International reporting on events and trends that influence Panama and the region. Stories include geopolitics, diplomacy, and global developments.
Japan beat South Korea 4-1 in a Women’s Asian Cup semi in Sydney, with Ueki, Hamano, Kumagai and Chiba on the scoresheet. The win sets up a final against hosts Australia.
Fuel smuggling from Iran into Pakistan has declined after the recent Middle East fighting, squeezing smugglers with higher costs and thinner cross-border flows.
Hong Kong will pilot an internationally benchmarked version of its Diploma of Secondary Education exam to let foreign students apply to universities in Hong Kong and mainland China.
Cosco Shipping Ports posted modest 2025 gains — net profit up 1.1% to US$312.1m, revenue up 11% — and said it expects only a limited impact from the Iran conflict while eyeing expansion in emerging markets.
U.S. hawks warn that China’s scientific gains could threaten American dominance; others counter that global scientific progress can produce mutual benefits, including for Latin America.
A PLA delegation will visit Brussels next week for EU-China security consultations and separate NATO talks as the Iran war reshapes global security, officials said.
Hong Kong’s labour chief says Middle East tensions have made the city more attractive to international professionals, praising government recruitment efforts and disputing claims that most successful applicants are from mainland China.
Former Hong Kong lawmaker Lee Cheuk-yan denied abetting criminal activity in a trial over alleged incitement, saying Beijing has levelled false charges as prosecutors disputed his intent.
As the U.S. increases pressure on Cuba after its campaign in Iran, analysts say China has few strong options and will likely limit its response to diplomatic opposition and modest aid.
Hong Kong customs seized 986 live turtles worth about HK$1 million from a private car at the Hong Kong–Zhuhai–Macau Bridge control point and arrested a 42-year-old driver and a 50-year-old passenger.
Hong Kong’s Airport Authority and a private partner will build a HK$300 million art storage facility set to open next year as the city seeks to strengthen its role in global art trade.
China has offered solar energy assistance to Cuba amid widespread blackouts linked to a U.S. oil embargo, with Beijing outlining joint projects to ease a “complex power situation.”
The Hong Kong Tourism Board will devote 75% of its resources to overseas markets and launch a global campaign by end-April to attract more overnight high spenders and diversify visitors.
Runway hair and make-up at fall/winter 2026 shows in London, Milan and Paris ranged from Prada’s smudged ‘tired girl’ eyes to Chanel chrome glitter and Gucci’s Y2K nods, signaling diverse beauty trends.
Hong Kong’s unemployment rate fell 0.1 percentage point to 3.8% over three months, with job gains in retail, accommodation and foundation and superstructure sectors, officials said.
A new report finds rising electric vehicle adoption cut global oil consumption by 1.7 million barrels per day last year, offsetting about 70% of Iran’s 2025 exports as the Iran war drives petrol price volatility.
Alibaba Cloud and Baidu are raising prices for certain cloud services by up to 34%, citing rising AI demand and infrastructure costs; Alibaba’s increases on AI-chip services take effect April 18.
The U.S. has launched trade probes that include several ASEAN nations, citing forced labour and trade surpluses; the investigations risk straining ties and could lead to new levies.
Sweden says Iran executed a Swedish citizen, marking what Tehran called the first espionage-related execution since its war with Israel and the US began. Stockholm expressed dismay.
