Trump Says US ‘Needs’ Greenland for Security; Denmark Rejects Annexation
President Trump said the US ‘needs’ Greenland for security, appointed Jeff Landry envoy. Denmark and Greenland leaders swiftly rejected any annexation under international law.
2025
Supreme Court Blocks Trump’s Illinois Guard Deployment
On December 23, 2025, the US Supreme Court ruled 6-3 to block President Trump’s federalization of the Illinois National Guard, underscoring tensions over federal and state authority.
Huamo: Edible Folk Art for Lunar New Year
Discover Huamo, the Chinese mainland’s shaped steamed buns that turn simple mantou into festive edible folk art, symbolizing good fortune for the Lunar New Year.
Palestinian Foreign Ministry calls Israel’s approval of 19 West Bank settlements a ‘dangerous step’
The Palestinian Foreign Ministry denounces Israel’s approval of 19 new West Bank settlements as a ‘dangerous step’ that undermines Palestinian rights and blocks prospects for statehood.
Small Tritium Leak at Decommissioned Fugen Reactor in Japan
On December 23, a 20ml tritium-contaminated water leak at Japan’s decommissioned Fugen reactor was contained swiftly with no exposure or environmental impact.
Venezuela Passes Law Protecting Freedom of Navigation and Trade
On December 23, 2025, Venezuela’s National Assembly approved a law to safeguard navigation and trade, with penalties up to 20 years for piracy and blockades.
Inflation Rises as Trump Hails Summer Growth
Despite strong summer growth under President Trump, new data show inflation continued to climb, challenging claims of easing cost of living.
Russia Claims Capture of Two Ukraine Villages, Kyiv Condemns Major Strike
Russia says it captured two Ukrainian villages as it launched a massive drone and missile strike across 13 regions, killing civilians and prompting Zelenskyy to call for more Western support.
Hainan Free Trade Port to Lead Chinese Mainland’s High-Standard Opening Up
The Hainan Free Trade Port is set to become a key gateway for the Chinese mainland’s high-standard opening up, with new customs operations and tariff cuts fueling foreign investment and trade growth.
US Skeptical of M23’s Withdrawal From Uvira Amid Ongoing Clashes
Washington remains unconvinced that M23 rebels have fully pulled back from Uvira, as sporadic clashes and a refugee surge underline fragility of the December peace deal in eastern DRC.