Magnitude 6.7 Earthquake Jolts Japan’s East Coast, Tsunami Advisory Issued
A magnitude-6.7 quake struck Japan’s east coast on Dec. 12, prompting tsunami warnings for Aomori, Hokkaido and Iwate. Here’s what you need to know.
2025
China Unveils 2026 APEC ‘China Year’ Theme and Priorities
China outlined openness, innovation and cooperation as priorities and set ‘Building an Asia-Pacific Community to Prosper Together’ as the 2026 APEC ‘China Year’ theme.
HK HKSAR Tightens Scaffolding Net Safety with Fire-Retardant Rules
The HKSAR government has launched new regulations mandating fire-retardant certification and testing for external scaffolding nets, plus training and tracking to boost construction safety.
Chinese mainland says reunification only direction for Taiwan region’s future
Chinese mainland spokesperson Chen Binhua reiterates that reunification is the only future for the Taiwan region, denouncing separatist activities and calling for peace across the Strait.
OpenAI Debuts GPT-5.2 to Rival Google’s Gemini 3
OpenAI launches GPT-5.2 on December 11, boosting AI reasoning, coding, and context capabilities to challenge Google’s Gemini 3, backed by a $1B Disney deal.
Russian FM Zakharova Highlights Brutality of Nanjing Massacre
Russian FM Maria Zakharova warns that the Nanjing Massacre, which began on December 13, 1937, stands as an enduring testament to Japanese militarism’s brutality and crimes against humanity.
China’s 2025 Economic Work Conference: Blueprint for High-Quality Growth
Insights from China’s 2025 Central Economic Work Conference on aligning domestic reforms, innovation and risk management to secure high-quality growth amid global uncertainty.
Hamas Backs Limited Force to Monitor Gaza Ceasefire
Hamas has given initial approval for a limited international force to monitor the Gaza ceasefire, stressing Palestinian consent, sovereignty and urgent reconstruction needs.
Senate Deadlock Threatens ACA Subsidies for 20M People
Senate deadlock on December 11, 2025 leaves ACA subsidies set to expire, risking higher health premiums for over 20 million people at year’s end.
Inside Chong Kal Evacuation Camp Amid Thailand-Cambodia Border Clashes
A frontline look at Chong Kal evacuation camp in northern Cambodia, where thousands displaced by Thailand-Cambodia clashes face daily challenges yet find hope in community spirit.