标签： Asia

亚洲

India offered sanctuary to Iranian ship three days before US sank it

In a significant escalation of hostilities beyond the Middle East, the Iranian warship Iris Dena was sunk by a U.S. submarine on March 4th in international waters off Sri Lanka’s southern coast. The attack resulted in the deaths of at least 87 sailors from a crew of 130, marking a dramatic expansion of the U.S.-Israel military campaign against Iran.

The incident has cast a spotlight on India’s delicate diplomatic position. Indian Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar confirmed to parliament that Iran had formally requested docking permissions for three of its warships—Iris Dena, Iris Bushehr, and Iris Lavan—on February 28th, the very day the war began. India granted this permission on March 1st. This timing places India in a complex situation, having just days earlier hosted the same vessels for a joint military exercise in Visakhapatnam from February 15th to 25th.

The post-attack movements of the Iranian fleet revealed a fragmented outcome. While the Iris Dena was destroyed, the Iris Lavan successfully docked in Kochi, India, on March 4th, with its crew currently under Indian naval protection. Minister Jaishankar defended this decision, stating it was ‘the right thing to do.’ Separately, Sri Lanka provided sanctuary to the Iris Bushehr on March 5th after it reported an engine malfunction.

The sinking has ignited strong international reactions. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi condemned the strike as an ‘atrocity’ committed without warning, thousands of miles from Iran’s shores. In contrast, U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth boasted of the operation, incorrectly touting it as the first torpedo sinking of an enemy vessel since World War II, though similar incidents have occurred involving the UK and Pakistan. The Iris Dena is among approximately 20 Iranian naval assets destroyed since the conflict’s inception, with President Donald Trump explicitly stating the destruction of Iran’s navy is a key objective.

9 3 月, 2026
China beats North Korea 2-1 to take top spot in Group B at Women’s Asian Cup

In a high-stakes Group B finale at the Women’s Asian Cup, defending champions China secured a dramatic 2-1 victory over North Korea in a physically intense match at Western Sydney Stadium on Monday. The result positions China atop the group standings while setting North Korea for a quarterfinal confrontation against tournament hosts Australia in Perth this Friday.

The match marked North Korea’s return to the tournament after their 2010 final loss to Australia, requiring only a draw to claim group supremacy. Their ambitions seemed attainable when Kim Kyong Yong broke the deadlock with a clinical counter-attack finish in the 32nd minute—the game’s first shot on target.

China’s response was immediate and spectacular. Just two minutes later, Chen Qiaozhu unleashed a breathtaking strike through defensive traffic from the edge of the penalty area, leveling the score with her powerful equalizer.

The match turned decisively in first-half stoppage time when Wang Shuang’s goal underwent VAR review after initially being flagged for offside. The video assistant referee overturned the on-field decision, awarding China the crucial go-ahead goal. The controversial ruling sparked vehement protests from the North Korean bench, resulting in a yellow card for coach Ri Song Ho and delayed the team’s return to the pitch for the second half.

Both sides created significant opportunities after the break. North Korean goalkeeper Yu Son Gum made a spectacular full-stretch save to deny Wang Shuang in the 78th minute, while 19-year-old substitute Choe Il Son saw her apparent equalizer nullified by another VAR offside review minutes later.

China, guided by former Australian women’s team coach Ante Milicic, now advances as group winners seeking their record-extending tenth Asian Cup title. The tournament format sees the top two teams from each group plus the two best third-place finishers progress to the quarterfinals.

9 3 月, 2026
3rd plenary meeting of 4th session of 14th CPPCC National Committee held in Beijing

Beijing witnessed a significant political gathering on March 8, 2026, as the Great Hall of the People hosted the third plenary meeting of the fourth session of the 14th National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC). This high-level assembly brought together prominent figures from across China’s political spectrum to deliberate on crucial national development strategies and policy recommendations.

The CPPCC, functioning as China’s paramount political advisory body, serves as a vital platform for multi-party cooperation and political consultation under the leadership of the Communist Party of China. The plenary meeting represented a key moment in China’s annual political calendar, where committee members representing various political parties, organizations, ethnic groups, and societal sectors convened to provide strategic insights and policy suggestions.

During the session, participants engaged in comprehensive discussions covering a wide spectrum of national priorities, including economic development, social welfare initiatives, environmental protection, and technological innovation. The meeting facilitated constructive dialogue between political advisors and government representatives, creating channels for integrating diverse perspectives into national policy-making processes.

The proceedings emphasized the CPPCC’s unique role in China’s political architecture as a mechanism for building consensus and promoting democratic supervision. Through specialized committees and thematic panels, members developed evidence-based recommendations aimed at addressing complex challenges facing the nation’s modernization drive.

This gathering occurred during a pivotal period of China’s development, with the country advancing its ambitious national rejuvenation goals. The outcomes of these deliberations were expected to contribute significantly to the formulation of policies supporting high-quality growth and sustainable development across various sectors of Chinese society.

9 3 月, 2026
NPC deputies attend group interview ahead of 2nd plenary meeting of annual session

BEIJING, March 9, 2026 – National People’s Congress (NPC) deputies participated in a significant media engagement session today preceding the second plenary meeting of the fourth session of the 14th NPC. The event, held at the iconic Great Hall of the People in China’s capital, featured prominent legislators including deputies Ni Di and Liu Jiang, who arrived amid considerable media attention.

The gathering represents a crucial component of China’s legislative transparency efforts, allowing deputies to communicate directly with press representatives before important parliamentary proceedings. This interaction mechanism demonstrates the evolving nature of China’s political processes, where elected representatives increasingly engage with media to discuss legislative agendas and national priorities.

The second plenary meeting, scheduled to follow these preliminary interactions, constitutes a pivotal moment in the annual NPC session where deputies deliberate on significant policy matters and review governmental work reports. These proceedings form an essential part of China’s governance structure, reflecting the country’s distinctive political system that combines legislative functions with consultative democracy.

The visual documentation of the event, notably the photographs captured by Wang Zhuangfei for China Daily, underscores the ceremonial importance and formal nature of these parliamentary gatherings. Such media coverage provides both domestic and international audiences with insights into China’s political operations and decision-making processes.

9 3 月, 2026
Indonesian court sentences 3 men for shooting death of fellow Australian in Bali

DENPASAR, Indonesia — Three Australian nationals received substantial prison sentences Monday at Denpasar District Court for their roles in the fatal shooting of a fellow Australian during a June incident on Indonesia’s resort island of Bali.

The convicted individuals—Mevlut Coskun (22), Paea I Middlemore Tupou (27), and Darcy Jenson (24)—were found guilty in the death of Zivan Radmanovic, a 32-year-old Melbourne resident. A second victim, 34-year-old Sanar Ghanim, survived the attack despite sustaining gunshot wounds and physical assault.

Judicial authorities handed down 16-year sentences to Coskun and Tupou, while Jenson received a 12-year term. Throughout proceedings, Coskun and Tupou maintained the shooting was unintentional, occurring during nocturnal chaos rather than premeditated violence.

The tragedy unfolded while Radmanovic was celebrating his wife’s birthday alongside her sister and Ghanim, who was the sister’s partner. Forensic examination revealed Radmanovic succumbed to multiple gunshot injuries compounded by blunt force trauma.

Prosecutors established that Jenson orchestrated the assault while Coskun and Tupou executed the physical attack. International cooperation proved crucial in apprehending the perpetrators: Jenson was intercepted at Jakarta’s Soekarno Hatta Airport attempting to flee the country, while his accomplices were captured in Singapore and Cambodia through Interpol-assisted operations.

During October’s trial proceedings, defendants revealed they had accepted payment from an unidentified Australian man to travel to Bali and intimidate Ghanim into repaying outstanding debts. They consistently refused to identify their benefactor, citing legitimate fears for family safety. Investigators corroborated the existence of instructions from a mysterious “Mr. X” whose identity remains undetermined.

Although prosecutors sought 18-year sentences for Coskun and Tupou plus 17 years for Jenson, the judicial panel slightly reduced these terms. Presiding Judge Wayan Suarta acknowledged the defendants’ lack of criminal history and cooperative behavior during investigation and trial, while simultaneously recognizing the profound trauma inflicted upon victims’ families.

“They are still young and have the chance to improve themselves in the future,” Judge Suarta emphasized, clarifying that “punishment is not intended as revenge, nor to degrade their dignity, but as a preventive measure so similar acts do not occur again.”

9 3 月, 2026
Who is Mojtaba Khamenei, Iran’s new supreme leader?

The passing of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei during Ramadan has created a pivotal moment in the nation’s history, potentially reshaping the Islamic Republic’s future trajectory. His anticipated successor, son Mojtaba Khamenei, embodies both continuity and contradiction within the revolutionary system established in 1979.

Mojtaba Khamenei, a cleric who has operated predominantly behind the scenes, has cultivated influence through his position within the Office of the Supreme Leader rather than through public political office. His career has been characterized by his role as a powerbroker and gatekeeper rather than as a visible political figure. Beginning with brief military service during the Iran-Iraq war at age 17, he gradually emerged into public awareness during the late 1990s as his father’s authority solidified.

His political identity rests on two foundational pillars: deep connections with Iran’s security apparatus, particularly the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), and steadfast opposition to reformist policies and Western engagement. Critics associate him with the suppression of protests following the contested 2009 presidential election and suggest he has exercised influence over state media narratives. These affiliations led to his sanctioning by the Trump administration in 2019 for allegedly operating in an official capacity without formal government position.

The constitutional process for selecting a new supreme leader falls to the Assembly of Experts, an 88-member clerical body that evaluates candidates based on religious, political, and leadership qualifications. However, the assembly’s neutrality is questionable, as its members undergo vetting processes influenced by the supreme leader’s circle, and its deliberations remain opaque. This creates a system where formal procedures mask underlying power dynamics.

Mojtaba’s religious credentials have been a subject of scrutiny. Traditionally requiring significant religious standing, he only attained the necessary title of ayatollah in 2022—a promotion widely interpreted as grooming for succession. This development appears contradictory to the revolution’s anti-dynastic founding principles, potentially transforming the Islamic Republic’s image from a system of jurist guardianship toward a theocratic monarchy.

The circumstances of Ali Khamenei’s death during Ramadan carry profound religious significance within Shia Islam, evoking historical parallels to the assassination of Imam Ali ibn Abi Talib during Ramadan in 661 CE. This context could bolster narratives of martyrdom and resistance, potentially enhancing Mojtaba’s religious legitimacy through association with these powerful symbolic traditions.

Analysts suggest that a transition to Mojtaba Khamenei would likely reinforce existing security-oriented policies rather than produce dramatic ideological shifts. His leadership style is expected to emphasize closer alignment with the IRGC, hardened domestic control, and tactical rather than transformative engagement with Western powers. The manner of his father’s death in airstrikes attributed to US-Israeli operations would likely intensify confrontational posturing toward both nations, though pragmatic considerations would continue to guide decisions affecting regime survival.

9 3 月, 2026
S. Korean stocks open sharply lower amid lingering Middle East conflict, global oil price surge

South Korea’s financial markets experienced a severe downturn at Monday’s opening bell as escalating Middle East conflicts and surging global oil prices triggered widespread investor panic. The benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index (KOSPI) plummeted dramatically, shedding 319.5 points to reach 5,265.37—representing a staggering 5.72 percent decline within minutes of trading commencement.

The market collapse stems primarily from energy security concerns after West Texas Intermediate crude, the US benchmark, breached the $100 per barrel threshold on Sunday. This marks the first time oil prices have reached this critical level since July 2022, creating ripple effects across global financial markets. Investor confidence has been severely undermined by the combination of geopolitical instability and commodity price volatility, forcing a massive sell-off across multiple sectors.

Financial analysts attribute this sharp correction to the compound effect of prolonged Middle Eastern tensions finally manifesting in energy markets. The price surge indicates growing market anticipation of potential supply disruptions should regional conflicts intensify further. South Korea, as a major energy-importing nation, faces particular vulnerability to these price movements, which directly impact production costs and corporate profitability.

The market’s reaction demonstrates how geopolitical events in one region can trigger immediate financial consequences across global markets. Trading volumes surged dramatically during the opening session as institutional investors moved to limit exposure to energy-sensitive stocks while retail investors joined the selling frenzy. Market regulators are monitoring the situation closely for any signs of abnormal trading patterns or liquidity issues that might require intervention.

9 3 月, 2026
Guangdong remains at forefront of opening-up

Guangdong Province is positioning itself at the vanguard of China’s next phase of economic transformation through comprehensive reforms and expanded global engagement. During the National People’s Congress deliberations, provincial leadership outlined an ambitious roadmap for the 15th Five-Year Plan period (2026-30) that leverages the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area’s development momentum to create a globally competitive economic hub.

Huang Kunming, Guangdong Party Secretary and NPC deputy, revealed the province has achieved remarkable technological advancement with R&D intensity reaching 3.6% across all sectors. This investment has spawned multiple trillion-yuan industrial clusters, including a 300-billion-yuan core artificial intelligence industry. The province now aims to cultivate additional trillion and multi-trillion-yuan clusters in cutting-edge fields including 6G technology, low-altitude economy, embodied intelligence, and quantum technology.

Building on the successful co-hosting of the 15th National Games with Hong Kong and Macao, Guangdong will intensify regional cooperation to accelerate development of a world-class urban cluster. Huang emphasized the maturation of collaboration frameworks, particularly noting the “abundant advantages, ample opportunities and vast potential” for developing the Guangdong-Macao In-Depth Cooperation Zone in Hengqin.

Governor Meng Fanli highlighted Guangdong’s unique position as home to China’s largest population, highest economic output, greatest number of market entities, and widest range of application scenarios. The province will prioritize high-quality development of its service sector to drive industrial and economic growth while supporting manufacturing advancement.

A significant international opportunity emerges with Shenzhen’s hosting of the APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting in November. Mayor Qin Weizhong stated the city is accelerating its transformation into a globally influential economic center, with plans to upgrade international infrastructure, broaden global partnerships, and strengthen cooperation in artificial intelligence, new energy, and green transformation. The APEC meeting is expected to provide powerful momentum for Shenzhen’s reform and innovation-driven development, enhancing its global competitiveness and accelerating its emergence as a world-class metropolis.

9 3 月, 2026
Australia urges diplomats’ families to evacuate UAE

The Australian government has issued an emergency directive for the immediate evacuation of diplomatic dependents from the United Arab Emirates, citing rapidly deteriorating security conditions across the Middle East region. Foreign Affairs Minister Penny Wong announced the decisive measure through an official statement released on social media platform X during Sunday evening.

This evacuation order follows concerning developments in regional security dynamics. UAE authorities reported extensive targeting of national infrastructure and civilian areas by over 1,400 ballistic missiles and drone strikes originating from Iran. These attacks have resulted in confirmed civilian casualties, though specific numbers remain undisclosed.

The current evacuation represents an escalation of previous travel advisories. On February 28, Australian officials had initially recommended all citizens consider departing the UAE. Minister Wong confirmed that government resources are now actively facilitating the departure of Australians seeking to leave the country.

According to recent demographic assessments, approximately 24,000 Australian citizens were registered as residing in the UAE at the beginning of March, with an estimated 115,000 Australians spread throughout the broader Middle Eastern region. The evacuation specifically targets family members of diplomatic personnel, indicating heightened concerns about potential further escalation in regional hostilities.

The Australian government’s decision reflects growing international apprehension about the expanding scope of conflict in the Middle East and its potential impact on previously stable regional hubs like the UAE, which has traditionally maintained relative security amidst regional tensions.

9 3 月, 2026
China’s opening-up sends positive signal: Analysts

Amid growing fragility in global trade frameworks, China’s reaffirmed commitment to market liberalization is emerging as a stabilizing force for the world economy, according to international analysts. The policy direction, outlined in the Government Work Report presented to China’s national legislature on March 5, 2026, emphasizes substantial expansion of market access, particularly within the services sector.

Professor Seo Chang-bae, honorary president of the Korean-Chinese Association of Social Science Studies at Pukyong National University, characterized China’s announcement as strategically significant. “Given the substantial uncertainties created by the weakening World Trade Organization framework,” Seo noted, “China’s decision to further broaden market accessibility will positively influence international economic collaboration and reinforce global supply chain resilience.”

The initiative includes pioneering liberalization trials across multiple high-value sectors: value-added telecommunications, biotechnology, fully foreign-owned medical facilities, and accelerated progression toward joining the Digital Economy Partnership Agreement (DEPA). This digital trade pact, currently comprising Chile, New Zealand, Singapore, and South Korea, facilitates enhanced digital commerce and connectivity among member nations. China formally applied for DEPA membership in 2021.

While applauding the directional shift, Seo emphasized that tangible outcomes would depend on effective implementation mechanisms rather than policy announcements alone.

Concurrently, economic observers are analyzing China’s moderated growth projections. Suan Teck Kin, Head of Research and Executive Director at United Overseas Bank’s Global Economics and Markets Research division, interpreted China’s 2026 growth target of 4.5-5% as indicative of economic maturation. “This reflects a strategic transition from pursuing aggressive expansion to targeting an appropriate range that prioritizes qualitative development over quantitative metrics,” Suan explained.

The challenging global environment, characterized by rapidly evolving trade rules, makes ambitious GDP targets particularly difficult for major economies like China to achieve, he added.

For ASEAN member states, China’s market opening presents significant opportunities. “As emerging economies, ASEAN nations require technological support, investment, and infrastructure development,” Suan observed. “This creates natural synergies for bilateral business cooperation.”

The proposed pilot program for wholly foreign-owned hospitals particularly interests Suan, who noted China’s advancements in medical technology and research could foster mutually beneficial partnerships and knowledge exchange in the healthcare sector.

9 3 月, 2026