China is facing one of the most consequential demographic shifts in modern history, as its population growth slows to a crawl and the country’s once-limitless workforce begins to contract. With births at record lows and deaths rising steadily, Beijing is confronting a future in which fewer workers must support more retirees, threatening economic momentum, social stability, and political legitimacy.
World
Obama Breaks Silence After Racist Trump Video Sparks Bipartisan Backlash
Former US President Barack Obama has offered a pointed response to a racist video shared on social media by Donald Trump, saying that the sense of shame and respect that once restrained political leaders has eroded in modern American public life.
Five Schengen Countries With the Quickest Visa Decisions in 2026
As international travel rebounds and global mobility accelerates in the post-pandemic era, demand for Schengen visas has surged sharply ahead of the 2026 travel season. For millions of tourists, students, business executives and family visitors, the process of securing access to Europe remains a decisive first hurdle—one that can determine whether carefully planned trips proceed smoothly or are delayed indefinitely.
Rubio Reassures Europe on Transatlantic Alliance Amid Policy Disputes
Marco Rubio has assured European leaders the US does not plan to abandon the transatlantic alliance, saying its destiny “will always be intertwined” with the continent’s.
The US secretary of state told the Munich Security Conference: “We do not seek to separate, but to revitalise an old friendship and renew the greatest civilisation in human history.”
South Korea sees fragile rise in births as long-term population worries persist
Young couples moved through a packed exhibition hall in Seoul earlier this year, testing baby strollers, fastening infant car seats and comparing new designs for baby carriers, offering a rare snapshot of optimism in a country better known for warnings about demographic decline.
China, Uruguay move to upgrade ties as leaders meet in Beijing
Chinese President Xi Jinping and Uruguayan President Yamandú Orsi held talks in Beijing on Tuesday, signaling a renewed push to elevate bilateral relations and expand cooperation across trade, investment and emerging industries.
Russia Strikes Ukraine Energy Winter Attack
China’s domestically developed C919 passenger jet made a high-profile appearance at the Singapore Airshow on Tuesday, as the country’s leading aircraft manufacturer steps up efforts to challenge the long-standing dominance of Boeing and Airbus in the global narrow-body market.
Russia Launches Major Winter Assault on Ukraine’s Energy Infrastructure
Russia has carried out what Ukrainian energy officials describe as the heaviest attack this year on the country’s power and heating systems, striking multiple regions during one of the coldest periods of the winter and leaving large numbers of civilians without heat.
Fulton County Plans Court Challenge to FBI Seizure of 2020 Election Materials
Officials in Fulton County, Georgia, are preparing a new legal challenge aimed at contesting the FBI’s recent seizure of election records tied to the 2020 presidential contest, according to county leadership.
Trump Cuts Tariffs on Indian Goods After Modi Signals Shift Away From Russian Oil
President Donald Trump on Monday announced a significant reduction in tariffs on Indian exports to the United States following an agreement with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi that includes a pledge by New Delhi to sharply reduce—and eventually halt—its purchases of Russian crude oil.