The US, Japan, and Philippines conducted joint military exercises in the northern Philippines, showcasing trilateral defense cooperation. Japan's Type 88 missile struck a decommissioned Philippine warship 75km away in under six minutes, while a US-made Tomahawk hit a target 630km distant. Analysts view the demonstration as a clear display of resolve amid regional security concerns.
During Trump's visit to China, the Iran war disrupts global energy supplies and heightens economic uncertainty, straining US-China relations further. The two nations are engaged in an intensifying competition for undersea resources and military advantage, becoming a critical factor reshaping their bilateral relationship. China's release of the military blockbuster film Operation Hadal last year reflects the nation's strategic focus on ocean dominance.
President Trump's policy changes have sparked international debate about the future of global governance. Experts note that the post-World War II unipolar and multilateral order led by the United States faces significant challenges. Historian Henry Kissinger previously observed that no truly global order has ever existed. As American foreign policy direction shifts, the international community faces a period of potential reorganization, with future developments remaining uncertain.
The Trump administration is approaching a US$400 million settlement with TikTok to resolve an ongoing lawsuit regarding alleged child-privacy violations, according to ABC News on Friday. The White House and Justice Department declined immediate comment, and TikTok did not respond. The settlement funds would be allocated to support Trump administration projects.
US President Donald Trump announced Friday that Russia and Ukraine have agreed to a three-day ceasefire (May 9-11) and prisoner exchange following US-mediated negotiations. Trump stated that talks to end the war are continuing and both sides are getting closer to a resolution. The ceasefire coincides with Russia's Victory Day celebrations.
US President Trump's Beijing visit, delayed six weeks due to the Iran war and Strait of Hormuz closure, faces new tensions. While both China and the US benefit from strait reopening and war resolution, the two nations view the crisis differently and diverge sharply on solutions, potentially creating friction during their summit.
The US, Japan, and Philippines conducted joint military exercises in the northern Philippines, showcasing trilateral defense cooperation. Japan's Type 88 missile struck a decommissioned Philippine warship 75km away in under six minutes, while a US-made Tomahawk hit a target 630km distant. Analysts view the demonstration as a clear display of resolve amid regional security concerns.
Japan's Mogami-class destroyer is emerging as the leading candidate to replace New Zealand's Royal Navy's aging warships. Under Wellington's 2025 Defence Capability Plan, the government is committed to replacing its two ANZAC-class frigates, which were launched in the early 1990s, with more capable and modern vessels. This potential deal represents a major contract for Japan's defence industry following Tokyo's recent decision to lift its long-standing weapons export restrictions.
China is assisting Laos in planning its longest highway, marking the latest infrastructure initiative in Beijing's strategy to enhance transport connectivity across Southeast Asia. The project reflects China's broader effort to strengthen its economic presence in the region through road and rail infrastructure while seeking alternative trade routes amid tensions with the United States. Laos is conducting route surveys for an expressway connecting the capital Vientiane to its northeastern border.
US President Donald Trump filed an appeal Friday following a court decision that invalidated his tariff policy. The US Court of International Trade ruled Thursday that Trump's use of Section 122 trade provision to impose 10 percent import taxes on nearly all countries was unlawful. The ruling creates global economic uncertainty and raises questions about potential refunds worth billions of dollars.
During Trump's visit to China, the Iran war disrupts global energy supplies and heightens economic uncertainty, straining US-China relations further. The two nations are engaged in an intensifying competition for undersea resources and military advantage, becoming a critical factor reshaping their bilateral relationship. China's release of the military blockbuster film Operation Hadal last year reflects the nation's strategic focus on ocean dominance.
President Trump's policy changes have sparked international debate about the future of global governance. Experts note that the post-World War II unipolar and multilateral order led by the United States faces significant challenges. Historian Henry Kissinger previously observed that no truly global order has ever existed. As American foreign policy direction shifts, the international community faces a period of potential reorganization, with future developments remaining uncertain.
US President Donald Trump announced Friday that Russia and Ukraine have agreed to a three-day ceasefire (May 9-11) and prisoner exchange following US-mediated negotiations. Trump stated that talks to end the war are continuing and both sides are getting closer to a resolution. The ceasefire coincides with Russia's Victory Day celebrations.
US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer stated that the United States aims to rebalance trade with China rather than reshape its economic system. He highlighted the long-standing trade imbalance, where China exports vast quantities of goods to the US while restricting American imports. The remarks were made on Fox News ahead of President Trump's upcoming China visit, emphasizing a stability-focused approach.
The United States will host intensive talks between Israeli and Lebanese delegations on May 14-15, according to a State Department statement released Friday. The discussions build on a previous round held April 23, personally led by President Donald Trump. Both sides will engage in detailed discussions aimed at advancing a broader peace and security arrangement in the region.
Hong Kong's property market continues its upward momentum as new residential projects attract strong buyer interest. Sun Hung Kai Properties' Lime Spark project sold all 154 units by 4:30pm Saturday, while Henderson Land's Highwood Phase 2 sold 147 of 158 units (93% sales rate). Real estate agents report home prices have risen nearly 8% this year, with prospective buyers concerned that delaying purchases will result in higher costs, sustaining market momentum.
China's merchandise exports to the US fell 10.2 percent year-on-year to US$133.4 billion in the first four months of 2026, while imports from the US declined 10.9 percent, according to customs data released Saturday. President Trump's upcoming Beijing visit next week is expected to be pivotal in determining the future economic relations between the two superpowers.
Under Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's administration, Japan is moving toward a more state-directed economic model. This echoes the 1980s 'Look East' policy launched by Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad, which encouraged Southeast Asian nations to emulate Japan, South Korea, and Taiwan's state-led development rather than Western market-driven approaches. While China became a prominent example of state-led development, Japan's current policy shift may again inspire other Asian countries to reconsider Eastern economic development strategies.
Following the US-Israel conflict with Iran, the Strait of Hormuz remains closed, causing storage tanks in Middle Eastern oil-producing countries to reach capacity. South Korea, home to the world's sixth-largest petroleum reserve, is increasingly attracting interest from Middle Eastern producers seeking to store crude oil. The prolonged blockade impacts both oil-importing nations like South Korea and oil producers facing storage constraints.
Malaysia is implementing cloud seeding to address a severe drought affecting the country's northern rice-growing region. Agriculture and Food Security Minister Mohamad Sabu stated that prolonged dry weather, low rainfall, and reduced dam water levels have disrupted planting schedules. Farmers have missed two of three typical planting phases for wet direct seeding rice cultivation. The drought threatens rice supply and has prompted authorities to deploy cloud seeding technology to generate much-needed precipitation.
China's General Administration of Customs reported April exports reached US$359.44 billion, up 14.1 percent year-on-year, setting a new monthly record. Despite the Strait of Hormuz crisis continuing to elevate energy and shipping costs, China's export sector demonstrated resilience, surpassing market forecasts of 6.96 percent growth.
Trump's nomination for Federal Reserve chair has raised investor concerns. In January, leaders of the world's major central banks issued a rare joint statement expressing "full solidarity" with the US Federal Reserve and Chair Jerome Powell, emphasizing that central bank independence is crucial for price stability, financial stability, and economic stability. The statement aimed to protect monetary policy independence.
As geopolitical tensions and Middle East energy crises roil global markets, Singapore has become an attractive destination for high-net-worth investors. According to Giig Tanaporn, CEO of Unique Prime Group, wealthy clients from the Middle East and South Korea increasingly choose Singapore for its stable regulatory framework and reliable investment environment.
A research team led by Hong Kong University of Science and Technology has developed a new lunar exploration robot featuring a humanoid upper body and four wheels, weighing approximately 100 kilograms. The AI-powered robot will serve as a porter for China's Chang'e-8 mission scheduled for 2029, responsible for transporting, deploying, and installing instruments and sensors at designated lunar locations after the probe lands, as well as collecting lunar samples.
China has unveiled Hanyuan-2, the world's first dual-core quantum computer, marking a significant advancement in quantum computing technology. According to state-owned Science and Technology Daily, this breakthrough could substantially enhance computational efficiency. Unlike conventional quantum computers requiring extreme cooling near absolute zero temperatures, Hanyuan-2 uses neutral atom technology with lower energy consumption requirements.
Researchers from China's Army Medical University found that oral fish oil intake may not improve and could accelerate cognitive decline in Alzheimer's disease patients. The study analyzed data from over 800 older adults in North America, approximately half carrying the dementia-risk gene APOEε4. The findings challenge the common practice among older adults of taking omega-3 supplements to protect cognitive function.
Beijing released a comprehensive action plan requiring new data centre projects to prioritize green electricity usage as a key operational metric. The policy, jointly issued by four national bodies including the National Energy Administration and National Development and Reform Commission, aims to align the rapid expansion of artificial intelligence infrastructure with China's carbon neutrality goals and encourage operators to increase renewable energy adoption.
Huaqiangbei, home to the world's largest electronics marketplace in Shenzhen, is transforming into a global artificial intelligence showroom to attract foreign traders and tourists seeking cutting-edge technology products. First-time visitors from overseas express amazement at the market's massive scale and product variety. The electronics hub is leveraging AI innovations to revitalize its international appeal and draw back global buyers.
ByteDance plans to boost its capital expenditure to over 200 billion yuan (US$30 billion) this year, representing at least 25% increase from the preliminary plan of 160 billion yuan discussed late last year. The increase is driven by the company's growing commitment to artificial intelligence development and rising memory costs for infrastructure expansion.
The Trump administration is approaching a US$400 million settlement with TikTok to resolve an ongoing lawsuit regarding alleged child-privacy violations, according to ABC News on Friday. The White House and Justice Department declined immediate comment, and TikTok did not respond. The settlement funds would be allocated to support Trump administration projects.
Indonesian authorities resumed search operations on Saturday for three missing hikers following Mount Dukono's eruption on Halmahera island. Over 100 rescue personnel, military and police, along with two thermal drones, were deployed to locate two Singaporeans and one Indonesian. At least three people, including two Singaporeans, died in Friday's eruption, according to local police reports.
Weijing Group Chairman Shen Qingjing is accused of leveraging his control to have China Petrochemical Corporation purchase Jinghua City land for NT$3.72 billion at above-market prices, converting public funds into private profits and money laundering. The shell company allegedly concealed approximately NT$2.94 billion in criminal proceeds. Taipei District Prosecutors Office has indicted Shen and others, seeking 26 years imprisonment.
Taiwan's Legislative Yuan passed the Defense Special Act on military procurement yesterday with support from the KMT and TPP caucuses. The legislation sets a total budget ceiling of 780 billion NTD for military purchases, with the first phase capped at 300 billion NTD and the second phase at 480 billion NTD, aimed at strengthening asymmetric warfare capabilities.
Taiwan's Legislative Yuan passed the "Special Act for National Security Protection and Asymmetric Warfare Enhancement Plan Procurement" in third reading yesterday. The total budget is capped at 780 billion yuan, allocated in two batches. The legislation mandates that budget allocations cannot be reallocated without Legislative Yuan approval and establishes an annual review mechanism for oversight. The special act will remain in effect until the end of 2033.
U.S. President Trump announced that Russia and Ukraine will implement a three-day ceasefire beginning May 9. Trump expressed hope that this measure could serve as the beginning of a long-term agreement to end the Russia-Ukraine war. Russia had previously announced it would implement a ceasefire on May 9, marking World War II Victory Day.
US President Trump will visit China on the 14th and 15th for a meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping. Markets expect the talks to focus on Iran and Taiwan issues, which may limit negotiating space on tariffs and rare earth disputes between the two countries.
U.S. President Trump announced a three-day ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine from May 9-11, during which both sides will suspend military operations and exchange 1,000 prisoners of war each. Trump stated he personally proposed the arrangement and noted the timing coincides with Victory Day commemorations, holding special symbolic significance for both nations involved in World War II. The ceasefire represents a new diplomatic development in the conflict lasting over four years.
Following military clashes between the US and Iran near the Strait of Hormuz, commercial shipping traffic has nearly halted since Tuesday. Iran attacked US military vessels, prompting US retaliatory strikes on Iranian military facilities. The disruption raises concerns about global crude oil supply chains. President Trump warned of further military action if Iran rejects US ceasefire conditions.
Taiwan's legislature approved a 78 billion military procurement budget. US Senator stated this will strengthen Taiwan's deterrence against Chinese provocations. The US expects Taiwan to continue investing in asymmetric warfare capabilities and domestic defense production, while pledging continued congressional support for Taiwan's self-defense and cross-strait stability.
Apple has reportedly reached a preliminary agreement with Intel for manufacturing chips used in Apple products. The news boosted Intel's stock price by nearly 14% on Friday, with year-to-date gains exceeding 200%. This development could potentially end Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company's exclusive position in Apple chip production.
A US military aircraft bombed two Iranian-flagged tankers today, leaving both vessels without power. The strikes have prompted retaliation threats from Iran and jeopardized the fragile ceasefire agreement between the two sides. The incident comes as US officials provide statements regarding the operation.
Global AI demand is driving high-bandwidth memory (HBM) shortages, prompting major tech companies to directly fund SK Hynix's equipment purchases and factory expansion. According to Reuters, customers have offered to help finance EUV lithography machines from ASML and support construction of a new DRAM fab in Icheon, South Korea. With single EUV tools costing hundreds of millions of dollars and long lead times, equipment availability has become a critical bottleneck for advanced chip production.
Poland's government signed the EU's largest defense financing plan, the European Security Facility, on the 8th, securing approximately 43.7 billion euros in EU loans (approximately 1.6125 trillion Taiwan dollars). This historic agreement aims to strengthen European defense capabilities in response to geopolitical challenges.
A critical local privilege escalation vulnerability called Dirty Frag has been discovered in the Linux kernel, following the recent Copy Fail vulnerability disclosed in late April. The flaw affects kernel versions from 2017 onwards and impacts multiple Linux distributions. A researcher identified as 0xdeadbeefnetwork has published a proof-of-concept exploit on GitHub, prompting users to apply security patches immediately.
Taiwan's legislature approved a special defense budget on Friday, but at only two-thirds of President Lai Ching-te's original request of approximately 40 billion US dollars. The US State Department immediately issued a warning that further delays in the remaining budget would constitute concessions to China. The opposition-controlled legislature delayed the vote multiple times, ultimately approving funds exclusively for US weapons purchases while excluding domestically developed drone and missile programs.
Former U.S. President Trump announced that Russia and Ukraine have agreed to a three-day ceasefire and prisoner swap. However, skepticism remains about whether Russian President Putin is willing to commit to a more lasting peace agreement. The announcement has sparked widespread discussion regarding the authenticity and sustainability of the negotiations.