Author: WWC NEWSDESK

Politics

Iran Strikes US Targets Across Gulf After US Attack Reportedly Hits Wedding in Southern Iran

Iran has launched a wave of missile and drone attacks against US-linked targets across the Middle East after a new round of American strikes on Iran, dramatically escalating a conflict that had shown signs of easing. The latest confrontation came after US forces carried out strikes against Iranian military targets, including air-defense systems, radar installations, maritime assets and facilities linked to Iran’s ability to operate around the Strait of Hormuz, according to the US military. Ira

September 3, 2026

Politics

US and Taiwan Team Up on Palau Projects as Washington Pledges More Than US$150 Million for Pacific

The United States and Taiwan are expanding cooperation in the Pacific through two projects in Palau, as Washington announces more than US$150 million in new support for Pacific island nations amid intensifying competition for influence across the region. The initiatives were announced during the 55th Pacific Islands Forum in Palau, where US Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau unveiled Washington’s new funding package on Sept. 1. The broader US program covers energy, infrastructure, dig

September 3, 2026

Business

57 Indicted in Taiwan AI Romance Scam After More Than 20,000 People Allegedly Targeted

A sophisticated romance scam operation in Taiwan allegedly used fake dating profiles, fabricated relationships and AI voice-cloning technology to extract more than NT$900 million (about US$28.3 million) from victims, according to Taipei prosecutors. Prosecutors on Sept. 2 indicted 57 people over the alleged scheme, which they said targeted more than 20,000 people and operated since 2022. The case highlights how artificial intelligence is giving traditional “romance” or “pig-butchering” scams a

September 3, 2026

Business

Google Expands Taiwan Footprint by 60% as AI Boom Drives Demand for Advanced Hardware

Google is expanding its office space in Taiwan by 60%, deepening its presence in one of the world’s most important semiconductor and hardware manufacturing hubs as demand for artificial-intelligence computing continues to surge. The expansion was revealed by Amin Vahdat, Google’s senior vice president and chief technologist for AI and infrastructure, during SEMICON Taiwan 2026 in Taipei. Vahdat said Google expects its Taiwan operations to continue growing, although the company did not disclose

September 3, 2026

Business

Indonesia Returns to Trade Surplus in July as Exports Beat Expectations — But Imports Are Sending a Warning

Indonesia has returned to a trade surplus, but the latest figures reveal a much more complicated picture for Southeast Asia’s largest economy. Official data released by Statistics Indonesia showed the country recorded a US$121.9 million trade surplus in July 2026, reversing two consecutive months of deficits. The July result was also stronger than the US$200 million deficit economists had expected in a Reuters poll. The turnaround was driven by stronger exports, particularly shipments of commo

September 3, 2026

Business

China Tightens Guidance for Automakers Going Global as BYD and Rivals Expand Overseas

China has issued new guidelines aimed at reshaping how its automakers compete in overseas markets, urging companies to avoid disruptive price wars, misleading advertising and other practices that could damage consumers or the reputation of Chinese car brands. The move comes as Chinese automakers rapidly expand across international markets, particularly in electric vehicles, while fierce competition and weaker demand at home push manufacturers to look overseas for growth. Beijing Wants Chinese

September 3, 2026

Business

Micron Taiwan Workers Threaten Strike Over Bonuses as AI Chip Boom Sends Profits Soaring

Micron Technology is facing a growing labor dispute in Taiwan, where unions representing nearly 10,000 workers are moving toward possible strike action over the company’s bonus system and their share of record profits. The dispute comes at a critical moment for the U.S. memory-chip giant. Demand for memory used in artificial intelligence data centers has surged, tightening global supplies and helping drive exceptional profits across the semiconductor industry. Nearly 10,000 Workers Represente

September 3, 2026

Business

Bessent Pressures BOJ to Act on Weak Yen as September Rate Hike Bets Surge

U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has stepped up pressure on Japan’s central bank to take “decisive” action against the yen’s weakness, adding fresh momentum to expectations that the Bank of Japan could raise interest rates later this month. Bessent met Bank of Japan Governor Kazuo Ueda on Aug. 30 on the sidelines of the G20 finance ministers and central bank governors’ meeting in Asheville, North Carolina. According to the U.S. Treasury Department, Bessent backed Japan’s efforts to address

September 3, 2026

Entertainment

Carlos Alcaraz Makes Winning US Open Return After Four-Month Injury Layoff as Aryna Sabalenka Starts Title Defence Strong

Carlos Alcaraz has made a winning return to Grand Slam tennis, defeating Roman Safiullin in straight sets at the 2026 US Open after spending more than four months sidelined by a right wrist injury. The defending men's champion beat the Russian 6-4, 6-4, 6-4 at Arthur Ashe Stadium on Aug. 31, completing his first competitive singles match in 139 days. The victory immediately eased some of the questions surrounding his fitness ahead of his title defence. Alcaraz said he was nervous before the ma

September 3, 2026

Entertainment

Dylan Sprouse Calls His Childhood Acting Career “Child Labor” — And Says It Still Affects Him Today

Dylan Sprouse is opening up about the less glamorous side of growing up as a child star, saying his early years in Hollywood felt less like childhood and more like having a full-time job. The 34-year-old actor made the comments during the Sept. 1 episode of the Wildmen podcast, which he co-hosts with writer-director Brendan Columbus. The discussion also featured fellow former child actor Mark Indelicato, best known for his role in Ugly Betty. Sprouse, who became internationally known alongside

September 3, 2026