China has strongly criticized French President Emmanuel Macron for linking the defence of Ukraine with the need to protect Taiwan, calling the comparison a “double standard.” Macron, speaking at the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore, warned that unchecked Russian aggression in Ukraine could have implications for Taiwan.

Germany’s Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt expressed hope that the European Union can agree on a common plan to send failed asylum seekers to third countries near their home regions. This approach is part of Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s broader effort to reduce immigration, a key promise during February’s election, though migration numbers have already been declining.

The latest stocktake of Australia’s efforts to cut carbon emissions have shown the country has struggled in recent years to make progress, with emissions marginally climbing in 2024.

Australian Defence Minister Richard Marles has called for greater military transparency from China, especially regarding its rapid military expansion and exercises, to foster a more “productive” relationship between the two nations. Speaking at the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore, Marles stressed the need for better communication, citing concerns about China’s growing assertiveness in the Pacific.

Scientists have identified an object about 435 miles (700 km) wide inhabiting the frigid outer reaches of our solar system that might qualify as a dwarf planet, spotting it as it travels on a highly elongated orbital path around the sun.

US President Donald Trump has accused China of violating a truce on tariffs struck earlier this month, a claim China has responded to with its own accusations of US wrongdoing.

The United States plans to ramp up weapons sales to Taipei to a level exceeding President Donald Trump’s first term as part of an effort to deter China as it intensifies military pressure on the democratic island, according to two U.S. officials.

The United States told the United Nations Security Council on Thursday that its proposal for a ceasefire in Ukraine was “Russia’s best possible outcome” and President Vladimir Putin should take the deal.

A U.S. plan for Gaza seen by Reuters on Friday proposes a 60-day ceasefire and the release of 28 Israeli hostages alive and dead in the first week, in return for the release of 125 Palestinian prisoners sentenced for life and remnants of 180 Palestinian dead.

A federal appeals court temporarily reinstated the most sweeping of President Donald Trump’s tariffs on Thursday, a day after a U.S. trade court ruled that Trump had exceeded his authority in imposing the duties and ordered an immediate block on them.

Israel has agreed to a U.S. ceasefire proposal for Gaza, the White House said on Thursday, and Hamas said it was reviewing the plan although its terms did not meet the group’s demands.

South Korean liberal candidate Lee Jae-myung is projected to win next week’s snap presidential election, a result that could reorient a major U.S. ally on policies ranging from China to nuclear weapons and North Korea.