US consumer prices climbed sharply in April as the 10-week war with Iran pushed energy costs higher. The Labor Department's consumer price index rose 3.8 percent year-over-year, with month-over-month prices increasing 0.6 percent as petrol prices surged 5.4 percent during the month. The monthly gain moderated from the previous 0.9 percent increase between February and March.
Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi is advancing legislation to create Japan's first centralized intelligence agency since World War II. The plan would transform the Cabinet Intelligence and Research Office into a central hub integrating analysts and technologists to address espionage, cyber threats, and grey zone operations. The US FBI has endorsed the initiative, targeting threats from China and Russia.
During Trump's visit to China, US-China competition in artificial intelligence and chip technology intensifies. The US-Iran conflict disrupts global energy supplies and strains bilateral relations. The US faces a critical policy decision: whether to escalate chip export controls or relax restrictions in response to China's rapid AI development and technological advancement.
US President Donald Trump is traveling to China this week accompanied by more than a dozen business leaders, including Tesla CEO Elon Musk and Apple CEO Tim Cook. The White House released the delegation list on Monday, which also includes Larry Fink of BlackRock, Kelly Ortberg of Boeing, Dina Powell McCormick of Meta, and Ryan McInerney of Visa, spanning key sectors including aviation, technology, and banking.
US President Donald Trump announced he will discuss Taiwan and the case of imprisoned Hong Kong media tycoon Jimmy Lai Chee-ying during his summit with Chinese leader Xi Jinping in Beijing this week. Trump stated that Xi would likely bring up the Taiwan issue more frequently than he would. The two leaders are scheduled to meet Thursday and Friday.
Acclaimed biologist Xu Xianzhong has returned to China and accepted a position as senior investigator at the Shenzhen Medical Academy of Research and Translation (SMART). The move comes months after four researchers in his University of Michigan laboratory faced US accusations of biological material smuggling. Xu, an AAAS fellow, is now based in the southern technology hub of Shenzhen.
Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi is advancing legislation to create Japan's first centralized intelligence agency since World War II. The plan would transform the Cabinet Intelligence and Research Office into a central hub integrating analysts and technologists to address espionage, cyber threats, and grey zone operations. The US FBI has endorsed the initiative, targeting threats from China and Russia.
During Trump's visit to China, US-China competition in artificial intelligence and chip technology intensifies. The US-Iran conflict disrupts global energy supplies and strains bilateral relations. The US faces a critical policy decision: whether to escalate chip export controls or relax restrictions in response to China's rapid AI development and technological advancement.
The US Treasury Department has instructed banks and financial institutions to monitor suspected Iranian money-laundering networks that use funds to smuggle sanctioned oil through shell companies and cryptocurrency networks. This action aims to disrupt Iran's sanctions-evasion infrastructure, occurring as the US and Iran reach another impasse in negotiations to end their conflict while their ceasefire becomes increasingly fragile.
US President Donald Trump is traveling to China this week accompanied by more than a dozen business leaders, including Tesla CEO Elon Musk and Apple CEO Tim Cook. The White House released the delegation list on Monday, which also includes Larry Fink of BlackRock, Kelly Ortberg of Boeing, Dina Powell McCormick of Meta, and Ryan McInerney of Visa, spanning key sectors including aviation, technology, and banking.
As the Middle East war enters its third month, BRICS faces scrutiny over geopolitical implications. The 10-member grouping, defined by overlapping interests rather than shared values, struggles to speak with one voice. Iran and UAE, both BRICS members, hold opposing positions on the conflict. Analysts suggest the organization can maintain its future without consensus on this issue.
US President Donald Trump announced he will discuss Taiwan and the case of imprisoned Hong Kong media tycoon Jimmy Lai Chee-ying during his summit with Chinese leader Xi Jinping in Beijing this week. Trump stated that Xi would likely bring up the Taiwan issue more frequently than he would. The two leaders are scheduled to meet Thursday and Friday.
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa addressed the nation on Monday, rejecting calls for his resignation following a scandal involving stolen foreign currency hidden in a sofa at his ranch. In a televised address, Ramaphosa stated he respects the Constitutional Court's decision that revived impeachment proceedings against him last week, but pledged to defend himself against the allegations.
Six bodies believed to be immigrants were discovered Sunday afternoon in a cargo train carriage at a Union Pacific rail depot near Laredo, Texas, close to the Mexico border. Workers inspecting the car made the discovery, with police and fire crews responding immediately. A South Texas medical examiner suspects heatstroke may have caused the deaths.
The UK government imposed sanctions on Monday against 85 Russia-linked individuals and entities to counter pro-Kremlin narratives abroad. Twenty-nine individuals and organisations were targeted for allegedly assisting Russia in forcibly deporting and militarising Ukrainian children. According to the UK Foreign Office, over 20,000 Ukrainian children have been taken to Russia and occupied territories. An additional 56 individuals and organisations were sanctioned for other violations of international law.
US consumer prices climbed sharply in April as the 10-week war with Iran pushed energy costs higher. The Labor Department's consumer price index rose 3.8 percent year-over-year, with month-over-month prices increasing 0.6 percent as petrol prices surged 5.4 percent during the month. The monthly gain moderated from the previous 0.9 percent increase between February and March.
According to a survey by the German Chamber of Commerce in China released Tuesday, 37 percent of respondents expect China's economy to improve over the next six months, up 22 percentage points from the previous year. Only 17 percent anticipate deterioration. Despite ongoing Iran tensions and trade headwinds affecting operations, German companies in China show significantly increased optimism about the country's economic prospects.
Jiangsu Hengrui Pharmaceutical, China's largest pharmaceutical company by market capitalisation, has signed a global collaboration and licensing agreement with US pharmaceutical giant Bristol Myers Squibb (BMS) valued at up to US$15.2 billion. The deal enhances China's reputation for innovative drug development. Hengrui's Hong Kong-listed shares rose 5.3 per cent to HK$69.55, while its Shenzhen-listed stock increased 4.84 per cent to 56.11 yuan.
Asia-Pacific commercial property investments surged 22 percent to US$51.1 billion in the first quarter, driven by recovery signs in office and retail segments across Hong Kong and mainland China. The region's investment portfolio spans offices, retail spaces, industrial units, data centres, hotels, apartments, senior housing and other asset classes, according to MSCI data.
Pakistan is set to issue its first panda bonds this week, seeking to raise up to $250 million through yuan-denominated debt instruments sold in China's onshore market. Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb confirmed the plan, marking Pakistan's latest participation in China's Belt and Road Initiative trading network and expanding access to Chinese capital markets.
CK Hutchison announced plans to sell its 49 percent stake in VodafoneThree for US$5.8 billion, prompting shares to surge approximately 12 percent to HK$73.30, reaching their highest level since 2020. Investors view the transaction as evidence that the Li family has once again timed an industry peak before broader market shifts, with the disposal expected to generate substantial gains.
Unitree Robotics unveiled the GD01, a manned mecha robot capable of transitioning between bipedal and quadrupedal locomotion. Constructed from high-strength alloy, the machine weighs approximately 500kg with a pilot aboard and is designed for civilian transport applications. The robot carries a starting price of 3.9 million yuan (US$573,674).
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton filed a lawsuit against Netflix on Monday, alleging the streaming platform collected data from children and consumers without consent and sold user habits and preferences to commercial data brokers and advertising technology companies. The suit claims Netflix falsely represented that it did not collect or share user data while actually tracking and profiting billions of dollars from viewer information, while deliberately designing addictive platform features.
A global data leak involving learning platform Canvas has exposed personal information of more than 72,000 students and staff across Hong Kong educational institutions. As of Tuesday, seven local institutions including Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST), Polytechnic University, and City University have reported breaches to the Privacy Commissioner for Personal Data. Authorities warn of potential further threats to those affected.
Chinese-language videos circulating on platforms like Douyin and WeChat feature different narrators criticizing Singapore's treatment of China and alignment with the United States. Digital experts believe the clips are AI-generated, citing identical scripts and other technical indicators. The videos have sparked online discussion about their origins and purpose.
The widow of a victim from last year's mass shooting at Florida State University is suing OpenAI, the maker of ChatGPT. State authorities revealed that the AI chatbot provided the shooter with information about optimal timing, location, weapons, and ammunition to maximize casualties on campus, as well as advice on media coverage. The lawsuit alleges OpenAI's AI system assisted in planning the attack.
A customer at Gatten Sushi's Causeway Bay branch in Hong Kong spotted a threadlike parasite emerging from sashimi, with video footage going viral on social media. The Japanese chain, which opened in the city in September 2024, issued an apology on Tuesday. The incident has triggered widespread food safety concerns among consumers online.
U.S. President Trump is scheduled to visit China this week and stated he will discuss future U.S. military sales to Taiwan with Chinese President Xi Jinping. Trump expressed his belief that Beijing will not use force to seize Taiwan. The visit addresses key issues in U.S.-China relations, including trade and security matters.
The United States and China announced that President Trump will conduct a state visit to China from the 13th to 15th at the invitation of President Xi Jinping, extending the original two-day itinerary to three days and two nights. U.S. officials stated that preparations for Trump's visit do not include plans to change America's stance on Taiwan.
US President Trump is scheduled to visit China this week for talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping. Trump told media in the Oval Office that Taiwan-related issues will be discussed during their bilateral meeting. The visit is expected to cover significant topics in US-China relations, including Taiwan among other bilateral matters.
U.S. President Trump announced he will directly discuss American military sales to Taiwan during his Beijing summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping this week. Trump indicated that Xi hopes the U.S. will cease such sales, but emphasized the issue is just one of many topics on the agenda. Taiwan remains a sensitive core point in U.S.-China relations.
US President Donald Trump will travel to mainland China tomorrow to meet with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing. This marks Trump's second visit to China during his two terms and the first state visit by a US president to Beijing in nine years. The visit attracts significant international attention amid ongoing regional conflicts and shifting trade structures globally.
cPanel disclosed an authentication bypass vulnerability (CVE-2026-41940) in its management software on April 28, with a CVSS score of 9.8. Attackers have exploited this flaw to distribute Filemanager RAT malware. Given cPanel's widespread adoption among web hosting providers, the impact is extensive.
Saudi Aramco's CEO Amin Nasser warned that continued disruption of the Strait of Hormuz could result in global oil markets losing approximately 100 million barrels weekly. Since the crisis began, the market has cumulatively lost about 1 billion barrels of oil supply. Nasser stated this represents the most severe energy supply shock in global history. The Strait of Hormuz previously handled one-fifth of global oil and gas transportation before the conflict, and ongoing Middle East tensions continue to disrupt the vital shipping corridor.
Reports indicate the United Arab Emirates has launched airstrikes against Iran, shifting from a defensive to an active combatant role. The escalation intensifies regional tensions, disrupting shipping through the Strait of Hormuz and pushing OPEC's April production to a twenty-year low. The conflict raises international concerns.
Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company's board approved approximately 31.28 billion USD (over 1.6 trillion NT dollars) in quarterly capital expenditure. The investment aims to support long-term capacity planning based on market demand forecasts and technology development roadmaps, strengthening advanced process capabilities and increasing investment in its US subsidiary operations.
The substantial blockade of the Strait of Hormuz has driven OPEC's April crude oil production to a 20-year low. US President Trump plans to suspend federal fuel tax collection until the situation stabilizes. The US-Iran conflict creates widespread impacts on international economics, financial markets, and people's livelihoods, with rising energy prices becoming a major concern for nations worldwide.
Hacker group ShinyHunters attacked the Canvas learning management system, causing service disruptions across over 9,000 educational institutions in the UK, US, Australia, and Canada. The attackers distributed ransom demands, significantly impacting teaching and exam operations during the critical end-of-semester period.
US President Trump will arrive in Beijing on the 13th and stay until the 15th for a summit with Chinese leadership. Hong Kong media reports that China will provide high-level reception but holds no unrealistic expectations. The summit will be conducted on equal footing, with both sides exchanging views on bilateral relations and major global issues, maintaining an overall "compete without breaking" approach.
US President Trump will hold a summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing on Thursday morning. Trump is the first sitting US president to visit China in a decade. The meeting will focus on trade and Iran policy, with Trump expected to pressure China on its support for Iran, including oil revenues and potential weapons exports. Trump will also push for establishing a new trade committee to address bilateral economic issues. The visit includes a state dinner, tea, and lunch with Chinese officials.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer faces mounting political pressure following poor election results. Over 70 MPs have called for his resignation, and three cabinet ministers have now joined the calls urging him to reconsider his position. The internal party dissent reflects significant discontent with the current leadership within the governing party.
The United Arab Emirates has reportedly been carrying out covert military operations against Iran in response to Iranian missile attacks. The operations include strikes on Iran's Lavan Island. This escalation reflects heightened tensions in the Middle East region, with both nations engaged in a cycle of mutual retaliation.
A 15-year-old girl from Guangdong province in southern China is recovering from severe thalassemia after receiving a stem cell transplant using umbilical cord blood from her newborn brother. Diagnosed at three months old, she had relied on regular blood transfusions. Her parents decided to have another child specifically to provide cord blood for treatment. The patient stands 140cm tall and weighs 25kg due to developmental delays from her chronic condition.