Foreign student enrollment rates in China are recovering post-pandemic, driven by rising demand from Asia and Africa as students are drawn by lower costs, scholarships and shifting global dynamics.

The region has a dilemma in engaging the US, as it faces the economic fallout of President Donald Trumps actions in the Middle East, says Kevin Chen of the S Rajaratnam School of International Studies.

Israel said activists on more than 20 boats in a Gaza-bound aid flotilla were intercepted and would be sent to Greece, calling the operation a total success.

US stocks hit record highs, with one analyst saying corporate profits are driving the gains.

Chinas foreign minister urged the US to safeguard the hard-won stability in relations and warned over Taiwan ahead of US President Donald Trumps visit to Beijing.

US Congress approved funding for most of the Department of Homeland Security, ending a 75-day partial shutdown.

Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth defended the Iran war for a second day, while Senator Jack Reed warned he was dismantling trust in the US military.

Irans oil exports have been slashed by over 80 per cent, with analysts saying only around 4 million barrels have made it out.

The number of AI agents in financial markets will only grow exponentially. The risk is that these won't be agents created solely by banks, says a researcher.

The Emirates have chafed against the constraints of OPEC quotas for years, says an academic.

In his first meeting with EU leaders, Hungarys incoming leader Peter Magyar said EU funds could soon be released to the country.

The US Federal Reserve kept interest rates unchanged due to uncertainty over the Middle East conflict and high energy prices.

Oil prices jumped as fears grew that the Strait of Hormuz could stay blocked.

US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth was criticised over the US$25 billion war with Iran, but said the comments were "reckless, feckless and defeatist."

A Pentagon official said most of the money was spent on munitions.