Daily News Snapshot — 2026-03-26

Top News

Japanese man breaks into Chinese embassy with a knife; China files strong protest

• What happened: A Japanese man named Murata forced his way into the Chinese embassy in Japan while carrying a knife. He was arrested by the Metropolitan Police Department for alleged trespassing. The man admitted to the charges, claiming he wanted to "express his opinions directly to the Chinese ambassador."
• Why it matters: The Chinese Foreign Ministry has lodged a strong protest with Japan. The incident has caused a stir on Chinese social media, with some calling it the "equivalent of a declaration of war" (宣战布告に等しい), further straining already tense diplomatic relations between China and Japan.

Chinese AI firm Manus founders face travel ban; Meta acquisition under review

• What happened: According to the Financial Times, China has barred two co-founders of AI startup Manus from leaving the country. Regulators are currently investigating whether Meta’s $2 billion (approx. 2.6 billion SGD) acquisition of the company violates investment regulations.
• Why it matters: This case is the latest example of China tightening scrutiny over foreign acquisitions of local AI companies, reflecting the deep tensions in the tech rivalry between the U.S. and China. Manus had previously garnered significant capital interest for its autonomous AI agent capabilities; this incident may serve as a warning to the Chinese AI startup ecosystem.

China Eastern Airlines signs deal for 101 Airbus aircraft

• What happened: On March 25, China Eastern Airlines signed a formal agreement in Shanghai to purchase 101 A320 NEO series aircraft. Since French President Macron’s visit to China last December, China has ordered a total of 249 Airbus planes.
• Why it matters: This marks a significant procurement of Airbus aircraft by Chinese airlines in four years. It strengthens commercial ties in the China-Europe aviation sector and highlights the resilience of China-Europe economic cooperation amid current global trade volatility.

Educator and internet personality Zhang Xuefeng passes away at 41

• What happened: Renowned postgraduate entrance exam tutor and education blogger Zhang Xuefeng passed away in Suzhou on the afternoon of March 24 due to sudden cardiac death at the age of 41. His company, Suzhou Fengxue Weilai Education Technology, confirmed the news in an obituary.
• Why it matters: Zhang was highly influential in the Chinese education sector for his unique style of academic and career counseling and had tens of millions of followers. His sudden passing has triggered widespread mourning online and renewed public concern over the health and pressure facing young and middle-aged adults.

Tai'an "child abduction" case second-instance verdict: suspended death sentence

• What happened: On March 24, 2026, the Shandong High People's Court, commissioned by the Tai'an Intermediate People's Court, delivered the second-instance verdict on the Tai'an "home invasion child abduction case." The court rejected the appeal and upheld the original sentence, approving a death sentence with a two-year reprieve for the prime defendant, Zeng Xiaohai, for the crime of child trafficking. Two other defendants were handled in the same case.
• Why it matters: This case previously drew significant national attention. The upheld suspended death sentence has reignited public debate regarding sentencing standards, reflecting Chinese society's extreme sensitivity to child safety issues.

Finance & Business

Boao Forum: Asia's economy expected to grow by 4.5% in 2026

The Boao Forum for Asia released the "Asian Economic Outlook and Integration Progress 2026" report on March 24, projecting a 4.5% economic growth rate for Asia this year, maintaining its role as the primary engine of global economic growth. On March 25, the forum further affirmed that Asia remains the most attractive region for global investment.

Dalian Commodity Exchange adjusts price limits for LPG futures

The Dalian Commodity Exchange announced that, effective from the settlement on March 24, 2026, it will increase the daily price limits and trading margin levels for several liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) futures contracts. The daily price limit for near-month contracts was raised from 11% to 14% to address the recent increase in market volatility.

Global Perspectives

U.S.-Iran situation: Trump announces 5-day delay in strikes on Iranian power facilities

Trump stated he would delay military strikes on Iranian power facilities by five days to allow room for diplomatic negotiations. He also revealed that the U.S. is in communication with an undisclosed senior Iranian official. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian responded by calling for restraint from all parties. BBC Chinese noted that the persistent threats against Iran from the U.S. and Israel have undermined established norms of international conflict.

Philippine President Marcos: China provided major aid during energy crisis

Philippine President Marcos publicly stated that when the Philippines faced energy supply shortages, China did not take advantage of the situation but instead provided significant help. This statement, occurring against the backdrop of ongoing tensions over the South China Sea, is being viewed as a signal of a moderate adjustment in the Philippines' policy toward China.

Ongoing Concerns

• Sino-Japanese Diplomatic Relations: Driven by both the embassy incident and statements in Japan's Diplomatic Bluebook, it is worth watching whether relations between China and Japan will deteriorate further.
• Manus Acquisition and China's AI Regulation: China's scrutiny of the Meta acquisition may signal a stricter stance on foreign entry into the AI sector. Policy developments in this area bear tracking.
• U.S.-Iran Negotiations and the Middle East: Within the 5-day window of paused military action, whether the U.S. and Iran can reach a substantive diplomatic breakthrough will directly impact global energy markets and regional stability.