US Defense Spending to Surge, Pentagon Chief Advocates Raising Budget
US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth calls for increased defense spending, urging NATO members to raise their budgets to 5% of GDP to enhance European security.
World
Explore major global developments, features, and analyses, with emphasis on Asia’s role and impact in international affairs.
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China Calls on Japan and U.S. to Respect One-China Principle
China urges the United States and Japan to adhere to the one-China principle and refrain from interfering in its internal affairs, emphasizing the Taiwan question as a core interest.
Alibaba’s Shares Surge as Apple Partners on AI Features for iPhone in China
Apple partners with Alibaba to develop AI features for iPhone users in China, boosting Alibaba’s Hong Kong shares by 8%. The collaboration aims to enhance personalized services using user data.
Constantine Tassoulas Elected as Greece’s New President
Constantine Tassoulas, Speaker of the Greek Parliament and member of the New Democracy party, has been elected as Greece’s new president, succeeding Katerina Sakellaropoulou.
“Ne Zha 2” Soars Globally: High Demand and Box Office Success
“Ne Zha 2” sets global box office records with high demand and strong reviews, marking it as the top non-Hollywood animated film worldwide.
EU Launches InvestAI with €200 Billion Boost for Artificial Intelligence
The European Union unveils InvestAI, committing €200 billion to boost artificial intelligence through gigafactories, a new research council, and initiatives to accelerate AI adoption across key sectors.
African Negotiators Convene in Nairobi to Champion Climate Justice
Over 70 African climate negotiators convene in Nairobi to strengthen the continent’s stance on climate finance, adaptation, and loss and damage.
Global Backlash Erupts Over U.S. Steel and Aluminum Tariffs
U.S. imposes new tariffs on steel and aluminum imports, sparking global condemnation from Mexico, Canada, and the EU, raising fears of a trade war.
Harbin’s Snowman-Building Campaign Unites Global Friends for 9th Asian Winter Games
A global snowman-building campaign in Harbin celebrates the 9th Asian Winter Games, fostering international friendships and showcasing cultural creativity.
Israel Threatens Ceasefire Termination If Hostages Not Returned by Saturday
Israeli PM Netanyahu warns of ending the Gaza ceasefire if hostages aren’t returned by Saturday, escalating tensions in the region.
China Condemns US Warship Transit Through Taiwan Straits Amid Security Concerns
China’s military condemns the transit of a US warship and survey ship through the Taiwan Straits, citing increased security risks and misleading signals.
Fu Ying Calls for International Cooperation to Regulate AI at Paris Summit
At the Paris AI Action Summit, former Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Fu Ying emphasized the need for global cooperation to manage AI’s power and ensure it remains under human control.
South Africa Simplifies Visa Process to Boost Chinese and Indian Tourism
South Africa launches the Trusted Tour Operator Scheme to streamline visa applications for Chinese and Indian tourists, aiming to boost tourism and economic growth.
China Coast Guard Conducts Patrol around Diaoyu Dao
A China Coast Guard fleet patrolled the territorial waters of Diaoyu Dao on Wednesday to protect China’s interests, according to a CCG statement.
Major Snowstorm to Impact Two Dozen U.S. States This Week
A significant snowstorm is set to hit around two dozen U.S. states from Colorado to Maine this week, bringing heavy snow, slippery roads, and potential travel disruptions.
Trump Tightens Immigration: Venezuelans and Haitians Facing Deportation
U.S. President Donald Trump’s immigration policies are leading to deportations of Venezuelans to Caracas and Haitians intercepted at sea.
CFPB Shutdown Sparks Concerns Over Financial Oversight
The closure of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau raises alarms among senators and consumer advocates about the future of financial oversight in the U.S.
Trump’s Steel and Aluminum Tariffs Spark International Retaliation
U.S. President Donald Trump implements new steel and aluminum tariffs targeting both adversaries and allies, prompting several countries to promise retaliatory duties.
Brazil Takes Major Steps to Reverse Amazon Deforestation
Brazil is making significant progress in reducing Amazon deforestation, pledging to halt further destruction and restore damaged areas at the latest UN climate conference.
AI Adoption Soars in Scientific Research, Survey Finds
A Wiley survey shows researchers worldwide are rapidly adopting AI tools like ChatGPT and DeepSeek for tasks such as writing papers and grant applications.