Japan as a nuclear power, Chinas first female C919 captain: 5 weekend reads

Under the slogan “#ChangeLDP”, Japan’s long-ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) has elected Sanae Takaichi as its new leader. Pending a vote in the Diet’s lower house later this month, she is poised to become Japan’s next prime minister — and the first woman ever to hold the post. At first glance, this appears historic. Takaichi…

China has confirmed that a framework agreement has been reached with the United States on resolving TikTok-related issues, while stressing that the “hard-won” results should not be accompanied by continued “suppression” of Chinese companies. “The two sides held candid and in-depth exchanges and reached a basic framework consensus on properly resolving relevant issues concerning TikTok…

The US Senate Foreign Relations Committee has approved the bipartisan No Tax Dollars for Terrorists Act, marking a significant legislative move to prevent American taxpayer funds from directly or indirectly benefiting the Taliban or other designated terrorist groups in Afghanistan. This measure signals a shift in US policy toward stricter financial controls and counterterrorism safeguards…

Following the burglary of a warehouse belonging to Chinese e-commerce giant JD.com on Monday, a judicial source has confirmed an investigation has begun on charges of theft by an organised gang. The incident came in the middle of the Christmas shopping season and took place in the town of Dugny, a northern suburb of Paris…

US special envoy Steve Witkoff on Saturday lauded US President Donald Trump’s efforts to secure a Gaza ceasefire in a speech at a rally in Tel Aviv’s Hostages Square, with hundreds of thousands attending. “We all owe a debt of deep gratitude to President Trump,” Witkoff said, before being interrupted by prolonged applause and shouts…

Hong Kong mother Amy Chan* often feels overwhelmed caring for her nine-year-old son, who has attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). The 39-year-old said her son, diagnosed with the condition two years ago, seldom listened to her and lost his temper easily, putting tremendous pressure on her and taking a toll on her mental health. Chan,…