Iran has reinstated restrictions on the Strait of Hormuz, with Iranian officials stating the strategic waterway is under strict control of Iran's Armed Forces. The announcement came one day after Iran declared it would permit non-military vessels to transit during the Israel-Hezbollah ceasefire in Lebanon. This action may impact global energy transportation through the critical shipping route.
Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi is pursuing the first-ever revision of Japan's post-World War II pacifist constitution. Her Liberal Democratic Party secured a historic two-thirds majority in the National Diet's lower house during February's election, meeting the threshold needed to pass constitutional amendments independently. The move is expected to be welcomed in Washington but condemned in Beijing.
Japan is set to revise the Three Principles on the Transfer of Defence Equipment and Technology, easing long-standing arms export restrictions. Analysts say the move will strengthen Japan's domestic defense industry, spur innovation, deepen security partnerships, and reduce Tokyo's reliance on the United States at a time when Washington is viewed as an increasingly unreliable partner. Cabinet approval is expected at next week's meeting.
The Iran conflict and potential Strait of Hormuz closure have exposed China's vulnerability to Persian Gulf oil dependency. Beijing is fast-tracking North African projects including Algerian oilfields, Moroccan battery factories, and Egypt's industrial base to establish a Mediterranean green-energy hub, reducing reliance on traditional energy routes.
France and Britain announced they would lead a multinational mission to ensure freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron confirmed the initiative during joint international talks in Paris, emphasizing the force would be entirely defensive and deployed only after lasting regional peace is achieved, aiming to maintain free trade through this critical shipping corridor.
A Chinese military magazine Shipborne Weapons has published analysis suggesting the People's Liberation Army could use AJX002 drones for offensive minelaying missions targeting Japan's Ryukyu archipelago and Philippine waters to blockade the first island chain during a Taiwan conflict. The analysis examines potential applications of unmanned systems in maritime blockade operations.
Iran has reinstated restrictions on the Strait of Hormuz, with Iranian officials stating the strategic waterway is under strict control of Iran's Armed Forces. The announcement came one day after Iran declared it would permit non-military vessels to transit during the Israel-Hezbollah ceasefire in Lebanon. This action may impact global energy transportation through the critical shipping route.
The Kherson Art Museum director reports that thousands of artworks disappeared after Russian forces withdrew from the southern Ukrainian city in late 2022. The museum previously held over 14,000 works spanning from America to Japan. Ukraine is now collaborating with Interpol to recover cultural heritage stolen during Russia's full-scale invasion that began in early 2022.
Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi is pursuing the first-ever revision of Japan's post-World War II pacifist constitution. Her Liberal Democratic Party secured a historic two-thirds majority in the National Diet's lower house during February's election, meeting the threshold needed to pass constitutional amendments independently. The move is expected to be welcomed in Washington but condemned in Beijing.
US President Donald Trump expressed on Friday his anticipation for a meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping next month, predicting the encounter would be 'special' and potentially 'historic'. Trump posted on social media that Xi is pleased about the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and stated he looks forward to their meeting in China.
The US Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency's major US$75 billion expansion has been accompanied by problematic hiring decisions. Recently hired personnel include individuals with bankruptcy histories, a former officer involved in a US$75,000 settlement over false police reports, and a candidate who failed police academy training. These recruitment choices have raised concerns about ICE's hiring standards and vetting procedures.
Japan is set to revise the Three Principles on the Transfer of Defence Equipment and Technology, easing long-standing arms export restrictions. Analysts say the move will strengthen Japan's domestic defense industry, spur innovation, deepen security partnerships, and reduce Tokyo's reliance on the United States at a time when Washington is viewed as an increasingly unreliable partner. Cabinet approval is expected at next week's meeting.
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez and Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva held their first bilateral summit, signing 15 deals covering critical minerals, telecommunications, and artificial intelligence. Sanchez stated the Spain-Brazil relationship extends beyond bilateral ties, aiming to build an alliance countering US President Trump's policies and defending peace and democratic values.
Congress passed a 10-day extension of Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act on Friday after failing to secure the five-year reauthorisation backed by President Trump. The brief pause sets up further debate over whether and how to reform the law, which permits the National Security Agency to surveil foreigners.
France and Britain announced they would lead a multinational mission to ensure freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron confirmed the initiative during joint international talks in Paris, emphasizing the force would be entirely defensive and deployed only after lasting regional peace is achieved, aiming to maintain free trade through this critical shipping corridor.
Hong Kong's Competition Commission is closely monitoring a potential merger between the city's two largest supermarket chains amid declining grocery sales since 2020. The commission confirmed awareness of media reports and stated it is paying close attention to the matter and any future developments. The potential deal involves major conglomerates Jardine Matheson and CK Hutchison, which operate the city's leading supermarket operations.
Following a trade agreement between Canada and China, automakers including BYD, Geely, Nio, and Xpeng are preparing to establish sales operations in Canada. Canadian consumers hope Chinese manufacturers will increase competition and help reduce overall electric vehicle prices, addressing growing affordability concerns. The warmer bilateral ties have created opportunities for Chinese carmakers to expand into the Canadian market.
Hong Kong Housing Society, the city's second-largest public housing provider, will gradually expand its supply of subsidised sale flats, targeting them to represent 40 percent of future housing projects. Chairman Ling Kar-kan stated the initiative aims to meet residents' strong desire for homeownership. He emphasized the move is unrelated to the agency's financial health, though he acknowledged that increased flat sales could improve finances.
East Asia's post-WWII economic miracle relied on export-led growth and assured capital supply for business investment. Bank loans traditionally served as the primary financing source, with supply and direction influenced by official policy rather than pure market forces. Japan remains heavily dependent on bank lending for corporate finance, but shifts in Japan's bond markets could alter East Asia's overall financing model and capital flows.
The US-Israeli conflict with Iran has triggered volatility in global energy and financial markets, driving demand for safe-haven assets. Hong Kong emerges as a potential beneficiary across gold, property, and capital markets. Intensified Middle East tensions have increased global demand to diversify gold storage, creating a strategic window for Hong Kong to leverage its unique status and establish itself as Asia's bullion hub.
Rubber glove manufacturers have increased synthetic glove prices by approximately 40 percent to US$29 per box of 1,000 units due to supply constraints from the Iran conflict affecting key raw materials. Analysts warn that sustained supply chain disruptions could lead to glove shortages by late May, raising concerns for the healthcare sector.
The Iran conflict and potential Strait of Hormuz closure have exposed China's vulnerability to Persian Gulf oil dependency. Beijing is fast-tracking North African projects including Algerian oilfields, Moroccan battery factories, and Egypt's industrial base to establish a Mediterranean green-energy hub, reducing reliance on traditional energy routes.
Rising oil prices triggered by geopolitical conflicts are accelerating Asia's transition to renewable energy. Solar panel demand in Thailand has surged significantly, with installations spreading across residential, commercial, and industrial properties. Solar companies report overwhelming demand exceeding their hiring and installation capacity, reflecting the urgent shift toward energy independence and sustainability.
Facing narrowing domestic profits and excess production capacity, Chinese firms continue expanding their international presence to pursue higher-margin markets. Toy manufacturer Lawrence Wong established a factory in Vietnam last year, planning to deploy 600 square meters of floor space by early 2026. Chinese enterprises are entering a new phase of their "going global" strategy while navigating complex international challenges.
Chinese scientists have developed an exoskeleton diving suit that reduces divers' oxygen consumption by nearly 40 percent in tests. The flexible suit provides physical assistance while synchronizing precisely with the swimmer's natural rhythm, significantly enhancing underwater agility. The technology has applications in seabed surveys, pipeline inspections, salvage operations, and military missions where divers must adapt to varying underwater conditions.
China's pharmaceutical industry is experiencing unprecedented deal activity, with CSPC Pharmaceutical and RemeGen securing out-licensing agreements worth US$18.5 billion and US$5.6 billion respectively, while Haisco Pharmaceutical Group completed multiple deals including one valued at US$745 million. Such large-scale transactions are becoming routine rather than exceptional. Chinese biotech companies are increasingly leveraging AI technology to accelerate drug development and commercialization efforts.
As China's artificial intelligence sector accelerates, major tech companies including ByteDance and Tencent are intensifying competition for top talent, poaching researchers from rivals and attracting specialists from overseas hubs like Silicon Valley. A recent personnel move involving Guo Daya, a lead researcher on DeepSeek's R1 model who joined ByteDance's Seed AI division, highlights the sensitivity surrounding AI talent recruitment in China's tech industry.
The Trump administration and Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei met on Friday to discuss potential cooperation, marking their first engagement since an earlier dispute between the Pentagon and the AI firm over model usage policies. The meeting suggests both sides may be working to rebuild trust. The discussion occurs amid growing concerns that Anthropic's latest model could potentially amplify cyberattack capabilities.
A Hong Kong woman lost nearly HK$4.9 million over three months after being defrauded by scammers posing as investment experts. The victim was lured through a social media post advertising high-return stock investments and instructed to download an app via messaging service. She made over 40 transfers totaling approximately HK$4.86 million between January and April, believing the scheme was legitimate. Police are investigating the case.
Pope Leo addressed approximately 120,000 people at a mass in Douala, Cameroon on Friday, the largest event of his four-nation Africa tour. Under heavy security, the pontiff urged Cameroonians to reject violence and show generosity toward their neighbours. Some devotees arrived Thursday at Japoma Stadium and spent the night outdoors to attend the papal address.
US President Trump told AFP that a peace agreement with Iran has resolved major sticking points and is very close to completion. Iran announced measures regarding the Strait of Hormuz, while Lebanon ceasefire negotiations also advanced. Trump emphasized the agreement is nearly finalized, indicating potential de-escalation in Middle Eastern tensions.
Iran announced on the 17th that the Strait of Hormuz would be completely open to commercial vessels for ten days, signaling a potential de-escalation in tensions with the United States and Israel. Following the announcement, international crude oil and European natural gas prices dropped over 10%, while the Dow Jones index surged more than 1,000 points, gold prices rose, and U.S. Treasury yields declined.
US President Trump stated on the 17th that he may terminate the ceasefire with Iran unless a long-term agreement to end the war is reached by the 22nd. Trump warned that if negotiations fail, the US may obtain Iran's highly enriched uranium stockpile through more forceful means.
Iran announced the opening of the Strait of Hormuz on the 17th, but Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf subsequently stated plans to block it again. US President Trump declared that the US will not lift its naval blockade unless a 100% agreement is reached with Iran. The two sides maintain opposing positions regarding this strategic waterway.
President Trump insists on maintaining the blockade of Iranian ports until an agreement is reached, while Iran denies Trump's claims about US-Iran cooperation on mine clearance. Iran warns it will close the Strait of Hormuz again if the blockade is not lifted. The two sides remain at odds over conditions for reopening the strategic waterway.
A ceasefire agreement between Israel and Lebanon has officially taken effect. US President Trump announced a ban on Israeli airstrikes, though Israeli military states it will maintain defensive positions in southern Lebanon. Lebanon's president announced plans to pursue a permanent agreement to protect national sovereignty. The ceasefire, brokered by the United States, aims to end the conflict that began in March.
Iran announced the reopening of Hormuz Strait commercial shipping on the 17th during a temporary ceasefire with the US and Israel, but reversed course within 24 hours on the 18th, announcing full restoration of strict monitoring and control over the strategic waterway, marking a significant policy shift.
Iran's military joint command issued a statement regarding the Strait of Hormuz situation. Spokesman Hazrat Khatam al-Anbiya stated that due to the US refusal to lift its blockade on Iranian ports in the Persian Gulf, the Strait of Hormuz will return to a state of strict control previously implemented by Iran.
At least 331 children in Taunsa, Punjab Province, Pakistan contracted HIV between November 2024 and October 2025. An undercover BBC investigation revealed that reuse of syringes by hospital staff was the primary cause. An 8-year-old patient died shortly after diagnosis; his mother reported he suffered severe fever and extreme pain before his death.
US President Trump issued a strong signal to Israel on the 17th via social media, demanding an end to bombing Lebanon and announcing that the US has prohibited further Israeli airstrikes. A Lebanon-Israel ceasefire agreement took effect the same day. Simultaneously, the US is conducting diplomatic negotiations with Iran, considering unfreezing approximately $20 billion in Iranian funds in exchange for Iran abandoning its enriched uranium stockpile, demonstrating US leadership in Middle East affairs.
The 2026 US-Iran conflict has disrupted approximately 500 million barrels of global crude oil supply, causing international oil prices to surge. Canadian Airlines has reduced six flight routes in response. Taiwan's CPC announced on the 18th that fuel prices will be frozen from the 20th, continuing to absorb cost differences to stabilize domestic prices amid international tensions.
Iran and the United States reached an agreement to fully open the Strait of Hormuz during the ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon. International oil prices fell approximately 10% following the announcement. U.S. stock indices gained between 1.3% and 1.8%, while European markets rose around 2%, reflecting positive market sentiment toward geopolitical de-escalation.
Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi is pursuing the first-ever revision of Japan's post-World War II pacifist constitution. Her Liberal Democratic Party secured a historic two-thirds majority in the National Diet's lower house during February's election, meeting the threshold needed to pass constitutional amendments independently. The move is expected to be welcomed in Washington but condemned in Beijing.
Iran has reinstated restrictions on the Strait of Hormuz, with Iranian officials stating the strategic waterway is under strict control of Iran's Armed Forces. The announcement came one day after Iran declared it would permit non-military vessels to transit during the Israel-Hezbollah ceasefire in Lebanon. This action may impact global energy transportation through the critical shipping route.
Four bipartisan US senators, including Senate Foreign Relations Committee Ranking Member Shabot, sent letters to Taiwan's Legislative Yuan Speaker Han Kuo-yu and Vice Speaker Chiang Chi-chen, urging swift passage of the special defense budget. The senators, who visited Taiwan last month, expressed concern about delays in budget review and contacted committee members to emphasize the importance of defense spending for Taiwan's security.
A noodle restaurant in Xining, Qinghai province displayed a banner reading "beaten wife, kneaded dough," referencing a traditional saying from the Guanzhong region. The slogan implies that beating wives makes them more obedient, similar to how kneading improves noodle quality. The restaurant faced widespread criticism on mainland Chinese social media for the controversial messaging.