Dollar Near Two-Week High as Stock Rout, AI Concerns and Global Events Drive Market Volatility 
Japan Economy Poised for Q4 2025 Growth as Investment and Consumption Hold Firm 
U.S. Stock Futures Edge Higher as Tech Rout Deepens on AI Concerns and Earnings 
RBI Holds Repo Rate at 5.25% as India’s Growth Outlook Strengthens After U.S. Trade Deal 
Trump Lifts 25% Tariff on Indian Goods in Strategic U.S.–India Trade and Energy Deal 
Singapore Budget 2026 Set for Fiscal Prudence as Growth Remains Resilient 
China Extends Gold Buying Streak as Reserves Surge Despite Volatile Prices 
Australia’s December Trade Surplus Expands but Falls Short of Expectations 
Gold and Silver Prices Slide as Dollar Strength and Easing Tensions Weigh on Metals 
Global Markets Slide as AI, Crypto, and Precious Metals Face Heightened Volatility 
Dollar Steadies Ahead of ECB and BoE Decisions as Markets Turn Risk-Off 
Vietnam’s Trade Surplus With US Jumps as Exports Surge and China Imports Hit Record 
Oil Prices Slide on US-Iran Talks, Dollar Strength and Profit-Taking Pressure 
Gold Prices Slide Below $5,000 as Strong Dollar and Central Bank Outlook Weigh on Metals 
Japanese Pharmaceutical Stocks Slide as TrumpRx.gov Launch Sparks Market Concerns 
Bank of Japan Signals Readiness for Near-Term Rate Hike as Inflation Nears Target 
Fed Governor Lisa Cook Warns Inflation Risks Remain as Rates Stay Steady 
Taiwan's Defence Ministry reported on Sunday that it was on alert after detecting “multiple waves” of missile firings deep within China's inland regions. The announcement follows a recent statement by China, claiming a successful test launch of an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM).
Monitoring Chinese Military Activity
The self-governing island of Taiwan, which Beijing claims as part of its territory, consistently monitors Chinese military activities. However, Taiwan seldom shares specific details about what occurs inside China.
Starting at 6:50 a.m. local time (2250 GMT on Saturday), Taiwan’s Defence Ministry detected missile firings conducted by China's Rocket Force and army in regions including Inner Mongolia, Gansu, Qinghai, and Xinjiang—each located at least 2,000 km (1,200 miles) from Taiwan.
Heightened Vigilance and Preparedness
Taiwan’s forces are "continuously monitoring relevant developments," with air defense forces maintaining a "high level of vigilance and strengthened alert," according to a statement by the ministry.
China’s Response and Recent ICBM Launch
China’s Defence Ministry has not responded to requests for comment made outside of office hours. The Rocket Force is responsible for overseeing China's conventional and nuclear missile arsenal.
Taiwan’s report follows a recent increase in Chinese military activities around the island, including live-fire drills. On Thursday, Taiwan expressed concern over this surge, criticizing Beijing for "policy instability." In response, China’s military stated that its activities near Taiwan were “legitimate” and would continue.
Earlier in the week, China announced a successful launch of an ICBM into the Pacific Ocean. In August 2022, China fired missiles into the waters around Taiwan as part of military drills, protesting then-U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's visit to Taipei.
Taiwan’s Advanced Surveillance Capabilities
Taiwan operates advanced radar stations on the peaks of its central mountain range, which allow it to monitor activities deep within China's territory, according to security sources.
