Elsewhere today, Hong Kong's leader says a massive fire in a high-rise apartment complex

has killed at least 36 people, with another 279 still missing.

The blaze broke out Wednesday afternoon in a residential district after bamboo scaffolding

caught fire.

The flames burned through the night.

Firefighters said Wynn made the fire difficult to contain.

As of midnight local, officials say it was, quote, coming under control.

The complex is home to 4,800 residents, one of whom evacuated safely and then watched the fire

spread.

I am devastated.

There are so many neighbors and friends.

I don't know what is going on anymore.

Look, all the apartments are just burning.

I don't know what to do.

I hope the government can help us to settle down after this.

The blaze is the deadliest for Hong Kong in nearly three decades.

Local media report that three people have been arrested on suspicion of manslaughter in connection with the fire.

Taiwan's president announced a special $40 billion military budget today following U.S. pressure for the self-ruled democracy to increase defense spending.

The budget includes plans to build a Taiwan Dome air

defense system and buy American missiles, as well as launch joint U.S. Taiwan arms production.

The funds will be allocated over a period of eight years starting from 2026.

Lai says it's aimed at addressing what he called China's threats to Taiwan and the Indo-Pacific

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