China's trade surplus approached $1 trillion last year due to massive exports and careful domestic spending on imports. This surpasses the previous record, indicating China's strong dominance in global manufacturing. Many countries have responded by increasing tariffs to protect their own industries. As President-elect Trump prepares to take office, further trade tensions may arise.
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Severe weather across the U.S. has claimed at least nine lives, with Kentucky hardest hit, experiencing major flooding. Under President Trump's disaster declaration, federal aid helps relief efforts. Cold temperatures plague Northern Plains, while an Arctic blast and tornadoes add to the chaos. Over 1,000 rescues have been made, with significant property damage reported.
US vice president JD Vance will attend the AI action summit in Paris next week, his first foreign trip since taking office. The summit, co-chaired by French President Macron and Indian Prime Minister Modi, will bring together global leaders and tech experts to discuss AI's rapid advancements. Vance's visit follows significant developments in AI, including a joint venture involving OpenAI, Oracle, and SoftBank aimed at expanding AI infrastructure.
King Charles III will deliver his Christmas speech from the Fitzrovia Chapel, a former hospital chapel in London, breaking tradition due to his ongoing cancer treatment. The message will be pre-recorded and broadcast on Sky News. The speech, addressing various challenges, is set in a historically significant location linked to his grandfather, King George VI.
Nations reach a historic agreement in Geneva to combat future pandemics. The accord addresses shortcomings exposed by Covid-19. It focuses on pathogen data sharing and technology transfer. Article 11 was a point of contention. The World Health Organization will present the final text for approval next month. The US absence and potential tariffs cast a shadow.
The UK Supreme Court is set to rule on a legal challenge concerning the definition of 'woman' under equality laws, a dispute between For Women Scotland and the Scottish government. The core of the case revolves around whether a transgender person with a gender recognition certificate should be legally regarded as a woman.
A massive sinkhole in Yashio, northeast of Tokyo, swallowed a truck, trapping its 74-year-old driver. Rescue efforts are hindered by unstable ground and growing sinkhole size. The collapse is linked to sewer pipe corrosion, raising concerns about aging infrastructure. Residents nearby evacuated, and over a million people were urged to reduce water use. Authorities plan nationwide sewer inspections to prevent similar incidents.
As Donald Trump revealed the contents of the letter left by Joe Biden, he said it was a very nice letter. "It was a little bit of an inspirational-type letter. Enjoy it, do a good job. Important, very important. How important the job is," Trump said about the letter. "It was a positive, for him, in writing it," Trump continued. "I appreciated the letter."
China's former agriculture minister, Tang Renjian, has been arrested on bribery charges. The arrest follows an investigation by the National Supervisory Commission and is part of President Xi Jinping's ongoing anti-corruption campaign. Tang, 62, was removed from his post in May and expelled from the Communist Party six months later, accused of accepting bribes and abusing his power.
Meghan Markle faces new controversy as doubts arise over the birth of her son Archie, fueled by her estranged sister and father. Buckingham Palace is reportedly being pressured to remove Archie and Lilibet from the royal line of succession unless Meghan provides proof of their births, amid ongoing speculation and secrecy surrounding her pregnancies, Radar Online reported.
Chinese officials have admitted to conducting cyber attacks on US infrastructure, known as "Volt Typhoon," during a private meeting. This operation, linked to China's military, targeted critical sectors and maintained covert access to the US electric grid. The US also identified another campaign, "Salt Typhoon," targeting American telecommunications networks.