World--China Economic Net

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.

Over 9 mln registered for Ethiopia's general election in 1st week2026-03-15
The National Election Board of Ethiopia (NEBE) announced Friday that more than nine million voters have registered during the past week to take part in the country's upcoming general election, scheduled for June 1.

Kazakhstan brings home over 10,000 citizens from Mideast2026-03-15
Kazakhstan has brought 10,275 citizens home from the Middle East, the Kazinform news agency reported Saturday, citing the Kazakh Foreign Ministry.

Jordan intercepts majority of missiles, drones launched from Iran2026-03-15
Jordanian military forces said Saturday that 85 missiles and drones were launched from Iran toward Jordanian territory during the second week of the ongoing U.S.-Israel-Iran conflict, targeting vital sites across the kingdom.

U.S. won't allow shipping in Strait of Hormuz "to be contested": Hegseth2026-03-14
The United States will not allow shipping in the Strait of Hormuz "to be contested" by Iran, U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said Friday.

Polish gov't adopts resolution to proceed with EU SAFE program2026-03-14
The Polish government on Friday adopted a resolution authorizing the ministers of defense and finance to sign an agreement related to the European Union's (EU) Security Action for Europe (SAFE) program, according to the Polish Press Agency.

U.S. refueling aircraft goes down in western Iraq: U.S. Central Command2026-03-13
A U.S. KC-135 refueling aircraft went down in western Iraq, U.S. Central Command said Thursday.

At least 13 civilians killed in drone strike on Sudan-Chad border crossing2026-03-13
At least 13 civilians were killed when a drone strike hit the Adre border crossing between Sudan and Chad on Thursday, according to local volunteers and eyewitnesses.

Int'l passenger train from China to DPRK arrives in Pyongyang2026-03-13
An international passenger train from the city of Dandong in northeast China's Liaoning Province to the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) arrived in Pyongyang on Thursday.

Iran has "inherent right" to preserve peace, security in Strait of Hormuz: Iran's envoy to UN2026-03-13
Amir Saeid Iravani, Iran's permanent representative to the United Nations, said Thursday that it is his country's "inherent right" to preserve peace and security in the Strait of Hormuz.

Trump sends mixed messages on when strikes on Iran will end2026-03-12
U.S. President Donald Trump said Wednesday the U.S. military operation in Iran is both a war and a short-term "excursion," sending mixed messages on when the strikes will end.

Britain releases 1st batch of Mandelson files over Epstein-related scandal2026-03-12
The British government on Wednesday published an initial batch of documents related to Peter Mandelson's appointment as ambassador to the United States, following a parliamentary push for greater disclosure over his vetting and official role.

Special Coverage

A window into the Greek and European economy.

Insight

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.