China
The United States and Russia have agreed on a timeline for the completion of the International Space Station. Russia plans to use the ISS until 2028, while NASA has extended its operation until 2030.
Revenues of the restaurant industry in Ukraine increased by 120% in 2023, reaching UAH 31. 6 billion. McDonald's became the market leader with revenues of UAH 12.9 billion, and Kyiv generated 72% of all industry revenues.
A 39-year-old Chinese man, unhappy about investment losses, deliberately drove into a crowd outside a school, injuring more than 20 people. A court in Changde sentenced him to a suspended death sentence with the possibility of commutation to life imprisonment.
German auto giant Volkswagen is planning a large-scale optimization by 2030, cutting a third of its staff. The company will not close plants, but will reduce production capacity and cut management salaries.
Honda and Nissan have signed an agreement to create a joint holding company that will go public in 2026. The combined company will become the third largest automaker in the world after Toyota and Volkswagen.
“Russian Railways cuts its investment program by 30% due to rising borrowing costs. Increased military cargo and sanctions create logistical problems in trade with China.
The United States has initiated an investigation into China's anti-competitive actions in the semiconductor industry. The investigation is focused on “core” semiconductors and may lead to new trade restrictions.
The President of Ukraine met with the newly appointed ambassadors of China, Saudi Arabia, and Serbia. They discussed trade, energy support and military assistance.
China has provided documents in the case of damaged submarine cables in the Baltic Sea and invited European countries to investigate. The Yi Peng 3 vessel, which was under suspicion, resumed operations after a month's downtime.
China has called on the United States to reconsider its nuclear policy in response to the Pentagon's report on 600 Chinese nuclear warheads. China has stated that its nuclear program does not pose a threat to other countries.
Donald Trump threatens to demand the return of control over the Panama Canal if Panama does not reduce transit fees. Panamanian President Mulino said that the sovereignty of the canal is not subject to discussion.
Donald Trump has expressed his desire to temporarily keep TikTok in the United States, despite the planned ban in a month. The decision came after a meeting with the company's CEO and impressive viewership figures.
China has imposed sanctions on two Canadian organizations and 20 individuals who defend the rights of Uyghurs and Tibetans. Restrictions include asset freezes and travel bans.
The President of Ukraine has identified key tasks for diplomats for the next year. The priorities include work on NATO, sanctions against Russia and achieving a just peace by 2025.
The European Union has started preparing the 16th package of sanctions against Russia until February 2025. The sanctions will affect new sectors of the Russian economy that were not previously subject to restrictions.
The United States has allocated $571 million in military aid to Taiwan, delegating the management of the funds to Anthony Blinken. China criticized this decision, calling it a violation of the “one-China principle” and promised to take action.
Seven Chinese nationals were arrested in Guam for trespassing near military installations during a US missile defense test. The detainees arrived on one boat from Saipan, four of whom were near a military base.
The US ambassador to the UN has accused China of supplying military components to Russia for the war with Ukraine. China supplies materials for bombs, parts for weapons factories and technology for drones.
Mariana Betsa is appointed head of the National Commission of Ukraine for UNESCO, replacing Iryna Borovets. Yevhen Tsymbaliuk is appointed Permanent Representative of Ukraine to the United Nations Office in Geneva.
The President of Ukraine dismissed ambassadors to Rwanda, Kenya, Slovenia, China, Indonesia, Japan, and Lithuania. New diplomats have been appointed in their place, in particular in Rwanda, the Philippines, Lithuania, Hungary, Slovenia, and Congo.
The U. S. State Department has approved the sale of $265 million worth of military equipment to Taiwan to modernize its command and control and communications systems. Earlier, the supply of F-16 spare parts and radars worth $385 million was approved.
A selection of psychological animated films for family viewing that reveal important life themes. From a story about a robot on a desert island to a drama about an aircraft designer, each cartoon has a deep meaning.
Buckingham Palace has reported positive dynamics in King Charles' cancer treatment. In 2025, Charles plans to resume a full program of public duties, including foreign visits.
Experts from Kyiv Scientific Research Institute of Forensic Expertise examine the crash sites of downed Russian missiles in Kyiv and determine their type.
Chinese President Xi Jinping urged the new Macau government to diversify the economy of the largest gambling center. The new leader of the city, Sam Hou Fai, is to promote tourism and high technology.
The Pentagon reports a rapid increase in China's nuclear capability to 1,000 warheads by 2030. The country also has the largest navy in the world and is actively modernizing its military.
President Zelenskyy said that the United States and Europe could bring the end of the war closer if the EU has a united position. He called for the involvement of the Global South and supported the French initiative on the military contingent.
Swedish law enforcement officials have received permission from China to inspect the Yi Peng 3 in a case of damage to submarine cables in the Baltic Sea. The vessel is suspected of deliberately damaging cables between Finland-Germany and Sweden-Lithuania.
The U. S. Senate has passed a large-scale defense bill that provides for a pay raise for junior military personnel. The document also includes restrictions on medical care for transgender children of military personnel.
Two Chinese astronauts spent 9 hours in outer space during a mission to the Tiangong station, surpassing the previous US record. They installed protective equipment and carried out technical work on the outside of the station.