China

For the first time, Taiwan conducted a large-scale exercise to simulate a response to military escalation with China. The simulation involved 19 ministries, local authorities, and non-governmental organizations under the leadership of the Vice President.

John Messick received a wedding ring with a fragment of the Apollo 11 spacecraft's thermopolyamide ribbon. The ring, made by Honest Hands Rings, also contains a lunar meteorite.

Brent and WTI oil prices rose by 0. 5-0.6% due to China's plans to issue $411 billion in bonds. An additional factor was a 3.2 million barrel reduction in US oil reserves.

Due to Trump's plans for new tariffs on Chinese imports, toy prices in the United States could rise by more than 50%. American consumers will lose about $78 billion annually due to new tariffs on various goods.

In his Christmas posts, Trump expressed his intentions for US control over Canada, Greenland, and the Panama Canal. He proposed that Canada become the 51st US state and criticized the current management of the Panama Canal.

russian companies have officially started using cryptocurrencies for international payments following legislative changes. The Minister of Finance of the Russian Federation confirmed the transactions and announced the expansion of the practice next year.

Audi has announced new car models for 2025 after a significant drop in profits. The company will present updated A5, A6 e-tron, Q5, Q6, A7, Q3 and other models with new specifications.

Head of the OP Andriy Yermak met with the newly appointed Chinese Ambassador Ma Shengkun to discuss bilateral cooperation. The parties discussed China's role in achieving peace and the possibility of a high-level dialogue.

Brent crude rose to $73. 58 and WTI to $70.10 per barrel due to expectations of a reduction in supplies. Analysts predict stable prices and rising demand in the coming months amid Chinese stimulus.

26-year-old Swiss snowboarder Sophie Hediger died in an avalanche at the Arosa resort before Christmas. The athlete was a participant in the 2022 Olympics and had two World Cup podiums in the 2023/24 season.

Britain's defense spending has increased by 14% over 10 years, while Iran, China, and Russia have increased funding by 57%, 60%, and 34%. London plans to increase spending to 2.5% of GDP.

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.