Chinese President Xi Jinping and his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin have kicked off bilateral talks in Beijing, on the eve of a massive military parade in the Chinese capital. …
… Taipei has accused Beijing of sabotaging its cables, describing it as a “grey zone” tactic to pressure the self-ruled island, which China claims as its territory. …
… A huge military parade marched through the streets of Beijing to mark the 1 October anniversary, after a speech from president Xi Jinping in which he promised that “no force” could stop China forging ahead. …
BEN BLANCHARDChina celebrated its growing power and confidence with a big display of military hardware and goose-stepping troops in Beijing on Tuesday, overseen by president Xi Jinping, who pledged peaceful development on Communist China’s 70th birthday. …
… At a celebration of Marxism in Beijing last month, Chinese president Xi Jinping declared that, “like a spectacular sunrise, the theory illuminated the path of humanity’s exploration of the law of history, and humanity’s search for [its] own liberation”. …
A high-level Namibian delegation, led by the Green Hydrogen Programme and supported by the Global Wind Energy Council, is visiting China to study renewable energy solutions and industrial development, with focus on wind power, solar energy, battery storage, and fuel cells. The visit aims to help Namibia reduce electricity imports, build local energy supply, and eventually become a green energy exporter.
A high-level Namibian delegation, led by the Green Hydrogen Programme and supported by the Global Wind Energy Council, is visiting China to study renewable energy solutions and industrial development, with focus on wind power, solar energy, battery storage, and fuel cells. The visit aims to help Namibia reduce electricity imports, build local energy supply, and eventually become a green energy exporter.
China's foreign ministry said three Chinese vessels recently transited the Strait of Hormuz following coordination with relevant parties, after shipping through the crucial waterway had slowed dramatically due to Iran's effective blockade during Middle East conflict. Iran considers the strait open to "friendly countries" and maintains diplomatic ties with China.
Oil prices surged above US$106 a barrel as conflict in the region disrupted shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, prompting the International Energy Agency to coordinate the release of strategic oil reserves across Asia, Europe, and North America. Global energy ministers are meeting to address soaring prices and discuss measures including price caps and military operations to reopen critical shipping routes.
Air China will resume direct flights between Beijing and Pyongyang from 30 March, marking a reopening of travel links after strict border closures since 2020. The weekly Monday service follows the restart of passenger train services last week, though North Korea remains cautious about allowing Western tourists.
The US is moving parts of its Thaad anti-missile system from South Korea to the Middle East amid the Israel-Iran conflict, reportedly to bolster defences as Iranian strikes strain weapons inventory. The redeployment has prompted South Korea's president to publicly oppose the move, citing concerns for Seoul's deterrence capability, while China reiterated its longstanding opposition to Thaad's presence in the region.
The US has launched a Section 301 investigation into unfair trade practices by major trading partners including China, the EU, India, Japan, South Korea and Mexico, potentially leading to new tariffs by summer. The probe follows a Supreme Court ruling that struck down Trump's previous tariff policies and offers the administration a way to impose new levies on countries found to have engaged in unfair trade.
At a Beijing press conference, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi stressed China's commitment to deepening China-Africa friendship, called for a political settlement to the Middle East conflict, and outlined China's vision for a multipolar world built on equality and cooperation rather than hegemony.
Iran's Revolutionary Guards said they can sustain aerial drone and missile attacks for up to six months after US-Israeli air strikes hit fuel depots in Tehran and targeted locations in Beirut. The conflict has extended into its ninth day with no clear path to resolution, as analysts warn it could last a month or longer.
Iran's Assembly of Experts has voted to choose a new supreme leader following Ayatollah Khamenei's death in recent strikes, though the name has not yet been announced. Israeli forces have continued air strikes on Iranian fuel facilities and targets across the region, with the conflict now in its ninth day and no clear path to resolution.
China has announced an annual economic growth target of 4.5–5%, the lowest since 1991, as it faces domestic challenges including weak consumption, a shrinking population, and property crisis, alongside global trade tensions and energy pressures. The target, released during China's "two sessions" political gathering, signals a shift to more flexible goals while Beijing pursues investments in innovation, green energy, and efforts to boost household consumption.
A military conflict between China and Taiwan could disrupt Namibia's economy given that China is its second-largest trading partner and largest source of foreign direct investment, particularly affecting mining, trade, and infrastructure funding. The article argues that Namibia should diversify its trade partnerships to reduce vulnerability to external shocks in East Asia.
Japanese authorities seized a Chinese fishing vessel that fled during an inspection in Japan's exclusive economic zone off Nagasaki Prefecture, with the captain arrested. The seizure marks the first since 2022 and comes amid heightened tensions between Tokyo and Beijing over Japan's statements regarding potential military intervention over Taiwan.
China's ambassador to Namibia held roundtable talks with local representatives to advance the 2026 China–Africa Year of People-to-People Exchanges, with discussions focusing on strengthening bilateral cooperation in areas such as development, entrepreneurship, and media exchanges. Namibian visitors to China shared insights on modernisation initiatives and the tangible outcomes of Namibia–China partnership, including housing projects for police officers.
China's ambassador announced that the country will increase support for Namibians during 2026 China-Africa activities under the theme "Year of People-to-People Exchanges," with 58 key activities planned including agriculture training, technology transfer, and educational exchanges. The initiative aims to strengthen economic, political, and social ties between China and African nations, with the Association of Local Authorities in Namibia welcoming the cooperation on urban planning and development.
China's top military general Zhang Youxia and another senior officer Gen Liu Zhenli have been purged, leaving the Central Military Commission with only Xi Jinping and one other member—a historic consolidation blamed officially on corruption but possibly reflecting power consolidation. Analysts warn the purge creates a leadership void that could hamper military decision-making and escalate risks involving Taiwan.
Lenovo, the world's top PC maker, unveiled its AI assistant Qira at CES in Las Vegas, designed to perform tasks seamlessly across laptops, smartphones and connected devices. The company also showcased prototypes of AI-powered glasses and a pendant that records conversations and moments with user consent.