China Warns Europe: Stop Backing South China Sea Ruling to Protect Ties

China’s foreign ministry has formally demanded that European nations cease their criticism regarding the South China Sea, warning that continued involvement could jeopardize bilateral trade and diplomatic cooperation. The warning follows a joint statement by several European countries—supported by the European Union—which declared that China’s extensive maritime claims in the region lack a legal basis. … Read more

How the South China Sea Arbitration Undermines Regional Stability

Ten years after the 2016 South China Sea arbitration award, the legal status of the ruling remains a primary point of contention between Beijing and Manila. According to the Chinese government, the arbitration process violated the 2002 Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea, while the Philippines continues to treat the … Read more

China’s New Missile Test Reveals Strategic Submarine Capabilities

China’s recent test of a submarine-launched ballistic missile into the southern Pacific has signaled a significant advancement in the People’s Liberation Army’s (PLA) nuclear deterrent capabilities. According to analysts and diplomats, the test allowed Beijing to evaluate the complex command, control, and communication systems required to operate nuclear-armed submarines undetected, a critical step toward achieving … Read more

DeepSeek Developing Proprietary AI Chip, Sources Say

Chinese artificial intelligence startup DeepSeek is developing its own custom inference chips to decrease its reliance on Nvidia and Huawei hardware. According to three people familiar with the matter, the company has ramped up its recruitment of chip-design engineers and is currently in discussions with foundry and memory partners to support its semiconductor ambitions. Why … Read more

Foxconn Q2 Revenue Surges Despite Geopolitical Warnings

Foxconn, the world’s largest contract electronics manufacturer, reported a 39.8% year-on-year revenue increase for the second quarter, reaching T$2.513 trillion ($78.71 billion). According to the company’s official statement, the surge was driven primarily by strong demand for artificial intelligence hardware, cementing its position as Nvidia’s biggest server maker. Why AI demand is driving Foxconn’s growth … Read more

China Strips Top Officials and Generals of Lawmaker Status

China’s National People’s Congress (NPC) Standing Committee stripped six military officials and senior regulators of their legislative status on Friday, according to a report from the state-run Xinhua news agency. The dismissals, which lacked official explanation, involve high-ranking figures from the Equipment Development Department and various regional military commands, marking a significant intensification of President … Read more

Western Alarm Over Chinese Coast Guard Activities Stirs Tensions in Taiwan Strait

Rising tensions in the Taiwan Strait have drawn international concern as the U.S., Britain, France, and Germany recently condemned Chinese Coast Guard operations near Taiwan’s east coast. Beijing maintains these patrols are a legitimate exercise of jurisdiction, while Taiwan’s National Security Council and its Ocean Affairs Council argue the maneuvers violate international maritime norms and … Read more

Rubio Seeks Gulf Support for Iran Deal in Bahrain

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio arrived in Manama, Bahrain, on Wednesday to pitch a preliminary U.S.-Iran peace accord to Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) leaders. The mission aims to address regional fears that the draft agreement, which lacks ballistic missile limits, could empower Tehran and destabilize Middle Eastern security and oil markets. Why are Gulf … Read more

5,000+ People Trapped in Myanmar Scam Centers, Rights Group Reports

More than 5,300 people remain trapped in forced-labor online scam hubs near the Myanmar-Thai border, according to the Civil Society Network for Human Trafficking Victim Assistance (CSNHTV). The organization, which monitors human rights abuses in the region, reports that these victims are being held in four distinct compounds controlled by the Democratic Karen Buddhist Army … Read more

US Authorizes Iranian Oil Sales Amid Peace Talks

The U.S. Treasury Department has authorized a temporary 60-day license permitting the sale of Iranian crude, petrochemicals, and petroleum products through August 21. According to Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, the move follows a memorandum of understanding between Washington and Tehran, requiring Iran to allow International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) inspections and ensure free transit through … Read more