Hainan’s new separate customs regime has accelerated its bid to become a free-trade gateway and a “super partner” to Hong Kong, positioning the island as both rival and collaborator in retail, finance and tourism.
Al Jazeera reports Eid celebrations were muted this year in Iran, Gaza and Lebanon as economic crises, conflict and displacement dampened traditional observances.
Al Jazeera’s March 20 analysis argues a war with Iran could help Netanyahu address five political problems, notably the Iranian threat and his domestic legal and political troubles.
A South China Morning Post feature revisits DOA: Dead or Alive’s chaotic China shoot as an early, experimental attempt to stage a new kind of East–West blockbuster and what it reveals about international film collaboration.
A likely explosion and subsequent fire at a car-parts factory in Daejeon injured at least 55 people; 24 were seriously hurt and authorities are searching for at least 14 more.
Ronnie O’Sullivan, 50, scored a 153 break — the highest-ever in professional snooker — in the opening frame of his 5-0 World Open win over Ryan Day in China.
Senator Steve Daines, an ally of Donald Trump, is expected to visit Hong Kong at the end of the month and meet U.S. business leaders on March 30, the first sitting U.S. senator to do so since 2019.
Sinolam International has launched World Bank arbitration after Panama revoked its gas‑plant licence, invoking protections under the Panama–Singapore Free Trade Agreement.
A drone attack set fire to Kuwait’s Mina Al‑Ahmadi refinery after a hit on Qatar’s Ras Laffan, as Iran says it has “no concern” about missile production amid a wave of Gulf strikes.
Sinolam International has taken Panama to a World Bank arbitration forum after Panama canceled the company’s licence for a gas plant. The claim invokes protections under the Panama–Singapore Free Trade Agreement and involves concessions near the Panama Canal.
The South China Morning Post warns US Section 301 tariffs could trigger fresh global trade disruption amid political diversions and heightened Middle East tensions, risking knock-on effects for Panama and Latin America.
Hugo Broos named a 23-man South Africa squad for friendlies against Panama on March 27 and 31, stressing a return to the team’s core ‘DNA’ as he evaluates players and tactics.
Panama will play South Africa in two friendlies on March 27 and 31 after South Africa coach Hugo Broos named a 23-man squad and urged a return to the team’s ‘Bafana DNA.’
Costa Rica and Panama signed a rail cooperation deal tied to Panama’s border-bound train project, aiming to enhance trade, logistics and regional connectivity while prompting technical and regulatory follow-up.
Environment advocacy groups are suing the U.S. government over climate policy rollbacks, arguing the changes continue a decades-long pattern of weakening environmental protections.
Congolese authorities say 70 children died in a landslide at the Rubaya coltan mine, highlighting the dangers of artisanal mining and the human cost of global demand for electronics minerals.
Ukraine has sent military advisers to Gulf states amid a southern counteroffensive, with Kyiv saying it may have reclaimed about 400 sq km in 2026 and is downing record numbers of Russian drones.
Chinese stocks outperformed peers during the latest oil shock, with the CSI 300 down 3.1% since Feb. 28 while major Western indices slid at least 4%, as China’s shift to renewable fuels helps cushion markets.
ESPN reports that Themba Zwane has been recalled to South Africa’s squad for friendlies against Panama, while Mohau Nkota was omitted from the selection.
US authorities have charged three men reportedly tied to Super Micro Computer in an alleged scheme to smuggle billions of dollars’ worth of AI chips into China, highlighting risks in global chip supply chains.