News
Iraq enters high human development category for first time, Al-Sudani announces
Iraq crosses into high human development category for first time, Prime Minister Al-Sudani announces, setting 2035 target for very high development status at launch of national report.
China–Africa trade set to exceed $200bn in 2025 as regional bodies deepen trade links amid US tariffs
Chinese exports to Africa are projected to surpass $200bn in 2025, down from last year’s record but still driven by strong demand, shifting global tariff incentives and the expiry of Washington's AGOA preferences.
Macron returns from state visit to China, immediately threatens Trump-like sanctions
Fresh off a state visit to China, French President Emmanuel Macron returned home and immediately warned that the European Union may follow Washington’s lead and hit Beijing with sanctions if Beijing fails to address “widening trade imbalances.”
Thailand–Cambodia fighting resumes, prompting air strikes and mass evacuations
Fresh fighting has broken out along the Thailand–Cambodia border, prompting Thai air strikes and large-scale civilian evacuations, in the most serious escalation between the two neighbours since a ceasefire was agreed in July.
Armenia and Azerbaijan signal converging narratives as officials promote Washington peace deal in Doha
Senior officials from Armenia and Azerbaijan used the Doha Forum to highlight a shift toward aligned narratives and continued commitment to implementing the Washington peace agreement.
Chinese jets lock on to Japanese fighters
Japan's Defence Ministry reported that Chinese military aircraft illuminated Air Self-Defence Force (SDF) fighter jets using fire control radar southeast of the main Okinawan island on December 6, amid intensifying diplomatic strain.
Only two points left to agree on in peace deal talks - Kellogg
Only two points on the most recent 27-point peace plan (27PPP) Moscow meeting on December 3 remain unresolved, special envoy to Ukraine retired Lieutenant General Keith Kellogg said on December 7.
Russian bubbly floods shelves as domestic sparkling wine dominates 72% of market
Forget French champagne: Russian sparkling wine has surged to 72% market share as sanctions-era investment pays off with record production and 60 new varieties.
Iran says 55 citizens deported from United States amid immigration crackdown
Iran's foreign ministry says 55 Iranian nationals deported from US amid immigration crackdown, alleging mistreatment by American authorities and issuing instructions for humane treatment during transfers.
Bulgaria to submit revised 2026 budget after mass protests
Finance Minister Temenuzhka Petkova says a compromise has been reached with trade unions and employer groups on key fiscal measures.
Sanctioned oil tanker stranded off Bulgaria after suspected Ukrainian strike
The Kairos was stranded off the Black Sea port of Ahtopol after a suspected Ukrainian drone strike and an abandoned towing attempt from Turkey.
Is ex-presidential aid Yermak going to skip Ukraine ahead of corruption charges?
Is the former head of Zelenskiy’s presidential administration, Andriy Yermak, going to skip the country before formal corruption charges are brought against him?
Pentagon sets 2027 “hard deadline” to end support for Europe’s Nato conventional defences
The United States has told the European Nato allies that it will hand over responsibility for conventional defence capabilities by 2027 and no longer act as the automatic security guarantor, Reuters reports on December 6.
Russia's central bank lifts limits on foreign currency transfers abroad from December 8
Russia's central bank lifts $10,000 monthly limit on foreign currency transfers abroad for Russians and friendly-country residents from December 8
EU-US rift deepens as European leaders warn Zelenskiy not to trust Trump - Der Spiegel
Deep divisions have emerged between the US and Europe as the first serious attempt to halt the war in Ukraine gets underway. EU leaders warned Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy not to trust the White House, as it could “betray” Kyiv.
Russian business and banks seek to expand in India during Putin’s visit
Russia’s VEB.RF Group plans to widen its Indian footprint as Moscow seeks smoother access for Russian firms operating in the country.
Saudi Arabia grants licence to Russia's Azimuth Airlines for scheduled flights
Saudi Arabia grants Azimuth Airlines licence for scheduled flights from three Russian cities to Jeddah and Riyadh, following visa exemption agreement signed between the two countries.
EU proposes emergency powers to raise €210bn from frozen Russian assets for Ukraine
The European Commission will invoke “emergency powers” to raise up to €210bn for Ukraine using frozen Russian state assets, in a move that could bypass the need for unanimous approval by member states and sidestep potential vetoes.
Babis to dispose of Agrofert to solve conflict of interests
Billionaire ANO leader says he will place shares in food and agro-chemical conglomerate Agrofert into a blind trust, as he prepares to become Czechia's new prime minister.