In other news

China’s state-owned Comac has bid for a majority stake (at least 51%) in Lao Airlines, aiming to overhaul the loss-making carrier in exchange for committing to use Comac jets. The proposal, pending Lao government approval, follows an October 2024 MoU and an audit of Lao Airlines’ finances. Lao Airlines has already leased its first Comac C909, now operating domestically with plans for Laos–China routes. The move aligns with Comac’s broader push in Southeast Asia—similar to its deal with Indonesia’s TransNusa—as it seeks to build credibility, win regional market share, and eventually challenge Airbus and Boeing globally.

SCMP highlights seven recent stories: China has begun mass production and large-scale deployment of the world’s first non-binary AI chips, combining binary and probabilistic logic to bypass US restrictions and power critical sectors like aviation and industry. Interest grows around China’s next-gen stealth fighters, the J-36 and J-50, which surfaced unexpectedly late last year. DJI, the top drone maker, is entering home robotics with a vacuum–mop robot called DJI ROMO, reportedly in development for four years and launching this month.

Two Chinese University of Michigan scholars, Han Chengxuan and Jian Yunqing, agreed to remain jailed without bond while facing federal charges for allegedly smuggling biological material into the US. The decision follows heightened flight-risk concerns after another UM Chinese national, Haoxiang Gao, allegedly fled the country despite surrendering his passport; Gao is accused of illegal voting in the 2024 election. The cases are among four recent federal prosecutions involving Chinese nationals with UM ties and come amid Trump administration plans to revoke Chinese student visas, prompting worries about potential Chinese government efforts targeting US agriculture and elections. Han appeared in court in restraints, speaking only through a Mandarin interpreter.

Europe is watching from the sidelines as the US and China hold high-stakes talks in Geneva and London that could reshape global trade. While temporary easing measures have steadied markets, EU officials are anxiously parsing signals from Washington and Beijing to understand the impact on Europe’s trade ties. The situation highlights the EU’s vulnerability to decisions by the two superpowers, with former EU business leader in China Joerg Wuttke likening Europe to a victim caught between “two elephants trampling on global trade.” Hopes in Brussels rose after the US signaled a likely extension of a pause on 50% “reciprocal tariffs” on EU goods beyond the July 9 deadline, but Europe remains largely reactive to the US-China dynamic.

Hong Kong’s growing gig economy highlights the trade-off between high earnings and minimal protections for platform workers. Food delivery couriers like John Lam can earn HK$45,000–50,000 a month with long hours, but face safety risks and lack benefits such as sick leave, annual leave, and pensions due to contractor status. Workers are calling for regulation and employee recognition to secure basic labor protections. The Hong Kong government says it will introduce proposals within the year to enhance rights and benefits for platform workers, signaling potential reforms but leaving questions about scope and implementation.

Japan lodged protests after a Chinese J-15 from the carrier Shandong repeatedly made “abnormal approaches” to a Japanese P-3C patrol aircraft over the Pacific, at times flying as close as 45 metres with no altitude separation and crossing 900 metres ahead of its path. Tokyo warned the maneuvers risk accidental collisions and escalation, releasing photos and urging Beijing to prevent repeats. China’s Foreign Ministry said its activities comply with international law and blamed Japan’s close-in reconnaissance for creating security risks. Analysts cited in the report view the actions as threats that heighten regional tensions.

China’s top baijiu maker Kweichow Moutai is aligning with Beijing’s renewed austerity drive, distancing itself from lavish official banquets and extravagant drinking. Management pledged vigilance against corruption and emphasized cultural, health, and harmony themes. Stricter spending rules for officials have removed Moutai from government functions, squeezing margins and curbing a key demand channel for the 1.86 trillion yuan company, though it has limited options to counter the impact given the political climate and its historical association with elite consumption.

Archaeologists from Dartmouth College and the Zhejiang Provincial Institute of Cultural Relics and Archaeology report evidence from two early Neolithic sites in China’s Yangtze Delta indicating pigs were domesticated around 8,000 years ago. Published in PNAS, the study shows wild boar (Sus scrofa) were consuming humans’ cooked foods and waste, linking pig domestication with the rise of rice farming and settled communities. The findings challenge the conventional view that pig domestication began in the Near East, suggesting an independent domestication center in southern China.

Brazil plans to auction exploration rights for 172 oil and gas blocks covering 56,000 square miles—including 47 in the sensitive Amazon basin—just months before hosting Cop30. The move, backed by President Lula to boost production and fund the energy transition, faces strong opposition from environmental groups, Indigenous communities, prosecutors, and even oil workers’ unions, who cite inadequate environmental assessments, Indigenous rights violations, and climate incompatibility. Instituto ClimaInfo estimates potential emissions of over 11 billion tonnes CO2e from the blocks if developed; critics call the sale a “doomsday auction.” The IEA warns new fields are incompatible with net zero goals, and opponents stress the Amazon’s tipping-point risks and lack of proper consultation.

Canada and India are set to announce an intelligence-sharing deal focused on terrorism, extremism, and transnational crime during the G7 summit in Canada, signaling a major thaw after a bitter dispute over the 2023 killing of Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar. The move comes as Prime Minister Mark Carney seeks to recalibrate ties with India despite ongoing legal proceedings and political backlash at home. Canada reportedly pushed for cooperation on extrajudicial killing investigations. Tensions had escalated after Canada alleged the Indian government orchestrated Nijjar’s murder, prompting mutual diplomatic expulsions and a halt to Indian visas. New revelations also suggest a suspected Indian agent surveilled former NDP leader Jagmeet Singh, intensifying concerns within Canada’s Sikh community.

The family of Lidiane Vieira Frazão, a 35-year-old Black woman from Rio de Janeiro who died from Covid-19 22 days after giving birth in 2020, is suing the city of Rio for negligence and mistreatment at state-run hospitals. The lawsuit alleges she was denied timely testing and care, misdiagnosed despite breathing difficulties, and not identified as high risk during pregnancy, reflecting systemic failures exacerbated by Bolsonaro-era Covid denialism and the absence of policies for pregnant women. Advocates say her case exemplifies Brazil’s high maternal death toll during the pandemic, disproportionately affecting Black women, and argue it constitutes “obstetric racism.” The suit seeks compensation, a lifelong pension, and formal recognition of state responsibility; the city says the events occurred under a prior administration and pledges cooperation.

A Paris appeals court ordered the conditional release of Christian Tein, a Kanak pro-independence leader from New Caledonia detained since June 2024 over deadly riots that killed more than a dozen people. Tein denies instigating the violence and calls himself a political prisoner. He must remain in eastern France, avoid contact with other suspects, and not return to New Caledonia; prosecutors have appealed. His lawyer called the decision a first victory and framed the case as part of a UN-followed decolonization issue.

A Kenyan police officer, Constable James Mukhwana, has appeared in court over the death of teacher Albert Ojwang, who died in Nairobi police custody two days after being arrested for criticizing a senior police official online. IPOA seeks to detain Mukhwana for 21 days as investigations continue; a ruling is due 20 June. An autopsy contradicted initial police claims that Ojwang hit his head on a cell wall, finding injuries consistent with assault. Five officers have been removed from active duty, and the police chief apologized for earlier misinformation. Ojwang’s death has sparked protests in Nairobi, with police using teargas, and has intensified scrutiny of police brutality in Kenya. President William Ruto condemned the death, saying Ojwang died “at the hands of the police,” and ordered full cooperation with the investigation.

New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon will visit China next week for his first trip since taking office, meeting President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Qiang to discuss trade and broader bilateral, regional, and global issues. The visit follows an open letter from former NZ leaders, including Helen Clark and Sir Geoffrey Palmer, urging Luxon not to align New Zealand with US-led defence arrangements such as Aukus Pillar Two that are “explicitly aimed at China,” warning it could jeopardize NZ’s key trade relationship. Foreign minister Winston Peters dismissed the letter, while the government has adopted a tougher security posture, citing rising regional tensions and nearly doubling defence spending.

The murder of 30-year-old Olorato Mongale in Johannesburg, allegedly by a man she met for a date, has intensified anger over South Africa’s high femicide rates. Police say suspects linked to her case posed as suitors in a romance scam targeting women, with over 20 victims coming forward; one suspect was killed by police and another is at large. South Africa records some of the world’s highest femicide levels, with 5,578 women murdered in the year to March 2024. Activists cite the country’s violent history, poverty, and harmful gender norms as drivers, and are demanding the government declare gender-based violence and femicide a national disaster. While laws exist, experts stress broader social change is needed. Mongale, a former journalist and master’s student, is remembered as vibrant and accomplished, deepening public grief and urgency.

Early June saw record-breaking heat across Europe and China. Portugal hit 40.5C and parts of Spain exceeded 42C, with widespread early-summer records; the Balkans reached up to 37.6C, and Greece experienced night-time lows above 30C. Heat is set to intensify across central and western Europe, with mid-30s in France, Benelux, Italy, and western Germany; Paris could reach 35C and Rome 38C, with a subsequent Iberian heatwave pushing Madrid into the high 30s next week. In China, extreme heat peaked at 47.1C in Xinjiang, prompting nationwide heatstroke alerts during college entrance exams, following one of the country’s warmest springs on record. In Canada, wildfires have burned over 3 million hectares, forcing evacuations as fires spread into Ontario.

Researchers captured the first-ever footage of a live Antarctic gonate squid (Gonatus antarcticus) in its natural habitat. Filmed by the R/V Falkor (too)’s remotely operated vehicle at about 7,000 feet in the Weddell Sea on Christmas Day, the three-foot, multicolored squid appeared to glow and released green ink when approached. Previously known only from carcasses and predator stomach contents, the specimen seemed healthy aside from minor marks. The discovery, part of a National Geographic Society expedition with Schmidt Ocean Institute, offers new insight into elusive Southern Ocean squid, following a recent first live filming of a colossal squid in the same region.

Researchers analyzing high-resolution images from remotely operated vehicles have confirmed that gold coins found near the famed 1708 San Jose galleon shipwreck off Colombia are authentic to the vessel. The coins—hand-struck “cobs” minted in 1707—feature castles, lions, crosses, and the “Crowned Pillars of Hercules,” with markings like “PVA” for “Plus Ultra.” Scattered around the wreck nearly 2,000 feet deep, the coins average 32.5 mm in diameter and about 27 grams. The San Jose, sunk near Cartagena with an immense cargo of gold, silver, and gemstones worth billions, remains at the center of competing claims from Colombia, Spain, Indigenous Qhara Qhara Bolivians, and U.S. salvage firm Sea Search Armada. Colombia has declared the site a protected archaeological area and plans controlled extractions using underwater drones.

The Chilkoot Trail, a historic 33-mile route shared by Alaska and British Columbia, is open on both sides but hikers cannot complete the full cross-border trek due to current U.S. and Canadian border policies. Authorities say there’s no effective way to monitor entries at the remote boundary, and travelers must present at designated ports of entry—which the trail lacks. Before 2020, hikers could cross with registration and proper documents. Similar restrictions now affect the Pacific Crest Trail. The Chilkoot closure follows years of pandemic shutdowns and flood damage; it previously drew over 15,000 hikers annually. The article also notes current U.S.-Canada tensions and disputes over fentanyl trafficking claims, though data shows far greater seizures on the southern U.S. border.

Scientists have identified Khankhuuluu mongoliensis, a mid-sized tyrannosauroid from Mongolia dating over 85 million years ago, as a key evolutionary link between small early tyrannosauroids and later apex predators like T. rex. Misidentified in the 1970s and long neglected in a museum collection, the fossils were reexamined and found to represent a new species weighing around 1,700 pounds, lacking bone-crushing teeth seen in T. rex. The discovery suggests tyrannosauroids in Asia evolved larger body sizes and predatory traits before some migrated to North America via periodic land bridges, helping rewrite the tyrannosaur family’s evolutionary history.

Dominican authorities arrested nightclub owner Antonio Espaillat and his sister Maribel over the April roof collapse at Santo Domingo’s Jet Set club that killed 236 and injured 180+. They haven’t been charged yet; prosecutors have 48 hours to present charges and allege negligence and attempts to intimidate potential witnesses. A government-appointed committee with international experts is still investigating the cause. The club, a decades-old venue known for Monday merengue nights, lost several prominent figures in the disaster, including singer Rubby Pérez, officials, and former MLB players. Antonio Espaillat has said the building never underwent structural reviews in its 30 years under his family’s operation, though basic safety inspections occurred. Crews rescued 189 survivors after 53 hours of work.

Hundreds of masked rioters clashed with police in Ballymena, Northern Ireland, for a second night, leaving 32 officers injured since unrest began after two 14-year-old boys—who used a Romanian interpreter in court—were charged over an alleged sexual assault. Police condemned the “hate-fueled” violence, which saw petrol bombs thrown, homes and businesses damaged, and at least five arrests. Residents reported foreigners being targeted in the town, which has a sizable immigrant population. Officials warned tensions—stoked by fears about immigration—could turn deadly, while authorities have not confirmed the boys’ immigration status.

An underwater military drone accidentally discovered the deepest shipwreck ever found in French waters: a largely intact 16th-century merchant vessel at 8,422 feet near Saint-Tropez. Likely originating from northern Italy, the ship carried ceramics—about 200 Ligurian jugs marked with “HIS,” plates—and metal items including an anchor and six cannons. Despite some modern debris, the site is exceptionally well-preserved due to its depth. Over the next two years, archaeologists plan to create a 3D model and study recovered samples. This surpasses France’s previous deepest find, the La Minerve submarine at 2.3 km depth.

Indian Creek Village, a secluded billionaire enclave near Miami home to Jeff Bezos and Jared Kushner, is embroiled in a dispute with neighboring Surfside over how to handle its sewage. With aging septic tanks polluting Biscayne Bay and threatened by sea-level rise, Indian Creek planned to connect to Surfside’s sewer system, but Surfside sought a $10 million fee. Indian Creek pushed a state legislative fix that would bar municipalities from blocking or charging for certain sewer connections, effectively forcing Surfside to accept the island’s waste. The measure is headed to Gov. Ron DeSantis for signature. The conflict highlights rising billionaire influence in local governance and the region’s broader struggle to replace septic systems amid chronic water contamination. Jared Kushner quietly serves on Indian Creek’s village council, which is advancing the plan while continuing to build out its sewage infrastructure.

The article reflects on how Brian Wilson and the Beach Boys shaped a lasting vision of Southern California style as much as they defined its sound. Originally called the Pendletones after the durable Pendleton wool overshirts favored by surfers, the band helped popularize a look—plaid overshirts, white tees, khakis or white jeans—that bridged work and leisure and influenced designers from Ralph Lauren to Hedi Slimane. Despite only Dennis Wilson actually surfing, their image—evolving from tie-and-loafer college looks to barefoot Malibu shoots—projected effortless cool, playful yet deliberate, “relaxed not lazy.” Brian Wilson’s signature forelock presaged today’s teen swoop, and his seemingly simple style, like his music, concealed careful construction. Beyond their massive musical success, the Beach Boys cemented a global template for easy California living.

The Interior Department, under the Trump administration, directed the National Park Service to identify and remove or cover “inappropriate” content by Sept. 17, asking visitors via posted QR codes to flag material that “disparages Americans,” including historical figures. Historians and advocacy groups warn the policy could erase or sanitize narratives about LGBTQ people, civil rights, and other difficult histories. The move follows broader efforts to reshape cultural and historical messaging in federal institutions, including executive orders targeting “improper” or “anti-American” ideology and the alteration or removal of webpages on LGBTQ history and figures like Harriet Tubman. Officials say the goal is an “accurate portrayal” of history and to celebrate American heritage; critics argue it risks censorship and historical whitewashing.

The owner of Jet Set, a famed Santo Domingo nightclub where 236 people died after the roof collapsed during an April 8 concert, has been arrested and charged with involuntary homicide. Prosecutors say owner Antonio Espaillat and his sister Maribel showed negligence by failing to repair the roof properly and attempting to intimidate potential witnesses. Evidence from a club employee indicates management was warned to cancel the event due to roof dangers. The collapse, amid years of patchwork repairs and heavy rooftop equipment, killed performer Rubby Pérez and several prominent figures, prompting national scrutiny of building oversight and dozens of lawsuits. An engineering report has been completed but not yet released.

A spirited team of Singaporean grandmothers, the Ah Ma Flippa Ball squad, plays a children’s version of water polo, reflecting the city-state’s push to help its rapidly aging population stay active and connected. With life expectancy at 84 and nearly 20% of residents over 65, the government offers free access to pools and gyms, subsidies, and social programs for seniors. Started in 2016, the team meets weekly, drawing women in their 60s to 80s who relish the physicality, camaraderie, and renewed purpose. Players share how the sport improves health, reduces loneliness, and builds community, while “young seniors” help recruit and support others. Their rough-and-ready style challenges stereotypes of aging, inspiring younger teammates and embodying Singapore’s broader efforts to promote healthy, engaged later life.

The planned Washington parade marks the U.S. Army’s 250th anniversary but centers heavily on President Trump, whose 79th birthday coincides with the event. About 7,000 soldiers will march a short route along Constitution Avenue, with Trump receiving reports from Army leaders at a large reviewing stand. The parade will feature historical and modern military equipment, including Abrams tanks, Bradleys, Strykers, and vintage aircraft, with heavy vehicles staged in West Potomac Park to avoid bridge damage and breakdowns. The Golden Knights will conclude by landing on the Ellipse to present a flag to Trump, followed by a concert and fireworks, weather permitting. Preparations involve extensive road closures, flight pauses at Reagan National Airport, river restrictions, protective steel plates on roads, and housing thousands of troops in federal buildings, with potential road damage estimated at $3–$16 million. The event occurs amid political controversy over militarization and nationwide demonstrations.

The Commerce Department will impose 50% tariffs starting June 23 on steel “derivative” products in common home appliances—such as refrigerators, washing machines, dryers, dishwashers, stoves, and disposals—applied to the value of their steel content. The move extends the Trump administration’s broader metal tariff hikes aimed at national security and protecting U.S. manufacturers from cheaper imports. While inflation remains muted so far, economists warn the expanding tariff list could lift prices later this year. Past research on similar Trump-era tariffs found they boosted domestic metal production but raised costs for downstream industries and consumers, often outweighing gains, with prior appliance tariffs creating limited jobs at high consumer cost. Products covered by USMCA are exempt.

The US has launched a review of the Aukus submarine pact with the UK and Australia to ensure it aligns with its “America First” priorities, including higher allied defense spending and maintaining US military readiness. The review, led by Elbridge Colby, comes amid concerns over US submarine capacity and whether Australia would employ the subs as Washington intends, particularly in a Taiwan crisis. The UK and Australia say such reassessments are normal for new administrations and express confidence the deal will proceed. The pact, signed in 2021, entails Australia buying US Virginia-class submarines in the 2030s and jointly developing a new nuclear-powered sub with the UK, while enabling US and UK subs to rotate through Australia from 2027. Analysts suggest the review could shift focus from submarines to other long-range weapons tech; a US withdrawal would be welcomed by China, which has criticized Aukus as escalatory.

Brian Wilson, the Beach Boys’ co-founder and pioneering songwriter, has died at 82, prompting tributes from music legends including Paul McCartney, Elton John, Bob Dylan, and others, who hailed him as a “musical genius” whose innovations—especially on Pet Sounds and hits like Good Vibrations—reshaped pop music. Bandmates Mike Love and Al Jardine praised his unmatched gifts and humility. Figures from Carole King to Roger Daltrey and Sean Ono Lennon called him a true giant, “American Mozart,” and visionary whose harmonies and chord progressions defined an era. Fans mourned worldwide as his family announced his death without a stated cause. Wilson, who faced mental health challenges and dementia later in life, leaves a legacy of more than 100 million records sold and an enduring influence on modern music.

Scientists reclassified two 86-million-year-old Mongolian fossils as a new species, Khankhuuluu mongoliensis, identifying it as the closest known ancestor of all tyrannosaurs. The mid-sized predator (about 750 kg) shows transitional traits—especially in skull and nasal bones—linked to the powerful bite that later defined giants like T. rex. This finding revises the tyrannosaur family tree and clarifies how small, agile Jurassic tyrannosauroids evolved into apex predators across Asia and North America, aided by migrations over ancient land bridges. Researchers dub it the “Dragon Prince of Mongolia,” reflecting its role as an early tyrannosaur “prince” before the rise of the “kings.”

Pope Leo XIV appointed Joseph Lin Yuntuan as auxiliary bishop of Fuzhou—the first Chinese bishop named during his papacy—signaling continuation of the Vatican’s 2018 accord with Beijing on bishop appointments. The deal, whose full terms remain undisclosed, allows Chinese government input while preserving papal authority, aiming to bridge divides between state-sanctioned and underground Catholic communities. Both the Vatican and China hailed the move as proof the agreement is being implemented and relations are improving, despite longstanding tensions since China cut ties with the Holy See in 1951.

Israel deported six activists, including French-Palestinian MEP Rima Hassan, after detaining them for over 72 hours when their yacht, the Madleen, was intercepted in international waters en route to break Gaza’s naval blockade. Two others, both French, remain in custody pending deportation. Rights group Adalah alleges mistreatment and solitary confinement, calling the detention and deportations unlawful. The Freedom Flotilla Coalition’s mission carried a small amount of aid; Israel dismissed it as symbolic and said the aid would be routed through official channels. Four activists, including Greta Thunberg, had already been deported. Separately, Egypt blocked activists planning a pro-Palestinian march to the Gaza border amid wider regional efforts to challenge the blockade, which Israel and Egypt have enforced since 2007. The developments come amid Israel’s expanded Gaza offensive and disputes over new aid distribution mechanisms.

Spain’s Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez apologized to the public over a corruption scandal implicating close Socialist party ally Santos Cerdán, who resigned and will testify before the Supreme Court over alleged kickbacks linked to public contracts. Sánchez denied prior knowledge, admitted he erred in trusting Cerdán, pledged a PSOE leadership overhaul, and ruled out early elections, insisting the government will serve to 2027. The opposition Popular Party, emboldened by large protests, demanded Sánchez’s resignation and early elections, calling corruption the government’s hallmark. Coalition partner Sumar’s leader Yolanda Díaz also sought explanations. While Sánchez isn’t accused, the case—also involving former transport minister José Luis Ábalos and ex-adviser Koldo García—poses significant political risk amid ongoing crises.

Rev. Johnnie Moore, newly appointed executive chairman of the U.S.- and Israeli-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), says the group is focused solely on delivering food to Gazans and preventing diversion to Hamas, despite criticism from the U.N. and others. Moore argues GHF addresses a problem the U.N. hasn’t solved—aid theft—inviting critics to join its efforts. He says recipients have been “incredibly grateful,” with some thanking the U.S. and President Trump, crediting his public promise to act on aid diversion. Israel and the U.S. back GHF as the safest aid mechanism, while U.N. officials cite limited access, looting risks, and the need for more routes. Tensions escalated after Israel accused the U.N. of “mafia-like” tactics against NGOs working with GHF, and the U.S. vetoed a U.N. ceasefire resolution it said would hinder aid efforts.

At least eight aid workers with the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) were killed and many others were injured in an unprovoked Hamas attack, with some team members possibly taken hostage. The GHF, a U.S.-backed organization, has condemned the attack and called on the international community to do the same, stating that the aid workers were not combatants and had no political affiliations. The organization's leaders expressed heartbreak but vowed not to back down, continuing their mission to provide food to the people of Gaza. The United Nations has been criticized for its silence on the attack and for previously doubting the GHF's ability to bring aid to Gaza.

Israel’s parliament rejected a bill to dissolve the Knesset, preserving Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s coalition and blocking any new dissolution attempts for six months. The vote followed a compromise with ultra-Orthodox lawmakers amid a fierce dispute over military service exemptions for Haredim, a long-standing issue intensified by Israel’s ongoing war in Gaza. Committee chair Yuli Edelstein, an opponent of codifying exemptions, will lead continued talks on a new draft law. Opposition leader Yair Lapid condemned the deal as a betrayal of soldiers.

Japan will bar foreigners with unpaid medical bills from reentering the country and require non-Japanese staying over three months to join the national health insurance program. The move aims to curb unpaid medical costs amid rising tourism and low premium compliance among foreign residents. Employers that don’t cover required social welfare premiums for foreign workers will be prohibited from hiring them. Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba emphasized balancing traveler rights with strict enforcement. The implementation date has not been announced.

Ukraine says Russia has enhanced North Korea’s KN-23 ballistic missiles, which are now striking with high accuracy, and is sharing Iranian-derived drone technology with Pyongyang. President Zelenskyy warned the Russia–North Korea partnership poses an “extremely dangerous” threat to Europe and Asia, cautioning that advancements could soon endanger Seoul and Tokyo. A UN-linked monitoring group previously reported North Korea supplied Russia with troops, millions of rounds of ammunition, weapons systems, and at least 100 ballistic missiles. Ukrainian intelligence chief Kyrylo Budanov added that North Korea may produce Russian UAVs domestically using tech Russia learned from Iran, potentially shifting the regional balance with South Korea. He also suggested Russia is helping North Korea address technical issues with missile delivery systems, raising concerns given their nuclear capability.

Taiwan staged an “Ocean Day” drill in Kaohsiung showcasing coast guard and military readiness amid escalating Chinese “gray zone” tactics. President William Lai oversaw exercises featuring modernized assets like Anping-class corvettes and highlighted new unmanned sea and air systems, including kamikaze sea drones, with broader drone expansion planned. Lai urged bipartisan support for a $13.6 billion special budget to bolster the coast guard, military, surveillance, and infrastructure resilience against tactics such as illegal sand dredging, cyberattacks, and undersea cable sabotage. Taiwan reports frequent Chinese incursions and views Beijing’s actions as attempts to normalize control of the Taiwan Strait, as China accelerates military pressure ahead of a potential 2027 invasion readiness timeline.

Anne Wojcicki’s new nonprofit, TTAM Research Institute, will buy nearly all of 23andMe’s assets—including its consumer DNA service, research operations, and Lemonaid Health—for $305 million, outbidding Regeneron’s prior $256 million offer. The deal, pending bankruptcy court approval, returns control to 23andMe’s co-founder after the company filed for Chapter 11 in March amid revenue struggles and privacy concerns following a 2023 breach affecting ~7 million customers. 23andMe, once valued around $6 billion after its 2021 SPAC listing, had difficulty building sustainable businesses beyond at-home DNA kits. Wojcicki said TTAM aims to continue 23andMe’s mission of expanding access to genomic insights.

China’s control over rare earths remains strong despite recent approvals for limited magnet export licenses. Beijing’s licensing regime is now permanent, often short-term and shipment-specific, keeping supply disruptions a persistent risk. China produces ~60% of rare earths and processes ~90%, while Europe produces none and the U.S. only small amounts, constraining diversification. Ongoing U.S.-China trade maneuvers suggest only a partial, reversible easing of controls as Beijing preserves leverage. Western companies are pursuing recycling, alternative sourcing, and rare-earth-free technologies, but scaling is difficult and costly. Automakers may need dual supply ecosystems (inside and outside China). Similar vulnerabilities are emerging in other critical minerals like tungsten, where China controls ~80% of the supply chain, already causing European shutdowns. New non-Chinese projects (e.g., tungsten in South Korea) will likely cover only defense needs in the near term, underscoring a long, challenging path to reduce dependence on China.

Stocks closed modestly higher Thursday, with several themes set to drive Friday’s trade. Oracle surged 13% after an earnings beat, positioning it for follow-through. Tech and communication services remain the top S&P sectors over the past month, led by Super Micro, Oracle, Micron, and Alphabet, while Fair Isaac, HP Inc., Omnicom, Interpublic, and T-Mobile lag. Retail will be in focus with new CNBC NRF Retail Monitor data; the XRT ETF is up 13% in three months but off 9% from November highs, with Foot Locker (boosted by Dick’s deal), Advance Auto Parts, and Dollar General leading, while Caleres, Bath & Body Works, and GameStop slump. A near 39-month low in the U.S. dollar could aid exporters like Philip Morris, Qualcomm, Caterpillar, GE Aerospace, Coca-Cola, and PepsiCo, while pressuring import-heavy retailers such as Walmart, Target, Costco, Dollar Tree, and Home Depot.

India, which holds the world’s third-largest rare earth reserves, is accelerating efforts to mine and refine these minerals to reduce reliance on China amid recent Chinese export curbs that disrupted global auto and tech supply chains. The government is exploring ways to scale up India Rare Earths, launched a National Critical Mineral Mission in 2025, and is considering private-sector partnerships, incentives, and subsidies to build domestic capacity. Experts say India is well positioned to diversify global supply—especially for partners like the U.S.—but cannot quickly match China’s dominance in processing and production, and substantial investment in R&D and infrastructure is needed. In the near term, India is also seeking alternative sources and pursuing import approvals from China while industry delegations engage Beijing to secure rare earth magnets.

Meta is investing $14.3 billion for a 49% non-voting stake in Scale AI and hiring founder Alexandr Wang to lead its superintelligence efforts. Wang will step down as Scale AI CEO, remain a director, and Jason Droege (formerly Scale’s chief strategy officer, ex-Uber VP, Benchmark venture partner) will become CEO. A small group of Scale employees will join Meta. Meta says the partnership will deepen collaboration on AI data production. Scale, which serves rivals like Google, Microsoft, and OpenAI, says Meta won’t access its customer data or business information. The move reflects Mark Zuckerberg’s push to accelerate Meta’s AI progress after lukewarm reception to recent Llama models.

North Korea says it has repaired and relaunched its second destroyer, with Kim Jong Un attending the ceremony and claiming the two new ships will boost naval capabilities and enable long-range operations. The destroyer, reportedly damaged in a failed launch last month that led to detentions of senior officials, is part of Kim’s push to modernize the navy in response to U.S.-allied military activities. Independent verification is unclear, and experts question the speed and extent of the repairs. The ship is a 5,000-ton-class vessel in the same class as North Korea’s first, unveiled in April and considered its most advanced warship to date.

The Pentagon is reviewing the AUKUS plan for the U.S. and U.K. to supply Australia with nuclear-powered submarines, prompting anxiety in Canberra as China expands its naval power. U.S. defense officials and China-focused lawmakers worry the deal could strain America’s own submarine fleet, potentially leaving it short of vessels needed to counter Beijing. The uncertainty raises alliance concerns, with critics warning that revisiting the terms could damage trust and weaken deterrence in the Indo-Pacific.