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China bought roughly two-thirds of the US soybeans it had pledged to purchase by the end of 2025, according to trade and agriculture data. The buying helped sustain exports but did not fully meet earlier expectations set during trade discussions.

Purchases increased toward the end of the year as Chinese importers took advantage of competitive prices and supply availability. However, the overall volume still fell short of initial targets, raising questions among US producers about longer-term demand reliability.

Analysts say China has continued to diversify its soybean sourcing strategy, balancing purchases from the United States with supplies from other exporters. This approach ...

South Korea and China are preparing for a high-level summit as both sides seek to stabilise relations and address long-standing political and security sensitivities. The talks are expected to focus on restoring trust after years of strained ties.

South Korean President Lee Jae-myung is expected to raise economic cooperation, supply chains, and regional stability, while also navigating sensitive security issues that have previously disrupted relations. One key concern is avoiding a repeat of past disputes linked to missile defence deployments that triggered diplomatic and economic retaliation.

China is expected to emphasise the importance of mutual respect for core interests and non-alignment against ...

China has marked the anniversary of the introduction of its one-child policy, a population control measure that shaped family life and demographics for decades before being formally ended. Introduced to curb rapid population growth, the policy had far-reaching social, economic, and demographic consequences.

The policy contributed to smaller family sizes and slower population growth but also led to unintended effects, including a rapidly ageing population, a shrinking workforce, and a gender imbalance caused by a long-standing cultural preference for sons. Many families were separated by enforcement measures that included fines and restrictions on employment and education.

Despite the policy’s repeal and subsequent ...

A deadly fire broke out at a bar in the ski resort of Crans-Montana, killing several people and injuring others, according to authorities. The blaze occurred late in the evening as the resort was busy with holiday visitors.

Emergency services said firefighters worked to control the flames and evacuate nearby buildings, while medical teams treated the injured at the scene and in local hospitals. Some victims were reported to be in serious condition.

Officials said the cause of the fire was not immediately known, and an investigation has been launched to determine how it started and whether safety regulations were followed. The ...

Meta has acquired Manus, a Chinese artificial intelligence startup, in a move aimed at strengthening its AI research and product development capabilities. The deal is part of a broader wave of late-year investments by large technology companies seeking to accelerate progress in artificial intelligence.

Manus is known for its work in advanced AI systems and model development, and the acquisition is expected to bolster Meta’s efforts to integrate more powerful AI tools across its platforms, including social media, advertising technology, and emerging products. Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

The acquisition comes amid heightened competition among global technology firms to ...

China has lodged a formal protest after the demolition of a monument in Panama commemorating Chinese labourers who contributed to the construction of the Panama Canal. Chinese officials described the action as regrettable and said it had caused concern among the Chinese public.

The memorial honoured thousands of Chinese workers who played a role in building the canal in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, many of whom endured harsh conditions. Chinese authorities said the monument carried historical and cultural significance and called for respect for the contributions of Chinese migrants.

Panamanian officials said the demolition was linked to urban redevelopment ...

Recent leaks have offered a more detailed look at a potential foldable iPhone being developed by Apple, suggesting the device could feature a book-style folding design similar to other premium foldable smartphones. Renderings and hands-on mockups indicate a large internal display paired with a slimmer external screen.

According to the leaked information, the foldable iPhone may prioritise a refined hinge mechanism aimed at reducing visible creases when unfolded. The device is also expected to maintain Apple’s design focus, with a thin profile and premium materials consistent with current iPhone models.

The reports suggest the handset would run a version of iOS adapted ...

Israel has warned that it could suspend or restrict the activities of certain humanitarian organisations operating in Gaza, citing security concerns and allegations of improper conduct. Israeli officials said the measures would apply to groups found to be violating regulations or failing to meet oversight requirements.

The warning comes amid ongoing efforts to deliver aid to Gaza’s civilian population following months of conflict. Humanitarian organisations say access constraints, inspections, and administrative hurdles have already slowed the delivery of food, medical supplies, and fuel into the territory.

Aid agencies have cautioned that further restrictions could significantly worsen living conditions for civilians, many of ...

Russia has said it has deployed its nuclear-capable Oreshnik missile system to Belarus, marking a further expansion of military cooperation between the two allies. Russian officials described the move as part of agreed defence arrangements with Minsk.

The Oreshnik system is reported to be capable of carrying both conventional and nuclear warheads. According to statements from Moscow, the deployment is intended to strengthen deterrence and enhance joint defence capabilities within the existing Russia–Belarus security framework.

Belarusian authorities have previously said that hosting advanced Russian weapons systems is aimed at ensuring national security and responding to what they describe as increased military pressure ...

China’s armed forces have begun a second consecutive day of extensive live‑fire military drills around Taiwan, involving prolonged exercises and simulated blockades of the island’s waters and airspace as part of a campaign code‑named “Justice Mission 2025.”

The drills, which include live‑firing and rehearsals designed to test readiness and jointly coordinate forces around the island, follow China’s earlier description of the maneuvers as a warning against “external interference” and movements interpreted as support for Taiwanese defense. Taipei reported heightened military activity and closely monitored the exercises.

U.S. President Donald Trump, when asked about the drills, said he was not concerned, citing his ...