He loves to show off his muscles and loudly proclaims himself the strongest man in the world. No one can defeat him—he stands in a league of his own.
Then he steps into the ring and promises the audience a quick technical knockout. But the days pass, and nothing happens. The bout has now dragged on for nearly three weeks, and the muscleman is crying out for help.
Donald Trump’s plea over the weekend spread across the world at lightning speed, but no helping hands came back. Britain’s Prime Minister, Keir Starmer, says the UK does not wish to be drawn into a wider war in Iran. Germany says the same: “This is not our war.” France maintains a significant naval presence in the region, yet President Emmanuel Macron stresses that its measures are defensive and that France will not engage in combat operations.
onsdag 18. mars 2026
China Covers 1 Billion People With Basic Medical Insurance
Health care coverage in China continued its steady expansion last year, with more than 1.3 billion people enrolled in medical insurance, according to official data.
The country of 1.4 billion has made major public health gains over recent decades as rising incomes have lifted hundreds of millions out of poverty, pushing average life expectancy to 79 in 2024, on par with the United States. But benefits remain limited, funding varies by province, private care plays a growing role, and access gaps persist, especially between urban and rural areas.
The country of 1.4 billion has made major public health gains over recent decades as rising incomes have lifted hundreds of millions out of poverty, pushing average life expectancy to 79 in 2024, on par with the United States. But benefits remain limited, funding varies by province, private care plays a growing role, and access gaps persist, especially between urban and rural areas.
China’s medical insurance system, comprising public basic insurance and supplementary private coverage, covered 1.33 billion people, or about 95 percent of the population, at the end of 2025, according to a report released Monday by the country's National Healthcare Security Administration.
Xi Jinping’s anticorruption drive sweeps up senior Chinese military chiefs
As thousands of Chinese government officials gathered in Beijing for China’s annual legislative meetings known as the “two sessions” this month, at least a dozen active and retired military officers were absent from the proceedings. Among the absentees was General Zhang Youxia, who has been under investigation since late January for “suspected serious violations of discipline and law”, according to China’s state Xinhua news agency.
Zhang is one of the highest-ranking officials to be caught up in a wider anticorruption sweep that has become a hallmark of Xi Jinping’s long tenure as president and chairman of the Chinese Communist Party.
Xi launched the initiative shortly after rising to power in 2012, setting off an “unprecedented anticorruption storm” that targeted “both high-flying ‘tigers’ and lower-level ‘flies'” across China’s state, military, and Communist Party apparatus, according to a Xinhua report last year.
Zhang is one of the highest-ranking officials to be caught up in a wider anticorruption sweep that has become a hallmark of Xi Jinping’s long tenure as president and chairman of the Chinese Communist Party.
Xi launched the initiative shortly after rising to power in 2012, setting off an “unprecedented anticorruption storm” that targeted “both high-flying ‘tigers’ and lower-level ‘flies'” across China’s state, military, and Communist Party apparatus, according to a Xinhua report last year.
China Issues Warning to Trump as Upcoming Trip Delayed
Beijing's international trade representative warned Monday that President Donald Trump's latest moves on tariffs could harm the trade relationship between the two countries, hours before the U.S. president said he wanted to postpone his visit to China later this month.
Speaking in Paris, Li Chenggang said there was serious concern from the Chinese side over the Trump administration's trade investigations into manufacturing in foreign countries. “We are concerned that the possible results of such investigations may interfere with or damage the hard-won and stable China-U.S. economic and trade relations,” Li told reporters after high-level talks.
Meanwhile, officials in the Trump administration said the president might delay his trip to China because of the ongoing Iran war. Later Monday, Trump confirmed he wanted the trip delayed by a month or so.
Speaking in Paris, Li Chenggang said there was serious concern from the Chinese side over the Trump administration's trade investigations into manufacturing in foreign countries. “We are concerned that the possible results of such investigations may interfere with or damage the hard-won and stable China-U.S. economic and trade relations,” Li told reporters after high-level talks.
Meanwhile, officials in the Trump administration said the president might delay his trip to China because of the ongoing Iran war. Later Monday, Trump confirmed he wanted the trip delayed by a month or so.
Tencent’s 2025 revenue beats estimates as Chinese tech giant ramps up AI investment
Tencent on Wednesday reported full-year revenue that topped analyst predictions, as the Chinese tech giant continues to ramp up investments in AI. Here’s how Tencent did in its full-year earnings for 2025:Revenue: 751.8 billion Chinese yuan ($109 billion), surpassing the 750.7 billion Chinese yuan expected by analysts, according to data compiled by LSEG.
“We sustained healthy growth rates in 2025, as AI capabilities improved our ad targeting and supported more engagement with our games, and as our cloud business delivered improving revenue growth and profit at scale,” Ma Huateng, Chairman and CEO of Tencent, said in a statement. “Our highly resilient and cash-generative core businesses provide us with the resources to fund our increasing investments in AI, including recruiting top-tier AI talent and upgrading our AI infrastructure.”
“We sustained healthy growth rates in 2025, as AI capabilities improved our ad targeting and supported more engagement with our games, and as our cloud business delivered improving revenue growth and profit at scale,” Ma Huateng, Chairman and CEO of Tencent, said in a statement. “Our highly resilient and cash-generative core businesses provide us with the resources to fund our increasing investments in AI, including recruiting top-tier AI talent and upgrading our AI infrastructure.”
Myanmar parliament dominated by pro-military party convenes after 5 years
Myanmar’s parliament has convened for the first time since the 2021 coup after recent elections saw the pro-military party winning most of the seats as major opposition parties were barred from running.
The opening of the new parliament on Monday followed phased elections in December and January, which the pro-military Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP) dominated amid low voter turnout and no viable opposition.A quarter of the available seats in the upper and lower houses – 166 seats – were reserved for the military, and the USDP won 339 of the rest. Twenty-one other parties won from one to 20 seats each.
During Monday’s session, Khin Yi, the chairman of the military-backed USDP, was elected speaker of the lower house. He is a former general and police chief, widely regarded as a close ally of Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, Myanmar’s military ruler.
The opening of the new parliament on Monday followed phased elections in December and January, which the pro-military Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP) dominated amid low voter turnout and no viable opposition.A quarter of the available seats in the upper and lower houses – 166 seats – were reserved for the military, and the USDP won 339 of the rest. Twenty-one other parties won from one to 20 seats each.
During Monday’s session, Khin Yi, the chairman of the military-backed USDP, was elected speaker of the lower house. He is a former general and police chief, widely regarded as a close ally of Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, Myanmar’s military ruler.
Iran war overlaps with Afghanistan-Pakistan conflict
While international attention is focused on the war between Iran, Israel, and the United States, an "open war" is escalating between nearby Afghanistan and Pakistan, which could have a strategic ripple effect throughout the region.
Taliban rulers in Afghanistan on Tuesday accused Pakistan of carrying out an airstrike that killed at least 400 people at a drug treatment hospital in Kabul late Monday. Afghan officials said the strike hit the 2,000-bed rehabilitation facility at around 9 p.m. local time (1630 GMT), causing extensive damage and leaving hundreds wounded, in a major escalation of the weekslong cross-border fighting between the neighbors.
Islamabad denied targeting civilian infrastructure, saying its armed forces carried out "precision airstrikes" that aimed at "military installations and terrorist support infrastructure" in Kabul and eastern Nangarhar province. That is according to Attaullah Tarar, the country's information minister.
Taliban rulers in Afghanistan on Tuesday accused Pakistan of carrying out an airstrike that killed at least 400 people at a drug treatment hospital in Kabul late Monday. Afghan officials said the strike hit the 2,000-bed rehabilitation facility at around 9 p.m. local time (1630 GMT), causing extensive damage and leaving hundreds wounded, in a major escalation of the weekslong cross-border fighting between the neighbors.
Islamabad denied targeting civilian infrastructure, saying its armed forces carried out "precision airstrikes" that aimed at "military installations and terrorist support infrastructure" in Kabul and eastern Nangarhar province. That is according to Attaullah Tarar, the country's information minister.
Iran’s chokehold on Hormuz threatens India’s beloved samosas and chai
Iran’s chokehold on the Strait of Hormuz has sparked global fears of fuel pumps running dry, but in India, it’s also leaving a bad taste in the mouth of some restaurateurs and street stall diners, with samosas off the menu and the ubiquitous chai lacking its usual aroma in parts of the country.
The world’s fastest-growing major economy imports about 85% of its liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) from the Middle East, much of it used in cooking food for its 1.4 billion people. With supplies impacted by the US-Israel war with Iran, the government has begun diverting the precious fuel away from industrial users, like canteens, hotels and restaurants, to keep flames alight on household stoves.
The world’s fastest-growing major economy imports about 85% of its liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) from the Middle East, much of it used in cooking food for its 1.4 billion people. With supplies impacted by the US-Israel war with Iran, the government has begun diverting the precious fuel away from industrial users, like canteens, hotels and restaurants, to keep flames alight on household stoves.
North Korea watches and learns as US attacks Iran
North Korea quickly condemned military attacks on Iran, its long-time ally in the Middle East, and analysts suggest that Pyongyang will be looking for military and diplomatic weaknesses and tactical errors from Washington. One of the most valuable lessons from events since the first US and Israeli missiles were launched into Iran on February 28, is that retaining nuclear weapons is critical to the survival of the regime led by Kim Jong Un.
Pyongyang can use the threat of its nuclear arsenal, combined with advancements in ballistic missile technology, both as leverage in negotiations and to ensure that the US would need to risk nuclear war to topple the regime.
In February, Kim said North Korea's "status as a nuclear-armed country plays an important role in deterring enemies' potential threats and maintaining regional stability," according to a statement carried by the state-run KCNA broadcaster.
Pyongyang can use the threat of its nuclear arsenal, combined with advancements in ballistic missile technology, both as leverage in negotiations and to ensure that the US would need to risk nuclear war to topple the regime.
In February, Kim said North Korea's "status as a nuclear-armed country plays an important role in deterring enemies' potential threats and maintaining regional stability," according to a statement carried by the state-run KCNA broadcaster.
Can American car companies survive American politics?
The Biden administration was all in on electric vehicles. The Trump administration is all but hostile to them. Ford used to call the transition to EVs a new Model T moment. Now it’s regrouping, taking a $19.5 billion hit and pulling back from the revolution. GM is also retreating from its plans for EVs. Chrysler is hitting the “reset” button.
Meanwhile, innovation in China has many wondering whether US companies will be left behind, assuming consumers do ultimately pivot away from internal combustion engines. China’s government formulated a plan for its auto industry and has stuck to it. The US government, in successive elections, has done the opposite of that. And now President Donald Trump has begun a war on Iran, which is spiking the price of gasoline.
Meanwhile, innovation in China has many wondering whether US companies will be left behind, assuming consumers do ultimately pivot away from internal combustion engines. China’s government formulated a plan for its auto industry and has stuck to it. The US government, in successive elections, has done the opposite of that. And now President Donald Trump has begun a war on Iran, which is spiking the price of gasoline.
tirsdag 17. mars 2026
Torbjørn Færøvik: The Ancient Faith That Still Burns in Iran
I travelled by bus across Iran to seek out the world’s most famous fire temple – and I found it. The city of Yazd lies in the central part of the country and looks as if it has grown out of the sand itself.
“Here you will find a fire that has burned uninterrupted since the year 470,” my guidebook told me.
My anticipation grew with every mile until the city finally appeared with its low mud-brick houses. In the evening sun the unruly settlement took on a warm yellow-brown glow. “The city has half a million inhabitants and is surrounded by salt flats and stony deserts,” I read further. That last part was perfectly true.
“Why have you come here?” the hotel receptionist asked.
“Because I want to see the sacred fire.”
Early the next morning I set out for Atash Behram, as the temple is called; it means “Fire of Victory.” Before Iran was conquered by Islam in the seventh century, the inhabitants followed Zarathustra. He is believed to have lived more than 2,500 years ago and made fire the centre of people’s religious life. The religion he founded was even the state religion for around a thousand years.
“Here you will find a fire that has burned uninterrupted since the year 470,” my guidebook told me.
My anticipation grew with every mile until the city finally appeared with its low mud-brick houses. In the evening sun the unruly settlement took on a warm yellow-brown glow. “The city has half a million inhabitants and is surrounded by salt flats and stony deserts,” I read further. That last part was perfectly true.
“Why have you come here?” the hotel receptionist asked.
“Because I want to see the sacred fire.”
Early the next morning I set out for Atash Behram, as the temple is called; it means “Fire of Victory.” Before Iran was conquered by Islam in the seventh century, the inhabitants followed Zarathustra. He is believed to have lived more than 2,500 years ago and made fire the centre of people’s religious life. The religion he founded was even the state religion for around a thousand years.
Japan’s Takaichi faces Iran war test at Trump summit Thursday
Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s visit to the United States for a summit with President Donald Trump on March 19 was never going to be easy. Now, with Trump calling upon Japan and other countries to send warships to ensure safe passage for ships through the Strait of Hormuz, she increasingly faces a no-win situation.
“No decision has been made whatsoever regarding the dispatch of escort vessels,” Takaichi said Monday at a Budget Committee meeting in the upper House of Councillors. “We are currently examining what Japan can do independently and what is possible within the legal framework.”“
Legally speaking, this is very difficult,” she said. “We are carefully examining what can be done within the scope of current laws and what is the best course of action at this time. At the same time, we are continuing to engage with Iran to help deescalate the situation while also exchanging information with various countries.” It bears mentioning that Japan has diplomatic relations with Iran.
“No decision has been made whatsoever regarding the dispatch of escort vessels,” Takaichi said Monday at a Budget Committee meeting in the upper House of Councillors. “We are currently examining what Japan can do independently and what is possible within the legal framework.”“
Legally speaking, this is very difficult,” she said. “We are carefully examining what can be done within the scope of current laws and what is the best course of action at this time. At the same time, we are continuing to engage with Iran to help deescalate the situation while also exchanging information with various countries.” It bears mentioning that Japan has diplomatic relations with Iran.
What Trump’s Hormuz coalition call really means for China
Trump called on China and several other countries over the weekend to join his proposed naval coalition for securing freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz amid the ongoing Iran war.
He then told the Financial Times the following day that “I think China should help too because China gets 90% of its oil from the Straits [sic]…We’d like to know before [my trip to China at month’s end]. It’s [two weeks is] a long time. We may delay.” This substantially raises the stakes of his demand. If China doesn’t comply and Trump delays his trip, the fragile Sino-US trade truce could unravel, worsening the global economic uncertainty caused by the oil crisis. On the other hand, compliance would lend legitimacy to his proposed naval coalition and likely be seen by Iran as hostile.
Iran has already clarified that the strait is closed only to unfriendly countries – a category that presently does not include China – and a proposal was also reportedly floated for China to begin paying for Iranian oil with yuan.
He then told the Financial Times the following day that “I think China should help too because China gets 90% of its oil from the Straits [sic]…We’d like to know before [my trip to China at month’s end]. It’s [two weeks is] a long time. We may delay.” This substantially raises the stakes of his demand. If China doesn’t comply and Trump delays his trip, the fragile Sino-US trade truce could unravel, worsening the global economic uncertainty caused by the oil crisis. On the other hand, compliance would lend legitimacy to his proposed naval coalition and likely be seen by Iran as hostile.
Iran has already clarified that the strait is closed only to unfriendly countries – a category that presently does not include China – and a proposal was also reportedly floated for China to begin paying for Iranian oil with yuan.
Gulf crisis to strengthen, not weaken, China’s industrial edge
Geopolitical crises rarely produce only short-term economic shocks. More often they reshape how governments think about long-term economic security and industrial resilience. A serious disruption in the Persian Gulf could therefore have consequences far beyond temporary oil price spikes.
When such instability coincides with the rapid expansion of artificial intelligence-driven economies, policymakers are forced to reconsider how their industries will be powered in the future. In a world increasingly defined by electricity-intensive technologies, China’s ability to supply large, reliable and affordable power systems will gain a strategic advantage.
When such instability coincides with the rapid expansion of artificial intelligence-driven economies, policymakers are forced to reconsider how their industries will be powered in the future. In a world increasingly defined by electricity-intensive technologies, China’s ability to supply large, reliable and affordable power systems will gain a strategic advantage.
How China’s analysts view the US-Iran war
The United States and Israel launched a “pre-emptive” joint missile attack on Iran on Feb. 28, in what has been described as “the largest regional concentration of American military firepower in a generation.”Named Operation Epic Fury, the strikes followed “dissatisfaction” with the progress of nuclear talks with Iran, spiraling into “decapitation” attacks that killed most of Iran’s top leadership within 48 hours, including Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.
Iran launched a fierce retaliation in response, vowing “no leniency.” Initially believed to end in weeks, US President Donald Trump now says the war will end when he “feels it in (his) bones.”
As the conflict escalates, eyes have turned to China, which inked a US$400 billion deal with Iran in 2021. While criticizing a war that should “never have happened,” China clarified its official stance as “objective and impartial,” upholding “non-interference” in international affairs.
Iran launched a fierce retaliation in response, vowing “no leniency.” Initially believed to end in weeks, US President Donald Trump now says the war will end when he “feels it in (his) bones.”
As the conflict escalates, eyes have turned to China, which inked a US$400 billion deal with Iran in 2021. While criticizing a war that should “never have happened,” China clarified its official stance as “objective and impartial,” upholding “non-interference” in international affairs.
China: 'Ethnic unity' law sparks fears of forced integration
Critics see the law as allowing authorities in Beijing more room to frame ethnic groups' demands for cultural autonomy as a push towards "separatism." China's National People's Congress (NPC) last week approved by an overwhelming majority a law that had been submitted to the legislature three years ago: the Law Promoting Ethnic Unity and Progress. There were 2,756 votes in favor of this "ethnic unity" law, three abstentions and three votes against.
Some 442 delegates from ethnic minority groups took part in the vote, accounting for around 14% of all members of parliament. Beijing claims the law will promote national unity, and eliminate the disadvantages faced by ethnic groups in social life.
China, a multi-ethnic state of 1.4 billion people, officially recognizes 56 ethnic groups. Fifty-five of them are classified as "minorities" because the largest group — the Han Chinese — makes up 92 % of the population, with just under 1.2 billion people.
Some 442 delegates from ethnic minority groups took part in the vote, accounting for around 14% of all members of parliament. Beijing claims the law will promote national unity, and eliminate the disadvantages faced by ethnic groups in social life.
China, a multi-ethnic state of 1.4 billion people, officially recognizes 56 ethnic groups. Fifty-five of them are classified as "minorities" because the largest group — the Han Chinese — makes up 92 % of the population, with just under 1.2 billion people.
US-China trade talks 'stable' despite mutual accusations
Top trade officials from the US and China were set to conclude their two-day summit in Paris on Monday, with officials telling Reuters news agency that the discussions had been "remarkably stable" despite barbs from both camps on the sidelines of the talks.
Earlier in the day, French news agency AFP reported that Beijing had accused Washington of "erroneous" claims that China tacitly condones forced labor. The US has even launched an official investigation into the matter. The Chinese Foreign Ministry said the probe was "discriminatory" and nothing more than an attempt at "trade manipulation."
At the same time, President Donald Trump threatened to delay a summit with Chinese leader Xi Jinping planned for later this month unless Xi agrees to help unblock the Strait of Hormuz. Traffic in the key waterway for oil tankers has come to an almost complete standstill due to the US and Israel-led war on Iran. Beijing relies on oil from the Middle East for much of its energy.
Earlier in the day, French news agency AFP reported that Beijing had accused Washington of "erroneous" claims that China tacitly condones forced labor. The US has even launched an official investigation into the matter. The Chinese Foreign Ministry said the probe was "discriminatory" and nothing more than an attempt at "trade manipulation."
At the same time, President Donald Trump threatened to delay a summit with Chinese leader Xi Jinping planned for later this month unless Xi agrees to help unblock the Strait of Hormuz. Traffic in the key waterway for oil tankers has come to an almost complete standstill due to the US and Israel-led war on Iran. Beijing relies on oil from the Middle East for much of its energy.
South Korea uneasy as US moves air defenses to Middle East
Reports indicate the US is redeploying some Patriot and THAAD air defense batteries from South Korea to the Middle East. The move comes as Pyongyang continues saber rattling.
North Korea fired a salvo of 10 ballistic missiles into the Sea of Japan on Saturday, highlighting the need for South Korea to retain a credible missile defense. Unfortunately, the launch coincides with reports that the US is withdrawing some missile defense systems from South Korea to enhance its capabilities in the Middle East amid the ongoing war with Iran.
Citing US officials, The Washington Post reported on March 9 that the Pentagon was transferring Patriot and Terminal High-Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) anti-missile batteries from US Forces Korea (USFK) to the Middle East. South Korean media have also reported on an unusually high number of flights by US military transport aircraft from Osan Air Base, although the US is remaining tight-lipped about its actions.
North Korea fired a salvo of 10 ballistic missiles into the Sea of Japan on Saturday, highlighting the need for South Korea to retain a credible missile defense. Unfortunately, the launch coincides with reports that the US is withdrawing some missile defense systems from South Korea to enhance its capabilities in the Middle East amid the ongoing war with Iran.
Citing US officials, The Washington Post reported on March 9 that the Pentagon was transferring Patriot and Terminal High-Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) anti-missile batteries from US Forces Korea (USFK) to the Middle East. South Korean media have also reported on an unusually high number of flights by US military transport aircraft from Osan Air Base, although the US is remaining tight-lipped about its actions.
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