Ethan Zhao
Senior Reporter
The Latest
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Xi Jinping Reportedly Declines Trump’s Inauguration Invitation
Chinese President Xi Jinping has declined an invitation to attend President-elect Donald Trump's inauguration on January 20, sources familiar with the matter told multiple outlets. The decision underscores the strained relations between the U.S. and China, as Trump prepares to reenter the White House amid ongoing trade disputes and tariff threats. 
Chinese President Xi Jinping has declined an invitation to attend President-elect Donald Trump's inauguration on January 20, sources familiar with the matter told multiple outlets. The decision underscores the strained relations between the U.S. and China, as Trump prepares to reenter the White House amid ongoing trade disputes and tariff threats. -
China Pushes Back as U.S. Senator Rick Scott Condemns 'Sewage Garlic' Imports
The debate over garlic imports from China has taken a sharp turn, with U.S. Senator Rick Scott calling for an investigation into the safety and labor practices involved in Chinese garlic production, labeling it a "major threat to security and food safety." China's foreign ministry dismissed the allegations, urging American politicians to exercise "common sense and rationality." 
The debate over garlic imports from China has taken a sharp turn, with U.S. Senator Rick Scott calling for an investigation into the safety and labor practices involved in Chinese garlic production, labeling it a "major threat to security and food safety." China's foreign ministry dismissed the allegations, urging American politicians to exercise "common sense and rationality." -
Top Putin Missile Developer Shot Dead Near Moscow, Reports Point to Ukrainian Involvement
Mikhail Shatsky, a leading figure in Russia's missile development sector, was found shot dead in a forest park near Moscow, according to multiple reports on Thursday. Shatsky, who held the position of deputy general designer and head of the software department at the Mars Design Bureau, was instrumental in modernizing cruise missiles such as the Kh-59 and Kh-69-key weapons in Russia's military operations in Ukraine. 
Mikhail Shatsky, a leading figure in Russia's missile development sector, was found shot dead in a forest park near Moscow, according to multiple reports on Thursday. Shatsky, who held the position of deputy general designer and head of the software department at the Mars Design Bureau, was instrumental in modernizing cruise missiles such as the Kh-59 and Kh-69-key weapons in Russia's military operations in Ukraine. -
South Korea’s Ruling Party Backs Impeachment as Presiden Yoon Vows to 'Fight to the End'
South Korea's political landscape plunged into turmoil this week as President Yoon Suk Yeol defended his controversial decision to declare martial law, a move that has provoked widespread protests, calls for impeachment, and investigations into possible insurrection. Yoon's defiance has deepened political divisions and placed his presidency in peril as his own ruling party now supports his removal from office. 
South Korea's political landscape plunged into turmoil this week as President Yoon Suk Yeol defended his controversial decision to declare martial law, a move that has provoked widespread protests, calls for impeachment, and investigations into possible insurrection. Yoon's defiance has deepened political divisions and placed his presidency in peril as his own ruling party now supports his removal from office. -
ECB Delivers Fourth Rate Cut of 2024
The European Central Bank (ECB) announced its fourth interest rate cut of 2024 on Thursday, lowering its key deposit facility rate to 3% from 3.25%. This move confirms market expectations for a quarter-percentage-point reduction and underscores the central bank's commitment to supporting the eurozone economy as inflation continues to moderate. The deposit facility had stood at 4% as recently as September 2023, before the current easing cycle commenced in June 2024. 
The European Central Bank (ECB) announced its fourth interest rate cut of 2024 on Thursday, lowering its key deposit facility rate to 3% from 3.25%. This move confirms market expectations for a quarter-percentage-point reduction and underscores the central bank's commitment to supporting the eurozone economy as inflation continues to moderate. The deposit facility had stood at 4% as recently as September 2023, before the current easing cycle commenced in June 2024. -
South Korea's Former Defense Minister Attempts Suicide Amid Martial Law Probe
The political crisis in South Korea continues to deepen as fallout from President Yoon Suk Yeol's brief martial law declaration triggers protests, legal probes, and a renewed push for impeachment. In a dramatic turn of events, former Defense Minister Kim Yong-hyun, a central figure in the unfolding scandal, attempted to take his own life while in detention, according to Shin Yong-hae, the head of the Korea Correctional Service. 
The political crisis in South Korea continues to deepen as fallout from President Yoon Suk Yeol's brief martial law declaration triggers protests, legal probes, and a renewed push for impeachment. In a dramatic turn of events, former Defense Minister Kim Yong-hyun, a central figure in the unfolding scandal, attempted to take his own life while in detention, according to Shin Yong-hae, the head of the Korea Correctional Service. -
North Korea Slams South's President as 'Fascist,' Labels Yoon’s Martial Law Declaration a ‘Desperate Coup’
North Korea has weighed in on South Korea's political crisis, condemning President Yoon Suk Yeol's brief imposition of martial law as an "insane" and "desperate" move reminiscent of a military dictatorship. The comments mark Pyongyang's first response to the tumultuous events that have plunged one of Asia's most stable democracies into political uncertainty. 
North Korea has weighed in on South Korea's political crisis, condemning President Yoon Suk Yeol's brief imposition of martial law as an "insane" and "desperate" move reminiscent of a military dictatorship. The comments mark Pyongyang's first response to the tumultuous events that have plunged one of Asia's most stable democracies into political uncertainty. -
around Taiwan
Tensions in the Taiwan Strait have escalated as Taiwan's defense officials reported a significant surge in Chinese military activity around the island. Over the past 24 hours, Taiwan detected the presence of approximately 53 military aircraft and 11 naval vessels in its surrounding waters. The Chinese maneuvers, which Taiwan describes as the largest naval deployment in nearly three decades, have raised alarms and placed the island's military on high alert. 
Tensions in the Taiwan Strait have escalated as Taiwan's defense officials reported a significant surge in Chinese military activity around the island. Over the past 24 hours, Taiwan detected the presence of approximately 53 military aircraft and 11 naval vessels in its surrounding waters. The Chinese maneuvers, which Taiwan describes as the largest naval deployment in nearly three decades, have raised alarms and placed the island's military on high alert. -
Putin’s Closest Ally Lukashenko Admits Belarus Now Hosts 'Dozens of' Russian Nuclear Weapons
Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko announced on Tuesday that "several dozen" Russian nuclear warheads have been deployed in Belarus, further solidifying the alliance between Moscow and Minsk while raising alarms across the region. The announcement came just days after Russian President Vladimir Putin and Lukashenko signed a security pact strengthening their countries' mutual defense commitments. 
Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko announced on Tuesday that "several dozen" Russian nuclear warheads have been deployed in Belarus, further solidifying the alliance between Moscow and Minsk while raising alarms across the region. The announcement came just days after Russian President Vladimir Putin and Lukashenko signed a security pact strengthening their countries' mutual defense commitments. -
North Korea Deploys Thousands of Soldiers to Russia in Exchange for MiG-29 and Su-27 Aircraft, U.S. Admiral Claims
Russia is preparing to deliver MiG-29 and Su-27 fighter jets to North Korea in exchange for thousands of soldiers Pyongyang has reportedly sent to bolster Moscow's military campaign in Ukraine, according to Admiral Samuel Paparo, commander of the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command. The arrangement, first revealed during the Reagan National Defense Forum in Simi Valley, California, underscores the deepening ties between the two countries as they navigate international isolation and sanctions. 
Russia is preparing to deliver MiG-29 and Su-27 fighter jets to North Korea in exchange for thousands of soldiers Pyongyang has reportedly sent to bolster Moscow's military campaign in Ukraine, according to Admiral Samuel Paparo, commander of the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command. The arrangement, first revealed during the Reagan National Defense Forum in Simi Valley, California, underscores the deepening ties between the two countries as they navigate international isolation and sanctions.
