61 h. ago Embassy urges Chinese in Iran to stay alert after Israeli airstrikes, explosions

The Chinese embassy in Tehran called Iran’s latest security situation “severe and complicated” following Israel’s military strikes early on Friday, while also warning its citizens and businesses to monitor the situation and take precautions. “The embassy in Iran reminds Chinese citizens and businesses in the country to closely monitor the situation, enhance their safety awareness, and strengthen security measures,” it said in a statement. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has confirmed...

Events

3 d. ago Philippines’ Marcos softens stance amid economic pressures but will China bite?

President Ferdinand Marcos Jnr’s recent call to Filipino-Chinese businessmen to boost Manila’s bilateral ties with Beijing has raised the possibility that the Philippine leader is softening his stance on China. However, while the president’s sudden pivot could signal a recalibration of his approach, observers say the move is unlikely to yield any results in the near term because of his earlier hardline policy, including a statement earlier this month by his defence chief at a major security...

Economics

3 d. ago Hong Kong police chief vows vigilance against lingering national security threats

Hong Kong’s police chief has pledged vigilance against lingering threats of external interference, home-grown terrorism and “soft resistance”, five years after the Beijing-imposed national security law was promulgated. Commissioner of Police Joe Chow Yat-ming said that while Hong Kong had returned to a state of stability in recent years, “undercurrents” remained that required the force to boost its intelligence-gathering and law enforcement efforts. “Now we are talking about how to advance from...

Events

1 week ago Hong Kong police arrest 5 after probe into bomb threat targeting Mayday show

Hong Kong national security police have arrested five people following an investigation into bomb threats targeting a local concert by Taiwanese band Mayday and calls for independence for the self-ruled island and the city. Chief Superintendent Steve Li Kwai-wah of the force’s National Security Department said on Tuesday that police had received emails and social media posts between April 29 and May 20 that promoted Taiwanese independence and called for the abolition of the city’s...

Events

1 week ago Hong Kong’s John Lee vows action against security threats, as June 4 nears

Hong Kong authorities will take action against anyone who threatens national security, the chief executive has warned, as the 36th anniversary of the Tiananmen Square crackdown approaches. Asked about the legality of commemorating June 4 by lighting candles or wearing clothing with related slogans in Causeway Bay, where annual vigils had been held for decades, city leader John Lee Ka-chiu said all activities must comply with the law. “Any activity on any day must comply with legal requirements....

Events

2 w. ago Can Japan avoid Trump’s tariffs with semiconductors and defence spending?

Japan is preparing a package of economic incentives – including expanded purchases of semiconductors and increased defence spending – as it seeks to persuade US President Donald Trump to ease the threat of steep tariffs and protect its vital trade and security alliance with Washington. Economy Minister Ryosei Akazawa, Japan’s chief tariff negotiator, is travelling to Washington this week for talks. On Thursday, he stated that Japan is ready to invest significantly in US military equipment to...

Politics

2 w. ago ‘Few options’: Japan minister heads to US with US$6.9 billion spending package

Japan is preparing a package of economic incentives – including expanded purchases of semiconductors and increased defence spending – as it seeks to persuade US President Donald Trump to ease the threat of steep tariffs and protect its vital trade and security alliance with Washington. Economy Minister Ryosei Akazawa, Japan’s chief tariff negotiator, is travelling to Washington this week for talks. On Thursday, he stated that Japan is ready to invest significantly in US military equipment to...

Economics

2 w. ago Israeli PM Netanyahu meets visiting US homeland security chief Kristi Noem in Jerusalem

Netanyahu’s office said Noem, who visited city’s Western Wall, ‘expressed unwavering support for the prime minister and the state of Israel’.

Politics

2 w. ago Israel’s Netanyahu meets US homeland security chief Noem in Jerusalem

Netanyahu’s office said Noem reaffirmed US support for Israel amid the Gaza conflict.

Politics

3 w. ago Citing China ‘activity’, Trump administration bars Harvard from enrolling foreign students

Almost 6,800 enrollees expected to be affected as Homeland Security chief also accuses university of fostering antisemitism.

Politics

3 w. ago Strikes kill dozens across Gaza as Israel presses on with major offensive

Israel’s Netanyahu hits back at the leaders of Britain, France and Canada over Gaza criticism.

Events

3 w. ago Israel will allow limited aid into Gaza after nearly 3 months of blockade, Netanyahu says

Israeli PM said allowing some ‘basic’ aid in would enable Israel to expand its new military operation, which began on Saturday.

Politics

3 w. ago Israel’s Netanyahu resumes Gaza aid after pressure from allies over ‘images of hunger’

Israel’s PM said allowing in some ‘basic’ aid would enable Israel to expand its new military operation, which began on Saturday.

Politics