Verified News Online

AdvertisementChina-Japan relationsChinaDiplomacy‘Uncompromising’: Takaichi’s meeting with Trump seen as key to China-Japan tiesNeither Tokyo nor Beijing has enough incentive to compromise, observers say, signalling a new reality between Asian giants
5-MIN READ5-MIN ListenLaura ZhouPublished: 8:00pm, 19 Mar 2026China and Japan’s long-standing rivalry has deep historic roots, and relations between the two have taken a significant turn for the worse in recent months. This article, the third in a three-part series, looks at how US President Donald Trump, Taiwan and war in the Middle East factor into their relationship. Read the second part here.As Chinese President Xi Jinping is set to host regional leaders for the Apec summit later this year, observers are closely watching whether the summit could instigate a thaw in relations between China and Japan.Or will it simply clarify how protracted this cold spell between the Asian giants is likely to be?
AdvertisementAnalysts are also watching h..

Sharjah Public Parking/Representative Image Sharjah Municipality has announced free public parking for the first three days of Eid Al Fitr 2026, easing movement across the emirate as authorities roll out a wider transport plan to manage increased travel during the holiday. Public parking users in Sharjah will be exempt from fees on the first, second and third day of Eid Al Fitr, allowing residents and visitors to move around without worrying about parking charges during the festive period. The exemption, however, does not apply to smart parking lots and public parking zones that remain chargeable throughout the week and on official holidays. These areas are marked with blue informational signs, and motorists are advised to follow the signage to avoid fines.Israel Iran WarUS-Israel-Iran War News Live Updates: US pounds Iranian missile sites near key Strait of Hormuz; Iran rains down cluster bombs on Tel AvivIran confirms death of national security chief Ali Larijani, president Pezeshkia..

AdvertisementHong Kong courtsHong KongLaw and CrimeFormer Hong Kong lawmaker denies abetting criminal activity in mainland ChinaEx-lawmaker Lee Cheuk-yan says people his alliance had been supporting should not have been considered as violating mainland law in first place
3-MIN READ3-MIN ListenBrian WongPublished: 8:00pm, 18 Mar 2026A former Hong Kong lawmaker on trial for allegedly inciting subversion has denied abetting criminal activity by supporting mainland Chinese dissidents, accusing Beijing of levelling false charges against them.
Prosecutors on Wednesday challenged Lee Cheuk-yan’s claim that he had no intention to incite others to overthrow the mainland’s communist rule when he called for an end to “one-party dictatorship” as former chairman of the now-disbanded Hong Kong Alliance in Support of Patriotic Democratic Movements of China.
Lee, 69, and former vice-chairwoman Chow Hang-tung, 41, are contesting the charge under the Beijing-imposed national security law for allegedly i..

AdvertisementChina-Latin America relationsChinaDiplomacyAs Trump ramps up pressure on Cuba, China has ‘very limited options’Any response from Beijing is likely to be constrained to diplomatic opposition and humanitarian aid, according to analysts
3-MIN READ3-MINCao Jiaxuanin BeijingPublished: 8:00pm, 18 Mar 2026As Washington steps up rhetoric and pressure on Cuba after its campaign in Iran, Beijing finds itself torn between geopolitical reality and ideological affinity.According to analysts, Beijing has few good options to counter US hegemony in Washington’s own backyard, and its response is likely to be constrained to diplomatic opposition and modest humanitarian aid.
They said any disruption to global stability ultimately harmed Beijing’s interests and did not see prolonged US military action creating a window of opportunity for China.
AdvertisementUS President Donald Trump on Monday said he expected to have “the honour of taking Cuba”, after a tightening US oil squeeze contributed t..