China has launched large-scale “Justice Mission 2025” military drills around Taiwan, simulating blockade and seizure operations in response to US arms sales and Taiwan’s increased defence measures, escalating tensions in the Taiwan Strait
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un oversaw the launch of long-range strategic cruise missiles and vowed continued expansion of North Korea’s nuclear capabilities
Pope Leo urges Ukraine and Russia to begin direct peace talks and calls for an end to global conflicts in his first Christmas Urbi et Orbi message at the Vatican
Nigeria and the US confirm joint strikes against Islamic State militants in north-west Nigeria after Donald Trump announced “powerful and deadly” attacks on IS targets
Venezuela has accused the United States of “greatest extortion” at the UN Security Council after Washington seized multiple Venezuelan oil tankers and deployed troops to the Caribbean
