World--China Economic Net

U.S. President Donald Trump said Monday that Washington had reached "major points of agreement" with Iran and was in contact with "a top person," even as Tehran denied any direct or indirect communication with the United States.

Yemen's Houthis say monitoring regional developments, to take "appropriate action" if needed2026-03-22
Yemen's Houthi group said Saturday that it is closely monitoring the developments in the Strait of Hormuz, and would take "appropriate action" in the face of unfolding events in the region.

Spain announces emergency measures to counter impact of Mideast conflict2026-03-21
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez on Friday announced a series of urgent measures to bolster the country against the economic effects of the ongoing conflict in the Middle East and protect consumers from rising prices.

Trump says considering "winding down" strikes on Iran2026-03-21
U.S. President Donald Trump said Friday that he is considering "winding down" the U.S. military strikes against Iran, claiming the United States is "getting very close to" meeting its objectives.

FMs of Arab, Islamic states urge halting Iranian attacks, condemn Israel's "expansionist policy"2026-03-20
Foreign ministers of 12 Arab and Islamic states held a consultative ministerial meeting here on Wednesday on the regional development, during which they urged Iran to halt its attacks, and condemned Israel's "expansionist policy" in the region.

Global trade growth to slow in 2026 with further pressure from Middle East conflict: WTO2026-03-20
The World Trade Organization (WTO) said on Thursday that global trade growth is set to slow in 2026 after a stronger-than-expected performance in 2025, warning that the ongoing Middle East conflict could add further pressure on global trade.

What to know about death of Iran's top security official Ali Larijani?2026-03-19
Iran on Tuesday confirmed that Ali Larijani, secretary of the country's Supreme National Security Council, had been killed in an Israeli attack.

U.S.-Israeli strikes against Iran trigger sharp spike in global oil prices2026-03-19
The strikes launched by the United States and Israel against Iran have triggered a sharp spike in global oil prices.

Colombian president says at least 27 killed in Colombia-Ecuador border bombings2026-03-18
At least 27 people were killed in bombings along the Colombia-Ecuador border, Colombian President Gustavo Petro said Tuesday.

201 Ukrainian experts deployed to Mideast: Zelensky2026-03-18
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said Tuesday in London that Kyiv has deployed 201 anti-drone military experts to the Middle East to help counter Shahed drones.

From the frontline: "When can we go home?" Inside Lebanon's makeshift shelters2026-03-18
The road from the southern city of Nabatieh to the capital of Beirut is usually a 90-minute drive. But for Zeinab Awada and her four children, it felt like a lifetime.

Iran denies seeking ceasefire, says war must end without repeat attacks2026-03-17
Iran's Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi said Monday that Tehran has neither sought a ceasefire nor negotiations with the United States, rejecting U.S. claims that it requested a truce.

What to know about Gulf states' views on U.S. military presence on their soil?2026-03-17
Gulf states, home to several U.S. military bases, have faced waves of missile and drone attacks since the outbreak of the joint U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iran on Feb. 28, with some bases targeted and sustaining damage.

Trump says he demands seven countries escort ships through Strait of Hormuz2026-03-16
U.S. President Donald Trump said Sunday that he has "demanded" about seven countries heavily reliant on Middle East oil join a coalition to escort vessels through the Strait of Hormuz, a key waterway through which about 20 percent of the world's oil passes.

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China starts 2026 with resilience

China's headline consumer inflation of 0.2 percent in January represents a moderation from the previous month, but this is largely a story of the calendar rather than a lack of vitality. Because the Lunar New Year fell in January last year, the comparison base was higher than usual.