Global oil prices jumped to a four-year high of more than US$122 a barrel on Thursday, on concerns that the US-Iran war could worsen and lead to a protracted Middle East oil supply disruption that could hurt global economic growth. The market moved higher after Axios, citing unidentified sources, reported late on Wednesday that US President Donald Trump was slated to receive a briefing on Thursday on plans for a series of military strikes on Iran in hopes it would return ‌to negotiations on its...

The Donald Trump administration’s strategic interest in rare earths is pushing the US towards more pragmatic diplomacy as it seeks to rebuild critical mineral supply chains that pivot away from China, according to observers. The shift has yielded cooperation on resource projects even when broader political ties are strained, they added, saying it highlighted Washington’s eagerness to secure alternative supplies even though Beijing’s dominance in the supply chain appeared too strong to break...

A 107-year-old woman, dubbed the “age-defying granny,” has trended on mainland social media for her sound health and sharpness of mind. Centenarian Ding Guijuan lives in Cixi, a small city in the eastern province of Zhejiang. The local media outlet, Love Cixi, which is operated by the municipal propaganda authority, reported her story. In the coverage in mid-April Ding shared her longevity tips and sent good wishes to her fans. According to Ding’s daughter, Chen Xingchao, 84, physical...

The Hong Kong government has planned for legislation allowing terminally ill patients to refuse life-sustaining treatment to start on July 31. In a paper submitted to the Legislative Council, authorities said that the Advance Decision on Life-sustaining Treatment Ordinance, passed in November 2024, would provide legal status to patients’ advance care planning while offering protection to healthcare and rescue personnel. The two instruments covered under advance care planning – advance medical...

Hong Kong police have intercepted a man over an alleged attempted armed bank robbery in Causeway Bay on Thursday afternoon. The suspect allegedly attempted to steal HK$100,000 (US$12,760) from a Hang Seng Bank branch on Yee Wo Street shortly before 5pm, reportedly armed with a knife. He approached a counter and handed over a note demanding the money, claiming he was carrying a knife. A staff member immediately triggered the alarm, prompting the suspect to flee in an unknown direction. Police...

The British government on Thursday called antisemitism in the UK an “emergency”, and said it would spend millions increasing security around Jewish sites after a string of arson attacks and a double stabbing. The government announced £25 million (US$34 million) for more police patrols and protection around synagogues, schools and community centres after two Jewish men were stabbed and seriously injured in London’s Golders Green neighbourhood on Wednesday. The victims, aged 34 and 76, are in...

Australian police ⁠said on Thursday they have found a ⁠body believed to be that of a missing five-year-old indigenous girl and were searching for the man who allegedly murdered her. The girl, now referred to by her family as Kumanjayi Little Baby in line with Indigenous customs, was reported missing from her home in ‌a remote community in central Australia late on Saturday. Police said they located a body of a young Indigenous girl they believed was hers shortly before midday on Thursday about...