We keep you up to date with latest news happening in China and around the world. Updated twice a day at 10 AM and 10 PM Beijing time.

The UN rights chief has urged the United States to swiftly conclude its investigation into a fatal strike on a primary school in Iran at the start of last month's U.S.-Israeli attacks.

China's Ministry of Commerce says it has launched two reciprocal trade barrier investigations in response to recent U.S. Section 301 probes, targeting U.S. practices that disrupt global supply chains and hinder green trade.

China has successfully launched the Shiyan-33 test satellite from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center, placing it into its designated orbit.

Profits of China's major industrial firms increased 15.2 percent in the first two months of 2026 compared with the same period last year. The National Bureau of Statistics attributed the growth to proactive macro policies.

In a social media post, Trump says the U.S. will pause planned strikes on Iranian energy facilities for 10 days, adding that talks with Tehran are “going very well.”

The International Olympic Committee has approved new rules limiting female-category events to biological females, starting from the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games.

Officials say heavy rains and strong winds battered the Gaza Strip on Thursday, flooding hundreds of tents sheltering displaced people. The Civil Defense in Gaza described the situation as "catastrophic."

The OECD forecasts global growth slowing to 2.9% in 2026, down from 3.3% in 2025, with a slight rebound to 3.0% in 2027. High energy prices may boost costs, inflation, and constrain growth.

The suspect, identified as Kodai Murata, is accused of illegal entry after scaling the embassy wall on Tuesday. Police say he carried a knife and uttered threats.

China's top legislator Zhao Leji emphasized Asia's deep commitment to peace and the importance of respecting all countries' sovereignty and territorial integrity.

China has announced plans to establish a basic long-term care insurance system within about three years, following pilot programs launched in 2016 and 2020.

A Los Angeles jury has delivered a landmark verdict against Meta and Google over claims their platforms harmed a young woman's mental health. The companies, which plan to appeal, denied the claims.

The Iranian Foreign Minister says messages have been exchanged between Iran and the United States through intermediaries over the past few days. However, Seyed Abbas Araghchi says Tehran has held no talks with Washington.

An Iranian military spokesperson has mocked Donald Trump's push to restart peace talks, saying the U.S. is "negotiating with itself," as Washington reportedly advances a 15-point plan to end the war.

Japanese police called the incident “very regrettable” and said round-the-clock security would be provided for the embassy compound.

OpenAI has announced it is shutting down its generative AI video app Sora.

The New York Times said the plan, delivered via Pakistan, addresses Iran's ballistic missile and nuclear programs and discusses maritime routes.

A European particle physics laboratory has transported antimatter by truck for the first time, moving a trap of 92 antiprotons across their main site in a careful test.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif says Pakistan stands ready to be the host to facilitate talks for a settlement of the conflict in the Middle East, subject to concurrence by the United States and Iran.

Beijing has welcomed U.S. companies to expand in China, stressing dialogue to manage differences and boost economic ties. Chinese Commerce Minister Wang Wentao said U.S. businesses are encouraged to grow with the Chinese economy.

China has expressed strong protest after an intruder broke into its embassy in Japan. China has called on Japan to conduct a thorough investigation, severely punish those responsible and provide a full and accountable explanation.

A report from the Boao Forum for Asia says the foundations of Asian trade integration continue to strengthen. It shows that intra-regional trade dependence rose from 56.3 percent in 2023 to 57.2 percent in 2024.

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum says her government supports a peaceful resolution to tensions between the United States and Cuba, noting that multilateral institutions, like the UN, should be utilized to resolve conflicts.

The Colombian military says 48 people have been rescued after a military aircraft with 125 on board crashed Monday in the province of Putumayo.

The Chinese president has called for advancing high-quality development in Xiongan New Area, as it takes on a key role in relocating non-capital functions from Beijing.

U.S. President Donald Trump has announced that he is pausing potential military strikes on Iran's energy infrastructure for five days following two days of talks between the two nations.

China has warned of an unmanageable situation in the Middle East if the war continues to escalate. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian again called for an end to military operations.

China's Zheng Qinwen advanced to the fourth round of the 2026 Miami Open after a grueling comeback victory over world No. 18 Madison Keys in three sets. Zheng next faces world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka

The Israeli military says it has begun wide-scale strikes on Iranian infrastructure targets in Tehran. In Iran, local media reported that explosions rang out in Tehran early Monday morning.

Israel's military chief has approved plans to expand the offensive in Lebanon and said the military is prepared for a "prolonged" operation.

An Iranian official says guarantees to prevent the recurrence of war and shutting down U.S. military bases in the Middle East are among Tehran's six conditions for stopping the war.

Military sources say a British nuclear-powered Royal Navy submarine has arrived in the Arabian Sea. It is capable of launching cruise missile attacks on Iran.

Cuba's national power grid has collapsed for the second time this week, marking the third significant blackout this month.

Chinese Commerce Minister Wang Wentao says the stable, healthy and sustainable development of China-U.S. economic and trade ties will provide multinational companies operating in China with a stable outlook.

The China Development Forum is highlighting China's role as a key engine of global development as the country begins its 15th Five-Year Plan.

The 2026 China Development Forum has opened in Beijing. The forum highlights China's role as a key engine of global development as the country begins its 15th Five-Year Plan.

The head of the International Atomic Energy Agency has called for military restraint following a new attack on Iran's nuclear facilities. According to the IAEA, no increase in radiation levels has been detected outside the site.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi told Kyodo News that Tehran has started talks with Tokyo about possibly opening the waterway. He said the closure only targets vessels from hostile countries.

Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng says China's measures at opening up and high-quality development during the 15th Five-Year Plan period will bring international companies vast market opportunities.

Iranian media say the United States and Israel have attacked the Natanz uranium-enrichment facility. No radioactive leaks have been reported.

While meeting senior U.S. business executives including Apple CEO Tim Cook, China Council for the Promotion of International Trade Chairman Ren Hongbin said China will continue to expand high-level opening-up, promote high-quality development, accelerate the cultivation of New Quality Productive Forces and bring more opportunities for companies from all countries.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has called for de-escalation and maximum restraint in the Middle East. She also urged the bloc to reduce energy dependence and expand the development of renewable and nuclear energy going forward.