China warns US against crossing 'red line' over Taiwan as president Lai transits in Hawaii

China warned the U.S. on Monday (December 2) against crossing the "red line" over Taiwan and urged it to stop supporting Taiwan independence separatist forces.

No operative bunkers in Germany, says expert as authorities work on civilian defence plan

Germany has been increasingly focused on defence on its own soil since Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 raised the spectre of a wider escalation on the European continent.

Landslides in Indonesia's Sumatra kill at least 27, rescuers search for missing

Indonesian rescuers are searching for passengers trapped in a minibus buried in mud after flash floods and landslides hit several locations in North Sumatra province, killing at least 27, an official said on Thursday.

South Korea battles second day of heavy snow; four dead

South Korea grappled with heavy snowfall for a second day on Thursday, with dozens of flights cancelled, ferry operations suspended and at least four people reported dead in a bitter winter, though conditions showed signs of easing.

India suspends parliament again in dispute over U.S. action on Adani

Japan's space agency halts Epsilon S rocket engine test after fire

Japan's space agency aborted an engine test for the Epsilon S rocket on Tuesday following a fire at the test site, a failure that could push the rocket's debut launch beyond the March-end target and cause further delays in the national space programme.

Myanmar rebel army ready for dialogue with junta, with China's help

An ethnic minority army that is part of formidable rebel alliance fighting Myanmar's ruling military has announced its willingness to hold talks with the junta after a year-long battle along the Myanmar-China border.

Activists form giant human sign to 'end plastic' ahead of UN talks in South Korea

Kim Jong Un Accuses US of Escalating Tensions, Warns of Nuclear War Risk

Kim Jong Un has accused the U.S. of escalating tensions, warning of a heightened risk of nuclear war on the Korean Peninsula. He criticized past U.S. negotiations as hostile and suggested reopening talks if the U.S. changes its approach.

China Expands Visa-Free Program to Include Japan, Bulgaria, and More Countries

China will expand its visa-free policy to include Japan, Bulgaria, Romania, Croatia, Montenegro, and other nations from November 30, 2024, to December 31, 2025. The country will also extend the visa-free stay period for all 38 participating countries from 15 to 30 days to boost tourism and trade.

Russian Drone Strike in Sumy Kills Two, Injures 12

A Russian drone attack on Sumy, Ukraine, early Friday killed two and injured 12, damaging buildings and vehicles. This follows recent deadly attacks, including a missile strike on Sunday that killed 11 and caused power outages.

South Korea’s Plastic Waste Problem Reveals Recycling Limitations

As South Korea hosts INC-5 talks on plastic waste, critics say its 73% recycling claim hides flaws, with actual rates near 27%. Rising plastic use and financial challenges reveal limits of recycling-focused strategies.

China Willing to Engage in Trade Dialogue with US Amid Tariff Concerns

China is open to trade talks with the US, confident it can withstand potential tariffs. The government has introduced measures to support businesses, while the central bank aims to keep the yuan stable amid trade tensions.

Taiwan President Lai to Visit Pacific Allies, US Stops Unclear

Taiwan's President Lai Ching-te will visit Pacific allies Palau, the Marshall Islands, and Tuvalu at the end of the month. Details of any U.S. stopovers, typically included in such trips, remain unclear.

Biden Approves Anti-Personnel Mines for Ukraine Amid Rising Tensions

Biden has approved anti-personnel mines for Ukraine to counter Russian advances. Unlike Russian mines, US mines deactivate after a set time. This follows Ukraine’s use of US ATACMS missiles, escalating the conflict.

Ukraine Strikes Russian Territory with ATACMS Missiles on War's 1,000th Day

On the war's 1,000th day, Ukraine launched U.S.-supplied ATACMS missiles into Russia, hitting an arms depot in Bryansk. Russia intercepted most of the missiles, but the strike marked a significant escalation in the conflict.

Biden pledges record $4 billion to World Bank fund for poorest countries

U.S. President Joe Biden pledged a $4 billion U.S. contribution to the World Bank's International Development Association fund for the world's poorest countries, a senior Biden administration official said on Monday.

Zelenskyy Warns North Korean Troops in Russia Could Reach 100,000

Zelenskyy warned North Korean troops in Russia could reach 100,000, with 11,000 already near Ukraine.

Israeli Airstrike in Beirut Kills Five as Lebanon and Hezbollah Agree to US-Proposed Ceasefire with Israel

An Israeli airstrike in central Beirut killed five people and wounded 31 on Monday, marking the second consecutive day of strikes in the city. The attack comes as Lebanon and Hezbollah agree to a U.S.-proposed ceasefire with Israel. Tel Aviv is yet to respond.