Ethan Zhao
Senior Reporter
The Latest
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China Fast-Tracks J-35A Stealth Fighter Delivery to Pakistan as Regional Tensions With India Mount: Reports
China is expediting the delivery of its advanced J-35A fifth-generation stealth fighters to Pakistan, with the first operational batch now expected to arrive by early 2026, six months ahead of schedule, according to defense sources and Pakistani military reports. The accelerated transfer comes amid escalating tensions in South Asia, driven by renewed cross-border friction between Pakistan and India. 
China is expediting the delivery of its advanced J-35A fifth-generation stealth fighters to Pakistan, with the first operational batch now expected to arrive by early 2026, six months ahead of schedule, according to defense sources and Pakistani military reports. The accelerated transfer comes amid escalating tensions in South Asia, driven by renewed cross-border friction between Pakistan and India. -
North Korea Opens Criminal Investigation After Failed Launch of 5,000-Ton-Class Destroyer
North Korea has launched a criminal investigation into a failed warship launch that state media called a "serious accident" threatening national dignity, with leader Kim Jong Un ordering the arrest of those responsible. The destroyer, said to be among the most advanced in North Korea's navy, was damaged during a May 21 launch ceremony at the Chongjin Shipyard, according to the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA). 
North Korea has launched a criminal investigation into a failed warship launch that state media called a "serious accident" threatening national dignity, with leader Kim Jong Un ordering the arrest of those responsible. The destroyer, said to be among the most advanced in North Korea's navy, was damaged during a May 21 launch ceremony at the Chongjin Shipyard, according to the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA). -
Macron and Xi Pledge Quick Resolution to Cognac Dispute
French President Emmanuel Macron and Chinese President Xi Jinping agreed during a phone call Thursday to move "as quickly as possible" toward resolving their trade dispute over Chinese tariffs on European cognac, according to statements from both governments. Macron announced the development on X, formerly Twitter, just days before he departs for a trip to Southeast Asia. 
French President Emmanuel Macron and Chinese President Xi Jinping agreed during a phone call Thursday to move "as quickly as possible" toward resolving their trade dispute over Chinese tariffs on European cognac, according to statements from both governments. Macron announced the development on X, formerly Twitter, just days before he departs for a trip to Southeast Asia. -
‘Criminal Act’: Kim Jong Un Rages After Botched Warship Launch Shatters North Korea’s Military Prestige
North Korea's latest attempt to showcase its naval modernization ended in embarrassment Wednesday when a 5,000-ton warship collapsed during its launch in front of leader Kim Jong Un, who labeled the incident a "criminal act" and a blow to national dignity. The vessel, believed to be Pyongyang's largest destroyer to date, was severely damaged after it prematurely slid sideways into the water, crushing sections of its hull, according to state media and South Korean military officials. 
North Korea's latest attempt to showcase its naval modernization ended in embarrassment Wednesday when a 5,000-ton warship collapsed during its launch in front of leader Kim Jong Un, who labeled the incident a "criminal act" and a blow to national dignity. The vessel, believed to be Pyongyang's largest destroyer to date, was severely damaged after it prematurely slid sideways into the water, crushing sections of its hull, according to state media and South Korean military officials. -
China Slams Trump’s ‘Golden Dome’ Plan as Space Weaponization Costs Could Hit $542 Billion
President Donald Trump's unveiling of the $175 billion "Golden Dome" missile defense initiative has drawn sharp condemnation from Beijing, which warned that the system poses grave risks to global strategic stability and accelerates the militarization of outer space. Chinese officials said they are "seriously concerned" and urged Washington to abandon the program. 
President Donald Trump's unveiling of the $175 billion "Golden Dome" missile defense initiative has drawn sharp condemnation from Beijing, which warned that the system poses grave risks to global strategic stability and accelerates the militarization of outer space. Chinese officials said they are "seriously concerned" and urged Washington to abandon the program. -
Rare Gun Violence in China Leaves One Dead, Two Injured
Authorities in Wuhan are investigating a suspected shooting that left two people dead and one injured at an outdoor barbecue restaurant on Sunday night, marking a rare incident of gun violence in a country known for some of the world's strictest firearm regulations. 
Authorities in Wuhan are investigating a suspected shooting that left two people dead and one injured at an outdoor barbecue restaurant on Sunday night, marking a rare incident of gun violence in a country known for some of the world's strictest firearm regulations. -
China Warns of Retaliation as U.S. Huawei Chip Alert Threatens Fragile Trade Truce
Tensions between China and the United States flared anew Monday after Beijing accused Washington of undermining a tentative trade breakthrough by issuing a fresh warning against the use of Chinese semiconductors, specifically targeting Huawei's Ascend AI chips. 
Tensions between China and the United States flared anew Monday after Beijing accused Washington of undermining a tentative trade breakthrough by issuing a fresh warning against the use of Chinese semiconductors, specifically targeting Huawei's Ascend AI chips. -
China’s Home Prices Flat in April Despite Policy Support, Down 4% Year-on-Year
China's new home prices remained flat in April for the second consecutive month, extending a prolonged period of stagnation despite renewed policy support and mounting pressure from trade tensions with the U.S. Data from the National Bureau of Statistics released Monday showed no change in prices from March, marking nearly two years without sustained monthly growth. 
China's new home prices remained flat in April for the second consecutive month, extending a prolonged period of stagnation despite renewed policy support and mounting pressure from trade tensions with the U.S. Data from the National Bureau of Statistics released Monday showed no change in prices from March, marking nearly two years without sustained monthly growth. -
Taiwan, U.S. Resume Tariff Talks in South Korea
Top trade officials from Taiwan and the United States met Thursday on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) ministerial in South Korea, signaling renewed momentum in tariff negotiations after U.S. President Donald Trump paused a 32% import duty on Taiwanese goods last month. 
Top trade officials from Taiwan and the United States met Thursday on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) ministerial in South Korea, signaling renewed momentum in tariff negotiations after U.S. President Donald Trump paused a 32% import duty on Taiwanese goods last month. -
China Maintains Rare Earth Export Curbs Despite Lifting Dual-Use Restrictions on 28 U.S. Firms
China has temporarily lifted restrictions on 28 U.S. companies tied to dual-use goods, signaling a partial thaw in trade tensions with Washington. However, Beijing continues to block exports of seven critical rare earth elements, maintaining a potent lever over U.S. defense and high-tech industries. 
China has temporarily lifted restrictions on 28 U.S. companies tied to dual-use goods, signaling a partial thaw in trade tensions with Washington. However, Beijing continues to block exports of seven critical rare earth elements, maintaining a potent lever over U.S. defense and high-tech industries.
