China is significantly boosting its domestic semiconductor industry, launching a massive new investment fund and achieving technological milestones, in direct response to escalating U.S. export restrictions on advanced microchips and manufacturing equipment. The push aims for greater self-sufficiency in critical technologies.
Approximately 20,000 Saudi-backed forces have gathered on the Yemen border, specifically in the al-Wadeeah and al-Abr areas, to pressure the UAE-backed Southern Transitional Council (STC) to relinquish recent territorial gains in the oil-rich Hadramaut governorate. This escalation highlights growing tensions between regional allies in Yemen.
Bipartisan U.S. senators have introduced a resolution expressing strong support for Japan and condemning China's economic and military pressure. The measure, led by Senators Pete Ricketts and Christopher Coons, reaffirms the U.S.-Japan alliance and the application of Article 5 to the Senkaku Islands, particularly in light of recent tensions over Taiwan.
China will end a 30-year tax exemption on condoms and other contraceptives, enacting a 13% value-added tax (VAT) starting January 1, 2026. This policy shift aims to boost the nation's declining birth rate and address its demographic challenges, marking a reversal from previous family planning policies.
China has lauded Thailand's successful efforts in cracking down on online scam operations based in Myanmar, leading to the repatriation of over 6,600 Chinese suspects. This cooperation highlights a concerted regional push against cross-border cyber fraud and human trafficking.
China is testing a prototype extreme ultraviolet (EUV) lithography system in a high-security Shenzhen lab, marking a significant step in its quest for semiconductor self-sufficiency. Completed in early 2025, the system generates EUV light but has yet to produce working chips, with targets set for 2028-2030. The project, dubbed the 'Chinese Manhattan Project,' involves former ASML engineers and aims to bypass Western export controls.
Japan's last two giant pandas, Xiao Xiao and Lei Lei, are set to return to China in late January 2026, approximately a month earlier than initially scheduled. Their departure from Tokyo's Ueno Zoo marks the first time Japan will be without pandas since 1972 and comes amidst heightened diplomatic strain between the two nations, particularly following recent comments by Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi regarding Taiwan.
The International Criminal Court's Appeals Chamber has rejected Israel's challenge to block an investigation into alleged war crimes in Gaza. The ruling, issued Monday, means the probe will continue and arrest warrants for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant remain valid.
Japan's ruling coalition, comprised of the Liberal Democratic Party and the Japan Innovation Party, has agreed to postpone discussions on a bill to reduce Lower House seats by 10% until next year. The decision, made on December 16, 2025, comes amidst strong opposition and a lack of time in the current Diet session.
The United States has put its £31 billion 'Tech Prosperity Deal' with the United Kingdom on hold. The decision stems from unresolved trade disputes, including the UK's digital services tax and food safety regulations, impacting significant technology investments from US giants like Microsoft and Google.
India has eased business visa procedures for Chinese professionals, cutting approval times to under four weeks. This move aims to enhance bilateral economic engagement and mend relations strained since the 2020 border clash, with China welcoming the development.
China has officially implemented anti-dumping tariffs on pork and pig by-products from the European Union, effective Wednesday, December 17, 2025. The duties range from 4.9% to 19.8% and will be in place for five years, following an 18-month investigation by China's Ministry of Commerce. This move is widely seen as a response to EU tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles.
China has expressed strong disapproval over an international conference held in Tawang, India, focusing on the 6th Dalai Lama. Beijing views the event, which took place in a region it claims as 'South Tibet,' as an infringement on its sovereignty and an 'absurd farce.' The conference, held from December 3-6, 2025, highlighted Tawang's historical ties to Tibetan Buddhism.
Marshall Islands President Hilda Heine has vowed to immediately rebuild the Nitijela, the nation's parliament building, after it was destroyed by fire in August 2025. The blaze, which consumed historical archives and offices, prompted international support, with the United States pledging $13 million and Taiwan over $30 million for reconstruction efforts. Groundbreaking for the new structure occurred in October 2025, with completion aimed for August 2026.
China has imposed sanctions on Shigeru Iwasaki, Japan's former chief of the joint staff of the Self-Defense Forces, effective December 15, 2025. Beijing accuses Iwasaki of 'colluding with Taiwan independence separatist forces,' citing his appointment as an adviser to Taiwan's Cabinet. The sanctions include asset freezes, transaction prohibitions, and a travel ban to China, Hong Kong, and Macao.
Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi has affirmed the nation's armed forces are fully prepared for defense, emphasizing a preference for diplomacy while remaining vigilant against potential threats amidst ongoing regional tensions and recent conflicts.
Argentina has acquired 24 F-16 fighter jets from Denmark, a move intended to modernize its air force and restore supersonic capabilities. While Argentine officials hail the purchase as a significant defense upgrade, some defense experts warn it could pose a threat to the Falkland Islands, prompting scrutiny of the UK's defense posture in the region.
Pakistan's Foreign Office issued a formal demarche to Norway after its ambassador attended a Supreme Court hearing involving activist Imaan Mazari. Islamabad termed the presence as interference in internal affairs and a violation of the Vienna Convention, while Norway defended it as standard diplomatic practice.
Cuba has vehemently condemned the US seizure of the oil tanker 'Skipper' off Venezuela's coast, labeling it an 'act of piracy and maritime terrorism.' The vessel, carrying nearly 2 million barrels of Venezuelan crude destined for Cuba, was intercepted by US forces on December 10, 2025. Havana warns the action jeopardizes its critical oil supply and exacerbates its economic crisis.
Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic reiterated Serbia's firm support for the One-China principle during a visit to Nis on December 12, 2025. He affirmed that the Taiwan question is an internal affair for China, underscoring Serbia's consistent stance and highlighting robust bilateral economic cooperation.
