International reporting on events and trends that influence Panama and the region. Stories include geopolitics, diplomacy, and global developments.
Yemen’s Houthis claim they fired ballistic missiles at “sensitive Israeli military sites” in southern Israel. The announcement adds to rising regional tensions and could have wider knock-on effects for trade and security.
Ningxia wine drew international attention after Xi Jinping and Emmanuel Macron shared a bottle from Xige Estate in 2023. With Chinese wines rising since the 2010s, Ningxia now faces the bigger challenge: building durable global competitiveness with France.
A month into the US and Israel’s war against Iran, the conflict is not on track to end within Trump’s planned four-to-six week window. Despite reported assassinations and repeated air strikes, Iran’s regime has not collapsed and missile/drone threats appear to persist.
At Art Central in Hong Kong, Iranian-American artist Elnaz Javani is debuting six coat artworks that explore memory and conflict amid the Middle East war. She describes the series as a meditative space for audiences facing rising global geopolitical tensions.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the U.S. is seeking to conclude the war in “weeks, not months.” The comment signals an accelerated diplomatic push and could shape expectations worldwide.
Pope Leo is traveling to Monaco for his first Western Europe trip as pope, bringing a pro-poor message to a principality famous for luxury and wealth. The US-born pontiff will arrive by helicopter for a one-day visit to Monte Carlo.
Chinese researchers say a hydrofluorocarbon-based electrolyte can more than double lithium battery energy density at room temperature and enable efficient operation at minus 70°C. The advance could help EVs maintain better range in extreme cold.
Indonesia has started enforcing a new regulation banning children under 16 from major digital platforms, citing risks including pornography, cyberbullying, scams and addiction. The rule covers YouTube, TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, X, Roblox and other services.
Hong Kong authorities defended amendments to the city’s national security law that make it illegal to withhold smartphone passwords from police. The response follows a new US travel alert warning Americans about potential risks in Hong Kong.
As a regional war escalation continues for weeks, the article reports that Israeli attacks in Lebanon are intensifying, leaving civilians increasingly unable to cope. The situation raises fresh alarm about humanitarian fallout and broader instability.
Rights groups in Bahrain say a 32-year-old man arrested for opposing the war on Iran died in police custody, sparking widespread public outcry. The case has renewed calls for accountability and investigation into detention conditions.
Vietnam’s March 1 AI law makes it the first in Southeast Asia with comprehensive AI rules in force. Analysts warn the region’s broader push to control data flows could discourage investment and innovation, risking disconnection from the global digital economy.
Hong Kong’s Correctional Services Department says a cyberattack accessed an internal system and compromised the personal data of about 6,800 current and former prison employees. The department reported the breach followed unauthorized access through its Knowledge Management System.
China pledged continued support for South Africa after President Cyril Ramaphosa was reportedly disinvited from France’s upcoming G7 summit amid US threats to boycott. The episode spotlights growing pressure on allies and the expanding role of China as a fallback partner.
Donald Trump said “Cuba is next” as a potential target of US military action while speaking at a Saudi investment conference, reviving familiar tensions with Havana. The remark increases uncertainty for regional diplomacy and security planning across the Caribbean.
China’s property slump is forcing foreign suppliers to rethink strategies as new construction slows. Otis and others are shifting toward government-led urban renewal, focusing on lift installations and upgrades in older apartment buildings.
A Hong Kong photographer says professional SD cards and 16TB hard drives have surged in price—SD cards up to HK$3,000 each and 16TB HDDs from HK$1,880 to HK$3,880—transforming storage into a costly necessity.
Israeli air strikes have forced pregnant women in Lebanon to flee, with mothers like 29-year-old Hawraa Houmani giving birth and caring for newborns amid displacement. The accounts spotlight the humanitarian impact of the offensive on the most vulnerable families.
Bank of America agreed to pay US$72.5 million to settle a class-action lawsuit alleging the bank facilitated Jeffrey Epstein’s sex-trafficking ring. The bank denied supporting Epstein’s crimes, saying the deal brings closure for plaintiffs.
Reporting from the South China Morning Post argues that Donald Trump’s Oval Office style makes US allies feel uncomfortably spotlighted, echoing earlier criticism of his lack of public humour. A March 19 Oval Office moment is highlighted as emblematic of the atmosphere allies may navigate in high-level talks.