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China is benefiting from the US AI boom despite Washington's efforts to curb Chinese technology ties. A report by Oxford Economics found that the US data centre boom is rippling through Asian technology supply chains, with China emerging as an unlikely beneficiary. While direct exports from China to the US have waned, China's exports to other Asian economies have increased, showing that the country remains 'enmeshed in Asian supply chains' and is likely still benefiting from US AI capital expenditures indirectly.

Chinese companies, such as Mixue, BYD, and Geely, are expanding their presence in Brazil, driven by strong trade ties and local strategies. Mixue Group, a budget bubble tea chain, has opened its first store in Brazil, offering affordable products and catering to local tastes. Analysts believe that the robust trade ties between China and Brazil could pave the way for further investment. Brazil's large young consumer base and growing ready-to-drink beverage market provide opportunities for Chinese companies to grow.

A Chinese research team has demonstrated that a small-scale quantum system can outperform a classical AI computing centre in weather prediction tasks at a significantly lower cost. The breakthrough system, built on nine interacting quantum spins, matched or exceeded the performance of a classical reservoir network with 10,000 nodes. The findings raise questions about the long-term economics of the global AI infrastructure race and the potential obsolescence of today's colossal data centres. The research was published in Physical Review Letters and supported by national research funding programmes in China. The study's results have implications for the future of AI-driven weather forecasting, which has seen significant investment in the United States and other countries.

US Vice-President J.D. Vance faced a double defeat as his diplomatic tour ended with a stalemate in Iran talks and the ousting of Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban. Vance had traveled to Pakistan to negotiate an end to a war with Iran but failed to secure an agreement. Meanwhile, Orban lost his re-election bid despite efforts by the Trump administration to save him. This double defeat is seen as a setback for Vance, who is considered a front-runner to succeed Trump in the 2028 US presidential election.

The founder of China's Evergrande Group, Hui Ka-yan, has pleaded guilty to charges including embezzlement of corporate assets and corporate bribery in a trial held at the Shenzhen Intermediate People's Court. The trial, which took place on Monday and Tuesday, also involved charges against the company, including illegally absorbing public deposits, fundraising fraud, and fraudulent issuance of securities. Hui and Evergrande delivered final statements during the trial, and the court will issue its judgment at a later date. Hui was detained by Chinese authorities in September 2023 for unspecified crimes, and in March 2024, the China Securities Regulatory Commission penalized Evergrande 4.2 billion yuan for inflating its sales by 564 billion yuan in the years preceding its collapse.

Hong Kong taxpayers may face a HK$28 billion burden from bad loans issued to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) under a government-backed financing scheme during the Covid pandemic. The Special 100% Loan Guarantee Scheme, part of the SME Financing Guarantee Scheme launched in 2011, approved 67,189 loan applications, of which 13,231 defaulted by February, totaling HK$27.8 billion. Despite a 19.3% default rate, the government considers this better than its original 25% expectation. As guarantor, the government is responsible for repaying defaulted amounts to lenders if debts cannot be recovered.

The South China Morning Post highlights seven significant stories from its recent Asia coverage. Singapore's refusal to negotiate with Iran over the Strait of Hormuz has sparked a reaction from Malaysian politicians. The article also explores the housing affordability crisis in Manila and Hong Kong, noting that while Hong Kong and Singapore are considered unaffordable, residents of Manila, Colombo, and Yangon are more likely to report unaffordability. Other stories include the UAE pulling $3.5 billion from Pakistan after helping to secure a ceasefire in the Iran war, among others.

The US needs to rebuild its rare earth talent from the ground up to compete with China, according to experts. The erosion of industrial know-how and a weak education pipeline could complicate US ambitions to become a mining powerhouse. Rare earth supplies are expected to be on the agenda during US President Donald Trump's upcoming meeting with Chinese leader Xi Jinping in Beijing. China's dominance in rare earths stems not only from its industrial scale but also from decades of accumulated engineering expertise, which the US is struggling to rebuild.

South Korean President Lee Jae Myung's recent comments on a video showing Israeli soldiers allegedly pushing a body from a rooftop sparked a diplomatic row with Israel. Analysts say the clash was not just about human rights, but also about energy security and sending a message to Donald Trump, as at least 26 South Korean tankers are stranded near the Strait of Hormuz. Lee's comparison of the alleged Israeli actions to the Holocaust and 'comfort women' was criticized by Israel's foreign ministry, which accused him of trivializing the massacre of Jews and spreading disinformation.

Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto visited Moscow to secure discounted crude oil amid a global energy crisis triggered by the closure of the Strait of Hormuz. Prabowo aims to stabilize Indonesia's energy prices and prevent millions from falling into poverty. The visit also included discussions on food security and civilian nuclear technology, as Russia is a major supplier of agricultural fertilizers and nuclear power plant technology.

Philippine President Ferdinand 'Bongbong' Marcos Jr has countered rumors about his health by performing star jumps on April 13. The president had been diagnosed with diverticulitis, an abdominal condition, in late January and was put on a strict soup-based diet, leading to significant weight loss. Marcos challenged those doubting his fitness to 'come and exercise with me.'

Britney Spears has voluntarily checked herself into a rehabilitation facility following her arrest on March 4 for driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs. The singer is set to appear in court in California next month to face the DUI charge. Spears' representative stated that the incident was 'completely inexcusable' and that her loved ones would come up with a plan to support her well-being. Spears has been under scrutiny in the past, having been in a conservatorship controlled by her father for 13 years until 2021. The conservatorship was established due to her struggles with physical, emotional, mental, and financial distress. Spears is a renowned pop star known for hits like 'Baby One More Time' and 'Toxic'.

A former Nigerian oil minister, Diezani Alison-Madueke, has denied taking bribes and abusing her office while testifying at Southwark Crown Court in London. She claimed that she had 'tried to push back on corruption' in Nigeria and that expenses incurred on her behalf were reimbursed by the state-owned Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC). Alison-Madueke is accused of receiving luxury homes and lavish spending sprees in exchange for granting government contracts. The prosecution alleges that she was given access to several high-value properties in the UK, including a £2.8 million home in Marylebone and properties overlooking Regent's Park. Alison-Madueke's trial, along with oil industry executive Olatimbo Ayinde and her brother Doye Agama, continues.

The BBC has uncovered evidence that Greek police have been recruiting masked migrants, referred to as 'mercenaries', to violently push other migrants back across the border with Turkey. The practice, known as 'pushbacks', is considered illegal under international law. Witnesses have reported migrants being stripped, robbed, beaten, and sexually assaulted. The Greek prime minister, Kyriakos Mitsotakis, claims to be 'totally unaware' of the allegations. The practice has been ongoing since at least 2020, with mercenaries being rewarded with cash, mobiles, and papers allowing passage through Greece. The Fundamental Rights Office has investigated several incidents, including one in June 2023 where migrants were subjected to physical and verbal abuse, including death and rape threats.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are on a four-day tour of Australia, prompting mixed reactions from the public. The BBC spoke to people in Sydney about their views on the visit, with some expressing indifference or skepticism about the couple's reasons for coming. The article also includes unrelated news stories and videos about various topics, including a recent mass shooting at Bondi Beach.

A BBC investigation has found that a hospital in Pakistan's Punjab province, THQ Taunsa, was reusing syringes and engaging in other dangerous medical practices, potentially contributing to a HIV outbreak among children. The investigation, which included undercover filming, revealed that syringes were reused on multiple patients, and medical staff often failed to wear sterile gloves. The hospital's medical superintendent denied any wrongdoing, claiming the footage was either old or staged. The outbreak has affected at least 331 children in the area, with many families believing they contracted HIV during treatment at the hospital.

Peru's general election has been delayed due to technical and logistical issues at polling stations, with over 50,000 voters unable to cast their ballots on Sunday. The electoral authorities have granted a one-day extension for those affected. The preliminary count shows conservative candidate Keiko Fujimori slightly ahead, but the battle for second place is still close. A run-off between the top two candidates is likely on June 7. The election is crucial as Peru faces political instability, corruption, and rising crime rates. The new president will replace the current one, José María Balcázar, and will have to win back the trust of the electorate.

Pope Leo XIV has begun a major 11-day tour of Africa, visiting four countries: Algeria, Cameroon, Angola, and Equatorial Guinea. The tour aims to address themes of peace, migration, and interfaith dialogue, with a focus on Africa's growing importance to Catholicism. The Pope will travel nearly 18,000 km, visiting 11 cities, and meeting with political leaders, local Catholic communities, and holding interfaith events. The tour is seen as a personal priority for Pope Leo, who is the first pontiff from the order that follows the teachings of St Augustine, born in Algeria. The visit comes amid concerns over human rights abuses and treatment of religious minorities in some of the countries on the tour.

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez's wife, Begoña Gómez, has been charged with corruption after a two-year investigation. She is accused of using her position to advance her private career and interests, including securing a post at Madrid's Complutense University. Gómez denies the charges, and Sánchez has dismissed the allegations as an attempt by the right-wing to undermine his coalition. The investigation was opened by Judge Juan Carlos Peinado, and it is now up to the courts to decide whether Gómez will stand trial. The case is part of a larger pattern of allegations against Sánchez's family, with his brother and former transport minister also facing investigations.

A conflict in Malawi between humans and elephants has raised concerns about conservation efforts. In June 2023, an elephant attacked and killed a woman, Masiye Banda, and her two-year-old daughter while she was picking pumpkin leaves near Kasungu National Park. The elephant had been relocated from Liwonde National Park to Kasungu National Park along with 262 others in July 2022. Since then, at least 12 people have been killed by elephants, and thousands have lost their livelihoods. The incident highlights the challenges of protecting wildlife while also safeguarding the interests of local communities. The conflict has resulted in the deaths of at least 80 elephants, many of which were shot by angry farmers.

The article discusses the challenges faced by the next Federal Reserve chair, Jerome Powell, amidst inflation concerns and the Trump presidency. The current chair is under attack from Donald Trump, who has launched tirades against him on social media and initiated a spurious Department of Justice probe into the Fed's headquarters renovation. The article highlights the difficulties of running the Fed with Trump in the White House, citing the war in Iran and its impact on markets.

The Burkinabè government is accused of committing war crimes while fighting jihadism in Burkina Faso. In December 2023, the government ordered the national army and civilian volunteer defence forces to attack jihadists, resulting in the killing of hundreds of civilians in at least 16 villages and hamlets. The government hailed the operation as a success despite reports of 'butchery' and widespread civilian casualties. The article suggests that the government's actions may have resulted in more civilian deaths than the jihadists themselves.

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The article discusses the possibility of ending extreme poverty, a problem that has been considered intractable for most of human history. The author argues that despite the pessimism of thinkers like Thomas Malthus and Herbert Spencer, poverty can be eliminated. The article highlights that the idea of eliminating poverty is a relatively recent concept, barely appearing in print before the mid-20th century. The author suggests that a simple solution might be available to end extreme poverty.

The article discusses recent developments at Monte dei Paschi di Siena (MPS), the world's oldest bank, ahead of its annual shareholder meeting on April 15th. The situation has become dramatic, involving an alleged conspiracy, a boardroom coup, and even a corpse. The article highlights the operatic nature of Italian finance, suggesting that the events unfolding at MPS are extraordinary and complex.

The article discusses the recent layoffs in the American tech industry, citing examples of major companies such as Oracle, Block, Amazon, and Meta that have announced significant job cuts. The total employment in San Francisco, considered the tech capital of the world, has fallen by 3% since the beginning of 2023. The article suggests that the tech jobs bust is real but advises against blaming AI for the layoffs at this point. It highlights that from 2022 to 2025, the 'magnificent seven' tech giants scarcely grew their payrolls, indicating a slowdown in the industry's employment growth.

Pakistan is intensifying diplomatic efforts to revive talks between Iran and the US after a recent round of negotiations yielded no deal. Pakistani officials are referring to the talks as the 'Islamabad Process' rather than just the 'Islamabad Talks', indicating an effort to frame the engagement as an ongoing diplomatic process. The goal is to prevent a return to all-out war when the current ceasefire expires around April 22. Pakistan's Prime Minister and Army Chief played a key role in bringing the two sides together and are working to facilitate a second round of talks.

Brian Hooker shared maps with friends and law enforcement that allegedly show where his wife, Lynette, went missing in the Bahamas. The maps appear to be screenshots from a GPS app, Navionics, with markings indicating the route taken by their dinghy on the night of Lynette's disappearance. According to Brian Hooker's account, Lynette went overboard around 7:30 p.m. on April 4, and he washed up on shore at 4 a.m. the next morning. Brian Hooker was arrested and held for questioning but was released without being charged. The Royal Bahamas Police Force is investigating the incident. The maps provide a detailed account of Brian Hooker's version of events and may be crucial to the investigation.

Dominic Frimpong, a 20-year-old Ghanaian Premier League soccer player, was killed in an armed attack on his team bus while returning from a game. The incident occurred on Sunday, and the Ghanaian Football Association has condemned the attack, calling it a 'tragic incident' that has shocked the football community. The team bus was ambushed by masked men wielding guns and assault rifles, and one other person was injured in the attack. The incident has raised concerns about the safety of traveling for domestic competitions, with fans questioning whether it is 'safe to travel and play league matches.'

A stampede occurred at the Citadelle Henri, a historic fortress in Haiti, during an Easter gathering, resulting in at least 25 deaths and dozens of injuries. The incident happened when visitors, mostly young people, were crammed against a single entrance, and a scuffle broke out between those trying to leave and enter. The government launched an investigation, and authorities are working to determine the exact circumstances of the tragedy. The Citadelle Laferriere, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a popular tourist destination and a symbol of Haitian independence.

The U.S. island territories in the western Pacific Ocean, including Guam and the Marianas Islands, are bracing for Super Typhoon Sinlaku, the strongest storm of the year so far. The typhoon is expected to bring destructive winds and widespread flooding over the next 48 hours. As of the latest update, Sinlaku's maximum sustained winds have stabilized at 175 mph, although it is expected to weaken before crossing the Marianas. Residents have been advised to prepare for thunderstorms, heavy rain, and extremely strong winds. Typhoon warnings are in place for Rota, Tinian, and Saipan, while tropical storm warnings are in place for Guam, Pagan, and Alamagan.

The U.S. military has killed two people in a strike on an alleged drug-trafficking boat in the eastern Pacific Ocean, bringing the total death toll to at least 170 since strikes began last September. The strike is part of a broader effort by the Trump administration to target alleged 'narco-terrorists' operating in Latin America. The military's handling of survivors has drawn intense scrutiny, with some lawmakers and rights groups accusing the U.S. of extrajudicial killings. The administration has provided no definitive evidence that the vessels it targets are involved in drug trafficking, sparking debate about the legality of the operations.

The Russian government is targeting university students for military recruitment, particularly for its new Unmanned Systems Forces, amid its ongoing war in Ukraine. The campaign, which began in January, involves universities promoting military service through social media, posters, and in-person lectures. Students are being offered incentives such as one-year contracts, high-tech skills, and financial bonuses, but experts warn that these promises are likely misleading and that students may be signing standard, open-ended military contracts. Some universities are using coercion and threats to convince students to join, and students who fail their courses are being encouraged to join the military as an alternative.

A viral social media spot in India's Rajasthan state, known as Kishangarh, has been attracting visitors who mistake the white marble slurry dust at a waste dumping yard for snow. Experts warn that the dust poses health and environmental risks. The site has become a popular spot for taking photos, despite the potential dangers.

President Donald Trump removed an image depicting himself as a Christ-like figure from Truth Social after it drew backlash from supporters, including prominent evangelicals and conservative figures. Trump later claimed the image was meant to depict him as a doctor. The incident highlights the tensions between Trump's political actions and the reactions of his supporters, as well as his ongoing feud with Pope Leo XIV.

The article discusses a potential US naval blockade in Iran, which started on Monday morning after weekend peace talks collapsed in Pakistan. President Trump stated that the US will sink Iranian 'fast attack ships' that come near the blockade. CNN's Nick Paton Walsh explains how the blockade could work. The article also includes other unrelated news stories, such as a Hungarian politician's dance, Trump's deleted image depicting him as Jesus Christ, and a 9-year-old boy found locked in his father's van in France.

The world's busiest airports for 2025 have been ranked, with Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport retaining its top spot for the 27th time in 28 years, serving 106.3 million passengers. Despite a 1.6% decline from 2024, Atlanta's airport remains the busiest globally. Dubai International Airport held onto the second spot, while Tokyo's Haneda Airport jumped to third place. The top 10 busiest airports saw varying changes, with Shanghai Pudong making the biggest jump to fifth place. Global air traffic showed significant growth in 2025, with 9.8 billion passengers estimated, a 3.6% increase from 2024 and a 7.3% gain from pre-pandemic 2019 figures. However, the ongoing conflict in the Middle East and global economic uncertainty may impact air traffic in 2026, with potential disruptions to fuel supply and increased fares.

China has announced it will resume some ties with Taiwan, including direct flights and imports of Taiwanese aquaculture products, following a visit by Taiwan's opposition leader Cheng Li-wun to Beijing. The move is seen as a gesture of goodwill by China, which claims Taiwan as its territory and has been increasing military pressure on the island since the election of pro-independence President Tsai Ing-wen in 2016. Taiwan's government has pushed back against the announcement, stating that any cross-strait affairs involving public power must be negotiated by both governments on an equal basis.

The burial of Iran's late supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has been delayed, signaling a deepening crisis within the Islamic Republic. Analyst Dr. Ramesh Sepehrrad attributes the delay to fear within the regime. Khamenei was killed in a strike on a regime compound in Tehran, and his son Mojtaba, the new supreme leader, is recovering from injuries sustained in the same attack. Despite the delay, Mojtaba is reportedly engaged in decision-making on major issues, including the war and negotiations with Washington. The Iranian regime has confirmed that there are no plans for further peace talks after a recent marathon summit in Islamabad.

Pope Leo XIV has begun a four-nation visit to Africa, marking his fourth foreign trip since becoming pontiff in 2025. The trip, dubbed 'A Pilgrim in Africa,' will take him to Algeria, Cameroon, and other countries, where he will address themes such as peace, migration, the environment, young people, and the family. The Catholic Church is experiencing significant growth in Africa, with the number of Catholics on the continent rising from less than 1 million in 1910 to 288 million in 2024. The Pope's visit is seen as an affirmation of the African churches' growth and vibrancy, as well as a statement on the church's preferential option for the poor and those at the margins. The trip has been noted for its exclusion of Nigeria, a country that has been the site of significant violence against Christians.

The United States stands alone in opposition as Iran and other authoritarian regimes secure seats on influential United Nations bodies, sparking criticism from human rights groups and the US. The UN's Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) nominated Iran to the Committee for Program and Coordination and elected China, Cuba, Nicaragua, Saudi Arabia, and Sudan to the Committee on Non-Governmental Organizations. Critics warn that this could allow governments accused of human rights abuses to influence global policy and control which civil society groups are granted access to the UN.

Former NFL coach Dave McGinnis, known as 'Coach Mac,' has died at 74 after being hospitalized since early March. McGinnis had a long coaching career with various teams including the Bears, Cardinals, Titans, and Rams. He was remembered for his kindness, passion for the game, and the impact he had on those around him. Tributes came from former colleagues and team owners, highlighting his dedication and love for football.

Boston Red Sox pitcher Garrett Crochet had a disastrous outing against the Minnesota Twins, allowing 11 runs in just 1 ⅔ innings. The Twins took a 10-0 lead with hits from Josh Bell and Victor Caratini, and the Red Sox were unable to recover, ultimately losing 13-0. Crochet's performance was historic, being the first Red Sox pitcher to allow 10 or more earned runs in under two innings and one of only 11 instances in MLB history where a starter gave up 11 or more runs without finishing the second inning.

Rep. Tony Gonzales, a Texas Republican, is retiring from Congress after being embroiled in a scandal involving an affair and lewd text messages to a staffer, Regina Santos-Aviles, who later died after setting herself on fire. Gonzales admitted to the affair and faced a House Ethics Committee probe. The scandal led to calls for his expulsion from Congress, with Reps. Teresa Leger Fernández and Anna Paulina Luna planning to introduce resolutions to expel Gonzales and Rep. Eric Swalwell, who also resigned amid sexual misconduct allegations.

Former President Trump explained that he deleted an AI-generated image of himself resembling Jesus Christ because it caused 'confusion.' Trump claimed he thought the image depicted him as a doctor associated with the Red Cross. Conservative activist Riley Gaines criticized Trump's post, suggesting it lacked humility, but later stated she would continue to support Trump despite his decision to delete the image. Trump responded to Gaines' criticism by stating he wasn't a 'big fan' of hers.

European stocks opened higher on Tuesday as hopes of resumed U.S.-Iran peace talks offset concerns over a U.S.-led blockade of Iranian ports. The Stoxx 600 index rose 0.6%, with the FTSE 100 and DAX also gaining. Oil prices fell overnight as news emerged that talks could resume in Islamabad. U.S. Vice President JD Vance stated that peace efforts now depend on Tehran, while President Donald Trump indicated that the U.S. had been contacted by Iran to make a deal. Investors are also watching earnings from major companies and Spanish inflation data.

Novo Nordisk has partnered with OpenAI to leverage AI in drug discovery and development, aiming to bring new and better treatment options to patients faster. The partnership will enable Novo to analyze complex datasets, identify promising new drugs, and reduce the time it takes for a medicine to move from research to patient use. This move is part of a larger trend in the pharmaceutical industry, where companies are increasingly turning to AI to improve operations and lengthy processes. While AI has the potential to discover new treatments, experts say the industry is still far from leveraging its full potential. Novo Nordisk is competing with Eli Lilly in the lucrative weight loss market and is trying to regain market share with its Wegovy pill and next-generation drugs.

A suspect, Daniel Moreno-Gama, has been charged with attempted murder for throwing a lit Molotov cocktail at the home of OpenAI CEO Sam Altman. Moreno-Gama was motivated by hatred of AI technology and had planned the attack, according to prosecutors. A document recovered from the suspect detailed his intentions, including a warning of humanity's 'impending extinction' from AI, and listed the names and addresses of several AI executives, board members, and investors. Moreno-Gama also threatened OpenAI's headquarters, where he was arrested. The attack on Altman's home was followed by a second incident involving gunfire on Sunday, resulting in two arrests. Altman has called for toning down the 'rhetoric and tactics' within the AI industry.

The Indian aviation sector is experiencing rapid growth, with passenger traffic expected to hit 1.1 billion by 2047. Currently, only 3-5% of Indians have flown, but the government and airlines are working to increase accessibility and affordability. The number of airports has grown from 74 to 164 in the past decade, and the government has launched initiatives like the UDAN scheme to promote regional connectivity. However, the sector faces challenges such as a pilot shortage, high taxes on fuel, and the need to balance rising costs with low airfares. Despite these challenges, the enthusiasm for flying is growing, with new routes and airports being developed, making air travel more accessible to the common citizen.

The article discusses China's strategy towards Kinmen, a Taiwanese island close to mainland China, as a potential model for reunification with Taiwan. Kinmen's unique position, being geographically close to China but controlled by Taiwan, makes it a sensitive bridge for cross-strait interactions. China is using a dual-track approach, offering economic incentives while exerting maritime pressure to integrate Kinmen into the mainland. The island's residents have complex feelings towards China, with some wishing to foster closer ties for economic benefits. The article explores the history of Kinmen, its militarized past, and the current dynamics between Kinmen, Taiwan, and China.

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney's Liberal party has secured a majority government in the country's parliament after winning special elections in Ontario and Quebec. The victory gives Carney the ability to pass legislation without opposition support and solidifies his leadership until at least 2029. Carney's government has been focused on addressing the economic turmoil caused by the US trade war, and his majority win is seen as a boost to his efforts to navigate Canada through this challenging period. The win is also attributed to Carney's perceived competence in handling the economy and his ability to deal with US President Donald Trump.

Alexandre Ramagem, a former Brazilian intelligence chief and congressman allied with former President Jair Bolsonaro, was arrested by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents in Florida. The arrest follows a six-month international manhunt across two continents for alleged immigration violations. Ramagem's detention marks a significant development in the ongoing legal challenges faced by Bolsonaro and his allies in Brazil.