US President Donald Trump has expressed that he is unconcerned about China’s military drills around Taiwan, which China claims as its territory. Speaking to reporters on Monday, Trump said he has a good relationship with President Xi Jinping and had not been informed about the drills, adding that such naval exercises have been occurring in the area for the past 20 years.
The drills, which began on Monday, follow a recent announcement of one of the largest US arms sales to Taiwan. China described the exercises as a warning against “Taiwan independence separatist forces” and foreign interference, including 10 hours of live-fire drills in sea and air zones surrounding the island. The Chinese Eastern Theater Command has deployed destroyers, frigates, and fighter-bombers to test “sea-air coordination” and “integrated containment capabilities.”
Taiwan’s defense ministry reported detecting 130 Chinese military aircraft on Tuesday, 90 of which crossed the “median line,” an unofficial border China does not recognize. The ministry also noted the presence of over a dozen Chinese navy vessels, with Taiwan responding by deploying aircraft, ships, and coastal missile systems. Taiwan’s presidential office criticized the drills, calling them a challenge to international norms. President Lai Ching-te stressed that Taiwan would act responsibly to avoid escalating conflict while ensuring national security.
Experts suggest that the drills are aimed more at sending a message to the US, Trump, and Japan than at Taiwan. Susan Shirk, former US Deputy Assistant Secretary of State, said the exercises express China’s displeasure over the US arms sales, which now include offensive weapons capable of striking the Chinese mainland. Concerns have been raised that Trump’s transactional approach to foreign policy might reduce America’s commitment to Taiwan in exchange for economic benefits.
Alexander Neill of the Pacific Forum noted that China’s exercises demonstrate operational capability and that while Trump is correct that such drills have increased over two decades alongside China’s military modernization, his personal rapport with Xi is unlikely to influence China’s actions regarding Taiwan.
China has long vowed to “reunify” with Taiwan, including the potential use of force, and has increased military pressure in recent years. The US, while officially recognizing Beijing, remains Taiwan’s largest arms supplier, recently approving an $11 billion weapons package. China responded with sanctions against US defense firms and warned that attempts to contain it through Taiwan will fail. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi emphasized that national reunification of Taiwan remains a historic mission and vowed to counter perceived provocations and US arms sales.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from BBC.
Reaffirming India’s long-standing commitment to United Nations peacekeeping and its reputation as a reliable security partner, the India Level II Plus Hospital (formerly India Level III Hospital), deployed with the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO), has been awarded the Special Representative of the Secretary-General (SRSG) and Head of MONUSCO Unit Appreciation. The recognition honors the unit’s exceptional professionalism, operational resilience, and significant contributions to the Mission’s mandate.
Col Rajesh W Adhau, Contingent Commander, received the citation from Brig Salil MP, Commander Central Sector and Acting Deputy Force Commander, during the Medal Day Parade in Goma on 29 December 2025. The message of the Force Commander, MONUSCO, Lt Gen Ulisses De Mesquita Gomes, was subsequently delivered, commending the unit’s leadership and the collective dedication of all personnel. He highlighted that medical units operating in high-risk environments must exhibit extraordinary competence, resilience, and the ability to inspire confidence—standards the Indian hospital met with distinction.
The appreciation recognizes the hospital’s performance during the intense armed conflict in and around Goma in January–February 2025. Despite facing crossfire, direct threats, and severe operational challenges, the unit provided uninterrupted medical support, treating numerous conflict-related casualties, saving UN peacekeepers’ lives, and extending care to civilians and local security personnel. Concurrently, the hospital effectively addressed public health emergencies, including Monkeypox, cholera, and tuberculosis, ensuring continuous care under extreme pressure. The unit was particularly noted for its calm leadership, sound medical judgment, and effective coordination with Force Headquarters and other contingents, ensuring operational continuity and enhancing mission credibility.
Beyond its clinical excellence, the India Level II Plus Hospital was praised for promoting cohesion and cooperation across MONUSCO through outreach initiatives, training support, and medical assistance to other contingents, reflecting the humanitarian principles central to UN peacekeeping. The conferment of the SRSG and Head of MONUSCO Unit Appreciation serves as a landmark recognition of the unit’s discipline, leadership, and teamwork, reaffirming India’s role as a dependable contributor to international peace and security through professional, people-centered peacekeeping.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from ANI.
A Utah judge presiding over the case of the man accused of killing conservative activist Charlie Kirk ruled on Monday, Dec 29, that most of the transcript and audio from a previously closed hearing concerning courtroom safety and security should be made public. However, the judge stated that news organizations seeking access to the records did not require any special designation to continue covering the case. Judge Tony Graf issued the decisions during a virtual hearing that the defendant, Tyler Robinson, attended by audio. Robinson spoke only once, confirming his presence when questioned by the judge.
Prosecutors allege that Robinson fatally shot Kirk from a rooftop while Kirk was engaged in a student debate during a stop on a university tour. Robinson faces seven charges, including aggravated murder, obstruction of justice for allegedly destroying evidence, and witness tampering for reportedly instructing his roommate to delete incriminating messages. Authorities have said they intend to seek the death penalty.
Media organizations had requested access to records from an Oct 24 closed hearing that addressed security precautions, including what restraints and clothing Robinson would be required to wear in court. On Monday, Judge Graf ordered that approximately one page of the 80-page transcript and its related audio be redacted before release. The judge has permitted Robinson to appear in civilian clothing but ordered that he remain physically restrained in court. He also barred the media from photographing or filming Robinson’s handcuffs and shackles after defense attorneys argued such images could influence potential jurors.
News outlets had further requested a special status to ensure advance notice of any future attempts to close hearings or restrict access. Judge Graf denied that request, pointing to an existing order requiring both legal teams to notify the media before seeking closed proceedings. In February, the court will consider a defense motion to prohibit cameras in the courtroom. Kirk’s death prompted widespread condemnation of political violence from across the political spectrum.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from Reuters.
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un recently inspected a factory manufacturing multiple rocket launchers and instructed officials to boost production of the weapons system, which is expected to form the core of the country's modernized long-range artillery, according to state media on Tuesday (Dec 30).
In the weeks leading up to the Ninth Congress of the Workers' Party next year, Kim has conducted a series of visits to weapons manufacturing facilities, toured a nuclear-powered submarine, and supervised missile tests. The upcoming congress, which will outline major policy objectives, has not yet been scheduled, though analysts believe it could take place as early as January.
State news agency KCNA quoted Kim as emphasizing the need to further refine the factory’s production system to strengthen manufacturing capacity and ensure the successful achievement of munitions production targets to be announced at the party congress. Photographs released by state media showed Kim inspecting the facility, where large rocket launcher vehicles equipped with what appeared to be multiple rockets were arranged in rows.
Analysts suggest that Kim’s recent efforts to showcase advanced nuclear-capable weapons — including upgraded cruise missiles and artillery rockets — indicate he may use the party congress to announce plans to expand nuclear weapons production and introduce new weapons systems. According to Park Won-gon, a North Korea specialist at Ewha Womans University in Seoul, these military actions are also aimed at strengthening Kim’s negotiating position, particularly with the United States, as potential diplomatic talks may open next year.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from Reuters.
Personnel service a U.S. Air Force CV-22B Osprey at Rafael Hernandez Airport in Aguadilla, Puerto Rico, amid heightened tensions between the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump and Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro’s government.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from Reuters.
Jonathan Freedland and the Politics Weekly America team are on a break this week, so we’re revisiting a special summer series focused on the Trump family and the question of whether the president intends to hand over the political reins when his term ends. In the first episode, author Gwenda Blair along with reporters Rosie Gray and Ashley Parker introduce the family members who played key roles in Donald Trump’s rise to the White House and his tenure in office.
Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from The Guardian.
Polls have begun in Myanmar for its first nationwide election since the military overthrew the democratically elected government of Aung San Suu Kyi in the 2021 coup. The vote is being conducted under strict limitations and is only taking place in roughly one-third of the country’s 330 townships, as ongoing civil conflict between the military and various resistance groups has made many regions inaccessible. To discuss the situation, Andrea Heng and Hairianto Diman spoke with CNA Senior Correspondent Leong Wai Kit and Christopher Lamb, former president of the Australia Myanmar Institute, former Australian Ambassador to Myanmar from 1986 to 1989, and Honorary Associate Professor at the University of Melbourne.
Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from CNA.
For the rest of December, every Monday and Friday, we revisit some of our favourite audio long reads of 2025, each introduced by our editors. From October: Ben Giles, an extreme cleaner, has tackled everything from crime scenes to whale blubber, restoring order when people need it most. Written by Tom Lamont, read by Elis James.
Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from The Guardian.
Max Rushden is joined by Barry Glendenning, Lars Sivertsen, and Philippe Auclair to discuss the major stories from European football as winter breaks get underway. Listeners can rate, review, and share the podcast on platforms such as Apple Podcasts, Soundcloud, Audioboom, Mixcloud, Acast, and Stitcher, or join the conversation via email. In today’s episode, Raúl Jiménez maintained his perfect penalty record to help Fulham secure all three points against Nottingham Forest at Craven Cottage, concluding the Premier League’s long weekend. The podcast also provides updates from Europe’s top leagues, including Xabi Alonso’s continued tenure at Real Madrid, the tight race at the top in Italy, and the surprising team leading Ligue 1 at Christmas—who isn’t PSG. Additionally, the hosts cover the latest from AFCON and answer listener questions. Support for The Guardian is welcome, and Football Weekly is also available on Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube.
Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from The Guardian
