WORLD

BEIJING | Xinhua | China’s Hainan Free Trade Port (FTP) is set to officially launch island-wide special customs operations on Thursday, a landmark step underscoring the country’s unwavering commitment to expanding high-standard opening up and advancing an open world economy. In the latest episode of China Economic Roundtable, an all-media …

WASHINGTON | Xinhua |  U.S. President Donald Trump on Tuesday signed a proclamation expanding the list of countries subject to full or partial entry restrictions to cover around 40 countries, effective on Jan. 1, 2026. Trump “signed a Proclamation expanding and strengthening entry restrictions on nationals from countries with demonstrated, …

SYDNEY | Xinhua | A mass shooting took place on Sunday evening at Bondi Beach in Sydney, Australia, killing at least 16 people and injuring dozens of others. This marks the deadliest shooting incident in the country since 1996. Here’s what we know so far about the shooting. WHAT HAPPENED? …

WASHINGTON, the United States | Xinhua | U.S. President Donald Trump on Monday filed a defamation lawsuit against the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC), accusing the broadcaster of misleadingly editing his speech related to the Jan. 6 Capitol riot and seeking billions of dollars in damages. The complaint, filed with the …

SYDNEY | Xinhua |  Australia’s leaders at a snap National Cabinet meeting on Monday agreed to take decisive action to strengthen gun laws following a fatal mass shooting Sunday night at Sydney’s Bondi Beach. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said in a statement that he and the leaders of Australia’s states …

Carriers buoyed by unprecedented efficiency, but African operators lag amid high costs, older fleets London, UK | THE INDEPENDENT | Global airlines are on track to achieve a record net profit of $41 billion in 2026, the International Air Transport Association said in its latest outlook, as carriers squeeze historic …

BEIJING | Xinhua | With a high-level meeting wrapped up in Beijing this week, China set out a clear roadmap for how it intends to steer the economy as the next five-year plan period is set to begin. The annual Central Economic Work Conference, chaired by President Xi Jinping, laid …

SYDNEY | Xinhua |  At least 12 people have died after a shooting at Sydney’s Bondi Beach on Sunday night, said New South Wales Premier Chris Minns. One of the offenders was among the dead and another one is in custody, the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) cited Minns as saying. …

ANKARA | Xinhua |  The Black Sea should not become “an area of confrontation” between Russia and Ukraine, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said Saturday. “The Black Sea should not be seen as an area of confrontation. This would not benefit Russia or Ukraine. Everyone needs safe navigation in the …

GAZA, ISRAEL | Xinhua | Among the rubble of Gaza City’s Islamic University, Ahmed Totah approached his first classroom with a mix of fear and hope. The campus was badly damaged, but the 19-year-old was finally starting the university education he had dreamed of. “I never imagined this moment would …