China released a draft blueprint for 2026-2030 on Thursday, outlining key projects in artificial intelligence, nuclear fusion and defence sectors. The plan aims to overcome technological bottlenecks and strengthen China's position in global tech competition. Announced during the annual 'two sessions' meetings, it formally establishes China's major economic priorities and policy directions.
China has incorporated commercial health insurance into its 2026 government work report for the first time. Premier Li Qiang announced the government will accelerate the development of commercial health insurance and promote high-quality growth of innovative drugs and medical devices to meet diverse public needs. The move aims to strengthen the social safety net and support medical innovation.
A disruption to Qatar's liquefied natural gas (LNG) output has driven regional gas prices to their highest levels in approximately three years. The disruption follows Iran's drone strikes on Qatar in retaliation for Israeli and US attacks, coupled with a blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical shipping route for global oil and gas trade. The incident highlights Asia's dangerous dependence on Middle Eastern fuel supplies.
The US-Israeli military operations against Iran are evolving into a broader conflict with potential to extend beyond the Middle East region. Iranian missiles and drones have already struck or reached Turkey and Azerbaijan. European powers are deploying additional warships, fighter jets, and air defense systems to the eastern Mediterranean and Gulf. Analysts warn that prolonged conflict increases risks of regional fault lines, including Kurdish militancy, becoming destabilized.
China's draft 15th five-year plan, released Thursday, targets tax reform as a major goal for 2026-2030 to address local government fiscal strain. Shifting from the previous plan's emphasis on "tax and fee cuts," the new plan stresses "maintaining a reasonable macro tax burden." This reflects Beijing's effort to increase tax revenue while local governments struggle to balance growing public service obligations with depleted treasuries.
US military investigators believe American forces were likely responsible for an apparent strike on an Iranian girls' school on Saturday that killed scores of children, according to two US officials who spoke to Reuters. However, the investigation remains incomplete and no final conclusion has been reached. Details regarding the evidence, munition type used, responsible parties, and the rationale behind the potential strike remain unclear.
The US and Israel have launched extensive military strikes against Iran, targeting a far broader range of objectives than during last summer's conflict. US Central Command reports hitting over 2,000 targets in less than a week, marking the heaviest American bombing campaign in the Middle East in over a decade. Experts indicate the strikes aim to weaken Iran's military capabilities and reduce the grip of its theocratic rulers.
Twenty-four Democratic-led states, including New York and California, filed a lawsuit Thursday challenging President Trump's newly imposed 10 percent global tariffs. The states argue that Trump cannot circumvent a recent Supreme Court ruling that invalidated most of his previous tariffs by invoking new legal authority. This marks the first legal challenge to the administration's latest tariff policy.
President Donald Trump announced on Thursday that Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem will step down from her position. Oklahoma Senator Markwayne Mullin will replace her, effective March 31. Noem had been overseeing Trump's immigration crackdown. The staffing change raises questions about the direction of the Republican president's immigration agenda.
US President Donald Trump stated on Thursday that he wants to be personally involved in selecting Iran's next supreme leader following Ayatollah Ali Khamenei's death. Trump told Axios he desires someone who will bring harmony and peace to Iran, while dismissing Khamenei's son Mojtaba as a "lightweight" and an unacceptable choice. Trump emphasized his intention to be involved in the appointment process.