China
Shares of Alibaba Group Holding Ltd. led a sell-off in Chinese tech stocks after the Pentagon added it to a list of companies aiding the military. The Pentagon later withdrew the list without explanation, but the shares had already fallen.
In Jiangsu province, an explosion at a fireworks store killed eight people and injured two others with burns. The cause was a safety violation by a resident near the retail outlet.
Global gold prices stabilized above $5,000 per ounce, despite profit-taking and a slight decline. Analysts predict a rise to $5,800 per ounce by the end of the second quarter.
India successfully launched a modernized Agni-P ballistic missile from a railway platform. This provides better maneuverability in hard-to-reach areas.
The Russian army is increasingly relying on foreign fighters from Asia and Africa due to its inability to replace losses. Thousands of mercenaries from various countries are fighting for Russia, often under pressure and deception.
China is expanding its network of nuclear facilities in the mountainous regions of Sichuan province, indicating an accelerated buildup of its nuclear potential. Satellite images have captured new construction and infrastructure modernization, particularly in the Zhitong and Pintong valleys.
Iran is proposing that the United States include an economic component in a new nuclear deal, which would entail mutual benefits in exchange for limiting nuclear activities and easing sanctions. Tehran is talking about possible agreements in the energy, mining, and aviation sectors.
The US Indo-Pacific Command intercepted the Panamanian-flagged tanker Veronica III, which was transporting Iranian oil in violation of sanctions. The vessel was tracked from the Caribbean Sea to the Indian Ocean.
The US and Japan are strengthening their strategic partnership, modernizing their economic security relationship. This comes amid a diplomatic standoff with Beijing, which has blocked the supply of components to Japan.
Trump and Netanyahu agreed to increase economic pressure on Iran. The goal is to reduce oil exports to China to force Tehran to make concessions on its nuclear program.
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha met with EU High Representative Kaja Kallas. They discussed peace efforts, strengthening sanctions against Russia, and Ukraine's EU membership.
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi stated that his country is not a party directly involved in Russia's war against Ukraine. Beijing does not have a decisive influence on its end.
A meeting of G7 and Ukrainian foreign ministers has begun in Munich, where peace efforts and strengthening air defense are being discussed. China will provide Ukraine with additional humanitarian energy assistance.
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi stated at the Munich Security Conference that the door to dialogue on the war in Ukraine is open. He called on all parties to seize the opportunity for a comprehensive and lasting peace agreement.
US Ambassador to NATO Matthew Whitaker said that China is providing crucial support to Russian aggression. He could end the war by calling Putin and stopping the sale of dual-use technologies.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz stated that Russia is not ready for serious negotiations regarding the war in Ukraine. He believes that the war will end when Russia is economically and potentially militarily exhausted.
Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Andriy Sybiha met with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi. China has decided to provide Ukraine with an additional package of humanitarian energy aid.
Tens of thousands of cars are being exported from China to Russia through 'grey market' schemes, circumventing sanctions. Some of these vehicles are manufactured in China, while others are imported from third countries.
NATO is stepping up military exercises and security initiatives, recognizing the long-term threat from Russia and China's growing interest in the Arctic. Alliance Secretary General Mark Rutte emphasized the changing security environment and the need to protect the Arctic region.
NATO is deepening its focus on the Arctic region without compromising the security of its eastern flank, possessing sufficient resources to respond to threats from all directions. This is a response to the growing military presence of Russia and China and strengthens the Alliance's overall security architecture.
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte stated that security guarantees for Ukraine are being formed as a multi-level system that will come into effect after a peace agreement. Key elements are the Armed Forces of Ukraine, an international support coalition, and US participation.
Captain of the container ship NewNew Polar Bear, Wang Wenguo, pleaded not guilty in the case of damage to underwater infrastructure between Finland and Estonia. A Hong Kong court is considering charges of criminal damage caused by the ship's anchor.
The head of US intelligence, Tulsi Gabbard, is winding down the activities of a group that monitored foreign interference. The decision is explained by the desire to reduce the "politicization" of intelligence and reallocate resources to combat real threats.
A 54-year-old Greek Air Force colonel was detained in Athens for selling classified military data and NATO documents to Chinese intelligence. The officer pleaded guilty, explaining his actions as being under pressure from foreign intelligence services.
The username "danbao" was sold for over $2. 1 million, making it the highest price ever paid for a public name on Telegram. The buyer from China paid 1,583,948 TON for the nickname, which translates to "guarantor" or "intermediary."
Greece and Malta have expressed concerns about the EU's proposal to replace the price cap on Russian oil with a services ban. They fear the impact on the shipping industry and energy prices.
Gold quotes are falling after a two-day recovery as investors take profits. The market is influenced by new appointments in US financial leadership and geopolitical tensions.
Elon Musk announced a change in SpaceX's priorities, focusing on creating a self-sufficient city on the Moon. This task is more realistic and faster than colonizing Mars, with the first uncrewed landing in March 2027.
The film "Marty Supreme" starring Timothée Chalamet has become the highest-grossing film in A24 studio's history, earning over $148 million worldwide. The picture surpassed the previous leader "Everything Everywhere All at Once" and has nine Oscar nominations.
US President Donald Trump will visit Beijing in the first week of April 2026 to discuss a new trade agreement, the situation around Taiwan, and coordinate positions on Russia's war against Ukraine. The meeting aims to reduce tensions between the countries.