The Top Story

Join us in this special edition of The Top Story as we explore the highlights of Chinese President Xi Jinping’s state visit to South Korea, the outcomes of the APEC meeting, and how these moments are shaping the Asia-Pacific’s shared future.

The EU is pausing its planned retaliatory tariffs against the United States until early August. Negotiations aiming to secure a ceasefire in Gaza have stalled over aid distribution and the scale of a potential Israeli withdrawal. A program in South Africa to develop a new HIV vaccine is facing an uncertain future.

The top diplomats of Russia and the U.S. meet in Kuala Lumpur, exchanging views on bilateral relations and Ukraine. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi calls on China, Japan, South Korea and ASEAN members to continue to advance regional integration. The Brazilian president vows retaliation to U.S. tariffs but also keeps diplomacy open.

Former South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol returns to jail with an approved warrant, accused of obstruction of justice and abuse of power. The European Union remains hopeful of reaching a trade deal with the U.S. before August 1st. Yemen’s Houthis attack a ship they say was banned from entering occupied Palestinian ports.

China eyes stronger ties with Egypt and the Arab world as the country’s premier visits Cairo. More than 170 people remain missing in Texas where flash floods claimed at least 110 lives. Washington threatens more tariffs on copper imports and pharmaceuticals.

The U.S. president expresses hope for a potential ceasefire between Israel and Hamas. The latest clashes between police and protesters in Kenya leave at least 11 people dead. China, the U.S. and Russia will join an ASEAN gathering this week.

The Chinese premier urges BRICS members to safeguard world peace and promote mutual learning among civilizations. Flash floods in Texas have killed more than 80 people, with many still missing. China observes the 88th anniversary of the Lugou Bridge Incident, which marked the start of the entire nation's resistance against Japanese aggression during World War II.

China and Germany hold their Strategic Dialogue on Diplomacy and Security, with both sides agreeing to further promote ties. The U.S. House passes Donald Trump's tax-cut package amid opposition from Democrats. Heavy rainfall hits parts of west, northeast China, forcing thousands to relocate.

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi meets EU leaders in Brussels amid global tensions. U.S. House Republicans remain deadlocked over President Donald Trump's massive tax and spending bill. South Korea's president addresses key public concerns in his first briefing since taking office.

U.S. President Donald Trump urges Hamas to accept a 60-day ceasefire in Gaza. The U.S. Senate passes Trump’s tax and spending bill after intense deliberation. Heatwaves are gripping Europe, with Italy, Greece and Switzerland issuing urgent health alerts.

The international community expresses concern over the U.S.-and-Israel-backed aid agency causing "mass casualties" in Gaza. Thailand's constitutional court suspends the Prime Minister from public office over a leaked phone call. July 1, 2025 marks the Communist Party of China's 104th founding anniversary and the 28th year since Hong Kong’s return to China.

Unusual weather patterns continue to affect the world, with heavy rainfall and scorching heat persisting in parts of China and Europe. Recent conflicts in the Middle East accentuate the vulnerability of global maritime trade. The U.S. Senate begins to vote on President Donald Trump’s so-called “One Big Beautiful Bill".

The Iranian supreme leader claims victory over Israel in his first public address in days. A Kenyan official calls protests this week terrorism disguised as dissent. Antonio Guterres says the UN Charter is not an a-la-carte menu as the world marks the 80th anniversary of the signing of the historic document.

NATO members agree to raise defense spending to 5% of GDP by 2035. President Donald Trump says the U.S. will hold nuclear talks with Iran next week. Kenyan police open fire on protesters across the country, leaving more than 10 dead and hundreds injured.

Israel lifts emergency measures following a ceasefire with Iran while the Iranian parliament passes a bill to suspend cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency. Gaza officials say at least 54 Palestinians were killed while waiting for aid. NATO leaders are set to endorse a higher defense funding goal of five percent of GDP at their annual summit.

Israel accuses Iran of violating a ceasefire shortly after agreeing to it; Tehran denies the claim. EU foreign ministers gather to address the urgent need for de-escalation between Iran and the U.S. China is to hold a military parade in Beijing on September 3rd to mark the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People’s War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fasci...

Israel and Iran exchange fresh attacks following U.S. strikes on three Iranian nuclear facilities. The Sudanese prime minister announces plans to set up a new non-partisan and technocratic government. Singaporean Prime Minister Lawrence Wong begins an official visit to China.

In this special edition, we break down the escalating crisis after U.S. air strikes targeted three key Iranian nuclear facilities. With global condemnation mounting and the United Nations warning of catastrophic consequences, tensions are soaring in one of the world’s most volatile regions. We bring you diplomatic reactions, expert insight and on-the-ground reports from Tehran, Tel Aviv, Washingto...

In this special edition, we examine the fallout from U.S. air strikes on three of Iran’s nuclear sites. While President Trump declared their “complete and total obliteration,” Iran denies any radiation risk and vows to continue its nuclear program. Tehran has condemned the strikes, requested a U.N. Security Council meeting, and renewed attacks on Israel — fueling fears of wider conflict. What’s ne...

Israel and Iran continue striking each other amid rising tensions in the Middle East. Iran has warned against possible U.S. involvement as Washington debates over a direct military confrontation with Tehran. Chinese President Xi Jinping calls for deeper ties with New Zealand as the country's PM is on an official visit.

Iranian state TV says Israel has attacked the country's Arak heavy water facility. The United States has threatened a possible travel ban on 36 countries, citing deficient screening and security concerns. Civilian aircraft, drones and autonomous aerial vehicles are on display at the ongoing Paris Air Show.

Chinese President Xi Jinping has laid out a vision for cooperation between China and Central Asia, calling for unity, win-win development, and deeper people-to-people ties. He also outlined plans to promote regional prosperity, security, and integration.

An Israeli airstrike has struck Iran’s state-run television station while it was broadcasting live. Rising tensions between Israel and Iran have led U.S. President Donald Trump to abbreviate his visit to the G7 Summit in Canada. Chinese President Xi Jinping has expressed the country’s readiness to work with Kazakhstan to contribute more to regional and world peace and development.

Iran launches a new wave of strikes on Israel as the conflict enters its fourth day. Protests erupt across the United States as demonstrators respond to the Trump administration’s crackdown on immigration. Chinese President Xi Jinping is in Kazakhstan to attend the second China-Central Asia Summit.

Tehran launches drones towards Israel in response to earlier attacks that killed senior Iranian officials. Experts are working to determine the cause of the fatal passenger jet crash in northwestern India. The China-Africa Economic and Trade Expo is underway, drawing over 30,000 participants.