The Chinese military released footage over the weekend showing YJ-20 hypersonic anti-ship missile launches during PLA Navy strike tests. The release coincided with joint US-Philippines-Japan military drills in the disputed South China Sea, heightening regional tensions. The specific time and location of the missile tests were not disclosed.
Lebanon's health ministry reported that Israeli strikes on the country's south on Sunday killed 14 people, marking the deadliest day since the Israel-Hezbollah ceasefire took effect over a week ago. Israel and the Iran-backed group traded accusations of breaching the fragile truce, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stating the military was "vigorously" targeting Hezbollah, while the group vowed to continue responding to "violations".
North Korean leader Kim Jong-un reaffirmed his country's commitment to supporting Russia's policies during discussions with Russian Defence Minister Andrei Belousov. The Russian delegation attended a completion ceremony for a memorial honoring North Korean soldiers who died fighting in Russia's Kursk region, where Ukrainian forces conducted an incursion in 2024. The two sides discussed the international political situation at the event.
Asia-Pacific military spending increased at its fastest rate in 16 years in 2025, driven by US allies' growing uncertainty about Washington's security commitments, according to SIPRI's annual report. Global military expenditure reached US$2.89 trillion, up 2.9% from 2024, marking the 11th consecutive year of increases in worldwide military spending.
Mali's military rulers faced a major security crisis following coordinated nationwide attacks by jihadist fighters and separatist rebels over the weekend. The defence minister was killed and a key northern town reportedly fell to rebel control. Junta leader General Assimi Goita has not been seen since the attacks began at dawn on Saturday. The offensive was coordinated by Tuareg rebels of the Azawad Liberation Front coalition and jihadist groups.
Taiwan has received its final shipment of US-made M1A2T Abrams tanks, completing a long-delayed procurement order. The 28-tank shipment arrived at Taipei Port over the weekend and was transported overnight under police and military escort to the Army's Armour Training Command in Hsinchu County. The delivery of these world-class tanks aims to modernize Taiwan's aging armoured forces and strengthen defence capabilities amid increasing military pressure from Beijing.
The Chinese military released footage over the weekend showing YJ-20 hypersonic anti-ship missile launches during PLA Navy strike tests. The release coincided with joint US-Philippines-Japan military drills in the disputed South China Sea, heightening regional tensions. The specific time and location of the missile tests were not disclosed.
Russia and North Korea are consolidating military ties amid global instability, with both nations using the Ukraine war as a symbol of their unwavering alliance. The two countries unveiled a memorial museum in Pyongyang honoring North Korean soldiers killed in the conflict, demonstrating their coordinated anti-West stance. The partnership addresses Russia's need for manpower and materiel while serving North Korea's strategic interests.
Former Israeli Prime Ministers Naftali Bennett and Yair Lapid announced the merger of their political parties to challenge Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's coalition government in the expected election later this year. Bennett, representing the right-wing, and Lapid, from the centrist camp, merged Bennett 2026 and There is a Future parties. Both leaders stated their goal is to change Israel's direction.
Lebanon's health ministry reported that Israeli strikes on the country's south on Sunday killed 14 people, marking the deadliest day since the Israel-Hezbollah ceasefire took effect over a week ago. Israel and the Iran-backed group traded accusations of breaching the fragile truce, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stating the military was "vigorously" targeting Hezbollah, while the group vowed to continue responding to "violations".
North Korean leader Kim Jong-un reaffirmed his country's commitment to supporting Russia's policies during discussions with Russian Defence Minister Andrei Belousov. The Russian delegation attended a completion ceremony for a memorial honoring North Korean soldiers who died fighting in Russia's Kursk region, where Ukrainian forces conducted an incursion in 2024. The two sides discussed the international political situation at the event.
Asia-Pacific military spending increased at its fastest rate in 16 years in 2025, driven by US allies' growing uncertainty about Washington's security commitments, according to SIPRI's annual report. Global military expenditure reached US$2.89 trillion, up 2.9% from 2024, marking the 11th consecutive year of increases in worldwide military spending.
Geopolitical analysis reveals that US-led security alliances in Asia are experiencing weakening coherence. Drawing on geographer Halford Mackinder's "Heartland" theory, the analysis emphasizes Eurasia's pivotal role in global power competition. The theory highlights the strategic importance of controlling resource-rich, densely populated regions with significant strategic depth, reflecting the complex geopolitical environment that Asian security alliances must navigate.
Mali's military rulers faced a major security crisis following coordinated nationwide attacks by jihadist fighters and separatist rebels over the weekend. The defence minister was killed and a key northern town reportedly fell to rebel control. Junta leader General Assimi Goita has not been seen since the attacks began at dawn on Saturday. The offensive was coordinated by Tuareg rebels of the Azawad Liberation Front coalition and jihadist groups.
Strikes across Ukraine, Russian-occupied territory, and Russia killed at least 16 people, authorities reported. Russian drone and missile attacks on Dnipro city resulted in nine deaths. The 40th anniversary of the Chernobyl nuclear disaster has prompted renewed warnings about the risks of military attacks near nuclear facilities during Russia's four-year invasion of Ukraine.
Yuanjie Semiconductor Technology, a Shanghai-listed optical chipmaker, reported a net profit of 179 million yuan (US$26.2 million) in Q1, representing a 1,153% year-on-year increase. Revenue grew 321% to 355 million yuan. The company capitalizes on surging demand for computing power driven by the artificial intelligence boom and China's technology self-sufficiency initiatives.
Guangdong has maintained China's largest provincial economy since the late 1980s, but Jiangsu's accelerating growth is narrowing the gap between the two economic powerhouses. Both provinces' GDP rivals Group of Seven members Italy and Canada, reflecting shifting economic dynamics within China's regional economy.
China-based pharmaceutical services company WuXi AppTec announced record first-quarter revenue driven by robust global demand. For the three months ending March 31, the Shanghai and Hong Kong-listed company reported revenue of 12.44 billion yuan (US$1.72 billion), representing 28.81% year-on-year growth. Net profit increased nearly 27% to 4.65 billion yuan, with both metrics exceeding market expectations, supported by a strong order backlog and sustained international client demand.
India and New Zealand signed a free-trade agreement on Monday to deepen economic relations and expand market access amid global trade disruptions. India aims to diversify export markets to offset US tariffs and shipping instability caused by regional conflicts. New Zealand seeks to reduce its reliance on China, its largest trading partner. The agreement represents both nations' efforts to strengthen bilateral economic cooperation during uncertain global trade conditions.
China's major industrial enterprises reported profit growth of 15.8 percent in March, the fastest pace since September, according to National Bureau of Statistics data released Monday. The acceleration was driven by factory-gate prices turning positive following disruptions from the Iran conflict. First-quarter cumulative profits reached 1.696 trillion yuan, reflecting improved profitability across the industrial sector.
China Merchants Heavy Industry (Jiangsu) delivered a 180,000-cubic-metre LNG carrier on Sunday, marking China's largest-ever vessel of this type. The delivery brings the number of Chinese shipyards capable of designing and building advanced LNG carriers to five, intensifying competition with South Korea's dominance in this high-value maritime sector.
Chinese-manufactured electric vehicles now account for one in three new car registrations in South Korea, driven by Tesla's Shanghai-built models and growing traction from Chinese automakers. Analysts indicate further expansion potential, supported by elevated fuel prices and less restrictive policies compared to traditional markets. However, tightening subsidy programs may moderate the pace of growth in the highly competitive South Korean automotive sector.
Daniel Gros, director of the Institute for European Policymaking at Bocconi University, examines what China can learn from the euro's experience as it pursues yuan internationalization. With background as an adviser to the European Parliament and the International Monetary Fund, Gros analyzes structural tensions in EU-China economic relations and draws parallels from the euro's development to assess the yuan's path toward global currency status.
Yellowstone, the world's largest active volcanic system with eruption power hundreds of times greater than Mount Vesuvius, has long puzzled scientists about its underground magma system. Chinese researchers' new findings may resolve the scientific debate, revealing that Yellowstone's magma channels were not created by upward-forcing magma, but rather by tectonic forces that first tore apart the lithosphere, subsequently allowing magma flow.
Chinese robotaxi companies including Pony AI and WeRide are rapidly expanding commercial operations globally, capitalizing on cost competitiveness from China's leading new energy vehicle supply chain and improved operational efficiency. Pony AI's seventh-generation robotaxi now costs below 230,000 yuan (US$33,700) including vehicle, battery, and autonomous driving systems, providing significant competitive advantage for international expansion.
Contemporary Amperex Technology Ltd (CATL), the world's largest EV and energy-storage battery manufacturer, announced a major supply contract to deliver 60 gigawatt-hours of sodium-ion batteries to Beijing HyperStrong Technology over three years. The landmark deal represents a significant milestone in commercializing sodium-ion battery technology, driven by growing global demand for energy infrastructure and power storage solutions following recent energy market disruptions.
A legal dispute between Elon Musk and OpenAI, led by Sam Altman, centers on internal power dynamics at the AI company. Court documents reveal thousands of pages of internal materials, including diary entries from OpenAI President and co-founder Greg Brockman from autumn 2017 questioning Musk's leadership. The case involves fundamental disagreements between Musk, an original co-founder, and the company's current leadership.
China's National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) has blocked Meta Platforms' proposed acquisition of Manus, an AI startup officially registered in Singapore but developing products in mainland China. The NDRC announced the ruling and requested both parties to cancel the transaction. The decision comes after months of regulatory scrutiny. Neither Meta nor Manus has commented on the matter.
Chinese scientists have achieved a breakthrough in all-iron flow battery technology that significantly reduces renewable energy storage costs and extends battery lifespan. Since lithium costs over 80 times more than iron as a raw material, iron batteries offer a potential solution to a major bottleneck in the global energy transition. The technology was developed by researchers at the Institute of Metal Research under the Chinese Academy of Sciences.
Japan is planning to construct the world's largest floating wind farm off the Izu Islands at gigawatt scale to power the island chain and Tokyo. Led by Tokyo Governor Yuriko Koike, the project faces questions about meeting the 2035 deadline and concerns regarding power generation forecasts and Japan's technical capacity to execute such a megaproject.
Hong Kong police arrested nine men as part of a coordinated international operation involving Singapore, Malaysia, Japan, South Korea, Thailand, and Brunei targeting child sexual exploitation material. The multi-jurisdiction crackdown resulted in over 300 suspects detained across Asia. The operation targeted offences related to production, distribution, and possession of child sexual abuse material, with Hong Kong police participating through active intelligence exchange and investigation.
The Italian government has decided to extradite Xu Zewei, a Chinese national wanted by US authorities on hacking charges including theft of COVID-19 medical research data. An Italian court ruled earlier this month that Xu could be extradited. The decision was first reported by Bloomberg. Italy's government declined to comment on the matter.
A 31-year-old gunman opened fire at a security checkpoint outside the ballroom at the Washington Hilton during the White House Correspondents Association dinner on the 25th, where President Trump and First Lady Melania were attending. Secret Service personnel immediately escorted Trump, his wife, and cabinet officials to safety as hundreds of guests and dignitaries evacuated in panic. The suspect was arrested by authorities.
A shooting incident occurred at the White House Correspondents Dinner on the evening of the 25th during President Trump's attendance, causing panic. President Trump and First Lady Melania were evacuated to safety. The suspect was arrested and charged. Trump later held a press conference stating he was in good condition, indicating the suspect may have acted alone, with motives still under investigation.
A 31-year-old man opened fire at the White House Correspondents' Association dinner held at the Hilton Hotel in Washington, breaching a security checkpoint and causing panic. The White House indicated the gunman allegedly targeted President Trump and senior government officials in an attempted large-scale attack. The Secret Service promptly intervened, preventing significant casualties.
Former TSMC engineer Chen Li-ming, now working for Japanese company Tokyo Electron, conspired with current TSMC engineers Wu Bing-jun and Ge Yi-ping to steal 2-nanometer chip manufacturing secrets. Engineer Chen Wei-jie leaked 14-nanometer and below process secrets. The Intellectual Property and Commercial Court sentenced Chen Li-ming to 10 years, Wu to 3 years, Ge to 2 years, and Chen Wei-jie to 6 years under the National Security Act. All verdicts are appealable.
Chinese hacking group UAT-4356 (Storm-1849) is exploiting known Cisco firewall vulnerabilities CVE-2025-20333 and CVE-2025-20362, with CVSS scores of 9.9 and 6.5 respectively. The group previously targeted government agencies in 15 countries six months ago and has launched new attacks. Cisco and US-UK governments have issued warnings.
Cisco has warned of attacks by Chinese hacker group UAT-4356 (Storm-1849) targeting Cisco firewall devices with attempts to install the FireStarter backdoor. U.S. and UK authorities have taken notice and issued warnings to federal agencies to strengthen security measures against these threats.
West African nation Mali experienced coordinated attacks across multiple locations, with rebel forces and jihadist alliances inflicting significant damage on the military government. In addition to assaults on several military positions, the defense minister was killed in the attacks, marking one of the most serious security challenges the Mali government has faced in years.
A shooting incident occurred at the White House Annual Press Dinner on the 26th while President Trump was present. An armed gunman entered the venue and opened fire before Secret Service personnel quickly evacuated Trump to safety. Investigators determined the gunman's targets included government officials and Trump. Trump subsequently held a press conference, joking that the presidency is a dangerous job, and stated the suspect harbored long-standing grievances and animosity toward Christians.
The U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) has warned that CVE-2026-33825, a vulnerability in Microsoft Defender disclosed in early April, is being actively exploited. CISA has added this flaw to its Known Exploited Vulnerabilities (KEV) catalog, urging organizations to apply patches promptly to mitigate security risks.
Former TSMC employee Chen Li-ming, who joined Tokyo Electron, allegedly conspired with three TSMC engineers to steal 2-nanometer technology secrets. The Intellectual Property Court sentenced Chen to 10 years imprisonment and fined Tokyo Electron 150 million NT dollars, including 100 million NT dollars compensation to TSMC and 50 million NT dollars to the state treasury. Tokyo Electron executive Lu Yi-yin faces additional charges for destroying evidence.
US officials indicate that a potential Taiwan Strait conflict could result in ammunition shortages, affecting the execution of defense contingency plans. Experts warn that China's military capabilities far exceed Iran's, and a Taiwan conflict would be extremely severe, with current US stockpiles potentially insufficient. Replenishing military inventory is estimated to take six years.
Taiwan court handed down first-instance verdict in TSMC advanced process secrets leak case. The court found the defendant illegally obtained TSMC trade secrets, with leak risks violating the National Security Act and endangering economic security. The main defendant received 10-year sentence, while involved company faced 150 million NT$ penalty. The case involves national economic security and semiconductor industry confidentiality protection.
The Intellectual Property and Commercial Court sentenced former TSMC engineer Chen Li-ming to 10 years imprisonment under the National Security Act on the 27th. Three other engineers still employed at the time received sentences ranging from 2 to 6 years. Tokyo Electron was fined NT$150 million with a 3-year suspended sentence and ordered to pay TSMC NT$100 million and the state NT$50 million within one year.
Law enforcement agencies received intelligence last year about a criminal syndicate illegally importing 160 kilograms of methylamine from China by misrepresenting cargo contents for drug production. Investigators traced the operation to a clandestine factory in Pingzhen, Taoyuan, where they seized over 190 kilograms of finished and semi-finished drugs valued at approximately 250 million NTD, successfully dismantling the operation.
The TSMC trade secret case was decided today. A former engineer surnamed Chen who joined Tokyo Electron was convicted of colluding with TSMC employees to steal 2-nanometer process parameters and sub-14-nanometer manufacturing secrets. The Intellectual Property Court sentenced Chen to 10 years imprisonment under the National Security Act and trade secret laws. Three former TSMC engineers received sentences of two to six years. Tokyo Electron was fined 150 million and given a three-year suspended sentence.