Headline News

China has reported strong consumption growth during the recent Qingming Festival holiday. Official data shows average daily sales of key retail and catering businesses rose 2.4 percent compared to a year ago.

The United Nations says it is alarmed by U.S. rhetoric suggesting possible attacks on key infrastructure in Iran. A UN spokesperson says comments about targeting power plants, bridges and other facilities have raised serious concerns.

The Iranian Foreign Ministry says Tehran has finalized its demands to end the war in the Middle East, but will not bow to pressure as to when it will reveal them.

China has issued guidelines to advance the e-commerce sector, outlining key measures to deepen the integration of the digital and real economies.

China's railways are gearing up for a major travel rush as the Qingming Festival holiday comes to an end. Authorities expect around 20.8 million passenger trips on the final day of the holiday.

The Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries and its allies, known as OPEC+, have agreed to increase oil production by 206,000 barrels per day starting in May.

China has expressed its readiness to work closely with Russia to help ease tensions in the Middle East. In a phone call, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and his Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov agreed on the need for a ceasefire and a return to dialogue.

China has completed the maiden flight of an unmanned cargo aircraft powered by a homegrown megawatt-class hydrogen turboprop engine. The successful 16-minute test flight signals progress in China’s push to turn hydrogen-powered flight from a lab concept into an industrial reality.

Kuwait Petroleum Corporation says its operational facilities were struck by Iranian drones, sparking fires and causing significant damage.

U.S. officials say both crew members from a downed F-15E in Iran have been recovered after a "heavy firefight." Iran's Revolutionary Guards said several aircraft were destroyed during the U.S. mission to find a stranded airman in Iran.

Many Chinese people are observing the Qingming Festival, or Tomb-Sweeping Day, by honoring heroes who gave their lives for the people's liberation.

Yemen's Houthi group says it has carried out a joint military operation targeting Israel's Ben Gurion Airport and other key military sites, using a ballistic missile and multiple drones.

Iran's Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi said on Saturday that Tehran seeks to secure the terms of a "conclusive and lasting" end to the U.S. and Israeli war imposed on the country.

Two fast-moving wildfires broke out Friday in Southern California, triggering evacuations and warnings. The Springs Fire expanded to over 4,100 acres in Riverside County as of Friday evening.

The Pentagon says as many as 365 U.S. troops have been wounded in action since the United States and Israel launched large-scale attacks on Iran on February 28.

China's government-backed trade-in programs are giving a strong boost to consumer spending. Data shows that more than 60 million purchases were made under the scheme in the first quarter of 2026.

The World Health Organization has appealed for immediate support to sustain health services in five conflict‑affected Middle Eastern countries, including Lebanon, Iran, Iraq, Syria and Jordan.

China expects over 90 million railway trips during the Qingming Festival holiday rush. With 18 million daily trips on average, a peak of 21 million is forecast for Saturday.

Min Aung Hlaing won Myanmar's presidential election, securing 429 out of 584 votes in the Union Parliament.

China has overtaken the United States by its widest margin in 20 years, according to a new Gallup global approval report. In 2025, China's rating rose to 36% while U.S. approval fell to 31%, marking just the third time China has led in two decades.

Chinese authorities described the handover as the first drug-related fugitive repatriated from the U.S. in recent years, highlighting a milestone in bilateral counter-narcotics cooperation.

China has called for closer cooperation between the United Nations and the Gulf Cooperation Council to help maintain peace and stability in the Middle East.

U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has reportedly requested the immediate retirement of Army Chief of Staff General Randy George.

A Britain-led virtual meeting has called for the immediate and unconditional reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, as international pressure mounts over the ongoing crisis.

China has urged that military actions in the Strait of Hormuz should stop immediately, saying that the issues must be resolved through dialogue.

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi says the country is ready to work with Bahrain to help end conflict and restore stability in the Middle East during a phone call with his Bahraini counterpart.

The UN Security Council will focus on the Middle East in April, taking up key issues in Iran, Lebanon, Gaza and the West Bank.

U.S. President Donald Trump has declared that the United States is achieving its core strategic goals in the conflict with Iran.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian says the Iranian people hold no hostility toward the American public.

The Iraqi prime minister and the Egyptian president have called for stronger Arab coordination to stabilize the region amid escalating tensions.

China says it will maintain close communication with Pakistan and all other parties to play a constructive role in ending the fighting and hostilities in the Middle East.

New York City has lifted its ban on TikTok for government-owned devices, allowing agencies to resume posting on the platform under new security protocols.

A new United Nations report warns that the ongoing military escalation in the Middle East could inflict severe economic and social damage across the region.

Italy's painful World Cup exile continues after they were beaten 4-1 on penalties by Bosnia and Herzegovina in their playoff final, following a 1-1 draw.

President Donald Trump says American forces could withdraw from Iran within weeks, as Iran reports carrying out drone strikes on foreign-linked facilities in Israel.

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.