Argentina’s Milei thanks Chinese president, in softening of tone
Argentine President-elect Javier Milei on Wednesday thanked Chinese President Xi Jinping for a letter congratulating him on last Sunday’s elections results, despite earlier saying that if elected Argentina would not work with “communist” regimes.
Biden administration defends West Point’s race-conscious admissions policy
The Biden administration on Wednesday urged a federal judge to reject a legal challenge to the U.S. Military Academy at West Point’s consideration of race in admissions, saying that Army diversity was “integral to ensuring national security.”
New Zealand’s National Party reaches deal to form government
New Zealand’s National Party has reached an agreement with ACT New Zealand and New Zealand First to form a government, and the final signoff could be done later on Thursday, the leaders said.
War with China is not an option, Taiwan ruling party VP candidate says
The vice presidential candidate for Taiwan’s ruling party in a January election said on Thursday that war with China is not an option, pointing to cross-strait communications as key to easing tension that has raised concern about the region’s stability.
China wealth manager Zhongzhi flags insolvency, liabilities of $64 bln
China’s Zhongzhi Enterprise Group told investors it is heavily insolvent with liabilities of up to $64 billion, more than double its assets, as one of the country’s leading wealth managers grapples with a deepening property sector crisis.
Biden, first lady to attend Georgia service for Rosalynn Carter
U.S. President Joe Biden and the first lady, Jill Biden, will attend a service for former first lady Rosalynn Carter in Georgia on Tuesday, the White House said.
No Gaza hostage release will start before Friday, says Israel
The release of hostages under a temporary truce between Israel and Palestinian Hamas militants will not happen before Friday, Israel’s national security adviser said, thwarting hopes of relatives that some would be freed on Thursday.
WHO asks China for details on respiratory illness outbreaks
The World Health Organization (WHO) on Wednesday officially requested that China provide detailed information on an increase in respiratory illnesses and reported clusters of pneumonia in children.
Israeli children held hostage in Gaza face a long road to recovery after release
Dozens of Israeli children held hostage by the Islamist movement Hamas in Gaza for more than six weeks face a difficult return when they return home under a prisoner swap agreement, doctors and child psychology specialists said.
DeSantis super PAC head quits, latest blow to struggling Republican’s presidential bid
The head of a political action committee (PAC) supporting Republican Ron DeSantis resigned on Wednesday, dealing a further blow to the Florida governor’s struggling White House campaign.