The Economy Markets

BRI Investment Shifts from Infrastructure to Energy and Critical Resources China Offsets Middle East Shock in Short Term Through Energy Self-Sufficiency Sustained Control over Mineral Supply Chains, Foundation for a ‘Scientific Superpower’ China’s

The United States and Israel pressed ahead with strikes on Iran despite diplomatic options remaining “Israel deceived the president,” says Trump loyalist counterterrorism chief as he resigns Trump accused of scrambling to contain the fallout as global skepticism deepens

Assessment that “Iran’s military actions have deviated from international norms”Emerging power vacuum and signs of command structure collapse

Middle East conflict deepens turmoil across the shipping industry, with cargo indiscriminately unloaded Seaborne freight rates soar, overturning prewar forecasts, as political variables reshape the industry landscape "Even with higher freight rates, there is little left over" as cost pressures mount for shipping lines

Japan depends on imports for 98% of its LNG, making transport itself a security issue China-Japan tensions remain elevated over remarks on a Taiwan contingency Concern grows that vessels built in China may not be delivered A

Patent disclosures intensify the race for technological leadershipManufacturing costs and yield issues remain unresolved

Trump Urges Japanese Deployment, Citing Reliance on the Strait Takaichi Mounts Defense With $73 Billion U.S.

Beyond airstrikes, a scenario of ‘occupation’Focus shifts to Kharg Island’s strategic value

Carbon pricing fails when it looks flat but hits younger and poorer households hardest The real burden comes through wages and living costs, not just energy prices Only progressive carbon pricing can make climate policy both effective and politically durable

A long Iran war would weaken US focus in Asia even without a formal strategic shift China could gain leverage in East Asia simply by letting Washington stay stuck in the Gulf A fast, limited end to the conflict would help the US contain both Iran and China at once

China’s economic pressure on Japan has strengthened Takaichi instead of weakening her Beijing’s coercion has raised public support for a tougher Japanese security and trade stance The more China escalates, the more it helps the leader it wants to contain

Cargo Left Unattended Raises Risk of Environmental DisasterRussia Claims “Piracy Using Maritime Drones”

Australia Begins Monetary Tightening in Response to Middle East-Driven Uncertainty Other Major Central Banks Also Grapple With the Path of Monetary Policy Markets Price in Tightening Expectations as Sovereign Yields Rise in Tandem Australia has

U.S. Temporarily Eases Sanctions to Address Oil PricesSupply Shortages Deepen Despite “Limited Impact” Assessment

Iran, Hit at South Pars, Targets Qatar’s Core LNG Hub Damage Seen Spreading to Saudi Arabia and the UAE, Deepening Market Anxiety Whether the Energy Price Spike Endures Hinges on Iran’s Remaining Military Capacity Iran has struck Qatar’s largest liq

Chinese battery manufacturers surpass a 70% market share, tightening their grip on global market leadership Korea’s three battery makers, hit by slumping market share and earnings, seek an opening through ESS “Unable to fill the EV void any time soon” — ESS, too, faces unmistakable growth constraints

North America’s First Pacific Direct-Shipping Terminal Shorter Transit Times Than U.S.

“Ghost city”-level vacancy in residency and capital outflowsContinued war variables constrain normalization of urban functions

Concerns Over Prolonged War-Driven Inflation Officially ReflectedRising Pressure From Oil and Interest Rates, Currency Markets React

Internal Fractures Deepen as Israel Lobbying Allegations SpreadRecurring Legitimacy Disputes Divide International Opinion