Trump’s Territorial Ambitions Rattle a Weary World

China Ruyi Holdings, a streaming media firm supported by Tencent Holdings, plans to raise between US$300 million and US$500 million in convertible bonds next week for a potential acquisition. The offering could be launched as early as Monday, with Bank of America, CLSA, Deutsche Bank, Goldman Sachs, and Macquarie working on the deal. Discussions around the acquisition are in early stages and may not be successful, according to sources familiar with the matter. Full Article

Andrew Marshall emphasized the importance of net assessment in evaluating long-term state competition, focusing on strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and vulnerabilities to achieve national security goals. The 2025 Annual Threat Assessment highlights China's "uneven progress" in military capabilities, creating strategic openings for Taiwan to exploit key vulnerabilities in areas like command and control, electronic warfare, and cyber warfare. By targeting PLA weaknesses in communication infrastructure and coordination, Taiwan can enhance deterrence and defense against a potential...

During a recent visit to Shanghai, the writer noticed significant changes post-pandemic, including visa programs, digitalization, and the use of apps like WeChat and Alipay for most transactions. While navigating the city's transformed landscape, the writer encountered challenges with language barriers, payment methods, and transportation options, such as the necessity of using Didi for rides. Despite these obstacles, the writer appreciated the convenience of translation tools within the apps for communication and dining experiences, highlighting...

Myanmar was hit by a catastrophic earthquake on March 28, causing widespread destruction and killing at least 3,000 people. The military regime has declared a state of emergency and opened channels for international assistance, with rescue teams from various countries already deployed. However, concerns remain about the junta's history of controlling and diverting aid, as well as its continued military operations despite the disaster, raising questions about the impact on the ongoing civil war. Full...

South Korean police have increased security around the court ahead of the ruling day for Yoon supporters, planning to deploy all forces and create a "vacuum state" to prevent clashes between pro- and anti-Yoon rallies. Acting chief Lee Ho-young has warned of strict action against violence, following a previous incident where Yoon supporters stormed a court building. Amid political turmoil, opposition parties seek to impeach finance minister Choi Sang-mok, who has angered them by vetoing...

Next-generation sequencing has revealed the diverse microbiome in the female reproductive tract, impacting fertility and disease. A Lactobacillus-dominated uterine environment improves pregnancy outcomes, while other beneficial bacteria like Prevotella and Bifidobacterium regulate immune responses. Understanding and manipulating the reproductive microbiome could enhance fertility treatment outcomes, with potential for prebiotics, probiotics, and microbiota transplants in the future. Full Article