The offer was made by China’s Taiwan Affairs Office, with spokesperson Chen Binhua saying “peaceful reunification” would provide stronger protection for Taiwan’s energy and resource security under what he called the backing of a “strong motherland.”

The proposal comes as governments worldwide scramble to secure alternative fuel supplies following disruptions to shipping routes through the Strait of Hormuz, a key artery for global oil and liquefied natural gas flows.

Taiwan, which previously sourced about one-third of its liquefied natural gas from Qatar and imports no energy from China, has said it has secured alternative supplies for the coming months, including from the United States, its main international backer.

President Lai Ching-te said energy supplies for the near term were assured and that additional U.S. gas imports would begin from June, according to a statement from his Democratic Progressive Party.

China has long framed economic and security incentives as part of its strategy to persuade Taiwan to accept unification under its “one country, two systems” model, which no major Taiwanese political party supports.

Chen said Beijing was willing to provide “stable and reliable energy and resource security” to improve living conditions for people in Taiwan, reiterating a narrative that closer integration would bring material benefits.

Taiwan’s government, which rejects China’s sovereignty claims, has consistently maintained that only the island’s people can determine its future.

The energy proposal comes against the backdrop of heightened geopolitical strain, with the Middle East conflict triggering volatility in global energy markets and prompting countries across Asia to reassess supply security.

China, the world’s largest oil importer, has also taken domestic measures to safeguard supply, including restricting fuel exports in recent days, according to reports.

Beijing has never renounced the use of force to bring Taiwan under its control, though it has repeatedly stated a preference for peaceful unification.

The latest offer underscores how energy security has emerged as a central element in cross-strait dynamics as global supply disruptions reshape strategic calculations.

Yet despite decades of progress, the global path toward gender parity in employment remains uneven, slowed by structural inequalities, cultural expectations and policy gaps that continue to limit opportunities for millions.

According to data from international labour agencies, female labour force participation has risen steadily over the past two decades, particularly in emerging economies.

In South Asia, participation has fluctuated due to social constraints but is now showing signs of recovery, driven by education, digital work platforms and government initiatives aimed at financial inclusion.Still, the gap persists.

Women globally earn on average about 20% less than men, a disparity that widens in informal sectors where legal protections are minimal. In countries with large rural populations, women often remain confined to unpaid or underpaid labor, particularly in agriculture and domestic work.“In many regions, women’s work is still invisible in economic statistics,” said a senior economist at an international development organization.

“They contribute significantly, but without recognition, protection or fair wages.”The COVID-19 pandemic had a disproportionate impact on women’s employment, reversing years of gains. Women were more likely to lose jobs due to their concentration in service sectors such as hospitality, retail and education.

Many also exited the workforce entirely due to increased caregiving responsibilities at home.While employment levels have rebounded in many countries, women’s return has been slower.

Analysts point to a “care economy crisis,” where the burden of unpaid domestic labor continues to fall heavily on women, limiting their ability to pursue full-time employment.

In India, government-backed self-help groups have emerged as a key driver of women’s economic participation.

These collectives, often based in rural areas, provide microfinance, skill development and entrepreneurship opportunities. Similar models in Africa and Southeast Asia have also proven effective in boosting women’s financial independence.

Digital transformation is playing a crucial role. The rise of remote work, e-commerce and online freelancing platforms has created new pathways for women to engage in the economy without leaving their homes an important factor in societies where mobility restrictions persist.

However, digital access itself remains unequal. Women are less likely than men to own smartphones or have access to the internet in many developing regions, creating a “digital gender divide” that risks deepening existing inequalities.

Education remains one of the strongest predictors of women’s economic empowerment. Globally, female literacy rates have improved significantly, and in many countries, girls now outperform boys in secondary education.

Yet this educational advantage does not always translate into workforce participation, particularly in societies with restrictive gender norms.Cultural expectations continue to shape women’s career trajectories.

In many parts of the world, women are expected to prioritize family responsibilities over professional ambitions. Marriage and motherhood often mark turning points where careers stall or end altogether.

Even in developed economies, women face barriers to advancement. The “glass ceiling” persists in corporate and political leadership, with women underrepresented in senior decision-making roles. According to recent data, women hold less than a third of managerial positions globally.

Policy interventions have shown mixed results. Paid parental leave, childcare support and flexible work arrangements have improved outcomes in some countries, particularly in Scandinavia.

However, in many parts of the world, such policies are either absent or poorly implemented.There is also growing recognition of the need to address workplace harassment and discrimination.

The #MeToo movement brought global attention to these issues, prompting legal reforms and corporate accountability measures.

Yet enforcement remains inconsistent, and many women continue to face unsafe work environments.Despite these challenges, there are signs of transformation.

Women entrepreneurs are driving innovation, particularly in sectors such as technology, healthcare and sustainable development. Female-led startups are gaining visibility and attracting investment, though funding disparities persist.

Youth activism is also reshaping narratives. Younger generations are increasingly challenging traditional gender roles, advocating for equal opportunities and pushing institutions to adopt more inclusive practices.

Experts emphasize that achieving gender equality in the workforce is not just a social imperative but an economic one. Studies show that closing gender gaps could significantly boost global GDP, making it a priority for policymakers and businesses alike.

“The question is no longer whether women should be part of the workforce,” said the economist. “It is how to ensure they can participate fully, fairly and safely.

”As societies continue to evolve, the future of women’s work will depend on sustained efforts to dismantle barriers, invest in education and infrastructure, and redefine cultural norms that have long constrained half the world’s population.

The conflict between the United States, Israel and Iran has entered its third week, with the Strait of Hormuz — a corridor for roughly one-fifth of global oil and liquefied natural gas flows effectively constrained by Iranian drones and naval mines.

Several U.S. partners, including Germany, Spain and Italy, said they had no immediate plans to send warships to secure the passage, citing legal and political constraints.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said Berlin lacked a mandate from the United Nations, the European Union or NATO, and added that Germany had not been consulted prior to the launch of military operations.

Trump, speaking in Washington, said some countries had expressed willingness to assist but criticised others for what he described as a lack of enthusiasm despite long-standing U.S. support.

The disruption in the Strait of Hormuz has heightened fears of supply shocks and inflationary pressure, as energy markets react to restricted flows through one of the world’s most critical maritime chokepoints.Iran has targeted oil infrastructure across the Gulf, including facilities in the United Arab Emirates.

Drone strikes hit an oil facility in Fujairah for a second consecutive day, while operations at key sites, including the Shah gas field in Abu Dhabi, were suspended.

Airspace closures and temporary halts at major hubs, including Dubai’s international airport, underscored the wider economic and logistical impact.

There was no pause in hostilities, with Israel saying it struck Iranian infrastructure in Tehran and positions linked to Hezbollah in Beirut. Israeli officials have indicated plans for at least three more weeks of military operations.

Iran launched overnight strikes on Israel, demonstrating continued long-range capabilities, while warning it would target energy assets in any country facilitating attacks on its territory.

Tehran has also accused the UAE of serving as a launch point for recent U.S. strikes on Kharg Island, a major Iranian oil export hub, signalling a potential widening of the conflict’s geographic scope.

The government-approved measure will increase the monthly minimum wage from 103 million rials to 166 million rials, the semi-official Tasnim news agency reported, citing Iran’s labor minister. The adjustment will take effect in the upcoming Persian calendar year, which begins in the coming days.

Iran revises its minimum wage annually to reflect inflationary pressures, which have surged amid tightening international sanctions and economic disruption linked to tensions with Israel and the United States. The Iranian rial has sharply depreciated in recent months, with the currency trading at around 1.47 million rials to the U.S. dollar, according to the monitoring website Bonbast.

The wage increase comes as households across the country grapple with rising living costs and a steep fall in the value of the national currency. Iranian authorities said the new wage level was approved by the government following consultations over compensation adjustments tied to inflation.

Tasnim also reported that the government would implement a comparable increase in child support benefits as part of the broader wage revision package.

The announcement follows months of anti-government protests that began in December last year, initially triggered by public frustration over the high cost of living and the weakening currency.

Demonstrations quickly expanded into a broader nationwide movement calling for the end of Iran’s clerical leadership, which has governed the country since the 1979 Islamic revolution.

Authorities responded with a crackdown that rights groups say resulted in thousands of deaths. During the unrest, U.S. President Donald Trump warned that Washington could intervene militarily while urging Iranians to challenge the country’s leadership.

Sitharaman said the proposed fund would help the government address disruptions such as supply chain interruptions and sudden economic stresses while maintaining stability in public finances.

The stabilisation fund is intended to provide the government with additional fiscal headroom during periods of volatility in global markets or trade flows, Sitharaman told lawmakers.The proposal comes as the government seeks parliamentary approval for gross additional spending of 2.81 trillion rupees.

According to Sitharaman, part of the additional expenditure will be offset by savings and higher receipts from various ministries and departments.She said the proposed spending adjustments would not increase the government’s overall expenditure beyond the levels outlined in the federal budget.

Sitharaman also proposed additional fertiliser subsidies amounting to about 192.30 billion rupees to cover higher spending under the nutrient-based subsidy policy and payments for urea subsidies.

India’s fertiliser subsidy bill has come under pressure following disruptions to supply routes linked to tensions involving Iran, particularly around the Strait of Hormuz, a key corridor for global fertiliser shipments.

The disruption has pushed up prices for crop nutrients such as urea and ammonia, increasing import costs for major buyers including India.

Sitharaman said the government would ensure there was no shortfall in funds for fertiliser subsidies for farmers.

The data comes as Hanoi continues months-long negotiations with Washington over a trade agreement, with talks complicated by the widening trade gap and disagreements over tariff levels the United States wants to impose on Vietnamese goods, officials have said.

According to U.S. figures, Vietnam’s trade surplus with the United States reached $19 billion in January, the largest among all U.S. trading partners. It was followed by Taiwan, Mexico and China.

Vietnamese exports to the United States rose 53% from a year earlier to exceed $20 billion in January, the data showed. During the same period, U.S. imports from China dropped by 46%.

Vietnam’s surplus with the United States has been larger than China’s since the second quarter of 2025 and was second only to Mexico in the previous three quarters. For the full year 2025, Vietnam’s trade surplus with the United States totaled $178 billion.

Vietnam’s export growth to the United States has accelerated as higher tariffs on Chinese goods reduced Beijing’s direct shipments to the U.S. market.

At the same time, Vietnam’s imports of Chinese goods many used in manufacturing products for re-export reached record levels in January, according to Vietnamese data.

The administration of Donald Trump has repeatedly accused Vietnam of serving as a transit point for Chinese goods bound for the United States, which may face lower duties when labeled as “Made in Vietnam.”

Under U.S. rules, goods deemed to have been illegally transshipped can face tariffs of up to 40%. However, the White House has not yet specified the criteria it will use to determine whether exports constitute illegal transshipment.

Washington launched new investigations this week into Vietnam and other countries over possible unfair trade practices.The United States imposed tariffs of 20% on Vietnamese goods in August.

After the U.S. Supreme Court struck down Trump’s global tariffs as unlawful in February, the White House introduced a temporary 10% global tariff for 150 days.

“We see actions by the United States aimed at trying to stabilize energy markets. In this respect, our interests coincide,” Peskov said in remarks carried by Russian media.

The comments followed an announcement by Scott Bessent, the U.S. Treasury secretary, who said Washington had issued a temporary authorization allowing countries to purchase Russian oil cargoes already in transit at sea. The measure extends a similar waiver that had previously applied only to refiners in India.

Bessent said the authorization was narrowly designed to ease market volatility without significantly benefiting the Russian government.

“This narrowly tailored, short-term measure applies only to oil already in transit and will not provide significant financial benefit to the Russian government,” he said in a statement posted on social media.According to Bessent, most Russian energy revenue is generated through taxes assessed at the point of extraction rather than through shipments already in transit.

The decision comes as oil markets react sharply to rising geopolitical risks linked to the widening conflict involving Iran, Israel and the United States.

The waiver has drawn mixed reactions in European capitals, where officials have warned that any easing of restrictions on Russian energy exports could indirectly support Moscow’s war effort in Ukraine.Katherina Reiche, Germany’s economy minister, said she was concerned the measure could help finance Russian military operations.

“I am concerned that we are further filling Putin’s war chest,” Reiche said in Berlin.At the same time, she acknowledged that the U.S. administration faced mounting domestic pressures linked to rising energy costs.“It seems to me that domestic political pressure in the United States is very, very high,” she said.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz took a firmer stance, saying it was wrong to ease sanctions on Russia for any reason. Similar concerns were voiced by Jonas Gahr Store, the prime minister of Norway, who said sanctions should remain in place.

Oil prices remained elevated above $100 per barrel on Friday as investors reacted to intensifying geopolitical risks. Markets have been particularly sensitive to threats involving the Strait of Hormuz, a critical shipping route for global oil supplies.

Equity markets also declined amid fears that an extended conflict could disrupt energy flows and intensify inflationary pressures on the global economy.

With the conflict entering its third week and no resolution in sight, analysts say investors are increasingly focused on the potential economic consequences of prolonged instability in energy markets.

The war, which has intensified over the past several weeks, has moved beyond traditional military confrontations and now threatens critical economic lifelines that sustain the global economy.

Attacks on oil infrastructure, commercial shipping routes, and strategic maritime corridors have begun to disrupt international trade and energy markets.
At the center of global concern is the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most important maritime chokepoints.

Nearly a fifth of the global oil supply normally passes through the narrow waterway linking the Persian Gulf with the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea. Any disruption to shipping in this corridor can have immediate and far-reaching effects on energy prices and global economic stability.

Recent days have seen a sharp rise in attacks on merchant vessels and oil tankers moving through the region. Maritime security officials say explosive-laden boats and drones have targeted several ships, forcing many commercial vessels to alter their routes or suspend operations altogether. Shipping companies have grown increasingly cautious, and insurance costs for vessels operating in the Gulf have surged dramatically.

The disruptions have already had a significant impact on energy markets. Oil prices climbed sharply after reports that shipping through the Strait of Hormuz had slowed dramatically, with analysts warning that sustained interruptions could push prices far higher.
Governments around the world have begun preparing emergency measures to prevent a broader energy crisis.

Several major economies have discussed releasing oil from their strategic reserves in an attempt to stabilize markets and reassure investors. However, analysts caution that such measures would only provide temporary relief if the conflict continues to escalate.
The military dimension of the crisis is also intensifying. Israeli and American forces have carried out a series of airstrikes targeting Iranian military installations, missile sites, and logistical infrastructure.

The strikes, officials say, were aimed at degrading Iran’s military capabilities and preventing further attacks on regional allies and international shipping.
Iran has responded with a mix of conventional and asymmetric tactics.

Iranian forces and allied groups have launched missile and drone strikes against military positions and strategic infrastructure across the region. Some attacks have targeted energy facilities, including refineries and storage installations, further amplifying fears of a broader supply disruption.

The conflict has also raised concerns about the potential involvement of additional regional actors. Neighboring countries across the Middle East are closely monitoring the situation, wary that the fighting could spill across borders or provoke retaliatory actions that would widen the war.

Beyond the military and economic consequences, the conflict is already producing serious humanitarian impacts. Airstrikes and missile attacks have caused significant damage to urban infrastructure in several areas, forcing civilians to flee their homes in search of safety. Hospitals and emergency services are struggling to cope with the growing number of casualties.

International organizations have warned that continued escalation could produce a large-scale humanitarian crisis, particularly if critical infrastructure such as power plants, water systems, and hospitals becomes further damaged.

The war is also intensifying geopolitical tensions between major global powers. Governments in Europe and Asia are increasingly concerned about the impact of rising energy prices and potential supply shortages. Several countries have called for diplomatic efforts to de-escalate the conflict before it spreads further.
Despite these appeals, diplomatic progress has been limited.

Deep political divisions between the parties involved, combined with the strategic importance of the region, have made negotiations extremely difficult.
Analysts say the conflict reflects broader shifts in the Middle East’s geopolitical landscape. Long-standing rivalries, unresolved political disputes, and competing security interests have created a volatile environment where even small incidents can escalate rapidly into wider confrontations.

The economic implications extend far beyond the Middle East. Energy-importing nations are particularly vulnerable to prolonged disruptions in Gulf oil supplies. Higher fuel costs can quickly translate into rising inflation, increased transportation expenses, and higher prices for goods and services around the world.

Financial markets have already begun reacting to the uncertainty. Investors are closely watching developments in the region, and volatility in oil prices has spread to stock markets and currency exchanges.
Some economists warn that a prolonged conflict could contribute to a global economic slowdown, particularly if energy prices remain elevated for an extended period.

High oil prices have historically been associated with economic downturns, as they increase production costs and reduce consumer spending power.

The aviation and shipping industries are also facing growing challenges. Airlines have begun adjusting flight routes to avoid potential conflict zones, while shipping companies are reassessing the risks of operating in the Gulf region. These adjustments increase operating costs and could disrupt global supply chains.

Despite the mounting tensions, some analysts believe the conflict may eventually stabilize if both sides seek to avoid a full-scale regional war. However, they caution that the situation remains highly unpredictable.

Much will depend on whether diplomatic efforts can gain momentum and whether regional actors choose to exercise restraint. Even small miscalculations could trigger further escalation, potentially drawing additional countries into the conflict.

For now, the war between Iran, Israel, and the United States stands as one of the most serious geopolitical crises in recent years. Its outcome will not only shape the future of the Middle East but could also influence global economic stability for years to come.

Writing in the Saudi-based outlet Arab News, Egyptian journalist and analyst Abdellatif El-Menawy said the conflict has exposed the limits of American power, the reach of Israeli military deterrence and Iran’s enduring role in the regional balance, while simultaneously revealing vulnerabilities in the Gulf’s security architecture.

The war, he argued, may prolong the Middle East’s crises rather than produce the stable “new Middle East” often invoked in policy debates.

The United States’ strategic thinking surrounding the conflict reflects an assumption seen during the Iraq war era that weakening a hostile regional power could pave the way for a more favorable political order.

.Under this logic, military pressure on Iran’s leadership and infrastructure was expected either to weaken Tehran to the point of strategic retreat or trigger domestic unrest that could alter the country’s political trajectory.

But Iran’s position in the region extends beyond the structure of its government, he argued. The country has established institutions, a complex social structure and networks of influence across several parts of the Arab world.

Because of those factors, analysts say the collapse or severe weakening of Iran could introduce additional instability rather than immediately stabilize the region.

The war has already expanded beyond limited strikes, with Iranian attacks targeting Israel, U.S. military installations and other strategic locations across the Gulf region, according to the analysis.

The conflict’s effects have also spread into global economic systems, particularly energy markets and maritime shipping routes.

Oil infrastructure across the Gulf has faced rising risks, with key pipelines, refineries and export terminals in countries including Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Iraq and Bahrain placed under heightened security pressure as hostilities intensify.

At the same time, the Strait of Hormuz one of the world’s most important maritime chokepoints through which roughly one-fifth of global oil trade passes has come under renewed scrutiny amid the conflict.

Any disruption to shipping through the strait could quickly reverberate through oil prices, insurance markets and international trade flows, analysts note, underscoring the region’s continued strategic significance to the global economy.

The broader implication, is that the Middle East’s geopolitical stability cannot be separated from the vulnerabilities of the global energy system.

The conflict has also raised questions in the Gulf about the long-standing security model built around U.S. military protection.

For decades, American bases in the region were viewed primarily as deterrents against external threats. However, the current conflict has highlighted how those same installations can also become targets during periods of confrontation.

This concern has roots in earlier regional shocks, including the 2019 attack on Saudi oil facilities that temporarily disrupted global oil supply and raised doubts about the effectiveness of external security guarantees.Such developments have already encouraged Gulf states to diversify their diplomatic and strategic relationships.

A notable example came in March 2023, when Saudi Arabia and Iran agreed to restore diplomatic relations in a deal brokered by China. The agreement was widely viewed as part of a broader effort by Gulf states to reduce regional tensions while balancing relations among major global powers.

Despite such diplomatic efforts, the current war has underscored the limits of de-escalation initiatives in a region shaped heavily by geography and military positioning.

As long as U.S. bases remain in the Gulf and Iran perceives those deployments as a strategic threat, regional states will remain exposed to confrontation regardless of their diplomatic preferences, analysts say.

Even if Iran emerges weakened from the conflict, the country is unlikely to disappear from the Middle East’s strategic landscape.

Instead, Tehran may rely more heavily on asymmetric strategies that aim to raise the costs of confrontation for its adversaries.

These strategies could include leveraging maritime chokepoints, economic pressure points and regional alliances to challenge what Tehran views as an American-led security structure.

Iran has historically used such methods as part of a broader deterrence approach that extends beyond conventional military confrontation.The evolving dynamics also raise questions about Israel’s role in the region.

Israel is widely viewed as having demonstrated strong intelligence and airpower capabilities through strikes deep inside Iranian territory. Yet military superiority does not necessarily translate into a stable regional order under Israeli leadership.

Accordingly a weakened Iran could in some ways heighten concerns among Arab states about the emergence of a more assertive Israel.The resulting regional balance may therefore resemble a complex triangular dynamic involving a militarily capable Israel, an injured but resilient Iran and Gulf states with substantial economic resources but growing security uncertainty.

Beyond the Middle East, the conflict also carries wider geopolitical implications.A prolonged confrontation with Iran could absorb American military and diplomatic attention, potentially creating opportunities for rival powers such as Russia and China to expand influence in other regions.

Some analysts have also warned that a shift in U.S. focus toward the Middle East could affect Washington’s ability to manage simultaneous international crises.For now, however, the conflict’s long-term consequences remain uncertain.

While the war has challenged assumptions about the durability of the existing regional order, analysts say it has not yet produced a clear alternative.Instead, the emerging picture is of a Middle East entering a period of greater fluidity, where established security arrangements face new tests and geopolitical alignments continue to evolve.

The attacks followed nearly two weeks of conflict triggered by joint U.S. and Israeli air strikes on Iran, a war that has killed around 2,000 people and sent shockwaves through global energy and shipping markets. The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) said more than 1,100 children were among those killed or injured in the fighting.

Maritime security sources and port officials said explosive-laden Iranian boats appeared to have struck two fuel tankers in Iraqi waters, igniting fires and killing one crew member. Projectiles also hit three merchant vessels in Gulf waters, according to maritime risk monitoring firms tracking the incidents.

Oil prices rose nearly 5% on Wednesday and extended gains in Asian trading on Thursday as traders assessed the risk of prolonged supply disruptions in one of the world’s most critical energy corridors.

Crude had surged to nearly $120 a barrel earlier in the week before easing to around $90, but renewed attacks on shipping raised fears of further volatility. Global equities also reacted to the tension, with Wall Street’s main indexes falling and Asian stocks following the downward trend.

Tony Sycamore, an analyst at IG, said the tanker attacks appeared to coincide with efforts by energy authorities to stabilize markets.“This appears to mark a direct and forceful Iranian response to the IEA’s overnight announcement of a massive strategic reserve release aimed at cooling runaway prices,” Sycamore said.

Iran signaled it intends to inflict sustained economic pressure as the conflict spreads across the Middle East. A spokesperson for Iran’s military command warned the United States that oil prices could soar dramatically.

“Get ready for oil to be $200 a barrel, because the oil price depends on regional security, which you have destabilised,” the spokesperson said in remarks reported on Wednesday.

The war has already prompted governments to prepare what could become the largest coordinated release of strategic oil reserves since the 1970s in an attempt to cushion the global economy from an escalating fuel shock.

Speaking at a campaign-style rally in Kentucky ahead of November midterm elections, where his Republican Party is trailing in several races, Trump said the United States had prevailed militarily but suggested operations might continue.

“We don’t want to leave early do we?” Trump said on Wednesday. “We got to finish the job.

”The conflict has widened beyond Iran’s territory to shipping lanes and energy infrastructure across the region, heightening concerns among governments and markets about the stability of global oil supply and maritime trade routes.