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The Philippines has commenced military exercises involving over 3,000 personnel to bolster readiness against external threats, particularly from China. The drills, which simulate reclaiming territory in the South China Sea, occur amid rising tensions and territorial disputes in the region, with China closely monitoring the activities.
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Italy and the Czech Republic are urging the EU to consider a wider range of solutions for electric vehicles beyond battery and hydrogen technologies. They want a review of current policies expedited to 2025, amid rising tensions over tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles.
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Following Donald Trump's re-election, he has pledged to impose significant tariffs on imports, particularly targeting China. This has prompted global companies to reconsider their supply chains, with many seeking alternatives to Chinese manufacturing. The potential economic repercussions are being felt across various sectors, especially in Southeast Asia.
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As Donald Trump prepares for a second term, his cabinet picks, particularly Chris Wright as Energy Secretary, signal a strong pro-fossil fuel agenda. Experts warn this could undermine climate initiatives, as Wright and others downplay the climate crisis while aiming to boost oil and gas production and roll back environmental regulations.
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The UK government has intensified efforts against people smuggling, highlighted by the arrest of a key supplier of boats and engines. Labour has also organized record deportations, with 9,400 individuals returned since taking office, including nearly 2,600 forced removals, marking a 19% increase from last year.
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Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto is on a diplomatic tour, having met with Chinese President Xi Jinping and seeking to establish a relationship with US President Donald Trump. His outreach aims to bolster Indonesia's global presence while navigating rising tensions between the US and China.
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Recent culinary developments include the opening of new restaurants in Hong Kong, a unique collaboration between chefs in Hong Kong and Ibiza, and the introduction of sustainable protein sources in Norway. These trends reflect a dynamic food scene that embraces innovation and cultural fusion.
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France has announced a significant naval deployment in the Indo-Pacific, focusing on enhancing military cooperation with allies and sending strategic messages to rivals, particularly China and North Korea. The deployment includes the aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle and aims to conduct joint exercises with regional partners.
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On Veterans Day, President Biden delivered poignant remarks at Arlington National Cemetery, marking his last ceremony as commander in chief. He honored military service members and their families, reflecting on his administration's efforts to support veterans, particularly through the PACT Act, while acknowledging the sacrifices made by those who served.
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Recent developments highlight the ongoing challenges in securing critical minerals essential for clean energy technologies. The EU's efforts to diversify sources face competition from China, while new discoveries in Australia could reshape the palladium market. Recycling initiatives may mitigate mining needs, but geopolitical tensions complicate the landscape.
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South Africa has declared a national disaster following the deaths of at least 22 children linked to food poisoning from township convenience stores. President Cyril Ramaphosa announced immediate closures of implicated shops and a crackdown on harmful pesticides as the country grapples with rising food safety concerns.
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Defense chiefs from the US, Japan, Philippines, South Korea, and Australia met in Laos to reinforce security commitments in the Indo-Pacific amid rising tensions with China. The discussions focused on maintaining strong alliances and addressing concerns over China's military assertiveness, particularly regarding Taiwan and the South China Sea.
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Pinduoduo's shares dropped nearly 11% after reporting disappointing revenue of 99.35 billion yuan for Q3 2024, missing analyst expectations. The company faces intensified competition and economic headwinds in China, impacting consumer confidence and spending.
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As the China International Supply Chain Expo opens, tensions rise with President-elect Trump's proposed tariffs on Chinese imports. Chinese officials emphasize the need for stable trade relations, while the potential for a renewed trade war looms large, impacting global supply chains and economic growth.
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The UK's net migration fell to 728,000 for the year ending June 2024, down 20% from a record high of 906,000 the previous year. This decline follows revisions to earlier estimates and reflects changes in visa policies and increased emigration. The data highlights ongoing debates about immigration policy in the UK.
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Truong My Lan, a prominent Vietnamese real estate developer, has lost her appeal against a death sentence for embezzling $12.5 billion from Saigon Commercial Bank. The court upheld the ruling, stating no mitigating circumstances exist, but her sentence could be commuted if she repays three-quarters of the embezzled funds.