The White House released an AI policy seeking to pre-empt state rules, protect children and limit energy costs. The move pushes a uniform federal framework and may shape international tech ties.
Chinese prosecutors have indicted former Shaolin Temple abbot Shi Yongxin on charges including embezzlement and bribery, Xinhua reports, four months after his arrest.
Costa Rica and Panama signed a bilateral rail agreement reported by The Tico Times, aiming to explore rail connectivity with broader regional ambitions. The deal marks a step toward potential cross‑border transport cooperation, though specific project details remain limited.
Panama’s public debt reached $60,059 million at the end of February 2026, rising $300.36 million from January; much of the growth occurred in the last five years, notably under President Laurentino Cortizo.
Huawei launched the Atlas 350 inference accelerator powered by its Ascend 950PR chip, claiming better performance than Nvidia’s H20 as AI moves into a more agentic phase.
China imported 21.8 million tonnes of Russian crude in Jan–Feb 2026, up 40.9% year-on-year, but the dollar value rose only 5.8% as the Iran war may reshape future demand.
Chinese analysts say US air strikes may have weakened Iran’s blockade capability, but drones and mines make immediate naval escort or ground operations to reopen the Strait of Hormuz too risky.
Six‑time Olympic table tennis champion Ma Long drew a rock‑star reception at Hong Kong Polytechnic University, thrilling students with a panel appearance and on‑court exhibition.
Unitree Robotics has filed to list on Shanghai’s Star Market, seeking 4.2 billion yuan (US$610 million) after revenue rose to 1.71 billion yuan amid growing demand for embodied AI and robots.
India will supply Bangladesh with 45,000 tonnes of diesel by April, with 5,000 tonnes already delivered, underscoring New Delhi’s regional energy role as fuel prices surge amid the Iran war.
US preparations for FIFA World Cup 2026 are reportedly lagging after funding stalls, raising concerns about security at events and potential impacts on international fans, including those from Panama and Latin America.
A senior U.S. official, David Sacks, told the All‑In Podcast that Israel is being hit hard and publicly acknowledged Israel has nuclear warheads, suggesting possible use if the conflict with Iran continues.
The Philippines has signed multiple international agreements to develop its critical minerals but analysts warn a clear national road map is needed to reach globally competitive standards.
China announced a major crackdown on fentanyl precursors — seen as a goodwill gesture before President Trump’s planned visit — but analysts say wider disputes like tariffs remain unresolved.
Taiwan’s two main opposition parties will coordinate for the November nine-in-one local elections, a move analysts say could set the stage for a united challenge to the ruling DPP in 2028.
Panama was drawn with England, Croatia and Ghana in the World Cup 2026 group stage and will face Ghana on June 17; Ghana’s Gyan said he wants Ghana to qualify.
Slovenia’s election is a contest between a centre-left coalition and a populist right, with diverging views on Israel and allegations of foreign meddling shaping the campaign.
Panamanian police and prosecutors arrested a former IFARHU regional director and a merchant in an alleged embezzlement of scholarship checks and beneficiary cards; the Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office is handling the case.
Israel says it struck Syrian army camps in the south after alleged attacks on the Druze community in Suwayda on Thursday, raising concerns about regional escalation.
TVN forecasts rain and thunderstorms Friday on Panama’s Caribbean slope, with cloudy intervals and occasional morning showers from Bocas del Toro to north Veraguas.