Tensions in West Asia continue to simmer despite the absence of a full-scale war, as Iran weighs military pressure against escalating regional risks. From surprise strikes to sanctions, blockades, and shifting strategic calculations, the conflict is entering a new phase with far-reaching consequences for regional stability and global security.

Sanction & Blockades: Why a ceasefire may not suit Tehran

Chinese state media has released footage showing a Type 052D destroyer launching the YJ-20 hypersonic anti-ship missile for the first time. Previously associated with larger cruisers, the deployment of the so-called "carrier-killer" missile on standard destroyers significantly expands China's maritime strike capabilities and strengthens its naval deterrence.

China unleashes hypersonic carrier killer weapon

#Gravitas U.S. Officials say Beijing is rapidly narrowing America's long-standing advantage in orbit by building one of the world's largest surveillance satellite networks. 

China Builds 500+ Spy Satellites as U.S. Space Lead Shrinks  | GRAVITAS 

China has showcased its advanced YJ-20 hypersonic anti-ship missile, a weapon that analysts believe could significantly challenge the dominance of U.S. aircraft carriers in the Pacific.

State media footage reportedly shows a Chinese Type 055 destroyer launching the YJ-20, also known as the Eagle Strike-20. The missile is designed to travel at hypersonic speeds, maneuver during flight, and evade interception, making it one of Beijing's most advanced anti-ship weapons.

China Unveils YJ-20 Hypersonic Missile | New Threat to U.S. Aircraft Carriers?

Iran operates as an independent regional power with its own ideological and strategic goals rather than a direct proxy front for China, though Beijing deepens ties through economic and reported military support. Reports indicate Iran is set to receive up to 400 Chinese shoulder-fired air-defense systems (MANPADS) worth $60–70 million.


China is sending 400 rocket launchers to Iran under a new deal

Iran operates as an independent regional power with its own ideological and strategic goals rather than a direct proxy front for China, though Beijing deepens ties through economic and reported military support. Reports indicate Iran is set to receive up to 400 Chinese shoulder-fired air-defense systems (MANPADS) worth $60–70 million.

Is Iran a proxy front against the US? China sends 400 rocket launchers to Iran 

The US Senate has advanced a long-awaited bipartisan bill to impose more restrictions on major buyers of Russian energy and extend penalties against Iran, paving the way for passage of long-stalled legislation championed by the late Senator Lindsey Graham. The bill allows US President Donald Trump to impose tariffs on the world's top five purchasers of Russian oil or natural gas, including India and China. 


US Senate clears Russia sanctions bill: India, China in focus

U.S. President Donald Trump has signed a sweeping executive order directing defense contractors to completely phase out China-linked critical minerals by January 1, 2027. The aggressive directive targets vital supply chains—including rare earth permanent magnets, tungsten, tantalum, and molybdenum—in an escalating push to end American reliance on Beijing for advanced military hardware.


Trump targets China minerals ban by January 2027

China has reached a major milestone in global mathematics. For the first time, two Chinese mathematicians have won the prestigious fields medal, one of the world's highest honours in mathematics

Two Chinese scholars win the 'Nobel Prize of Mathematics' 

Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr denounced China yesterday in a veiled rebuke in his State of the Nation Address, vowing that his government would defend a 2016 arbitration ruling that invalidated Beijing’s expansive claims in the disputed South China Sea, and saying that Filipinos “do not yield” to conquerors.

Philippines: Lawmakers applaud Marcos' strong stance on maritime claims

China has deployed 11 J-20 "Mighty Dragon" fifth-generation stealth fighter jets near the Indian border. Commercial satellite imagery shows seven jets at the Hotan Airbase facing Ladakh and four jets at the Damxung Airbase facing Arunachal Pradesh.


Unprecedented Chinese stealth deployment near Ladakh, Arunachal Pradesh 

China is reportedly preparing students bound for the United States through I.C.E-style emergency training camps, where participants are taught how to respond to immigration raids, avoid scams, and deal with hate crimes. The initiative comes amid heightened tensions between Beijing and Washington and growing concerns over the safety of Chinese nationals studying overseas.

Chinese students enrol in I.C.E.-style camps to prepare for life in US

As China continues to expand the world's largest navy and Pakistan strengthens its underwater warfare capabilities with advanced Chinese-built submarines, New Delhi is responding with a clear strategic objective: a 200-ship Indian Navy by 2035.   

India aims for 200-ship navy by 2035 to counter China & Pakistan 

China's appetite for gold is showing no signs of slowing down. The world's largest bullion market imported around 173 tonnes of gold in June, marking the highest monthly import level since March 2024 and extending gains for the third consecutive month. The surge comes after international gold prices corrected sharply from their early-2026 highs, encouraging investors to buy the dip. A stronger Chinese yuan also made overseas gold purchases more affordable, while commercial banks accelerated imports before a new licensing regime took effect.


China's Gold imports hit highest level since 2024 

A major search and rescue operation is underway after a Vietnamese cargo ship carrying 62 crew members sank in the disputed South China Sea during severe weather. Rescuers have saved 39 people, while 23 remain missing. Chinese rescue ships, helicopters, and nearby fishing vessels are assisting Vietnamese authorities in the search near Fiery Cross Reef in the Spratly Islands. The incident occurred in one of the world's most disputed maritime regions, where overlapping territorial claims by China, Vietnam, and the Philippines continue to fuel tensions.

23 Missing After Vietnamese Cargo Ship Sinks in South China Sea | Massive Rescue Ops Underway

Tensions boil over in the South China Sea as the China Coast Guard deploys water cannons and performs reckless blocking maneuvers against Philippine government and fisheries vessels near the disputed Scarborough Shoal for a second consecutive day.

South China Sea clash continues as China and Philippines face off near Scarborough Shoal

Tensions in the South China Sea are boiling over again. For the second straight day, China's Coast Guard fired water cannons at Philippine government vessels near the disputed Scarborough Shoal, with Manila saying one Chinese ship came within just 7 metres of a Philippine fisheries boat, creating what officials called a 'serious risk of collision'.

China fires water cannons near Scarborough Shoal

Tensions in the South China Sea are boiling over again. For the second straight day, China's coast guard fired water cannons at Philippine government vessels near the disputed Scarborough Shoal, with Manila saying one Chinese ship came within just 7 metres of a Philippine fisheries boat — creating what officials called a "serious risk of collision."

China fires water cannons near Scarborough Shoal, Manila says Chinese ship risked collision 

China is positioning artificial intelligence as the next major pillar of its global influence. At the recently held world AI conference in Shanghai, Chinese president Xi Jinping unveiled an ambitious AI outreach strategy that analysts say could become a new mode of Beijing's belt and road initiative.   

China positions itself as leader of new global AI order

Fresh U.S. tariffs are creating new tensions between Washington and Beijing ahead of a highly anticipated meeting between Chinese President Xi Jinping and U.S. President Donald Trump in September. The latest trade friction comes amid ongoing disagreements over tariffs, technology, supply chains and market access. As the world's two largest economies prepare for high-stakes talks, investors and policymakers are closely watching whether the summit can ease tensions or deepen the rivalry.

U.S. Tariffs spark new friction with China: Xi to meet Trump in September 

Philippines releases shocking footage of China Coast Guard firing water cannon at PH vessel in South China Sea. Watch the full video to know more on this.

South China Sea clash: Chinese Coast Guard blasts Philippine ship with water cannons

Philippines releases shocking footage of China Coast Guard firing water cannon at PH vessel in South China Sea. Watch the full video to know more on this.


South China Sea clash: Chinese coast guard blasts Philippine ship with water cannons 

China is looking to build positive momentum with India as both countries explore ways to improve bilateral ties and strengthen cooperation. The move comes amid efforts to manage differences, enhance economic engagement, and maintain dialogue between the two Asian powers.

China seeks to build positive momentum with India

US President Donald Trump has once again accused China of interfering in the 2020 US Presidential Election, claiming Beijing obtained American voter data and attempted to influence the election. Speaking at the White House, Trump said the alleged interference happened "a long time ago" but confirmed that the United States would raise the issue with China. The remarks come just ahead of the expected Xi Jinping visit to Washington, as US Secretary of State Marco Rubio met China's top diplomat in Manila to prepare the groundwork for high-level talks. However, Rubio reportedly did not raise Trump's election interference allegations during the meeting, instead focusing on Iran, trade, fentanyl trafficking, and broader US-China relations.

Trump accuses China of 2020 Election Interference again | Xi Visit, Rubio talks & US-China tensions

At Pingtian Lake in Anhui, eastern China, crystal-clear waters create a stunning mirror effect, reflecting the sky so perfectly that passing cars appear to float among the clouds. The breathtaking optical illusion blurs the line between land and sky, turning an ordinary drive into an extraordinary spectacle.


Road next to China's Pingtian Lake gives feel of fantasy world

China's dominance in the global supply of gallium nitride is powering one of its most advanced surveillance satellites. A new study reveals that the Ludi Tance-4 01 satellite, capable of monitoring nearly a third of Earth's surface around the clock, relies on this critical material, highlighting Beijing's growing technological and strategic advantage.

China: Gallium nitride powers unique radar satellite

The Philippines has praised India’s BrahMos supersonic cruise missile, calling it a major boost to the country's defense capabilities amid rising tensions in the South China Sea. In an exclusive conversation, the Philippine Ambassador to India highlighted how the BrahMos missile strengthens Manila's deterrence strategy and opens the door for deeper defense cooperation with New Delhi. The development comes as External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar visits Manila for ASEAN meetings and as the Philippines continues to challenge China's expansive claims in the South China Sea. Here's everything you need to know about the growing India-Philippines strategic partnership and its impact on regional security.

Philippines hails BrahMos missile, seeks stronger defense partnership with India amid China dispute

Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul added a musical touch to diplomacy during his official visit to Beijing by performing a classic song for Chinese Premier Li Qiang at a formal state lunch. The performance, accompanied by piano, received warm applause from guests and highlighted the Thai leader’s unique approach to cultural diplomacy. The moment follows several of his musical appearances during official visits across Asia, where he has combined music with international engagement.


Thai Prime Minister sings classic song for Chinese Premier Li Qiang during Beijing state lunch

China is increasingly turning to retired professionals as it grapples with the challenges of a rapidly ageing population and a shrinking workforce.


Ageing China rehires seniors to tackle shrinking workforce 

While U.S. And Europe have been ramping up ammunition production, China holds the key to their plans. This is because it is a major exporter of nitro-cellulose which is an essential material used in production of arms. China also has a leverage over the West due to its dominance of the critical mineral industry.

Cotton crisis threatens US & Europe's race to build more weapons, China holds the key

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