was also investigated and expelled from the party.
The Israeli military reported striking more than 3,500 targets across Lebanon during the month since fighting with Hezbollah began. Lebanon entered the Middle East conflict on March 2 after Iran-backed Hezbollah launched rockets at Israel to retaliate for the US-Israeli operation that killed Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Israel responded with extensive airstrikes and a ground offensive, claiming approximately 1,000 militant casualties.
The Philippines is considering new anti-disinformation legislation that President Ferdinand Marcos Jnr prioritized for Congress before June adjournment. Digital rights advocates and researchers warn the leading proposals could grant the government excessive authority while failing to address networks driving online influence campaigns, raising concerns about potential misuse for political purposes and threats to freedom of expression.
US President Donald Trump announced Thursday that Iran's tallest bridge, the B1 structure in Alborz province, has been destroyed, hours after threatening military action. According to Iranian state media, the strike killed 8 people and wounded 95 others. Trump warned of additional military operations to follow. Independent verification of casualty figures remains unavailable due to reporting restrictions in the region.
Jimmy Lai, founder of the now-closed Apple Daily newspaper, was convicted and sentenced to 20 years imprisonment in February on charges including conspiracy to collude with foreign forces and conspiracy to publish seditious publications. Western officials and media have cited the case as evidence of Hong Kong's legal decline, prompting experts to caution against allowing geopolitical rivalry to distort objective evaluation of the jurisdiction's legal system.
The United States and China concluded their sixth round of trade talks in Paris this March, establishing a temporary truce. However, an incident where American flags were blown over during the negotiations symbolizes the unresolved nature of the trade conflict. One year into the dispute, both nations maintain significant trade disagreements, with the ceasefire serving as a temporary patch rather than a permanent solution.
US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has requested General Randy George, the Army's top uniformed officer, to take early retirement from his position as Army Chief of Staff, which he has held since August 2023, the Pentagon confirmed Thursday. This removal is among more than a dozen senior military officer dismissals under Hegseth's tenure, occurring amid ongoing US-Iran tensions.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio voiced serious concerns about China's intensified inspections of Panama-flagged ships, affirming that the US stands firmly with Panama. Rubio stated that China's actions raise concerns about using economic tools to undermine the rule of law in Panama, a sovereign nation vital to global commerce. The US expressed concern over detentions, delays, and other impediments to vessel movement.
US President Donald Trump removed Attorney General Pam Bondi from her position on Thursday, according to White House officials. Trump expressed frustration with Bondi's performance, including her handling of investigative files related to late financier and sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Additionally, Trump was reportedly dissatisfied with Bondi's pace in prosecuting his political critics and adversaries. Trump praised Bondi as a great public servant on social media.
Pakistan announced record fuel price increases on Friday, with petrol and diesel prices rising up to 54 percent, driven by Middle East conflict pushing global oil prices higher. The Petroleum Minister stated the increase was unavoidable. Economists warned the hike would raise food and living costs, adding pressure to the cash-strapped nation already struggling with high inflation.
Xiaomi announced price increases of approximately 200 yuan (US$29) on three smartphone models, effective next Saturday. The move follows similar hikes by Chinese competitors Oppo, Vivo, and Honor in March. The adjustment reflects broader supply chain pressures as memory chip costs surge globally, impacting consumer electronics manufacturers worldwide.
Damage to Qatar's gas facilities from Iran conflict disrupts helium supplies, a critical material for smartphone and medical scanner manufacturing. Analysts warn the supply disruption will trigger ripple effects across the global economy. Deloitte Access Economics head notes that while energy shocks from the conflict have received considerable attention, the helium crisis deserves equal concern.
Indonesia is accelerating its transition to clean and renewable energy while simultaneously expanding investments in oil, gas, critical minerals, and rare earth mining in response to the global energy crisis triggered by Middle East tensions. Jakarta has signed multiple agreements with international partners to develop both renewable and fossil fuel projects, aiming to strengthen energy security amid heightened geopolitical risks.
Using the Zambezi River's flow as an analogy, the article illustrates extreme stock market price movements, where prices move slowly before plummeting rapidly during crashes. The author examines insider trading enforcement measures and regulatory standards in the United States and Hong Kong, emphasizing that insider trading should be strictly prohibited regardless of location to maintain market fairness and protect investor interests.
New US government data reveals continued shrinkage in direct trade between China and the United States. Last year's tariff escalations have deepened tensions between the two powers, highlighted by the anniversary of "Liberation Day." Both nations plan a leaders' meeting in Beijing next month to explore ways to stabilize relations amid renewed economic strain.
China's government released new regulations on Thursday mandating that companies engaged in artificial intelligence activities establish internal AI ethics review committees, effective immediately. The notice, jointly issued by 10 government bodies including the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, aims to ensure rapid AI progress continues in a healthy manner amid growing consumer and enterprise adoption.
Tencent Cloud unveiled ClawPro in public beta on Thursday as an expansion of its OpenClaw suite. The enterprise platform enables AI agent management, allowing deployment of OpenClaw templates, model and agent selection, token consumption tracking, and security management, capitalizing on growing demand for AI agents in China.
Chinese electric vehicle maker Leapmotor is accelerating its global expansion with a new innovation centre in Europe and plans for potential local assembly in Canada. Backed by Stellantis, the Hangzhou-based carmaker has increased its overseas sales target by 50 per cent, capitalizing on higher fuel costs and easing trade barriers to boost demand for its low-cost smart vehicles internationally.
Chinese scientists have proposed a new composite material manufacturing method that improves upon the balanced lay-up approach by symmetrically stacking fibre layers at opposing angles to minimize internal stresses. The research team reported strength gains of up to 26 percent and a 13 percent improvement in reliability for structures used in drones, aircraft, and spacecraft.
NASA authorized four Artemis astronauts orbiting Earth on Thursday to fire their Orion capsule's engine and head toward the moon for the first crewed lunar flyby in over 50 years. Flight Director Jeff Radigan confirmed the mission management team approved the maneuver, a 5 minute 49 second engine burn scheduled for 7:49 PM Eastern Time, which will send the spacecraft out of Earth orbit toward the moon.
Singapore authorities uncovered a cross-border fraud scheme where a Malaysian electrician was recruited to operate automated calling devices in a rented property. The operation transmitted over 50,000 call sessions within 50 minutes, targeting approximately 18,000 phone numbers. The scam impersonated government agencies and resulted in losses of around US$1.2 million, with 40 numbers linked to 42 police reports.
A major Hong Kong catering conglomerate has increased its annual fundraising efforts to provide emergency assistance to Tai Po fire victims and support long-term community projects. Maxim's Group has backed Operation Santa Claus, a charitable initiative organized by the South China Morning Post and RTHK, for over 18 years, aiming to unlock the city's spirit of giving.
Korean Air faces a lawsuit filed in Virginia on behalf of Porscha Tynisha Brown, 33, who died during a March 2024 flight from Washington to Incheon. The complainant's legal representatives claim the death resulted from critical failures by Korean Air flight personnel. Korean Air stated it will faithfully respond to legal procedures in the United States.
Prosecutors investigating a Chinese espionage case discovered that Chu Cheng-chi, a prospective DPP candidate for Taipei city councilor, used his position as chief aide to leak classified legislative documents. He photographed and transmitted the materials marked as confidential to a Chinese national via encrypted phone, receiving 20,000 yuan in compensation. The Taipei District Prosecutors Office has indicted him, and the DPP announced expulsion from the party and withdrawal of candidacy support.
President Trump delivered his first nationwide address since the Middle East conflict began, declaring that US military operations will conclude and predicting the Iran-related war will end within three weeks. Trump called on Americans to view the conflict appropriately but did not provide specific solutions. The speech addressed strategic points including the Strait of Hormuz.
International oil markets experienced significant volatility today following US President Trump's statement regarding continued actions against Iran. US crude (WTI) closed up over 11%, while Brent crude rose nearly 8%. Market concerns over escalating Middle East geopolitical risks drove the energy price increases.
The United Kingdom convened approximately 40 countries to discuss the Strait of Hormuz crisis. Participating nations called for immediate and unconditional reopening of the strategic waterway. The Strait of Hormuz is a critical global energy transport hub, and its security has significant implications for international economic stability.
U.S. President Trump stated in a national address on the 1st that military operations against Iran are "very close" to completion, but vowed "extremely fierce" strikes over the next two to three weeks. The lack of specific timelines and concrete plans for ending operations dampened investor expectations for near-term conflict resolution.
Qatar's liquefied natural gas equipment sustained damage from missile attacks. Bloomberg analysts estimate Asian LNG prices could surge up to 50%, reaching $30 per million BTU, significantly impacting profit margins for Asian importers including Taiwan's CPC Corporation.
US President Trump posted on social media on February 2nd, stating that the US military has not yet begun destroying additional Iranian targets and implying that Tehran's new leadership should accelerate action. The remarks prompted Iranian state media to release a list of retaliation targets in response, escalating military tensions between the two sides.
President Trump is expected to formally present a 2027 defense budget proposal of 1.5 trillion dollars this Friday, marking the largest increase in U.S. military spending since World War II. The proposal reflects the administration's emphasis on defense expenditure and is anticipated to significantly impact military modernization and the defense industry.
Ko Wen-je, founder of the Taiwan People's Party, was sentenced to 17 years imprisonment and stripped of civil rights for six years by Taipei District Court on the 26th for four cases including illegal floor area ratio bonuses at Taipei Hua City. Ko held a press conference denying corruption allegations and claiming the case was a frame-up. Internet users subsequently unearthed comments from Ko's former professor, ex-NTU Dean Lee Yuan-tse, sparking public discussion.
US President Trump told Time magazine that Iran is eager to reach a deal and claimed the US military destroyed three Iranian bridges on the evening of the 1st. Trump stated that if the US stops the war, Israel will follow suit, provided Israel is not provoked. His remarks reflect the US position on Iran and Middle East tensions.
US President Trump has again threatened to withdraw from NATO, criticizing allies including the UK, Italy, and Spain for insufficient defense spending. The threat raises concerns about America's security commitments and destabilizes the alliance, despite congressional restrictions. European nations are reassessing their security strategies and defense investments in response to the uncertainty.
Yemen's Houthi movement has joined military operations against Israel. While the direct military impact remains limited, the group poses significant threats to Red Sea shipping. International observers warn that further blockade of the Strait of Mandeb could paralyze critical Middle Eastern maritime chokepoints, disrupting global shipping and energy transport.
Iran is seeking to establish permanent leverage in the Middle East by implementing new regulations for the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz. As a critical global energy transportation route, control over this waterway will significantly impact regional political dynamics and international relations.
US President Trump announced plans to conduct intense military operations against Iran within the next 2-3 weeks during a national address. In response, Iranian military commanders issued warnings against American ground operations and pledged resolute resistance. The escalating rhetoric from both sides raises international concerns about further military escalation in the region.
President Trump announced the dismissal of Attorney General Bondi. Reports indicate Trump's dissatisfaction with how Bondi handled investigation materials related to deceased billionaire Jeffrey Epstein, who faced sexual abuse charges before his death.