Cyber-attacks attributed to Chinese intelligence agencies are escalating in sophistication and frequency, targeting foreign governments, politicians, security officials, journalists, and businesses. The UK and US have imposed sanctions on Chinese entities and individuals linked to the hacking group APT 31, which is accused of a prolonged cyber-attack campaign and potential access to UK voter information. New Zealand has also expressed concerns over Chinese involvement in a 2021 attack on its parliamentary entities. Analysts observe a rise in such attacks, with some Chinese hacking groups believed to be contracted by intelligence units. Western governments are increasingly willing to publicly attribute these cyber-attacks to China, indicating a shift from espionage to potential warfare preparation. The situation raises concerns about escalation and the testing of adversarial defenses.

Taiwan is considering joining the International Criminal Court (ICC) as a deterrent against a potential Chinese invasion and to increase its global participation. The ICC, which prosecutes international crimes, could potentially investigate Chinese leader Xi Jinping if he were to order acts of war against Taiwan. Legal experts and politicians in Taiwan are discussing the implications and mechanisms for joining the ICC, with the UN Secretary-General as the administrator of its membership. The move faces geopolitical and legal challenges, including China's non-membership in the ICC and Taiwan's undetermined state status. The issue is unlikely to see immediate action due to the upcoming presidential election in Taiwan, but discussions are ongoing among high-level government officials.

The death toll from the earthquake in China's north-western Gansu province and neighbouring Qinghai has risen to 134, with almost 1,000 injured. The magnitude-6.2 earthquake caused significant damage to over 150,000 homes and infrastructure. Rescue efforts are being challenged by freezing temperatures as low as -16C. Responders have rescued 78 people in Gansu, but 20 remain missing. The Gansu Provincial Seismological Bureau warns of possible strong aftershocks. The earthquake's severity is attributed to its shallow depth, poor building quality in the impoverished area, and its occurrence at night. Social media discussions are focused on the rescue operations and volunteer assistance.

The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) continued their bombing campaign in Gaza, claiming to have expanded their ground operation and found about 800 Hamas tunnel shafts. Over 15,500 Palestinians, mostly women and children, have been killed in the last two months. The UN reports 1.8 million internally displaced people in Gaza. Hospitals are overwhelmed with casualties, and Qatar calls for an international investigation into Israeli actions. The IDF killed Hamas commander Haitham Khuwajari, while the ICC urges Israel to comply with international law. Israeli settlers attacked Palestinian villages in the West Bank, and Hezbollah struck Israeli positions. The US military responded to attacks on commercial vessels in the Red Sea by Houthi-controlled forces.

A surge in respiratory illnesses among children in China has overwhelmed paediatric units in hospitals, with Beijing Children’s hospital reaching full capacity. The increase in flu-like illnesses is attributed to the first flu season post-pandemic restrictions. The World Health Organization is monitoring the situation, which includes undiagnosed pneumonia, but has not recommended travel or trade restrictions. Chinese authorities have responded with increased fever clinics and vaccination encouragement. The rise in cases is linked to common pathogens and not new ones. Neighbouring countries remain cautious due to past transparency issues with China.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has stated that Israel will not agree to a ceasefire with Hamas, likening the situation to historic U.S. responses to attacks. A communications blackout in Gaza has been partially lifted, revealing the extent of the challenges faced by Palestinians in accessing reliable communication services. An Illinois man pleaded not guilty to charges related to an attack on a Palestinian American family. The IDF has conducted a rescue operation for a soldier held captive by Hamas. The conflict has resulted in over 8,300 Palestinian deaths, with a significant number of children among the casualties. Humanitarian conditions in Gaza are deteriorating, with shortages of essential supplies. The UK is seeking a humanitarian pause to aid Gaza, while Israel has also struck targets in Syria and Lebanon. Public support in Israel for the occupation of Gaza is waning. Hamas has released a video of three Israeli hostages, increasing pressure on Netanyahu's government.

The upcoming presidential election in Taiwan presents an opportunity to rekindle dialogue with Beijing, potentially easing tensions and reducing the risk of conflict, according to a report by the International Crisis Group. The report highlights the dangerous trajectory of current relations, with Taiwan viewed as a major potential conflict point between China and the US. It suggests that the transition of power in Taiwan could allow for renewed cross-strait dialogue, despite Beijing's cessation of communication following Tsai Ing-wen's election and its efforts to isolate Taiwan internationally. The report also notes increased military actions by Beijing and suggests that the US has a role in de-escalating tensions, despite some US politicians taking increasingly hawkish stances.