Analysts say Beijing is trying to assert its control over disputed territories in South China Sea as US attention remains focused on Middle East

On May 23, 2024, China launched a series of military drills around Taiwan after the island's new president demanded that Beijing curtail its intimidation tactics. He was referring to decades of China's ruling Communist Party insisting that Taiwan is part of its territory and the persistent vow to eventually “unify” Taiwan with the mainland,

Copper prices gained on Wednesday as China's stimulus measures brightened demand prospects, while rising oil prices due to the escalating Middle East conflict also lent support to the market. Three-month copper on the London Metal Exchange (LME) CMCU3 rose 0.