Algeria Apologizes for Amoura’s Gesture at AFCON 2025
The Algerian Football Federation apologized to the Democratic Republic of Congo after Mohamed Amoura’s AFCON 2025 gesture, gifting a jersey and reaffirming friendship.
Singapore Says US Military Intervention in Venezuela Worries Small States
Singapore Senior Minister Lee Hsien Loong warns at the Regional Outlook Forum 2026 that US military intervention in Venezuela threatens small states and violates international law.
All Aboard the Tianjin Fantasy Express: China’s First Immersive Cultural Train
China’s first immersive cultural train, the Tianjin Fantasy Express, launched in January 2026, offering Peking Opera, panoramic cinema, and craft workshops on the Tianjin–Beijing route.
New Aussie Biosensor Instantly Tests Water for PFAS ‘Forever Chemicals’
Researchers at La Trobe University have developed a portable biosensor that instantly tests water for PFAS ‘forever chemicals’, delivering on-site yes/no results in minutes.
Long Way Home: Jelili Atticu’s Art Reclaims Africa’s Looted Heritage
The new film ‘Long Way Home’ follows Nigerian artist Jelili Atticu as he brings looted African artifacts to life in European museums, sparking a powerful dialogue on cultural ownership.
Xi Jinping Chairs CPC Leadership Meeting to Hear State Institutions’ Reports
Xi Jinping chaired a CPC leadership meeting on Jan. 8, 2026, hearing work reports from major state institutions to set priorities for the year ahead.
Chinese Mainland Probes Meta’s Acquisition of AI Startup Manus
The Chinese mainland’s Ministry of Commerce is investigating Meta’s acquisition of AI startup Manus for compliance with export controls and investment rules.
China-ROK Trade 2.0: Chips, Batteries and Beyond
President Lee’s Jan. 4–7 visit to the Chinese mainland, backed by over 200 ROK executives, marks a shift from basic trade to high-tech collaboration in chips, batteries and EVs.
Chinese Mainland Tightens Export Controls on Dual-Use Items to Japan
The Chinese mainland has tightened export controls on dual-use items to Japan, raising concerns in tech supply chains and marking a shift in regional trade ties.
Ne Zha 2 Breaks Records as 2025’s Top-Grossing Film with $2.244B
‘Ne Zha 2’ topped global box office in 2025, grossing over $2.244B, making it the highest-grossing film of the year, per Box Office Mojo.