U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iran: What we know so far
The United States and Israel have carried out large-scale strikes on Iranian leadership and military targets, with Iranian state media confirming t...
China’s economy ended 2024 on a stronger note than expected, driven by government stimulus measures. However, with rising tensions with the United States and ongoing domestic challenges, the outlook for 2025 remains uncertain.
China’s economy wrapped up 2024 with stronger-than-expected growth, bolstered by government stimulus efforts. However, challenges on the horizon—such as strained relations with the United States and weak domestic demand—raise questions about the recovery prospects heading into 2025.
According to recent data from the National Bureau of Statistics, China’s economy grew by 5.0% in 2024, meeting the government’s annual target. The fourth-quarter growth, in particular, was the strongest in over a year, reflecting the positive impact of the government’s support efforts.
Quarter-on-quarter, China’s GDP rose by 1.6%, a slight improvement from the previous quarter’s revised 1.3%, highlighting the effectiveness of Beijing’s efforts to stabilize the economy amidst ongoing challenges.
Despite the positive growth figures, China continues to face significant hurdles. The country’s property crisis remains unresolved, local government debt continues to rise, and domestic consumer demand remains weak. On the international stage, tensions with the United States are escalating. President-elect Donald Trump, set to take office next week, has proposed new tariffs on Chinese goods, which could further destabilize China’s export sector—a key driver of the country’s growth.
Although China reported a trade surplus of $992 billion in 2024, the yuan has been under pressure, hitting a 16-month low. Analysts point to a combination of factors, including a strong U.S. dollar, declining Chinese bond yields, and concerns about increased trade barriers.
December’s economic data suggests that Beijing’s stimulus measures are beginning to yield results. Industrial output and retail sales showed solid gains, spurred by government efforts and the seasonal boost from preparations for the upcoming Lunar New Year.
Follow the latest developments and global reaction after the U.S. and Israel launched “major combat operations” in Iran, prompting retaliation from Tehran.
Governments across the region responded swiftly to Israel’s strikes on Iran, closing airspace, issuing travel advisories and activating contingency plans amid fears of escalation.
Ayatollah Alireza Arafi has moved into a pivotal constitutional role following the death of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, becoming the clerical member of Iran’s temporary leadership council under Article 111 of the Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Iran.
A senior Iranian official has warned Israel to “prepare for what is coming”, insisting that Tehran’s response to the latest escalation in the Middle East will be made openly and without limits.
Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Iran’s supreme leader for 36 years and the country’s highest political and religious authority, has died aged 86 following joint Israeli and U.S. strikes on his compound in Tehran.
Protests broke out in Pakistan and Iraq on Sunday after Iranian state media confirmed that Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei had been killed in joint U.S.–Israeli strikes. At least nine people were reported dead in clashes near the U.S. consulate in Karachi.
Afghanistan said it had fired at Pakistani aircraft over Kabul after explosions and gunfire rocked the capital early on Sunday, marking a sharp escalation in fighting between the two neighbours.
A senior Iranian official has warned Israel to “prepare for what is coming”, insisting that Tehran’s response to the latest escalation in the Middle East will be made openly and without limits.
Cuba has released extensive details of a deadly midweek shootout at sea, showing rifles, pistols and nearly 13,000 rounds of ammunition that it says were carried by a group of exiles who attempted to enter the island by speedboat.
Afghanistan’s Taliban rulers said on Friday (27 February) they were ready to negotiate after Pakistan bombed their forces in several Afghan cities, including Kabul and Kandahar, and Islamabad declared the neighbours were now in "open war".
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