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.
Lloyd’s List reports China has increased detentions of Panama-flagged vessels, prompting concern among shipowners and financiers about inspections, financing and insurance risks.
ByteDance has agreed to sell Moonton, developer of Mobile Legends: Bang Bang, to Saudi-owned Savvy Games Group for over US$6 billion as ByteDance focuses on AI.
President José Raúl Mulino denied Panama failed to meet arbitration obligations in the CK Hutchison ports dispute, saying international lawyers will defend the country after the Supreme Court annulled the concession.
The Refugee Council has questioned Australia’s approach to Iran amid criticism that the Women’s Asian Cup has become a political flashpoint over the Iranian women’s team.
In Seattle, about a dozen people joined a “scream club” — three rounds of group screams that participants say relieved stress from job loss and parenting, leaving some feeling calmer.