Elon Musk has become the world's first trillionaire, with his wealth driven by soaring valuations of Tesla, SpaceX, and xAI. A trillion dollars is an immense sum, exceeding the economic output of most countries and allowing for vast purchases, from funding NASA for decades to buying multiple major car manufacturers.
Sir Keir Starmer criticizes US VP JD Vance over Henry Nowak's death, Labour accuses Reform UK of destabilizing democracy, royal residences face scrutiny, and notable events include a Royal Navy breakdown, a BBC presenter under investigation, Bank of England's banknote changes, actor Anthony Head's passing, and Gossard's liquidation.
China's fourth aircraft carrier, the Type 004, is rapidly taking shape, featuring advanced capabilities like nuclear power and electromagnetic catapults. This development highlights global investment in aircraft carriers, despite their vulnerability to modern threats like drones and missiles.
The Sanya naval complex, including Yulin Naval Base, is a key Chinese military facility. It hosts the carrier Shandong and is strategically important due to its location in the first island chain, facing US and allied pressure.
The Sanya naval complex, featuring Yulin Naval Base and hosting China's second carrier Shandong, is strategically vital due to its location in the first island chain, facing US and allied pressure. Qingdao is the homeport for the Liaoning and the North Sea Fleet.
China's J-35 stealth fighter may soon be operational on all three of its aircraft carriers, a development that experts say would significantly enhance the PLA Navy's combat capabilities. Currently, only the most advanced carrier, the Fujian, can host the J-35 due to its electromagnetic catapult system. However, recent state media hints suggest upgrades to the Liaoning and Shandong carriers may allow them to operate the J-35.
A US aircraft carrier group has arrived in the Caribbean amid rising tensions with Cuba, following US indictments against former Cuban President Raul Castro. Cuba asserts its right to self-defense against potential military action.
US CENTCOM Commander Brad Cooper explained the USS Gerald R. Ford's departure from the Middle East. Meanwhile, US officials stated a ground operation in Iran remains an option for Trump, who gave Tehran three days to reach a deal. Russia and Iran criticized US threats, while Iran presented a new negotiation proposal.
China's Liaoning carrier group is conducting routine far-sea drills including flight training and live-fire exercises. Japan reported Chinese J-15 jets locked fire-control radar on Japanese F-15s near Okinawa.
"This marks a preliminary deployment," French Minister Delegate to the Minister of the Armed Forces Alice Rufo stated
France wants to ensure the safe passage of ships through the strait but is wary of getting involved in the war.
According to Le Figaro, the deployment of the aircraft carrier takes place against the background of plans for an international mission to ensure the security of the Strait of Hormuz
According to the American leader, "it would be an honor to free up" Cuba
Iranian Supreme Leader's military adviser Mohsen Rezaei warned the US that its aircraft carriers could be sent to a 'graveyard,' responding to President Trump's acknowledgment that American forces act 'like pirates.' The statement comes after the US seized two Iranian commercial vessels, Majestic and Tifani, and stole 3.8 million barrels of oil. Iran has condemned these actions as 'state piracy' and called on the UN Security Council to intervene, while also reserving the right to respond under international law.
Iran's Supreme Leader's military adviser Mohsen Rezaei warned the US to prepare for its aircraft carriers and forces to face a 'graveyard,' responding to President Trump's acknowledgment that US forces act 'like pirates' during tanker seizures. Iran has accused the US of 'state piracy' after the seizure of two Iranian commercial vessels and theft of 3.8 million barrels of oil, calling on the UN Security Council to act.
The BBC Verify team built an AI model to track US aircraft carrier Abraham Lincoln.
For the first time in 23 years, the U.S. has three aircraft carriers in the Middle East, accompanied by 12 ships and 15,000 soldiers. This significant military presence signals readiness for renewed conflict should the fragile ceasefire with Iran collapse. The deployment occurs amid ongoing diplomatic tensions and Iran's reblocking of the Strait of Hormuz.
Iranian military commander Shahram Irani has warned that Iran will "very soon" deploy a new weapon against adversaries, claiming forces carried out seven missile operations against the USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier. The warning follows Trump's rejection of Iran's proposal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz in exchange for lifting the US naval blockade. Iran has tightened control over the strategic oil route, restricting vessel movement and accusing the US of "piracy" and "hostage-taking" of Iranian crewmembers.
Iran's Navy commander warns of a new, feared weapon soon to be unveiled, amid escalating US-Israel tensions. He claims Iranian forces conducted missile strikes on a US aircraft carrier and launched numerous reprisal attacks, while tightening control over the Strait of Hormuz. The commander also accused US forces of piracy and hostage-taking.
We have put together stories from our coverage last weekend to help you stay informed about news across Asia and beyond. If you would like to see more of our reporting, please consider subscribing. 1. As DJI duels Insta360, China sharpens global hardware edge amid US scrutiny 2. Did China just hint that its next aircraft carrier will be nuclear-powered? 3. Reverend Derek Li, father of injured Hong Kong Mirror dancer Mo Li, dies 4. 3 killed in Japanese Type 10 tank blast that has military...
A Chinese navy video titled 'Into The Deep' released to mark the 77th anniversary of the People's Liberation Army Navy has sparked speculation that China's fourth aircraft carrier will be nuclear-powered. The video showed a compass being passed down through generations of naval officers named after China's three current carriers—Liao Ning, Shan Dong, and Fu Jian—plus a fourth character named He Jian, where 'He' sounds like the Chinese word for 'nuclear'. Satellite images suggest the ship is similar in size to America's nuclear-powered Gerald R. Ford-class carriers.
China's PLA Navy promotional video 'Into The Deep' hints at a fourth nuclear-powered aircraft carrier named 'He Jian' via fictional characters. Satellite imagery shows Type 004 construction in Dalian with features suggesting nuclear reactors, marking a shift to blue-water naval power.
A Chinese naval video titled Into The Deep, released to mark the 77th anniversary of the PLA Navy, has fueled speculation that China's next aircraft carrier will be nuclear-powered. The film featured officers named after China's three existing carriers – Liao Ning, Shan Dong, and Fu Jian – but a fourth character, 19-year-old recruit He Jian, prompted analyst speculation. The name He Jian combines characters sounding like 'nuclear' and 'ship', while the carrier is expected to have hull number 19.
USS George HW Bush has arrived in the Middle East, bringing thousands more American troops and advanced fighter jets to the region.
