China has conducted military exercises in waters and airspace surrounding Taiwan, with officials describing the drills as routine and defensive in nature. The exercises involved naval vessels, aircraft, and live-fire components, reflecting coordinated operational readiness.

China’s military said the drills were intended to safeguard national sovereignty and territorial integrity, stressing that Taiwan is an internal matter. Officials framed the exercises as a measured response to recent external actions that Beijing views as undermining regional peace and encouraging separatist sentiment.

According to Taiwan’s defence authorities, Chinese aircraft and naval vessels were detected operating near the island during the drills. Monitoring measures were activated, ...

Russia has successfully launched an Iranian satellite into orbit, marking another step in expanding space and technology cooperation with Iran. The launch was carried out using a Russian rocket and placed the satellite into its intended orbital position.

Iranian officials described the mission as an important milestone for the country’s civilian space programme, saying the satellite is designed to support communications, data transmission, and scientific research. The project reflects Iran’s long-term investment in space technology and its aim to strengthen domestic capabilities through international partnerships.

Russian authorities highlighted the launch as part of broader cooperation in peaceful space activities, including satellite deployment ...

Ukraine’s main anti-corruption bodies have launched a high-profile investigation into allegations that members of parliament accepted bribes in return for supporting specific legislative votes. The inquiry has led to searches and evidence-gathering operations linked to lawmakers and intermediaries in Kyiv.

According to investigators, the case centres on claims that coordinated payments were offered to influence parliamentary decisions. Authorities said the suspected scheme involved multiple actors and was designed to conceal financial transfers connected to voting outcomes.

The investigation has also drawn attention to institutional tensions, with reports that anti-corruption officials faced obstacles during parts of the probe. These developments have raised questions ...

A strong earthquake struck Taiwan on Friday, sending tremors across large parts of the island and causing buildings to sway in major cities, including Taipei. Residents reported feeling prolonged shaking, prompting evacuations in some areas as a precaution.

Authorities said the quake measured around magnitude 7 and was centred offshore, according to preliminary assessments. Emergency services were placed on alert while inspections of infrastructure, transport networks, and power systems were carried out.

Initial reports indicated no widespread damage or casualties, though officials said assessments were ongoing. Public transport services were briefly disrupted in some areas while safety checks were completed.

Taiwan lies on ...

Authorities in Italy have arrested nine individuals as part of an investigation into alleged illicit financing of Hamas. Prosecutors said more than €8 million in assets were seized during coordinated operations across several regions.

Investigators allege that funds were raised through charitable and humanitarian organisations and then diverted to support Hamas activities. Financial police said the money was moved using complex networks designed to obscure its origin and final destination.

Those arrested are suspected of offences including terrorism financing, money laundering, and misuse of non-profit structures. Authorities stressed that the investigation does not implicate legitimate humanitarian work but focuses on individuals accused ...