US Sanctions Target Iran Military Supply Network The United States has imposed new sanctions on companies and individuals accused of helping Iran’s military programs, including drone, missile and satellite-support networks. Officials said the penalties target entities linked to Iran, China, Belarus and the United Arab Emirates, widening Washington’s pressure campaign as tensions continue around the Strait of Hormuz. China Firms Acc

Chinese Tanker Attack Near Strait of Hormuz Raises Global Oil Fears A Chinese-owned oil tanker was attacked near the Strait of Hormuz, intensifying fears over oil shipping safety as Iran-US tensions deepen across Gulf waters. The vessel, identified in reports as JV Innovation, was reportedly hit off UAE’s Al Jeer port on May 4, with images showing flames on deck and markings reading “CHINA OWNER & CREW.”

China Hands Suspended Death Sentences to Former Defence Ministers China has sentenced former defence ministers Wei Fenghe and Li Shangfu to death with a two-year reprieve in a major PLA corruption case, state media reported Thursday. The ruling marks one of the harshest punishments against senior Chinese military figures in years and signals that President Xi Jinping’s anti-graft campaign

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi has called for an immediate and complete end to the ongoing conflict in West Asia. During a high-level meeting with Iran’s Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi in Beijing, Wang stressed the importance of achieving a comprehensive ceasefire without any delay. He also urged both the United States and Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz "as soon as possible" to help stabilize global energy markets, which have been severely impacted by the conflict. A

China has strongly rejected new sanctions imposed by the United States on Chinese firms accused of purchasing Iranian oil, calling the measures “unlawful” and a violation of international trade norms. The move marks a fresh escalation in tensions between China and Washington, with potential ripple effe

President Donald Trump has signaled his intention to maintain a naval blockade on Iranian shipping until Tehran meets U.S. demands, a move that is expected to keep the Strait of Hormuz effectively closed ahead of his planned visit to China. The decision introduces new complications for upcoming diplomatic

A Chinese national accused of hacking U.S. COVID-19 research systems was extradited from Italy on Friday, April 25, 2026, to face federal charges. The FBI links the case to China’s intelligence services and the global HAFNIUM cyber campaign. Chinese hacker extradited from Italy to face U.S. charges in COVID-19 cyber case as federal authorities confirmed that a previously scrutinized trip to Italy in early 2026 helped facilitate the arrest of a Chinese national ac

Global death penalty data shows executions remain concentrated in a few countries, while India issues far more death sentences than the U.S. The global death penalty remains in force in a limited number of countries, but recent figures show that its use is still concentrated in a small group of states. In 2024, Amnesty International recorded 2,087 new death sentences across 46 countries and 1,518 executions in 15 countries, the highest execution total since 2015. The

China has expressed strong disapproval over the United States' blockade of Iranian ports in the Strait of Hormuz, calling it a “dangerous and irresponsible act” that could escalate tensions in an already volatile region. In a statement issued on April 14, 2026, the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs warned that the blockade, which began at 10:00 a.m. ET on Monday, along with increased U.S. military deployment in the area, risks undermining the fragile ceasefire that had

U.S. President Donald Trump on Sunday, April 12, 2026, warned that the United States could impose steep new tariffs on China if Beijing is found to be providing military assistance to Iran during the ongoing West As

In the midst of the ongoing war, Iran has continued to export millions of barrels of oil, with about 90 ships, including oil tankers, crossing the critical Strait of Hormuz between March 1 and 15, 2026. Despite the waterway being effectively "closed" to most traffic due to the conflict, Iran has managed to keep its oil exports flowing, benefitting from its control over this vital chokepoint. According to maritime traffic data from Lloyd's List Intelligence, Iran has relied on a mix

China on Tuesday announced that it will extend humanitarian assistance to several West Asia countries, including Iran and Lebanon, as the ongoing conflict involving the United States and Israel enters its third week and continues to escalate. The move reflects Beijing’s growing concern over the worsening humanitarian situation across the region, where sustained military operations have disrupted civilian life and critical infrastructure. Speaking at a regular press briefing, Chinese Foreig

The Arctic, once considered remote and largely inaccessible, is emerging as a key area of global strategic interest. China has formally included its “Polar Silk Road” initiative within its broader Belt and Road strategy, signaling an expansion of influence in a region historically dominated by Arctic nations. By calling itself a “near-Arctic state,” Beijing is asserting that its economic and strategic interests extend well beyond its geographical borders, prompting concern from other glo

Gwadar, a port in Pakistan's Balochistan province, has become a focal point for geopolitical tensions, local unrest, and external influence, especially from China. Originally a fishing settlement on the Arabian Sea, it is now home to Pakistan's third-largest port, which plays a crucial role in the China–Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). The strategic location of Gwadar, near the Strait of Hormuz, has made it a highly coveted asset for various powers. What is most remarkable about

​Warships from China, Russia and Iran arrived in South African waters on Friday to participate in a week-long multinational naval exercise off the coast of Cape Town, drawing attention amid heightened global tensions and renewed scrutiny of South Africa’s foreign policy positioning. The exercise, titled “Will for Peace 2026,” is being conducted under the framework of the BRICS group of emerging economies and is scheduled to continue until next Friday. South Africa’s armed forces sa

China on Wednesday strongly criticized reported United States demands aimed at reshaping Venezuela’s oil partnerships, calling the move an act of coercion that violates both national sovereignty and international law. Beijing’s response follows media reports that Washington has sought exclusive control over Venezuela’s oil sector as part of its political and economic engagement with the South American nation. Speaking at a regular press briefing, Chinese Foreign Ministry spoke

China has set a new global benchmark in rail transportation technology after successfully accelerating a superconducting magnetic levitation train to a speed of 700 kilometres per hour in just two seconds. The achievement marks the fastest acceleration ever recorded for a maglev system and positions China as the first country to demonstrate this capability using superconducting electric maglev technology. The experiment was conducted by researchers at the National University of Defe