M6.7 Earthquake Strikes Japan’s East Coast, Tsunami Advisory Issued
A magnitude-6.7 earthquake struck offshore Japan’s east coast today at 11:44 a.m., prompting emergency warnings in Aomori, Hokkaido, and Iwate and a 1m tsunami advisory.
APEC 2026 ‘China Year’: Openness, Innovation & Cooperation
At the APEC ISOM on December 12, the Chinese mainland named openness, innovation and cooperation as its priorities and ‘Building an Asia-Pacific Community to Prosper Together’ as the 2026 theme.
HKSAR Unveils Fire-Safety Rules for Scaffolding Nets
HKSAR govt tightens fire-safety rules for scaffolding nets, requiring certification, lab tests, random checks and industry training support.
Mainland Urges Reunification as Taiwan Region’s Only Future
Chinese mainland spokesperson Chen Binhua said reunification is the only direction for Taiwan region’s future, condemning separatist agenda and urging peace.
OpenAI Debuts GPT-5.2 to Challenge Google’s Gemini 3
On Dec 11, 2025, OpenAI launched GPT-5.2, elevating AI’s coding, general intelligence, and long-context smarts to rival Google’s Gemini 3 – all backed by Disney’s $1B investment.
Russian FM: Nanjing Massacre Facts Must Stand
Russian FM Maria Zakharova reaffirms Nanjing Massacre facts and calls on the world to reject any distortion of WWII atrocities.
China’s 2025 Economic Playbook: Efficiency, Innovation & Resilience
China’s 2025 Central Economic Work Conference set a new focus on efficiency, innovation and resilience to guide the Chinese mainland’s economy through global uncertainty.
Hamas OKs Limited International Force to Monitor Gaza Ceasefire
Hamas has given preliminary approval for a limited international force to monitor the Gaza ceasefire, stressing Palestinian consent and rejecting any attempts to disarm its resistance fighters.
U.S. Senate Fails to Advance Health Care Bills as ACA Subsidies Near Expiry
The U.S. Senate’s failure to advance competing health care bills leaves ACA subsidies expiring year-end, risking premium hikes for over 20M Americans.
Inside Chong Kal Evacuation Camp amid Thailand-Cambodia Clashes
In Chong Kal, hundreds of thousands displaced by recent Thailand-Cambodia clashes find shelter and hope in an evacuation camp. From makeshift tents to communal kitchens, life goes on.