China successfully launches new satellite into space
China has successfully launched a new satellite, Tianping-3A 02, into space from the Taiyuan Satellite Launch Center in Shanxi province.
On 27 December, the highly anticipated China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway project will officially commence, marking a significant milestone in regional infrastructure development.
On 27 December, official work will commence on the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway project, as announced by Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov at the III People’s Kurultai on 20 December.
“When we started, many doubted its feasibility, calling it a fairy tale. But today, you see this is a realisable project. This railway will serve as a strategic bridge connecting East and West,” Japarov stated, adding that the "project of the century" will create new opportunities for trade, tourism, and industry.
On 15 December, an investment agreement was signed between Kyrgyzstan’s Cabinet of Ministers and the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan Railway Company. The agreement covers the design, financing, construction, and maintenance of the railway.
Discussions on the railway, which will link China to Central Asia, have spanned 25 years. The chosen route, Kashgar-Torugart-Makmal-Jalal-Abad-Andijan, aims to reduce dependence on Russian and Kazakh transit routes. The railway will span 486 km, with 312 km in Kyrgyzstan, requiring 18 stations, 81 bridges, and 41 tunnels totalling over 120 km.
The railway will use two track gauges: a 1435 mm gauge from the Chinese border to Makmal (165.5 km) and a 1520 mm gauge to Jalal-Abad (146.2 km).
By 2035, the railway is expected to handle 5 million tonnes of cargo annually, with over half being transit.
Under the agreement, China holds a 51% stake in the joint venture, while Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan hold 24.5% each. The project’s estimated cost is $4.7 billion, with contributions of $1.18 billion from China and $700 million each from Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan. China will also provide a $2.35 billion non-commercial loan.
Aid groups in Myanmar’s worst-hit areas urgently need shelter, food, and water after a devastating 7.7 magnitude earthquake killed over 2,700 people. Rescue efforts face challenges due to ongoing civil war, damaged infrastructure, and restricted aid access, with the toll expected to rise.
French far-right leader Marine Le Pen was banned from running for public office for five years after being convicted of embezzlement, ruling her out of the 2027 presidential race. She received a four-year prison sentence, with two years suspended, and a €100,000 fine. Le Pen plans to appeal.
Apple marked its 49th anniversary by reaching a market capitalization of $3.3 trillion. Despite recent tech stock volatility, Apple's shares surged 28% in 2024.
The Armenian armed forces attempted three reconnaissance drone flights over Azerbaijan Army positions near Gerenzur, but all were successfully intercepted. Meanwhile, Armenian units repeatedly fired on Azerbaijani positions from multiple regions, escalating tensions in the area.
A roundtable discussion on Azerbaijan’s demining initiatives was held at the Hudson Institute in Washington, organized by the Azerbaijani Embassy. Representatives from ANAMA and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs provided insights into ongoing operations and challenges related to landmine clearance.
The first-ever Central Asia-European Union summit takes place in Samarkand, marking a milestone in regional cooperation. Officials will discuss trade, investment, energy, and security, aiming to strengthen economic ties and enhance political dialogue between the two regions, Kazinform reports.
The first-ever summit between the European Union (EU) and the five Central Asian nations—Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan - began today in Samarkand, Uzbekistan.
During a high-level meeting, officials from Kyrgyzstan and Russia emphasized the growing economic partnership between the two nations, highlighting a 14.5% increase in mutual trade and reaffirming their commitment to further expansion.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu arrived in Budapest early Thursday for a four-day official visit, despite an arrest warrant issued against him by the International Criminal Court (ICC) for war crimes related to the Gaza conflict.
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