By Ben Blanchard and Yimou Lee TAIPEI, March 25 (Reuters) - Taiwan fears China will exploit the distraction of the United States by its war in the Middle East, with state media citing examples from the conflict to cast doubt on the efficiency of U.

A national emergency has been declared in the Philippines as the war in the Middle East causes fuel prices to surge. South Korea has been grappling with energy restraints, implementing a nationwide energy saving campaign while Thailand has also asked employees to ditch suits in offices and lower air conditioning.

As conversations around the Iran war continue to play out online, people are arguing for the term Middle East to be retired.

BEIJING, March 23 (Reuters) - China on Monday urged all parties involved in the Middle East conflict affecting the Strait of Hormuz to end military operations to prevent a "vicious cycle" and return to negotiations.

US president postpones possible attacks on Iranian energy infrastructure after hailing ‘productive’ talks with Tehran

The USS Tripoli has been redirected from East Asia to ease pressure on U.S. forces as the war with Iran nears its fifth week.

Trip cancellations to Middle East destinations have surged because of the war with Iran, according to data from Faye Travel Insurance, a national insurance provider.

Iran Guards said they fired missiles at Israel and US forces in bases in Kuwait, Jordan and Bahrain; crude oil prices fall sharply in early trading