China's inbound tourism boom: night markets, tech hubs, and mountain sports draw global visitors
China's inbound tourism is surging, with international visitors drawn to night markets, tech hubs, and mountain sports events.
International Relations
Iran announces major gas discovery in southern Fars Province
Iran discovers 7.5 trillion cubic feet of sweet gas in Fars Province, boosting output amid infrastructure repairs and looming US sanctions.
Iran Calls US Sanctions Threat 'Desperate' as Hormuz Shipping Stalls
Iran's foreign minister dismissed new US sanctions as a desperate move, as shipping through the Strait of Hormuz slows and Pakistan steps in as mediator.
Nordic, Baltic Leaders Pledge Continued Support at Kyiv Flag Day Ceremony
Nordic and Baltic leaders joined Zelenskyy in Kyiv for Flag Day, pledging sustained support and new air defense cooperation.
Iran's Security Chief Warns Neighbours Against Joining US Sanctions
Iran's security chief warns neighbours against joining US sanctions, threatening retaliation and accusing Washington of fuelling nuclear insecurity.
Zelenskiy Warns Wartime Election Could 'Destroy' Ukraine
Zelenskiy says a wartime election would split and destroy Ukraine, citing legal bans and public opinion favoring a post-war vote.
Indonesia Arrests 72 Suspected of Starting Forest Fires as Haze Chokes Borneo
Indonesian police arrested 72 people for allegedly starting forest fires. Water-bombing continues as haze reduces visibility to 1-10 meters in parts of Borneo.
Israel Says Syria Strike Averted Larger Security Threat
Israel says it struck a Syrian air base to prevent a larger security threat, citing Turkish military expansion and warnings to Damascus.
Zelensky Warns of Russian Plan to Mobilise 300,000 More Troops
Ukraine's leader says Russia plans to draft 300,000 more troops after its September elections, while Kyiv faces a major funding gap.
Gaza Border Tensions Persist as Ceasefire Talks Hit Impasse
Tensions remain high along the Israel-Gaza border after deadly airstrikes, with US envoy Jared Kushner urging Netanyahu to reduce attacks as ceasefire talks stall.
Zelenskyy opens up on Fedorov rift, cites defense spending and Starlink dispute
Zelenskyy publicly addresses Fedorov's dismissal, citing defense spending issues and a Starlink misunderstanding with Trump, while warning of Patriot missile shortfalls.
China, Arab States Unveil Five-Year Plan to Combat Desertification at UNCCD COP17
China and Arab countries have agreed on a five-year action plan to tackle drought, desertification, and land degradation, announced at UNCCD COP17 in Mongolia.
Iran president defends US pact as West Bank attacks persist
Iran's president defends the US memorandum as the best way out of stalemate, while West Bank violence continues with new attacks.
Ukraine Warns Russia May Mobilise 300,000 Troops After September Elections
Ukraine says Russia plans to mobilise 300,000 more troops after September elections, with further drafts possible by 2027.
Syria Expects Israel Security Talks to Resume, Minister Says
Syria's foreign minister expects security negotiations with Israel to resume soon, urging diplomacy despite recent strikes and a lack of trust.
Drone Debris Hits Ozon Warehouse in Russia's Orenburg Region
Drone debris hit two industrial facilities in Russia's Orenburg region, including an Ozon warehouse, prompting evacuations.
Australia Reports First H5N1 Case in Mammal as Fur Seal Found Dead
Australia confirmed its first H5N1 bird flu case in a mammal after a fur seal was found dead in South Australia.
Taiwan President Pitches Record Defense Budget at 823 Battle Memorial
At the 68th commemoration of the 823 Artillery Battle, Taiwan's president urged public support for a record defense budget exceeding 3% of GDP.
Over a Million Displaced in Gaza Face Severe Hunger and Water Shortages
More than a million displaced Gazans face hunger and water scarcity, with aid access urged.
Rhine at Record Low as Heatwave Disrupts German Industry
Record-low Rhine water levels, driven by heat and drought, are disrupting German cargo shipping and threatening industrial output.