UK'S Shabana Mahmood appointed new interior minister
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer carried out a major cabinet reshuffle on Friday (September 5), appointing new deputies as well as foreign and inte...
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.
AnewZ has learned that India has once again blocked Azerbaijan’s application for full membership in the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation, while Pakistan’s recent decision to consider diplomatic relations with Armenia has been coordinated with Baku as part of Azerbaijan’s peace agenda.
A powerful eruption at Japan’s Shinmoedake volcano sent an ash plume more than 3,000 metres high on Sunday morning, prompting safety warnings from authorities.
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The UK is gearing up for Exercise Pegasus 2025, its largest pandemic readiness test since COVID-19. Running from September to November, this full-scale simulation will challenge the country's response to a fast-moving respiratory outbreak.
A Polish Air Force pilot was killed on Thursday when an F-16 fighter jet crashed during a training flight ahead of the 2025 Radom International Air Show.
U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent on Friday called for a wide-ranging re-examination of the Federal Reserve’s role and authority, including its control over interest rate policy, as the Trump administration steps up its campaign to assert greater oversight over the central bank.
The Trump administration is preparing to introduce new rules that would restrict or potentially block imports of Chinese-made drones and medium to heavy-duty vehicles, citing national security concerns.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer carried out a major cabinet reshuffle on Friday (September 5), appointing new deputies as well as foreign and interior ministers in a bid to reassert control following the resignation of his deputy, Angela Rayner.
Australian driver Daniel Ricciardo confirmed on Friday (September 5) that his racing career has come to an end, announcing he will take on a new role as a global motorsports ambassador for Ford.
Lebanon’s cabinet on Friday (September 5) endorsed an army proposal to disarm Hezbollah, saying the military would begin implementing it, though without a set timeline and while noting the army’s limited resources.
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