Chinese Vessels Await ‘OK’ to Transit Strait of Hormuz

In the first 24 hours of Iran’s ceasefire, three Chinese vessels were left waiting at the Strait of Hormuz. No passage without Tehran’s approval. No special treatment. What does this say about China–Iran relations?

Plastic prices are surging in southern China. Rising oil costs tied to Middle East tensions are squeezing margins and disrupting logistics. Panic buying is spreading in China’s “plastic town.”

TikTok is facing a New York lawsuit. The app is accused of harming users’ mental health. Its algorithm—still linked to former Chinese parent ByteDance—is under scrutiny.

Associate Justice John R. Higgitt: “Does the First Amendment protect human beings or artificial intelligence?”

A mysterious underwater drone was pulled from fishing nets near Indonesia. Experts say it could be tied to China’s efforts to map key undersea routes in the region, an area seen as critical in any future conflict between the United States and China.

Tensions are escalating in the South China Sea. The Philippines has opened a major coast guard base, aiming to strengthen its presence in disputed waters. Meanwhile, Beijing fired warning shots at a patrol aircraft during a separate mission near contested reefs.

1. Chinese Vessels Await ‘OK’ to Transit Strait of Hormuz
2. Iran War Oil Shortage Chokes Chinese City
3. Lawmakers Urge Probe of China-Linked Nonprofits
4. TikTok Seeks Dismissal of New York Lawsuit
5. Fears Over Beijing’s Influence on TikTok Algorithm
6. Surveillance Drone Found Near Indonesian Waters
7. Philippines Opens Coast Guard Base to Deter China
8. China Fires Flares at Philippine Patrol Aircraft
9. North Korea Fires Ballistic Missiles
10. Huge Data Trove Allegedly Stolen From China: CNN
11. U.S. Supreme Court Weighs Birthright Citizenship Case
12. Supreme Court Weighs 14th Amendment Interpretation
13. ACLU Legal Director Outlines 14th Amendment View