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K-pop girl group aespa's second full-length album 'Lemonade' has sold over 1.03 million copies, marking the group's eighth million-seller. The album debuted at No. 9 on the Billboard 200, and the group is set to embark on a world tour in August.
Taiwan's coast guard has vowed to forcefully drive away Chinese ships that assert jurisdiction in its waters, following a Chinese patrol off Taiwan's eastern shores. The patrol, which China said was a response to Japan-Philippines maritime talks, inspected 198 vessels and rectified violations involving three ships. Tensions also rose as two Chinese government ships reportedly approached Taiwan-controlled Itu Aba in the South China Sea.
The IAEA's governing board passed a resolution demanding Iran provide complete information on its enriched uranium stocks and grant inspectors access, as the watchdog warns it cannot verify the location or size of the stockpile. Iran rejected the resolution, calling it politically motivated and legally flawed, while the US and Iran exchanged strikes in the latest escalation.
South Korea announced its 24-man baseball roster for the 2026 Asian Games in Aichi Prefecture, Japan, with 2024 KBO MVP Kim Do-yeong among the selections. Manager Ryu Ji-hyun expressed expectations of a fifth consecutive gold medal, while the KBO continued its youth-focused selection strategy.
Hong Kong customs officials arrested six people and seized an estimated HK$156 million (US$20 million) worth of counterfeit FIFA World Cup merchandise, including 30,000 fake football jerseys, in an operation code-named 'Clean Sheet.' Most of the goods were destined for the Americas, authorities said.
As millions of Chinese students sit the gaokao each June, the national college entrance exam's deep roots in the imperial keju system shape its enduring cultural weight and influence on education worldwide. Reports from South China Morning Post trace the exam's evolution from the Sui dynasty to its current role in determining futures.
Iranian armed forces announced the closure of the Strait of Hormuz following US strikes, but US Central Command says commercial vessels continue to transit. Reports of attacks on ships remain unverified, and oil prices rose slightly.
The U.S. military has conducted new strikes against Iran, targeting military facilities, as President Trump threatens more action and imposes fresh sanctions. Iran has responded with threats to target ships in the Strait of Hormuz, raising concerns about global energy prices and the fragile ceasefire.
The UK government has introduced the National Security (State Threats) Bill, which would give the Home Secretary power to designate foreign state-linked groups as threats to national security, potentially including Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). The legislation, expected to come into force next month, would criminalize support for designated proxies and follows a rise in Iran-backed plots and a 35% increase in state threat investigations.
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said Iran will stand firm against any US pressure or threat, responding to President Trump's warning of continued strikes. Tensions rise as US forces target oil tankers, China urges restraint, and the UN seeks answers on Iran's nuclear program.
The United States and Japan have reiterated their commitment to the complete denuclearization of North Korea during defense talks in Tokyo, rejecting Russia's view that the issue is closed. Washington also stated it remains open to dialogue without preconditions, while G7 leaders echoed the same commitment and expressed concern over North Korea's nuclear programs.
South Korean President Lee Jae Myung and EU leaders issued a joint statement strongly condemning military cooperation between North Korea and Russia as illegal and a factor enabling Russia's war in Ukraine. The two sides also called on Pyongyang to comply with non-proliferation obligations and agreed to begin negotiations on a bilateral information security pact.
The European Union is preparing to adopt a 'mini-package' of sanctions against Russia on June 15, according to multiple reports. The package is expected to include individuals and organizations in the defense and energy sectors, along with measures targeting Chinese companies. Meanwhile, the European Commission is proposing a larger sanctions package, described as the largest in two years.
The European Commission has proposed a 21st package of sanctions against Russia, with reports suggesting it could target more than 170 individuals and entities, including Patriarch Kirill and numerous banks. While diplomatic sources cited by Reuters indicate about 90 Russian banks could face restrictions, EUobserver reports over 40 individuals and 31 legal entities. The package, yet to be approved, underscores the EU's continued sanctions expansion.
Zhang Xue, the founder of Chinese motorcycle brand ZXMOTO, has invited a 31-year-old fan battling cancer to an overseas racing event after the fan expressed his dream to buy a motorcycle. The story highlights Zhang's rise from poverty to international recognition following a landmark victory in the Superbike World Championship.
The European Commission has proposed a wide-ranging 21st sanctions package targeting Russian oil, banking, and trade, including new restrictions on entities from India and other third countries. However, EU ambassadors have only begun discussing the package, and a unanimous compromise is required before any practical decisions can be made, with approval not expected at the upcoming foreign ministers' meeting.
A year-long investigation by Global Witness has traced conflict coltan from mines in the Democratic Republic of Congo, through Rwanda, and into global supply chains, implicating major brands and revealing the failure of a key due diligence scheme.
Hong Kong authorities have charged seven individuals and two companies with 25 offences, including manslaughter, over last November's fire at Wang Fuk Court that killed 168 people. The defendants appeared in court on Wednesday, with the companies identified as the project's consultancy and main contractor.
Chinese electric vehicle makers including BYD and Xpeng are ramping up plans to mass-produce humanoid robots, entering a new competitive arena with Tesla. Alibaba has launched AI models with robot-control capabilities, while Tencent’s OpenClaw framework has been integrated into Zeroth’s M1 humanoid, signaling a broader race to deploy AI in physical systems.
Fleet 2026, Russia's International Maritime Defense Show, opened in Kronstadt on June 10, featuring export models of ships and submarines, drone detection systems, and new unmanned boats. Russian officials highlighted the defense industry's resilience amid sanctions, while state corporation Rostec plans to demonstrate multi-factor drone munitions. The event also includes delegations from Belarus, India, and China.