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  Flooding caused by days of heavy rain in southern China has killed at least 39 people, authorities said Thursday, as another powerful storm approaches the country's eastern coast and Taiwan. Most of the deaths occurred in Hengzhou, where part of a reservoir dam collapsed, sending floodwaters into nearby communities and killing 26 people, said Ding Wei, vice mayor of Nanning, which oversees the area. Nine people are still missing across the Guangxi region. Tropical Storm Maysak brought record rainfall to Guangxi from Saturday, causing reservoirs to overflow, flooding homes and leaving many people stranded for days. Authorities had earlier reported six deaths on Tuesday, but the toll has since risen sharply. Meanwhile, Typhoon Bavi is moving northwest across the sea and is expected to pass near remote Japanese islands before moving north of Taiwan and making landfall in China's Fujian or Zhejiang province on Saturday. Fishing boats crowded ports in northern Taiwan on Thursday as residents prepared for heavy rain and strong winds. Although Bavi weakened from a super typhoon on Thursday, Taiwan's Central Weather Administration said it was still packing maximum sustained winds of 184 kilometres (114 miles) per hour. In the Philippines, classes were suspended in several cities and towns, while ships were barred from leaving northern ports as the storm passed east of Luzon. In flood-hit Guangxi, military rescue teams completed the evacuation of more than 10,000 students and teachers trapped in several schools in Guigang city, about 60 kilometres northeast of Hengzhou. Footage aired by state broadcaster CCTV showed students wearing orange life jackets boarding rescue boats as floodwaters surrounded school buildings. The flooding also affected wildlife and domestic animals. A zoo in Guigang reported that more than 100 animals, including two zebras, four porcupines and dozens of tropical birds, were missing after the flood. In Hengzhou, authorities warned residents about snakes believed to have escaped from a farm. They stocked up on anti-venom and issued safety advice on snake bites. An animal shelter in Binyang County, around 75 kilometres northwest of Hengzhou, worked to rescue about 200 cats and dozens of dogs. Shelter workers carried dogs through deep floodwater while cats climbed onto roof beams to escape the rising water. Authorities said drones and around 5,700 boats have been used in large-scale rescue efforts to deliver drinking water and other emergency supplies and evacuate stranded residents. Around 130,000 people have been moved to safer places. Ding said floodwaters are gradually receding, but more rain is forecast in some areas over the next two days. Cleanup crews have been deployed to remove mud and debris and disinfect affected towns in Hengzhou. Road repairs are continuing, while electricity has already been restored to more than 60,000 households. China's National Meteorological Center said parts of Guangxi received between 10 and 40 centimetres (4 to 16 inches) of rain over the past several days, with some of the worst-hit areas recording more than 90 centimetres (35 inches). Severe weather also struck central China's Hubei province earlier this week, where thunderstorms and tornadoes killed 11 people and left many others homeless. Elsewhere in Asia, landslides triggered by monsoon rains have killed at least 13 Rohingya refugees in camps in Bangladesh this week, with authorities continuing efforts to move vulnerable families to safer locations.  

China's recent launch of a ballistic missile into the South Pacific was widely seen by security experts as a clear message to the United States, highlighting Beijing's growing nuclear capabilities despite criticism from countries in the Pacific region. The missile, launched on Monday from a nuclear-powered submarine, marked one of the few public tests of a nuclear-capable weapons system by China. It came two years after a similar launch over international waters in the Pacific. While several Pacific island nations criticised the test, saying the region should not become a stage for rivalry between major powers, analysts said the main audience for the launch was Washington. "The key message is that the People's Liberation Army is becoming a stronger military force with a powerful strategic nuclear capability," said Tong Zhao, a senior fellow with the Nuclear Policy Program at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace. The launch showcased the sea-based part of China's nuclear triad — its ability to launch nuclear weapons from land, sea and air. It also demonstrated what military experts call a "second-strike capability," meaning China could still retaliate with nuclear weapons even if it were attacked first. Dominic Meagher, a research fellow at Australia's Crawford School of Public Policy, said the submarine launch showed that China's nuclear forces could respond from anywhere, making them harder to eliminate in a first strike. China described the launch as part of its annual military exercises, leading experts to believe similar tests could become more common. "I see this as part of a broader strategy rather than a one-time event," said K. Tristan Tang, a nonresident fellow at the National Bureau of Asian Research. The missile test comes as China continues expanding its fleet of nuclear-powered submarines. According to the International Institute for Strategic Studies, China has built these submarines at a faster pace than the United States over the past five years. Pacific nations raise concerns The launch drew criticism from Pacific countries because the missile landed in waters covered by the South Pacific Nuclear Free Zone, created under the 1986 Treaty of Rarotonga. The region has a painful history of nuclear testing. The United States, Britain and France carried out nuclear tests in the Pacific during the last century, leaving lasting environmental damage and health problems, including cancers and birth defects that some island communities say continue to affect generations. Meagher said those experiences led to international agreements aimed at preventing future nuclear testing in the region. Solomon Islands Prime Minister Matthew Wale criticised China's action, saying while China is an important partner, "this is not something a friend does" and is not good for the region. Although the United States still conducts missile tests in the Pacific, Meagher noted that they avoid the treaty-protected nuclear-free zone. Regional powers question lack of notice Australia and New Zealand said they received very little advance warning about the launch, while Japan criticised China for not being transparent. Australia and New Zealand have become increasingly concerned about China's growing influence in the Pacific, where Beijing has strengthened ties with several island nations through security and development agreements. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, speaking during a visit to the Solomon Islands on Tuesday, described the launch as "a provocative act" that could increase tensions in the region. "The fact that this test took place with very little notice is a real concern," he said. China defended the launch, saying it had informed relevant countries in advance and that the exercise was conducted openly and transparently. Experts noted that while the Hague Code of Conduct encourages countries to provide at least 24 hours' notice before ballistic missile launches, the code is voluntary and China is not a member. Uncertainty over missile type Questions also remain over exactly which missile was launched. Taiwan's National Security Council said it was likely a JL-2 submarine-launched ballistic missile fired from waters off Guangdong province in southern China. However, Chinese state media quoted military experts as saying the launch probably involved the newer JL-3 missile, which has a much longer range and is capable of reaching targets across the Pacific. Analysts say that as China expands its military power, it is likely to face greater international scrutiny over its weapons development and military activities.  

Ukrainian drones struck several Russian oil facilities on Thursday, setting off fires at fuel storage sites and igniting two oil tankers in the Sea of Azov, a day after US President Donald Trump said Ukraine would receive a license to manufacture Patriot air defense systems. Ukraine has increasingly targeted Russian oil refineries, fuel depots and other energy infrastructure, contributing to fuel shortages and rationing in several Russian regions. Reports said long queues have formed at gas stations as drivers wait to refill their vehicles. In western Russia, a Ukrainian drone attack sparked a fire at an oil depot in the city of Tver, according to acting regional Governor Vitaly Korolyov. Another strike hit the southern Stavropol region, where Governor Vladimir Vladimirov said oil storage tanks caught fire in Vyazniki. Authorities evacuated residents from several nearby apartment buildings as the blaze spread. In the Sea of Azov, Ukrainian drones set two oil tankers on fire, Rostov Governor Yuri Slusar said. He added that one vessel was still burning while the crews of both ships had been safely evacuated. The attack was the latest in a series of Ukrainian strikes on oil tankers in the area, aimed at disrupting fuel supplies to Russian-occupied Crimea. Russia's Defense Ministry said its air defense systems shot down 73 Ukrainian drones between late Wednesday and early Thursday. Meanwhile, Ukraine's Air Force said Russia launched 94 long-range attack drones and two ballistic missiles overnight. It said Ukrainian forces intercepted or jammed 72 drones, but 19 drones and both missiles hit targets, causing damage at 13 locations. The attacks came a day after Trump met Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on the sidelines of the NATO summit in Turkey. Following the meeting, Trump said the United States would grant Ukraine a license to manufacture Patriot air defense systems, a long-sought capability that Kyiv hopes will strengthen its defenses against Russian missile attacks. The meeting marked a sharp contrast to their tense encounter at the White House in February 2025. This time, Trump praised Zelenskyy for his efforts to seek an end to the war, saying the Ukrainian leader had "done an amazing job" and had "been very effective."

US Congresswoman Delia Ramirez has criticised President Donald Trump over the latest US airstrikes on Iran, accusing his administration of escalating the conflict soon after reaching a ceasefire agreement. "Last night, Trump launched a series of strikes on Iran, shortly after establishing a ceasefire deal. And today he is threatening to launch more," Ramirez wrote in a post on X. "We cannot rely on warmongers to bring an end to this war. Congress must reclaim our authority and hold the administration accountable!" she added. Ramirez's remarks came after US Senator Elizabeth Warren also urged Congress to act to stop Trump's war. Last month, the US House of Representatives and the Senate approved a bipartisan War Powers Resolution directing the president to halt military action against Iran unless Congress formally declares war or authorises the use of military force. #From Al Jazeera

Scott Uehlinger, a former senior CIA officer and national security expert, says it will be "very difficult" to find a way out of the escalating confrontation between the United States and Iran. Speaking to Al Jazeera, Uehlinger said the US strikes on Iran were partly intended to persuade Tehran to reconsider its approach to the Strait of Hormuz. "The United States tried to make clear through Trump that it was retaliating for Iran's refusal to cooperate in the Strait of Hormuz. I think Trump was hoping to some degree that perhaps the regime would learn its lesson and go back to the memorandum," Uehlinger said. He said Washington is seeking to weaken Iran's leverage over the strategically important waterway. "That's why we've seen so many attacks directed at Iran's ability to attempt to control the straits. Maritime traffic control centres have been destroyed. Missile sites have been destroyed and fast boats have been destroyed, all in an attempt to further limit Iran's ability to affect the straits," he said. "I think President Trump hopes that by reducing that ability, or showing the Iranians they do not have that ability, perhaps then they will return to the memorandum of understanding," Uehlinger added. #Reports Al Jazeera

The United States launched a fresh wave of airstrikes on Iran early Thursday, prompting Tehran to retaliate by targeting Bahrain, Kuwait and Qatar, further straining an interim agreement aimed at ending the war in the Persian Gulf. The latest attacks came hours after US President Donald Trump declared that recent Iranian strikes on ships in the Strait of Hormuz had effectively ended the fragile ceasefire. The US had already carried out strikes on a range of Iranian military sites and port facilities early Wednesday after Iran targeted several commercial vessels off the coast of Oman, triggering an earlier round of Iranian retaliation. Thursday's exchanges appeared to be more intense. Air raid sirens sounded at least twice in Bahrain, where the US Navy's 5th Fleet is based. There were no immediate reports of damage in Bahrain, Kuwait or Qatar. Kuwait's military said it was intercepting incoming drones and missiles. In a social media post, US military officials said the latest operation was intended to "further degrade" Iran's ability "to threaten freedom of navigation" in the Strait of Hormuz, through which about one-fifth of the world's traded oil and natural gas passed before the conflict began with US and Israeli strikes on February 28. Iranian state media reported explosions in several areas, including Bushehr, home to the country's nuclear power plant, as well as the southern port cities of Chabahar, Konarak, Bandar Abbas and Sirik. Trump warns of stronger response After leaving a NATO summit in Turkey, Trump shared videos on social media that he said showed explosions in Iran and warned Tehran against further attacks. "This is in retribution for yesterday's bombing of ships by Iran. If it happens again, it will get much worse!" Trump wrote. Earlier in the day, Trump had said the latest exchanges would not lead to prolonged military action. "Anything that happens is going to happen very fast," he said, while also suggesting the US military could "just finish the job." Trump also repeated earlier threats to target Iran's civilian infrastructure, including power stations and desalination plants, and to seize the country's key oil export hub on Kharg Island. Following attacks on three tankers on Tuesday, the US launched strikes against Iran, and Iranian forces responded by targeting American military sites across the Persian Gulf. Iran has maintained that the interim ceasefire allows it to regulate traffic through the Strait of Hormuz. Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf, who is involved in negotiations for a permanent peace agreement, struck a defiant tone in a post on X. "America still hasn't learned that bullying and breaking promises are no longer cost-free. Let me put it plainly: if you strike, you'll get hit," he wrote. Fears grow over collapse of ceasefire Trump's remarks that the temporary ceasefire was "over" raised fresh concerns that the conflict could escalate again, although he said diplomatic talks would continue. Repeated attacks have already put the fragile agreement under pressure, and Trump's comments added to uncertainty. Oil prices rose sharply after his remarks amid fears of renewed fighting that could disrupt energy supplies through the Strait of Hormuz. "For me, I think it's over," Trump said when asked about the ceasefire. While he said US officials could continue negotiations, he expressed little confidence in their success. "They can talk, but I think they're wasting their time," he said. Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi, who is also involved in the negotiations, responded on X by saying Trump's comments "are not a sign of power but an admission of the failure" of US policy toward Iran. Trump has repeatedly threatened to seize Kharg Island, through which around 90% of Iran's oil exports pass, including last month when he questioned whether the US "has the stomach for it." The latest attacks on shipping, despite ongoing diplomatic efforts, may reflect divisions within Iran's leadership. Hard-liners favour maintaining long-term control over the strategic waterway, while more pragmatic officials seek a permanent agreement that would reopen the strait, ease sanctions and revive the country's economy. Formal negotiations on a lasting peace were scheduled to begin after the funeral of Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was killed on February 28 during the opening phase of the war. The funeral, which concludes Thursday, had been expected to provide a brief period of reduced tensions. The planned talks are expected to focus on the most contentious issues, including the full reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and restrictions on Iran's disputed nuclear programme.

The United States may strike Iran again "hard tonight," U.S. President Donald Trump told reporters here Wednesday on the sidelines of the NATO summit. Trump said Tehran has been "behaving very badly" regarding a recently signed peace memorandum of understanding, citing recent drone and missile attacks as well as "assaults" on U.S. ships. The United States could resume a naval blockade against Iran in the Strait of Hormuz and possibly take over Iran's Kharg Island, he said. He added that the United States has lost 200 people during the latest conflict in the Middle East. Still, Trump suggested that the U.S. negotiation team might continue its efforts. The remarks came as the United States and Iran traded fresh attacks from Tuesday night to Wednesday, marking a new round of escalation. The United States has launched strikes against 80 Iranian targets allegedly in response to recent Iranian attacks on commercial vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz. Later, Iran's Islamic Revolution Guard Corps attacked 85 U.S. military sites in Bahrain and Kuwait.  

Highlighting the lasting importance of American journalist Edgar Snow’s legacy and his role in fostering mutual understanding between China and the world, an international seminar titled “The Contemporary Value of Edgar Snow’s Spirit” was held on Wednesday at Peking University in China. The event brought together Chinese and international participants to reflect on Snow’s historic work and explore the relevance of his spirit in today’s global context. The event, jointly hosted by Xinhua News Agency and Peking University and organized by the Xinhua Institute, concluded an extensive six-day research and study tour held from July 2 to 7 that retraced Snow's historic journey through Shaanxi Province and Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region. Participants followed the path Edgar Snow took during his historic interviews in northern Shaanxi, gaining firsthand knowledge of the places that inspired his landmark work, Red Star Over China. The journey offered international delegates a deeper understanding of China's revolutionary history, its development path, and the values that continue to shape modern China. During the field program, the delegation visited several historic revolutionary sites across Shaanxi and Ningxia, including Yan'an and Zhidan County, where they explored museums, memorial halls, and former revolutionary headquarters associated with the Chinese Red Army. Participants also visited the former site of the Counter-Japanese Military and Political University, the Bao'an Revolution Site Memorial Museum, and memorials commemorating the Red Army's arrival in northern Shaanxi. Through guided tours and historical exhibitions, they learned about the hardships, determination, and ideals that characterized the revolutionary period. The program also included cultural and academic activities designed to deepen participants' understanding of China's revolutionary heritage.

At least 14 people were killed and 28 others injured after a passenger bus collided head-on with a truck in a remote area of northern Uganda, police said on Wednesday. The accident occurred late Tuesday at a trading centre along the highway leading to the northern city of Gulu, according to a police statement. Preliminary investigations indicate that the bus driver, who was allegedly speeding, lost control of the vehicle while trying to avoid a pedestrian crossing the road. The bus then crashed into an oncoming trailer, police said. The injured were taken to nearby medical facilities for treatment, while authorities launched an investigation into the crash. Deadly road accidents are frequent in Uganda and other East African countries, where highways are often narrow and poorly maintained. Police regularly attribute such crashes to excessive speeding and reckless driving.

Drone strikes targeting civilian vehicles in war-ravaged Sudan have killed more than 20 people in recent days, rights groups said, highlighting the growing use of unmanned aircraft in the country's more than three-year conflict. The Sudan Doctors Network said a drone strike on Tuesday hit a vehicle on the outskirts of Omdurman, west of the capital Khartoum, killing 10 civilians who were travelling to a wedding. The victims included five women from the same family. The medical group blamed the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) for what it described as a deliberate attack carried out with a guided drone. It urged the international community to pressure the RSF to halt attacks on civilians. In a separate incident the same day, Emergency Lawyers, a rights group monitoring the conflict, said a drone strike hit a transport vehicle near a water facility in North Kordofan province, killing two people. The group also reported that another drone attack a day earlier killed 13 civilians, including five women, as they travelled to a wedding in the town of al-Shaatout in North Kordofan. Emergency Lawyers said the attacks reflect an increasing pattern of drone strikes targeting civilians, with drones reportedly monitoring residents' movements across northern parts of the province. North Kordofan has witnessed intensified fighting in recent weeks amid concerns that the RSF is attempting to advance toward the strategic city of el-Obeid, where the Sudanese army maintains a major military base. According to the United Nations, repeated drone attacks have damaged civilian infrastructure, including power facilities, residential neighborhoods, bridges and key supply routes. Sudan has been engulfed in conflict since April 2023, when fighting erupted between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the RSF following months of escalating tensions. The war has killed at least 59,000 people, displaced about 13 million and pushed large parts of the country into famine, while more than 30 million people now require humanitarian assistance, according to humanitarian agencies.