Ethan Zhao
Senior Reporter
The Latest
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Deadly Blast at China Chemical Plant Kills 5, Leaves 6 Missing as Residents Flee Toxic Smoke
A massive explosion at a chemical plant in Gaomi, Shandong province, killed at least five people and injured 19 others on Tuesday, with six more still missing as of Wednesday. The blast, which originated at the Shandong Youdao Chemical Co. facility, reduced buildings to rubble, blackened surrounding structures, and filled the sky with thick, dark smoke, prompting widespread fear and evacuations among residents. 
A massive explosion at a chemical plant in Gaomi, Shandong province, killed at least five people and injured 19 others on Tuesday, with six more still missing as of Wednesday. The blast, which originated at the Shandong Youdao Chemical Co. facility, reduced buildings to rubble, blackened surrounding structures, and filled the sky with thick, dark smoke, prompting widespread fear and evacuations among residents. -
India Blocks Hundreds of CCTV Models Over China Spy Fears, Demands Source Code Access
India's sweeping new cybersecurity rules for internet-connected CCTV systems have sent shockwaves through the $3.5 billion surveillance industry, as foreign manufacturers face scrutiny over source code, factory inspections, and allegations of potential Chinese espionage. The policy, implemented in April, requires all CCTV makers-foreign and domestic-to submit hardware, software, and in some cases, proprietary code for security certification by government labs before they can operate in the country. 
India's sweeping new cybersecurity rules for internet-connected CCTV systems have sent shockwaves through the $3.5 billion surveillance industry, as foreign manufacturers face scrutiny over source code, factory inspections, and allegations of potential Chinese espionage. The policy, implemented in April, requires all CCTV makers-foreign and domestic-to submit hardware, software, and in some cases, proprietary code for security certification by government labs before they can operate in the country. -
North Korea Warns Trump’s $175 Billion ‘Golden Dome’ Plan Could Spark Nuclear Conflict in Space
North Korea has sharply condemned President Donald Trump's "Golden Dome" missile defense initiative, warning that the system could transform outer space into a "potential nuclear war field." The criticism, delivered through Pyongyang's state media, underscores mounting international alarm over the project's geopolitical and strategic implications. 
North Korea has sharply condemned President Donald Trump's "Golden Dome" missile defense initiative, warning that the system could transform outer space into a "potential nuclear war field." The criticism, delivered through Pyongyang's state media, underscores mounting international alarm over the project's geopolitical and strategic implications. -
Ukraine Accuses China of Aiding 20 Russian Arms Plants; Beijing Denies Allegations
China has flatly denied Ukraine's allegations that it is supplying military equipment and materials to support Russia's ongoing war effort, rejecting claims of involvement in Moscow's arms industry as "groundless accusations and political manipulation." 
China has flatly denied Ukraine's allegations that it is supplying military equipment and materials to support Russia's ongoing war effort, rejecting claims of involvement in Moscow's arms industry as "groundless accusations and political manipulation." -
North Korea Arrests 3 Shipyard Officials After Warship Launch Failure Publicly Humiliates Kim Jong Un
North Korean authorities have detained three shipyard officials over a failed warship launch that leader Kim Jong Un described as a "criminal act" and a national embarrassment. The incident occurred Wednesday during a ceremony at the northeastern port of Chongjin, where the 5,000-ton-class destroyer-the country's second-tipped onto its side in front of a crowd and the North Korean leader himself. 
North Korean authorities have detained three shipyard officials over a failed warship launch that leader Kim Jong Un described as a "criminal act" and a national embarrassment. The incident occurred Wednesday during a ceremony at the northeastern port of Chongjin, where the 5,000-ton-class destroyer-the country's second-tipped onto its side in front of a crowd and the North Korean leader himself. -
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.
