International reporting on events and trends that influence Panama and the region. Stories include geopolitics, diplomacy, and global developments.
A USTC team led by Pan Jianwei built a strontium optical clock that would drift less than one second over about 30 billion years, putting China among the world leaders in timekeeping and potentially influencing a future redefinition of the second.
The WNBA and players’ union reached a tentative seven-year CBA beginning in 2026 that raises the salary cap from $1.5M to $7M and ties future adjustments to revenue growth.
Diesel prices in the Philippines have hit record highs amid the war on Iran, forcing transport workers off the road and raising fears that higher fuel costs will drive up food inflation.
The Trump administration sued Harvard, accusing the university of allowing a “hostile environment” for Jewish and Israeli students amid pro-Palestinian protests from 2023–2025, part of a broader push targeting US campuses.
Hong Kong will host the Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants awards for the first time on March 25, accompanied by Signature Sessions pairing global chefs with local restaurants March 22–28.
After a landmark five-timer at Happy Valley, trainer Mark Newnham looks to Invincible Ibis to convert last year’s narrow miss into Hong Kong Derby glory in the city’s premier 2,000m race.
Actors known from Downton Abbey and Game of Thrones will appear in Cold War 1994, a new Hong Kong political thriller linked to the 2012 hit Cold War and produced by Bill Kong.
Uzma Naveed, a 37-year-old Pakistani refugee in Hong Kong, was named a finalist in the national impact category of the 2026 Women Changing the World Awards in Paris; she described the recognition as bringing “mixed feelings.”
Hong Kong street artist Lousy has been placing surreal, satirical drawings across the city — from a ‘kiss face’ on Peel Street to hieroglyph-like motifs that stop passersby with a knowing wink.
Hong Kong is seeking to use clearer crypto rules to attract firms and talent after some left for regulators like Dubai’s VARA; success will depend on the speed and substance of its reforms.
Millions observed Nowruz 2026, the ancient Persian New Year, even as conflict persists in parts of the Middle East. The celebrations highlighted cultural resilience amid regional unrest.
An aid flotilla has set sail from Mexico to Cuba amid reports of tightening U.S. restrictions on fuel shipments, highlighting humanitarian strains and possible diplomatic friction.
Malaysia’s recent crackdowns on LGBTQ-related activities reflect a political strategy to balance conservative signaling with limits on reform, rather than simple backsliding.
At its annual two sessions, China emphasized stability amid global turmoil; Foreign Minister Wang Yi used a March 8 press briefing to outline Beijing’s diplomatic posture.
Jet fuel costs have surged after strikes on Iran, prompting Chinese carriers and others to raise fares. Industry warnings say global airfares could climb 8–9% if the energy shock persists.
Seoul authorities closed central Gwanghwamun Square for BTS’s comeback concert, expecting about 260,000 fans in person and millions more watching live on Netflix as the group releases its first album in over three years.
Alexia Moore, 31, was arrested in Camden County, Georgia, and charged with murder after taking abortion medication and giving birth prematurely on Dec. 30; the case comes amid strict state abortion limits since Roe was overturned.
South Korea’s Cheongung‑II (KM‑SAM Block II) reportedly intercepted 96% of Iranian missiles fired at the UAE, outperforming some US interceptors and boosting Seoul’s appeal as a defence supplier.
Record crowds at the Women’s Asian Cup have been hailed as a watershed for women’s football, but the tournament also exposed ongoing gender inequality and a resource gap between richer and emerging Asian nations.
No Japanese business executives will attend this week’s China Development Forum in Beijing, an internal list seen by the South China Morning Post shows, highlighting strain in Sino-Japanese relations while about 80 foreign executives still plan to attend.