Headline News

The European Union says the ongoing Middle East conflict may have long-term effects on global energy markets, even if the fighting ends soon.

China and Pakistan put forward five proposals on restoring peace and stability in the Gulf region and the Middle East during talks between foreign ministers of the two countries in Beijing on Tuesday.

Foreign ministers of China and Pakistan are holding in-depth discussions on the Iran situation, as well as a range of regional and international issues of shared concern.

Pakistani Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar is set to be in China for talks with his Chinese counterpart, Wang Yi, on current international issues, regional conflicts, and bilateral relations.

The vehicle features an ultra-large cargo hold of 18 cubic meters, and a range exceeding 3,000 kilometers.

Data shows China's manufacturing sector returned to growth in March. The official Purchasing Managers' Index rose to 50.4, moving back into the expansion zone after two months of contraction.

Iran plans to tighten control over the Strait of Hormuz, including possible tolls on passing ships and a ban on U.S. and Israeli vessels transiting the waterway.

China has successfully launched its Lijian-2 Y1 carrier rocket on its maiden flight, sending three satellites into orbit.

Spain has closed its airspace to U.S. military aircraft involved in the Iran conflict, with Defence Minister Margarita Robles confirming the ban, though emergency flights are exempt.

The U.S. Coast Guard has reportedly allowed a Russian oil tanker carrying an estimated 730,000 barrels of oil to reach Cuba after months of restrictions.

The World Data Organization has held its first general meeting in Beijing, marking its official establishment as the world's first international organization dedicated to data development and governance.

The Communist Party of China Central Committee and general secretary Xi Jinping have invited Cheng Li-wun, chairperson of the Chinese Kuomintang party, to visit the Chinese mainland next month.

Air China has resumed direct Beijing–Pyongyang flights. China says the move will support friendly exchanges, following the restart of cross-border train services earlier this month.

Foreign ministers of Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Turkiye and Egypt have expressed full support for Pakistan's initiative to host peace talks between the United States and Iran in Islamabad.

Pakistan has hosted talks with Saudi, Turkish, and Egyptian foreign ministers about easing tensions, as the Iran conflict widens.

China Southern Airlines will operate round-trip services between the capital cities of China and Finland three times a week.

In the first public message since their capture by U.S. military forces in January, Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife said in a social media post that it’s necessary to continue consolidating peace, national unity, reconciliation, forgiveness and reunification.

Construction has started on the Sandy Ridge Data Facility Cluster, which is expected to be Hong Kong’s largest computing hub.

Yemen's Houthi group says it has carried out fresh attacks on southern Israel using cruise missiles and drones.

China has voiced support for the adoption of a major World Trade Organization agreement on electronic commerce. The E-Commerce Agreement is considered a significant milestone for the WTO.

U.S. President Donald Trump's administration is reportedly preparing to deploy more troops to the Middle East as the conflict with Iran enters a second month.

China lodged representations over the Philippines' recent provocations, and urged Manila to match its words with action, return to the track of resolving issues through dialogue, and create favorable conditions for stable bilateral ties.

The spokesperson for the Iranian Parliament's National Security and Foreign Policy Committee says the treaty has failed to protect Iran's nuclear facilities from attacks, and international documents and agreements have been completely ignored.

Nepali Police have arrested former Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli and his home minister for their alleged involvement in suppressing the Gen Z protest in September.

A top EU official has warned that rising Middle East tensions are driving up energy prices, raising the risk of stagflation across the bloc.

World-renowned forensic scientist Dr. Henry C. Lee has died at the age of 87. He handled more than 8,000 cases worldwide, including the O.J. Simpson case.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has created a task force to address humanitarian challenges amid rising tensions in the Strait of Hormuz.

The UN rights chief has urged the United States to swiftly conclude its investigation into a fatal strike on a primary school in Iran at the start of last month's U.S.-Israeli attacks.

China's Ministry of Commerce says it has launched two reciprocal trade barrier investigations in response to recent U.S. Section 301 probes, targeting U.S. practices that disrupt global supply chains and hinder green trade.

China has successfully launched the Shiyan-33 test satellite from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center, placing it into its designated orbit.

Profits of China's major industrial firms increased 15.2 percent in the first two months of 2026 compared with the same period last year. The National Bureau of Statistics attributed the growth to proactive macro policies.

In a social media post, Trump says the U.S. will pause planned strikes on Iranian energy facilities for 10 days, adding that talks with Tehran are “going very well.”

The International Olympic Committee has approved new rules limiting female-category events to biological females, starting from the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games.

Officials say heavy rains and strong winds battered the Gaza Strip on Thursday, flooding hundreds of tents sheltering displaced people. The Civil Defense in Gaza described the situation as "catastrophic."

The OECD forecasts global growth slowing to 2.9% in 2026, down from 3.3% in 2025, with a slight rebound to 3.0% in 2027. High energy prices may boost costs, inflation, and constrain growth.

The suspect, identified as Kodai Murata, is accused of illegal entry after scaling the embassy wall on Tuesday. Police say he carried a knife and uttered threats.

China's top legislator Zhao Leji emphasized Asia's deep commitment to peace and the importance of respecting all countries' sovereignty and territorial integrity.

China has announced plans to establish a basic long-term care insurance system within about three years, following pilot programs launched in 2016 and 2020.

A Los Angeles jury has delivered a landmark verdict against Meta and Google over claims their platforms harmed a young woman's mental health. The companies, which plan to appeal, denied the claims.

The Iranian Foreign Minister says messages have been exchanged between Iran and the United States through intermediaries over the past few days. However, Seyed Abbas Araghchi says Tehran has held no talks with Washington.

An Iranian military spokesperson has mocked Donald Trump's push to restart peace talks, saying the U.S. is "negotiating with itself," as Washington reportedly advances a 15-point plan to end the war.

Japanese police called the incident “very regrettable” and said round-the-clock security would be provided for the embassy compound.

OpenAI has announced it is shutting down its generative AI video app Sora.

The New York Times said the plan, delivered via Pakistan, addresses Iran's ballistic missile and nuclear programs and discusses maritime routes.

A European particle physics laboratory has transported antimatter by truck for the first time, moving a trap of 92 antiprotons across their main site in a careful test.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif says Pakistan stands ready to be the host to facilitate talks for a settlement of the conflict in the Middle East, subject to concurrence by the United States and Iran.

Beijing has welcomed U.S. companies to expand in China, stressing dialogue to manage differences and boost economic ties. Chinese Commerce Minister Wang Wentao said U.S. businesses are encouraged to grow with the Chinese economy.

China has expressed strong protest after an intruder broke into its embassy in Japan. China has called on Japan to conduct a thorough investigation, severely punish those responsible and provide a full and accountable explanation.

A report from the Boao Forum for Asia says the foundations of Asian trade integration continue to strengthen. It shows that intra-regional trade dependence rose from 56.3 percent in 2023 to 57.2 percent in 2024.

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum says her government supports a peaceful resolution to tensions between the United States and Cuba, noting that multilateral institutions, like the UN, should be utilized to resolve conflicts.