China
The wearables market shrank by 1% in the first three quarters of 2024. Huawei and Xiaomi are strengthening their positions, while Apple is losing its dominance in the smartwatch market.
Russia has increased the production of kamikaze drones to 600 units per month, but has reduced their quality due to a lack of imported parts. the occupiers are modifying UAVs to make them black and stronger.
EU leaders plan to reaffirm their continued support for Ukraine at a summit with Zelenskyy in Brussels. They will also discuss the challenges of Trump's return and a potential trade war with the United States.
Economists predict a significant slowdown or drop in Chinese exports in 2025 due to possible new US duties. Goldman Sachs expects a 0.9% decline in exports, which will affect China's overall GDP growth.
The IEA predicts a historic high in coal use in 2024, despite climate warnings. China remains the largest consumer, using 4.9 billion tons of coal.
The Cool Rover gas carrier has delivered the first batch of LNG from the Portova plant to the Italian port of Livorno. This comes amid a reduction in gas supplies by pipeline after the outbreak of war.
The DPRK military, involved in the war in Ukraine by Russia, suffers significant losses. Russian commanders are dissatisfied with Korean soldiers because of the language barrier and poor training.
Britain, France, and Germany accused Iran of building up its stockpile of highly enriched uranium to unprecedented levels. The IAEA confirms that Iran is the only country that possesses uranium with a purity of 60%.
The German chancellor wants to visit Trump after he takes office on January 20. The visit is planned before the early elections in Germany, which are expected on February 23.
Media reports suggest a possible merger between Nissan and Honda to create a new holding company. The combined company with Mitsubishi will be able to sell more than 8 million cars annually, competing with Toyota and Volkswagen.
A 7. 3-magnitude earthquake in Vanuatu killed 14 people and injured 200. Embassy buildings were damaged, electricity was cut off, and a state of emergency was declared for 7 days.
Russia's maritime oil exports fell to 3. 06 million barrels per day due to terminal repairs and sanctions pressure. Two-thirds of Russia's “shadow fleet” tankers are idle at ports due to tighter Western sanctions.
China's top diplomat said on Tuesday that he hoped the new administration of US President-elect Donald Trump would “make the right choice” and work with Beijing, hours after Trump told reporters that the COVID-19 pandemic had complicated his relationship with his “friend” Chinese President Xi Jinping.
The son of Elizabeth II was asked not to attend the Christmas celebration in Sandringham because of the scandal with the Chinese businessman spy. Prince Andrew has maintained a close relationship with Chris Young for years.
The US Navy has sent the USS Carl Vinson aircraft carrier with six F-35C Lightning II fighters to the Philippine Sea. The increased military presence comes after China's large-scale exercises near Taiwan involving 90 ships.
The Italian government has approved the tenth package of military aid to Ukraine, the details of which remain confidential. Defense Minister Guido Crozetto will present it at COPASIR. The country continues to support Kyiv in its quest for a just peace.
The USS Savannah docked in the port of Sihanoukville, not far from China's modernized Ream base. The visit takes place against the backdrop of China's growing influence in the region and the US attempts to restore military ties with Cambodia.
Social network Xiaohongshu is switching to a sales model through live broadcasts with influencers. The platform targets wealthy Chinese consumers and plans to reach $100 billion in sales by 2025.
The first 38 U. S. M1A2 Abrams tanks have arrived in Taiwan to strengthen its defense against a possible Chinese attack. This is part of an order for 108 tanks, the rest will be delivered in 2025-2026.
Bitcoin reached a new record of $106,533 after the US President-elect announced the creation of a strategic cryptocurrency reserve. The market capitalization of cryptocurrencies increased to $3.8 trillion.
Prince Andrew may not attend the traditional Christmas walk because of the H6 Chinese spy scandal. King Charles is outraged that his brother has dragged the monarchy into a high-profile scandal again.
The US Treasury is considering additional sanctions against the russian “shadow fleet” and possible restrictions on Chinese banks. There are also discussions of lowering the price limit on russian oil below $60 per barrel.
The President of Ukraine reported that the DPRK was using military personnel in Russian assault units in Kursk region. Zelenskyy emphasized that Moscow is dragging new countries into the war and ignoring calls for de-escalation.
The EU plans to impose sanctions against more than 12 individuals and 3 organizations in Russia for disinformation operations. Restrictions are also being prepared against 20 Belarusian officials before the elections.
The U. S. Court of Appeals refused to suspend TikTok's ban, which will take effect on January 19, 2025. ByteDance has to sell the app, otherwise it will be removed from the US app stores.
Experts question the effectiveness of Trump's tax initiatives due to the record $1. 83 trillion budget deficit. Most of the proposed benefits are focused on voters rather than long-term economic growth.
Gukesh Dommaraju defeated China's Ding Liren and became the youngest world chess champion in history at the age of 18. The Indian prodigy received $2.5 million in prize money and became the second Indian champion after Anand.
At the meeting in Paris, Trump spoke in favor of the presence of European troops in Ukraine after the ceasefire. He does not support Ukraine's accession to NATO, but wants to see it strong and well-armed.
On Friday, China lodged a claim against the Philippines, accusing it of provocations in the disputed waters of the South China Sea.
The Chinese leader will not attend Donald Trump's inauguration ceremony in Washington, despite a personal invitation. China will be represented by Ambassador Xie Feng and his wife.