Real-time News

February 15th - The World Health Organization (WHO) issued a statement on the 14th saying that it has received reports of recombinant monkeypox virus strains in recent months, with two patients infected with a new strain resulting from the recombination of branch Ib and branch IIb strains. However, the risk of monkeypox infection in the general population without specific risk factors remains "low".

February 15th - According to reports on the 13th local time, US chocolate prices continue to rise due to factors such as supply shortages in major global cocoa-producing regions, with a year-on-year increase exceeding 14%. Data from the US market research company DataCollection shows that from January 1st to early February this year, US chocolate retail prices rose 14.4% year-on-year. Specifically, chocolate prices in cities like Denver and Los Angeles rose by approximately 17% year-on-year, while the Dallas-Fort Worth area saw a surge of 19%. The rise in US chocolate prices is mainly due to the global shortage of cocoa beans, the core ingredient. West Africa accounts for about 70% of global cocoa bean production, and extreme weather led to poor harvests, pushing cocoa futures prices to historical highs. Although international cocoa prices have recently fallen significantly, the US chocolate market is still digesting previously purchased high-priced raw material inventory, and the upward trend in chocolate prices may continue in the short term.

February 15th - According to foreign media reports, the Vietnamese government approved SpaceX's Starlink satellite internet service launch in Vietnam on February 14th. The Vietnamese Ministry of Science and Technology has issued a license to Starlink's local subsidiary, allowing it to provide fixed and mobile satellite internet services. The company has also been granted permission to use radio frequencies and wireless equipment.

February 15th – Hong Kong Financial Secretary Paul Chan Mo-po delivered a Lunar New Year message: "In the past year, with the strong support of the nation and the joint efforts of the SAR government and citizens, we have overcome many challenges. Exports performed well, visitor numbers increased, local consumption stabilized, and the international financial center developed steadily, resulting in overall economic stability and progress. Looking ahead to the new year, the external environment is challenging, but it will also present many new opportunities. We will actively strive for economic development, consolidate and enhance traditional advantageous industries, while exploring new markets and developing emerging industries. We will vigorously attract businesses and gather talent, ensuring that the fruits of diversified development better benefit the citizens. This year marks the beginning of the 15th Five-Year Plan, and we will more actively integrate into and serve the overall development of the nation, leveraging our strengths to serve the country's needs."

SpaceX announced that a Falcon 9 rocket launched 24 Starlink satellites from California.

On February 15th, the State Administration for Market Regulation (National Standardization Administration) recently approved and released the national standard "Evaluation Guidelines for Park City Construction" (GB/T47111—2026). This standard systematically stipulates the general principles, framework, construction content, process, and methods for evaluating park city construction. First, it clarifies the principles of park city construction evaluation, emphasizing a comprehensive, people-oriented, site-specific, and scientifically applicable approach, while focusing on process objectivity and the application of results. Second, it constructs a comprehensive construction evaluation framework, covering five aspects and ten evaluation items: natural ecology, spatial form, living environment, ecological empowerment, and urban governance. Third, it provides clear and specific evaluation content and methods, offering guidance on core aspects such as symbiotic patterns, parks and greenways, and urban-park integration, and standardizing the evaluation process and methods from preparation and evaluation to the summary stage. Fourth, it encourages localities to construct evaluation indicator systems that suit their local characteristics, based on their own resource endowments and development stages, and to build park cities according to local conditions. The release and implementation of this standard will help scientifically guide park city construction across the country, providing standard support for localities to conduct park city construction evaluations based on their own characteristics and local conditions.

On February 15th, Tesla CEO Elon Musk revealed that Tesla (TSLA.O) will cease selling its Full Self-Driving (FSD) assistance system on a one-time payment basis, instead adopting a monthly subscription model. This change will take effect after February 14th. Tesla previously sold the system for a one-time payment of $8,000 or a monthly subscription fee of $99. While Musk did not explain the reason for this adjustment, his compensation is partly dependent on business growth. According to the compensation plan approved by shareholders last November, Tesla must achieve several targets, including reaching 10 million FSD subscribers, before Musk can receive additional stock awards. Furthermore, it was reported that in Australia, the deadline for the one-time purchase option has been postponed to March 31st.

On February 15th, the Ministry of Transport released the "Analysis Report on the Operation of the National Highway Network during the Spring Festival Holiday," which indicates that traffic flow on the national highway network during this year's Spring Festival holiday will exhibit characteristics of "low at the beginning and high at the end, with tidal fluctuations." The report shows that the average daily traffic flow on national expressways during the Spring Festival holiday is expected to be approximately 55 million vehicles, a 4.5% increase compared to the average for the same period in 2025. The peak traffic flow is expected to occur on the penultimate day of the Spring Festival holiday, the sixth day of the Lunar New Year, reaching an estimated 71 million vehicles, approximately double the usual daily traffic volume. During the Spring Festival holiday, passenger cars are expected to account for over 99% of all passenger vehicles on national expressways. In terms of travel structure, self-driving for family visits remains the core demand, while the proportion of tourism travel is expected to further increase compared to previous years, placing significant pressure on transportation services in popular tourist cities.

February 15 - Japanese police said on February 15 local time that a stabbing incident occurred in Dotonbori, Chuo Ward, Osaka City in the early hours of the day, resulting in the death of one victim. Police have taken a male suspect in his 20s into custody.

On February 15th, it was reported that on February 14th local time, the U.S. Department of Justice sent a letter to members of Congress explaining the redacting of documents in the Jeffrey Epstein case. The letter outlined the types of redacting and provided a detailed list of numerous prominent or "politically sensitive" individuals mentioned in the documents, even though they had no direct contact with Epstein or his ex-girlfriend and accomplice Maxwell, but were mentioned in news clippings and other sources.

February 15th - According to statistics released by the State Administration of Foreign Exchange (SAFE), in January 2026, banks settled 2.0048 trillion yuan in foreign exchange and sold 1.4457 trillion yuan; banks' foreign exchange receipts on behalf of clients totaled 5.4722 trillion yuan, while their payments totaled 4.8974 trillion yuan. Li Bin, Deputy Director and Spokesperson of SAFE, explained that in January, both the bank's foreign exchange settlement surplus and the net inflow of cross-border funds from non-bank sectors such as enterprises and individuals declined compared to the previous month. This was mainly due to seasonal factors; while corporate receipts and settlements increased rapidly, the growth slowed recently as demand gradually increased. "Overall, my country's foreign exchange market is active, expectations are stable, and cross-border capital flows are becoming more stable," said Li Bin.

On February 15th, a netizen raised a question on social media: SpaceX is shifting its focus from Mars to the Moon and plans to build an autonomous city on the Moon within ten years, but why is it making this change? Musk responded: "It needs to be clear that we will continue to advance the Mars program. I believe this adjustment will not affect the timeline for the autonomous development of a Martian city by more than five years, and may even accelerate the development process on Mars."

February 15th - According to Iranian media reports on February 14th, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Baghae stated in a media interview that the right to peaceful use of nuclear energy is Iran's inherent and inalienable right, and no form of political pressure can undermine this right. Baghae stated that as a signatory to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons, Iran enjoys the right to peaceful use of nuclear energy. Iranian President Peshichiyan recently stated that Iran does not seek nuclear weapons and is prepared to accept any form of inspection, but will not back down in the face of excessive demands and injustice. The United States has recently continued to pressure Iran, deploying multiple warships, including the aircraft carrier USS Lincoln, in the Middle East and threatening military intervention. A new round of US-Iran talks will be held on February 17th in Geneva, Switzerland, with Omani representatives coordinating the contacts between the two sides.

February 15th - The Bank of England will be closely watching a series of data releases in the coming days. The bank made the difficult decision to keep interest rates unchanged due to concerns that inflation remains too high. British economic observers are facing a busy week: starting with labor market data and consumer price statistics, and ending with public finances and retail sales reports. Wednesday's inflation report will be the focus, especially as it is the last data release before the Bank of England's next policy meeting in March, and there is significant internal disagreement on its interpretation. Meanwhile, Tuesday's employment report is also an important indicator. Evidence of a continued weakening labor market would be reassuring to officials, as it would suggest easing price pressures.

Market news: Australia will invest AU$3.9 billion in a new submarine construction plant.

Conflict Status: 1. Russian Ministry of Defense: Russian air defense systems destroyed 20 Ukrainian drones over multiple Russian locations overnight. 2. Zelensky: More than 6,000 Russian drones attacked Ukraine in January. No power plant in Ukraine escaped Russian attacks and damage. Peace Negotiations: 1. French Foreign Ministry Spokesperson: We are urging Russia to seriously participate in negotiations with Ukraine. The possibility of future contact with Russia is not ruled out. 2. Zelensky: We hope to hear some compromises from Russia. We hope the United States will continue to participate in the negotiations, and we also hope that Europe will participate more. 3. Zelensky: For Ukraine, setting a date for joining the European Union is crucial; otherwise, Russian President Putin will do everything in his power to prevent this process after the war. 4. Zelensky: The United States keeps demanding concessions from Ukraine; security guarantees should take precedence over a ceasefire agreement; a dignified end to the conflict is crucial for Ukraine. Other Status: 1. Zelensky: Give us a two-month ceasefire period, and we will hold elections. 2. Ukrainian Prime Minister: The International Monetary Fund has eased key conditions for new loans. 3. NATO Secretary General Rutte: Russia's oil revenues have fallen by a third, rapidly depleting its sovereign wealth fund. 4. French Foreign Minister Barro: Some G7 members have expressed their willingness to move forward with a ban on maritime transport services for Russian oil. 5. US Secretary of State Rubio: I believe it is impossible for Russia to achieve its initial goals in the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Ending the Russia-Ukraine conflict is our inescapable responsibility, and we will not stand idly by.

On February 15, Wang Yi, member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Foreign Minister, met with Norwegian Foreign Minister Ed on the sidelines of the Munich Security Conference on February 14. Wang Yi stated that China has always viewed China-Norway relations from a strategic and long-term perspective and is willing to maintain close exchanges at all levels, deepen cooperation in various fields, and safeguard the healthy and stable development of bilateral relations. Multilateralism was a consensus reached at the Munich Security Conference. However, multilateralism is not about acting unilaterally, and multipolarity is not dominated by a few major powers. All parties should abide by the purposes of the UN Charter and uphold the international rule of law. President Xi Jinping proposed an equal and orderly multipolar world; equality means that all countries, large and small, have the right to participate, and order means jointly abiding by international law. Both China and Norway support multilateralism and free trade and should further strengthen communication and cooperation. He hoped that Norway would play a constructive role in the stable development of China-EU relations.

On February 15, Wang Yi, member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Foreign Minister, met with Canadian Foreign Minister Anand on the sidelines of the Munich Security Conference on February 14. Wang Yi stated that Prime Minister Carney's visit to China was fruitful, fully demonstrating that the new Canadian government is pursuing a new policy towards China, which is in the common interest of both countries and is the right choice. President Xi Jinping and Prime Minister Carney reached a consensus on building a new type of strategic partnership between China and Canada, providing strategic guidance for the positive development of bilateral relations. China is willing to work with Canada to implement the important consensus reached by the leaders of the two countries, eliminate interference, restart exchanges and cooperation in various fields, and promote the healthy, stable, and sustainable development of China-Canada relations. Anand stated that Prime Minister Carney's visit to China was very successful, ushering in a new era for Canada-China relations. He thanked China for granting visa-free access to Canadian citizens and hoped that both sides would strengthen dialogue and cooperation, enhance people-to-people exchanges, and promote the positive and stable development of Canada-China relations.

On February 15th, the General Office of the Heilongjiang Provincial People's Government issued the "Several Policy Measures of Heilongjiang Province to Support the High-Quality Development of the Bio-manufacturing Industry," which mentions the cultivation and development of new foods. It encourages the development of new foods and ingredients such as special medical purpose formula foods, health foods, microbial proteins, probiotics, plant-based alternative proteins, functional sugars, and natural extracts. A one-time reward of 2 million yuan will be given to "three new foods" (new food raw materials, new varieties of food additives, and new varieties of food-related products) that have passed national approval and obtained licenses. It also vigorously promotes the development of biochemicals. It encourages the development of high-tech, high-value-added bio-based chemicals and materials such as polyols, long-chain dicarboxylic acids, polylactic acid, polyester, and bio-based nylon, and promotes the application of bio-based products in plastic packaging, daily chemical consumer goods, transportation and logistics, and environmentally friendly building materials. For key provincial new products with annual single-product sales revenue exceeding 2 million yuan, a reward of 5% of the actual annual transaction amount will be given to the developing enterprise, with a maximum reward of 500,000 yuan per product and a maximum cumulative reward of 3 million yuan per enterprise per year.

On February 15th, the General Office of the Heilongjiang Provincial People's Government issued the "Several Policy Measures of Heilongjiang Province to Support the High-Quality Development of the Biomanufacturing Industry," which mentions promoting the integrated development of the biomanufacturing industry. It encourages leading biomanufacturing enterprises to take the lead in establishing industry technology innovation alliances, industry technology research institutes, and other innovation consortia to strengthen technology spillover, industrial collaboration, and market expansion across the upstream and downstream of the industrial chain. It also guides SMEs to focus on niche areas, strengthen independent innovation, and improve their specialized production, service, and collaborative support capabilities, forming an industrial ecosystem of "leading enterprises, supporting industries, and cluster development," and accelerating the construction of the Suiyuan-Harbin-Daqing-Qiqihar National Biomanufacturing Cluster.