World News
Latest world news and updates
Total: 2275
U.S. Demands ‘No Sunset’ on Iran’s Nuclear Limits as Geneva Talks Begin; Military Posturing and Carrier Faults Cast Shadow
On the opening day of third-round U.S.–Iran talks in Geneva, U.S. negotiators demanded that any future nuclear agreement contain no sunset clauses, seeking indefinite restrictions on Iran’s nuclear activities. The demand comes amid intensified U.S. military deployments, Iranian naval exercises and fresh sanctions — even as operational faults aboard the USS Gerald R. Ford undercut Washington’s coercive signalling.
Gunfire in Cuban Waters After Florida‑Registered Speedboat Intrudes; U.S. Denies Government Involvement
Cuban border guards engaged and shot a Florida‑registered speedboat that entered Cuban territorial waters near Villa Clara on Feb. 25, killing four and wounding six, according to Havana. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Cuba has notified Washington, that the U.S. is seeking to confirm if any involved were U.S. citizens, and that no U.S. government personnel took part.
China Unveils Watchlist in Export Controls, Escalating Pressure on Japanese Military-Linked Firms
China has for the first time used a formal ‘watchlist’ to tighten export controls on 40 Japanese entities, combining outright bans for some firms with enhanced scrutiny for others. The measures, rooted in recent export‑control laws, target dual‑use items and aim to prevent technology transfers Beijing says could bolster Japanese military capabilities.
Washington Signals Intent to Keep Steep Tariffs on Chinese Goods, Raising Stakes for Global Trade
A Chinese outlet reported that a US government representative said Washington plans to maintain tariffs of 35%–50% on Chinese imports. If sustained, such high tariffs would reshape supply chains, raise costs for global businesses and consumers, and deepen the economic dimensions of US–China strategic competition.
China’s New Year Rewired: Urbanization, ‘Reverse Spring Festival’ and the Globalization of Holidaying
China’s Lunar New Year travel has changed shape: highways were unexpectedly quiet before the holiday and surged after, even as Chinese tourists packed domestic attractions and flew abroad. The shift mirrors a deeper social transformation driven by a 67.89% urbanisation rate — over 950 million urban residents — which is weakening the automatic expectation of returning to ancestral villages and enabling reverse migration, longer outbound trips, and more discretionary uses of holiday time.
Fewer Visible Sorties, Not Less Pressure: How J-20s and Information Warfare Are Reworking the Taiwan Air Picture
A reported drop in PLA sortie counts around Taiwan has prompted speculation of de‑escalation, but evidence points to a qualitative shift in operations. The deployment and massing of J‑20 stealth fighters, combined with integrated sensor networks, mean fewer visible flights can still impose significant military pressure and complicate Taiwan's defence picture.
A New Middle East War Edges Closer: Chinese Commentary Warns of Imminent U.S.–Israeli Strike on Iran
A Chinese op-ed warns that a large-scale U.S.–Israeli strike on Iran could be imminent after negotiations stalled, citing elevated military postures and preparations on all sides. The commentary stresses the risk of a protracted regional conflict—drawing in proxies, disrupting oil flows and challenging global stability—while urging China to value and protect its peace and interests.
After Geneva Talks, White House Keeps Diplomacy Front and Center — but Military Action Remains on the Table
Following indirect Geneva talks, the White House said diplomacy remains President Trump’s first choice but kept a military option open. Regional mediators described the meeting as constructive, while U.S. officials warned Iran has not yet accepted key U.S. red lines.
Guarding the Long Road Home: Armed Police at Hangzhou East Hold the Line During Record Spring Travel
As China faces a record 9.5 billion cross‑regional movements this Lunar New Year, armed police at Hangzhou East station are combining security patrols with public‑service duties to keep a major transport hub running smoothly. Their work reflects both practical crowd management needs and the state’s broader approach of using uniformed forces to reassure the public during large‑scale population movements.
U.S. Orders Mid‑March Force Readiness in Middle East as Diplomacy with Iran Continues
A senior U.S. official says President Trump’s national security adviser ordered that all U.S. forces involved in a Middle East buildup be deployed by mid‑March, while Washington expects Iran to submit a written proposal after Geneva talks. Secretary of State Marco Rubio will visit Israel on February 28 to coordinate with Prime Minister Netanyahu, reflecting a parallel strategy of military readiness and diplomatic pressure.
White House Sees Limited Progress in Talks with Iran, But Major Gaps Remain
The White House said talks with Iran have achieved limited progress but remain distant on key issues, with Iran expected to submit a more detailed proposal in the coming weeks. The administration declined to set a deadline or rule out military options, underscoring a cautious, leverage-preserving approach to negotiations.
Lunar New Year Exodus Strains Hainan: Flights and Ferries Sold Out as Return Rush Drives Prices Skyward
As the Lunar New Year return peak hits, Hainan is experiencing acute transport shortages: flights from Haikou to major mainland cities are selling out and ferry crossings on the Qiongzhou Strait have no available seats. The squeeze reflects a strong inbound tourism rebound to Hainan and an asymmetric flow of passengers that has pushed outbound fares sharply higher while some inbound fares have plunged.