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AdvertisementSouth China SeaChinaMilitaryUS patrol flights over South China Sea drop 30% as focus shifts to Middle EastDecline in reconnaissance aircraft sorties comes during critical time in China-US ties ahead of planned Donald Trump visit
2-MIN READ2-MINAlcott Weiin BeijingPublished: 7:00pm, 3 Mar 2026US land-based reconnaissance aircraft sorties over the South China Sea decreased by around 30 per cent month on month in February, according to a Beijing-based think tank, as the US deploys assets to the Middle East.The South China Sea Strategic Situation Probing Initiative (SCSPI) said on Monday that only 72 US reconnaissance aircraft sorties were detected over the South China Sea in February. By contrast, 102 US reconnaissance aircraft sorties were observed over the waters in both January and December.The think tank’s analysis did not discuss the reasons behind the drop. However, the US moved military assets from around the globe to the Middle East last month ahead of its attack on I..

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Iran’s Natanz nuclear facility was struck during recent US and Israeli military operations, Iran’s envoy to the UN nuclear watchdog said on Monday. “Again they attacked Iran's peaceful, safeguarded nuclear facilities yesterday,” Reza Najafi told reporters at a meeting of the 35-nation board of governors of the International Atomic Energy Agency. Asked which sites were hit, he replied: “Natanz,” reported Reuters. '900 Strikes In Just…': US Unleashes Deadly B-2 Bombers To Raid Iran's Underground Missile Sites The development comes amid heightened tensions over Iran’s nuclear programme. In June, the United States carried out strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities that Washington says were part of a programme aimed at developing nuclear weapons. Tehran maintains its nuclear activities are for civilian purposes.Meanwhile, Iranian president Masoud Pezeshkian said Tehran would rebuild its nuclear infrastructure. Israel attacks IranUS F-15 down in Kuwait? Iran shares video..

Iranian-Australian broadcaster Rita Panahi reacted strongly on air after Iran’s supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was reported killed in US-Israeli strikes, saying, “All I have to say is that after 47 years of Islamist tyranny, the dictator is dead, and Iran is on the verge of being liberated.” Speaking live on Sky News Australia, Panahi added, “Never thought I would see this day in my lifetime,” and praised US President Donald Trump for his “courage” in launching the missile strikes, described by officials as “Operation Epic Fury”.In remarks delivered in Persian, Panahi said, roughly translated, “Your father is a d*g, dirt be on your head and burn in hell.” Iran Appoints Interim Leader After Khamenei Killing; Who Is Alireza Arafi | WAtch Her co-anchor Rowan Dean noted the personal nature of the moment for Panahi, who has previously said she cannot return to Iran due to fear of persecution.Israel attacks IranUS F-15 down in Kuwait? Iran shares video showing fighter jet engulfed in ..

AdvertisementHong Kong economyHong KongSocietyMainland Chinese firm to build Northern Metropolis data cluster facilityRange Intelligent Computing Technology to commence operations in 42 months, with a cumulative investment of HK$23.8 billion over the first three years
Reading Time:2 minutesWhy you can trust SCMPEmily HungPublished: 7:03pm, 2 Mar 2026A mainland Chinese firm has secured the tender to build a data cluster facility in Hong Kong’s Northern Metropolis as the sole bidder, agreeing to pay a premium of HK$581 million (US$74.25 million) and boost the city’s computing power 36-fold.
Unveiling details of the plan on Monday, Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry Sun Dong said the winning bidder was Range Intelligent Computing Technology, whose parent company, Shenzhen-listed Runze Technology Group, specialises in developing and operating high-end data facilities on the mainland.
On a land grant of 50 years at Sandy Ridge in the Northern Metropolis megaproject, the winni..